bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O registro da cor em requerimentos para concursos de professores
Authors: Rodrigues Müler Maria Lúcia
Published: June 2011

Pretende-se, neste artigo, apresentar dados sobre a origem racial de candidatos a concursos para provimento de vagas de professores adjuntos no magistério público do Rio de Janeiro (antigo Distrito Federal) no período da Primeira República, cruzando o registro da cor nas certidões de nascimento dos candidatos com outras fontes, assim como discutir o processo de branqueamento do magistério do Distrito Federal, a partir dos debates sobre a suposta inferioridade da população negra brasileira, e o efeito dessas discussões na racionalização da carreira do magistério. Objetiva-se, também, discorrer sobre as formas de classi' cação racial dos brasileiros nesse período histórico. A cor da pele, de atributo simplesmente biológico, assume um conteúdo cultural, social e moral em um imenso conjunto de quali' cativos inferiorizantes. Esse processo aconteceu, principalmente, com os fenoticamente negros ou de pele mais escura, que não podiam de alguma forma disfarçar sua origem racial.
A experiência estadunidense das ações afirmativas: uma análise à luz da teoria da igualdade de Ronald Dworkin
Authors: Coelho Wilma de Nazaré Baía
Published: June 2011

A teoria da igualdade de Ronald Dworkin se baseia no primado da igualdadede recursos, como faceta da justiça distributiva, compatível com uma sociedade liberal fraterna, baseada em um princípio político da igual consideração de todos seus membros. Nesse sentido, o artigo visa a interpretar algumas decisões da Suprema Corte dos EUA sob a luz da teoria de Dworkin, assim como tecer breves comentários acerca das mais recentes decisões do referido Tribunal sobre as políticas de ações afirmativas. Por fim, algumas considerações serão tecidas acerca de uma possível aplicação da teoria da igualdade liberal de Dworkin em nosso país.
An Overview of Corpus Linguistics Studies on Prepositions
Authors: Roslim Norwati , Mukundan Jayakaran
Published: June 2011

Studies on prepositions have been explored in corpus linguistics. They have been studied in various perspectives mainly in relation to frequency and collocational information. In order to look at the developments of these studies, this paper will focus on the development of sequence of studies of prepositions in three decades as observed by the authors. In keeping up with the developments, this paper will also look into the scenario of English language corpus work in Malaysia. Based on these review, this paper will then further add to this body of knowledge by providing a more tangible and practical applications in dealing with prepositions from the perspectives of the teaching and learning of prepositions.
Moving Towards a More Balanced English Teaching: A Case from Taiwanese EFL Classrooms
Authors: Lee Jia-Ying
Published: June 2011

In recent years, learning English has become a national movement. This article examines the national K-12 English curriculum in Taiwan, with specific criticism offered against some the prevailing practices that occur in Taiwanese classrooms. Influenced by the philosophy of essentialism and by an institutional regard for college and high school entrance requirements, many Taiwanese teachers spend their time teaching to the tests. But the tests only assess a partial range of skills and knowledge that successful language learners need. Teaching is not neutral. So if we examine the implicit curriculum, we could begin to appreciate some of the latent messages sent by schools in Taiwan, including important ones about reading and writing skills and the attitudes toward learning. Even the register of speech varieties and the sociolinguistics aspects of language play some role in the implicit curriculum. At last, the implications of ACTFL standards for language teaching and learning are discussed to further guide the English curriculum in Taiwan.
On English Teaching in Maritime Colleges
Authors: Shen Jiang , Wang Honggui
Published: June 2011

According to English level of Chinese ocean sailors at present, we analyze the characteristics and instruction needs of navigation English and point out current English teaching in maritime specialty has many problems. Traditional teaching modes are not suitable for modern maritime needs any longer. So we propose feasible methods and countermeasures on how to improve English teaching in maritime specialty of Chinese colleges. Hopefully advanced sailors with high quality and adapting modern navigation will be brought up.
Finding a Place for Critical Thinking and Self-voice in College English as a Foreign Language Writing Classrooms
Authors: Barnawi Osman
Published: June 2011

Although the concepts of critical thinking and self-voice have been extensively discussed in a second language writing, little attention has been given, on the pedagogical level, to critical thinking and self-voice in college EFL writing instruction. To fill such a void, this paper attempts to propose some pedagogical tasks namely:  persuasive writing tasks, draft workshops one-on-one mentoring approaches for finding a place for critical thinking and self-voice in EFL classrooms. In doing so, this paper provides the operational definitions of critical thinking and self-voice concepts. It then discusses how these two concepts are closely related to complement EFL writing learning. In what follows, it presents the rationale for finding a place for critical thinking and self-voice in EFL writing. It then touches on some pedagogical practices for developing critical thinking and self-voice in classrooms. Lastly, it addresses some challenges related to implementing critical thinking and self-voice tasks in EFL classrooms.
Coursebook Development and Evaluation for English for General Purposes Course
Authors: Zohrabi Mohammad
Published: June 2011

