bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality patterns among workers exposed to arsenic, cadmium, and other substances in a copper smelter
Authors: Marsh Gary M. , Esmen Nurtan A. , Buchanich Jeanine M. , Youk Ada O.
Published: June 2009

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term mortality experience of workers exposed to arsenic, cadmium, and other substances at a copper mine and smelter in Copperhill, Tennessee studied earlier as part of an industry‐wide study.

Methods

Subjects were 2,422 male workers employed three or more years in the smelter or mill between 1/1/46 until the plant strike and scale‐down of operations in April 1996. Vital status was determined through 2000 for 99.4% of subjects and cause of death for 91.3% of 878 deaths. Historical exposures were estimated for lead, SO2, arsenic, cadmium, dust, and cobalt. We computed standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) based on U.S. and local county rates and modeled internal relative risks (RRs).

Results

We observed overall deficits in deaths based on national and local county comparisons from all causes, all cancers and most of the cause of death categories examined. We found limited evidence of increasing mortality risks from cerebrovascular disease with increasing duration and cumulative arsenic exposure, but no evidence of an exposure–response relationship for cadmium exposure and bronchitis.

Conclusions

Our limited evidence of an association between inhaled arsenic exposure and CVD is an exploratory finding not observed in other epidemiology studies of more highly exposed occupational populations. Possible alternative explanations include chance alone and uncontrolled confounding or effect modification by co‐exposures or other factors correlated with arsenic exposure and unique to the Copperhill facility. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:633–644, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compensation costs of work‐related back disorders among union carpenters, Washington State 1989–2003
Authors: Lipscomb Hester J. , Dement John M. , Silverstein Barbara , Cameron Wilfrid , Glazner Judith E.
Published: June 2009

Background

We measured resources used to provide medical care and to estimate lost productivity represented by payments for lost work time or impairment for work‐related back injuries among a large cohort of union carpenters over 15 years.

Methods

Using administrative data we identified a cohort of carpenters, their hours worked, their workers' compensation claims and associated costs. After adjustment for inflation and discounting to 2006 dollars, yearly costs for injuries and payment rates based on hours worked were calculated. Using negative binomial regression, dollars paid per claim were modeled based on age, gender, union tenure, and predominant type of work of the carpenter and whether the injury resulted from overexertion or acute trauma.

Results

Workers' compensation costs for back injuries exceeded $128 million dollars between 1998 and 2003, representing payments of $0.97 for each hour of work. Costs per hour of work declined substantively over time due largely to declining overexertion injury rates. Traumatic injuries, though less common than overexertion injuries, were more expensive. Costs increased with the number of prior back injuries and with increasing age, beginning as early as age 30.

Conclusions

Increasing costs even among relatively young carpenters likely reflect the heavy nature of their work rather than simply the effects of biological aging. Musculoskeletal back problems remain a common, and consequently costly, source of injury among these carpenters that needs to be addressed through engineering modifications; there are also clearly needs for prevention of the often more costly back injuries associated with acute trauma. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:587–595, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple cysts of the corpus callosum and psychomotor delay in a patient with a 3.1 Mb 15q24.1q24.2 interstitial deletion identified by array‐CGH
Authors: Masurel‐Paulet Alice , Callier Patrick , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Chouchane Mondher , Mejean Nathalie , Marle Nathalie , Mosca Anne‐Laure , Salem Douraied Ben , Giroud Maurice , Guibaud Laurent , Huet Frédéric , Mugneret Francine , Faivre Laurence
Published: June 2009

We describe a 46‐month‐old child presenting with developmental delay, mild facial dysmorphism, micropenis, strabismus and striking multiple cysts of the corpus callosum who was found to have a de novo interstitial 3.1 Mb 15q24.1q24.2 microdeletion using a 244 K microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH). The cystic lesions were located in the anterior half of the corpus callosum and did not take up gadolinium contrast. There was no other brain abnormality, and the gyral pattern and myelination were normal. There was no history of infectious disease or vascular injury and a metabolic disease was ruled out. Such cystic lesions of the corpus callosum are exceptional in the pediatric literature. Although these brain abnormalities have not been described in other reports with 15q24 microdeletion, we believe that they might be related to the cytogenetic abnormality since the work‐up for other causes was negative. We suggest that a chromosomal rearrangement should be ruled out when such corpus callosum lesions are identified. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical and molecular characterization of duplications encompassing the human SHOX gene reveal a variable effect on stature
Authors: Thomas N. Simon , Harvey John F. , Bunyan David J. , Rankin Julia , Grigelioniene Giedre , Bruno Damien L. , Tan Tiong Y. , Tomkins Susan , Hastings Robert
Published: June 2009

