bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation for surface morphology variation of monodisperse polymer particle
Authors: Kim Dong Ok , Jin Jeong Hee , Oh Seok Heon
Published: February 2007

Monodisperse polymer particles composed of polystyrene (PS) and poly(1,6‐hexanedioldiacrylate) were prepared via one‐step seeded polymerization using PS as seed particles. For the study, the effects of the molecular weight of seed polymer particles, the ratio of the absorbed hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDA) to the seed polymer particles (swelling ratio), and the seeded polymerization rate on the surface morphology of poly(St‐HDDA) particles were investigated. It was observed that the crater‐shaped defect was at the surface of poly(St‐HDDA) particles, independent of the molecular weight of seed polymer, and swelling ratio. But its surface morphology could be controlled by changing the rate of the seeded polymerization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2385–2394, 2007
Electrical and mechanical properties of carbon‐black‐filled, electrospun nanocomposite fiber webs
Authors: Hwang Jeesang , Muth John , Ghosh Tushar
Published: February 2007

The development of flexible and compliant conductive polymer composites with textile‐like characteristics remains an important endeavor in light of the recent activity in polymer/textile‐based electronics and the need for compliant electrodes for electroactive polymer actuators. In this work, carbon black (CB) was dispersed in a polymer solution to form electrospun fiber webs consisting mainly of nanofibers. The effect of the filler content on the fiber‐web morphology, mechanical behavior, electrical conductivity, and thermal resistance was examined. The electrical conductivity percolation threshold of the fiber‐web structure was found to be around 4.6 vol %. Scanning electron micrographs of the fiber webs revealed a significant influence of the CB content on the fiber formation as well as the bond structure of the fiber web, which influenced the mechanical properties of the web. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2410–2417, 2007
Physical properties of unsaturated polyester resin from glycolyzed pet fabrics
Authors: Potiyaraj P. , Klubdee K. , Limpiti T.
Published: February 2007

Physical properties of unsaturated polyester resins (UPE resins) prepared from glycolyzed poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET/cotton blended fabrics were investigated. Initially, PET and PET/cotton blended fabrics were chemically recycled by glycolysis. The depolymerizations were carried out in propylene glycol with the presence of zinc acetate as a catalyst. The reaction time was varied at 4, 6, and 8 h. The glycolyzed products were then esterified using maleic anhydride to obtain UPE resins. The prepared resins were cured using styrene monomer, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, and cobalt octoate as a crosslinking agent, an initiator and an accelerator, respectively. The cured resin products were tested for their mechanical properties and thermal stability. The results indicated that, among the fabric based resins, one prepared from the 8‐h glycolyzed product possessed the highest mechanical properties those are tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness. The highest thermal stability was also found in the cured resin prepared from the 8‐h glycolyzed product. The mechanical properties of fabric based resins were slightly lower than those of the bottle based resin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2536–2541, 2007
Preparation, characterization, and prominent thermal stability of phase‐change microcapsules with phenolic resin shell and n‐hexadecane core
Authors: Jiang Yanbin , Wang Dujin , Zhao Tong
Published: February 2007

Microcapsules with phenolic resin (PFR) shell and n‐hexadecane (HD) core were prepared by controlled precipitation of the polymer from droplets of oil‐in‐water emulsion, followed by a heat‐curing process. The droplets of the oil phase are composed of a polymer (PFR), a good solvent (ethyl acetate), and a poor solvent (HD) for the polymer. Removal of the good solvent from the droplets leads to the formation of microcapsules with the poor solvent encapsulated by the polymer. The microstructure, morphology, and phase‐change property as well as thermal stability of the microcapsules were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimety (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The phase‐change microcapsules exhibit smooth and perfect structure, and the shell thickness is a constant fraction of the capsule radius. The initial weight loss temperature of the microcapsules was determined to be 330°C in N2 and 255°C in air, respectively, while that of the bulk HD is only about 120°C both in air and N2 atmospheres. The weight loss mechanism of the microcapsules in different atmosphere is not the same, changing from the pyrolysis temperature of the core material in N2 to the evaporation of core material caused by the fracture of shell material in air. The melting point of HD in microcapsules is slightly lower than that of bulk HD, and a supercooling was observed upon crystallization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Ozone‐gas treatment of cationic dyeable polyester and poly(butylene terephthalate) fibers
Authors: Lee Myung Sun , Lee Muncheul , Wakida Tomiji , Saito Masumi , Yamashiro Takumi , Nishi Kenji , Inoue Goichi , Ishida Shinzo
Published: February 2007

