Search

Ion substitution in hydroxyapatite (HA) lattice is a promising way to enhance its antibacterial activity and inhibit implant-related infections. In this study, HA/silver (HA/Ag) nanocomposites were synthesised through sol-gel method from two calcium (Ca) and phosphor (P) precursors. Our results showed that, by using P precursor, larger HA particles with higher crystallinity were produced, while Ca progenitor increased nucleation rate and created amorphous particles with smaller size. These findings were further confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Moreover, starting with P precursors shifted the index plasmon peak of Ag to the higher wavelengths (500–550 nm), providing a higher tendency to release Ag+ ions and in vitro antibacterial activity at concentration of 800 μg/mL. As a result, this study proved that HA/Ag particles could be synthesised from P precursor with better phase structure and antibacterial activity, developed for biomedical applications especially as a biomimetic coating of bone implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Blowout process in premixed swirl dump combustors is known to have temporary partial extinction followed by re-ignition events as precursors. This re-ignition process is investigated using high-speed CH* chemiluminescence and simultaneous TR-SPIV. It was found that during the extinction phase, the flame split into two zones, causing fresh mixture to enter the inner recirculation zone. The sudden loss of heat release causes the flow field to change such that the stagnation point moves further downstream, causing high negative velocity paths in the flow. The flame that was convected downstream, now uses these negative velocity paths to consume the fresh mixture that entered the IRZ. This is the re-ignition phase of the precursor event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Synthetic strategies for 2D PCNs are highlighted. • Recent progresses of 2D PCNs for energy related applications are summarized. • Representative energy devices based on 2D PCNs and their performance comparison are presented. • Future perspectives towards development of new kinds of PCNs based materials with extending applications are discussed. Abstract Development of two-dimensional (2D) porous carbon nanosheets (PCNs) with an interlinked hierarchical porous structure has attracted great attention due to their synergetic features combining both 2D materials and porous architectures. In recent years, rapid development of synthetic methods for the fabrication of PCNs with hierarchical porous structure, high specific surface area, controlled heteroatom doping, and excellent electrical conductivity has shown signifcant potential in energy-related applications. This review article comprehensively summarizes the recent developments in synthetic methods, including the hard template strategy, soft template strategy, and template-free strategy for successful preparation of PCNs. Three representative electrochemical applications of such PCNs materials for lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, and electrocatalytic oxygen reductions are presented. At the end of this review, the current existing challenges for the controlled synthesis of PCNs with desired properties and future perspectives for developments of new synthesis methods and new electrochemical energy applications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are a new class of environmentally friendly, safe, and inexpensive solvents with a remarkable ability to dissolve metal oxides, proposed as green alternatives to traditional acid leaching in the recycling of lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathode materials. In this work, a closed-loop process is targeted, where LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 (NMC) is leached by a DES (choline chloride and l -(+)-tartaric acid), and the metals are recovered by antisolvent crystallization. Five organic antisolvents have been evaluated, amongst which ethanol provides the highest metal recovery efficiency. The suitability of the solid precipitates as precursors for the sol-gel synthesis of new NMC, and the resulting cycling performance as battery cathodes, have been tested. The effect on the process of impurities Al and Cu from current collectors has been investigated. The impurities partially precipitate with the targeted metals, but the product impurity content can be significantly reduced through the selection of antisolvent, antisolvent-to-leachate ratio, crystallization residence time, and the rate of supersaturation generation in semi-batch mode. The resulting solids can be suitable for direct cathode resynthesis without the addition of a chelating agent, but impurities from current collectors decrease cycling performance. The results highlight the potential of combining DES leaching and antisolvent crystallization as a sustainable and efficient LIB cathode recycling method. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • First study deals with all affected parameters on nZVI synthesis. • The overall reactivity improvement of nZVI was 27% for NO 3 − and 9.5% for PO 4 3−. • Minimizing the synthesis cost by decreasing NaBH 4 amount and period of synthesis. • The optimization process demonstrated nZVI with better characteristics. Abstract This study investigates the synthesis conditions of nano-scale zero-valent iron (nZVI) formed by the chemical reduction method via an optimization process in order to enhance the nZVI’s reactivity. The properties of nZVI particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, laser diffraction particle size analyzer and X-ray diffraction. The performance of nZVI was evaluated using the nitrate and phosphorus solutions. The optimization results for the effective variables, namely concentration, delivery rate and liquid volume of sodium borohydride (NaBH 4), precursor concentration (FeCl 3), reaction temperature, mixing speed, pH and aging time were demonstrated the improvement in nZVI reactivity. The results confirm that nZVI proved high removal efficiency along with the lower particle size at NaBH 4 concentration 16 g/L. The feeding rate of NaBH 4 at 40 mL/min can effectively reduce the particle size and increase the nZVI reactivity. Increasing the NaBH 4 liquid volume greatly improved the reactivity. Reduction of reaction aging time to 5 min and employing the acidic reaction medium of 6 pH greatly improved the nZVI reactivity. The highest mixing speed of 1000 rpm enhanced the phosphorus adsorption efficiency. However, high nitrate reduction was observed at 500 rpm. Increasing the reaction temperature resulted in decreasing the average particle size and the highest reactivity was achieved at 90 °C. nZVI reactivity significantly was improved in the direction of low precursor concentration, and the highest efficiency was gained at 20 mg/L. In conclusion, the optimized parameters enhanced the overall efficiency of nZVI of nitrate reduction and phosphorus adsorption by 27% and 9.5% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friedreich's ataxia is a disease caused by a decrease in the levels of expression or loss of functionality of the mitochondrial protein frataxin (FXN). The development of an active and stable