Deletions of the SHOX gene are well documented and cause disproportionate short stature and variable skeletal abnormalities. In contrast interstitial SHOX duplications limited to PAR1 appear to be very rare and the clinical significance of the only case report in the literature is unclear. Mapping of this duplication has now shown that it includes the entire SHOX gene but little flanking sequence and so will not encompass any of the long‐range enhancers required for SHOX transcription. We now describe the clinical and molecular characterization of three additional cases. The duplications all included the SHOX coding sequence but varied in the amount of flanking sequence involved. The probands were ascertained for a variety of reasons: hypotonia and features of Asperger syndrome, Leri–Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), and a family history of cleft palate. However, the presence of a duplication did not correlate with any of these features or with evidence of skeletal abnormality. Remarkably, the proband with LWD had inherited both a SHOX deletion and a duplication. The effect of the duplications on stature was variable: height appeared to be elevated in some carriers, particularly in those with the largest duplications, but was still within the normal range. SHOX duplications are likely to be under ascertained and more cases need to be identified and characterized in detail in order to accurately determine their phenotypic consequences. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of novel FBN1 and TGFBR2 mutations in 65 probands with Marfan syndrome or Marfan‐like phenotypes
Authors: Chung Brian Hon‐Yin , Lam Stephen Tak‐Sum , Tong Tony Ming‐For , Li Susanna Yuk‐Han , Lun Kin‐Shing , Chan Daniel Hon‐Chuen , Fok Susanna Fung‐Shan , Or June Siu‐Fong , Smith David Keith , Yang Wanling , Lau Yu‐Lung
Published: June 2009

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder, and mutations in the FBN1 and TGFBR2 genes have been identified in probands with MFS and related phenotypes. Using DHPLC and sequencing, we studied the mutation spectrum in 65 probands with Marfan syndrome and related phenotypes. A total of 24 mutations in FBN1 were identified, of which 19 (nine missense, six frameshift, two nonsense and two affecting splice junctions) were novel. In the remaining 41 probands, six were identified to have novel TGFBR2 mutations (one frameshift and five missense mutations). All novel mutations found in this study were confirmed to be absent in 50 unrelated normal individuals of the same ethnic background. In probands who fulfilled the Ghent criteria (n = 16), mutations in FBN1 were found in 81% of cases. None of those with TGFBR2 mutations fulfilled the Ghent criteria. Novel missense mutations of unknown significance were classified according to the latest ACMG guidelines and their likelihood to be causative was evaluated. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poland syndrome with bilateral features: Case description with review of the literature
Authors: Baban Anwar , Torre Michele , Bianca Sebastiano , Buluggiu Anna , Rossello Mario Igor , Calevo Maria Grazia , Valle Maura , Ravazzolo Roberto , Jasonni Vincenzo , Lerone Margherita
Published: June 2009

Poland syndrome (PS) has been described as unilateral pectoral muscle deficiency variably associated with ipsilateral thoracic and upper limb anomalies. Bilateral hypoplasia/aplasia of the pectoralis muscle and upper limb defects in association with variable thoracic muscles, chest wall deformities and lower limb defects have been infrequently reported in the literature. We report on a 3½‐year‐old girl with clinical features consisting in bilateral asymmetric pectoral muscle defects (complete agenesis on the left side and agenesis of the sternocostal head on the right side), nipple hypoplasia, left rib defect, and right hand symbrachydactyly. In this study, we reviewed the bilateral features present in our patient and those described in the literature. Hypotheses explaining bilateral features in PS are reviewed. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Qualitative descriptors of disease incidence: Commonly used and frequently muddled
Authors: Snowman Cari , Scheuerle Angela
Published: June 2009

Words such as “frequent,” “common,” “uncommon,” and “rare” are used qualitatively to discuss disease incidence. They give a subjective assessment of disease frequency and are, thus, open to interpretation. A review of major journals in pediatrics and medical genetics was undertaken to determine whether these terms are applied with sufficient consistency within and/or between medical specialties to confer useful information. An article was included in the study if it used a keyword as a general descriptor (X is common), but not if it was used as a comparator (Y is the most common). Bibliographical information, the disease, the keyword, and the incidence of the disease were recorded for each article that met the search criteria. If the disease population incidence or prevalence was not mentioned in the article, another literature or database source was used to obtain that number. The results showed extreme inconsistency in the use of the terms and that the incidence ranges overlap significantly. There is disagreement about the meaning of the words both between specialties and within the same specialty. Editorial boards might consider setting parameters for use of these terms in order to decrease confusion about how “common” a condition actually is. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two cases of trisomy 16 mosaicism ascertained postnatally
Authors: Rieubland Claudine , Francis David , Houben Leonie , Corrie Sylvea , Bankier Agnes , White Susan M.
Published: June 2009