Cationic dyeable polyester and poly(butylene terephthalate) fabrics were treated with ozone gas under atmospheric pressure and at a pressure of 0.1 MPa. The effect of the ozone‐gas treatment was investigated on the basis of electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, X‐ray diffraction, moisture regain, water absorption, and dyeing properties. The ozone‐gas treatment caused an increase in the oxygen content of each fiber. From the wave separation of C1s, the oxygen was incorporated in the form of CO and COO on the fiber surface, and also, despite an increase in the water absorption, the fiber density as an index of crystallinity increased a little with the treatment. As the result, we concluded that the treatment caused a change not only on the fiber surface but also in the internal structure of both fibers. Then, it seemed that the treatment brought about an effect on the dyeing properties. The apparent dyeing rate with the cationic dye increased remarkably with the ozone‐gas treatment, whereas that with the disperse dye increased slightly. Therefore, it was clear that the ozone‐gas treatment caused a change not only in the fine structure but also in the dyeing behavior. These phenomena were the same as those of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2423–2429, 2007
Preparation and characterization of polystyrene/titanium dioxide composite particles containing organic ultraviolet‐stabilizer groups
Authors: Zou Jiangpeng , Zhao Yi , Yang Mingjiao , Dan Yi
Published: February 2007

Polystyrene/titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite particles containing organic ultraviolet (UV)‐stabilizer groups were prepared by the emulsion copolymerization of styrene and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxylpropoxy)benzophenone with sodium sulfopropyl lauryl maleate as a surfactant in the presence of rutile TiO2 modified with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate, and the product was poly[styrene‐co‐sodium sulfopropyl lauryl maleate‐co‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxylpropoxy) benzophenone] [poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA)]/TiO2 composite particles. The structures of the composite particles were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The Fourier transform infrared and UV–vis measurements showed that poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA) was grafted from the surface of TiO2, and this copolymer possessed a high absorbance capacity for UV light, which is very important for improving the UV resistance of polystyrene. The thermogravimetric analysis measurements indicated that the percentage of grafting and the grafting efficiency could reach 513.9 and 59.9%, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry measurement indicated that the glass‐transition temperature of the poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA)/TiO2 composite particles was higher than that of poly (St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA).These research results are very important for preparing polystyrene with high UV resistance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation and properties of cycloolefin copolymer/silica hybrids
Authors: Ou Cheng‐Fang , Hsu Ming‐Chieh
Published: February 2007

Polymer substrates are widely used in the flat‐panel‐display industry because of their flexibility, light weight, and high power efficiency. However, the lower glass‐transition temperatures and thermal stability and higher water/oxygen permeation of cycloolefin copolymers (COCs) constrain their applications in display substrates. In this research, COC/tetraethyloxysilane (TEOS) hybrids were synthesized via a sol–gel process. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the glass‐transition temperature of the hybrids was higher than that of neat COC and rose significantly as the TEOS content was increased from 1 to 15 wt %. According to an analysis of IR spectra, the fraction of hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl groups in the hybrids increased as the TEOS content increased. This meant that the interfacial interaction contributed by hydrogen bonds for the COC/TEOS hybrid system increased as the TEOS content increased from 1 to 15 wt %. On the basis of scanning electron microscopy, the number of dispersed droplets of silica increased as the content of TEOS increased. The decomposition temperatures of the hybrids, investigated with thermogravimetric analysis, were not affected significantly by the addition of TEOS. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2542–2548, 2007
Elevated plasma asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine levels are linked to endothelial progenitor cell depletion and carotid atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Surdacki Andrzej , Martens‐Lobenhoffer Jens , Wloch Alicja , Marewicz Ewa , Rakowski Tomasz , Wieczorek‐Surdacka Ewa , Dubiel Jacek S. , Pryjma Juliusz , Bode‐Böger Stefanie M.
Published: February 2007

Objective

Similarities between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atherosclerosis include endothelial dysfunction (an antecedent of plaque formation) and depletion of circulating bone marrow–derived endothelial progenitor cells. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that endothelial progenitor cell depletion and subclinical atherosclerosis in RA may be related to accumulation of an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine.

Methods

We studied 30 patients with active RA and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Exclusion criteria were clinically evident atherosclerosis, traditional risk factors, hyperhomocysteinemia, and renal dysfunction. The blood endothelial progenitor cell count was assayed by flow cytometry and expressed as a percentage of lymphocytes. PlasmaL‐arginine, asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine, and symmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine were measured with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Mean carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) was assessed by B‐mode ultrasound.

Results

In RA patients, we found elevated levels of asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine (mean ± SD 0.49 ± 0.07 μmoles/liter versus 0.40 ± 0.07 μmoles/liter in controls;P< 0.001), a depressed endothelial progenitor cell count (0.039 ± 0.025% versus 0.063 ± 0.035%;P< 0.05), and increased IMT (0.65 ± 0.13 mm versus 0.55 ± 0.10 mm;P< 0.01), with no differences in levels ofL‐arginine or symmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine. The endothelial progenitor cell count was inversely correlated with the level of asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine. IMT was positively related to the ratio of asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine toL‐arginine and negatively related to the endothelial progenitor cell count, in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Plasma asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine levels are elevated in RA patients free of cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Asymmetric dimethyl‐L‐arginine accumulation may contribute to endothelial progenitor cell depletion via depressed NO‐dependent endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and/or survival, with consequent impairment of endothelial progenitor cell–mediated endothelial repair, which can promote atherogenesis in RA.
No evidence for genetic association of interferon regulatory factor 1 in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Fife Mark S. , Gathercole Laura , Ogilvie Emma M. , Stock Carmel J. W. , Mack Lisa F. , Donn Rachelle P. , Thomson Wendy , Woo Patricia
Published: February 2007

Objective

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comprises several clinically distinct subgroups and is the most widespread cause of chronic childhood disability. A significant association between JIA and a polymorphism in the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1) gene has previously been reported, implicating IRF1 in disease susceptibility. The aim of this study was to replicate the IRF1 association in JIA using single‐marker and haplotype analyses in a case–control study, using control subjects different from those in the previous study and a larger cohort of patients (n = 765).

