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Different Lengths (different + length)
Terms modified by Different Lengths Selected AbstractsMono- and Dinuclear CuII and ZnII Complexes of Cyclen-Based Bis(macrocycles) Containing Two Aminoalkyl Pendant Arms of Different LengthsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2005Carmen Anda Abstract The basicity and coordination properties towards CuII and ZnII of the bis(macrocycles) L1, L2 and L3 have been investigated by means of potentiometric, 1H NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopic titrations in aqueous solutions. The synthesis of L1 and L3 is also described. The three ligands are composed of two [12]aneN4 units separated by a p- phenylene spacer and differ in the length of the aminoalkyl pendant arms linked to each macrocyclic unit. L1,L3 form mono- and dinuclear complexes in aqueous solutions; in the dinuclear species each metal ion is coordinated by one of the two identical [12]aneN4 ligand moieties, as shown by the crystal structures of the complexes [Cu2L1]Cl4·8H2O, [Zn2L2](ClO4)4 and [Zn2L3](ClO4)4·H2O. In all structures the metal ion is pentacoordinate, and is bound to the four nitrogen donors of the cyclic unit and to the amine group of the side arm. The stability of both the [ML]2+ and [M2L]4+ complexes in aqueous solution decreases in the order L1 > L2 > L3. At the same time, both the [Cu2L]4+ and [Zn2L]4+ complexes show a different ability in proton binding among the three ligands, with the [M2L1]4+ complexes displaying the highest basicity. These results are explained in terms of the decreasing number of nitrogen donors involved in CuII or ZnII binding on passing from L1 to L3; in other words, while in the L1 dinuclear complexes each metal ion is coordinated to the four amine groups of a [12]aneN4 moiety and to the amine group of the side arm, in the L3 ones the metal cations are bound only to the four donor atoms of a cyclic moiety, the aminobutyl group not being coordinated. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005) [source] Hydrodynamic considerations on optimal design of a three-phase airlift bioreactor with high solids loadingJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2003Jaroslav Klein Abstract The hydrodynamic study of a three-phase airlift (TPAL) bioreactor with an enlarged gas,liquid dual separator was carried out. Different lengths and diameters of the draft tube were tested to show how the design of the separator zone affects the hydrodynamic performance of the TPAL reactor. Ca-alginate beads with entrapped yeast biomass at different loadings (0, 7, 14 and 21% v/v) were used in order to mimic the solid phase of conventional high cell density systems, such as those with cells immobilized on carriers or flocculating cells. Important information on multiphase flow and distribution of gas and solid phases in the internal-loop airlift reactor (ALR) with high solids loading was obtained, which can be used for suggesting optimal hydrodynamic conditions in a TPAL bioreactor with high solids loading. It is finally suggested that the ALR with a dual separator and a downcomer to riser cross-sectional area ratio (AD/AR) ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 can be successfully applied to batch/continuous high cell density systems, where the uniform distribution of solid phase, its efficient separation of particles from the liquid phase, and an improved residence time of air bubbles inside the reactor are desirable. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Fragment Propagation and Colonization Ability Enhanced and Varied at Node Level after Escaping from Apical Dominance in Submerged MacrophytesJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Jinhui Jiang Abstract Aquatic plants develop strong fragment propagation and colonization ability to endure the natural disturbances. However, detailed research of ability to endure the natural disturbances has been lacking to date. Therefore, reproduction (shoot) and colonization (root) of shoot fragments of Potamogeton crispus L. with or without apices were investigated for the effect of apical dominance, and the growth of decapitated shoot fragments at three lengths (2, 4, 6 cm) was compared. Meanwhile, fragment propagation at levels of bud position was studied for bud position effect after escaping from apical dominance. The results showed significant increases occurred in the outgrowth of lateral branches on fragments decapitated compared with the fragments with apices, implying that apical dominance exists. Different lengths of fragments showed little difference in biomass allocations, but significant differences were noted in their propagation. Meanwhile, the effect of bud position was verified, due to the significant difference of average reproduction per node among the three length groups. Thus, the present study has made progress in the current understanding of aquatic plant dispersion among natural systems and contributes to improve methods of in vitro propagation for re-implantation purposes. [source] Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic activity on human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells of lipoamino acid conjugates of gemcitabineDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 5 2010Rosario Pignatello Abstract Lipophilic derivatives of the antitumor drug gemcitabine (GEM) with the potential for improving drug loading in lipid-based colloidal carriers, like liposomes or lipid nanoparticles, are described. GEM free base was conjugated to lipoamino acids bearing an alkyl side chain of different length, by either a carbodiimide-assisted or an ethylchloroformiate-assisted coupling reaction, to obtain N4 -acyl GEM derivatives. These compounds retained the same in vitro cell growth inhibitory activity of the parent drug against two lines of human anaplastic thyroid cancer cells. Stability studies suggested that the observed activity was due mainly to intact derivatives and not to released GEM. Accordingly, these amphiphilic derivatives can be proposed in a further step for the encapsulation in liposomes or lipid nanocarriers, to achieve as a final goal an improvement of the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic activity of GEM. Drug Dev Res 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Does the diapause experience of bumblebee queens Bombus terrestris affect colony characteristics?ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1 2000M. Beekman Summary 1. Bumblebee colonies show much variation in the number of workers, drones, and queens produced. Because this variation prevails even when colonies are kept under identical conditions, it does not seem to be caused by extrinsic factors but rather by differences between founding queens. 2. The most likely factor that could cause differences between queens is diapause. Although colonies are raised under standardised conditions, the queens often experience diapause of different length. If there are costs associated with diapause that influence post-diapause reproduction, the diapause history of the queens could affect colony characteristics. 3. Here, several colony characteristics are compared: number of first and second brood workers; total number of workers, drones, and queens; energy spent on sexuals; sex ratio; rate of worker production; time to emergence of first reproductive; and colony lifetime. Colonies were used where the queens experienced a diapause treatment of 0 (nondiapause queens), 2, and 4 months. 4. Although no proof was found for the existence of costs associated with diapause, the colony characteristics of nondiapause queens were significantly different from those of diapause queens. Colonies of nondiapause queens produced the lowest number of workers but the highest number of young queens. 5. It is argued that these nondiapause colonies are more time-constrained than diapause colonies because nondiapause colonies produce two generations within the same season and should therefore be more efficient in producing sexual offspring. 6. Moreover, nondiapause colonies should rear a more female-biased sex ratio because they can be certain of the presence of males produced by other (diapause) colonies. [source] The genome of Syntrophomonas wolfei: new insights into syntrophic metabolism and biohydrogen productionENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Jessica R. Sieber Summary Syntrophomonas wolfei is a specialist, evolutionarily adapted for syntrophic growth with methanogens and other hydrogen- and/or formate-using microorganisms. This slow-growing anaerobe has three putative ribosome RNA operons, each of which has 16S rRNA and 23S rRNA genes of different length and multiple 5S rRNA genes. The genome also contains 10 RNA-directed, DNA polymerase genes. Genomic analysis shows that S. wolfei relies solely on the reduction of protons, bicarbonate or unsaturated fatty acids to re-oxidize reduced cofactors. Syntrophomonas wolfei lacks the genes needed for aerobic or anaerobic respiration and has an exceptionally limited ability to create ion gradients. An ATP synthase and a pyrophosphatase were the only systems detected capable of creating an ion gradient. Multiple homologues for ,-oxidation genes were present even though S. wolfei uses a limited range of fatty acids from four to eight carbons in length.Syntrophomonas wolfei, other syntrophic metabolizers with completed genomic sequences, and thermophilic anaerobes known to produce high molar ratios of hydrogen from glucose have genes to produce H2 from NADH by an electron bifurcation mechanism. Comparative genomic analysis also suggests that formate production from NADH may involve electron bifurcation. A membrane-bound, iron,sulfur oxidoreductase found in S. wolfei and Syntrophus aciditrophicus may be uniquely involved in reverse electron transport during syntrophic fatty acid metabolism. The genome sequence of S. wolfei reveals several core reactions that may be characteristic of syntrophic fatty acid metabolism and illustrates how biological systems produce hydrogen from thermodynamically difficult reactions. [source] Controlled release experiments with nonylphenol in aquatic microcosmsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2003Gerd Pfister Abstract A method of controlled release of technical nonylphenol (tNP) was developed to simulate realistic exposure in ecotoxicological studies on aquatic organisms. The direct addition of tNP from an aqueous stock solution into 50 ml of water led to a concentration decrease of 80 to 90% weight/volume (w/v) from nominal values within 48 h. The inclusion of tNP in semipermeable low-density polyethylene (LDPE) lay-flat tubing (controlled-release devices [CRDs]) of different length allowed a continuous release into pure water at a rate of about 30 ,g/cm2/d. Using CRDs in aquaria containing 15 L of 63-,m-filtered lake water, eight different concentrations with maxima between 38.1 and 326.7 ,g/L were maintained for 11 d. During a second experiment in 15-L aquaria, five replicates of three concentrations were maintained using CRDs of the same length. Concentrations after 38 d varied between 0.1 and 6.7, 26.1 and 41.9, and 49.9 and 76.0 ,g/L. In aquatic microcosms containing 230 L of lake water, a natural plankton community, 50 L of sediment, and