Postnatally ascertained trisomy 16 mosaicism is a rare diagnosis, with only three reported cases to date with no defined clinical phenotype. Trisomy 16 mosaicism diagnosed prenatally is common and associated with variable pregnancy outcomes ranging from stillbirth with multiple congenital abnormalities to an apparently normal newborn, making the genetic counseling very challenging. It is not clear whether uniparental disomy (UPD) 16 contributes to the phenotype, although it has been suggested that maternal UPD 16 affects the rate of intra‐uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and congenital anomalies. We report on two further cases of trisomy 16 mosaicism confined to fibroblasts diagnosed postnatally. Patient 1 presented at birth with severe hypospadias, unilateral postaxial polydactyly, and different hair color with midline demarcation. His growth and development were normal at 11 months of age. Patient 2 was born with IUGR, significant craniofacial and body asymmetry, asymmetric skin hyperpigmentation, unilateral hearing loss, scoliosis, VSD, unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy, feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. She died at 7 months of age from respiratory failure. These two further cases of postnatally diagnosed trisomy 16 mosaicism highlight the variability of clinical features and outcome in this diagnosis. While Patient 2 presented with typical features of chromosomal mosaicism, Patient 1 had mild and transient features with essentially normal outcome, suggesting that trisomy 16 mosaicism may be under‐diagnosed. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Etiology of Down syndrome: Evidence for consistent association among altered meiotic recombination, nondisjunction, and maternal age across populations
Authors: Ghosh Sujoy , Feingold Eleanor , Dey Subrata Kumar
Published: June 2009

Down syndrome caused by meiotic nondisjunction of chromosome 21 in humans, is well known to be associated with advanced maternal age, but success in identifying and understanding other risk factors has been limited. Recently published work in a U.S. population suggested intriguing interactions between the maternal age effect and altered recombination patterns during meiosis, but some of the results were counter‐intuitive. We have tested these hypotheses in a population sample from India, and found that essentially all of the results of the U.S. study are replicated even in our ethnically very different population. We examined meiotic recombination patterns in a total of 138 families from the eastern part of India, each with a single free trisomy 21 child. We genotyped each family with a set of STR markers using PCR and characterized the stage of origin of nondisjunction and the recombination pattern of maternal chromosome 21 during oogenesis. Our sample contains 107 maternal meiosis I errors and 31 maternal meiosis II errors and we subsequently stratified them with respect to maternal age and the number of detectable crossover events. We observed an association between meiosis I nondisjuncion and recombination in the telomeric 5.1 Mb of chromosome 21. By contrast, in meiosis II cases we observed preferential pericentromeric exchanges covering the proximal 5.7 Mb region, with interaction between maternal age and the location of the crossover. Overall reduction of recombination irrespective of maternal age is also evident in meiosis I cases. Our findings are very consistent with previously reported data in a U.S. population and our results are the first independent confirmation of those previous reports. This not only provides much needed confirmation of previous results, but it suggests that the genetic etiology underlying the occurrence of trisomy 21 may be similar across human populations. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Congenital bilateral amazia associated with bilateral choanal atresia
Authors: Papadimitriou Anastasios , Karapanou Olga , Papadopoulou Anna , Nicolaidou Polyxeni , Fretzayas Andreas
Published: June 2009

Congenital absence of breast development is a very rare abnormality. It may present as an isolated finding or it may be accompanied by other congenital anomalies. Here we report on a 13.5‐year‐old girl presented to our pediatric endocrinology clinic because of lack of breast development. She had pubarche since the age of 10 years and was regularly menstruating since the age of 12 years. The patient's medical history was positive for bilateral complete choanal atresia that was diagnosed and corrected soon after birth. Physical examination was unremarkable except for bilateral amazia, that is, absence of palpable breast tissue and hypoplastic areolae, whereas both nipples were formed. Renal ultrasonography and chest radiography were normal. The coexistence of congenital bilateral amazia and bilateral complete choanal atresia suggests that these rare disorders may be related etiologically. The patient is scheduled for breast augmentation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Additional features in a new case of a girl presenting brachyphalangy, polydactyly and tibial aplasia/hypoplasia
Authors: Bernardi Pricila , Graziadio Carla , Rosa Rafael F.M. , Dall'Agnol Lisiane , Zen Paulo R.G. , Paskulin Giorgio A.
Published: June 2009

Brachyphalangy, polydactyly and tibial aplasia/hypoplasia is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. The present report represents the ninth reported case and only the second case involving a female. She had a characteristic pattern of limb anomalies including agenesis of the tibiae and bilateral preaxial polydactyly of the feet, associated with genital hypoplasia. In addition our patient had wormian bones, a lacrimal sac fistula, an ectopic kidney and an anteriorly placed anus, which are findings not previously described in this condition. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Craniosynostosis in a patient with 2q37.3 deletion 5q34 duplication: Association of extra copy of MSX2 with craniosynostosis
Authors: Kariminejad Ariana , Kariminejad Roxana , Tzschach Andreas , Ullmann Reinhard , Ahmed Alisho , Asghari‐Roodsari Alaleh , Salehpour Shadab , Afroozan Fariba , Ropers Hans‐Hilger , Kariminejad Mohammad Hasan
Published: June 2009

