bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in Glassy Dynamics of Polymers
Authors: Serghei Anatoli
Published: June 2008

This work is focused on the glassy dynamics of polymers under conditions of one‐dimensional confinement (in thin films). Several important topics are addressed: (a) preparative factors with large impact on the molecular dynamics of thin polymer films (oxidative degradation, plasticizing effects, residual stresses leading to metastable states); (b) it is emphasized the necessity to characterize the glass transition by measuring relaxation time distribution functions; (c) it is shown that different experimental techniques do not necessarily deliver converging results when applied to characterise the dynamics of confined polymers; (d) a novel approach is demonstrated which grants a direct experimental access to interfacial polymer dynamics; (e) measurements on nearly isolated polymer chains are presented.

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Rheological Characterization of Self‐Hardening Hydrogel for Tissue Engineering Applications: Gel Point Determination and Viscoelastic Properties
Authors: Fatimi Ahmed , Axelos Monique A. V. , Tassin Jean François , Weiss Pierre
Published: June 2008

Summary:Silated hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si‐HPMC) is a modified biopolymer used in biomaterial's domain. A hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was functionalised with silane groups. The macromolecular solution of Si‐HPMC (pH 12.9) generates an elastic state at physiological pH (∼7.4). In this work we present the gel formation of Si‐HPMC resulting from the condensation of silanol groups. The crosslinked hydrogel was characterized using rheological techniques. With the scalar percolation model the gelation time was determined as a function of Si‐HPMC concentration at 37 °C.
Protein Adsorption on Derivatives of Hyaluronan
Authors: Lord Megan S. , Pasqui Daniela , Barbucci Rolando , Milthorpe Bruce K.
Published: June 2008

Summary:Serum protein adsorption and fibroblast cell adhesion on photo reactive hyaluronic acid (Hyal‐N3) and its sulfated derivative (HyalS‐N3) was analysed using a combination of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and cell adhesion assays. There was no significant differences in the amount of protein adsorbed onto the two polymers, however proteins were found to be more loosely bound to HyalS‐N3 compared with Hyal‐N3. Approximately 17% and 31% of the fibronectin interacting with Hyal‐N3 and HyalS‐N3 respectively was found to be irreversibly bound after rinsing with MilliQ water, SDS and urea. Proteins were exposed to the polymers before cell adhesion was monitored for a period of 2 hours in serum free conditions. Minimal cell adhesion was observed on albumin‐coated materials as well as serum precoated Hyal‐N3. Precoating the materials with fibronectin enhanced cell adhesion, although HyalS‐N3 experienced higher levels of cell adhesion than Hyal‐N3 and similar results were found for the serum precoated materials.
Coinage Metal–Glutathione Thiolates as a New Class of Supramolecular Hydrogelators
Authors: Odriozola Ibon , Ormategui Nerea , Loinaz Iraida , Pomposo José A. , Grande Hans J.
Published: June 2008

Summary:Coinage metal salts (e.g. AuIII, AgI and CuII salts) readily react with thiols to give the corresponding metal(I) thiolates. These thiolate species are known to either self‐assemble into insoluble polymeric species or to form soluble oligomers, depending on the nature of the thiol ligand. Here we demonstrate that this self‐assembling ability can be applied to create supramolecular hydrogels. Glutathione (GSH), a naturally occurring tripeptide, has been used in combination with AuIII, AgI and CuII salts to obtain pH responsive hydrogels that are able to gelate 100 times their weight in water.
Molecular Simulation of the Adsorption of Rod/Coil Blends on Nano‐Patterned Surfaces
Authors: Al Sunaidi Abdullah
Published: June 2008

The adsorption of rod/coil blends onto patterned surfaces with periodic stripes of width w was simulated using Monte‐Carlo methods. The rods and the coils were taken to be fused monomers of diameter σ, interacting with the stripes by a square‐well potential of depth ε and width σ. When the interaction was through excluded‐volume interactions only, we observed segregation of the components in the adsorbed layer. The adsorbed rods are strongly aligned along the stripe for w = σ, but lose their orientational order for larger w. When a repulsive interaction between the rods and the coils was introduced, an increase in the surface coverage of the rods with better recognition of the stripes was observed.

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MRI thermometry: Fast mapping of RF‐induced heating along conductive wires
Authors: Ehses Philipp , Fidler Florian , Nordbeck Peter , Pracht Eberhard D. , Warmuth Marcus , Jakob Peter M. , Bauer Wolfgang R.
Published: June 2008

Conductive implants are in most cases a strict contraindication for MRI examinations, as RF pulses applied during the MRI measurement can lead to severe heating of the surrounding tissue. Understanding and mapping of these heating effects is therefore crucial for determining the circumstances under which patient examinations are safe. The use of fluoroptic probes is the standard procedure for monitoring these heating effects. However, the observed temperature increase is highly dependent on the positioning of such a probe, as it can only determine the temperature locally. Temperature mapping with MRI after RF heating can be used, but cooling effects during imaging lead to a significant underestimation of the heating effect. In this work, an MRI thermometry method was combined with an MRI heating sequence, allowing for temperature mapping during RF heating. This technique may provide new opportunities for implant safety investigations. Magn Reson Med, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interstitial adenosine triphosphate modulates muscle afferent nerve–mediated pressor reflex
Authors: Li Jianhua , Gao Zhaohui , Kehoe Valerie , Xing Jihong , King Nicholas , Sinoway Lawrence
Published: June 2008