recombinant variant of FXN is important for protein replacement therapy. Although valuable data about the mature form FXN81‐210 has been collected, not enough information is available about the conformation of the frataxin precursor (FXN1‐210). We investigated the conformation, stability and function of a recombinant precursor variant (His6‐TAT‐FXN1‐210), which includes a TAT peptide in the N‐terminal region to assist with transport across cell membranes. His6‐TAT‐FXN1‐210 was expressed in Escherichia coli and conditions were found for purifying folded protein free of aggregation, oxidation or degradation, even after freezing and thawing. The protein was found to be stable and monomeric, with the N‐terminal stretch (residues 1–89) mostly unstructured and the C‐terminal domain properly folded. The experimental data suggest a complex picture for the folding process of full‐length frataxin in vitro: the presence of the N‐terminal region increased the tendency of FXN to aggregate at high temperatures but this could be avoided by the addition of low concentrations of GdmCl. The purified precursor was translocated through cell membranes. In addition, immune response against His6‐TAT‐FXN1‐210 was measured, suggesting that the C‐terminal fragment was not immunogenic at the assayed protein concentrations. Finally, the recognition of recombinant FXN by cellular proteins was studied to evaluate its functionality. In this regard, cysteine desulfurase NFS1/ISD11/ISCU was activated in vitro by His6‐TAT‐FXN1‐210. Moreover, the results showed that His6‐TAT‐FXN1‐210 can be ubiquitinated in vitro by the recently identified frataxin E3 ligase RNF126, in a similar way as the FXN1‐210, suggesting that the His6‐TAT extension does not interfere with the ubiquitination machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low predictability of earthquakes and the high uncertainty associated with their forecasts make earthquakes one of the worst natural calamities, capable of causing instant loss of life and property. Here, we discuss the studies reporting the observed anomalies in the satellite-derived Land Surface Temperature (LST) before an earthquake. We compile the conclusions of these studies and evaluate the use of remotely sensed LST anomalies as precursors of earthquakes. The arrival times and the amplitudes of the anomalies vary widely, thus making it difficult to consider them as universal markers to issue earthquake warnings. Based on the randomness in the observations of these precursors, we support employing a global-scale monitoring system to detect statistically robust anomalous geophysical signals prior to earthquakes before considering them as definite precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing occurrence of algal blooms with harmful algae-derived organic matters as microcystin- LR (ML-LR) has become an urgent public health issue. In this study, the preparation of g-C3N4 with changing the ratio of urea to melamine in the precursor was studied for MC-LR degradation under visible light. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Xray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) methods. The results show that the prepared photocatalysts exhibit the different structure and properties with the different mass ratio of urea to melamine. The photocatalyst CN(32) with porous structure and high photocatalytic activity has improved the degradation rate of MC-LR compared with other photocatalysts. It shows that the degradation rate of MC-LR to CN(32) is 23.68% which is 1.8 and 2.2-folds higher than that of CN(10) and CN(01), respectively. This finding can guide us to prepare photocatalysts with high activity based g- C3N4 for degrading microcystins [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple chemical precipitation method. The impact of varying the concentration of precursor on the crystalline phase, size and morphology of α-Fe 2 O 3 products was explored. The characteristic of the synthesized hematite nanoparticles were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) analysis and Photoluminescence (PL). XRD data revealed a rhombohedral (hexagonal) structure with the space group R -3 c in all samples. Uniform spherical like morphology was confirmed by TEM and SEM. The result revealed that the particle sizes were varied between 21 and 82 nm and that the increase in precursor concentration (FeCl 3 , 6H 2 O) is accompanied by an increase in the particle size of 21 nm for pure α-Fe 2 O 3 synthesized with [Fe 3+ ] = 0.05 M at 82 nm for pure α-Fe 2 O 3 synthesized with [Fe 3+ ] = 0.4 M. FT-IR confirms the phase purity of the nanoparticles synthesized. The Raman spectroscopy was used not only to prove that we have synthesized pure hematite but also to identify their phonon modes. The thermal behavior of compound was studied by using TGA/DTA results: The TGA showed three mass losses, whereas DTA resulted in three endothermic peaks. Besides, the optical investigation revealed that samples have an optical gap of about 2.1 eV and that this value varies as a function of the precursor concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] As a hydrocarbon material, cellulose could be used as precursor in synthesizing carbon micro-structure (CMTs), and this study aims to investigate the potential use of cellulosic material from kapok randu as a precursor in synthesizing carbon-based structures. The isolation of cellulose was carried out via alkaline treatment, followed by mechanical disintegration. Meanwhile, the growth of CMTs was performed via heating treatment for 12 h with various catalysts (i.e., Fe, Ni, and Cu). Chemical characteristics were confirmed by FTIR, XRD spectra, while TEM, SEM and Raman spectra were performed to determine the growth of CMTs. The thermal characteristic suggested that the decomposition was initiated at 300 °C. The FTIR results confirmed the presence of functional groups in accordance to cellulose fiber, such as –OH (3418 cm−1), C H aliphatic group (2900 cm−1), O H (1635 cm−1), and C H (1334 cm−1). Whilst, the FTIR pattern also confirmed the presence of C C stretching at 1600 cm−1, –CH in between 2800 and 3000 cm−1, indicating the activated carbon. Raman shift indicated the growth on G-band in the interval of 1500–1700 cm−1, suggesting the presence of C C structures. Based on the morphological characteristics, the growth of CMTs were successfully obtained with different diameters and lengths due to the different catalysts used. The iron (Fe) catalysts produced CMTs with a diameter about 200 nm and average length of 2–3 µm, whereas the Ni catalysts formed tubes with around 150 nm of length and 50 nm of diameter. Meanwhile, the Cu catalysts formed amorphous particles with diameter below 10 nm. From these results, the evaluation of cellulose isolated from kapok randu as a precursor in the growth of carbon micro-tube with distinguished characteristics was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new naphthol derivative, [F-18]FEONM, has been designed to be a new Tau protein PET imaging molecule for detecting Tau tangle status of Alzheimer's disease in a transgenic mouse model. In order to synthesize this molecule, 2-acetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene was the starting compound and