We report on a 1‐year‐old boy with craniosynostosis, microcephaly, developmental delay and dysmorphic features. Chromosomal studies of the proband showed 46,XY,add(2)(q37)dn and those of the parents were normal. The rearranged material in the patient was further defined using array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH), which revealed loss of 2Mb distal to 2q37.3 and duplication of 15Mb from 5q34 → qter. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies using subtelomeric 2q and 5q probes showed the 2q deletion and 5q duplication resulting from a rearrangement of the segment from 5q onto the long arm of chromosome 2. FISH studies of the parents did not show any rearrangement. Recently it has been proposed that an extra copy of MSX2 that maps to 5q35.2 causes premature synostosis of the sutures via the MSX2‐mediated pathway of calvarial osteogenic differentiation. Our case further supports the role of MSX2 duplication in the etiology of craniosynostosis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spiro[4,4]‐1,6‐nonadiene‐Based Phosphine–Oxazoline Ligands for Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Ketimines
Authors: Han Zhaobin , Wang Zheng , Zhang Xumu , Ding Kuiling
Published: June 2009

Von Iminen zu Aminen durch Katalyse mit IrI‐Komplexen eines neuartigen P,N‐Liganden (siehe Schema): Die Titelreaktion liefert die entsprechenden optisch aktiven Amine mit bis zu 98 % ee und ermöglichte die perfekt stereoselektive Synthese von Sertralin (1), einem wichtigen Antidepressivum.

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Synthesis and Characterization of a Photoluminescent Nanoparticle Based on Fullerene–Silica Hybridization
Authors: Jeong Jinyoung , Cho Miyoung , Lim Yong Taik , Song Nam Woong , Chung Bong Hyun
Published: June 2009

Strahlemänner: Fulleren‐Siliciumdioxid‐Hybridnanopartikel verfügen über helle Photolumineszenz, hohe Photobeständigkeit und geringe Zelltoxizität – alles Vorteile bei der Verwendung als Bildgebungsagentien für biologische Proben. Die Photolumineszenz der Nanopartikel beruht auf den C‐O‐Si‐Bindungen (siehe Bild).

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Innentitelbild: Ein sphärisches Molekül mit einem Kohlenstoff‐freien Ih‐C80‐topologischen Gerüst (Angew. Chem. 27/2009)
Authors: Scheer Manfred , Schindler Andrea , Gröger Christian , Virovets Alexander V. , Peresypkina Eugenia V.
Published: June 2009

Durch templatgesteuerte Selbstorganisation von molekularen Pentaphosphaferrocen‐ und CuCl‐Einheiten wurde das erste Kohlenstoff‐freie ikosaedrische Molekül mit C80‐Topologie gebildet, das im Innern ein Carboranmolekül verkapselt hat. In der Zuschrift auf S. 5148 ff. berichten M. Scheer und Mitarbeiter über die Synthese und Charakterisierung dieser beeindruckenden supramolekularen Verbindung mit einer faszinierenden elektronischen Wechselwirkung zwischen dem sphärischen Wirtkäfig und dem Carboran. Cu blau, Fe oliv, P rosa, Cl grün, C grau, B/C orange, H weiß.

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Spiro[4,4]‐1,6‐nonadiene‐Based Phosphine–Oxazoline Ligands for Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Ketimines
Authors: Han Zhaobin , Wang Zheng , Zhang Xumu , Ding Kuiling
Published: June 2009

From imines to amines through catalysis by IrI complexes of a new type of P,N ligand (see scheme): This reaction affords the corresponding optically active amines with up to 98 % ee and has also been used with perfect stereoselectivity in the asymmetric synthesis of sertraline (1), an important antidepressant chiral drug.

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A Facile Template Approach to High‐Nuclearity Silver(I) Alkynyl Clusters
Authors: Bian Shu‐Dan , Wu Hua‐Bin , Wang Quan‐Ming
Published: June 2009

Peanut clusters: Anion templates are used in a facile approach for the synthesis of high‐nuclearity silver clusters. The cluster nuclearity can be controlled by adjusting the size of the templating anions and by using different alkynyl ligands. The largest silver alkynyl cluster, which consists of 35 silver(I) centers in the shape of a peanut, has been prepared by using chromate anions as templates (see picture).

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Elongational behavior of epoxy during curing
Authors: Takiguchi Osamu , Sugimoto Masataka , Taniguchi Takashi , Koyama Kiyohito
Published: June 2009

Elongational behavior of epoxy (epoxy/curing agent = 100/0.5, w/w) cured at various conditions over the critical gelation time was investigated. Dynamic viscoelastic measurements of the epoxy system were performed and the critical gelation time of epoxy was determined according to the frequency dependence of G′ and G″ proposed by Winter and Chambon. Elongational behavior of epoxy cured for various times were measured. Epoxy, cured over the critical gelation time, showed strain hardening and elongational behavior similar to a crosslinked rubber. Increase of elongational viscosity of the sample occurred early, and the sample broke at small strain as curing time increased. The effect of strain rate on the elongational stress of epoxy cured near the critical gelation time was measured at various strain rates. For epoxy cured for critical gelation time only, high stress at a small strain rate was represented as strain rate increased. When increasing curing time further, the tensile stress converged on a single curve regardless of strain rate, and samples broke at nearly the same stress and strain. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
High‐performance bio‐based thermosetting resins composed of dehydrated castor oil and bismaleimide
Authors: Hirayama Ken‐Ichi , Irie Tomomi , Teramoto Naozumi , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2009

