bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Lane-Changing Execution of Multiclass Vehicles under Heavy Traffic Conditions
Authors: Moridpour Sara , Sarvi Majid , Rose Geoff
Published: September 2010

In general, existing lane-changing behavior models focus on drivers' lane-changing decisions and neglect lane-changing execution. However, a lane-changing maneuver is likely to require several seconds for execution. Excluding lane-changing execution may have a significant effect on estimated traffic flow characteristics, particularly under heavy traffic conditions (level of service E). Acceleration and deceleration behaviors of heavy vehicle and passenger car drivers during the execution of a lane-changing maneuver are compared and contrasted. In addition, separate acceleration and deceleration models are developed for heavy vehicles and passenger cars during the lane change. The vehicle trajectory data set used in this research reflects heavy traffic conditions. Analysis of heavy vehicle drivers' lane-changing execution reveals that drivers maintained an almost constant speed during the maneuver; this suggests that they did not accelerate or decelerate to adjust their speeds according to the speed of surrounding traffic in the target lane. However, passenger car drivers do accelerate to adjust their speeds according to the speeds of the lead and lag vehicles in the target lane. The results highlight differences in the behavior of heavy vehicle and passenger car drivers during lane-changing execution.
Incident Management and Traffic Information
Authors: Burghout Wilco , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Andreasson Ingmar
Published: September 2010

Incident response and mitigation are among the main tasks of operators at traffic control centers. Simulation models have a good chance of reproducing and predicting the effects of incident response by explicitly modeling driver response to the incident and information provided. In the PREDIKT project sponsored by the Swedish National Road Administration, the state-of-the-art mesoscopic simulation model MEZZO was extended to provide decision support for incident management. Numerous essential modeling components are described and tested, including modeling the incident response logic, a mixed-logit model, and a method for generating alternatives for drivers switching routes. In addition, the results of a fast calibration method based on simultaneous perturbation statistic approximation are presented. The model components are tested in a small case study that investigates the effect of delay in providing information to drivers after incidents. A linearization of speed–density functions also is shown to improve computational performance by 30% and increase calibration speed and stability while preserving simulation accuracy.
Synthesis and crystal structures of multifunctional tosylates as basis for star-shaped poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s
Authors: Hoogenboom Richard , Fijten Martin W M , Kickelbick Guido , Schubert Ulrich S
Published: September 2010

The synthesis of well-defined polymer architectures is of major importance for the development of complex functional materials. In this contribution, we discuss the synthesis of a range of multifunctional star-shaped tosylates as potential initiators for the living cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) of 2-oxazolines resulting in star-shaped polymers. The synthesis of the tosylates was performed by esterification of the corresponding alcohols with tosyl chloride. Recrystallization of these tosylate compounds afforded single crystals, and the X-ray crystal structures of di-, tetra- and hexa-tosylates are reported. The use of tetra- and hexa-tosylates, based on (di)pentaerythritol as initiators for the CROP of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline, resulted in very slow initiation and ill-defined polymers, which is most likely caused by steric hindrance in these initiators. As a consequence, a porphyrin-cored tetra-tosylate initiator was prepared, which yielded a well-defined star-shaped poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) by CROP as demonstrated by SEC with RI, UV and diode-array detectors, as well as by 1H NMR spectroscopy.
La naissance de l'éhiyehlogie
Authors: Miyamoto Hisao
Published: September 2010

Notre présentation se propose de dépasser l’onto-théologie qui a été considérée comme foyer de la pensée totalitaire et du totalitarisme. Pour réaliser ce propos et trouver la clef de l’interprétation, nous avons essayé de nous référer à la narratologie et à l’Hayatologie ou l’Ehyehlogie (un genre de l’ontologie hébraïque).
Apoyo a la selección de emplazamientos óptimos de edificios. Localización de un edificio universitario mediante el Proceso Analítico Jerárquico (AHP)
Authors: Martínez E. , Álvarez M. , Arquero Á. , Romero M.
Published: September 2010

Uno de los nuevos campos en el que los SIG son necesarios, es la gestión eficaz de los espacios y equipamientos urbanos, tanto desde el punto de vista medioambiental, respetando la idea de desarrollo sostenible; como del mantenimiento de sus infraestructuras, generando soluciones inmediatas a problemas urgentes. En este trabajo se plantea la utilización de una técnica de decisión multicriterio, el Proceso Analítico Jerárquico (AHP), con datos generados por un SIG para determinar sobre la base de diferentes criterios basados en distintos atributos, cual es el emplazamiento más adecuado para construir equipamientos urbanos. Se ha aplicado para determinar el emplazamiento de una biblioteca en el Campus de Montegancedo de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, donde se ubica la Facultad de Informática.
El AHP, es una herramienta de base matemática que permite estructurar un problema multicriterio en forma visual y construir un modelo jerárquico que representa el problema objeto de estudio. Se pretende concluir que con la aplicación de este tipo de herramientas de decisión se logra una mayor equidad y eficiencia espacial en el resultado final de la decisión sobre el emplazamiento, al mismo tiempo que se minimizan los posibles efectos negativos sobre el medioambiente en una zona de especial protección.
A Comparison of Mercury Contamination in Mussel and Ammocoete Filter Feeders
Authors: Bettaso Jamie B. , Goodman Damon H.
Published: September 2010

