bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poisson Regression Models for Count Data: Use in the Number of Deaths in the Santo Angelo (Brazil)
Authors: Suzana Russo  , Diego Flender  , Gabriel Francisco da Silva
Published: May 2012

When speaking about data, presuppose its good quality otherwise the accuracy of information would be affected, which would lead to false interpretations. In Health Statistics data is obtained through surveys presented in its simplest expression, taking advantage of existing records; making an inquiry or by means of experiments. The rational organization of the data allows characterizing the priority issues and thus establishing health programs. To analyze the mortality data it is necessary to consider the mortality rate of certain age groups, so that we can find data which shows the prevalence of major groups of deaths. The analysis of data is followed by subsequent formulation of the Poisson regression models, where each group in question by age group is represented by a number of counting time. The Poisson regression model is a specific type of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and non-linear. As [1], its main features are: a) to provide, in general, a satisfactory description of experimental data whose variance is proportional to the mean. b) It can be deduced theoretically from the first principles with a minimum of restrictions c) If events occur independently and randomly in time with constant average rate of occurrence, the model determines the number of time specified. At the end of this study, it could be seen through the analysis of the data that the age group from 70 to 79 years old sustains the highest incidence of deaths with 21.1%. Then comes the range of 60 to 69 years old with the morality rate of 20%. This was recorded for the time worked in January 2000 to December 2004. The death rate was 52.27and variance was equal to 102.43 in the city of Santo Angelo (Brazil). It was further found that the data analyzed over dispersion variance greater than average. AS a result it was necessary to remove the over dispersion to find the appropriate template. With the pattern found, some short-term forecasts were made.
Heavy Protein Alteration under the Effects of Lead Acetate in Bactrocera cucurbitae
Authors: Rizwanul Haq  , M. Farhanullah Khan   , Ehteshamul Haq
Published: May 2012

Lead is supposed to be an important poisonous waste which could contaminate the environment, therefore, insects could be influenced easily by the lead., Bactrocera cucurbitae was studied at 48 hours post treatment, under the effects of lead acetate, in different concentrations of 0.125 mg., 0.25 mg., 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg and 2.0 mg. It was observed that under the effects of lead abnormalities and deformity were developed in the larvae of flies. Thus these flies could present a useful module for the quick transmission of the environmental hazards due to lead contamination, which exerts a specific physiological and morphological effect on these flies.
Mutaciones culturales y estéticas de la política
Authors: Martín Barbero Jesús
Published: May 2012

Thinking about art separately from the contemporary cultural and communicative transformations that influence the daily lives of most people prevents an understanding of the meaning of their own unease and impasses. The key to these cultural changes lies in a technological mutation that disrupts ways of being together – both at the local and national level, which are still the spaces of politics – by affecting our perceptions of space and time, forms of work, and ways of knowing. The relationship between art and politics, today, passes less through partisan and ideological positions and more through demands for political visibility and sociocultural recognition.
Gilles Deleuze. La ontología menor: de la política a la estética
Authors: Núñez García Amanda
Published: May 2012

In order to formulate the problem of the relationship between politics and aesthetics in the thought of Gilles Deleuze we consider it necessary to understand that the philosopher's ontology refers to these two instances because the three dimensions, ontology, aesthetics and politics, are inseparable at the moment in which the philosophy becomes minor and, therefore, nearer to the circumstances than to any abstract transcendence. Hence we analyze in this article how the philosophy of Deleuze goes from politics and the analysis of the empirical and socio-political conditions in which we find ourselves, to seeing aesthetics as creative way of altering space and time, returning in that way to politics. To alter time and space and to expose a thought of creativity is already a political intervention into reality, as W. Benjamin had already proposed in the tradition of the minor or minority philosophies.
Una política que quiere ser forma, una forma que quiere ser política. Confrontación de propuestas arquitectónicas y políticas en el Centro Cultural Jorge Eliécer Gaitán
Authors: Aschner Rosselli Juan Pablo
Published: May 2012

This article attempts to confront the esthetics that are present in Jorge Eliécer Gaitán’s political proposal and the politics that are present in Rogelio Salmona’s aesthetic proposal, in the light of an unfinished architectural project in Bogotá: The Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Museum and Cultural Centre, previously known as the “Exploratorio Nacional”.
High‐Voltage Pyrophosphate Cathodes
Authors: Barpanda Prabeer , Nishimura Shin‐ichi , Yamada Atsuo
Published: May 2012

The quest to explore and to discover novel cathode materials is key to sustaining the progress of Li‐ion rechargeable batteries. It has encouraged materials’ chemists to design and develop a variety of polyanionic compounds. This paper reports and summarizes recent progress in the development of alkali metal pyrophosphate based cathode materials for battery applications. It points out that the pyrophosphate‐based polyanionic‐framework materials offer a rich crystal chemistry, ease of synthesis and robust structure offering good alkali‐ion mobility. Thus, they can form a promising class of cathode materials both for lithium‐ and sodium‐ion secondary batteries. In the Perspectives section, it is speculated that keen study of the myriad of pyrophosphate phases, selective screening and design of key pyrophosphate compounds with open frameworks and optimizing those compounds with nanosizing and carbon coating can lead to breakthroughs in the realization of commercially viable high‐voltage Li‐ion and Na‐ion pyrophosphate cathodes.
A quadratic approximation‐based algorithm for the solution of multiparametric mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problems
Authors: Domínguez Luis F. , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N.
Published: May 2012