The reaction of dehydrated castor oil (DCO) and 1,1′‐(methylenedi‐4,1‐phenylene)bismaleimide (BMI) in 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐imidazolidinone (DMI) at 130°C for 6 h and subsequent precipitation gave DCO/BMI prepolymer, which was cured at 200°C for 2 h gave DCO/BMI cured product. The FE‐SEM analysis revealed that the cured products with CC ratio 2/1 and 1/1 are homogeneous, whereas phase separation occurs for the 1/2 product. The glass transition temperature, 5% weight loss temperature, and tensile modulus of the cured DCO/BMI increased with increasing BMI content. Regarding the tensile strength, the cured DCO/BMI 1/1 product showed the highest value. To evaluate the reaction of DCO and BMI, the model reaction products of DCO and N‐phenylmaleimide (PMI) in DMI were analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The 1H NMR data of DCO revealed that DCO has about 4.8 CHCH bonds per triglyceride and that the ratio of conjugated and nonconjugated diene moieties is about 41/59. The NMR data of the reaction products of DCO/PMI with the CC ratio 2/1 and 1/1 at 200°C for 24 h revealed that both Diels–Alder and ene reactions occurs in addition to radical polymerization. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of a silicone resin with silphenylene units in Si‐O‐Si backbones
Authors: Jia Mengqiu , Wu Chaobo , Li Wei , Gao Dahai
Published: June 2009

A silicone resin with silphenylene units in Si‐O‐Si backbones was synthesized by hydrolysis‐polycondensation of 1,4‐bis(hydroxydimethylsilyl)benzene (BHB) with chlorosilanes. The structure and property of this novel silicone resin were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogarvimetric analysis (TG), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). This silicone resin could be applied as the film forming material of coating when it is prepared under the condition of R/Si, Ph/R, and the content of silphenylene units being 1.3, 0.5, and 10 mol %, respectively. GPC, IR, and NMR results show that the silphenylene units have been incorporated into the polymer of silicone resin. The TG analysis indicates that this novel silicone resin has good heat resistance with the onset degradation temperature of 500.3°C and residual weight of 85.6% at 900°C. SEM results demonstrate that the silicone resin with silphenylene units can form full and uniform films, and its surface morphology of clear paints were not damaged by heat below 350°C. EIS analysis reveals that clear paints of the silicone resin with silphenylene units have good resistance to corrosion. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐propylene glycol) as a macromolecular plasticizing agent for polylactide: Thermomechanical properties and aging
Authors: Jia Zhiyuan , Tan Juanjuan , Han Changyu , Yang Yuming , Dong Lisong
Published: June 2009

Finding a suitable plasticizer for polylactide (PLA) is necessary to overcome its brittleness and enlarge its range of applications. In this study, commercial PLA was melt‐blended with a new plasticizer, an ethylene glycol/propylene glycol random copolymer [poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐propylene glycol) (PEPG)] with a typical number‐average molecular weight of 12 kDa and an ethylene glycol content of 78.7 mol %. The thermal properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical properties of the quenched blends and the properties of the blends after storage for 2 months under the ambient conditions were investigated in detail. The advantage of using PEPG is that it does not crystallize at room temperature and has good compatibility with PLA. The quenched PLA/PEPG blends were homogeneous and amorphous systems. With an increase in the PEPG content (5–20%), the glass‐transition temperature, tensile strength, and modulus of the blends decreased, whereas the elongation at break and crystallizability increased dramatically. The cold crystallization of PLA resulted in phase separation of the PLA/PEPG blends by annealing of the blends at the crystallization temperature. After storage under the ambient conditions for 2 months, the PLA/PEPG blends retained good toughness but still lost some flexibility. The reasons for the aging of the blends were the enthalpy relaxation and cold crystallization of PLA and the induced phase separation. Poly(ethylene glycol) with a typical number‐average molecular weight of 10 kDa was also blended with PLA for comparison. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Optimization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles via numerical modeling: A statistical design of experiment approach
Authors: Demirel B. , Daver F.
Published: June 2009

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles, commonly used for carbonated soft drink packaging, occasionally fail because of environmental stress cracking at the petaloid base. At raised temperatures, particularly during hot summer months, increased carbonation pressure of the contents aggravates susceptibility to stress cracking. In this study, numerical modeling with finite element analysis techniques was used to redesign the petaloid base of bottles to improve stress‐crack resistance. An experimental design based on an algorithmic partial cubic method was employed. Mathematical modeling of the principal internal stress as a function of key design parameters identified optimal dimensions for the petaloid base. The improvement in stress‐crack resistance was verified by experimental studies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Polyesters based on two silarylene or germarylene moieties: Synthesis under phase‐transfer conditions
Authors: Tagle L. H. , Terraza C. A. , Leiva A. , Alvarez P.
Published: June 2009