Previous work has shown that muscle contraction elevates interstitial adenosine triphosphate concentration ([ATP]i), which is likely due to the release of ATP from active skeletal muscle. ATP activation of purinergic receptors P2X on thin muscle afferent fibers further enhances cardiovascular responses to contraction. Thus, the purposes of this study were: (1) to examine the mechanisms by which ATP is released from muscle in response to mechanical stimulation; and (2) to study the effects of interstitial ATP concentrations on modulating pressor response to muscle contraction. Static contraction of the triceps surae muscle was evoked by electrical stimulation (at 5 HZ and 2.5 times motor threshold) of the tibial nerve in 9 anesthetized cats. Muscle interstitial ATP samples were collected from microdialysis probes inserted into the muscles. Dialysate ATP concentrations were determined using the luciferin–luciferase assay. In a control experiment, contraction was induced after 0.5 ml of saline was injected into the arterial blood supply of the hindlimb muscles. This increased [ATP]i by 220% (P < 0.05 vs. baseline). After gadolinium (1 mM), a blocker of mechanically sensitive channels, was injected into the muscles, contraction increased [ATP]i by 112% (P < 0.05 vs. control). In contrast, glibenclamide (an inhibitor of the ATP‐binding cassette protein), monensin, and brefeldin A, which interfere with vesicular formation (or trafficking) and inhibit exocytosis, did not significantly affect ATP release by muscle contraction. In addition, a regression analysis showed that [ATP]i was linearly related to the pressor response to muscle contraction. The data suggest that ATP release from skeletal muscle is mediated via involvement of mechanosensitive channels. These findings further support a physiological role for release of ATP in modulating cardiovascular responses during static muscle contraction. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Conducting nanocomposites of polyacrylamide with acetylene black and polyaniline
Authors: Verma Pramod Kumar , Sardar Pinki Saha , Ghosh Sanjib , Biswas Mukul
Published: June 2008

A conducting nanocomposite of polyacrylamide (PAA) with acetylene black was prepared via Na2AsO3‐K2CrO4 redox initiated polymerization of acrylamide in water containing a suspension of acetylene black. FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of PAA in the nanocomposites. The composite possessed lower thermal stability than AB and exhibited three stages of decomposition upto 430°C. DSC thermogram revealed three endotherms due to minor thermal degradation (at ∼100°C), melting and decomposition (at ∼230°C) and major decomposition (at ∼430°C). TEM analyses indicated the formation of globular composite particles with sizes in 30–70 nm range. In contrast to the very low conductivity of the base polymer the composite showed a dramatic increase in conductivity (0.19–6.0 S/cm) depending upon AB loading. Log (conductivity) –1/T plot showed a change in slope at ∼127°C indicating the manifestation of an intrinsic conductivity region and an impurity conductivity region. The activation energy for conduction as estimated from the slope of region I was 0.008 eV/mol. The C–V plot was linear showing a metallic behavior. For comparison in conductivity PAA‐polyaniline composite was also prepared which however displayed much lower conductivity values. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
A radial infusion model for transverse permeability measurements of fiber reinforcement in composite materials
Authors: Mekic Sait , Akhatov Iskander , Ulven Chad
Published: June 2008

The goal of this article was to develop a method for simultaneously determining the principal values of an unsaturated permeability tensor for fibrous reinforcements which accounts for finite dimension of the inlet gate, when its diameter is comparable or larger than thickness of a fabric preform. An analytic solution for the direct problem of liquid spreading in a transversely orthotropic fabric preform is derived and analyzed. This solution is compared with a point source approximate solution used by other authors. Algorithms for evaluating the principal components of transverse and equivalent in‐plane permeability are proposed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Physical properties of polyester‐acrylate/clay nanocomposite films with different organoclays
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Kim Dae Su
Published: June 2008

Three different organoclays (VDA‐MMT, SDA‐MMT, and 20A‐MMT) originated from the same pristine clay (Na+‐MMT) were used to prepare polyester‐acrylate/clay nanocomposite films by in‐situ ultraviolet (UV)‐polymerization. Except for the commercial organoclay (20A‐MMT), VDA‐MMT and SDA‐MMT were synthesized in this study by ion exchange method. The effects of different organoclays on the thermal stability, mechanical, and optical properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated. The physical properties of the nanocomposites were considerably different from each other because of the different characteristics of the organoclays. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology studies of doped polyaniline micro/nanocomposites containing TiO2 nanoparticles and Fe3O4 microparticles
Authors: Phang Sook‐Wai , Kuramoto Noriyuki
Published: June 2008