An algorithm for the solution of convex multiparametric mixed‐integer nonlinear programming problems arising in process engineering problems under uncertainty is introduced. The proposed algorithm iterates between a multiparametric nonlinear programming subproblem and a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming subproblem to provide a series of parametric upper and lower bounds. The primal subproblem is formulated by fixing the integer variables and solved through a series of multiparametric quadratic programming (mp‐QP) problems based on quadratic approximations of the objective function, while the deterministic master subproblem is formulated so as to provide feasible integer solutions for the next primal subproblem. To reduce the computational effort when infeasibilities are encountered at the vertices of the critical regions (CRs) generated by the primal subproblem, a simplicial approximation approach is used to obtain CRs that are feasible at each of their vertices. The algorithm terminates when there does not exist an integer solution that is better than the one previously used by the primal problem. Through a series of examples, the proposed algorithm is compared with a multiparametric mixed‐integer outer approximation (mp‐MIOA) algorithm to demonstrate its computational advantages. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 483–495, 2013
Oxygen permeation of various archetypes of oxygen membranes based on BSCF
Authors: Schulz Matthias , Pippardt Ute , Kiesel Lutz , Ritter Katrin , Kriegel Ralf
Published: May 2012

Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3‐δ tubes, capillaries, capillary modules, and asymmetric membranes were prepared and tested for oxygen permeation in a dead‐end vacuum operation mode at temperatures up to 850°C. The capillary module was built up by reactive air brazing using seven capillaries and a supply tube. Two machined discs were used as an end cap and as a connector plate. The oxygen permeation behaves according to Wagner at small driving forces, but significant negative deviations were observed for asymmetric membranes and single capillaries at higher ones. This is caused by pressure drops at the vacuum side for single capillaries. The highest oxygen flux was revealed for the capillary module with 175.5 mL(STP)/min at a low‐vacuum pressure of 0.042 bar at 850°C, but the asymmetric membrane showing a little bit higher flux at moderate vacuum pressures above 0.07 bar. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 3195–3202, 2012
Prevalence of primary immune thrombocytopenia in Oklahoma
Authors: Terrell Deirdra R. , Beebe Laura A. , Neas Barbara R. , Vesely Sara K. , Segal Jodi B. , George James N.
Published: May 2012

To determine the prevalence of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in Oklahoma regardless of age, clinical characteristics, insurance status, and source of health care. Patients with ITP were identified by the administrative code ICD‐9‐CM 287.3 in Oklahoma hematologists' offices for a 2‐year period, 2003–2004. Prevalence was estimated separately for children (<16 years old) and adults because of their distinct clinical characteristics. Oklahoma census data for 2000 was used as the denominator. Eighty‐seven (94%) of 93 eligible Oklahoma hematologists participated; 620 patients with ITP were identified. The average annual prevalences were as follows: 8.1 (95% CI: 6.7–9.5) per 100,000 children, 12.1 (95% CI: 11.1–13.0) per 100,000 adults, and 11.2 (95% CI: 10.4–12.0) per 100,000 population. Among children and adults less than age 70 years, the prevalence was greater among women. Among adults aged 70 years and older, the prevalence was greater among men. The highest prevalence of ITP was among men age 80 years and older. These data document for the first time the prevalence of ITP regardless of age, clinical characteristics, insurance status, and source of health care. The methodology developed for this prevalence analysis may be adaptable for epidemiologic studies of other uncommon disorders which lack specific diagnostic criteria and are treated primarily by medical specialists. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aging in Prader–Willi syndrome: Twelve persons over the age of 50 years
Authors: Sinnema Margje , Schrander‐Stumpel Constance T.R.M. , Maaskant Marian A. , Boer Harm , Curfs Leopold M.G.
Published: May 2012

The life expectancy of persons with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) has increased in recent years. Because of the paucity of reports on older persons with PWS, the natural history, the onset, and type of age‐related problems are poorly understood. Twelve persons with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of PWS aged over 50 years are described (4 deletion; 8 mUPD). Data on physical, behavioral, psychiatric, and aging characteristics were collected through semi‐structured interviews with the individuals with PWS and their main carers. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dermatological, and orthopedic problems were common physical complaints in older people with PWS. Functioning in activities of daily living, psychological functioning, physical functions, and care dependence were substantially worse in the older age group (50+) compared to the control group (18–49 years). Seven out of eight persons with mUPD had a history of psychiatric illness. Behavioral problems were observed in the older age group. Given the combination of age‐related physical morbidity, physical appearance, behavioral and psychiatric problems, and functional decline in our cohort, we hypothesize that premature aging occurs in PWS. The care for older people with PWS requires a lifespan approach that recognizes the presence, progression, and consequences of specific morbidity. Special medical surveillance of people with PWS from 40 years onwards would ensure that intervention and support is offered with respect to specific areas of decline at the earliest possible time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome: Report of a variant case
Authors: Kiraz Aslihan , Ozen Samim , Tubas Filiz , Usta Yusuf , Aldemir Ozgur , Alanay Yasemin
Published: May 2012