Writing a coursebook is a demanding task and more important than writing is how to evaluate it in order to pin point its weaknesses and improve them. If we yearn to produce a quality and useful coursebook, we need to consider how to develop and evaluate it. The study reported in this article describes the process in which the researcher developed and evaluated a coursebook (Reading English in Action) for the English for General Purposes (EGP) course at the University of Tabriz, Iran. In order to investigate this coursebook’s virtues and weaknesses, the researcher taught it for four semesters and asked six of his colleagues to use it for their EGP courses. A questionnaire was developed based on a checklist that had been prepared by the researcher and distributed to the six language professors who taught the coursebook and 480 students who studied it for one semester. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the six professors and twenty four students. The aim was to carry out in-use and post-use coursebook evaluation because these are more valid and reliable than pre-use one. Since the objective of the EGP course was to develop the students’ reading skill and strategies, the present coursebook was written to fulfill these goals. However, the results of the study depicts that mere emphasis on reading bores the students and they require more interactive communicative use of the language. This study can provide invaluable insights for material writers, curriculum developers, and language teachers.
The Effects of Portfolio Assessment on Writing of EFL Students
Authors: Nezakatgoo Behzad
Published: June 2011

The primary focus of this study was to determine the effect of portfolio assessment on final examination scores of EFL students’ writing skill. To determine the impact of portfolio-based writing assessment 40 university students who enrolled in composition course were initially selected and divided randomly into two experimental and control groups. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted in this study. In order to appraise the homogeneity of the experimental and control groups Comprehensive English Language Test (CELT) was employed at the beginning of the study. The pre-test was applied to both the experimental group and control group. Later in the study, a post-test of dependent variables was implemented for both groups. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 16 statistical computer program .The statistical techniques being applied were the Levene statistic of One-Way ANOVA and the Paired-sample T-test. The results of the study revealed that that students whose work was evaluated by a portfolio system (portfolio-based assessment) had improved in their writing  and gained higher scores in final examination when compared to those students whose work was evaluated by the more traditional evaluation system (non-portfolio-based assessment).The findings of the present study highlighted the fact that portfolio assessment could be used as a complementary alternative along with traditional assessment to shed new light  on the process of writing.
Father Figures in the Novels of Jane Austen
Authors: Odeh Adli
Published: June 2011

Miniaturist as Jane Austen is, she has depicted the life of a few families. In her letter to her niece, Anna Austen, she writes: "three or four families in a country village is the very thing to work on"(Chapman's Edition, 1970, P.10). Jane’s knowledge about these families is, in no way shallow. It is rich in variation and contrasts. Jane Austen is a great novelist due to the universal significance of her novels. This universal significance is achieved in two ways. First, she creates living characters; she penetrates beneath the surface to the underlying principles of personality. She has a full understanding of human psychology and this enables her to draw intricate and complex natures. She lays bare not only the processes of their minds but also those of the heart. Second, she considers them impartially and shows them compounded both of faults and virtues like human beings. They have a universal significance; they are not national types, but representatives of essential human nature. They reveal the weaknesses and virtues of human nature in every age and country. There has been insufficient attention focused on Jane Austen’s father figures: how she created characters and what character types and father figures emerge in the full range of her stories. Characters are centre front in her stories, many of which are chiefly fine vignettes, and in Austen's theoretical statements she has consistently stressed the importance of character creation. The objective of this research is to shed light on those father figures who are the heads of the central families in Jane’s six novels.
Exploring Students’ Perceptions of ESL Writing
Authors: Abdulwahed Ahmed Ismail Sadiq
Published: June 2011

Writing has always been regarded as playing a prominent role in learning a second language. Research within this discipline has mainly focused on the development of writing skill, but in recent years, some researchers have examined students’ perceptions of writing. The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ perceptions about an academic writing course and writing in general. A total of 64 female students from an ESP program participated in the study. The general design of the study was quantitative and qualitative in nature as a questionnaire and a focus-group interview were implemented for data collection. A combination of quantitative and qualitative procedures was employed to analyze the data collected via the questionnaire and the focus group interview respectively. The overall results demonstrated the students’ positive views towards the Academic Writing Course (AWC) in particular and ESL writing in general. The major findings demonstrated students’ awareness of their needs and ESL writing requirements. The study concluded with recommendations for future research.
Recent Progress in DNA Origami Technology
Authors: Endo Masayuki , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2011

DNA origami is an emerging technology for designing defined two‐dimensional DNA nanostructures. In this review, we focus on and describe several types of DNA origami‐related studies, as follows: (1) programmed DNA origami assembly, (2) DNA origami‐templated molecular assembly, (3) design and construction of various three‐dimensional DNA origami structures, (4) programmed functionalization of DNA origami and combination with top‐down nanotechnology, (5) single molecular observation on a designed DNA origami, and (6) DNA nanomachines working on a DNA origami. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 45:12.8.1‐12.8.19. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Residue K556‐A Light Triggerable Gatekeeper to Sterically Control Translocation in FhuA
Authors: Güven Arcan , Dworeck Tamara , Fioroni Marco , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: June 2011