To produce polyaniline (PAni) nanodevices that display excellent microwave absorbing behaviors, novel hexanoic acid‐doped PAni micro/nanocomposites containing TiO2 nanoparticles and Fe3O4 microparticles (PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4) were prepared by template‐free method, particularly to improve the dielectric and magnetic property of PAni. PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 synthesized at different polymerization temperatures and polymerization time by various TiO2 and Fe3O4 contents, and particles size of TiO2 were prepared. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of synthesis condition on the morphology behaviors of nanorods/tubes. The resulted nanorods/tubes indicated that PAni micro/nanocomposites exhibited polymerization through elongation. PAni micro/nanocomposites synthesized at 0°C resulted in large amounts of nanorods/tubes compared with those synthesized at subzero temperature and above 0°C. PAni/HA/TiO2 and PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 synthesized using TiO2 with diameter (particles size) 180 nm resulted in large amounts of nanorods/tubes (diameter nanorods/tubes = 80–140 nm) compared with those synthesized using TiO2 with diameter of 30 and 6 nm. Increasing TiO2 and Fe3O4 content above 10% will significantly reduce the amount of nanorods/tubes. In conclusion, synthesis parameters mentioned above are the significant factors that might affect the morphology behaviors of PAni nanostructures. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Photodegradation of EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites: Effect of singlet oxygen
Authors: Kumar Bijandra , Kumar Indresh , Singh R.P.
Published: June 2008

The photo‐oxidation of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites has been studied under accelerated UV‐irradiation (λ ≥ 290 nm) in the presence of singlet oxygen. The rate of photodegradation of EPDM/MWCNT is found to be higher when compared to the pristine polymer in presence of singlet oxygen. The enhancement of the rate of degradation of composite has been described through [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction between singlet oxygen and double bonds on composite which is followed by cleavage. The rate of degradation and the formation of new functional groups on the composite has been monitored by FTIR spectroscopy and found to be increased with irradiation time. The changes in surface morphology have been studied by scanning electron microscope. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed an increase in the glass transition temperature of photodegraded EPDM and EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Intra‐abdominal masses: prenatal differential diagnosis and management
Authors: Hyett Jon
Published: June 2008

Intra‐abdominal masses and cystic lesions are not commonly identified during the routine 20‐week anomaly scan but are not infrequently seen as incidental findings during a third trimester scan assessing fetal growth and well being. This review looks at the potential differential diagnosis of masses and cysts seen prenatally and aims to define a method of assessment that will help limit the differential diagnosis before delivery. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wen‐pi‐tang‐Hab‐Wu‐ling‐san attenuates kidney fibrosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion in mice
Authors: Seok Young Mi , Kim Jinu , Park Mae Ja , Boo Yong Chool , Park Yong‐Ki , Park Kwon Moo
Published: June 2008

Renal fibrosis is highly implicated as a cause of chronic renal failure, for which suitable therapeutics have not yet been developed. Recently, it was reported that Wen‐pi‐tang‐Hab‐Wu‐ling‐san (WHW) extract attenuates epithelial cells undergoing mesenchymal transition in cultured Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells. This study investigated whether WHW extract prevents renal fibrosis induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in mice. Ischemia/reperfusion resulted in kidney fibrosis at 14 days after the procedure. When WHW was administered orally to mice beginning from 2 days after the onset of ischemia until killing, the fibrosis was significantly reduced. WHW administration significantly prevented a post‐ischemic decrease of copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activities, leading to decreased lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide production. In addition, WHW administration attenuated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) and attenuated the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in the kidneys subjected to ischemia. In conclusion, WHW extract attenuated the renal fibrosis and the attenuation was associated with a reduction of oxidative stress and an inhibition of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, p38 and NF‐κB activation. WHW extract may be an attractive agent to attenuate the progression of fibrosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A methoxylated fatty acid isolated from the brown seaweed Ishige okamurae inhibits bacterial phospholipase A2
Authors: Cho Ji‐Young , Gyawali Yadav P. , Ahn Sun‐Hee , Khan Mohammed N. A. , Kong In‐Soo , Hong Yong‐Ki
Published: June 2008

A methoxylated fatty acid that inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2; EC 3.1.1.4) was purified from the brown seaweed Ishige okamurae. Approximately 8.1 mg of the inhibitory compound, 7‐methoxy‐9‐methylhexadeca‐4,8‐dienoic acid, was isolated from 1 kg of I. okamurae powder. Recombinant PLA2 derived from the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio mimicus was used as the target enzyme. The methoxylated fatty acid compound competitively inhibited PLA2 with a Ki value of 3.9 µg/mL. The concentrations required for 50% inhibition of PLA2, oedema and erythema were 1.0 µg/mL, 3.6 mg/mL and 4.6 mg/mL, respectively. The compound strongly inhibited PLA2 activity in vitro and had potent antiinflammatory activity in vivo. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local tissue destruction and procoagulation properties of Echis carinatus venom: inhibition by Vitis vinifera seed methanol extract
Authors: Mahadeswaraswamy Y. H. , Nagaraju S. , Girish K. S. , Kemparaju K.
Published: June 2008