needed five steps preparation to bonding functional and leaving group for preparing the precursor. Radiofluorination on the precursor was carried out by a modified [F-18]FDG autosynthesizer. After half an hour processing, it yielded more than 99% chemical and radiochemical purity product at up to 60% yield. Radiofluorination kinetic study showing 80% [F-18]FEONM would be produced within the first 5 min. The radiofluorination gap function factor is 0.122 for 150 min reaction. Recovery yield of crude [F-18]FEONM could be up to 60% by semi-preparative HILIC HPLC column purification with 95% ethanol elution. Brain glioma tumor mice PET imaging were performed after tail vein injecting [F-18]FEONM. Binding in mice brain tumor reached steady state after 30 min injection and shows 30–70% higher uptake compared to normal mouse. The static brain tumor uptake showed the summation accumulation binding rate was 60% faster than normal mouse. In vitro postmortem AD patient brain slice binding showed 70% higher uptake than normal brain. The uptake of spherical stem cells also showed higher association with neuronal differentiation and PET imaging of Tau and ABeta transgenic mice also showed visualized difference. The specific binding ratio of hippocampus to cerebellum of control mouse is 46.56%, cortex to cerebellum is 11.08% in a 12-month-old P301S Tau transgenic mouse; hippocampus to cerebellum is 106.66%, cortex to cerebellum is 82.48%. Relative ratio of hippocampus to cerebellum of a P301S mouse to control mouse is 2.29, cortex to cerebellum is 7.44. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite is considered as a next generation solar energy harvester due to the high power conversion efficiency. The starting precursor solution for the organolead halide perovskite is of significant interests because the ionic components in the precursor can critically affect the nanostructures and thereby the optoelectronic properties. In this work, the basic and well-known precursor solution for CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (Cl) comprised of CH 3 NH 3 I and PbCl 2 , is specifically analyzed to unravel the phenomena in the Cl-mediated solutions. The shift in equilibrium between lead-halide complex and the solvent results into the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (Cl) grain evolution with Cl incorporation, which is confirmed through x-ray fluorescence and diffraction. The effects of Cl on the optoelectronic properties are further verified by conductive atomic force microscopy, and the existing Cl leads to the 30-times-increased and inhomogeneously distributed photocurrent for CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 (Cl) grains compared with CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 . Moreover, photocurrent noise from the mixed-halide perovskite is reduced than that from the triiodide perovskite phase. Combining the microstructural evolution with the optoelectronic properties of mixed-halide perovskite, it is concluded that additional Cl reduces the defects of recombination centers resulting high photocurrent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum multiflorum suspension cultures were established from calli and characterized during a culture period of 18 days. Flow cytometry analysis indicated a stable ploidy level in the cultured cells. THSG content was measured in different parts of wild PM and cell cultures after the addition of 4 precursors (jasmonic acid, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and silver nitrate) and 4 elicitors ( l -phenylalanine, glucose, sodium pyruvate, and sodium bicarbonate). PM vines, roots, calli, and suspension cultures had THSG contents of 24.125 ± 3.291, 42.751 ± 3.323, 0.022 ± 0.008, and 0.014 ± 0.003 mg/g (THSG content/dry weight, DW), respectively. THSG productivity was not significantly enhanced by the added elicitors or precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a nonlinear spatial model is proposed and analyzed to study the effect of pollution on biological population. It is assumed that the pollutants enter into the environment not directly by the population but by a precursor produced by the population itself. It is further assumed that larger the population, faster the precursor is produced, and larger the precursor, faster the pollutant is produced. Criteria for nonlinear stability and instability for both spatial and non-spatial models are obtained. The various parameter ranges for stable homogeneous solutions are identified. By the simulation experiments, it is observed that by applying an appropriate effort F , the population density P can be maintained at a higher equilibrium level. It is also shown that the equilibrium level of the concentration of precursor pollutant, concentration of pollutant in the environment and in the population decrease due to the effort F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is both a risk indicator and non-obligate precursor of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). We sought to characterize the transcriptomic features of LCIS and ILC, with a focus on the identification of intrinsic molecular subtypes of LCIS and the changes involved in the progression from normal breast epithelium to LCIS and ILC. Methods Fresh-frozen classic LCIS, classic ILC, and normal breast epithelium (N) from women undergoing prophylactic or therapeutic mastectomy were prospectively collected, laser-capture microdissected, and subjected to gene expression profiling using Affymetrix HG-U133A 2.0 microarrays. Results Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of 40 LCIS samples identified 2 clusters of LCIS distinguished by 6431 probe sets (p < 0.001). Genes identifying the clusters included proliferation genes and other genes related to cancer canonical pathways such as TGF beta signaling, p53 signaling, actin cytoskeleton, apoptosis and Wnt-Signaling pathway. A supervised analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (p < 0.001) between normal epithelium, LCIS, and ILC, using 23 patient-matched triplets of N, LCIS, and ILC, identified 169 candidate precursor genes, which likely play a role in LCIS progression, including PIK3R1, GOLM1, and GPR137B. These potential precursor genes map significantly more frequently to 1q and 16q, regions frequently targeted by gene copy number alterations in LCIS and ILC. Conclusion Here we demonstrate that classic LCIS is a heterogeneous disease at the transcriptomic level and identify potential precursor genes in lobular carcinogenesis. Understanding the molecular heterogeneity of LCIS and the potential role of these potential precursor genes may help personalize the therapy of patients with LCIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional methods for preparation of nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbons (NMCs), especially NMCs with high nitrogen content and narrow pore size distribution, typically require tedious, time-consuming procedures involving polymer precursors (or monomers for pre-polymerization), specific templates, and/or nitrogen-containing agents, as well as additional template-removal step by etching. Herein we reported a facile, template-free, and easily scalable route to NMCs by direct carbonization