The general aim of our work is to build a set of engineered protein channels to be used in liposome and polymersome technology with a special emphasis in delivery applications. The channel proteins FhuA and OmpF are modified to answer to chemical (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2008), pH (Soft Matter, 2011), and light stimuli. In this study a first light triggered release system is developed by employing the photo‐cleavable label 6‐nitroveratryloxycarbonyl chloride (NVOC‐Cl) and FhuA variants with six, five, and only one lysine in the barrel. Kinetic studies on liposome inserted FhuA variants, using 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)/horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as detection system led to the discovery of a single labeled amino acid position, K556, that is sufficient to act as a gate and that controls TMB translocation through the FhuA Δ1‐160 pore. Background conversion of TMB in the absence of FhuA Δ1‐160 ranges from 13 (non‐photo‐irradiated) to 27 (photo‐irradiated) n · s−1. A “fully” open FhuA Δ1‐160 channel reaches TMB conversions up to 113 × 10−9 M · s−1; a “fully” labeled FhuA Δ1‐160 shows a TMB conversion of 29 × 10−9 M · s−1 which is close to background levels. The engineered FhuA Δ1‐160 with only one lysine in the barrel interior (K556) shows a TMB conversion of 33 × 10−9 M · s−1 after labeling and after NVOC photo‐cleavage a conversion of 94 × 10−9 M · s−1. The latter proves the gate keeping role of position 556 in sterically modulating TMB fluxes. CD spectra, cryogenic TEM, and DLS experiments were performed to characterize the employed liposomes with embedded FhuA Δ1‐160 variants.
3D Out‐of‐Plane Rotational Etching with Pinned Catalysts in Metal‐Assisted Chemical Etching of Silicon
Authors: Hildreth Owen J. , Brown Devin , Wong Ching P.
Published: June 2011

Pinned structures in conjunction with shaped catalysts are used in metal‐assisted chemical etching (MACE) of silicon to induce out‐of‐plane rotational etching. Sub‐micro‐ and nanostructures are fabricated in silicon, which include scooped‐out channels and curved subsurface horns, along with vertically oriented thin metal structures. Five different etching modes induced by catalyst and pinning geometry are identified: 1) fully pinned–no etching, 2) rotation via twist, 3) rotation via delamination, 4) in‐plane bending, and 5) swinging. The rotation angle is roughly controlled through catalyst geometry. The force and pressure experienced by the catalyst are calculated from the deformation of the catalyst and range between 0.5–3.5 μN and 0.5–3.9 MPa, respectively. This is a new, simple method to fabricate 3D, heterogeneous sub‐micro‐ and nanostructures in silicon with high feature fidelity on the order of tens of nanometers while providing a method to measure the forces responsible for catalyst motion during MACE.
Steam gasification of a cellulose surrogate over a fluidizable Ni/α‐alumina catalyst: A kinetic model
Authors: Salaices Enrique , de Lasa Hugo , Serrano Benito
Published: June 2011

Catalytic steam gasification of a cellulose surrogate using a fluidizable Ni/α‐alumina catalyst is presented. Experiments were carried out in the CREC fluidized riser simulator. On this basis, a reaction network and a kinetic model for biomass catalytic steam gasification were proposed. This kinetic model was developed using a sound reaction engineering approach where reaction rates for various species are the result of the algebraic addition of dominant reactions. The modeling procedure also included the decoupled determination of intrinsic kinetic parameters and adsorption constants as allowed in the CREC riser simulator. The implemented approach eliminates overparametrization with successfully parameter correlation. Numerical regression of the experimental data led to intrinsic kinetic parameters with narrow spans showing that the proposed kinetic model satisfactorily describe the catalytic conversion of glucose under the selected gasification conditions. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Influence of hydrodynamics on liquid mixing during Taylor flow in a microchannel
Authors: Su Yuanhai , Chen Guangwen , Yuan Quan
Published: June 2011

The miscible liquid‐liquid two phases based on Taylor flow in microchannels was investigated by high‐speed imaging techniques and Villermaux/Dushman reaction. The mixing based on Taylor flow was much better compared with that without introducing gas in microchannels, even the ideal micromixing performance could be obtained under optimized superficial gas and liquid velocities. In the mixing process based on Taylor flow, the superficial gas and liquid velocities affected the lengths and the velocities of Taylor bubble and liquid slug, and finally the micromixing performance. The formation process of Taylor flow in the inlets, the initial uniform distribution of reactants and the internal circulations in the liquid slug, and the thin liquid films all improved the mixing performance. Furthermore, a modified Peclet number that represented the relative importance of diffusion and convection in the mixing process was proposed for explaining and anticipating micromixing efficiency. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1660–1670, 2012
Sleep abnormalities in untreated patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI
Authors: John Ângela , Fagondes Simone , Schwartz Ida , Azevedo Ana Cecília , Barrios Patrícia , Dalcin Paulo , Menna‐Barreto Sérgio , Giugliani Roberto
Published: June 2011