Plant extracts are extensively used against snakebites in Indian folk medicine. In this study, one such traditionally used plant, Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae) seed methanol extract has been studied for its ability to neutralize Indian Echis carinatus (saw‐scaled viper) venom. The extract effectively inhibited toxic effects, such as oedema, haemorrhage, myonecrosis and coagulation of citrated human plasma. Further, the extract inhibited the caseinolytic, hyaluronolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities of the venom. The extract caused dose dependent inhibition of the toxic activities studied, suggesting venom inhibition. Thus, the anti‐snake venom property of the extract appears to be highly promising for further investigation in order to achieve better neutralization of Indian E. carinatus venom poisoning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative studies on the immunomodulatory and antitumor activities of the different parts of fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma spores
Authors: Yue Grace G. L. , Fung Kwok‐Pui , Leung Ping‐Chung , Lau Clara B. S.
Published: June 2008

Ganoderma lucidum (GL, Lingzhi) has been suggested as a candidate for immunomodulation and cancer treatment. The present study aimed at comparing the different parts of the fruiting body (whole fruiting body, pileus and stipe) of GL as well as Ganoderma spores (sporoderm‐broken and ‐unbroken), with regard to their antitumor and immunomodulatory activities in S‐180 sarcoma‐bearing mice. The hot water extracts of different parts of GL or the Ganoderma spores were orally administered to the sarcoma‐bearing mice. The results showed that GL whole fruiting body, stipe and sporoderm‐broken spore possessed stronger inhibitory activities on sarcoma growth when compared with the pileus extract. Higher immunomodulatory activities in terms of enhancing the proliferative responses and the cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐6) production of spleen lymphocytes were also found in GL stipe and sporoderm‐broken spore treatment groups. The sporoderm‐broken spores had higher stimulatory effects on mitogen‐activated spleen lymphocytes of healthy mice than those of sarcoma‐bearing mice. In addition, the immunostimulatory activities of GL hot water extracts and Ganoderma spores were shown to be comparable; hence the latter did not show superiority in efficacy. This is the first comparative study on the immunomodulatory activities of Ganoderma spores and the fruiting body extracts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro antidiabetic activities of five medicinal herbs used in Chinese medicinal formulae
Authors: Lau C. H. , Chan C. M. , Chan Y. W. , Lau K. M. , Lau T. W. , Lam F. C. , Che C. T. , Leung P. C. , Fung K. P. , Ho Y. Y. , Lau C. B. S.
Published: June 2008

Fructus Corni, Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Poria, Rhizoma Alismatis and Rhizoma Dioscoreae are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes treatment. They are also the component herbs of an antidiabetic foot ulcer formula with demonstrated clinical efficacy. Although some of these herbal extracts were previously shown to possess in vivo antidiabetic effects (i.e. lowering blood glucose levels), the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible antidiabetic mechanisms of these individual herbs, using a systematic study platform which includes four in vitro tissue models: glucose absorption into intestinal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV), gluconeogenesis by rat hepatoma cell line H4IIE, glucose uptake by human skin fibroblasts cell line Hs68 and mouse adipocytes 3T3‐L1. All tested herbs showed significant in vitro antidiabetic effects in at least two models. Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Poria, Rhizoma Alismatis and Rhizoma Dioscoreae showed significant inhibitory effects in the BBMV glucose uptake assay. All tested herbs showed significant stimulatory effects to the glucose uptake of Hs68 and 3T3‐L1 cells, except Poria and Rhizoma Dioscoreae which were not effective to Hs68 and 3T3‐L1 respectively. However, none of the tested herbs inhibited hepatic gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, the five herbs exhibited distinct antidiabetic mechanisms in vitro and hence our investigations provided scientific evidence to support the traditional usage of these herbs for diabetic treatment in medicinal formulae. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidepressant‐like effect of ethanol extract from Paeonia lactiflora in mice
Authors: Mao Qingqiu , Huang Zhen , Ip Siupo , Che Chuntao
Published: June 2008

The present study investigated the antidepressant effect of ethanol extract of Paeonia lactiflora (EPL) in mice using forced swim test, tail suspension test, open‐field test and reserpine test. Our results showed that intragastric administration of EPL at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for seven days significantly reduced the duration of immobility in both forced swim test and tail suspension test. EPL at the dose of 500 mg/kg was as effective as the positive control (chlorimipramine, 20 mg/kg) in these tests. However, these treatments did not affect the number of crossing and rearing in the open‐field test. Treating mice with EPL at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg significantly antagonized reserpine‐induced ptosis and hypothermia. However, at the dose of 125 mg/kg, EPL antagonized only the hypothermia but not ptosis induced by reserpine. The results clearly demonstrated the antidepressant effect of Paeonia lactiflora in animal models of depression. The action of Paeonia lactiflora may be mediated via the central monoaminergic neurotransmitter system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular modeling of the inhibition of enzyme PLA2 from snake venom by dipyrone and 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone
Authors: Da Silva S. L. , Comar M. , Oliveira K. M. T. , Chaar J. S. , Bezerra E. R. M. , Calgarotto A. K. , Baldasso P. A. , Veber C. L. , Villar J. A. F. P. , Oliveira A. R. M. , Marangoni S.
Published: June 2008