macrophytes, seven different tNP concentrations (maxima 11,120.1 ,g/L) were maintained over 45 d using CRDs of different length. They were replaced after 14 and 25 d because release of tNP was slower than predicted from laboratory experiments. Concentrations in the top 1-cm sediment layer were on average 19 times higher during the dosing period than concentrations in the water at the same time. In the sediments, different levels of applications led to concentrations that differed less distinctly than in the water. This method is suitable for exposing aquatic organisms continuously to constant, ecologically relevant concentrations of NP and represents an improvement over previous dosing methods in which exposure varied. [source] Symmetrical and Nonsymmetrical Liquid Crystalline Oligothiophenes: Convenient Synthesis and Transition-Temperature EngineeringEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2007Julie Leroy Abstract Two approaches to transition-temperature engineering in liquid crystalline oligothiophenes are described: (i) substitution at the aromatic core with two identical branched alkyl chains and (ii) desymmetrization of the molecule with two alkyl substituents of different length or structure. Key steps in the synthesis of symmetrical and nonsymmetrical terthiophenes and quaterthiophenes involve Suzuki coupling and carbanion alkylation. A well-adjusted balance between the ,,, stacking of the aromatic core and the disorder caused by the peripheral alkyl chains is demonstrated to be important for the control of the thermotropic behavior of oligothiophene mesogens. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] Functionalization of Chitosan via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for Gene DeliveryADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 18 2010Yuan Ping Abstract It is of crucial importance to modify chitosan-based polysaccharides in the designing of biomedical materials. In this work, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was employed to functionalize chitosan in a well-controlled manner. A series of new degradable cationic polymers (termed as PDCS) composed of biocompatible chitosan backbones and poly((2-dimethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate) (P(DMAEMA)) side chains of different length were designed as highly efficient gene vectors via ATRP. These vectors, termed as PDCS, exhibited good ability to condense plasmid DNA (pDNA) into nanoparticles with positive charge at nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) ratios of 4 or higher. All PDCS vectors could well protect the condensed DNA from enzymatic degradation by DNase I and they displayed high level of transfectivity in both COS7, HEK293 and HepG2 cell lines. Most importantly, in comparison with high-molecular-weight P(DMAEMA) and ,gold-standard' PEI (25 kDa), the PDCS vectors showed considerable buffering capacity in the pH range of 7.4 to 5, and were capable of mediating much more efficient gene transfection at low N/P ratios. At their own optimal N/P ratios for trasnsfection, the PDCS/pDNA complexes showed much lower cytotoxicity. All the PDCS vectors were readily to be degradable in the presence of lysozyme at physiological conditions in vitro. These well-defined PDCS polymers have great potentials as efficient gene vectors in future gene therapy. [source] Synthetic dsDNA-Binding Peptides Using Natural Compounds as ModelHELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 6 2006Filip Borgions Abstract We have developed a series of short DNA-binding peptides containing newly synthesized, unnatural as well as natural amino acid building blocks. By a combinatorial-library approach, oligopeptides were developed with moderate dsDNA-binding affinities. Two strategies were used to further enhance the binding affinity of the lead peptides: Ac-Arg-Ual-Sar-Chi-Chi-Chi-Arg-NH2 and Ac-Arg-Cbg-Cha-Chi-Chi-Tal-Arg-NH2. Site-selective amino acid substitutions increased the binding affinities up to 2,×,10,5,M. Further enhancement of the binding affinities could be achieved by coupling of an acridine intercalating unit, using linker arms of different length and flexibility. With the introduction of a new lysine-based acridine unit, different types of oligopeptide,acridine conjugates were designed using known dsDNA-binding ligands as model compounds. The binding capacities of these new oligopeptide,acridine conjugates have been investigated by a fluorescent intercalator (ethidium bromide) displacement (FID) assay. With the synthesis of the dipeptide,acridine conjugates, binding affinities in the low micromolar range were obtained (6.4,×,10,6,M), which is similar to the binding strength of the well-known DNA binder Hoechst 33258. [source] Blood serum branched chain amino acids and tryptophan modifications in horses competing in long-distance rides of different lengthJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3-4 2004A. Assenza Summary During long-distance exercise, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism could lead to an increase in the blood tryptophan/BCAA ratio and an early onset of ,central fatigue'. Based on these considerations, we studied the modifications of blood serum BCAA and tryptophan (Try) levels in 30 endurance horses competing in rides varying in distance from 20 to 72 km. From all horses, blood samples were drawn just before and just after the end of the ride. Samples were analysed for their leucine (Leu), valine (Val), isoleucine (Iso) and Try levels. Data were processed by anova, using sampling moment and ride as factors, and by LSD post hoc test. Significant differences were recorded among the