The Trinity River, California, has an extensive history of gold and mercury mining, and recent studies demonstrated uptake of legacy mercury contamination by teleost fishes. We investigated mercury concentrations of larval lampreys (ammocoetes; Entosphenus spp.) and western pearlshell mussels (Margaritifera falcata) in the Trinity River to determine whether these two long-lived and sedentary filter feeders show site-specific differences in uptake of this contaminant. We analyzed ammocoetes from four sites in the Trinity River and one reference site in the Mad River for total mercury and mussels from three of the Trinity River sites for total and methyl mercury. We identified longitudinal gradients in ammocoete total mercury levels and methyl mercury in mussels. We found a 70% increase in total mercury in ammocoetes between two of the sample sites, suggesting a potential point source of contamination. Ammocoetes contained levels of mercury 12 to 25 times those of mussels from the same site. Our data indicate that ammocoetes may be a preferred organism to sample for mercury contamination and ecological effects compared with mussels in the Trinity River.
Context-Dependent Regulation of Hematopoietic Lineage Choice by HEBAlt
Authors: Wang Duncheng , Claus Carol L. , Rajkumar Paula , Braunstein Marsela , Moore Amanda J. , Sigvardsson Mikael , Anderson Michele K.
Published: September 2010

Hematopoietic development is controlled by combinatorial interactions between E-protein transcription factors and other lineage regulators that operate in the context of gene-regulatory networks. The E-proteins HEB and E2A are critical for T cell and B cell development, but the mechanisms by which their activities are directed to different genes in each lineage are unclear. We found that a short form of HEB, HEBAlt, acts downstream of Delta-like (DL)-Notch signaling to promote T cell development. In this paper, we show that forced expression of HEBAlt in mouse hematopoietic progenitors inhibited B cell development, but it allowed them to adopt a myeloid fate. HEBAlt interfered with the activity of E2A homodimers and with the expression of the transcription factor Pax5, both of which are critical for B cell development. However, when combined with DL-Notch signaling, HEBAlt enhanced the generation of T cell progenitors at the expense of myeloid cells. The longer form of HEB, HEBCan, also inhibited E47 activity and Pax5 expression, but it did not collaborate with DL-Notch signaling to suppress myeloid potential. Therefore, HEBAlt can suppress B cell or myeloid potential in a context-specific manner, which suggests a role for this factor in maintaining T lineage priming prior to commitment.
TLR4 and TLR5 on Corneal Macrophages Regulate Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis by Signaling through MyD88-Dependent and -Independent Pathways
Authors: Sun Yan , Karmakar Mausita , Roy Sanhita , Ramadan Raniyah T. , Williams Susan R. , Howell Scott , Shive Carey L. , Han Yiping , Stopford Charles M. , Rietsch Arne , Pearlman Eric
Published: September 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States and worldwide. Using a murine model of keratitis in which abraded corneas are infected with P. aeruginosa parent and ΔfliC (aflagellar) strains 19660 and PAO1, we found that F4/80+ macrophages were the predominant cell type in the cornea expressing TLR2, TLR4, and TLR5. Depletion of macrophages and dendritic cells using transgenic Mafia mice, in which Fas ligand is selectively activated in these cells, resulted in diminished cytokine production and cellular infiltration to the corneal stroma and unimpaired bacterial growth. TLR4−/− mice showed a similar phenotype postinfection with ΔfliC strains, whereas TLR4/5−/− mice were susceptible to corneal infection with parent strains. Bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with ΔfliC bacteria induced Toll/IL-1R intracellular domain (TIR)-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-dependent phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 in addition to TIR-containing adaptor protein/MyD88-dependent phosphorylation of IκB and nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NFκB. Furthermore, TRIF−/− mice showed a similar phenotype as TLR4−/− mice in regulating only ΔfliC bacteria, whereas MyD88−/− mice were unable to clear parent or ΔfliC bacteria. Finally, IL-1R1−/− and IL-1α/β−/− mice were highly susceptible to infection. Taken together, these findings indicate that P. aeruginosa activates TLR4/5 on resident corneal macrophages, which signal through TRIF and TIR-containing adaptor protein/MyD88 pathways, leading to NF-κB translocation to the nucleus, transcription of CXCL1 and other CXC chemokines, recruitment of neutrophils to the corneal stroma, and subsequent bacterial killing and tissue damage. IL-1α and IL-1β are also produced, which activate an IL-1R1/MyD88-positive feedback loop in macrophages and IL-1R on other resident cells in the cornea.
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Activity in T Cells Regulates the Magnitude of the Germinal Center Reaction
Authors: Rolf Julia , Bell Sarah E. , Kovesdi Dorottya , Janas Michelle L. , Soond Dalya R. , Webb Louise M. C. , Santinelli Sara , Saunders Ted , Hebeis Barbara , Killeen Nigel , Okkenhaug Klaus , Turner Martin
Published: September 2010