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are enzymes that trigger the degradation cascade of the arachidonic acid, leading to the formation of pro‐inflammatory eicosanoids. The selective inhibition of PLA2s is crucial in the search for a more efficient anti‐inflammatory drug with fewer side effects than the drugs currently used. Hence, we studied the influences caused by two pyrazolonic inhibitors: dipyrone (DIP) and 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone (PMP) on the kinetic behavior of PLA2 from Crotalus adamanteus venom. Molecular modeling results, by DFT and MM approaches, showed that DIP is strongly associated to the active site of PLA2 through three hydrogen bonds, whereas PMP is associated to the enzyme just through hydrophobic interactions. In addition, only PMP presents an intramolecular hydrogen bond that make difficult the formation of more efficient interactions with PLA2. These results help in the understanding of the experimental observations. Experimentally, the results showed that PLA2 from C. adamanteus present a typical Michaelian behavior. In addition, the calculated kinetic parameters showed that, in the presence of DIP or PMP, the maximum enzymatic velocity (VMAX) value was kept constant, whereas the Michaelis constant (KM) values increased and the inhibition constant (KI) decreased, indicating competitive inhibition. These results show that the phenyl‐pyrazolonic structures might help in the development and design of new drugs able to selectively inhibit PLA2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Rovibrational energies and spectroscopic constants of the H system in the electronic states 1Sσ, 7iσ, 5fπ, 5gπ, 6iπ, and 6iϕ
Authors: Kiametis Alessandra S. , Vieira Fábio M. , Fonseca A. L. A. , e Silva Geraldo M. , Gargano Ricardo
Published: June 2008

In this work, we present the rovibrational energies and spectroscopic constants of the molecular ion H in the electronic states 1sσ, 7iσ, 5fπ, 5gπ, 6iπ, and 6iϕ. The H electronic energies were obtained from the solution of Hamilton–Jacobi equations in association with the series established by Wind–Jaffe. The calculated energies were fitted using the extended Rydberg functions and polynomials in bond order coordinates. From these analytical forms, we evaluated the H rovibrational spectroscopic constants for each state using two different procedures. The first was obtained combining the rovibrational energies, determined through the nuclear Schrödinger equation solution, and a diatomic rovibrational energy equation. The second was determined using the Dunham method. The results obtained are in a good agreement with both experimental and theoretical data available in the literature. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Use of mixed technologies to remediate chlorinated DNAPL at a Brownfields site
Authors: Robinson David , Angyal Gary
Published: June 2008

A former chlorofluorocarbon manufacturing facility in northern New Jersey was purchased for redevelopment as a warehousing/distribution center as part of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Brownfields redevelopment initiative. Soil and groundwater at the site were impacted with dense nonaqueous‐phase liquids (chlorinated organic compounds) and light nonaqueous‐phase liquids (petroleum hydrocarbons). The initial remedial strategy (excavation and offsite disposal) developed by prior site owners would have been cost‐prohibitive to the new site owners and made redevelopment infeasible. Mixed remedial technologies were employed to reduce the cost of remediation while meeting regulatory contaminant levels that are protective of human health and the environment. The most heavily impacted soils (containing greater than 95 percent of the contaminant mass) were excavated and treated onsite by the addition of calcium oxide and lime kiln dust coupled with physical mixing. Treated soils were reused onsite as part of the redevelopment. Residual soil and groundwater contamination was treated via in situ injections of emulsified oil to enhance anaerobic biodegradation, and emulsified oil/zero‐valent iron to chemically reduce residual contaminants. Engineering (cap) and administrative (deed restriction) controls were used as part of the final remedy. The remedial strategy presented in this article resulted in a cost reduction of 50 percent of the initial remedial cost estimate. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of Sydney N.S. tar pond sludge in a pilot‐scale rotary kiln
Authors: Jia L. , Anthony E. J.
Published: June 2008

Tar pond wastes from Sydney, Nova Scotia, containing 50 ppm or more of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were treated in a pilot‐scale rotary kiln. In order to use the existing feed system attached to the rotary kiln, the wastes were first oven‐dried. Stack gas sampling was conducted during the test, which included measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), HCl, and metals. The purpose of this study was to determine emissions from treatment of the tar pond waste using rotary kiln technology. It was found that the dried sludge could sustain combustion in the kiln without any supporting fuel. The emissions of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) were higher than the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) air emissions guidelines, and the reasons for this are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioremediation of a former dry cleaner using potassium lactate
Authors: Fu Amy Y. , Keenan Richard S.
Published: June 2008

Chlorinated solvents were released to the surficial groundwater underneath a former dry cleaning building, resulting in a groundwater plume consisting of high concentrations of trichloroethene (TCE) and cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene (cis‐1,2‐DCE) and low concentrations of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and vinyl chloride. The initial remedial action included chemical oxidation via injection of 14,400 gallons of Fenton's Reagent in March 2002, and an additional 14,760 gallons in April 2002. A sharp reduction of contaminant concentrations in groundwater was observed the following month; however, rebound of contaminant concentrations was evident as early as October 2002. A source area of PCE‐impacted soils was excavated in June 2004. Following the excavation, Golder Associates Inc. (2007) implemented a biostimulation plan by injecting 55 gallons of potassium lactate (PURASAL® HiPure P) in September 2005, and again in February 2006. Comparing the preinjection and postinjection site conditions, the potassium lactate treatments were successful in accomplishing a 40 to 70 percent reduction in mass within four months following the second injection. Elevated vinyl chloride concentrations have persisted through both injection events; however, significant vinyl chloride reduction has been observed in one well with the highest total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations following each injection. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abnormal Sylvian fissure on prenatal cerebral imaging: significance and correlation with neuropathological and postnatal data
Authors: Guibaud L. , Selleret L. , Larroche J. C. , Buenerd A. , Alias F. , Gaucherand P. , Des Portes V. , Pracros J.‐P.
Published: June 2008

