Search

This study investigated the effects of fermented food consumption on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) related to processed meat intake using a mouse model. Processed meat products and fermented foods were supplemented to analyze heterocyclic amines (HCA) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and the gut microbiota in mice. The study determined age to be a non‐influential factor. While HCAs were detected in all the processed meat samples, no CRC development was observed, even when they consumed excessive amounts of these processed meats, either alone or in combination with fermented foods. Bacteroides and Alistipes were the most predominant gut microbiota. Kimchi, soybean paste, and red pepper paste showed a decreasing trend in the ratio of these bacteria associated with gut inflammation, but the results were inconclusive because this trend was inconsistent. Therefore, this study found that fermented foods did not significantly affect CRC risk indicators associated with dietary processed meat intake, regardless of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is self‐evident that our chests expand and contract during breathing but, surprisingly, exactly how individual alveoli change shape over the respiratory cycle is still a matter of debate. Some argue that all the alveoli expand and contract rhythmically. Others claim that the lung volume change is due to groups of alveoli collapsing and reopening during ventilation. Although this question might seem to be an insignificant detail for healthy individuals, it might be a matter of life and death for patients with compromised lungs. Past analyses were based on static post‐mortem preparations primarily due to technological limitations, and therefore, by definition, incapable of providing dynamic information. In contrast, this study provides the first comprehensive dynamic data on how the shape of the alveoli changes, and, further, provides valuable insights into the optimal lung volume for efficient gas exchange. It is concluded that alveolar micro‐dynamics is nonlinear; and at medium lung volume, alveoli expand more than the ducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel synthesis of ultrathin, highly uniform colloidal bismuth sulfohalide (BiSX where X = Cl, Br, I) nanowires (NWs) and NW bundles (NBs) for room‐temperature and solution‐processed flexible photodetectors are presented. High‐aspect‐ratio bismuth sulfobromide (BiSBr) NWs are synthesized via a heat‐up method using bismuth bromide and elemental S as precursors and 1‐dodecanethiol as a solvent. Bundling of the BiSBr NWs occurs upon the addition of 1‐octadecene as a co‐solvent. The morphologies of the BiSBr NBs are easily tailored from sheaf‐like structures to spherulite nanostructures by changing the solvent ratio. The optical bandgaps are modulated from 1.91 (BiSCl) and 1.88 eV (BiSBr) to 1.53 eV (BiSI) by changing the halide compositions. The optical bandgap of the ultrathin BiSBr NWs and NBs exhibits blueshift, whose origin is investigated through density functional theory‐based first‐principles calculations. Visible‐light photodetectors are fabricated using BiSBr NWs and NBs via solution‐based deposition followed by solid‐state ligand exchanges. High photo‐responsivities and external quantum efficiencies (EQE) are obtained for BiSBr NW and NB films even under strain, which offer a unique opportunity for the application of the novel BiSX NWs and NBs in flexible and environmentally friendly optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass litter is a crucial autochthonous source of sediment organic carbon (Corg) that contributes to Corg storage in coastal ecosystems. However, our understanding of seagrass litter decomposition effects on sediment Corg sequestration and the factors influencing the capacity for autochthonous carbon sequestration remains limited. We investigated Zostera marina litter decomposition dynamics in eelgrass meadows along the Korean coast by monitoring changes in the remaining litter mass and autochthonous Corg during the decomposition process. We used a double‐component exponential decay models to characterize the decomposition dynamics and estimate the autochthonous Corg remaining. We also identified potential factors affecting litter decay and Corg accumulation in sediments by examining site‐specific physicochemical properties. Our findings revealed that double‐component models effectively characterized litter decomposition dynamics and indicated greater preservation of litter‐derived slowly degrading Corg in sediments. The reduced decomposition of litter materials owing to low oxygen availability in the muddy sediments led to greater retention of litter mass and litter‐derived Corg in sediments. The anoxic conditions of below‐ground litterbags, compared with above‐ground litterbags, could be alleviated by the oxygen transport through fresh Z. marina roots, thereby potentially stimulating the microbial decomposition of Z. marina below‐ground litter materials at these sites. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding litter decomposition dynamics to accurately assess the carbon sink capacity of seagrass meadows, and demonstrate that physicochemical properties can influence seagrass litter decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endolysins produced by bacteriophages play essential roles in the release of phage progeny by degrading the peptidoglycan layers of the bacterial cell wall. Bacteriophage‐encoded endolysins have emerged as a new class of antibacterial agents to combat surging antibiotic resistance. The crystal structure of mtEC340M, an engineered endolysin EC340 from the PBEC131 phage that infects Escherichia coli, was determined. The crystal structure of mtEC340M at 2.4 Å resolution consists of eight α‐helices and two loops. The three active residues of mtEC340M were predicted by structural comparison with peptidoglycan‐degrading lysozyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the quality characteristics of wheat-free, gluten-free dough, steam-treated dough, and cooked noodles. Dough was prepared from soaked-and-dried soybean (SDS) powder amended with 10%, 25%, or 40% psyllium husk; the SDS was prepared by soaking soybeans for 12 h at room temperature and hot air drying at 60°C for 24 h. Dough was then steam-treated at 120°C for 5, 10, or 15 min and subsequently formed into noodles. Dough and noodle can be made using SDS powder and psyllium husk powder, but it is difficult to maintain noodle shape after cooking without steam treatment. Steam treatment improved the texture of the dough, enabling noodle production. The hardness, gumminess, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of the steam-treated dough were improved compared to nonsteamed dough, yielding a texture similar to wheat flour dough. Moreover, the dough cross-section became denser after steam treatment. As the cooking time increased, the hardness, gumminess, cohesiveness, and chewiness of cooked noodles decreased, and the springiness of cooked noodles increased by increasing of water absorption rate; overall, their form was maintained. Therefore, steam-treated psyllium husk-containing dough enables noodle production without the addition of gluten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Soybeans dried after soaking (SDSs) were prepared for rapid tofu production, and quality and functional characteristics of SDS‐tofu were analyzed. SDS40, SDS50, and SDS60 were prepared by soaking for 12 hr and then drying at 40, 50, and 60℃, respectively. During the soaking process in tofu production, the water absorption rate of SDSs was higher than that of control soybeans. SDS‐tofu was prepared by soaking SDSs for 1 hr. Quality, texture, and sensory characteristics were similar among tofu samples. SDS‐tofu had a higher aglycone isoflavone content (AIC) than did control tofu. SDS60‐tofu had the highest AIC, indicating high nitric oxide inhibitory effect. Antioxidant components, activities and cell viabilities were similar among control tofu and SDS‐tofu. Consequently, this study presents the possibility of enhancing efficiency of tofu production process and functionality of tofu by using SDSs because of reduction of the soaking time and the improvement of aglycone isoflavone content. Novelty impact statement: Soybeans dried after soaking (SDSs) contained much higher contents of aglycone isoflavones than did general‐use soybeans because the former was prepared by drying soybeans at 40–60℃ after they had been completely soaked for a long time, thus allowing endogenous β‐glucosidase (optimal temperature, 60℃) to be activated, and in particular, glycitein, which was not detected in general‐use soybeans, was detected in the SDSs. The use of SDSs can shorten the moisture reabsorption time because the cross‐sectional area for moisture absorption is larger in SDSs than in general‐use soybeans, likely as the result of porous structures that form in the soybean as it dries after swelling from being soaked. By manufacturing tofu using SDSs, tofu with enhanced characteristics, can be produced quickly due to improvement of the manufacturing process, namely, the time needed for soaking is shorter, and the resulting tofu has a higher content of aglycone isoflavones from the conversion of isoflavones to aglycone isoflavones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A pore‐filling polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/Nafion composite membrane was developed for the high‐temperature operation of proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Porous PTFE substrate was filled with Nafion solution and cast under an electric field to align ion channel in the through‐plane direction, in which thermal stability and proton conductivity were improved simultaneously. The membranes keep their ion‐exchange ability at high temperatures above 110°C, whereas the casting membranes do not. Enhanced proton conductivity of 158 mS cm−2 at 80°C was observed in the developed membrane; the conductivity is maintained up to 130°C. The operation of PEMFC with the electrically treated membrane at 120°C showed a performance improvement of 40% compare to the non‐treated pore‐filling membrane as indicated by enhanced proton conductivity. In this study, we demonstrate that the electrical alignment of the ion channel in the through‐plane direction improves the proton conductivity and fuel cell performance at a high temperature for a pore‐filling composite membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gd2SiO5 performed high‐temperature corrosion behavior on calcium–magnesium– aluminosilicate (CMAS) for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). The synthesized Gd2O3‐SiO2 powder was prepared to fabricate a sintered Gd2SiO5 by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1400°C for 20 min. CMAS was sprinkled on the sintered Gd2SiO5 surface and exposed for 2, 12, and 48 h at 1400°C by isothermal heat treatment. The main corrosion factor is Ca, and Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 phase is formed by reacting with Gd2SiO5. Extended