Methods

DNA from 765 patients with JIA and 508 unaffected control subjects was genotyped for 4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the IRF‐1 gene. Association of genotypes at the IRF1 loci was assessed using single‐marker and haplotype analyses.

Results

No significant differences in genotype frequency or allele frequency were observed between patients and control subjects.

Conclusion

This replication study used a much larger patient cohort to examine the association of IRF1 in JIA. However, despite the increased statistical power, we observed no significant association for IRF1 markers, either individually or as haplotypes. It is therefore unlikely that this gene is involved in JIA susceptibility.
RANKL:Osteoprotegerin ratio and bone mineral density in children with untreated juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Rouster‐Stevens Kelly A. , Langman Craig B. , Price Heather E. , Seshadri Roopa , Shore Richard M. , Abbott Kathy , Pachman Lauren M.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To determine bone mineral density (BMD) in patients at the time of diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (DM), to compare the RANKL:osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio in patients with juvenile DM with that in healthy control subjects, and to evaluate whether BMD is associated with the RANKL:OPG ratio and the duration of untreated disease.

Methods

Thirty‐seven children with juvenile DM were enrolled. Dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed before treatment, and Z scores for the lumbar spine (L1–L4) were determined. The duration of untreated disease was defined as the period of time from the onset of rash or weakness to the time at which DXA was performed. Serum specimens obtained at the time of DXA were analyzed for concentrations of RANKL and OPG, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The RANKL:OPG ratio was also determined in 44 age‐matched healthy control subjects.

Results

At the time of diagnosis of juvenile DM, patients had a significantly increased RANKL:OPG ratio compared with that in healthy children (mean ± SD 2.19 ± 3.03 and 0.13 ± 0.17, respectively; P < 0.0001). In patients with a lumbar spine BMD Z score of −1.5 or lower, the RANKL:OPG ratio was significantly higher than that in patients with a lumbar spine BMD Z score higher than −1.5 (P = 0.038). Lumbar spine BMD Z scores (mean ± SD −0.13 ± 1.19 [range −2.10 to 2.85]) were inversely associated with the duration of untreated disease (R = −0.50, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Children with juvenile DM have an elevated RANKL:OPG ratio at the time of diagnosis, resulting in expansion of the number of osteoclasts and activation of the bone resorptive function. This may lead to a lack of normal bone mineral accretion and a subsequent reduction in the lumbar spine BMD Z score. Patients with a longer duration of untreated juvenile DM have reduced lumbar spine BMD Z scores. These data suggest that early diagnosis could reduce the likelihood of reduced lumbar spine BMD in these patients by prompting intervention strategies at an early stage.
Boundary lubrication of articular cartilage: Role of synovial fluid constituents
Authors: Schmidt Tannin A. , Gastelum Nicholas S. , Nguyen Quynhhoa T. , Schumacher Barbara L. , Sah Robert L.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To determine whether the synovial fluid (SF) constituents hyaluronan (HA), proteoglycan 4 (PRG4), and surface‐active phospholipids (SAPL) contribute to boundary lubrication, either independently or additively, at an articular cartilage–cartilage interface.

Methods

Cartilage boundary lubrication tests were performed with fresh bovine osteochondral samples. Tests were performed using graded concentrations of SF, HA, and PRG4 alone, a physiologic concentration of SAPL, and various combinations of HA, PRG4, and SAPL at physiologic concentrations. Static (μstatic, Neq) and kinetic (<μkinetic, Neq>) friction coefficients were calculated.

Results

Normal SF functioned as an effective boundary lubricant both at a concentration of 100% (<μkinetic, Neq> = 0.025) and at a 3‐fold dilution (<μkinetic, Neq> = 0.029). Both HA and PRG4 contributed independently to a low μ in a dose‐dependent manner. Values of <μkinetic, Neq> decreased from ∼0.24 in phosphate buffered saline to 0.12 in 3,300 μg/ml HA and 0.11 in 450 μg/ml PRG4. HA and PRG4 in combination lowered μ further at the high concentrations, attaining a <μkinetic, Neq> value of 0.066. SAPL at 200 μg/ml did not significantly lower μ, either independently or in combination with HA and PRG4.