Objective

To illustrate and determine the significance of abnormal Sylvian fissure development (or abnormal operculization) in cases in which prenatal cerebral imaging is suggestive of underlying cortical dysplasia.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 15 fetuses at 24–34 weeks in which abnormal operculization was identified on prenatal cerebral imaging and for which follow‐up data were available. The imaging findings were correlated to macro‐ and microscopic neuropathological data (n = 11) or to postnatal clinical and imaging findings (n = 4).

Results

On microscopic examination of fetuses from 11 terminated pregnancies, abnormal operculization was associated with cortical dysplasia in four cases and the cortex was normal in seven. Abnormal operculization was associated with cortical dysplasia in only one of the four liveborn infants. Cases of abnormal Sylvian fissure development with normal cortical architecture were classified, according to associated anomalies of the central nervous system, into one of five groups: those with neural tube defects, microcephaly or frontal hypoplasia, glutaric aciduria, other cerebral abnormalities, and extracerebral anomalies.

Conclusion

Abnormal operculization on prenatal imaging does not systematically reflect underlying cortical dysplasia. It may be related to extracortical factors such as abnormal cerebral volume or other developmental anomalies of the central nervous system. An understanding of the significance of abnormal Sylvian fissure development could be useful in integrating its analysis into a more general one of the whole central nervous system. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in regional fetal cerebral blood flow perfusion in relation to hemodynamic deterioration in severely growth‐restricted fetuses
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Figueroa‐Diesel H. , Jansson T. , Rangel‐Nava H. , Gratacos E.
Published: June 2008

Objectives

To study regional cerebral blood perfusion with power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) imaging in appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) fetuses and those with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) at different hemodynamic stages of fetal deterioration.

Methods

Brain blood perfusion was studied with PDU imaging, and the fractional moving blood volume (FMBV) was estimated in 56 growth‐restricted and 56 AGA matched fetuses at 26–32 weeks of gestation. Fetuses with IUGR were classified according to progression of hemodynamic deterioration as follows: Group 1, abnormal umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) (mean > 2 SD, n = 13); Group 2, abnormal UA‐PI and middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI (mean < 2 SD, n = 15); Group 3, abnormal UA‐PI, MCA‐PI and ductus venosus (DV) PI (mean > 2 SD) but atrial (a‐wave) flow present (n = 16); and Group 4, absent or reversed DV atrial flow (n = 12). FMBV was calculated in the complete mid‐sagittal, frontal, basal ganglia and cerebellar regions.

Results

In all growth‐restricted fetuses, FMBV was significantly increased in all regions. Fetuses in Group 1 showed considerable increments in FMBV values in the frontal, complete mid‐sagittal and cerebellar regions, and a mild increase in the basal ganglia. From Groups 2 to 4, there was a steady reduction (compared with Group 1) in frontal FMBV values (F = 3.25, P = 0.027) together with a significant increment in the basal ganglia values (F = 11.61, P < 0.001). A trend for increasing FMBV values was also observed in the cerebellum, whereas a decreasing trend was noted in the complete mid‐sagittal area.

Conclusions

Brain perfusion in growth‐restricted fetuses shows clear regional variations, which change with progression of hemodynamic deterioration. After an initial and early increase in the frontal area, progression of fetal deterioration was rapidly associated with a pronounced decrease in frontal perfusion, together with an increase towards the basal ganglia. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The risk of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with oral agent monotherapy
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Eurich Dean T. , Majumdar Sumit R. , Johnson Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2008

Aim

To determine if the risk of developing heart failure (HF) is associated with the use of sulfonylurea or metformin in patients with diabetes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all adults without HF newly treated with oral antidiabetic drugs in Saskatchewan, Canada between 1991 and 1999.

Results

Of 5631 diabetic subjects (mean age 66±13years) newly treated with a single oral agent and followed for 4.7 (±2.2) years, 981 developed HF (4.1 cases per 100 patient years). The incidence of HF was greater in patients using sulfonylurea monotherapy (4.4 cases per 100 treatment years) than those taking metformin monotherapy (3.3 cases per 100 years), and users of high‐dose sulfonylureas were more likely to develop incident HF than users of high‐dose metformin (adjusted HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.54). Users of high‐dose sulfonylureas were also more likely to develop HF (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20–1.60) than users of low‐dose sulfonylureas; no such association existed for metformin users (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.81–1.41).