Wiedemann–Rautenstrauch syndrome (WRS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that includes premature aging phenotype at birth. The condition is also known as a neonatal progeroid syndrome. Up to now only a few published case reports have been documented. The syndrome is characterized by progeroid appearance, decreased subcutaneous fat, hypotrichosis, macrocephaly, and in some natal teeth. We describe a new patient with features of bilaterally pelvicalyceal ectasia and partial syndactyly on 2th and 3th toes, not previously described, to our knowledge. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel clinical findings in a case of postnatally diagnosed trisomy 12 mosaicism
Authors: Al‐Hertani Walla , McGowan‐Jordan Jean , Allanson Judith E.
Published: May 2012

We report on a girl with trisomy 12 mosaicism diagnosed postnatally. She has been followed from 4 months of age for developmental delay, unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, intestinal malrotation, hemi‐hyperplasia, pigmentary dysplasia, retinopathy, and a vascular ring. To our knowledge, there have been no reports of complete trisomy 12 in the literature. However there have been a few reports describing the phenotype of individuals with trisomy 12 mosaicism. This case report is a description of the eighth liveborn individual diagnosed postnatally with this condition. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain abnormalities in patients with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Gardiner Kate , Chitayat David , Choufani Sanaa , Shuman Cheryl , Blaser Susan , Terespolsky Deborah , Farrell Sandra , Reiss Rosemary , Wodak Shoshana , Pu Shuye , Ray Peter N. , Baskin Berivan , Weksberg Rosanna
Published: May 2012

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth disorder with variability in clinical manifestations and molecular causes. In most cases, patients with BWS have normal development. Cases with developmental delay are usually attributed to neonatal hypoglycemia or chromosome abnormalities involving copy number variation for genes beyond the critical BWS region at 11p15.5. Brain abnormalities have not previously been recognized within the BWS phenotypic spectrum. We report on seven cases of BWS associated with posterior fossa abnormalities. Of these, two cases presented with Blake's pouch cyst, two with Dandy–Walker variant (DWV; hypoplasia of the inferior part of the vermis), one with Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM) and one with a complex of DWM, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum and brain stem abnormality. In all these cases, molecular findings involved the centromeric imprinted domain on chromosome locus 11p15.5, which includes imprinting center 2 (IC2) and the imprinted growth suppressor gene, CDKN1C. Three cases had loss of methylation at IC2, two had CDKN1C mutations, and one had loss of methylation at IC2 and a microdeletion. In one case no mutation/methylation abnormality was detected. These findings together with previously reported correlations suggest that genes in imprinted domain 2 at 11p15.5 are involved in normal midline development of several organs including the brain. Our data suggest that brain malformations may present as a finding within the BWS phenotype when the molecular etiology involves imprinted domain 2. Brain imaging may be useful in identifying such malformations in individuals with BWS and neurodevelopmental issues. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delineation of the interstitial 6q25 microdeletion syndrome: Refinement of the critical causative region
Authors: Michelson Marina , Ben‐Sasson Anat , Vinkler Chana , Leshinsky‐Silver Esther , Netzer Ifat , Frumkin Ayala , Kivity Sara , Lerman‐Sagie Tally , Lev Dorit
Published: May 2012

Interstitial deletions of the long arm of chromosome 6 are rare. Clinically, this is a recognizable microdeletion syndrome associated with intellectual disability (ID), acquired microcephaly, typical dysmorphic features, structural anomalies of the brain, and nonspecific multiple organ anomalies. Most of the reported cases have cytogenetically visible interstitial deletions or subtelomeric microdeletions. We report on a boy with global developmental delay, distinct dysmorphic features, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, limb anomalies, and genital hypoplasia who has a small interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 6 detected by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The deleted region spans around 1 Mb of DNA and contains only two coding genes, ARID1B and ZDHHC14. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the typical phenotype with the smallest deletion reported so far. We discuss the possible role of these genes in the phenotypic manifestations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A rasopathy phenotype with severe congenital hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy associated with a PTPN11 mutation and a novel variant in SOS1
Authors: Fahrner Jill A. , Frazier Aisha , Bachir Suha , Walsh Michael F. , Applegate Carolyn D. , Thompson Reid , Halushka Marc K. , Murphy Anne M. , Gunay‐Aygun Meral
Published: May 2012