The generation of high-affinity Abs is essential for immunity and requires collaboration between B and T cells within germinal centers (GCs). By using novel mouse models with a conditional deletion of the p110δ catalytic subunit of the PI3K pathway, we established that p110δ is required in T cells, but not in B cells, for the GC reaction. We found the formation of T follicular helper (TFH) cells to be critically dependent on p110δ in T cells. Furthermore, by deleting phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10, which opposes p110δ in activated T cells, we found a positive correlation between increased numbers of TFH cells and GC B cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that T cell help is the limiting factor in the GC reaction. P110δ was not required for the expression of B cell lymphoma 6, the downregulation of CCR7, or T cell entry into primary follicles. Instead, p110δ was the critical catalytic subunit for ICOS downstream signaling and the production of key TFH cytokines and effector molecules. Our findings support a model in which the magnitude of the GC reaction is controlled by the activity of the PI3K pathway in TFH cells.
Universal monotonicity of eigenvalue moments and sharp Lieb–Thirring inequalities
Authors: Stubbe Joachim
Published: September 2010

We show that phase space bounds on the eigenvalues of Schrödinger operators can be derived from universal bounds recently obtained by E. M. Harrell and the author via a monotonicity property with respect to coupling constants. In particular, we provide a new proof of sharp Lieb–Thirring inequalities.
The Monge problem for strictly convex norms in $\mathbb{R}^d$
Authors: Champion Thierry , De Pascale Luigi
Published: September 2010

We prove the existence of an optimal transport map for the Monge problem in a convex bounded subset of ℝ_d_ under the assumptions that the first marginal is absolutely continuous with respect to the Lebesgue measure and that the cost is given by a strictly convex norm. We propose a new approach which does not use disintegration of measures.
Fourier analysis, linear programming, and densities of distance avoiding sets in $\mathbb{R}^n$
Authors: de Oliveira Filho Fernando Mário , Vallentin Frank
Published: September 2010

We derive new upper bounds for the densities of measurable sets in ℝ_n_ which avoid a finite set of prescribed distances. The new bounds come from the solution of a linear programming problem. We apply this method to obtain new upper bounds for measurable sets which avoid the unit distance in dimensions 2; . . . ; 24. This gives new lower bounds for the measurable chromatic number in dimensions 3; . . . ; 24. We apply it to get a short proof of a variant of a recent result of Bukh which in turn generalizes theorems of Furstenberg, Katznelson, Weiss, Bourgain and Falconer about sets avoiding many distances.
Solutions with vortices of a semi-stiff boundary value problem for the Ginzburg–Landau equation
Authors: Berlyand Leonid , Rybalko Volodymyr
Published: September 2010

We study solutions of the 2D Ginzburg–Landau equation

-Δ u + \frac 1 {ε^2} u (|u|^2 - 1) = 0

subject to “semi-stiff” boundary conditions: Dirichlet conditions for the modulus,

|u|=1

, and homogeneous Neumann conditions for the phase. The principal result of this work shows that there are stable solutions of this problem with zeros (vortices), which are located near the boundary and have bounded energy in the limit of small

ε

. For the Dirichlet boundary condition (“stiff” problem), the existence of stable solutions with vortices, whose energy blows up as

ε → 0

, is well known. By contrast, stable solutions with vortices are not established in the case of the homogeneous Neumann (“soft”) boundary condition.

In this work, we develop a variational method which allows one to construct local minimizers of the corresponding Ginzburg–Landau energy functional. We introduce an approximate bulk degree as the key ingredient of this method, and, unlike the standard degree over the curve, it is preserved in the weak

H^1

-limit.
Bubbling along boundary geodesics near the second critical exponent
Authors: del Pino Manuel , Musso Monica , Pacard Frank
Published: September 2010

The role of the
second critical exponent

p = (n+1)/(n-3)

, the Sobolev critical exponent in one dimension less, is investigated for the classical Lane–Emden–Fowler problem

Δu + u^p = 0

,

u > 0

under zero Dirichlet boundary conditions, in a domain

Ω

in

ℝ^n

with bounded, smooth boundary. Given

Γ

, a geodesic of the boundary with negative inner normal curvature we find that for

p = (n+1)/(n-3)-ε

, there exists a solution

u_ε

such that

|∇{u_ε}|^2

converges weakly to a Dirac measure on

Γ

as

ε → 0^+

exists, provided that

Γ

is non-degenerate in the sense of second variations of length and

ε

remains away from certain explicit discrete set of values for which a resonance phenomenon takes place.
The relationship between 0.25–2.5 μm aerosol and CO2emissions over a city
Authors: Vogt M. , Nilsson E. D. , Ahlm L. , Mårtensson E. M. , Johansson C.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Unlike exhaust emissions, non-exhaust traffic emissions are completely unregulated and there are large uncertainties in the non-exhaust emission factors required to estimate the emissions of these aerosols. This study provides the first published results of direct measurements of size resolved emission factors for particles in the size range 0.25–2.5 μm using a new approach deriving aerosol emission factors from the CO2 emission fluxes. Because the aerosol and CO2 emissions have a common source and because the CO2 emission per fuel or traffic amount are much less uncertain than the aerosol emissions, this approach has obvious advantages. Therefore aerosol fluxes were measured during one year using the eddy covariance method at the top of a 118 m high communication tower over Stockholm, Sweden. Maximum CO2 and particle fluxes coincides with the wind direction with densest traffic within the footprint area. Negative fluxes (uptake of CO2 and deposition of particles) coincides with an urban forest area. The fluxes of CO2 were used to obtain emission factors for particles by assuming that the CO2 fluxes could converted to amounts of fuel burnt. The estimated emission factors for the fleet mix in the measurement area are, in number 1.4×1011 [particle veh−1 km−1]. Assuming spherical particles of density 1600 kg/m3 this corresponds to 27.5 mg veh−1 km−1. Wind speed influence the emission factor indicating that wind induced turbulence may be important.
Oral and dental abnormalities in Barber–Say syndrome
Authors: Martins Fabiana , Ortega Karem Lopez , Hiraoka Cybelle , Ricardo Patricia , Magalhães Marina
Published: September 2010