Conclusions

Users of higher doses of sulfonylurea exhibited a greater risk of developing HF. Clinicians should carefully weigh the need for high‐dose sulfonylurea therapy in diabetic subjects with, or at high risk of, HF.
Emotion and emotionality as a hidden dimension of lexicon and discourse
Authors: VIBERG ÅKE
Published: June 2008

In her thought-provoking article, Aneta Pavlenko approaches emotion and emotion-laden words in the bilingual lexicon from an impressive number of different perspectives. This is particularly welcome, since most models of linguistic structure do not account for emotional meanings in a systematic way. One exception worth mentioning, however, is Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL; Halliday, 1985/1994) with its broad division of functions into the textual, ideational and interpersonal metafunctions. Whereas the textual metafunction is concerned with the flow of information and the ideational with the construction of experience, the interpersonal function is concerned with interaction between people including the sharing of feelings. Recently, this last aspect has been developed more on the basis of SFL within Appraisal theory (Martin and White 2005), where attitudinal meanings are divided into Affect (the construal of emotion into the frameI feel(very) __), Judgment (social/moral evaluation of people) and Appreciation (aesthetic evaluation of things). The theory has primarily been applied to the development of the expression of feeling and evaluation in student writing in schools, based on qualitative analysis of corpora. The framework has also recently been applied to other languages than English as in Folkeryd (2006), who shows how the expression of affect and other evaluative resources are used in various story genres by Swedish students in grades 5, 8 and 11. The expression of attitudinal meanings turned out to be a problem characteristic of low-achieving students. This study includes bilingual students but they are not focused on in the published work.
A DECISION PROCEDURE FOR PROBABILITY CALCULUS WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: FITELSON BRANDEN
Published: June 2008

A decision procedure (PrSAT) for classical (Kolmogorov) probability calculus is presented. This decision procedure is based on an existing decision procedure for the theory of real closed fields, which has recently been implemented inMathematica. AMathematicaimplementation of PrSAT is also described, along with several applications to various non-trivial problems in the probability calculus.
A CUT-FREE SIMPLE SEQUENT CALCULUS FOR MODAL LOGIC S5
Authors: POGGIOLESI FRANCESCA
Published: June 2008

In this paper, we present a simple sequent calculus for the modal propositional logic S5. We prove that this sequent calculus is theoremwise equivalent to the Hilbert-style system S5, that it is contraction-free and cut-free, and finally that it is decidable. All results are proved in a purely syntactic way.
Lernen im Team: Zusammenhänge zwischen Personen- und Teammerkmalen und der Leistung von Multiplikatoren
Authors: Zacher Hannes , Felfe Jörg , Glander Gernot
Published: June 2008

Die kontinuierliche gegenseitige Vermittlung von Wissen und Fertigkeiten innerhalb von Teams gewinnt in der betrieblichen Praxis immer mehr an Bedeutung. Nach den situativ-erfahrungsbezogenen Ansätzen aus der angewandten Lernforschung müssen für den Erfolg von Lernen in Teams bestimmte individuelle und soziale Voraussetzungen erfüllt sein. In einer Feldstudie in der Automobilproduktion wurde der Frage nachgegangen, welche Personenmerkmale von Multiplikatoren und welche Eigenschaften von Teams mit der Leistung von Multiplikatoren in 31 Teams mit 291 Teamkollegen zusammenhängen. Mithilfe von Mehrebenenanalysen (HLM) wurde untersucht, wie viel Varianz die Prädiktorvariablen im Vermittlungserfolg der Multiplikatoren und im Lernerfolg der Teamkollegen aufklären. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Gewissenhaftigkeit und Teamkohäsion am stärksten mit dem Vermittlungserfolg der Multiplikatoren zusammenhängen; Extraversion und Teamkohäsion hängen am stärksten mit dem Lernerfolg der Teamkollegen zusammen. Die wissenschaftlichen und praktischen Implikationen zur Untersuchung und Förderung von arbeitsplatznahen Lernprozessen in Teams werden abschließend diskutiert.
Das „Inventar berufsbezogener Einstellungen und Selbsteinschätzungen“ (IBES) von Marcus (2006)
Authors: Zettler Ingo , Solga Marc
Published: June 2008

Das IBES – Inventar berufsbezogener Einstellungen und Selbsteinschätzungen von Marcus (2006) ist das erste wissenschaftlich fundiert und transparent entwickelte Instrument vom Typus der Integrity Tests für den deutschen Sprachraum. Integrity Tests gehören zur Gruppe der Criterion-oriented Occupational Personality Scales (COPS). Ziel dieser Verfahren ist es, ein spezifisches Verhaltenskriterium – im Falle der Integrity Tests: kontraproduktives, d. h. die Organisation bzw. ihre Mitglieder schädigendes Verhalten am Arbeitsplatz (z. B. Diebstahl, Geheimnisverrat, Aggression gegen Sachen und Menschen) – bestmöglich vorherzusagen. Das IBES soll vorrangig in der externen Personalauswahl zum Einsatz kommen. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt theoretische Hintergründe, Aufbau, Durchführung und psychometrische Gütekriterien des Verfahrens.
Current Issues in Competence Modeling and Assessment
Authors: Koeppen Karoline , Hartig Johannes , Klieme Eckhard , Leutner Detlev
Published: June 2008