of an easily prepared, low cost, small-molecule protic salt [pPDA][2HSO 4 ], which was obtained by simple neutralization of p-phenylenediamine with two equivalents of sulfuric acid. NMCs with high relative yield, high nitrogen content, large surface area, large mesopore, and narrow pore size distribution were obtained in one step. Intensive analysis revealed that the key to the success of this strategy was the hydrogen-bond-assisted self-assembled structure, as well as the ingenious “all-in-one” role of the precursor during carbonization, wherein both the cationic [pPDA] and anionic [HSO 4 ] played indispensable and synergetic roles. Further KOH activation of the obtained NMCs resulted in not only ultrahigh surface areas of up to 3573 m 2 /g, but also significant increases in selective CO 2 uptake over N 2 . Especially, one of the activated carbons, NMC-7-6, exhibited a high CO 2 uptake of 3.69 mmol/g at 25 °C and 1 atm, comparable to the best results by N-doped carbons and higher than those of all known zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routine second-trimester transvaginal ultrasonographic (TVU) screening for short cervical length (CL) predicts spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD), albeit with limited sensitivity (35-40%) and a moderate positive likelihood ratio of 4-6. However, CL describes one of the multidimensional changes that are associated with precocious cervical ripening (PCCR) and that also include cervical softening, cervical funneling (CF), and dilation. PCCR, a precursor and a strong predictor for SPTD, was proposed as a potential screening target. We hypothesized that screening for composite measures of PCCR (eg, CL, CF, cervical consistency, and dilation) with the use of either digital examination or TVU would improve the prediction of SPTD compared with screening for short CL alone. We searched PubMed and EMBASE electronic databases for observational cohort studies to evaluate cervical screening in asymptomatic obstetric populations. Multidimensional composite cervical measures were assessed in 10 datasets (n = 22,050 pregnancies) and 12 publications. Appreciable heterogeneity in cervical measurements, data quality, and outcomes across studies prevented quantitative metaanalysis. Only one study reported intra- and interobserver reliability of cervical measurements. The prevalence of CF ranged from 0.7–9.1%. Five studies compared composite measures of PCCR (ie, CL and CF) with short CL alone and consistently reported improved screening performance. Among 3 TVU studies, gains in sensitivity ranged from 5–27%, and increases in positive likelihood ratio ranged from 3–16. Our findings suggest that composite measures of PCCR might serve as valuable screening targets. High-quality interdisciplinary studies that integrate epidemiologic approaches are needed to test this hypothesis and to accelerate the translation of advances in cervical pathophysiology into effective preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prior reports indicate a wide range of melanomas in histopathologic contiguity with a nevus, and an associated nevus has unclear prognostic implications in melanoma. Objective We sought to investigate the relationship among nevus-associated melanomas, sentinel lymph node status, and overall survival. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 850 patients with cutaneous melanoma and sentinel lymph node removed at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1998 through 2008 and meta-analysis of the literature. Results Nevus-associated melanomas represented 28% (235/850) of cases and were significantly correlated with younger age ( P = .03), truncal site ( P = .0005), superficial spreading type ( P < .0001), and absent ulceration ( P = .005). There was no association with sentinel lymph node status ( P = .94) and no survival difference between nevus-associated versus de novo melanoma ( P = .41). Meta-analysis of over 4000 cases revealed a similar percentage of associated nevi (32%). Limitations This was a retrospective study. Conclusions Approximately 30% of melanomas are associated with a nevus. The presence of a nevus associated with a melanoma has no prognostic implication in sentinel lymph node status or overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a known risk factor for invasive breast carcinoma, but there is increasing data indicating a possible precursor relationship. This study investigates the incidence of lobular carcinoma in situ that occurs with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Methods Women diagnosed with ILC or LCIS from 2000 to 2010 were retrospectively identified and reviewed after institutional review board approval. This group was divided into two cohorts: ILC alone, and LCIS and ILC (ILC/LCIS). Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment modalities were captured. p < 0.05 is considered significant. Results A total of 148 patients with ILC or LCIS were identified. Forty-four (54%) patients with only ILC, and 37 (46%) patients with ILC/LCIS were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 62 for ILC and 64 years for ILC/LCIS ( p = 0.8). In patients with ILC, total mastectomy was the predominant treatment modality in 28 of 44 (64%) patients, while 18 of 37 (49%) patients with ILC/LCIS underwent breast conservation therapy ( p = 0.3). Median largest tumor diameter was 35 mm (range 1–110) for ILC, and 15 mm (range 5–85) for ILC/LCIS ( p = 0.03). Nodal status was positive in 17 of 39 (44%) ILC and 13 of 34 (38%) ILC/LCIS ( p = 0.6). Conclusions The 46% incidence of LCIS associated with ILC in our cohort study is similar to that reported for ductal carcinoma in situ identified with invasive ductal carcinoma at ∼40%. The association of pre-invasive and invasive lobular lesions should be further studied in a large scale prospective study to assess for a precursor relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some N-nitrosamines are probable human carcinogens and disinfection by-products. This study focused on a wastewater-affected drinking water supply in the Yangtze River Delta, China, that was highly dominated by low-molecular-weight organic matter, aromatic proteins, and soluble microbial products (SMPs) and low in humic substances. The study water presented a unique opportunity to investigate treatment processes for controlling an array of nitrosamines because it contained precursors for five N-nitrosamines [N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosomorpholine, and N-nitrosopyrrolidine] whereas only NDMA precursors have been detected in most North American waters. Although conventional processes removed only low levels of precursors, advanced treatment processes effectively removed precursors as well as aromatic proteins and SMPs. Ozone destroyed and/or transformed precursors (e.g., median of 45% for NDMA and 22% for NDEA). Granular activated carbon proved more effective in removing precursors (e.g., median of 88% for NDMA and 83% for NDEA) than in removing bulk dissolved organic carbon (median ~ 60%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO2 photocatalytic materials were successfully synthesised via solid-state reaction. Dehydrate titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4·2H2O) and (Na2C2O4) powders were used as the reactants and polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) as the , respectively. After ing for 50 min at room temperature, the precursor (TiOC2O4) was prepared. The TiO2 photocatalytic materials were obtained by annealing the precursor in the temperature range of 300-800°C. The properties of the samples were characterised by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) methods. The photocatalytic performance of the samples was evaluated by degrading methyl orange (MO) under UV-light irradiation, with TiO2 prepared at 450°C showing the highest efficiency in the photodegradation process. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 photocatalytic materials was maintained after recycling five times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borges introduced Kafka's writing to Argentina, publishing essays about and translating his works starting in the 1930s. He admired Kafka's stories for being both timely and timeless, and for springing from personal circumstances yet resonating widely. It was for these reasons that Borges felt Kafka's writing should be part of Argentina's cultural patrimony. Borges openly borrowed from Kafka for 'La lotería en Babilonia' and 'La biblioteca de Babel', stories that used Kafkaesque concepts of subordination and infinity. Although unacknowledged, he also seems to have drawn on Kafka for two stories about authorship: 'Examen de la obra de Herbert Quain' and 'El milagro secreto'. Borges believed that the works of a later author could influence a reader's interpretation of an earlier one. By employing this principle for a reading of Borges and Kafka, it is possible to reconsider Kafka in light of the stories he inspired Borges to write. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High Velocity Compaction (HVC) has been proposed as a cost-effective method to prepare foamable precursors and the feasibility of the process has been demonstrated. The impact energy results a key parameter to control the final precursor density. Increasing values of impact energy leads to a continuous enhancement of performances in terms of maximum expansion and stability of the foam up to values comparable to those of commercial Alulight® precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current WHO classification proposed high-grade biliary intraepithelial neoplasm (BilIN) and intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) as precursors of the gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). Herein, conventional GBCs (cGBCs) were pathologically examined with respect to these two precursors. Forty-seven cases of GBC with grossly visible invasions were collected from Fukui Saiseikai Hospital. The association of two precursors was analyzed referring to pathologic features of cGBCs and post-operative survival. 20 cGBCa (42.6%) were associated with either of two precursors in the surrounding mucosa: high-grade BilIN in 15 cases (31.9%) or ICPN in 5 cases (10.6%). Association of precursors was not related to gross types of and histological differentiation of cGBC. cGBCs without precursors showed frequent vascular/perineural invasion and lymph node metastasis, though cGBCs with and without precursors presented a similar post-operative survival. High-grade BilIN and ICPN associated with cGBCs showed more complicated cytoarchitectural features compared with those with no or focal invasion. More than 40% of cGBCs were associated with high-grade BilIN or ICPN, and the former was a frequent precursor. cGBCs without precursors showed aggressive pathologic features. Clinical detection of these precursors may make early treatment of cGBCs possible. • Gallbladder carcinoma derives from either of recently discovered precursor lesions. • Biliary intraepithelial neoplasm is a frequent precursor in gallbladder carcinoma. • Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm of gallbladder is an infrequent precursor of gallbladder carcinoma. • Gallbladder carcinomas with and without a precursor at the same stage show similar prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of precursors (phenylalanine and tyrosine) and elicitors (methyl jasmonate and yeast) on enhanced rosmarinic acid (RA) biosynthesis, their transcript levels (HpPAL, HpC4H, Hp4CL, HpTAT and HpHPPR) and nutrient uptake kinetics from cell cultures of Halodule pinifolia (Miki) Hartog under in-vitro conditions. Different concentrations of precursors and elicitors were used, among which methyl jasmonate (20 μM) induced higher accumulation of RA (123.16 ± 3.30 mg g−1 DW) followed by phenylalanine (57.086 ± 1.01 mg g−1 DW), tyrosine (28.723 ± 1.55 mg g−1 DW) and yeast elicitor (1.95 mg g−1 DW). Further, the transcript levels of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes HpPAL, HpC4H and Hp4CL from MeJA treated cells were found to increase transiently, while TAT and HPPR did not express. It clearly conveyed that H. pinifola culture has undergone phenylpropanoid pathway for RA biosynthesis as compared to the control. Nutrient uptake kinetics determined the consumption of major nutrients such as phosphate, nitrate, sucrose and variations in pH during RA biosynthesis and the optimum pH was found to be pH -7.4, where the concentration of RA accumulated higher during the aforementioned pH. Therefore, the study concludes that methyl jasmonate acts as a potent elicitor for RA accumulation and the enhanced RA biosynthesis in the treated cells might be due to the activation of phenylproponoid genes HpPAL, HpC4H and Hp4CL. Furthermore, the work should be made to influence and optimize the H. pinifolia culture system for better productivity of rosmarinic acid for the food, cosmetic, pharmacy and neutraceutical applications. • Rosmarinic acid biosynthesis was performed using precursor-elicitor feeding strategy. • Seagrass Halodule pinifolia suspension cultured cells (SCC) was established for RA biosynthesis. • Phenylalanine and tyrosine were used as precursor, while methyl jasmonate and yeast as elicitor. • MeJA induced enhanced RA biosynthesis than other precursor and elicitor studied. • Transcript levels of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes found activated upon MeJA elicitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Locked segments dominate the generation of tectonic earthquakes. • Landmark earthquakes occur at two points of a locked segment. • Evolution of landmark earthquakes follows deterministic rule. Despite extensive investigations, no precursor patterns for reliably predicting major earthquakes have thus far been identified. Seismogenic locked segments that can accumulate adequate strain energy to cause major earthquakes are highly heterogeneous and low brittle. The progressive cracking of the locked segments with these properties can produce an interesting seismic phenomenon: a landmark earthquake and a sequence of smaller subsequent earthquakes (pre-shocks) always arise prior to another landmark earthquake within a well-defined seismic zone and its current seismic period. Applying a mechanical model, magnitude constraint conditions, and case study data of 62 worldwide seismic zones, we show that two adjacent landmark earthquakes reliably occur at the