Conclusion

The results described here indicate that SF constituents contribute, individually and in combination, both at physiologic and pathophysiologic concentrations, to the boundary lubrication of apposing articular cartilage surfaces. These results provide insight into the nature of the boundary lubrication of articular cartilage by SF and its constituents. They therefore provide insight regarding both the homeostatic maintenance of healthy joints and pathogenic processes in arthritic disease.
Effects of tumor necrosis factor blockade on cardiovascular risk factors in psoriatic arthritis: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Sattar Naveed , Crompton Philippa , Cherry Lynne , Kane David , Lowe Gordon , McInnes Iain B.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To conduct a robust, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study examining the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) modulation on concentrations of traditional and novel cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with an inflammatory condition.

Methods

In this double‐blind study, 127 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and active psoriasis were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment arms (placebo, onercept 50 mg, or onercept 100 mg for 12 weeks). Traditional and novel biochemical risk factors were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the treatment period.

Results

At baseline, an elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) level correlated positively with lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), intercellular adhesion molecule 1, interleukin‐6, and homocysteine levels but was inversely correlated with concentrations of all other lipid moieties and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Onercept at a dose of 100 mg induced significant (P ≤ 0.002) reductions in the levels of CRP (−14.0 versus 6.5 mg/liter with placebo), Lp(a) (−3.11 versus 1.52 mg/dl with placebo), and homocysteine (−1.72 versus 0.34 μmoles/liter with placebo) and an increase in the SHBG concentration (4.3 versus −1.3 mmoles/liter with placebo). The 100‐mg dose of onercept was also associated with significant (P < 0.05) increases in the level of circulating apolipoprotein AI (Apo A‐I) (4.0 versus −5.6 mg/dl with placebo); however, levels of Apo B (6.3 versus −0.4 mg/dl with placebo) and triglycerides (0.09 versus 0.04 mmoles/liter) were also increased.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate that targeting the TNF pathway can significantly decrease Lp(a) and homocysteine levels and elevate Apo A‐I and SHBG concentrations. These data support an important precursor role for high‐grade inflammation in modulating these putative risk parameters. However, TNF blockade–induced increases in triglyceride and Apo B levels were unexpected and suggest that it is not possible, on the basis of biochemical changes in isolation, to suggest that cardioprotection would necessarily follow; rather, direct measures of atherosclerotic progression with TNF blockade (e.g., using carotid ultrasound) would be better.
Treatment with cyclophosphamide delays the progression of chronic lesions more effectively than does treatment with azathioprine plus methylprednisolone in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Grootscholten Cecile , Bajema Ingeborg M. , Florquin Sandrine , Steenbergen Eric J. , Peutz‐Kootstra Carine J. , Goldschmeding Roel , Bijl Marc , Hagen E. Christiaan , Van Houwelingen Hans C. , Derksen Ronald H. W. M. , Berden Jo H. M.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To analyze the effect of treatment with either pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) or azathioprine (AZA) combined with methylprednisolone (MP), on serial biopsy results in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis, and to evaluate the predictive value of various histopathologic and clinical parameters with regard to disease outcome.

Methods

Biopsy specimens from patients with proliferative lupus nephritis, obtained at study entry and after 2 years of therapy, were scored according to a standardized method, and results assessed in relation to disease outcome.

Results

Of the 87 patients originally enrolled, 39 underwent repeat biopsy. These patients were representative of the overall group, both at entry and at 2‐year followup. The median activity index changed from 8.0 to 2.7 (no differences between the treatment groups). In the group treated with AZA plus MP (AZA group), the increase in the median chronicity index (from 2.7 to 3.8) was larger than that in the CYC group (from 2.7 to 3.0) (P = 0.050). In multivariate analyses, renal function at enrollment and after 2 years was the best predictor of renal function at the last visit, while none of the histopathologic variables (either at entry or at 2 years) added to this prediction. Comparing patients whose disease transitioned to class II with those who had persistent proliferative lupus nephritis revealed no differences between the treatment groups at either time point, and no clinical differences at 2 years. However, a higher serum creatinine level at entry and greater proteinuria at last visit were characteristic of patients who still had proliferative lupus nephritis at 2 years.

Conclusion

These results indicate that, although both CYC and AZA are effective in reducing active lesions in lupus nephritis, progression of chronic lesions is more effectively halted by CYC. Variables assessed by repeat biopsy do not predict clinical outcome.
Defining a session on Web search engines
Authors: Jansen Bernard J. , Spink Amanda , Blakely Chris , Koshman Sherry
Published: February 2007

Detecting query reformulations within a session by a Web searcher is an important area of research for designing more helpful searching systems and targeting content to particular users. Methods explored by other researchers include both qualitative (i.e., the use of human judges to manually analyze query patterns on usually small samples) and nondeterministic algorithms, typically using large amounts of training data to predict query modification during sessions. In this article, we explore three alternative methods for detection of session boundaries. All three methods are computationally straightforward and therefore easily implemented for detection of session changes. We examine 2,465,145 interactions from 534,507 users of Dogpile.com on May 6, 2005. We compare session analysis using (a) Internet Protocol address and cookie; (b) Internet Protocol address, cookie, and a temporal limit on intrasession interactions; and (c) Internet Protocol address, cookie, and query reformulation patterns. Overall, our analysis shows that defining sessions by query reformulation along with Internet Protocol address and cookie provides the best measure, resulting in an 82% increase in the count of sessions. Regardless of the method used, the mean session length was fewer than three queries, and the mean session duration was less than 30 min. Searchers most often modified their query by changing query terms (nearly 23% of all query modifications) rather than adding or deleting terms. Implications are that for measuring searching traffic, unique sessions may be a better indicator than the common metric of unique visitors. This research also sheds light on the more complex aspects of Web searching involving query modifications and may lead to advances in searching tools.
Oppression and empowerment: perceptions of violence among urban youth
Authors: Andres‐Hyman Raquel C. , Forrester Alice , Achara‐Abrahams Ijeoma , Lauricella Mary Lou , Rowe Michael
Published: February 2007