morphology of Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 particles observed in the reaction area become thicker as the heat treatment time increases as the CMAS is dissolved. According to the results of high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (HT‐XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), CMAS melted at 1243°C or a higher temperature formed the reaction area. The Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 phase was recrystallized and grown due to the reaction of Gd2SiO5 and Ca of the CMAS components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to estimate the flexural capacity and ductility of lightweight concrete T‐beams prepared using the expanded bottom ash and dredged soil granules (LWAC‐BS beams). Eight full‐scale beams were prepared under the main parameters including the unit weight and compressive strength of concrete and amount of longitudinal tensile reinforcement. The moment capacities and displacement ductility ratios measured for the present specimens were compared with those compiled from normal‐weight concrete (NWC) beams and lightweight concrete beams made using the expanded clay and fly ash granules (LWAC‐CF beams) with respect to the longitudinal reinforcement index (ωs). The coefficients for the equivalent rectangular stress block to assess the ultimate moment capacity of LWAC beams were formulated from the actual stress–strain curve of the concrete. The test results showed that the effect of the type of artificially expanded lightweight granules on the normalized cracking and ultimate moment capacities of LWAC beams was insignificant, whereas LWAC‐BS beams exhibited lower displacement ductility ratios than LWAC‐CF beams at the same ωs value. The maximum amount of longitudinal tensile reinforcement specified in ACI 318‐14 provision for preventing brittle failure of the beam needs to be lowered for LWAC beams. When determining the coefficients of the equivalent stress block for LWAC members, the concrete unit weight deserves consideration as a primary factor together with the compressive strength of the concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of upper extremity immobilization and consequent walking speed on spatiotemporal gait parameters in stroke patients with hemiparesis. Methods. The following variables were assessed or measured in 29 stroke patients: age, height, weight, disease duration, Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-K), Berg balance scale (BBS-K), functional gait assessment (FGA-K), cause of the disease (type of lesion), and hemiparetic side. The measurement of gait was performed using two pressure plates of 1.5 m to create a 3 m walking distance and leaving 1.5 m of extension at both start and end, to ultimately create a 6 m walking distance that the patient could walk through. The following gait patterns were randomly selected based on card draws: self-selected walk speed (SW), self-selected walk speed with immobilized upper extremities (SWI), fast walking (FW), and fast walking with immobilized upper extremities (FWI). Each patient was assessed for four different gait patterns, with three measurements per pattern (12 gait measurements in total). Results. While there were significant differences in the stride length, step width, velocity, and step length of the paretic side between self-selected walk speed (SW) and SWI, FWI did not show significant changes in any of the tested parameters. Conclusions. Immobilization of the upper extremities may affect walking at self-selected walk speeds. A comprehensive training program including upper extremity movement should be established for gait rehabilitation. Clinical Trial Registration. This trial is registered at http://cris.nih.go.kr/cris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolution of inflammation that occurs after microbial infection or tissue damage is an important physiologic process in maintaining or restoring host homeostasis. Taurine chloramine (TauCl) is formed by a reaction between taurine and hypochlorite in leukocytes, and it is especially abundant in activated neutrophils that encounter an oxidative burst. As neutrophils undergo apoptosis, TauCl is released to the extracellular matrix at the inflamed sites, thereby affecting coexisting macrophages in the inflammatory microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the role of TauCl in phagocytosis by macrophages during resolution of fungal infection-induced inflammation. We found that exogenous TauCl substantially increased the phagocytic efficiency of macrophages through up-regulation of dectin-1, a receptor for fungal β-1,3-glucans, which is present on the membrane of macrophages. Our previous studies demonstrated the induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in murine peritoneal macrophages treated with TauCl. In the present study, knocking out HO-1 or pharmacologic inhibition of HO-1 with zinc protoporphyrin IX attenuated the TauCl-induced expression of dectin-1 and subsequent phagocytosis. Furthermore, carbon monoxide (CO), a by-product of the HO-1-catalyzed reaction, induced expression of dectin-1 and potentiated phagocytic capability of the macrophages, which appeared to be mediated through up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. Taken together, induction of HO-1 expression and subsequent CO production by TauCl are essential for phagocytosis of fungi by macrophages. Our results suggest that TauCl has important roles in host defense against fungal infection and has therapeutic potential in the