A previously unreported case of Barber–Say syndrome is described with special attention to dental manifestations. A 7‐year‐old female with multiple congenital anomalies such mammary gland hypoplasia, hypertrichosis, ectropion, and redundant skin was seen at the School of Dentistry of the University of São Paulo. Oral examination revealed macrostomia, broad alveolar ridges, gingival fibromatosis, taurodontism, delayed tooth eruption, and malocclusion. Dental treatment included gingivoplasty and orthodontic treatment. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phenotypic features of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST3) deficiency in 24 patients: Congenital dislocations and vertebral changes as principal diagnostic features
Authors: Unger Sheila , Lausch Ekkehart , Rossi Antonio , Mégarbané Andre , Sillence David , Alcausin Melanie , Aytes Antonio , Mendoza‐Londono Roberto , Nampoothiri Sheela , Afroze Bushra , Hall Bryan , Lo Ivan F.M. , Lam Stephen T.S. , Hoefele Julia , Rost Imma , Wakeling Emma , Mangold Elisabeth , Godbole Komudi , Vatanavicharn Nithiwat , Franco Luis M. , Chandler Kate , Hollander Sophia , Velten Tanja , Reicherter Kerstin , Spranger Jürgen , Robertson Stephen , Bonafé Luisa , Zabel Bernhard , Superti‐Furga Andrea
Published: September 2010

We recently reported on the deficiency of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 3 (CHST3; chondroitin‐6‐sulfotransferase) in six subjects diagnosed with recessive Larsen syndrome or humero‐spinal dysostosis [Hermanns et al. (2008); Am J Hum Genet 82:1368–1374]. Since then, we have identified 17 additional families with CHST3 mutations and we report here on a series of 24 patients in 23 families. The diagnostic hypothesis prior to molecular analysis had been: Larsen syndrome (15 families), humero‐spinal dysostosis (four cases), chondrodysplasia with multiple dislocations (CDMD “Megarbane type”; two cases), Desbuquois syndrome (one case), and spondylo‐epiphyseal dysplasia (one case). In spite of the different diagnostic labels, the clinical features in these patients were similar and included dislocation of the knees and/or hips at birth, clubfoot, elbow joint dysplasia with subluxation and limited extension, short stature, and progressive kyphosis developing in late childhood. The most useful radiographic clues were the changes of the lumbar vertebrae. Twenty‐four different CHST3 mutations were identified; 16 patients had homozygous mutations. We conclude that CHST3 deficiency presents at birth with congenital dislocations of knees, hips, and elbows, and is often diagnosed initially as Larsen syndrome, humero‐spinal dysostosis, or chondrodysplasia with dislocations. The incidence of CHST3 deficiency seems to be higher than assumed so far. The clinical and radiographic pattern (joint dislocations, vertebral changes, normal carpal age, lack of facial flattening, and recessive inheritance) is characteristic and distinguishes CHST3 deficiency from other disorders with congenital dislocations such as filamin B‐associated dominant Larsen syndrome and Desbuquois syndrome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A de novo 22q11.22q11.23 interchromosomal tandem duplication in a boy with developmental delay, hyperactivity, and epilepsy
Authors: Shimojima Keiko , Imai Katsumi , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: September 2010

The recent development of high‐throughput analysis for genomic copy numbers has enabled to identify microscopic chromosomal duplications that had never been recognized before. Microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) identified a de novo 2.1‐Mb microduplication in the 22q11.22q11.23 region surrounded by low copy repeats (LCRs) LCR22E and LCR22H in a 5‐year‐old boy with developmental delay, hyperactivity, epilepsy, and distinctive facial features, which were within the wide range of the clinical manifestations of the patients with the same duplication pattern. Fiber‐fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis confirmed that the duplicated segments were aligned in a tandem configuration. Familial single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing determined that the duplication was derived from paternal interchromosomal non‐allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) during the first meiotic process of spermatogenesis. Although no patient with the deletions of the distal 22q11.2 has been reported as showing epilepsy, at least five patients including the presenting patient having the duplication between LCR22E and LCR22G showed epilepsy. Thus, the gain of the genomic copy number of this region may have epileptogenesis. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of high‐performance polyethylene via a novel processing method of combining dynamic vulcanization with a silane‐grafted water‐crosslinking technique
Authors: Gan Quan , Qi Rongrong , Zhang Jiuli , Yu Juan , Huang Shuangwu
Published: September 2010