Polyesters (PEs) containing two heteroatoms (Si and/or Ge) in the main chain, derived from the acid dichlorides bis(4‐chloroformylphenyl) ethylmethylsilane, bis(4‐chloroformylphenyl) diethylsilane, bis(4‐chloroformylphenyl) diethylgermane, and bis(4‐chloroformylphenyl) di‐nbutylgermane and from the diphenols bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) ethylmethylsilane, bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) diethylsilane, bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) diethylgermane, and bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) di‐nbutylgermane, were synthesized under phase‐transfer conditions with three quaternary ammonium salts as phase‐transfer catalysts and three NaOH concentrations in the aqueous phase. PEs were characterized with IR and NMR spectroscopy, including 29Si‐NMR. In general, the yields and intrinsic viscosities were low, and in some cases, an increase in these parameters was shown as a result of the catalyst effect. An increase in the NaOH concentration caused a decrease in the yields because of a hydrolytic process. PEs with Si were thermally more stable than those with Ge. The glass‐transition temperatures decreased when the side chains bonded to the heteroatoms were longer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Products of reaction between N,N′‐Bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)urea and ethylene carbonate and their application to obtain polyurethane foams
Authors: Zarzyka‐Niemiec Iwona
Published: June 2009

N,N′‐Bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)urea (BHEU) was hydroxyalkylated with ethylene carbonate (EC). The oligomeric products were obtained and analyzed by 1H‐NMR, IR, MALDI ToF, and GC methods. The polyols obtained from BHEU and EC in large excess have good thermal stability and possess suitable physical properties as substrates for foamed polyurethanes. The rigid polyurethane foams obtained from the hydroxyethoxy derivatives of urea reveal enhanced thermal stability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Molecular characterization of two nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits from Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae)
Authors: Tang Pei‐An , Jiang Hong‐Bo , Xu Yong‐Qiang , An Feng‐Ming , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: June 2009

Two nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes, Lbα1 and Lbα8, were isolated and characterized from psocid, Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique. They are the first two nAChR family members isolated from the insect order of Psocoptera. The full‐length cDNAs of Lbα1 (GenBank accession number: EU871527) and Lbα8 (EU871526) consist of 2,025 and 1,763 nucleotides, respectively, and an open reading frame of 1,644 and 1,608 bp encoding 547 and 535 amino acid proteins, respectively. Both genes have typical features of nAChR family members, though they share only 56% identity in amino acid sequence. The dendrogram generated by the MEGA 3.1 program shows that the protein deduced by Lbα1 had the closest phylogenetic relationship to Agamα1 from Anopheles gambiae and Amelα1 from Apis mellifera, and Lbα8 shares the highest identity with Agamα8 from An. gambiae and Amelα8 from A. mellifera. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis showed that Lbα1 was expressed 2.03–6.54‐fold higher than Lbα8 at the different developmental stages of L. bostrychophila. The highest expression levels of Lbα1 and Lbα8 were both detected at adult stage and the lowest were at the third and fourth nymphal stages, respectively. There was a stable and relatively low expression level for Lbα1, whereas there was a descending expression pattern for Lbα8 in the 1st through the 4th nymphal stadia. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Low‐intensity microwave irradiation does not substantially alter gene expression in late larval and adult Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Dawe Adam S. , Bodhicharla Rakesh K. , Graham Neil S. , May Sean T. , Reader Tom , Loader Benjamin , Gregory Andrew , Swicord Mays , Bit‐Babik Giorgi , de Pomerai David I.
Published: June 2009

Reports that low‐intensity microwave radiation induces heat‐shock reporter gene expression in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, have recently been reinterpreted as a subtle thermal effect caused by slight heating. This study used a microwave exposure system (1.0 GHz, 0.5 W power input; SAR 0.9–3 mW kg−1 for 6‐well plates) that minimises temperature differentials between sham and exposed conditions (≤0.1 °C). Parallel measurement and simulation studies of SAR distribution within this exposure system are presented. We compared five Affymetrix gene arrays of pooled triplicate RNA populations from sham‐exposed L4/adult worms against five gene arrays of pooled RNA from microwave‐exposed worms (taken from the same source population in each run). No genes showed consistent expression changes across all five comparisons, and all expression changes appeared modest after normalisation (≤40% up‐ or down‐regulated). The number of statistically significant differences in gene expression (846) was less than the false‐positive rate expected by chance (1131). We conclude that the pattern of gene expression in L4/adult C. elegans is substantially unaffected by low‐intensity microwave radiation; the minor changes observed in this study could well be false positives. As a positive control, we compared RNA samples from N2 worms subjected to a mild heat‐shock treatment (30 °C) against controls at 26 °C (two gene arrays per condition). As expected, heat‐shock genes are strongly up‐regulated at 30 °C, particularly an hsp‐70 family member (C12C8.1) and hsp‐16.2. Under these heat‐shock conditions, we confirmed that an hsp‐16.2::GFP transgene was strongly up‐regulated, whereas two non‐heat‐inducible transgenes (daf‐16::GFP; cyp‐34A9::GFP) showed little change in expression. Bioelectromagnetics 30:602–612, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flow‐injection determination of vitamin A in pharmaceutical formulations using Tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)Ru(II)–Ce(IV) chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Yaqoob Mohammad , Waseem Amir , Rishi Lubna , Nabi Abdul
Published: June 2009