Youth violence in the United States has emerged as a major concern for communities, policymakers and community researchers. This paper reports on the efforts of a child mental health clinic to build a community consensus around addressing violence that affects youth and all members of the community. We describe and give case examples regarding our approach to acquiring the perspectives of the community, particularly that of youth, discuss key themes and implications that emerged from our work, and offer preliminary recommendations for designing a youth violence prevention initiative in a disenfranchised community. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extending the brand image on new products: the facilitative effect of happy mood states
Authors: Greifeneder Rainer , Bless Herbert , Kuschmann Thorsten
Published: February 2007

Investigates the influence of mood and brand favorability on the evaluation of brand extensions. It is argued that affective states have an impact on the likelihood that the evaluation of a new product is based on the implications of the brand rather than on the implications of the features of the new product. Specifically, participants reported more positive evaluations of a new product when it was introduced by a positive rather than a negative brand – and this differential impact of category information was more pronounced for participants in a positive compared to a neutral or a negative mood.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer recycling: role of incentives, information, and social class
Authors: Iyer Easwar S. , Kashyap Rajiv K.
Published: February 2007

More and more communities have instituted recycling programs and consumer recycling is no longer a new fad; it is here to stay. However, consumer commitment to recycling and participation rates have leveled off. Whereas lack of access to recycling facilities was cited as a key inhibitor to participation in the early days of recycling, that is generally not the case anymore. Thus there is an imperative to revisit consumer recycling by focusing on behavioral issues that reflect today's context. In this study we review the past literature and propose a comprehensive model of consumer recycling. We identify two intervention mechanisms – incentives or information – that are believed to increase recycling participation. We, then, describe a longitudinal field experiment to evaluate the relative merits of these intervention programs. We conclude that either intervention program is effective, although informational programs appear to have more long‐term effects than incentive programs. We also create a new measure of social class, one that includes other influential actors' characteristics, and show its relationship to recycling attitudes and behaviors.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploratory study of consumer style: country differences and international segments
Authors: McCarty John A. , Horn Martin I. , Szenasy Mary Kate , Feintuch Jocelyn
Published: February 2007

An important consideration for marketers is determining the best approach to take when marketing their product or service across national borders. It has become clear that the answer to this is not as simple as complete standardization or adaptation, and the appropriate approach may be contingent on a complex set of variables. One key aspect of the puzzle relates to an understanding of the attitudes and behaviours of consumers. The current study examines consumer style (variables related to the way people engage in their consumption activities) as an important area of consideration related to international marketing efforts. Consumer style was investigated in three European countries and the US, using data from the DDB Brand Capital Study (a multi‐country survey). Although results showed that country differences are evident on consumption style, a cluster analysis suggests that there were four segments of consumers that transcend country boundaries. The findings add to our knowledge about consumers in these countries and the characteristics of the segments with respect to differing styles of consumption.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hypersingular boundary integral formulation for heat conduction across a curved imperfect interface
Authors: Ang Whye‐Teong
Published: February 2007

The problem of determining the two‐dimensional steady‐state temperature field in a bimaterial with a curved microscopically imperfect interface is considered. The temperature jump across the interface is proportional in magnitude to the interfacial heat flux. The conditions on the interface are formulated in terms of a boundary integral equation containing both Cauchy principal and Hadamard finite‐part integrals. A numerical method based on this formulation is outlined for the numerical solution of the problem under consideration. It is applied to solve some specific problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying and assessing environmentally harmful subsidies in Germany: an overview of studies and their underlying methodologies in the energy and transport sector
Authors: Rave Tilmann
Published: February 2007