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is a lysosomal storage disease that affects an enzyme responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Partially degraded GAGs accumulate in several tissues, such as the upper airways (UA), which leads to the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our objective was to determine the prevalence of OSA in a group of untreated patients with MPS VI and the association of OSA with clinical and echocardiographic findings. Patients aged 4 years or older with a biochemical diagnosis of MPS VI were included. Data about clinical history, physical examination, Doppler echocardiogram, and overnight polysomnography (PSG) were collected. Our results showed that of the 28 participants, 14 were boys; mean age was 98.5 months, and mean age at MPS VI diagnosis was 48.4 months. Snoring, witnessed apnea, pectus carinatum, and macroglossia were the main clinical findings. PSG results showed that 23:27 patients (85.1%) had OSA which was mild in 4, moderate in 5, and severe in 14 patients. Echocardiograms showed evidence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 14 patients. Lower (P = 0.037) and nadir SpO2 (P = 0.007) were positively associated with PH. Clinical signs suggestive of respiratory abnormalities during sleep were not significantly correlated with the results of PSG. We conclude that the prevalence of OSA in patients with MPS VI was high, and the level of desaturation was positively correlated with PH. Symptoms during sleep were not associated with PSG findings, which suggests that this population should undergo routine PSG as earlier as possible. This study provides baseline data to estimate the potential impact of specific treatments in the sleep abnormalities presented by patients with MPS VI. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recurrent partial rhombencephalosynapsis and holoprosencephaly in siblings with a mutation of ZIC2
Authors: Ramocki Melissa B. , Scaglia Fernando , Stankiewicz Pawel , Belmont John W. , Jones Jeremy Y. , Clark Gary D.
Published: June 2011

Rhombencephalosynapsis (RES) is a rare congenital brain malformation typically identified by magnetic resonance imaging and characterized by fusion of the cerebellar hemispheres and dentate nuclei and vermian agenesis or hypogenesis. Although RES is frequently found in conjunction with other brain malformations and/or congenital anomalies, no specific molecular etiology has been discovered to date and no animal models exist. We identified two half sisters with alobar or semi‐lobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) and partial RES, suggesting that genes linked to HPE may also contribute to RES. A deletion of seven base pairs in exon one of the ZIC2 gene (c.392_98del7) was identified in each of the two half sisters with HPE and partial RES. To identify genetic causes of RES and to assess whether genes identified in HPE have a role in RES, we tested 11 additional individuals with RES by high‐resolution chromosome analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis, and sequencing of four HPE genes. No mutations in ZIC2 or in other genes that cause HPE were identified, suggesting that mutation of ZIC2 is a rare cause of, or contributor to, RES associated with HPE. In addition, an individual with a complex rearrangement of chromosome 22q13.3 and RES was identified, suggesting the presence of a dosage‐sensitive gene that may contribute to RES in this region. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurofibromatosis 2: A novel risk factor for hypertension?
Authors: Hornigold Rachael E. , Golding John F. , Ferner Robin E. , Ferner Rosalie E.
Published: June 2011

There are anecdotal reports of neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) patients and vascular disease, but no previous studies have compared blood pressure (BP) in people with NF2 and in the general population. This study is the first to show that BP is significantly higher in patients with NF2 than in matched control patients. This is important for the management of patients with NF2, and in the differential diagnosis of secondary hypertension. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new mitochondria‐related disease showing myopathy with episodic hyper‐creatine kinase‐emia
Authors: Okamoto Yuji , Higuchi Itsuro , Sakiyama Yusuke , Tokunaga Shoko , Watanabe Osamu , Arimura Kimiyoshi , Nakagawa Masanori , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: June 2011

Objective:

To elucidate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations and a mitochondrial disease with a distinct combination of characteristic symptoms, namely episodic hyper‐creatine kinase (CK)‐emia and mild myopathy.

Methods:

We selected 9 patients with mtDNA np8291 alteration from 586 patients suspected to have a mitochondrial disease, and assessed them clinically, pathologically, and genetically. These 9 patients had undiagnosed mitochondrial myopathy with episodic hyper‐CK‐emia, all showing similar symptoms and progression.

Results:

Patients had mild muscle weakness and episodic hyper‐CK‐emia triggered by infections or drugs. Five of 9 patients were initially diagnosed with other conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, viral myositis, and drug‐induced myopathy, because these conditions were acute or subacute, and 9 patients showed the same 16 mtDNA alterations, which have been reported to be nonpathological polymorphisms. Muscle biopsy revealed ragged‐red fibers, highly expressed succinate dehydrogenase staining fibers, and cytochrome c oxidase–deficient fibers. Because their mitochondrial sequence data was almost the same, and 9 patients live in widely separated cities in Japan, the alterations may have arisen from a single source.