volume-expansion point and peak-stress point (rupture) of a locked segment; thus, the former is an identified precursor for the latter. Such a precursor seismicity pattern before the locked-segment rupture has definite physical meanings, and it is universal regardless of the focal depth. Because the evolution of landmark earthquakes follows a deterministic rule described by the model, they are predictable. The results of this study lay a firm physical foundation for reliably predicting the occurrence of future landmark earthquakes in a seismic zone and can greatly improve our understanding of earthquake generation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nowadays, the coal mine safety is still relatively vulnerable, especially with the frequent occurrence of mine thermal power disasters. Based on the characteristic of high-efficiency intensifying coal mine and the mechanism of thermal power disaster, the multi-factor coupling mechanism and process of mine thermal power disaster such as gas explosion and fire were analyzed. Meanwhile, the precursor characteristics of mine thermal power disaster and the precursor monitor and acquisition with no-blind area technology as well as such critical technology as precursor information treatment and early warning were also researched. These efforts above can help warn the serious thermal power disasters, operate the monitor equipment in advance and ensure effective warning time. All these have great significance in improving mine safety monitor and management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: CIG precursors were deposited on the glass from the Cu-Ga alloy and Indium targets by co-sputtering method. The results show that when the sputtering pressure was increased, the surface morphology was changed from a roughness island-crystalline (RMS=165nm) to a smaller pellet-crystalline (RMS=54.4nm). At the same time the Cu/(In+Ga) ratio was increased. So, the crystallization of Cu11In9 phase was increasing and CuIn2 phase was decreasing in the CIG precursor. Then, a layer of selenium was coated on the precursor and the precursor was selenized using RTA selenization of 600°C. The results show a good stoichiometric and crystallization under the parameters of the sputtering pressure at 4.2 mTorr of CIG precursors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The pathogenesis of serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) is still unknown. Recently, endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma (EIC) was proposed to be the precursor lesion of SOC. This study examines the model of EIC as precursor for SOC.Cases of SOC with a noninvasive or superficially invasive serous lesion, a hyperplastic lesion with/without atypia, or EIC in the endometrium were selected for inclusion in this study. Tissue sections from both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the uterus were extensively reviewed by an expert gynecopathologist. For both EIC and SOC, immunostaining for p53, Ki-67, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor; TP53 mutation analysis; and in situ ploidy analysis were performed.Nine cases of SOC with concurrent EIC in the endometrium were identified. Immunostaining for p53, Ki-67, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor revealed almost identical expression patterns and similar intensities in each pair of EIC and coincident SOC. Identical TP53 mutations were found in SOC and coinciding EIC in 33% of the cases, suggesting a clonal origin. DNA ploidy analysis, as a marker for neoplastic progression, demonstrated an increased number of aneuploid nuclei in SOC compared to their corresponding EIC (P = 0.039). In addition, the mean amount of DNA per nucleus in SOC was higher (ie, more aneuploid) compared to EIC (P = 0.039).This study provides a first indication of EIC as possible precursor lesion for SOC. This finding could have major clinical implications for future ovarian cancer management and underscores EIC as a possible target for early SOC detection and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Detonations in explosive mixtures of ammonium-nitrate-fuel-oil (ANFO) confined by aluminum allow for transport of detonation energy ahead of the detonation front due to the aluminum sound-speed exceeding the detonation velocity. The net effect of this energy transport on the detonation is unclear. It could enhance the detonation by precompressing the explosive near the wall. Alternatively, it could decrease the explosive performance by crushing porosity required for initiation by shock compression or destroying confinement ahead of the detonation. At present, these phenomena are not well understood. But with slowly detonating, non-ideal high explosive (NIHE) systems becoming increasing prevalent, proper understanding and prediction of the performance of these metal-confined NIHE systems is desirable. Experiments are discussed that measured the effect of ANFO detonation energy transported upstream of the front by a 76-mm-inner-diameter aluminum confining tube. Detonation velocity, detonation front-shape, and aluminum response are recorded as a function of confiner wall thickness and length. Detonation shape profiles display little curvature near the confining surface, which is attributed to energy transported upstream modifying the flow. Average detonation velocities were seen to increase with increasing confiner thickness, while wavefront curvature decreased due to the stiffer, subsonic confinement. Significant radial sidewall tube motion was observed immediately ahead of the detonation. Axial motion was also detected, which interfered with the front-shape measurements in some cases. It was concluded that the confiner was able to transport energy ahead of the detonation and that this transport has a definite effect on the detonation by modifying its characteristic shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several natural groundwater discharges in Vrancea seismic area were inferred to originate in the mixing between two distinct end-members: seasonally variable inflows of meteoric freshwater, and deep-origin saline fluids of a remarkably constant composition. However, prior to two rather strong Vrancea earthquakes (mb = 5.8 and 5.3 respectively), the composition of the saline end-members appeared to significantly change as well. The approximate durations of the corresponding anomalous precursory periods, of 18 months and 10 months respectively, were apparently directly correlated to the magnitudes of the ensuing earthquakes. Consequently, it has been assumed that an earthquake of magnitude 5.8 or larger was expected to occur no earlier than 18 months after a last series of "un-perturbed" samples; in particular, since the concerned springs samples collected on May 2010 exhibited noabnormal signatures, it seems unlikely that a strong Vrancea earthquake would occur sooner than 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report on superhydrophobic fabrics (polyester, wool and cotton) produced by a wet-chemical coating technique. The coating solutions were synthesized by the co-hydrolysis of two silane precursors, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and an alkylsilane, in an alkaline condition. Without any purification, the