The goals of education and qualification in modern industrial societies can no longer be described by a fixed set of specialized skills that are transferable from one generation to the next. Nowadays, knowledge must be applicable to different, new, and complex situations and contexts. It is against this background that the concept of competence has attracted increased research attention. Competencies are conceptualized as complex ability constructs that are context-specific, trainable, and closely related to real life. The theoretical modeling of competencies, their assessment, and the usage of assessment results in practice present new challenges for psychological and educational research. This article reviews current issues in competence modeling, outlining research questions and the current state of research, and identifying the need for more interdisciplinary research. Finally, a research program recently initiated by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to address these questions and demands is presented.
Potential N2O emissions from leguminous tree plantation soils in the humid tropics
Authors: Arai Seiko , Ishizuka Shigehiro , Ohta Seiichi , Ansori Saifuddin , Tokuchi Naoko , Tanaka Nagaharu , Hardjono Arisman
Published: June 2008

We compared nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions over 1 year from soils of plantations growing acacia, which is a leguminous plant capable of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in root nodules, and secondary forests in Sumatra, Indonesia. N2O emissions from acacia plantation soils fluctuated seasonally, from high in the wetter season to low in the drier season, whereas N2O emissions from secondary forest soils were low throughout the year. Water‐filled‐pore‐space data showed that denitrification contributed substantially to N2O emissions from soils at acacia sites. The average annual N2O flux in acacia plantations was 2.56 kg N ha−1 a−1, which was eight times higher than that from secondary forest soils (0.33 kg N ha−1 a−1). In secondary forests, NH4+ was the dominant form of inorganic nitrogen. However, in acacia plantations, the NH4+: NO3− ratio was relatively lower than that in secondary forests. These results suggest that secondary forests were nitrogen limited, but acacia plantations were less nitrogen limited. Leguminous tree plantations may increase nitrogen cycling, resulting in greater N2O emissions from the soil. However, on a global warming potential basis, N2O emissions from acacia plantation soils accounted for less than 10% of the carbon uptake by plants. Nevertheless, because of the spread of leguminous tree plantations in Asia, the importance of N2O emissions from leguminous tree stands will increase in the coming decades.
Planetary waves in coupling the stratosphere and mesosphere during the major stratospheric warming in 2003/2004
Authors: Pancheva D. , Mukhtarov P. , Mitchell N. J. , Merzlyakov E. , Smith A. K. , Andonov B. , Singer W. , Hocking W. , Meek C. , Manson A. , Murayama Y.
Published: June 2008

The vertical coupling of the stratosphere‐mesosphere system through quasi‐stationary and traveling planetary waves during the major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) in the Arctic winter of 2003/2004 has been studied using three types of data. The UK Met Office (UKMO) assimilated data set was used to examine the features of the global‐scale planetary disturbances present in the winter stratosphere of the Northern Hemisphere. Sounding the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) satellite measurements were used as well for extracting the stationary planetary waves in the zonal and meridional winds of the stratosphere and mesosphere. Radar measurements at eight stations, four of them situated at high latitudes (63–69°N) and the other four at midlatitudes (52–55°N) were used to determine planetary waves in the mesosphere‐lower thermosphere (MLT). The basic results show that prior to the SSW, the stratosphere‐mesosphere system was dominated by an upward and westward propagating ∼16‐day wave detected simultaneously in the UKMO and MLT zonal and meridional wind data. After the onset of the SSW, longer‐period (∼22–24 days) oscillations were observed in the zonal and meridional MLT winds. These likely include the upward propagation of stationary planetary waves from below and in situ generation of disturbances by the dissipation and breaking of gravity waves filtered by stratospheric winds.
Spatiotemporal change in China's frost days and frost‐free season, 1955–2000
Authors: Liu Binhui , Henderson Mark , Xu Ming
Published: June 2008

From 1955 to 2000, China has experienced a decrease in the number of frost days, while the length of the frost‐free season between the last spring freeze and the first fall frost has increased. Three distinct regimes can be detected in the time series: up to about 1973, the annual number of frost days was about 2 d higher than the 1961–1990 average; from 1973 to 1985, the annual number of frost days held close to that average with remarkably little interannual variability; and after 1985, the annual number of frost days decreased rapidly with distinct reversal around 1992. The dates of first and last frost show two patterns: before 1980, these dates fluctuated around the 1961–1990 average, but after 1980 (and especially from 1993) the frost‐free season was rapidly lengthened. The numbers of frost days are highly correlated with minimum temperature (Tmin) in north China in spring and fall; while in south China frost dates correlate with minimum temperatures in winter. Generally, the seasonal relationships between Tmin and frost days are significant in both the temporal and spatial domains when seasonal average Tmin falls within a range of ±10°C. Analyzing annual and seasonal influences on the number of frost days, we find that water vapor plays a significant role. Regionally, the greater influence on the length of the frost‐free season in south China has been the delayed onset of the autumn frost, while in north China the spring and autumn dates each have a comparable influence on the length of the frost‐free season. The initial lengthening of the frost‐free season lagged about 10 years behind the rapid increase in daily minimum temperatures, while the decrease in the annual number of frost days lagged by about 15 years.