management of inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shigella flexneri is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that causes highly infectious bacterial dysentery in humans. Here, we solved the crystal structure of SF216, a hypothetical protein from the S. flexneri 5a strain M90T, at 1.7 Å resolution. The crystal structure of SF216 represents a homotrimer stabilized by intersubunit interactions and ion-mediated electrostatic interactions. Each subunit consists of three β-strands and five α-helices with the β-β-β-α-α-α-α-α topology. Based on the structural information, we also demonstrate that SF216 shows weak ribonuclease activity by a fluorescence quenching assay. Furthermore, we identify potential druggable pockets (putative hot spots) on the surface of the SF216 structure by computational mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have grown an AlIn(Ga)N/GaN heterostructure which is a promising alternative to the AlGaN/GaN heterostructure. The mobility and the carrier concentration of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) formed at the AlIn(Ga)N/GaN heterointerface were strongly dependent on both the growth temperature and pressure. Two optimized growth conditions for the heterostructure with a low sheet resistance less than 300 Ω/sq were obtained by varying the growth temperature and pressure from 750 to 1070 °C and 100 to 300 torr, respectively: (i) AlIn(Ga)N/GaN heterostructure with high 2DEG carrier concentration of 2.4 × 1013 cm−2 with mobility of 1010 cm2 V−1s−1 (grown at 900 °C and 100 torr); (ii) AlIn(Ga)N/GaN heterostructure with high 2DEG mobility of 1910 cm2 V−1s−1 with carrier concentration of 1.13 × 1013 cm−2 (grown at 900 °C and 300 torr). Both structures would be useful for different purpose of device application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Hydronephrosis is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE). Bladder and/or gastrointestinal involvement in SLE are associated with development of hydronephrosis, but the management and treatment outcomes of hydronephrosis are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the clinical manifestations and factors associated with the treatment response in patients with SLE complicated by hydronephrosis. Method A retrospective analysis was performed of all 634 SLE patients who underwent computed tomography and/or ultrasonography between January 1998 and December 2013. We reviewed the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with SLE-associated hydronephrosis. Results Hydronephrosis was identified in 15 patients with SLE complicated by cystitis and/or enteritis. All patients were treated initially with moderate to high doses of corticosteroids. A follow-up imaging study showed that 11 (73.3%) of 15 patients experienced improvements in hydronephrosis, and urinary obstruction was resolved without urological intervention in the majority of these patients (8/11, 72.7%). The four patients who experienced no improvement in hydronephrosis were older than those who responded to treatment (median age [interquartile range]; 43.0 [37.5-53.0] years vs. 28.0 [21.0-38.5] years; P = 0.026). In addition, delayed treatment (≥ 1 month after onset of symptoms) with corticosteroids was more frequently observed in the non-responding patients than in the responding patients ( P = 0.011). Conclusion Our findings suggest that treatment with corticosteroids alone leads to favorable outcomes in patients with SLE-associated hydronephrosis, except when treatment is delayed, particularly in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim There is insufficient evidence to determine whether tumor necrosis factor inhibitor ( TNFi) therapy is safe in patients with a recent history of cancer. The purpose of our study was to explore the influence of TNFi therapy on cancer-related outcomes in patients who had undergone curative cancer treatment. Methods The medical records of 814 patients who received TNFi therapy at a single rheumatology clinic, between June 2005 and May 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, the data from patients having received anticancer treatment before starting TNFi therapy were collected and cancer-related outcomes were evaluated. Results Twenty patients of 814 had a history of malignancy before initiating TNFi therapy. Over the duration of TNFi exposure (median, 54.0 months; interquartile range [ IQR], 23.25-72.0 months), there was no recurrence of the previous cancer. In eight patients with early-stage cancer, TNFi therapy was initiated < 5 years after conclusion of previous anticancer treatments. Notably, over the duration of the ongoing treatment follow-up period (median, 33.5 months; IQR, 13.0-75.75 months), cancer recurrence was also not identified. Conclusion TNFi therapy in patients with a history of an early-stage localized cancer may not be contraindicated, even if TNFi is initiated < 5 years from completion of curative cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote the oxygen reduction reaction of metal-free catalysts, the introduction of porous structure is considered as a desirable approach because the structure can enhance mass transport and host many catalytic active sites. However, most of the previous studies reported only half-cell characterization; therefore, studies on membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are still insufficient. Furthermore, the effect of doping-site position in the structure has not been investigated. Here, we report the synthesis of highly active metal-free