The discussion on the reduction and reform of subsidies in Germany has gained momentum lately. It has repeatedly been suggested that environmental and wider efficiency consideration be taken into account in reform strategies. Yet, progress at reforming environmentally harmful subsidies seems to be slow overall. This paper provides an overview on monitoring and assessing environmentally harmful subsidies in selected German policy sectors and discusses the underlying study methodologies. For this purpose we first briefly deal with the concept of subsidy and the measurement of subsidies in general and illustrate the linkage between subsidies and their environmental effects. The main focus of the paper is then on the current state of subsidy impact assessment and/or related monitoring activities. We discuss studies relating to two different policy sectors, energy policy and transport policy. While no single best methodology exists, it is suggested that different approaches may fertilize each other. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Costs and competitiveness effects of the European Union emissions trading scheme
Authors: Oberndorfer Ulrich , Rennings Klaus
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we analyse different approaches that are available in order to assess the impacts of the EU ETS on costs and competitiveness in Europe. In this respect, we focus on existing simulation studies. We have identified the choice of the reference scenario as the most critical issue for an appropriate analysis of the relevant approaches. We find, however, that effects of the scheme on costs and competitiveness are modest, even given the business as usual case that does not take the legally binding framework of the Kyoto Protocol into account. Furthermore, the impacts of the EU ETS are smaller than the impacts of alternative Kyoto‐based regulation scenarios. Compared with these other regulation methods ETSs can have positive competitiveness effects. However, the EU ETS is not designed to boost Europe's economy. Its prime purpose and justification is to ensure that Europe's CO2 emissions are brought down and Kyoto targets are reached at minimal costs. In our opinion, it is therefore important that the system as well as modifications to it do not undermine the environmental goals associated with this policy instrument. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Immunological purification and chemical characterization of the group‐specific proteins (Gc) from human serum
Authors: Ruoslahti E. , Simons K. , Ehnholm C.
Published: February 2007

The group‐specific (Gc) proteins have been purified by an immunochemical method from human sera of Gc 1–1 and Gc 2–2 phenotypes. The two electrophoretic components of the Gc 1 protein, Gc 1F and Gc 1S were isolated by electro‐focusing. Tryptic peptide maps on cellulose thin layers of Gc 1, Gc 1F, Gc 1S and Gc 2 revealed one peptide specific for Gc 2, another peptide specific for Gc 1 and a third characteristic for Gc 1F. The amino acid composition of these peptides was determined. From these and previous results a hypothesis based on one gene locus is put forward to explain the Gc polymorphism.
Occurrence of IgG fragments in the urine of the newborn calf
Authors: Kickhöfen B. , Hammer D. K. , Westphal Monika
Published: February 2007

The observation that newborn calves develop a proteinuria reaching a maximum between 25 and 30 hours of life after feeding colostrum was confirmed.

Among the proteins precipitable at 3.6 M ammonium sulfate, two components with IgG specificity but differing in electrophoretic mobility have been found.

Antisera were produced in rabbits against Fab or Fc fragments derived from colostral IgGs by papain digestion. Using these antisera, a urinary Fab was demonstrated to be antigenically identical to the papain Fab. In contrast, the urinary Fc was found to be at least in part antigenically deficient with respect to the papain Fc.

With the aid of an immunoadsorbent, the antigen binding activity of the urinary Fab could be demonstrated in calves after the ingestion of colostrum which contained antibody.

The site where the degradation of IgGs occurs could not be elucidated.
The antibody response of mice to allografts as determined by a plaque assay with allogeneic target cells
Authors: Nordin A. A. , Cerottini J.‐C. , Brunner K. T.
Published: February 2007

Mouse lymphoid cells producing lytic antibody against alloantigens have been detected in vitro with the help of a plaque assay using allogeneic tumor cells as indicator cells. In C3H mice injected with 30 × 106 DBA/2 tumor cells, alloantibody plaque forming cells appeared in the spleen by day 3 and increased in number until day 9.
The carrier effect in the secondary response to hapten‐protein conjugates. III. The anatomical distribution of helper cells and antibody‐forming‐cell‐precursors
Authors: Boak J. L. , Mitchison N. A. , Pattisson P. H.
Published: February 2007

The activity of cells from blood, peritoneal exudate, thoracic duct lymph, lymph nodes and spleen were tested in the adoptive secondary response of mice to hapten‐protein conjugates. No correlation of helper or antibody‐forming‐cell‐precursor activity was found with the number of macrophages. Thoracic duct lymphocytes tended to be relatively more active than spleen cells as helpers. These findings are interpreted as support for the hypothesis that helper cells are thymus‐derived, recirculating lymphocytes.
Tobacco mosaic virus specific immunoglobulins from horse serum. I. Physical and chemical characterization
Authors: Anderer F. A. , Schlumberger H. D. , Ströbel G.
Published: February 2007

IgG and IgG(T) immunoglobulin fractions have been prepared from an anti‐serum of a horse which had been immunized with tobacco mosaic virus. The virus specific antibodies were isolated by precipitation with the virus followed by dissociation of the precipitates. The molecular weights and the carbohydrate contents of the immunoglobulins and of their constituent polypeptide chains were determined. Neutralization tests with TMV and IgG showed that the neutralizing capacity resides primarily in the H‐chains. The peptide chains of IgG(T) exhibited a greatly reduced neutralizing effect as compared to the IgG(T) antibody.
Early changes in the phospholipid metobolism of lymphocytes following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin and with lysolecithin
Authors: Resch K. , Ferber E. , Odenthal J. , Fischer H.
Published: February 2007

Following stimulation of rabbit lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) [14C]oleic acid incorporation was augmented into phospholipids but not into neutral fats. The main phospholipid into which oleate was incoporated was lecithin. Stimulation of lymphocytes with lysolecithin in short‐time experiments also increased the incorporation of oleate into lecithin.