different distance rides for Leu, Val, Iso, Try, Try/BCAA ratio; the same trend was recorded between samples taken at the start and the end of the race for Val and Leu. The main effect observed was an increase of BCAA levels for all rides, except the 72-km ride; for Try, a significant increase was present in all races, except the 50-km ride. The Try/BCAA ratio decreased in 20- and 50-km races and increased in the others. These data confirm that long-distance exercise involves a mobilization of BCAA. The utilization of BCAA seems to be important in prolonged exercise: in the 72-km ride, we observed a decrease in BCAA blood serum levels, while a major role of Try was indicated by its increase, resulting in a rise of the Try/BCAA ratio. [source] Effects of rice husk (RH) particle size, glass fiber (GF) length, RH/GF ratio, and addition of coupling agent on the mechanical and physical properties of polypropylene-RH-GF hybrid compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010H. D. Rozman Abstract Polypropylene (PP) hybrid composites based on rice husk (RH) with different particle size and glass fiber (GF) with different length were prepared. The composites were subjected to mechanical and water immersion tests. From the results obtained, it was found that the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites were strongly dependent on the size of RH particle and length of GF. It could be further enhanced with the presence of coupling agent. In this study, two types of coupling agents, i.e., Epolene E-43 (E-43) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propylmethacrylate (TPM), were employed. In general, E-43 imparted significant improvement in the mechanical properties. From the water immersion results, it was found that the hydrophobicity of the composites was increased with the presence of coupling agent. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Assessing spatial variation in browsing history by means of fraying scarsJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2004Bruno Vila Abstract Aim, We used fraying scars to understand spatial variation in browsing history. Information on browsing history is an essential background in studies on the long-term effect of deer browsing on the flora and fauna and of its variation in space. Location, We focused on two small neighbouring islands of Haida Gwaii (British Columbia, Canada), Reef Island and South-Skedans Island, colonized by introduced black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis). Methods, We searched for sites where trees with fraying scars were clustered. We studied the trees that deer selected (species, size) and the characteristics of scars (number, position, size). Using a cross-dating procedure, we dated fraying scars with dendrochronology, obtaining an accurate estimate of the year the scar was formed. Results, On Reef Island, Thuja plicata was the tree species chosen for fraying. On South-Skedans Island, where Thuja plicata is missing, deer chose Salix sp. and Alnus rubra. Deer chose only trees with a circumference of less than 50 cm. About two to three fraying scars were recorded per tree. All of them extended between 30,40 and 70,80 cm from the ground and were between 5 and 6 cm in width. On Reef Island, 95% of the scars were formed during the last 50 years. On South-Skedans Island, 95% were formed over the last 10 years. Age distribution of scars showed a constant increase of the number of scars over time. It indicated that deer had colonized Reef Island 53 years prior to this study but were absent or rare on South-Skedans Island until 13 years prior to this study. Main conclusions, These results indicate different colonization dates and thus different length of browsing histories for the islands studied and provide the historical background necessary to analyse the involvement of deer in the current differences in the flora and fauna observed between islands. [source] Stability of the hydration layer of tropocollagen: A QM studyJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2010K. Pálfi Abstract Collagen is a triple helical protein, highly hydrated in nature. Bella and Berman (J Mol Biol 1996, 264, 734) have reported the structure of the first hydration layer. Water molecules form bridges of different length around the POG repeats and self assemble into left-handed helical water threads. To explore the stability of these specifically hydrated places, we have designed suitable QM models: each comprises a triple helix formed by 18 residues surrounded by 8 to 12 explicit waters. Two sets of amino acids were used, one standing for the core structural subunit of tropocollagen (POG-model) and one for its natural enzyme recognition sites (AAG-model). We have determined the stability order of the water binding places, the strongest being ,8.1 kcal mol,1, while the weakest ,6.1 kcal mol,1 per hydrogen bond. In X-ray structures, each triplet of tropocollagen is shielded by six to nine water molecules. Beside the mandatory six, the "surplus" three water molecules further strengthen the binding of all the others. However, the displacement of selected water molecules turns out to be energy neutral. These water binding places on the surface of the triple helix can provide explanation on how an almost liquid-like hydration environment exists between the closely packed tropocollagens (Henkelman et al., Magn Reson Med 1994, 32, 592). It seems that these water reservoirs or buffers can provide space for "hole conduction" of water molecules and thus contribute to the elasticity of collagen. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010 [source] Variable number of tandem repeats in the growth hormone gene of Sparus aurata: association with growth and effect on gene transcriptionJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 2004R. Almuly The GH gene of Sparus aurata(saGH) contains variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). The hyper-variable minisatellites in the first and third introns segregate in a Mendelian manner and exhibit numerous alleles. Analysis by PCR and sequencing of the two introns in several wild Sparidae species revealed comparable minisatellites with some variations. ,Zoo blot' with the first intron unit as a probe showed this sequence to be characteristic of several families from the Perciformes order. Unexpectedly, a similar minisatellite was found in the first intron of the GH gene in flounder, which belongs to a different order. Transfection of constructs containing a reporter gene and first intron of different length to four cell lines resulted in an inhibitory effect of the longer intron relative to the short intron. A (CA)n microsatellite (saGHpCA) is found in the GH promoter. A similar repeat at the same location is present in GH promoters of several other fish species. High variability (11 alleles) of the saGHpCA was found in a hatchery population. Full-sib family genotyping showed a Mendelian inheritance of these alleles. A significant association was found between allele distribution and body mass in large and average size fishes from a hatchery population. The intron minisatellites may serve as markers for hybrid population and parental assignment. Its presence in families and orders of the higher teleosts may help solving classification uncertainties. Their conservation and inhibitory effect suggest a biological role. The saGHpCA is correlated with growth and may be a good candidate for predicting growth performance. [source] Phosphorylation of the neural cell adhesion molecule on serine or threonine residues is induced by adhesion or nerve growth factorJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006Stephanie Matthias Abstract The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and plays a crucial role during development and regeneration. It is expressed in three major isoforms; two of them with intracellular domains of different length and one without any intracellular domain. NCAM is known to be phosphorylated and contains up to 49 serine or threonine residues, which could be phosphorylated. However, the impact of NCAM phosphorylation is still unclear. Here we describe NCAM being phosphorylated during neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells. We provide evidence that protein kinase C is involved in the phosphorylation of NCAM. In agreement with our earlier observation that the protein phosphatase 1 is associated with NCAM, we additionally found that NCAM is a substrate for the protein phosphatase 1 but not for the protein phosphatase 2A. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Novel Amphiphilic Styrene-Based Block Copolymers for Induced Surface ReconstructionMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 1 2008Lutz Funk Abstract This paper describes the synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers by living radical polymerization (NMP) of new styrene-like monomers. The polar monomers (ethylene oxide side chains and free hydroxyl- or amino-groups after deprotection) were polymerized in a "protected form" to adjust the solubility of the monomers. In this way high molar mass polymers with a narrow polydispersity (around or below 1.2) were accessible. In the bulk state hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains demix. By exposing thin films of these polymers to vacuum (air) or alternatively to water or a hydrophilic surface it becomes possible to switch the surface polarity reversibly between contact angles of about 105° and 83° as a result of surface reconstruction. Through side chains of different length and with different functionalities, it was possible to adjust the glass transition temperatures to values between ,2,°C to 140,°C for the hydrophilic blocks and ,30,°C to 100,°C for the hydrophobic block. The wide range of the glass temperatures allowed it to find a block copolymer system with a slow kinetic concerning the surface reconstruction process, so that a mechanistic examination of the process by AFM was possible. It got, thereby, possible to detect the break-up of the hydrophobic surface lamella and the upfold of the hydrophilic lamella in contact with water. [source] Photoluminescence of Self-organized Perylene Bisimide PolymersMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 2 2004Edda E. Neuteboom Abstract Summary: Three polymers consisting of alternating perylene bisimide chromophores and flexible polytetrahydrofuran segments of different length have been studied using absorption and (time-resolved) photoluminescence spectroscopy. In o -dichlorobenzene, the chromophores self organize to form H-like aggregates. The photoluminescence spectra of the self-organized polymers consist of vibronically resolved monomeric perylene bisimde fluorescence (,max,=,538 nm, ,,=,3.9 ns) and unstructured excimer-type emission (,max,=,635 nm, ,,=,17 ns). An additional short-lived (,,,,2 ns) luminescence component is observed and ascribed to the dynamic deactivation of the monomeric photoexcited state via excimer formation or energy transfer. Structure of alternating perylene bisimide , polyTHF copolymers. [source] Dual band,rejected microstrip antenna for WiMAX/WLAN applicationsMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 8 2010Shun-Yun Lin Abstract In this article, we propose a novel design to obtain dual band,rejected