A flow injection method with chemiluminescence detection is reported for the determination of vitamin A. The method is based on the enhancement effect of vitamin A on chemiluminescence of tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)Ru(II)–Ce(IV) in acidic medium. The proposed procedure is used to quantitate vitamin A in the range 1.0–100 × 10−6 mol/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9991 (n = 9) and relative standard deviation in the range 1.2–2.3% (n = 4). The limit of detection (3 × blank) was 8.0 × 10−8 mol/L with a sample throughput of 100/h. The effect of common excipients used in pharmaceutical formulations and some clinically important compounds was also studied. The method was applied to determine vitamin A in pharmaceutical formulations and the results obtained were in reasonable agreement with the amount quoted. The results were compared using spectrophotometric method and no significant difference was found between the results of the two methods at 95% confidence limit. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marketing strategies in the age of sustainable development: Evidence from the food industry
Authors: Belz Frank‐Martin , Schmidt‐Riediger Birte
Published: June 2009

In this paper we investigate characteristics and drivers of sustainability marketing strategies. Based on an empirical study in the food industry, we identify four sustainability marketing strategy types with distinctive characteristics (performers, followers, indecisives and passives). Consumers are one of the main drivers of sustainability marketing strategies. Depending on the sensitization of consumers to socio‐ecological problems, the perceptibility of socio‐ecological qualities, the individually perceived net benefits and the availability of sustainable alternatives, we argue that the typology and drivers apply to non‐food industries as well. Furthermore, we find that the incorporation of social and ecological aspects into marketing strategies also depends on the market segment in which the company competes: companies that are positioned in the premium or quality segment are more inclined to take an active stance on sustainability marketing than companies that compete in the price segment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Polarised Life of the Endocannabinoid System in CNS Development
Authors: Anavi‐Goffer Sharon , Mulder Jan
Published: June 2009

The spatiotemporal expressionof cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid‐metabolising enzymes during brain development guides major developmental processes including neurogenesis, cell differentiation, cell migration, neuronal specification and synaptogenesis.

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Endocannabinoids (eCBs) play an important role in fine‐tuning neurotransmission and have recently been shown to play an important role in brain development. The spatiotemporal expression of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoid‐metabolising enzymes during development guides major developmental processes including neurogenesis, cell differentiation, cell migration, neuronal specification and synaptogenesis. Furthermore, pharmacological experiments and transgenic animal models have shown the impact of disrupted eCB signalling on normal brain development and revealed the danger of both cannabis abuse and exposure to cannabinoid drugs during embryonic development, childhood and adolescence. In this review, we focus on the dynamic expression of eCB components and the physiological role eCBs play during brain development.
Synthesis and Investigation of Tryptophan–Amphotericin B Conjugates
Authors: Zumbuehl Andreas , Stano Pasquale , Sohrmann Marc , Dietiker Rolf , Peter Mathias , Carreira Erick M.
Published: June 2009

Anchors aweigh! The synthesis of tryptophan–amphotericin B conjugates (see figure) is described. The membrane‐anchoring effect of tryptophane was thus combined with the pore‐formation effect of amphotericin B leading to high channel activity in sterol‐free liposomes.

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Bipartite Tetracysteine Display Requires Site Flexibility for ReAsH Coordination
Authors: Goodman Jessica L. , Fried Daniel B. , Schepartz Alanna
Published: June 2009

Flexibility required: We designed intramolecular bipartite tetracysteine sites in loops of p53 and the β‐sheets of EmGFP. We found that ReAsH binding preferentially favors tetracysteine sites with flexible geometries such as loops; flexibility was assessed by comparing Cα B‐factor values. This information is important for directing successful bipartite tetracysteine site designs.