The distribution of the labeled fatty acids in the newly formed lecithin molecules was determined using snake venom phospholipase A. Of the incorporated oleate 80 % was found in position 1 of the glycerol moiety both in unstimulated and stimulated lymphocytes.

In addition to natural [1‐acyl]‐lysolecithin a sythetic non‐metabolized lysolecithin analogue also effected lymphocyte stimulation, suggesting that exogenous lysolecithin acts not as a substrate for lysolecithin‐acyltransferase. Microsomal membranes of normal and stimulated lymphocytes were examined for enzyme ectivities involved in the incorporation of long‐chain fatty acids into phospholipids especially (a) fatty acid: CoA‐ligase, (b) lysolecithin‐acyltransferase, (c) phospholipase A and (d) lysophospholipase. After 3 h of cultivation with PHA, fatty acid: CoA‐ligase (which is rate‐limiting for the incorporation of oleate into phospholipids) and phospholipase A were activated. Lysolecithin produced only an activation of phospholipase A supporting the idea that oleate is incorporated by reacylation of endogenously formed [2‐acyl]‐lysolecithin and consistent with our findings that de novo synthesis of phospholipids, as measured by [14C]choline uptake, is low during the early phase of stimulation.
Sequential appearance of antibodies directed against different antigenic determinants of hen egg‐white lysozyme
Authors: Maron E. , Arnon Ruth , Bonavida B.
Published: February 2007

Three rabbits immunized with hen egg‐white lysozyme (three injections in complete Freund's adjuvant) were bled weekly for a period of 4 months. Each individual antiserum was tested for the presence of antibodies specific towards both native lysozyme and two distinct antigenic determinants of the molecule, comprising the “loop” peptide (residues 60‐83 containing one disulfide bond) and a fragment containing the amino and carboxy termini of lysozyme. Variations were observed in the amounts and the time of appearance of antibodies with different specificities. The first demonstrable antibodies, 10 days after the onset of immunization, were antibodies directed towards intact lysozyme. At this time, no antibodies to the two isolated antigenic fragments of the molecule could be detected. Antibodies specific for these two determinants appeared at much later bleedings 2‐3 months after immunization. Although the general pattern of the induction of antibodies with different specificities was the same in all three rabbits, individual differences were never‐theless observed among the three animals used in this study.
Properties of the inferferon‐like virus inhibitor released during interaction of mouse sensitized lymphocytes with their target cells
Authors: Borecký L. , Fuchsberger N. , Žemla J. , Lackovič V.
Published: February 2007

The properties of an interferon‐like viral inhibitor (ILVI) released during the interaction of sensitized mouse peritoneal and/or splenic leukocytes with L‐cells were studied.

In addition to such properties as trypsin sensitivity, thermoresistance at 56 °C, resistance to acid pH, species specificity, cell mediated effect, etc., it has been shown that actinomycin D, puromycin and cycloheximide prevent the antiviral action of ILVI to the same extent as in the case of other interferons. The molecular weight of ILVI was found to be about 45 000. Lymphocytes seem to be the main producers of ILVI.

After fractionation on Sephadex G‐100 at least 2 peaks of cytotoxic activity were found in ILVI as well as in other virus‐ and endotoxin‐stimulated inter‐feron preparations. One of the cytotoxic components was regularly associated with the molecular species of the highest interferon activity. This finding suggests that a cytotoxic component may be involved in the antitumorigenic effect of interferon preparations.
Effect of phytohemagglutinin on thymidine incorporation and antibody production in the secondary response in vitro towards a defined hapten
Authors: Sulica A. , Tarrab Rebeca , Haimovich J. , Sela M.
Published: February 2007

Rabbits were immunized with 2,4‐dinitrophenyl bovine serum albumin (DNP‐BSA), and the spleen cells were removed and cultured in vitro in the presence of either phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or antigen, or both stimulants. PHA and antigen, when reacted together, had an additive stimulatory effect on thymidine uptake and an inhibitory effect on the production of antibodies as compared to the effect of the antigen alone. Cultures treated with PHA alone contained more antibodies than unstimulated cultures.
The relative distribution of cytotoxic lymphocytes and of alloantibody‐forming cells in albumin density gradients
Authors: Pelet J. , Brunner K. T. , Nordin A. A. , Cerottini J.‐C.
Published: February 2007

Spleen cells of C57BL mice immunized by tumor allografts were separated by differential flotation in albumin density gradients, and the resulting fractions tested in vitro for cytotoxicity and for alloantibody plaque‐forming cells. The alloantibody plaque‐forming cells were found to accumulate preferentially in the low density fractions, while the cytotoxic lymphocytes were found mainly in fractions of intermediate and high density. Cytotoxic lymphocytes obtained early after immunization or by transfer of spleen cells into irradiated allogeneic hosts were of lower average density than spleen cells collected at the peak of the immune response or later.
Genetics of the immune response. III. The restricted heterogeneity of antibodies to phage fd in a low responding inbred strain of mice
Authors: Kölsch E. , Diller Eva
Published: February 2007