A novel processing method of combining dynamic vulcanization with the silane‐grafted water‐crosslinking technique to improve the comprehensive properties of polyethylene (PE) is reported. PE was grafted with vinyl triethoxysilane (VTEO) first, and then, N,N,N′,N′‐ tetragylcidyl‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane epoxy resin was dynamically cured in a PE‐g‐VTEO matrix through a twin‐screw extruder to prepare PE‐g‐VTEO/epoxy blends. Polyethylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MAH) was used as a compatibilizer to improve the interaction between PE‐g‐VTEO and the epoxy resin. The results show that the novel processing method improved the strength, stiffness, and toughness of the blends, especially the heat resistance of the blends, by the addition of the dynamically cured epoxy resin as the reinforcement. PE‐g‐MAH increased the compatibility between PE‐g‐VTEO and the epoxy resin, which played an important role in the improvement of the comprehensive properties of the blends. In addition, after treatments in both hot air and hot water, the comprehensive properties of blends were further improved, thanks to the further curing reaction of epoxy with PE‐g‐VTEO. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Study on soluble polyaniline by positron annihilation technique
Authors: Dan Ananya , Sengupta P. K. , Ganguly Bichitra N.
Published: September 2010

The solubility, electrical conductivity, and other properties of polyaniline (PANI) are highly dependent on its oxidation state. In this work, polyaniline (PANI1) prepared by peroxodisulphate induced polymerization of aniline in acidic aqueous medium in presence of benzenediazonium chloride salt was found to exist in lower oxidation state than emeraldine form of PANI and was highly soluble in common organic solvents. This polymer was subjected to positron annihilation spectroscopic study to investigate the correlation between the oxidation state of the polymer and defect sites generated by different degrees of protonation that in turn affect its electrical conductivity. The positron annihilation lifetime data were resolved to yield a three‐component fit for PANI1 subjected to different levels of protonation. The variation of positron annihilation parameters (τ1,I2) and Doppler broadening parameters (R, S) as a function of protonation level of the polymer indicate the dopant sites increase initially on protonation and reach a saturation value after a certain level of acidification. The lower value of electrical conductivity and the intensity of intermediate lifetime component (I2) for PANI1 compared to PANI in emeraldine oxidation state indicate the presence of lesser number of quinoid–imine moieties that could undergo protonation and thus yield highly enriched trapping centers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis of copolyfluorenes with high fluorenone contents and its application in electroluminescent device by simple blending
Authors: Wu Jyun‐Ru , Chen Yun , Wu Tzi‐Yi
Published: September 2010

Poly(fluorene‐co‐fluorenone)s containing high contents of fluorenone chromophore were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction to study their electroluminescent (EL) properties. The copolymers are thermally stable below 430°C (Td) in nitrogen atmosphere. In film state, their absorption and photoluminescence spectra (peaked at 373–382 nm and 562–564 nm, respectively) are mainly originated from fluorenone units, because of its efficient energy transfer. Both LUMO and HOMO energy levels, estimated from their cyclic voltammograms, are lowered slightly (−3.17→−3.23 eV, −5.84→−5.89 eV) with increasing contents of electron‐withdrawing fluorenone units. Double‐layer EL devices, using the copolyfluorenes or their blends with poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) (PF) as emitting layer, show exclusive emission originated from fluorenone chromophore (565 nm) when its content is high. Blending 0.02–5 wt % of PF‐33 (fluorenone fraction: 0.37) with PF greatly enhances device performance (610 cd m−2 → 4400 cd m−2 and 0.45 cd A−1 → 1.52 cd A−1). Our results demonstrate that the copolyfluorenes are promising emitting materials for EL devices by simple blending. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Telechelic poly(L‐lactic acid) for dilactide production and prepolymer applications
Authors: Inkinen Saara , Nobes Geoffrey A. , Södergård Anders
Published: September 2010

The suitability of different types of telechelic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) copolymers for dilactide production and prepolymer products was evaluated. L‐lactic acid (L‐LA) was copolymerized with 1,4‐butanediol, pentaerythritol, adipic acid, or 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid (1,2,3,4‐BTCA). The influence of branching, the choice of catalyst, and the type of terminal groups on the properties and the thermal stability of the end product was determined. Carboxyl‐termination of PLA was shown to lead to higher molar masses than hydroxyl‐termination. The observed differences in the molar masses were explained by the lower thermal stability of the hydroxyl‐terminated PLA, as evidenced by the faster depolymerization rate of the hydroxyl‐terminated polymers and their higher tendency to undergo racemization. Sn(Oct)2 was found to be a more effective copolymerization catalyst than Fe(OAc)2 in terms of the final molar masses obtained. It was additionally found that the amount of chains not attached to the comonomers decreased toward longer polymerization times and was typically higher for the hydroxyl‐terminated copolymers. The results suggest that predominant carboxyl‐termination would increase the thermal stability of PLA polymers, whereas hydroxyl‐termination could be utilized to increase the production speed and efficiency of dilactide. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Acid dyeable and printable acrylic fabrics treated with cationic aqueous polyurethane
Authors: Kantouch F. A. , El‐Sayed A. Atef
Published: September 2010