The RAS‐MAPK pathway is critical for human growth and development. Abnormalities at different steps of this signaling cascade result in neuro‐cardio‐facial‐cutaneous syndromes, or the RASopathies, a group of disorders with overlapping yet distinct phenotypes. RASopathy patients have variable degrees of intellectual disability, poor growth, relative macrocephaly, ectodermal abnormalities, dysmorphic features, and increased risk for certain malignancies. Congenital heart disease, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and pulmonic stenosis, are prominent features in these disorders. Significant locus heterogeneity exists for many of the RASopathies. Traditionally, these diseases were thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. However, recently patients with defects in two components of this pathway and overlapping features of various forms of Noonan syndrome and neurofibromatosis 1 and have been reported. Here we present a patient with severe, progressive neonatal HCM, elevated urinary catecholamine metabolites, and dysmorphic features in whom we identified a known LEOPARD syndrome‐associated PTPN11 mutation (c.1403 C > T; p.T468M) and a novel, potentially pathogenic missense SOS1 variant (c.1018 C > T; p.P340S) replacing a rigid nonpolar imino acid with a polar amino acid at a highly conserved position. We describe detailed clinical manifestations, cardiac histopathology, and the molecular genetic findings. Oligogenic models of inheritance with potential synergistic effects should be considered in the RASopathies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of the matrix resin structure on the mechanical properties and braking performance of organic brake pads
Authors: Wang Hai‐Qing , Wu Xing‐Yang , Li Tong‐Sheng , Liu Xu‐Jun , Cong Pei‐Hong
Published: May 2012

Two chemically modified phenolic resins (PFs) designed and developed for the matrix resins of organic friction materials were characterized. The braking performance of organic brake pads based on the two modified resins and reinforced with hybrid fibers was investigated on a full‐scale test bench. The results indicate that the modified PF with more internal friction units possessed much higher impact and compression strengths, greater toughness, and better braking stability. We concluded that the matrix resin with more adjustable structural units allowed for an adjustable Young's modulus and dynamic mechanical properties and, hence, could indirectly allow an adjustable friction coefficient for organic brake pads during braking process and, furthermore, enable the optimization of braking stability of the friction couples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2012
Effect of the melt flow index and melt flow rate on the thermal degradation kinetics of commercial polyolefins
Authors: Abbas‐Abadi Mehrdad Seifali , Haghighi Mehdi Nekoomanesh , Yeganeh Hamid
Published: May 2012

In this study, several polyolefins, including different grades of polypropylene (PP), high‐density polyethylene, linear low‐density polyethylene, and low‐density polyethylene, were tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the relationships of their melt flow index (MFI) and melt flow ratio (MFR) values to the thermogravimetry (TG) curves, differential thermogravimetry (DTG) curves, and activation energy of thermal degradation were investigated. Kinetic evaluations were performed by Friedman and Kissinger analysis methods, and the apparent activation energy values for the overall degradation of different grades of polyethylenes (PEs) and PPs were determined. We found that for the samples with lower MFIs, the thermograms shifted to higher temperatures. Meanwhile, a higher activation energy was needed for their thermal degradation. Also, for samples with higher values of MFR, as a means of molecular weight distribution, a lower activation energy was needed for their thermal degradation, and their TGA thermograms shifted to lower temperatures. The breadth of the DTG curves depended on the MFR in the PEs, although MFR had little effect on the DTG curves in the studied PP grades. Among all of the samples studied, the injection‐molding grades with medium MFIs and low MFRs degraded at higher temperatures and showed better thermal stability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2012
Preparation and characterization of crosslinked glyoxalated polyacrylamide paper‐strengthening agent
Authors: Yuan Zhaoyang , Hu Huiren
Published: May 2012

To obtain additives that could simultaneously increase the dry strength and wet strength of paper sheets, we synthesized a series of crosslinked cationic glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM) resins by using acrylamide (AM), 2‐methacryloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC), N‐methylolacrylamide (NMA), 2‐mercaptoethanol, and glyoxal as the main materials. GPAM demonstrated excellent properties and had a good strengthening ability under the following polymerization conditions: dosage of AM = 55 wt %, dosage of the cationic monomer DMC = 5.5 wt %, dosage of the crosslinking monomer NMA = 8.0 wt %, dosage of chain‐transfer agent 2‐mercaptoethanol = 1.0 wt %, dosage of glyoxal = 30 wt %, and charge of the initiator (ammonium persulfate/sodium bisulfite = 1 : 2) = 0.5 wt %. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, size exclusion chromatography, and Ubbelohde viscometry. The copolymers with a viscosity‐average molecular weight of approximately 26,000 and a polydispersity index of 1.460 had a much better strengthening ability. When these GPAM resins were used as paper‐strengthening agents, the mechanical strength of the paper was remarkably enhanced, and the dry and wet tensile indices of the handsheets increased by 24.6 and 381%, respectively, compared with those of handsheets without GPAM. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2012
Preparation of poly(styrene‐b‐2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) block copolymer using reverse iodine transfer polymerization
Authors: Greesh Nagi , Sanderson Ronald , Hartmann Patrice
Published: May 2012