Interpretation:

These findings suggest that mild myopathy with episodic hyper‐CK‐emia associated with some of the 16 mtDNA alterations or at least with their mitochondria, could be a novel mitochondrial disease. Therefore, we propose that this disease be named as “mitochondrial myopathy with episodic hyper‐CK‐emia (MIMECK).” These alterations could work concomitantly and probably modify the impact of medications or other environmental factors. We believe these findings provide an insight into a novel aspect of mitochondrial disease pathogenesis. ANN NEUROL 2011;70: 486–492.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion imaging in ischemic stroke: Definitions and thresholds
Authors: Dani Krishna A. , Thomas Ralph G.R. , Chappell Francesca M. , Shuler Kirsten , MacLeod Mary J. , Muir Keith W. , Wardlaw Joanna M. ,   on behalf of the Translational Medicine Research Collaboration Multicentre Acute Stroke Imaging Study
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Cerebral perfusion imaging with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) is widely available. The optimum perfusion values to identify tissue at risk of infarction in acute stroke are unclear. We systematically reviewed CT and MR perfusion imaging in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods:

We searched for papers on MR or CT perfusion performed <24 hours after stroke that assessed perfusion thresholds, mean perfusion lesion values, or lesion volumes. We extracted definitions and perfusion values. We compared definitions and evaluated perfusion thresholds for “nonviable”/”at risk” and “at risk”/”not at risk tissue” thresholds.

Results:

Among 7,152 papers, 69 met inclusion criteria for analysis of definitions (49 MR and 20 CT), 21 MR (n = 551), and 10 CT (n = 266) papers, median sample size 22, provided thresholds. We found multiple definitions for tissue states, eg, tissue at risk, 18; nonviable tissue, 12; 16, no definition. Perfusion parameters varied widely; eg, 9 different MR, 6 different CT parameters for the “at risk”/”not at risk threshold.” Median threshold values varied up to 4‐fold, eg, for the “at risk”/”not at risk threshold,” median cerebral blood flow ranged from 18 to 37ml/100g/min; mean transit time from 1.8 to 8.3 seconds relative to the contralateral side. The influence of reperfusion and duration of ischemia could not be assessed.

Interpretation:

CT and MR perfusion imaging viability thresholds in stroke are derived from small numbers of patients, variable perfusion analysis methods and definitions of tissue states. Greater consistency of methods would help determine reliable perfusion viability values for wider clinical use of perfusion imaging. ANN NEUROL 2011
Influence of crystalline properties on the dielectric and energy storage properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)
Authors: Li Junjie , Meng Qingjie , Li Wenjing , Zhang Zhicheng
Published: June 2011

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films with various crystal phases (α, β, and γ phases) and varied crystallinities were fabricated via different processes. The influence of the crystalline properties, such as the crystallinity and crystal phases, on the breakdown strength and dielectric and energy storage properties of the films were studied. Under low electric field, the dielectric constant was governed by the crystallinities of the films, and the dielectric loss was more related to the polarity of their crystal phases. Under high electric field, the high polarity of the crystal phases favored high‐maximum, remnant, and irreversible polarization of the films. The lower crystallinity of the films with the same crystal phases led to a higher maximum and remnant polarization but a lower irreversible polarization. Under direct‐current electric field, the discharged energy efficiency was mainly dominated by the polar nature of crystal phases. Under an electric field below 300 MV/m, the discharged energy density and energy loss of the three kinds of films were rather close, regardless of the phase transition. When the electric field was over 300 MV/m, the overall discharged energy density was dominated by the practical breakdown strength. γ‐PVDF with a proper crystallinity and crystal grain size is expected to realize an energy density over 10 J/cm3 under an electric field over 400 MV/m. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Electrospun fiber membranes of novel thermoplastic polyester elastomers: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Cao Ding , Fu Zhifeng , Li Congju
Published: June 2011

Electrospinning nanotechnology has recently attracted lots of attention in different kinds of applications. Poly(butylene terephthalate) random‐segment copolymers, named poly[(butylene terephthalate)‐co‐(1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate)]‐b‐poly(tetramethylene glycol) (P(BT‐co‐CT)‐b‐PTMG), were synthesized in this study. On the basis of the new thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPEEs), the fiber membranes were subsequently electrospun. With the aid of a cosolvent of trifluoroacetic acid and dichloromethane, the resulting solutions with a concentration between 24 and 32% w/v were electrospun into fibers without beads. The results also show a good spinnability for the copolymer solution in a range of voltages from 16 to 24 kV. When the molar ratio of 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol to 1,4‐butanediol was 10 : 90, the electrospun membrane prepared by the corresponding copolymers had a higher elastic modulus than the commercial TPEE (Hytrel 4056, 4.51 ± 0.35 MPa). Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction showed that a crystalline phase existed in the electrospun poly[(butylene terephthalate)‐co‐(1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate)]‐b‐poly(tetramethylene glycol) (P(BT‐co‐CT)‐b‐PTMG) copolymer fiber membranes. The melting point of the electrospun fibers was approximately less than that of the corresponding copolymers © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Flame‐retardant rigid polyurethane foams prepared with amorphous sodium polyborate
Authors: Tsuyumoto Isao , Onoda Yasutoshi , Hashizume Fumiya , Kinpara Eisuke
Published: June 2011

Highly flame‐retardant rigid polyurethane (RPU) foams were prepared by vacuum impregnation or pressure impregnation of sodium polyborate (SPB) solution. The RPU foams (10 mm thickness, 134–690% SPB) endured the flame of a butane gas burner for 167–1144 s, and the backside temperatures remained below 45°C until penetration occurred. The heat releases from the RPU foams with 150 and 400% SPB in air in the cone calorimeter tests were 8.8 and 4.1 MJ/m2, respectively. The analyses with thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy indicated the flame‐retardant mechanism, in which the SPB foam and the formed char layer together insulated the inside from oxygen gas and heat. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Property evaluation and structure analysis of polyurethane/epoxy graft interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Kostrzewa M. , Hausnerova B. , Bakar M. , Dalka M.
Published: June 2011