as-hydrolyzed solutions were directly used to treat fabrics, and the treated fabrics had water contact angles (CA) as high as 170° and sliding angles (SA) as low as 5°. Three alkylsilanes have been used for the synthesis of the coating solutions, and all contain three hydrolysable alkoxyl groups and one non-hydrolysable alkyl, but with different chain lengths (C1, C8 and C16). It was found that the CA value increased with an increase in the alkyl chain length, while the SA showed a reverse trend. When the functional group had a C16 alkyl, the treated fabric surfaces were highly superhydrophobic, with the CA not being affected much by the fabric type, while the SA values were slightly affected by the original wettability of the fabric substrates. The superhydrophobic feature was attributed to a highly rough surface formed by the particulate coating. Aside from the superhydrophobicity, the influence of the coating on the fabric softness was also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed polarized optical microscope (POM), depolarized light scattering (DPLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements on the structure formation process or the crystallization process of isotactic polystyrene (iPS) under shear flow below and above the nominal melting temperature Tm. It was found that a micron scale anisotropic oriented structure termed here as "string-like object" was formed even above the nominal melting temperature that is stable for more than 24 h, but melted at around 270°C far above the nominal melting temperature. The string-like object acts as a nucleation agent for the folded chain lamella crystal (or the kebab). We also examined the shear rate dependence of the structure formation to find a critical shear rate and a critical strain for the formation of the string-like object, suggesting the orientation and relaxation of the chains plays an important role in the formation of the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel route for the production of the rigid rod fiber poly-2,2'-(p-phenylene)-6,6'-bibenzoxazole (biPBO) was investigated. This fiber was prepared via its precursor polymer poly(3,3'-dihydroxybenzidine terephthalamide), abbreviated as DHBTA. The dissolution behavior of the precursor polymer was tested in various solvents and it was found that basic aqueous solutions are suitable for spinning purposes. A highly concentrated solution (15 wt %) of the precursor polymer in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) shows liquid crystalline behavior. Oriented DHBTA fibers were produced by wet spinning of the precursor polymer from liquid crystalline TMAH solutions. The resulting yarn showed much higher orientation and considerably better mechanical properties than a yarn spun from an isotropic solution of the precursor polymer in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Highly oriented biPBO fibers were obtained after heating the precursor yarn to temperatures up to 450°C in order to achieve ring closure. In conclusion, biPBO yarn with promising tensile properties was obtained by spinning from aqueous solutions instead of corrosive sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The isotope ratios of amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) depend as well on the precursor as the synthetic pathway. For clandestine production of amphetamine and methamphetamine, 1-phenyl-2-propanone (P2P, benzylmethylketone) is a commonly used precursor. Our aim was to determine the variation of the isotope ratios within precursor samples of one manufacturer and to compare seized samples of unknown sources to these values. δ13CV-PDB, δ2HV-SMOW and δ18OV-SMOW isotope ratios were determined using elemental analysis (EA) and gas chromatography (GC) coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). The comparison of all seized samples to the data of the samples of one manufacturer revealed considerable differences. The results show that IRMS provides a high potential in differentiating between precursors from different manufacturers for the clandestine production of ATS and identifying corresponding sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the main components of a carbonic material for rocket propulsors is coke [1, 2]. The coke characteristic should fulfill the requirements of application. Thus, the coke used as filler for rocket nozzle should meat some specific characteristic as powdering, soft packing for SIC and other ranforsants and a certain degree of graphitization at elevate temperature. Under these and other considerations there were performed researches on laboratory scale to obtain cokes using available cheap precursors. There were obtained six coke sorts using two coke precursor charge compositions and three different heat treatments. The clasical coke characteristics of the six new cokes were mesured. For a better understanding of the coke characteristics there were performed advanced investigations by SEM, WAXD and ED(P)XRFS. The morphologie of coke lump or/and coke fines were revelead by SEM while the atomic coke structures were investigated by WAXD. The coke particle morphology and structure data are directly regarded to the coke packing efficiency and its mechanical strengts. The ED(P)XRF is used to check the residual impurities in coke that may have a significant environmental risk as Pb, Cd, Zn, As etc. The same, the impurities could react with matrix at elevate temperatures causing unpredicted effects. The paper emphasises the existence of a specific correlation between coke morphology and coke atomic structure which should be established for each sort if one wants to achieve optimum coke perforances far a specifific application. By the authors knowledge, the paper is among the few in this field that use clasical means toghether with modern WAXD and ED(P)XRFS techniques for advaced characterisation of coke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the characteristics and antimicrobial activity of mature peptides in various organisms including animals, plants and microbes. It cites that anionic proregion is important in preserving the C-terminal of antimicrobial peptides and nematode cecropin. It shows that nematode cecropins are widely explored for their clinical and technological applications.