Reverse iodine transfer polymerizations (RITP) of 2‐h‐ydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) were performed in N,N‐dimethylformamide at 75°C using AIBN as initiator. Poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) with Mn = 3300 g mol−1 and Mw/Mn <1.5 were obtained. Homopolymerization of styrene in RITP was also carried out under similar conditions using toluene as solvent. The resulting iodo‐polystyrene (PS‐I) with (Mn,
SEC = 607 g mol−1, polydispersity index (PDI) = 1.31) was used as a macroinitiator for the synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers based on HEA with controlled well‐defined structure. Poly(styrene‐b‐2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PS‐b‐PHEA) with Mn = 13,000 g mol−1 and polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) = 1.4 was obtained, copolymer composition was characterized using 1H‐NMR and FTIR, whereas SEC and gradient HPLC were used to confirm the formation of block copolymer and the living character of polymer chains. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synergistic effects of hybrid fillers on the development of thermally conductive polyphenylene sulfide composites
Authors: Leung Siu Ning , Khan Muhammad Omer , Chan Ellen , Naguib Hani E. , Dawson Francis , Adinkrah Vincent , Lakatos‐Hayward Laszlo
Published: May 2012

The future of integrated circuits with three‐dimensional chip architecture hinges on the development of practical solutions for the management of excessive amounts of heat generation. This requires new polymer–matrix composites (PMCs), with good processibility, high effective thermal conductivity (keff), and low but tailored electrical conductivity (σ). This article explores the synergy of hybrid fillers: (i) hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) platelets with different sizes and shapes; (ii) hBN platelets with carbon‐based fillers promoting the keff of the polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composites. It explores the promotion of interconnectivity among the fillers in the PPS matrix, leading to higher keff, by the uses of hybrid fillers. It discusses using carbon‐based fillers as secondary fillers to tailor the PMCs' σ. Finally, it presents the effects of hybrid fillers on the PMCs' coefficient of thermal expansion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of cinnamate comonomers on the dental formulation properties
Authors: Buruiana Emil C. , Jitaru Florentina , Melinte Violeta , Buruiana Tinca
Published: May 2012

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of two urethane dimethacrylates containing poly(ethylene oxide) or poly(propylene oxide) segment and cinnamate pendant moieties to be formulated in dental resin composites. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, gel permeation chromatography, electrospray ionization‐mass spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric measurements confirmed their structure, whereas the photopolymerization evolution of oligodimethacrylates relating to a low–molecular‐weight dicinnamate methacrylate under ultraviolet irradiation was investigated by photo‐differential scanning calorimeter, monitoring the degree of conversion (DC) and polymerization rate. The photopolymerization results reveal that the investigated derivatives display a good photoreactivity (DC: ∼ 70%) during the formation of crosslinked polymers, the DC depending especially on the sample viscosity. The polymerization shrinkage for several mixtures including the urethane oligocinnamates (20 wt %) and diglycidyl methacrylate of bisphenol A/triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate system in the absence of filler was determined, the obtained values being in the range of 6.1–8.2 vol %. For few cured specimens incorporating quartz filler (75 wt %), water sorption/solubility, contact angle, and mechanical parameters were measured to establish if such monomers could be of interest in dentistry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Influence of filler content on physicomechanical and bonding properties of an experimental dental resin cement
Authors: Xiong Jie , Sun Xiang , Chen Jihua , Tang Lihui
Published: May 2012

To investigate the effects of filler contents on the bonding and physicomechanical properties of experimental dental resin cements and the correlation between them, four groups were formulated with silicon dioxide filler in the following weight percentages: A: 40%, B: 50%, C: 60%, and D: 70%. LuxaCore dental resin cement was used as group E for commercial reference. For testing bond strength, resin cements were applied to the prefabricated dental fiber posts in the artificial teeth canal and photo cured, and then the microtensile bonding strength (BS) between posts and resin cement was measured in sticks of 1 × 1 mm2. For the mechanical properties, flexural strength (FS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), compressive strength (CS), and hardness (H) were tested according to the related standard. Water sorption and solubility were also determined. The results showed both bonding and physicomechanical strengths of the experimental resin cements varied to different extents with filler addition. Positive correlations existed respectively between the filler content and some mechanical properties (rFS = 0.964, rCS = 0.967, and rH = 0.959), whereas no significant correlations were found between the filler content and the other strength values tested in this study (rDTS = 0.321, rBS = 0.014), neither were between bond strength and mechanical properties. The effect of filler content on mechanical properties was more influential and prominent compared to that on bond strength. It is partial to compare properties and to predict clinical behaviors of resin materials based on a single in vitro test, and comprehensive evaluation is necessary. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Enhanced adsorption of malachite green onto carbon nanotube/polyaniline composites
Authors: Zeng You , Zhao Lijia , Wu Wendong , Lu Guixia , Xu Feng , Tong Yu , Liu Wenbin , Du Jinhong
Published: May 2012