characteristics in printed microstrip antenna.First, an ultrawide operating band from 2.15 GHz to about 6.50 GHz is achieved by locating the rectangular radiating patch above a larger rectangular notch cut in the finite ground plane edge. Two folded strips with different length protrude from the patch corner with null surface current to introduce dual rejected band. The longer strip and shorter strip are independently associated with lower and upper rejected band. By suitable adjustment in strip lengths, two rejected bands centered at 3 and 4.7 GHz are successfully introduced. Also, a triband operation for 2.5/3.5/5.5 GHz WiMAX and 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz WLAN applications is achieved for the proposed microstrip antenna. Details of the design considerations are presented, and results of the implemented prototype are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1901,1905, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25312 [source] Impedimetric detection of covalently attached biomolecules on field-effect transistorsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Ranjita GhoshMoulick Abstract A method for impedimetric detection of biomolecules with field-effect transistor (FET) arrays is presented. For biomolecular detection, the corresponding molecules such as single-stranded DNA or bovine serum albumine (BSA) were covalently immobilized to the gate structure of 16-channel open-gate FET devices. A micro spotter system was used to site-selectively attach biomolecules to selected channels out of the array. The differential transistor transfer function (TTF) of the FETs with attached biomolecules compared to free FETs was recorded. With this impedimetric technique it was possible to reliably detect biomolecules, because the recordings were not disturbed by the typical long-term drift of the sensors like in potentiometric readout mode. For transistor gates, where DNA sequences of different length were attached, small differences in the TTF spectra were detected. When BSA was covalently immobilized to the FETs clear differences in the TTF spectra were detected, which were independent on buffer pH variations around the isoelectric point of the protein. Based on the results presented in this article it can be concluded, that the TTF method detects passive components of the biomolecules like resistance and capacitance rather than surface charge effects. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Study of particle trajectories, residence times and flow behavior in kneading discs of intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extrudersPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 4 2004V. L. Bravo A three-dimensional finite element model was implemented for the solution of mass and momentum conservation equations in the kneading disc section of an intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The polymer melt was modeled with a Carreau constitutive equation. The particle tracking technique was used to obtain residence times and analyze distributive mixing for different length to diameter ratios (L/D) of kneading discs. Previous studies from Kalyon et al. (1) and Cheng and Manas-Zloczower (2) have shown that the mixing performance of intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruders is highly dependent on the combination of screw configuration and operating conditions. The complexity of the geometry and the transient character of the flow demand powerful computational tools to characterize the flow and to develop a prediction tool for the analysis of relative performance between different configurations. Difficulties arise in the particle tracking technique because of the time discretization and the presence of moving boundaries. Results show the importance of particle history on the evaluation of the relative performance of different configurations of kneading blocks and suggest a reevaluation of the use of average flow characteristics for the analysis of mixing. Results also confirm the importance of an accurate description of the geometry and clearances in order to obtain information about relative mixing performance. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:779,793, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Columnar liquid-crystalline assemblies composed of spiropyran derivatives and sulfonic acids,POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 10 2008Boon-Hooi Tan Abstract A series of fan-shaped spiropyran derivatives with different length of alkyl chains has been synthesized. Liquid-crystalline (LC) assemblies of spiropyran derivatives have been formed by the addition of organic sulfonic acids such as trifluoromethylsulfonic acid, 10-camphorsulfonic acid, 4-methylbenzenesulfonic acid, and imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) having a sulfonic acid group. Equimolar mixtures of a fan-shaped spiropyran derivative with the acidic imidazolium-based ILs exhibit columnar phases with wider LC temperature ranges as compared to those of other mixtures. The ionic interactions formed by the ionic imidazolium moieties should contribute to the stabilization of the columnar phases. On the other hand, equimolar mixtures of the spiropyran derivative with decane-1-sulfonic acid having a long alkyl chain and poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) do not show mesomorphism. The chemical structure of organic sulfonic acids is a key factor for the induction and stabilization of the LC phases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Changing economies of scale , synergies between implementation of an ecological tax reform and development