Summary: Ureteral endometriosis is a rare yet important entity that can lead to renal failure due to silent obstruction of the ureter. Awareness of clinical and morphologic features can help in early detection and treatment. We analyzed the clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical findings of 7 cases of ureteral endometriosis. Mean age of patients was 51 years. All patients presented with hydroureter, accompanied in the most cases by hydronephrosis. Superimposed pyelonephritis was experienced by 2 of 7 patients. Most patients (4 of 7) had previously undergone total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. In 6 of 7 cases, endometriosis involved the left ureter. The distal one third of the ureter was involved in 6 cases, whereas the middle third was involved in 1 case. In 4 cases, endometriosis was located extrinsic to the ureter, whereas in 3 cases, the ureter showed intrinsic involvement by endometriosis. One case showed simple endometrial hyperplasia. Surgical management included nephrectomy in 2 cases, distal ureterectomy with reimplantation in 3 cases, ureteral stent placement followed by ureteroureterostomy in 1 case, and relief of ureteral obstruction by resection of pelvic endometrioma in 1 case. Immunostains for cytokeratin-7 (CK7) and progesterone receptor (PR) were positive in all of the cases, whereas immunostains for estrogen receptor (ER) were positive in 83% of cases and immunostains for CK20 were negative in all cases. CA125 immunostains were positive in 67% of cases. The stromal cells were positive for CD10, ER, and PR immunostaining. Our findings suggest that the diagnosis of ureteral endometriosis is preceded in most cases by hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, possibly because of prior symptoms related to adenomyosis or pelvic endometriosis and that ureteral endometriosis has a strong predilection for involvement of the lower third of the left ureter. Ureteral endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of obstructive ureteral lesions in women, particularly those involving the lower third of the left ureter, even in postmenopausal patients. Immunostains for ER, PR, CK7, CA125, and CD10 can be helpful in challenging cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: F-doped tin oxide (Sn:F) film was prepared by atmosphere pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) on float glass using monobutyltin trichloride (C4H9SnCl3, MBTC) and trifluoro acetic acid (CF3COOH, TFA) as the precursor and dopant, respectively. H2O with different concentrations was used as the activator. The prepared films were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. Experimental results reveal that the structures and properties of the films are greatly affected by the H2O content. H2O in a certain range of concentrations will promote the formation of Sn:F film and improve the properties of the films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the changes to some properties and structural features of four types of polymer fibres and the nonwovens obtained from them during fibre pyrolysis and the following steam activation at a temperature of 850 °C of the carbon nonwovens obtained. The changes in tenacity of the precursor, the carbon, and the active carbon nonwovens as the result of thermal and oxidation processing were tested, among others. We stated that the loss of tenacity mainly takes place during the pyrolysis and the accompanied radical reconstruction of the fibre structure. The activation process, although connected with a further great loss of mass, causes relative significantly small changes in the tenacity of the active carbon nonwovens obtained from viscose and phenolic resin-based fibres, whereas the mechanical properties of active carbon nonwovens obtained from polyacrylonitrile fibres as a precursor decrease even further considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophenols (ClPhs) are considered to be important precursors of dioxins. The capacity of some metal nitrates (NaNO3, Ca(NO3)2.4H2O, Pb(NO3)2, AgNO3, La(NO3)3.6H2O) and oxides (CaO, PbO, Ag2O, La2O3) for suppressing of PCDD/Fs formation from the model precursor pentachlorophenol (PCP) was studied in a laboratory-scale reactor. It was found that although PbO and La2O3 have certain promoting effects on lower-chlorinated PCDD/Fs, which are more toxic than OCDDs. Most of the above compounds have obviously suppressing effects on the total amount of PCDD/Fs formation from PCP below 280 °C. The interaction of basic metal oxides with the acid precursor PCP and the destruction of products from the decomposition of nitrates on PCDD/Fs were speculated to reduce theft formation. The results of the present study may be taken into account to make measures to control and reduce PCDD/Fs emission from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plants in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new set of space-averaged equations for a mixture of liquid and gas bubbles is derived on the basis of two-fluid and three-pressure model, where a surface-averaged liquid pressure at the gas-liquid interface is introduced as well as volume-averaged pressures and the liquid compressibility is taken into account. To verify the appropriateness of the equations, the propagation of linear wave in a quiescent mixture is studied theoretically and numerically. A fast mode of the wave is generated owing to the liquid compressibility, whilst there only exists a classical slow mode for the special case of incompressible liquid. Since the assumption of incompressibility has been made in general in previous studies, The fast mode has not been investigated in detail. Several important characteristics of the slow and fast modes are clarified. In particular, it is shown that the amplitude of the fast mode is not always small and it becomes prominent for a typical wave number larger than the critical one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD and PCDF) were assessed for wood impregnated with ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ) and copper boron azole (CBA). The two preservatives constitute the replacements for chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treatment, which is being phased out as a consequence of health concerns relating to arsenic and chromium compounds. The gaseous emission of PCDD/F from oxidative pyrolysis of CBA contained considerable amounts of PCDD/F of up to 7500pg TE/Nm3. A large increase was also observed for the gaseous emission from smoldering of CBA following the oxidative pyrolysis, where 570pg TE/Nm3 was detected. The ash residues of CBA remaining after the CBA emissions after oxidative pyrolysis and ensuing smoldering also showed significant propensity to yield PCDD and PCDF, resulting in 3200ng TE/kg ash. In contrast, flaming combustion of the two treated timbers did not result in the emission of significant quantities of PCDD/F. The concentrations were quantified as 3.5 and 5.2pg TE/Nm3 for the ACQ and CBA timber samples, and indicate no reasonable increase over that resulting from similar combustion of untreated Pinus radiata, 3.7pg TE/Nm3. The smoldering of ACQ and CBA ash residues after flaming combustion generated PCDD/F, with the ashes containing 5.0 and 140ng TE/kg ash, respectively. The increase in PCDD/F formation is discussed with respect to de novo formation in the ash and the influence of the wood preservatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Analyzes the secreted proteins Aspergillus oryzae RIB40 at the conidial germination stage. Identification of taka-amylase A (TAA), glucoamylase (GLAA), and aspergillopepsin A (PEPA) as the main products by peptide mass fingerprinting; Simultaneous detection of TAA and PEPA with the formation of germ tubes; Fall of the pH of the medium with the development of germination; Indication that the precursor of PEPA was secreted and underwent pH-dependent processing; Findings suggesting that the maturation of pro-PEPA was a stepwise autoprocessing upon acidification of the medium and itself was an intermediate of the processing; Important role of PEPA at the early germination stage.

Copyright of Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)