To enhance adsorption of organic dyes like malachite green (MG) onto polymeric absorbents, we prepared carbon nanotube (CNT) filled polyaniline (PANI) composites with large surface areas by simply using entangled CNTs as porous frameworks during PANI polymerization. Adsorption behavior of the CNT/PANI composites in MG solutions was experimentally investigated and theoretically analyzed. The CNT/PANI composites exhibit much higher equilibrium adsorption capacity of 13.95 mg g−1 at an initial MG concentration of 16 mg L−1, increasing by 15% than the neat PANI, which is mainly attributed to large surface areas and strong CNT‐PANI interactions of the composites. In addition, theoretical analyses indicate that the adsorption kinetics and the isothermal process of the composites can be well explained by using the Ho pseudosecond‐order model and the Langmuir model, respectively. In light of their high MG adsorption and easy operation, the CNT/PANI composites have great potential as high‐efficiency adsorbents for removal of dyes from wastewater. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and photo‐polymerization of bio‐based furanic compounds functionalized by 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate group(s)
Authors: Jeong Jaewon , Kim Bora , Shin Seunghan , Kim Baekjin , Lee Jae‐Soung , Lee Sang‐Hyeup , Cho Jin Ku
Published: May 2012

Bio‐based compounds (FmHPM and FdHPM) with a furan backbone and photo‐polymerizable 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPM) group(s) were synthesized from carbohydrate‐derived furanyl alcohols (furan‐2‐methanol and furan‐2,5‐dimethanol) and their photo‐polymerizing behaviors and mechanical properties after photo‐polymerization were investigated. Half time values (t1/2) of bio‐based FmHPM and FdHPM were 10.4 s and 3.0 s and their shrinkage ratios were 3.0 and 6.1% during photo‐polymerization, respectively. Tensile‐shear strength of glass and polycarbonate joints bonded by bio‐based furanic compounds appeared in range of 0.2–0.6 MPa and pencil hardness of film coated by bio‐based furanic compounds after photo‐polymerization showed 2H–3H. Newly synthesized bio‐based furanic compounds allowed the feasibility to alternate petroleum‐based Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA, photo‐polymerizable composition widely utilized in a variety of applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Phospholipid nanodisc engineering for drug delivery systems
Authors: Murakami Tatsuya
Published: May 2012

Biocompatible mesoscale nanoparticles (5–100 nm in diameter) are attractive tools for drug delivery. Among them are several types of liposomes and polymer micelles already in clinical trial or use. Generally, biocompatibility of such particles is achieved by coating them with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Without PEG coating, particles are quickly trapped in the reticuloendothelial system when intravenously administered. However, recent studies have revealed several potential problems with PEG coating, including antigenicity and restriction of cellular uptake. This has motivated the development of alternative drug and gene delivery vehicles, including chemically and genetically engineered high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐like nanodiscs or “bicelles”. HDL is a naturally occurring mesoscale nanoparticle that normally ferries cholesterol around in the body. Its initial “nascent” form is thought to be a simple 10 nm disc of phospholipids in a bilayer, and can be easily synthesized in vitro by mixing recombinant apoA‐I proteins with various phospholipids. In this review, the use of synthetic HDL‐like phospholipid nanodiscs as biocompatible drug carriers is summarized, focussing on manufacturing, size‐control, drug loading and cell targeting.
Environmental Strategies, Upgrading and Competitive Advantage in Global Value Chains
Authors: Marchi Valentina De , Maria Eleonora Di , Micelli Stefano
Published: May 2012

The literature is increasingly focusing on how firms are improving their environmental performances and promoting green strategies to transform environmental constraints into new drivers of competitive advantage. This paper contributes to the literature by expanding knowledge about environmental management at the value chain level by exploring the concept of environmental upgrading and its implications in terms of economic upgrading and greening of industries. Leveraging on the global value chain and environmental managerial literature, the paper develops an integrated theoretical framework to analyse environmental upgrading trajectories and their implications in terms of firms' green strategies based on case studies in the Italian home‐furnishing industry. Empirical evidence suggests that firms develop green strategies to reduce environmental impacts while achieving economic benefits and competitiveness, which may be internal to the firm but also apply to value chains, with different implications in terms of bargaining power and value appropriation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Culpability Attributions towards Juvenile Female Prostitutes
Authors: Menaker Tasha A. , Miller Audrey K.
Published: May 2012

This study addresses a gap in the research literature concerning predictors of culpability attributions towards juvenile female prostitutes (JFPs). Three hundred undergraduate participants read a vignette describing a JFP and responded to a series of measures. Results supported a causal pathway whereby stronger perceiver sexism predicted stronger negative affective evaluations of, and weaker empathic reactions toward, the JFP. Stronger negative affective evaluations and weaker empathic reactions, in turn, predicted stronger culpability attributions toward the JFP. Also, participants who were provided information about the JFP's extensive victimisation history and coercion into the trade, relative to participants who were not provided this information, attributed lesser culpability to the JFP. Finally, stronger culpability attributions toward the JFP related to weaker recommendations of restorative justice (i.e. counselling/mental health services for the JFP) and stronger recommendations of retributive justice (i.e. incarceration for the JFP). Study implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Stronger negative affective evaluations and weaker empathic reactions, in turn, predicted stronger culpability attributions’

Key Practitioner Message

Stronger perceiver sexism predicts stronger negative evaluations of, and weaker empathic reactions towards a juvenile female “prostitute.”