Polyurethanes obtained from 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and polydiols with different molecular weights (polyethylene glycol and polyoxypropylene diols) were used as modifiers for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. Impact strength (IS), critical stress intensity factor (KC), flexural strength and flexural strain at break were measured as a function of polyurethane (PUR) type and content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed for the structure and morphology analysis. It was found that the addition of polyurethane with an excess of isocyanate groups to epoxy resin resulted in the formation of a grafted interpenetrating polymer network structure. The mechanical properties of epoxy resin were improved with 5 and 10% PUR. Moreover, it was observed that composites containing PUR based on higher molecular weight (PUR 1002 and PUR 2002) with long flexible segments exhibited higher impact strength while PUR prepared from polyethylene glycol had a higher flexural energy to break and a higher flexural modulus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Exothermic behavior, degree of conversion, and viscoelastic properties of experimental and commercially available hard chairside reline resins
Authors: Reis José Maurício Santos Nunes , Giampaolo Eunice Teresinha , Pavarina Ana Cláudia , Machado Ana Lucia , Erxleben Jörg , Vergani Carlos Eduardo
Published: June 2011

This study evaluated the exothermic behavior, degree of conversion (DC), and the viscoelastic properties of five reline resins, two experimental (E1 and E2), and three commercially available (Kooliner, K; New Truliner, NT; and Tokuyama Rebase II, TR II), and one denture base resin (Lucitone 550, L). The exothermic behavior was assessed (n = 4) using a type‐K thermocouple. The DC (%) was measured (n = 5) by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy. The viscoelastic properties were evaluated (n = 2) by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) under different runs. Storage modulus (E′) and loss tangent (tan δ) at 37°C were obtained from the first and last runs. The glass transition (Tg) was measured from the last run. Data were analyzed by analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). K and NT produced similar peak temperature to TR II and higher than E1 and E2. E1, E2, and TR II showed the lowest time to peak temperature. NT produced the highest DC, followed by TR II and L. E2 produced similar DC to K and higher than E1. No significant differences were found on the E′ and tan δ of E1, E2, and TR II. From the last run, L showed similar E′ to E1, E2, and K and higher than NT and TR II. The highest Tg was produced by L. K produced lower Tg than TR II and higher than E1, E2, and NT. All reline materials presented suitable exothermic behavior to clinical use. Overall, the materials formulated with difunctional monomers (E1, E2, and TR II) presented similar properties to the denture resin. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Differences in Fibre Type Composition Between Human Masseter and Biceps Muscles in Young and Adults Reveal Unique Masseter Fibre Type Growth Pattern
Authors: Österlund Catharina , Thornell Lars‐Eric , Eriksson Per‐Olof
Published: June 2011

The human jaw system is different from those of other primates, carnivores, ruminants, and rodents in temporomandibular joint and muscle anatomy. In adults, jaw muscles also differ markedly from limb and trunk muscles in composition and distribution of fibre types. It can be assumed that age‐related changes between young age to adulthood in terms of craniofacial growth, teeth eruption, and improvement of jaw functions are paralleled by alterations also in composition and distribution of jaw muscle fibre types. To address this question, we have examined the fibre type composition of the human masseter, a jaw closing muscle, at young age. For comparison, the young biceps brachii was examined. The results were compared with previous data for adult masseter and biceps muscles. Young masseter and biceps were similar in that type I fibres outnumbered other fibre types and were of the same diameter. However, they differed in composition of other fibre types. Young masseter contained fibre types I, IM, IIC, IIAB, IIB, and scarce IIA, with regional differences, whereas young biceps showed types I, IIA, IIAB, and few IIB. Young masseter differed from young biceps also by smaller type II fibre diameter and by containing fetal MyHC. In addition, the masseter and biceps differed in age‐related changes of composition and distribution of fibre types between young age and adulthood. We conclude that the human masseter is specialized in fibre types already at young age and shows a unique fibre type growth pattern, in concordance with being a separate allotype of muscle. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of two closely related α‐amylase paralogs in the bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.)
Authors: Viktorinova Ivana , Kucerova Lucie , Bohmova Marta , Henry Ian , Jindra Marek , Dolezal Petr , Zurovcova Martina , Zurovec Michal
Published: June 2011