An acid dyeable acrylic fabric has been obtained by the pretreatment with cationic aqueous polyurethane, containing different amounts of quaternary nitrogen. Cationic polyurethane has the ability to interact with the carboxylic groups in the acrylic fabrics, as well as providing basic sites suitable for acid dyeing. The prepared polyurethane has been identified with FTIR, and the effect of the pretreatment conditions on the dyeability and printability of the fabrics has been investigated. The color strength values and the fastness properties of the dyed and printed samples, reveal the ionic interaction between the sulphonic groups in the acid dye molecules and the quaternary nitrogen on the fabrics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Highly transparent films from carboxymethylated microfibrillated cellulose: The effect of multiple homogenization steps on key properties
Authors: Siró I. , Plackett D. , Hedenqvist M. , Ankerfors M. , Lindström T.
Published: September 2010

We produced microfibrillated cellulose by passing carboxymethylated sulfite‐softwood‐dissolving pulp with a relatively low hemicellulose content (4.5%) through a high‐shear homogenizer. The resulting gel was subjected to as many as three additional homogenization steps and then used to prepare solvent‐cast films. The optical, mechanical, and oxygen‐barrier properties of these films were determined. A reduction in the quantity and appearance of large fiber fragments and fiber aggregates in the films as a function of increasing homogenization was illustrated with optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Film opacity decreased with increasing homogenization, and the use of three additional homogenization steps after initial gel production resulted in highly transparent films. The oxygen permeability of the films was not significantly influenced by the degree of homogenization, whereas the mean tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and strain at break were increased by two or three extra homogenization steps. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Pyrolysis properties and kinetic model of an asphalt binder containing a flame retardant
Authors: Xu Tao , Huang Xiaoming
Published: September 2010

In this study, thermogravimetry (TG) experiments were employed to study the influence of magnesium hydroxide (MH) on the pyrolysis characteristics of an asphalt binder. Pyrolysis models of the asphalt binder were developed to reveal the flame‐retarding mechanism of MH. The TG experimental results showed that the pyrolysis process of the asphalt binder in N2 was a one‐stage reaction. The asphalt binder containing MH had a higher residue yield ratio at a high temperature, and TG and differential TG curves showed a dramatic shift toward higher temperatures with an increase in the MH concentration; this indicated that MH inhibited the thermal decomposition of the asphalt binder. By optimal identification of the pyrolysis mechanism function, the pyrolysis reaction of the asphalt binder was found to follow the model of one‐dimensional diffusion (parabolic law), whereas that of the flame‐retarding asphalt binder followed the model of three‐dimensional diffusion (the Ginstling–Brounshtein equation). On the basis of the models, the calculation results for the pseudo activation energy indicated that the thermal stability of the asphalt binder in the pyrolysis process was obviously improved by the addition of MH. We conclude that the flame retardancy of asphalt binders can be enhanced by the use of MH, and MH may be a potential flame retardant for asphalt binders used in tunnel asphalt pavement. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of vegetable‐based polyols in unimodal glass‐transition polyurethane slabstock viscoelastic foams and some guidance for the control of their structure–property behavior. I
Authors: Vaughan Benjamin R. , Wilkes Garth L. , Dounis Dimitrios V. , McLaughlin Cam
Published: September 2010

We investigated the synthesis and structure–property behaviors of two types of vegetable‐oil polyols (soy oil and castor oil) and their use in viscoelastic (VE) polyurethane foams (PUFs). This article is the first in a two‐part series. In this initial part, we principally address the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) behavior of these foams in conjunction with information on the cellular morphology, sol fraction, and rise and reaction temperature profile behavior (the latter two parameters were determined during the foaming process). Particular emphasis is placed on the DMA damping characteristics, which represent one of the most critical parameters in the application of VE PUFs. It is also shown that the damping characteristics could be modified in such foams by the variation of the isocyanate/hydroxyl (×100) index, the addition of plasticizer, and in the case of soy polyols, the soy content. The frequency dependence of the VE PUFs is also briefly addressed. In the second article in this series, which directly follows this article, we further address the details of other relevant physical properties of these same foams in view of their applied nature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Crystallization, morphology, and electrical properties of bio‐based poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(ether esteramide)/ionomer blends
Authors: Kobayashi Toshikazu , Wood Barbara A. , Takemura Akio
Published: September 2010

Bio‐based poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(ether esteramide) (PEEA) blends were prepared by melt processing with varying weight ratios (0–20 wt %) of ionomers such as lithium‐neutralized poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) copolymer (EMAA‐Li) and sodium‐neutralized poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) copolymer (EMAA‐Na). The blends were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DSC and PLM results showed that EMAA‐Na increased the crystallization rate for PTT significantly, whereas EMAA‐Li did not enhance the crystallization rate at all. Specific interactions between PEEA and ionomers were confirmed by DSC and TEM. Electrostatic performance was also investigated for those PTT blends because PEEA is known as an ion‐conductive polymer. Here, we confirmed that both sodium and lithium ionomers work as a synergist to enhance the static decay performance of PTT/PEEA blends. Morphological study of these ternary blends systems was conducted by TEM. Dispersed ionomer domains were encapsulated by PEEA, which increases the interfacial surface area between PEEA and the PTT matrix. This encapsulation effect explains the unexpected synergy for the static dissipation performance on addition of ionomers to PTT/PEEA blends. This core–shell morphology can be predicted by calculating spreading coefficient for the ternary blends. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Coating of cotton yarn with poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) crosslinked via ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Immich Ana Paula Serafini , de Araújo Pedro Henrique Hermes , Catalani Luiz Henrique , de Souza Selene M. A. Guelli Ulson , de Souza Antônio Augusto Ulson
Published: September 2010