Stronger negative evaluations of, and weaker empathic reactions towards a girl in the sex trade in turn predict stronger culpability attributions towards her.

Provision of information about a prostituted youth's victimisation history and coercion into prostitution mitigates culpability attributions toward her.

Public education that highlights juvenile prostitution as a form of child sexual exploitation may be critically important to minimising punitive social cognitions about survivors of the commercial sex trade.
Servicescapes: The role that place plays in stay‐at‐home mothers’ lives
Authors: Johnstone Micael‐Lee , Todd Sarah
Published: May 2012

Over the past decade, increasing attention has been paid to gender‐related consumption behaviour. However, a relative gap in our knowledge still exists when it comes to understanding the changes that occur as a result of motherhood and how this may influence their interactions in the retail environment. The purpose of this article is to explore stay‐at‐home mothers’ experiences in the servicescape to gain a better understanding of how they associate with servicescapes during this transitional period, how they use retail space to suit their needs, and how they use retail space to negotiate their role as a stay‐at‐home mother. Five stay‐at‐home mothers with children younger than 5 years were provided with disposable cameras and asked to photograph servicescapes that they visited regularly. Over a 1‐year period, they were interviewed several times, and photo‐elicitation techniques were used throughout the interviewing process. The results of this study suggest that when consumers undergo role or identity changes, certain places can be used to smooth this process. Not only can the retail environment be used as a coping mechanism for stay‐at‐home mothers, it can also be viewed as a “second place” as opposed to a “third place”, thus enabling isolated consumers to feel connected with the outside world. Last, this study highlights the temporal dimensions of place. Throughout one's lifetime, one will form attachments to and patronise different places, which will evolve and change as individuals, accordingly, take on different roles and identities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous treatment of a post‐TAVI ventricular septal defect: A successful combined procedure for an unusual complication
Authors: Gerckens Ulrich , Latsios George , Pizzulli Luciano
Published: May 2012

In this report, we present the successful percutaneous ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure, just 1 week post‐transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Periprocedurally, after implantation of the 31‐mm CoreValve in an intentionally “high” position, we balloon postdilated, with an excellent result. A week post‐TAVI, the patient started to deteriorate. Echocardiogram revealed a good working prosthesis; however, a perimembranous VSD was evident, causing significant shunt. We proceeded with interventional treatment of the defect, using an Amplatzer multifenestrated—“Cribriform”—septal occluder. Six months after the combined procedure, the patient showed marked improvement in symptoms and no shunt was observed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of safety, accuracy, and human CD34+ cell retention after intramyocardial injections with a helical needle catheter in a porcine model
Authors: Kumar Arun , Haralampus Chris A. , Hughes Micah , Rouy Didier , Cresswell Nate , Braun Ryan , Turner David , Amrani David , Motlagh Delara , Schaer Gary L.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

Assess accuracy of Helix injections via fluoroscopic‐mapping and evaluate delivery safety.

Background

Percutaneous intramyocardial‐delivery of agents must be safe and accurate; retention is also important. A delivery system (Helical Infusion/Morph Guide‐Catheter, Biocardia Inc) has been developed to improve maneuverability and stability of catheter‐needle‐myocardium intersection.

Methods

Accuracy and safety: 12 swine underwent LV and coronary angiography via 8F sheath. Targeted delivery was assigned into LAD, LCX, or RCA. System was advanced into LV and 6 targeted intramyocardial dye injections (5 mm apart) delivered using fluoroscopy. After euthanization, hearts underwent gross and histologic evaluation. Retention was assessed by iron‐oxide and fluorochrome labeled CD34+ cells. Cells were injected into 6 swine using same techniques. Delivery system was advanced into LV, and injections delivered using fluoroscopy. Euthanization was performed at 2 hr and hearts formalin fixed. MRI was performed on 6 treated hearts and 4 untreated controls. Blinded analysis performed by 2 radiologists. Two treated hearts underwent immunohistological analysis.

Results

Accuracy and safety evaluation: 71/72 injections (98.6%) were within prespecified zone; 7/72 (9.7%) less than 5 mm apart. No adverse events occurred. MRI‐presence of iron‐oxide labeled CD34+ cells were correctly identified in 95% (19/20) of imaged injections. Anti‐CD34+ antibody staining and fluorescence microscopy confirmed CD34+ cells in myocardium. Histology confirmed cell viability at fixation.

Conclusions

Helix system was accurate and safe. Retention of CD34+ cells was confirmed by MRI and immunohistology. Further preclinical studies are needed to characterize retention over time and quantify efficiency. Studies are needed to confirm accuracy, safety, and retention in humans. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety of bivalirudin in percutaneous coronary intervention following thrombolytic therapy
Authors: Sardi Gabriel L. , Lindsay Joseph , Waksman Ron
Published: May 2012

Objectives

This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of bivalirudin (BIV) use during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), following thrombolytic therapy in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background

BIV has emerged as a safer anticoagulant than unfractionated heparin (UFH) during primary PCI; however, its use in patients who receive thrombolytic therapy has not been established.