Ips typographus (L.), the eight‐spined spruce bark beetle, causes severe damage throughout Eurasian spruce forests and suitable nuclear markers are needed in order to study its population structure on a genetic level. Two closely related genes encoding α‐amylase in I. typographus were characterized and named AmyA and AmyB. Both α‐amylase paralogs consisted of six exons and five introns. AmyA encodes a polypeptide of 483 amino acids, whereas AmyB has two alternative transcripts encoding polypeptides of 483 and 370 amino acids. The expression levels of both genes were high during larval stage and adulthood. The AmyB transcripts were absent in the pupal stage. A modification of the allozyme staining method allowed us to detect two clusters of bands on the electrophoretic gel that may correspond to the two α‐amylase genes. There was a correlation between the lack of AmyB expression in pupa and the absence of the fast migrating isozyme cluster at this stage, suggesting that the faster migrating isoforms are products of the AmyB gene, whereas the slowly migrating bands are derived from the AmyA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new adaptive control for periodic tracking/disturbance rejection
Authors: Chung Chih‐Hsien , Chen Min‐Shin , Hsue Albert Wen‐Jeng
Published: June 2011

This paper proposes a new adaptive feedforward cancellation (AFC) control that achieves periodic tracking and/or periodic disturbance rejection. The new control design is a direct scheme in the sense that it adaptively updates the desired control without estimating the unknown disturbance. The proposed new control has several advantages. First, its adaptation gain can be arbitrarily chosen without upsetting the system stability. Second, it can be applied to not only minimum‐phase systems, but also non‐minimum phase systems. Finally, it is shown that the proposed AFC control is independent of where the disturbance enters the system.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A diet of somatic cell nuclear transfer cloned‐cattle meat produced no toxic effects on behavioral or reproductive characteristics of F1 rats derived from dams fed on cloned‐cattle meat
Authors: Yang Byoung‐Chul , Lee Nam‐Jin , Im Gi‐Sun , Seong Hwan‐Hoo , Park Jin‐Ki , Kang Jong‐Koo , Hwang Seongsoo
Published: June 2011

Background: The composition and nutritional value of meat and milk derived from cloned animals and their progeny has not been demonstrated to be different from normal animals, but possible food consumption risks that might arise from unidentified hazards remain. In this study, we investigated the effects of somatic cell nuclear transfer cloned‐cattle meat diet on the behavioral and reproductive characteristics of F1 rats derived from dams that were also fed on cloned‐cattle meat. Methods and results: F1 rats were divided into five diet groups with their dams: commercial pellets (control), pellets containing 5% (N‐5) and 10% (N‐10) of normal‐cattle meat, and diets containing 5% (C‐5) and 10% (C‐10) of cloned‐cattle meat. In most cases, the cloned‐cattle meat diet did not affect body weight and food consumption in both male and female F1 rats during 11 weeks, except for significantly higher body weight in both N‐5 and N‐10 (3–5 weeks, p<0.05 or p<0.01) and significantly higher food consumption in the both normal‐ and cloned‐cattle meat groups (7–9 weeks, p<0.05 or p<0.01), as compared with the controls, respectively. We detected no signs of test substance‐related toxicities on organ weights and behavioral characteristics (sensory reflex, motor function, and spatial learning and memory tests). Reproductive functions did not significantly differ among all examined rats (mating, fertility, and implantation). Conclusions: These behavioral and reproductive toxicity results suggest that there are no obvious food safety concerns related to cloned‐cattle meat in these parameters. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:224–230, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel blue‐emitting SrMg2Al16O27:Eu2+ phosphor for solid‐state lighting
Authors: Pawade V. B. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: June 2011

Eu2+‐activated SrMg2Al16O27 novel phosphor was synthesized by a combustion method (550°C furnace). The prepared phosphor was first characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) for confirmation of phase purity. SEM analysis showed the morphology of the phosphor. The photoluminescence characteristics showed broad‐band excitation at 324 nm, which was monitored at 465 nm emission wavelength. The SrMg2Al16O27:Eu2+ phosphor shows broad blue emission centred at 465 nm, emitting a blue light corresponding to 4f65d1 → 4f7 transition. Here we report the photoluminescence characteristics of the prepared phosphor and compare it with commercial BAM:Eu2+ phosphor. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulfonated amphipols: Synthesis, properties, and applications
Authors: Dahmane, Tassadite , Giusti Fabrice , Catoire Laurent J. , Popot Jean‐Luc
Published: June 2011

Amphipols (APols) are amphiphatic polymers that keep membrane proteins (MPs) water‐soluble. The best characterized and most widely used APol to date, A8‐35, comprises a polyacrylate backbone grafted with octyl‐ and isopropylamine side chains. The nature of its hydrophilic moieties prevents its use at the slightly acidic pH that is desirable to slow down the rate of amide proton exchange in solution NMR studies. We describe here the synthesis and properties of pH‐insensitive APols obtained by replacing isopropyles with taurine. Sulfonated APols (SAPols) can be used to trap MPs in the form of small complexes, to stabilize them, and to keep them water‐soluble even at low pH. [15N,1H]‐transverse relaxation‐optimized spectroscopy NMR spectra obtained at pH 6.8 of a bacterial outer MP folded in SAPols show that the protein is correctly folded. The spectra have a resolution similar to that achieved with A8‐35 and reveal water‐exposed amide and indole protons whose resonance peaks are absent at pH 8.0. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 811–823, 2011.
DVD pirating intentions: Angels, devils, chancers and receivers
Authors: Cockrill Antje , Goode Mark M. H.
Published: June 2011