The coating of cotton fiber is used in the textile industry to increase the mechanical resistance of the yarn and their resistance to vibration, friction, impact, and elongation, which are some of the forces to which the yarn is subjected during the weaving process. The main objective of this study was to investigate the use of synthetic hydrophilic polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) (PVP) to coat 100% cotton textile fiber, with the aim of giving the fiber temporary mechanical resistance. For the fixation of the polymer on the fiber, UV‐C radiation was used as the crosslinking process. The influence of the crosslinking process was determined through tensile testing of the coated fibers. The results indicated that UV‐C radiation increased the mechanical resistance of the yarn coated with PVP by up to 44% and the yarn coated with PVA by up to 67% compared with the pure cotton yarn, that is, without polymeric coating and crosslinking. This study is of great relevance, and it is important to consider that UV‐C radiation dispenses with the use of chemical substances and prevents the generation of toxic waste at the end of the process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Serrated Flippers and Directional Asymmetry in the Appendicular Skeleton of the Commerson's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii)
Authors: Gómez‐Campos Encarna , Aguilar Alex , Goodall R. Natalie P.
Published: September 2010

Presence of saw‐toothed structures (serrations) on the leading edge of the flippers in the Commerson's dolphin and their relation with directional asymmetry in the appendicular skeleton were investigated in individuals from the Tierra del Fuego population, Argentina. Serrations were more frequent in the left flipper than in the right (P < 0.001) and in males than in females (P < 0.001). Serration length was significantly longer in the left flipper than in the right (P = 0.023), in males than in females (P = 0.004), and in older individuals than young (P < 0.001). The length of the radius (P = 0.028) and the length (P = 0.004), width (P < 0.001) and weight (P = 0.006) of the scapula showed significant directional asymmetry favoring the right side, whereas the length (P < 0.001) and width (P < 0.001) of the second digit favored the left side. The asymmetry appears to be innate in the species but is likely to be enhanced by differential mechanical stress between flippers as a result of lateralized behavior. We propose that the left flipper would be more flexible and preferably used in sensory or tactile activities that involve the serrations, whereas the right flipper would be more responsible for actions requiring a larger muscular exercise, possibly related to the maintenance of stability during swimming. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aspirin alters methotrexate disposition in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Stewart Clinton F. , Fleming Ronald A. , Germain Bernard F. , Seleznick Mitchel J. , Evans William E.
Published: September 2010

Intravenous methotrexate (MTX) (10 mg), either alone or with oral aspirin (ASA) (3,900 mg/day), was administered to 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic and renal clearance of MTX were lower, and the unbound fraction of MTX was higher when patients were also receiving ASA than when taking MTX alone. No acute hematologic, renal, or hepatic toxicity was observed with either treatment. The findings of this study therefore indicate that concomitant aspirin therapy acutely alters the clearance of low‐dose MTX in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Absorbed dose profiles for radionuclides of frequent use in radiation synovectomy
Authors: Scott L. Johnson , Yanch Jacquelyn C.
Published: September 2010

Absorbed dose profiles are presented for radionuclides of frequent or potential use in radiation synovectomy, an intraarticular technique aimed at treating rheumatoid arthritis through direct and highly selective irradiation of inflamed synovium. The radionuclides investigated were 198Au, 165Dy, 32P, 186Re, 90Y, and 166Ho. These profiles reveal the absorbed dose imparted per unit activity of injected radionuclide (Gy/mCi) as a function of penetration distance (mm) to major components of the arthritic synovial joint. Their usefulness is twofold: they can be employed to select the radionuclide best suited to achieving the proper depth of penetration in tissue (approximating the thickness of the inflamed synovium) and to determine, a priori, the necessary dose of radioactivity (delivering an absorbed dose sufficient to effectively treat all the diseased tissue). The extent of radiation of other synovial joint components, such as bone and articular cartilage, and how the advancing rheumatoid arthritis can be expected to alter the extent and pattern of absorbed dose penetration in the joint are also discussed.
Immunoglobulin heavy chain constant‐region gene polymorphism in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Martinez‐Tarquino C. , Maria‐Forte A. , Kumar Priti , Alarcon‐Segovia D. , Granados J. , Pandey J. P. , Buxbaum J. , Schur Peter H.
Published: September 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with immunoglobulin allotypes in several ethnic groups. In this study, we investigated the association of a Bst EII immunoglobulin heavy chain constant‐region gene restriction fragment length polymorphism with SLE in patients from the US and Mexico. A 3‐kb restriction fragment was observed with significantly decreased frequency in randomly selected Mexican SLE patients and in Mexican SLE patients in multiplex families. However, no such association was observed in SLE patients from the US. Thus, the absence of a 3.0‐kb Bst EII restriction fragment from immunoglobulin heavy chain constant‐region genes provides a marker for SLE in Mexican individuals.
Temporal arteritis with low erythrocyte sedimentation rate: A review of five cases
Authors: Wise Christopher M. , Agudelo Carlos A. , Chmelewski Walter L. , Mcknight Kevin M.
Published: September 2010