of industrial ecosystemsBUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, Issue 6 2001Christoph Bey In this paper an investigation is presented into the long-term effects of an ecological tax reform. Exploring time frames of different length, the paper considers the reform's effects on manufacturing systems, especially on economies of scale. Industrial ecology, a framework for restructuring into industrial ecosystems, is one attempt at transforming the socio-economic system for sustainability. The paper points out the synergetic effects an ecological tax reform has with those restructuring efforts for sustainable industry and society. For that purpose, the economies of scale in the current linear production system and those found in the closed-loop circular structures of industrial ecosystems are compared, and the paper is concluded by a discussion of opportunity costs of implementation of an ecological tax reform and industrial ecological restructuring. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment [source] CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR RESEARCH ETHICS WORKSHOPS FOR COUNTRIES IN THE MIDDLE EASTDEVELOPING WORLD BIOETHICS, Issue 2 2010HENRY SILVERMAN ABSTRACT To help ensure the ethical conduct of research, many have recommended educational efforts in research ethics to investigators and members of research ethics committees (RECs). One type of education activity involves multi-day workshops in research ethics. To be effective, such workshops should contain the appropriate content and teaching techniques geared towards the learning styles of the targeted audiences. To ensure consistency in content and quality, we describe the development of a curriculum guide, core competencies and associated learning objectives and activities to help educators organize research ethics workshops in their respective institutions. The curriculum guide is divided into modular units to enable planners to develop workshops of different lengths and choose content materials that match the needs, abilities, and prior experiences of the target audiences. The content material in the curriculum guide is relevant for audiences in the Middle East, because individuals from the Middle East who participated in a Certificate Program in research ethics selected and developed the training materials (e.g., articles, powerpoint slides, case studies, protocols). Also, many of the activities incorporate active-learning methods, consisting of group work activities analyzing case studies and reviewing protocols. The development of such a workshop training curriculum guide represents a sustainable educational resource to enhance research ethics capacity in the Middle East. [source] Spermiogenesis and spermatozoon ultrastructure of the davaineid cestode Raillietina micracantha (Fuhrmann, 1909)ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010Jordi Miquel Abstract Miquel, J., Torres, J., Foronda, P. and Feliu, C. 2010. Spermiogenesis and spermatozoon ultrastructure of the davaineid cestode Raillietina micracantha. , Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 212,221 The spermiogenesis and the ultrastructural organization of the spermatozoon of the davaineid cestode Raillietina micracantha are described by means of transmission electron microscopy. Spermiogenesis begins with the formation of a zone of differentiation containing two centrioles. One of the centrioles develops a free flagellum that later fuses with a cytoplasmic extension. The nucleus migrates along the spermatid body after the proximodistal fusion of the flagellum and the cytoplasmic extension. During advanced stages of spermiogenesis a periaxonemal sheath and intracytoplasmic walls appear in the spermatids. Spermiogenesis finishes with the appearance of two helicoidal crested bodies at the base of spermatids and, finally, the narrowing of the ring of arched membranes detaches the fully formed spermatozoon. The mature spermatozoon of R. micracantha is a long and filiform cell, tapered at both ends, which lacks mitochondria. It exhibits two crested bodies of different lengths, one axoneme of the 9 + ,1' pattern of trepaxonematan Platyhelminthes, twisted cortical microtubules, a periaxonemal sheath, intracytoplasmic walls, granules of glycogen and a spiralled nucleus. The anterior extremity of the spermatozoon is characterized by the presence of an electron-dense apical cone and two spiralled crested bodies while the posterior extremity of the male gamete exhibits only the axoneme and an electron-dense posterior tip. [source] Evaluation of relative distance as new descriptor of yellow European eel spatial distributionECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 4 2008H. Imbert Abstract,,, The spatial distribution of yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla) smaller than 300 mm was analysed during the upstream colonisation process. A 9-year electric-fishing programme in the Gironde catchment (France) provided eel occurrence data in 256 sites and eel abundance data in 23 sites. Generalized linear models showed that small eel spatial distribution decreased with river slope, dam number and with downstream-upstream distance, estimated using either the distance from the tidal limit, called ,tidal distance', or the ,relative distance', calculated as the fish's position relative to the total distance between tidal limit and river source. This new descriptor should be considered in future eel distribution studies as it reveals fractal dimension in eel spatial distribution and may provide a standardised method to compare directly freshwater eel assessment between streams and catchments of different lengths. If the relevancy of this descriptor is subsequently confirmed, it may have important implications for the management of eel population conservation. [source] Nanostructured pillars based on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes as the stationary phase in micro-CECELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 12 2009Ren-Guei Wu Abstract We present a micro-CEC chip carrying out a highly efficient separation of dsDNA fragments through vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a microchannel. The vertically aligned MWCNTs were grown directly in the microchannel to form straight nanopillar arrays as ordered and directional chromatographic supports. 