Digital piracy is perceived as a considerable problem by the film industry, and numerous preventative strategies have been introduced, but so far with limited success. This paper explores DVD piracy in particular, and focuses on identifying different types of pirating behaviour and the antecedents to this behaviour. Four distinct types of ‘pirates’ were identified, based on a cross‐sectional sample of UK adults. These groups were serious pirates (‘Devils’), opportunists (‘Chancers’), receivers (‘Receivers’) and non‐pirates (‘Angels’). A structural equation modelling approach was used to establish the importance of key antecedents for the overall sample and the four sub groups. The base model fitted the overall sample very well as for the sub group ‘Chancers’, but as expected, there were significant differences in model fit and the importance of key variables between the different behaviour types. The construct of ‘perceived harm’ emerged as an important differentiator in all models. The results suggest that targeting anti‐pirating measures specifically at different types of behaviour and their antecedents may increase the effectiveness of such measures and also assist with the efficient allocation of limited resources in this area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of L‐arginine or L‐citrulline supplementation on biochemical parameters and the vascular aortic wall in high‐fat and high‐cholesterol‐fed rats
Authors: El‐Kirsh Amal Ashmawy Ahmed , Abd El‐Wahab Hanan Mohamed Fathy , Abd‐Ellah Sayed Hala Fahmy
Published: June 2011

The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential role of L‐arginine or L‐citrulline in rats fed high‐fat and high‐cholesterol (HFC) diet. HFC feeding increased significantly serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, urea and all lipid profiles and decreased significantly serum high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐c) and non significantly serum nitric oxide levels. L‐arginine or L‐citrulline administration reversed the increase in serum AST and ALT activities, urea and all lipid profiles. These effects were associated with a concomitant increase in HDL‐c and nitric oxide levels. In general, rats fed HFC diet and orally treated with L‐arginine or L‐citrulline had higher relative percentage of 18 : 0, 20 : 0 and 22 : 6 and lower 16 : 0 fatty acids than rats fed HFC diet. Light and transmission electron microscopic findings of the thoracic aorta confirmed the biochemical results and demonstrated structural changes in the endothelial cells of the intimal layer, medial smooth muscle cells as well as in the adventitial layer in HFC fed‐animals. However, these findings indicate little structural alterations in animals supplemented with L‐arginine or L‐citrulline along with HFC feeding. In the present study, L‐arginine or L‐citrulline was effective hypocholesterolemic and hypolipidemic agents in rats. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of erythropoietin on ICAM‐1 and PECAM‐1 expressions on human umbilical vein endothelial cells subjected to oxidative stress
Authors: Kamianowska Monika , Szczepański Marek , Skrzydlewska Elżbieta
Published: June 2011

The protective effect of erythropoietin (Epo) is based on its ability to reduce oxidation and to stabilize the cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of Epo on malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (CD54) and platelet–endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) (CD31) levels on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). HUVECs were incubated with Epo (10–40 IU ml−1) or TNF‐α (10–40 ng ml−1) alone or preincubated with Epo (20 IU ml−1) and subsequently stimulated with TNF‐α (10–40 ng ml−1). MDA concentrations were measured using the high‐performance liquid chromatography, whereas ICAM‐1 and PECAM‐1 expressions were evaluated by flow cytometry. Incubation with Epo resulted in a decrease in MDA and the increased expressions of ICAM‐1 and PECAM‐1. Exposure to TNF‐α reflected an increase in MDA, ICAM‐1 and PECAM‐1 levels. These changes were inhibited by preincubation with Epo. The cytoprotective activity proven in this study points to new applications and therapeutic possibilities for Epo. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Libido and Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Vural Ahmet , Agacdiken Aysen , Celikyurt Umut , Culha Melih , Kahraman Goksel , Kozdag Guliz , Ural Dilek
Published: June 2011

Background:

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a common, complex clinical syndrome characterized by dyspnea, fatigue and exercise intolerance. HF patients experience decreased libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). The effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on libido and erectile function have not been previously evaluated. We aimed to investigate the effects of CRT on libido and ED.

Hypothesis:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves libido and ED.

Methods:

Thirty‐one male patients with advanced HF, scheduled for implantation of a CRT device, were included in the study. Left ventricular systolic function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classs, libido, and ED were assessed before and 6 months after CRT. Libido and ED were evaluated with the Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) rating scale and internationally validated Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire, respectively.

Results:

At the 6‐month follow‐up, the mean NYHA class improved from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.6 (P<0.001). On echocardiographic examination, an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 18 ± 5% to 32 ± 6% was detected (P<0.001). A significant increase in mean SHIM score and a significant decrease in mean AMS were noted. Changes in SHIM and AMS scores were correlated positively with the increase in LVEF (r = 0.47, P = 0.007 and r = − 0.36, P = 0.04, respectively). Similarly, SHIM scores were correlated negatively (r = − 0.57, P = 0.001) and AMS scores were correlated positively (r = 0.73, P = 0.0001) with the improvement in NYHA class.

Conclusions:

CRT results in a significant improvement in libido and erectile function in patients with congestive HF. This improvement is related to the improvements in the LVEF and functional capacity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.