We compared 5 patients who had biopsy‐proven temporal arteritis and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) <50 mm/hour with 25 patients who had temporal arteritis and high ESR and with 10 patients who had negative temporal artery biopsy results and low ESR. Patients with low‐ESR temporal arteritis were similar to the other groups, except that they had a higher mean hemoglobin level than the high‐ESR group and a significant increase in the percentage of patients (4 of 5) who had a previous diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica or had received steroid therapy compared with either of the other groups. The latter finding suggests that even low‐dose steroid therapy can lower the ESR in patients with temporal arteritis. We conclude that the ESR is low in only a small percentage of patients with temporal arteritis, and that most of these patients have a history of polymyalgia rheumatica or steroid therapy.
Primary pulmonary hypertension in a patient with systemic‐onset juvenile arthritis
Authors: Padeh Shai , Laxer Ronald M. , Silver Meredith M. , Silverman Earl D.
Published: September 2010

We describe a 16‐year‐old girl with systemic‐onset juvenile arthritis who presented with pulmonary hypertension, without evidence of pleural or parenchymal involvement of the lung, pulmonary vasculitis, or immune deposition in the pulmonary vasculature. Pleuropulmonary involvement occurs occasionally in juvenile arthritis, but primary pulmonary hypertension has not, to our knowledge, been previously reported. Histocompatibility typing showed positivity for HLA‐DR3 and DRw52, both of which are associated with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in children, and with pulmonary hypertension among patients with systemic sclerosis. Treatment with cyclosporine and corticosteroids resulted in a marked improvement in the clinical findings and pulmonary function in our patient.
Induction of arthritis in rats by soluble peptidoglycan‐polysaccharide complexes produced by human intestinal flora
Authors: Kool Jeanette , Ruseler‐Van Embden Johanneke G. H. , Van Lieshout Leo M. C. , De Visser Hendrik , Gerrits‐Boeye Marjolein Y. , Van Den Berg Wim B. , Hazenberg Maarten P.
Published: September 2010

Peptidoglycan‐polysaccharide complexes were isolated from feces of a healthy subject and from ileostomy fluid from 5 patients. Peptidoglycan‐polysaccharide complexes were tested for arthritogenicity in a rat model, by subcutaneous injection in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Complexes from the healthy subject did not induce arthritis, but those from ileostomy fluid of 1 of the patients induced severe, chronic joint inflammation. We concluded that peptidoglycan‐polysaccharide complexes from intestinal flora are potentially arthritogenic in rats. This arthritogenicity may be influenced by the content of muramic acid and rhamnose in these complexes.
Acyl glucuronides: the good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Regan Sophie L. , Maggs James L. , Hammond Thomas G. , Lambert Craig , Williams Dominic P. , Park B. Kevin
Published: September 2010

Acyl glucuronidation is the major metabolic conjugation reaction of most carboxylic acid drugs in mammals. The physiological consequences of this biotransformation have been investigated incompletely but include effects on drug metabolism, protein binding, distribution and clearance that impact upon pharmacological and toxicological outcomes. In marked contrast, the exceptional but widely disparate chemical reactivity of acyl glucuronides has attracted far greater attention. Specifically, the complex transacylation and glycation reactions with proteins have provoked much inconclusive debate over the safety of drugs metabolised to acyl glucuronides. It has been hypothesised that these covalent modifications could initiate idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions. However, despite a large body ofin vitrodata on the reactions of acyl glucuronides with protein, evidence for adduct formation from acyl glucuronidesin vivois limited and potentially ambiguous. The causal connection of protein adduction to adverse drug reactions remains uncertain. This review has assessed the intrinsic reactivity, metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic properties of acyl glucuronides in the context of physiological, pharmacological and toxicological perspectives. Although numerous experiments have characterised the reactions of acyl glucuronides with proteins, these might be attenuated substantiallyin vivoby rapid clearance of the conjugates. Consequently, to delineate a relationship between acyl glucuronide formation and toxicological phenomena, detailed pharmacokinetic analysis of systemic exposure to the acyl glucuronide should be undertaken adjacent to determining protein adduct concentrationsin vivo. Further investigation is required to ascertain whether acyl glucuronide clearance is sufficient to prevent covalent modification of endogenous proteins and consequentially a potential immunological response. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of the earth's magnetic field inhibits growth rates of model cancer cell lines
Authors: Martino Carlos F. , Portelli Lucas , McCabe Kevin , Hernandez Mark , Barnes Frank
Published: September 2010

Small alterations in static magnetic fields have been shown to affect certain chemical reaction rates ex vivo. In this manuscript, we present data demonstrating that similar small changes in static magnetic fields between individual cell culture incubators results in significantly altered cell cycle rates for multiple cancer‐derived cell lines. This change as assessed by cell number is not a result of apoptosis, necrosis, or cell cycle alterations. While the underlying mechanism is unclear, the implications for all cell culture experiments are clear; static magnetic field conditions within incubators must be considered and/or controlled just as one does for temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. Bioelectromagnetics 31:649–655, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.