1-Pyrenedodecanoic acid was employed for the surface modification of the MWCNTs' stationary phase to adsorb analytes by hydrophobic interactions. This device was used for separating dsDNA fragments of three different lengths (254, 360, and 572,bp), and fluorescence detection was employed to verify the electrokinetic transport in the MWCNT array. The micro-CEC separation of the three compounds was achieved in less than 300,s at a field strength of 66,V/cm due to superior laminar flow patterns and a lower flow resistance resulting from the vertically aligned MWCNTs being used as the stationary phase medium. In addition, a fivefold reduction of band broadening was obtained when the analyte was separated by the chromatographic MWCNT array channel instead of the CE channel. From all of the results, we suggest that an in situ grown and directional MWCNT array can potentially be useful for preparing more diversified forms of stationary phases for vertically efficient chip-based electrochromatography. [source] Important region in the ,-spectrin C -terminus for spectrin tetramer formationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Bing-Hao Luo Abstract: Many hereditary hemolytic anemias are due to spectrin mutations at the C -terminal region of ,-spectrin (the ,C region) that destabilize spectrin tetramer formation. However, little is known about the ,C region of spectrin. We have prepared four recombinant ,-peptides of different lengths from human erythrocyte spectrin, all starting at position 1898 of the C -terminal region, but terminating at position 2070, 2071, 2072 or 2073. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the two peptides terminating at positions 2070 and 2071 did not associate with an N -terminal region ,-peptide (Sp,1,156) in the micromolar range. However, the peptides that terminated at positions 2072 and 2073 associated with the ,-peptide. Circular dichroism results showed that the unassociated helices in both ,- and ,-peptides became associated, presumably to form a helical bundle, for those ,-peptides that formed an ,, complex, but not for those ,-peptides that did not form an ,, complex. In addition, upon association, an increase in the ,-helical content was observed. These results showed that the ,-peptides ending prior to residue 2072 (Thr) would not associate with ,-peptide, and that no helical bundling of the partial domains was observed. Thus, we suggest that the C -terminal segment of ,-spectrin, starting from residue 2073 (Thr), is not critical to spectrin tetramer formation. However, the C -terminal region ending with residue 2072 is important for its association with ,-spectrin in forming tetramers. [source] Microbial colonization induces oligoclonal expansions of intraepithelial CD8 T cells in the gutEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 12 2004Lars Helgeland Abstract Two populations of CD8+ IEL generally express restricted, but apparently random and non-overlapping TCR repertoires. Previous studies in mice suggested that this could be explained by a dual origin of CD8+ IEL, i.e. that CD8,,+ IEL derive from a few peripheral CD8+ T cell lymphoblasts stimulated by microbial antigens in gut-associated lymphoid tissue, whereas CD8,,+ IEL descend from an inefficient intestinal maturation pathway. We show here that the gut mucosa, instead, becomes seeded with surprisingly broad and generally non-overlapping CD8 IEL repertoires and that oligoclonality is induced locally after microbial colonization. In germ-free (GF) rats, both CD8,,+ and CD8,,+ IEL displayed surprisingly diverse TCR V, repertoires, although ,-chain diversity tended to be somewhat restricted in the CD8,,+ subset. CDR3 length displays in individual V,-C, and V,-J, combinations generally revealed polyclonal distributions over 6,11 different lengths, similar to CD8+ lymph node T cells, and CDR3, sequencing provided further documentation of repertoire diversity. By contrast, in ex-GF rats colonized with normal commensal microflora, both CD8,,+ and CD8,,+ IEL displayed oligoclonal CDR3 length distributions for most of the V, genes analyzed. Our data suggest that microbial colonization induces apparently random clonal expansions of CD8,,+ and CD8,,+ IEL locally in the gut. [source] Fluorous "Racemic" Mixture Synthesis: Simultaneous Strategy for Demixing and Enantioseparation of Racemic Fluorous-Tagged ProductsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2007Takayuki Tonoi Abstract Reported herein is the concept of fluorous "racemic" mixture synthesis (FRMS), which is applied to two types of proof-of-concept experiments. Mixtures of racemic O -benzoylmandelate derivatives and prochiral crotonamide derivatives, respectively, bearing different lengths of fluorous-cleavable tags are taken through a segmented reaction sequence to provide their enantiomers, as well as their individual derivatives, by virtue of chiral ,-cyclodextrin columns. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||