catalysts in MEAs by controlling pore size and doping-site position. Both influence the accessibility of reactants to doping sites, which affects utilization of doping sites and mass-transport properties. Finally, an N,P-codoped ordered mesoporous carbon with a large pore size and precisely controlled doping-site position showed a remarkable on-set potential and produced 70 % of the maximum power density obtained using Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote the oxygen reduction reaction of metal-free catalysts, the introduction of porous structure is considered as a desirable approach because the structure can enhance mass transport and host many catalytic active sites. However, most of the previous studies reported only half-cell characterization; therefore, studies on membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are still insufficient. Furthermore, the effect of doping-site position in the structure has not been investigated. Here, we report the synthesis of highly active metal-free catalysts in MEAs by controlling pore size and doping-site position. Both influence the accessibility of reactants to doping sites, which affects utilization of doping sites and mass-transport properties. Finally, an N,P-codoped ordered mesoporous carbon with a large pore size and precisely controlled doping-site position showed a remarkable on-set potential and produced 70 % of the maximum power density obtained using Pt/C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prokaryotic global transcription factor CRP has been considered to be an ideal model for in-depth study of both the allostery of the protein and the differential utilization of the homologous cyclic nucleotide second messengers cAMP and cGMP. Here, atomic details from the crystal structures of two inactive CRP species, an apo form and a cGMP-bound form, in comparison with a known active conformation, the cAMP-CRP complex, provide macroscopic and microscopic insights into CRP allostery, which is coupled to specific discrimination between the two effectors. The cAMP-induced conformational transition, including dynamic fluctuations, can be driven by the fundamental folding forces that cause water-soluble globular proteins to construct an optimized hydrophobic core, including secondary-structure formation. The observed conformational asymmetries underlie a negative cooperativity in the sequential binding of cyclic nucleotides and a stepwise manner of binding with discrimination between the effector molecules. Additionally, the finding that cGMP, which is specifically recognized in a syn conformation, induces an inhibitory conformational change, rather than a null effect, on CRP supports the intriguing possibility that cGMP signalling could be widely utilized in prokaryotes, including in aggressive inhibition of CRP-like proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thin film of quantum dots (QD) was used to visualize the local photo-response of polycrystalline CdTe solar cells by down-converting an electron beam of high energy to photons of visible light. The efficient photon generation in the QD film is compared to cathodoluminescence of the high-purity bulk semiconductors and phosphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Electrochemical properties of structurally modified quasi-solid-state electrolytes were examined using porous substrates (PSs). The PS was prepared into two categories by a phase inversion method with a brominated poly(phenylene oxide) (BPPO): the sponge and finger types. Effects of the humidification and cosolvent compositions on the morphology of the PS were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. In all cases of the PSs, a higher VOC was observed of about 0.1 V than that of a liquid electrolyte owing to a suppressed back electron charge transfer. In addition, the PS prepared by the polymer solution of 1 : 4 : 1 (BPPO : N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone : butyl alcohol) with the humidification process showed better photovoltaic properties in terms of the current density and conversion efficiency owing to the appropriate combinations of pore size, tortuosity, and interconnectivity. Effects of the pore structures were intensively examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedance results revealed that large pores at the surface layers are advantageous for a lower RS and RTiO2. Meanwhile, the straight inner structure is beneficial for the facile I−/I3− diffusion, thus lowering RPt. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39739. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Einzelmolekül ‐ GPS: Die mittlere Lebensdauer eines Quantenpunkts (Qdot) wurde durch Variation der geometrischen Konfiguration von Qdot ‐ Goldnanopartikel(AuNP) ‐ Konjugaten auf einer DNA ‐ Origamistruktur gesteuert. Mit einem 3D ‐ Einzelmolekülortungssytem, bei dem die DNA ‐ Einheiten in ihrem natürlichen Zustand in Lösung blieben, wurde in Echtzeit der Einfluss der AuNPs auf die Lebensdauer der Qdots untersucht (siehe Bild). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New composite proton exchange membrane was prepared by mixing a 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution of sulfonated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (SPPO) in sodium form and brominated poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (BPPO) for hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, then casting the solution as a thin film, evaporating the solvent, and treating the membrane with aqueous hydrochloric acid. The resulting membranes were subsequently characterized using FTIR-ATR, SEM-EDXA, and TGA instrumentation as well as measurements of basic properties such as ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and single cell performance. Water uptake, IEC, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability all increased with a corresponding increase of SPPO content. By properly compromising the conductivity and methanol permeability, membranes with 60-80 wt % SPPO content exhibited comparable proton conductivity to that of Nafion® 117, with only half the methanol permeability, thereby demonstrating higher single cell performance. The membranes developed in this study could thus be a suitable candidate electrolyte for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of amphiphilic graft copolymers consisting of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) main chains and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) side chains, i.e. PVC-g-PVP, was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), as confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis revealed the microphase-separated structure of PVC-g-PVP and the domain spacing increased from 21.4 to 23.9 nm with increasing grafting degree. All the membranes exhibited completely amorphous structure and high Young's modulus and tensile strength, as revealed by wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and universal testing machine (UTM). Permeation experimental results using a CO2/N2 (50/50) mixture indicated that as an amount of PVP in a copolymer increased, CO2 permeability increased without the sacrifice of selectivity. For example, the CO2 permeability of PVC-g-PVP with 36 wt% of PVP at 35°C was about four times higher than that of the pristine PVC membrane. This improvement resulted from the increase of diffusivity due to the disruption of chain packing in PVC by the grafting of PVP, as confirmed by WAXS analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylic acid (AA)‐g‐polypropylene (PP) membranes were prepared by grafting AA on to a microporous PP membrane via plasma‐induced graft polymerization. The grafting of AA to the PP membrane was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Pore‐filling of the membranes was confirmed by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersing X‐ray (EDX). Ion exchange capacity (IEC), membrane electric resistance, transport number and water content were measured and analyzed as a function of grafting reaction time. The prepared AA‐g‐PP membranes showed moderate electrochemical properties as a cation‐exchange membrane. In particular, membranes with a degree of grafting of 155% showed good electrical properties, with an IEC of 2.77 mmol/g dry membrane, an electric resistance of 0.4 Ω cm2 and a transport number of 0.96. Chronopotentiometric measurements indicated that AA‐g‐PP membranes, with a high IEC had a sufficient conducting region in the membrane. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond its biological importance, short DNA sequences are of increasing interest as excellent and versatile building blocks, in material science and nanotechnology. DNA nanotechnology has been rapidly developed and has branched into several significantly different directions. Controlling DNA nanostructures is one of the most important branches, in which well-defined static nanostructures are constructed from rationally designed DNA motifs. The diversity and complexity of such DNA nanostructures also endow them with promising applications in nanofabrications, nanoelectronics, biodiagnostics, and DNA computations. In this review, we will summarize our recent efforts in this direction. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planktonic ciliate Parastrombidinopsis shimi n. gen., n. sp. is described from both living cells and quantitative protargol-stained (QPS) preparations and the sequence of the small subunit rDNA (SSU rDNA) is reported. This species is almost oval when the cells are alive; when stained, it is cylindrical for the upper two-fifths, half-bowl shaped for the middle two-fifths, and narrow rodshaped for the lower one-fifth. The ranges (and mean±standard deviation, n=20) of cell length, cell width, and oral diameter of living cells were 112–221 μm (168±39), 88–176 μm (121±30), and 53–110 μm (80±14), respectively, while those of the QPS-stained specimens (n=54) were 88–225 μm (162±29), 55–163 μm (102±19), and 53–98 μm (69±9), respectively. Thirty-six to 48 external oral polykinetids had cilia 25–40 μm long. However, unlike Strombidinopsis species sensu stricto, P. shimi has an external oral polykinetid zone that is an open circle. This species has two shorter polykinetids associated with the end of the oral polykinetid zone, deep in the oral cavity. Like Strombidinopsis species in the subclass Choreotrichia, 36–50 somatic kineties were equally spaced around the cell body and extended from the oral to the posterior regions with 68–105 dikinetids per kinety. Both kinetosomes of each kinetid bore cilia 3–10 μm long. Parastrombidinopsis shimi had 2 (1–4) ovoid macronuclei of 20–82 × 15–32 μm. When properly aligned, the sequence of the SSU rDNA of P. shimi (GenBank Accession No. AJ786648) was approximately 5% different from that of Strobilidium caudatum and 6% different from that of two Strombidinopsis species. Based both on morphology and gene sequence divergence, we establish this is as a new species in a new genus belonging to the family Strombidinopsidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]