Methods

A consecutive series of 104 patients who presented with STEMI treated with full‐dose thrombolytics and who subsequently received PCI within 6 hr was identified and analyzed. BIV use was compared with UFH for in‐hospital bleeding and ischemic events. The primary end points were the rate of major bleeding and the rate of net adverse clinical events as defined in the Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction trial. The study cohort consisted of 104 patients, of whom 47 (45%) received BIV and 57 (55%) received UFH.

Time distribution of patients receiving intraprocedural bivalirudin (BIV) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) after thrombolytic therapy. [Color figure can be viewed in the online issue, which is available at wileyonlinelibrary.com.]

image

Results

Patients on BIV were more frequently preloaded with clopidogrel, while intraprocedural glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were used only in UFH patients. In‐hospital death, ischemic events, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction major bleeding occurred more frequently in patients treated with UFH. The net adverse clinical events rate was lower in the intraprocedural BIV group (3 [6.4%] vs. 12 [21.1%] UFH, P = 0.034).

Conclusions

The use of BIV in patients presenting with STEMI who were pretreated with thrombolytic therapy and who subsequently underwent PCI is safe and is associated with less ischemic and bleeding events when compared with UFH, and should be considered as the first line anticoagulant for these patients during PCI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐stage percutaneous closure of paravalvular leak in a patient with stentless aortic bioprosthesis
Authors: Smolka Grzegorz , Pysz Piotr , Jasinski Marek
Published: May 2012

We report a case of successful 2‐stage percutaneous closure of severe paravalvular leak (PVL) in a patient with stentless aortic bioprosthesis. Threat of pliable prosthesis compression and long course of PVL posed main considerations. Accordingly, Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) 2 was chosen as occluder. It was delivered transfemorally under fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography guidance. No prosthesis distortion was provoked at the expense of moderate residual leak. Its symptoms after 3 months spurred another AVP 2 implantation, which lead to PVL closure with no effect on valve area. Marked reduction of left ventricle cavity size and NT‐proBNP plasma concentration was promptly noted and remains stable in 12‐month follow‐up. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Triple‐Antiplatelet Treatment Based on Cilostazol for Patients Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhou Shijie , Zhou Rui , Liu Gan , Tang Ping , He Jing , Ma Cong , He Yi , Yang Jinliang
Published: May 2012

The combination of cilostazol, aspirin, and clopidogrel (triple therapy) after percutaneous coronary intervention has been considered as an alternative therapy. We performed a meta‐analysis based on 8 randomized controlled trials with a total of 3332 patients to compare the effectiveness and safety of this triple therapy with traditional dual therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel). Our findings suggested that the triple therapy is more effective than dual therapy in preventing restenosis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–0.66, P < 0.00001), maintaining minimal lumen diameter (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.10–0.20, P < 0.00001), and avoiding target‐vessel revascularization (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47–0.82, P = 0.001). There is also no significant difference in major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events between the 2 therapies, except the smaller occurrence rate of target‐lesion revascularization in the triple‐therapy group (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26–0.69, P = 0.0005). However, the triple therapy is associated with a higher level of adverse drug events, including rash (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.41–4.23, P = 0.001), gastrointestinal disorders (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.26–5.30, P = 0.009), and drug discontinuation (OR: 3.80, 95% CI: 1.59–9.10, P = 0.003), but it has no difference in bleeding compared with the dual therapy (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.71–1.55, P = 0.80).

Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article.

Ping Wang, MS and Shijie Zhou, MS contributed equally to this article. The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Beta blocker use and colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Jansen Lina , Below Janina , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Brenner Hermann , Hoffmeister Michael
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND:

Recently, it has been postulated that long‐term use of beta blockers might decrease the risk of certain types of cancer because of weakening of norepinephrine signaling. Previous studies on colorectal cancer (CRC) yielded inconsistent results, but lacked information on covariates. Thus, the authors investigated the association of beta blocker use and CRC risk in a large population‐based case‐control study (DACHS study).

METHODS:

Between 2003 and 2007, information on beta blocker use and potential confounders was collected by personal interviews for 1762 CRC cases and 1708 control individuals from Germany. The association of CRC risk and beta blocker use and subclasses of beta blockers was estimated by multiple logistic regression. In addition, site‐ and stage‐specific analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

After adjustment for covariates, no association was observed with beta blocker use (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86‐1.29) or with duration of beta blocker use. Also, the analysis by subclasses of beta blockers (cardioselectivity) and active ingredients (metoprolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, and atenolol) or by CRC subsite showed no associations. In stage‐specific analyses, long‐term beta blocker use (6+ years) was associated with a significantly higher risk of stage IV CRC (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.25‐3.27).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our adjusted results do not support the hypothesis that beta blocker use is associated with decreased risk of CRC. In contrast, we found a positive association of long‐term beta blocker use and risk of stage IV CRC. The latter result should be further evaluated in future studies. Cancer 2012.© 2012 American Cancer Society.