The dissociation of complexes between fd phages and inactivating antibodies has been followed between pH 2.2 and 5.0. The resulting dissociation curves measure the fraction of phages reactivated at a given pH. The shape of the curve is not caused by phage heterogeneity. It is a property of any given anti‐serum and reflects the degree of antibody heterogeneity. The dissociation curves for secondary sera from high responding DBA/IJ and low responding AKR/J mice have been compared. The heterogeneity of low responder antibodies is restricted.
Anaphylatoxin formation by contact activation of plasma. I. Activation by zymosan without participation of antibody
Authors: Brade V. , Vogt W.
Published: February 2007

By incubation with human plasma at 37°C zymosan is coated with factors forming a complex which liberates anaphylatoxin from rat anaphylatoxinogen. This complex is formel equally well in plasma which has been preabsorbed with zymosan at 0°C. In contrast to fresh plasma, preabsorbed plasma did not contain detectable antibodies to zymosan. Furthermore, precoating of zymosan with rabbit anti‐zymosan antibody did not increase its capability to fix anaphylatoxin‐forming factors from preabsorbed human plasma.

Anaphylatoxin formation in rat plasma by incubation with zymosan or Sephadex proceeded equally well regardless of whether the respective antibodies had been eliminated by preabsorption or not. Glycogen proved to be an effective contact agent, inducing anaphylatoxin formation in rat plasma which is unlikely to contain anti‐glycogen antibodies.

The findings suggest that natural antibodies to the mentioned polysaccharides are not involved in anaphylatoxin formation induced by contact with plasma. This makes it unlikely that the anaphylatoxin‐forming system fixed on zymosan, etc. is represented simply by the complement complex C1423.

Sheep red blood cells can be coated with anaphylatoxin‐forming serum factors only when previously loaded with amboceptor.

This suggests that two different pathways of anaphylatoxin formation exist: one is by use of the classical complement reaction, operating when e.g. erythrocyte‐antibody complexes are incubated with serum; the other pathway is involved when polysaccarides are used for induction of anaphylatoxin liberation.
HL‐A phenotype and gene frequencies in the German Ruhr area population
Authors: Bertrams J. , Kuwert E. , Böhme U.
Published: February 2007

The distribution of HL‐A antigens was determined in 255 unrelated Germans. Seven antigens of the 1st sublocus (LA series) and 14 antigens of the 2nd sublocus (FOUR series) could be identified. No individual carried more than two antigens of each series. The gene frequencies do not show remarkable deviations from analogous values of other European populations. The established genetic concept of a mutually exclusive multiple allelic antigen system with two closely linked series was fully confirmed.
Formation and function of a complement‐activating enzyme generated from factors of guinea pig serum and cobra venom
Authors: Dierich M. P. , Bitter‐Suermann D. , König W. , Hadding U.
Published: February 2007

An enzymatic complex can be formed by factors from guinea pig serum and cobra venom, which is able to activate C3 bypassing C1, C4 and C2. Formation and action of the enzyme are described. The action on C3 results in an activation of the terminal complement components and in membrane destruction provided suitable membrane receptors are available.
Life‐long tolerance and chimerism in parental mice induced with F1 hybrid cells
Authors: Silobrčić V.
Published: February 2007

We have induced specific immunological tolerance towards (C57BL × CBA‐T6T6) F1 skin grafts in newborn recipients of the parental CBA strain by one injection of 20 × 106 or 40 × 106 F1 spleen cells. Approximately 80 % of the CBA recipients were highly tolerant (the grafts survived for more than 50 days). Many of the highly tolerant mice retained fully preserved grafts until natural death.

The highly tolerant CBA mice had dividing (C57BL × CBA‐T6T6) F1 cells in their spleen (12–13 %) and lymph nodes (12–15 %). The proportion of these cells decreased with time, but we found a few of them even at 567 days of life (0.7 and 4.2 %, respectively).

We have concluded that specific immunological tolerance to tissue grafts induced at birth can last throughout the entire life‐span of a mouse. The tolerance persists in spite of a very low proportion of dividing donor cells within the lymphoid tissue of tolerant hosts.
Free‐flow electrophoretic separation of lymphocytes. Two thoracic duct lymphocyte subpopulations studied after prolonged cannulation and immunization
Authors: Zeiller K. , Liebich H. G. , Hannig K.
Published: February 2007

Two different populations of small thoracic duct lymphocytes were separated by electrophoresis and characterized by electron microscopy. The high electrophoretic mobility region (HMR) consisted of small lymphocytes only and contained 75 % of the cells. After thoracic duct drainage or antigenic stimulation the morphological characteristics of the cells in the HMR remained unchanged. In contrast, the cells in the low electrophoretic mobility region (LMR) increased in quantity and showed morphological alterations after prolonged duct drainage or antigenic stimulation. Prior to stimulation small and medium lymphocytes were found in the LMR. After stimulation, blast‐like cells, immature plasma cells and “activated” lymphocytes, in addition to increased numbers of small lymphocytes, were detected.