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Primary Steps of pH‐Dependent Insulin Aggregation Kinetics are Governed by Conformational Flexibility
Authors: Haas Jürgen , Vöhringer‐Martinez Esteban , Bögehold Andreas , Matthes Dirk , Hensen Ulf , Pelah Avishay , Abel Bernd , Grubmüller Helmut
Published: June 2009

Insulin aggregation critically depends on pH. The underlying energetic and structural determinants are, however, unknown. Here, we measure the kinetics of the primary aggregation steps of the insulin monomer in vitro and relate it to its conformational flexibility. To assess these primary steps the monomer concentration was monitored by mass spectrometry at various pH values and aggregation products were imaged by atomic force microscopy. Lowering the pH from 3 to 1.6 markedly accelerated the observed aggregation kinetics. The influence of pH on the monomer structure and dynamics in solution was studied by molecular dynamics simulations, with the protonation states of the titrable groups obtained from electrostatic calculations. Reduced flexibility was observed for low pH values, mainly in the C terminus and in the helix of the B chain; these corresponded to an estimated entropy loss of 150 J mol−1 K−1. The striking correlation between entropy loss and pH value is consistent with the observed kinetic traces. In analogy to the well‐known Φ value analysis, this result allows the extraction of structural information about the rate determining transition state of the primary aggregation steps. In particular, we suggest that the residues in the helix of the B chain are involved in this transition state.
A comparison of the family and childhood backgrounds of hospitalised offenders with schizophrenia or personality disorder
Authors: Gibbon Simon , Ferriter Michael , Duggan Conor
Published: June 2009

Background Previous studies have demonstrated high levels of childhood adversity and familial criminality in offender patients with schizophrenia and/or personality disorder, but few have directly compared these groups.

Aims To compare the parenting histories of offender patients with schizophrenia with those with personality disorder. We hypothesised that rates of family criminality and experiences of disrupted parenting would be higher in the personality disorder group than the schizophrenia group.

Method A retrospective case‐control methodology compared the family background and childhood experiences of patients with either schizophrenia or personality disorder (n = 3088) admitted to any of the English high‐security hospitals.

Results Compared with those with schizophrenia, patients with personality disorder had experienced higher rates of family criminality, parental separation, and multiple changes of caregiver and institutional care. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of family psychiatric history between the groups.

Discussion Although our hypotheses were sustained, we were impressed that rates of disruption to parenting were high in the schizophrenia group as well as in the personality disorder group. Less than a third of the personality disorder group had survived childhood without a change in parenting, but this was true for about half of the schizophrenia group, too. Family work tailored for people with schizophrenia is needed, even though within personality disorder services, a greater demand for disorder‐sensitive family work is likely to be encountered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technological change, globalization, and the community college
Authors: Romano Richard M. , Dellow Donald A.
Published: June 2009

Globalization and technological change will continue to eliminate some jobs and create others, generating a need for skilled, flexible workers with a global perspective.
Help wanted: Postsecondary education and training required
Authors: Carnevale Anthony P. , Strohl Jeff , Smith Nicole
Published: June 2009

This chapter argues that postsecondary competencies and awards have become the threshold requirement for middle‐class earnings and status.
National labor market projections for community college students
Authors: Sommers Dixie
Published: June 2009

This chapter contains labor market projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data set out here are used as a basis for more specific projections in the next four chapters.
The outlook in the health sciences
Authors: Lang Janell
Published: June 2009

This chapter highlights some of the fastest‐growing occupations in the health care field that are appropriate to the community college.
The outlook in engineering‐related technology fields
Authors: Weeks Peggie
Published: June 2009

This chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities for students and colleges in this occupational area. Practical suggestions on how colleges can respond are offered.
Mechanistic Investigation of Iron‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions
Authors: Kleimark Jonatan , Hedström Anna , Larsson Per‐Fredrik , Johansson Charlotte , Norrby Per‐Ola
Published: June 2009

The mechanism of the iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl electrophiles with alkyl Grignard reagents is studied by a combination of GC monitoring, Hammett competition experiments, and DFT calculations. The reaction follows a pathway where an FeI complex, formed in situ, reacts in a rate‐limiting oxidative addition with the aryl electrophile. A rapid thermoneutral transmetalation from a Grignard reagent occurs either before or after the oxidative addition, with little to differentiate between the two pathways. A reductive elimination of the resulting alkyl aryl FeIII complex closes the catalytic cycle. Iron in lower oxidation states can act as a competent precatalyst by oxidation into the FeI–FeIII cycle. FeII complexes can give FeI catalysts through reductive elimination of a bimetallic complex. Added ligands, dilution, and powerful aryl electrophiles all serve to increase the stability of the active catalyst, presumably by counteracting oligomerization of low‐valent iron.
The Co‐Entrapment of a Homogeneous Catalyst and an Ionic Liquid by a Sol–gel Method: Recyclable Ionogel Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Craythorne Steven J. , Anderson Kris , Lorenzini Fabio , McCausland Christina , Smith Emily F. , Licence Peter , Marr Andrew C. , Marr Patricia C.
Published: June 2009

Molecular hydrogenation catalysts have been co‐entrapped with the ionic liquid [Bmim]NTf2 inside a silica matrix by a sol–gel method. These catalytic ionogels have been compared to simple catalyst‐doped glasses, the parent homogeneous catalysts, commercial heterogeneous catalysts, and Rh‐doped mesoporous silica. The most active ionogel has been characterised by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and solid state NMR before and after catalysis. The ionogel catalysts were found to be remarkably active, recyclable and resistant to chemical change.
Evidence for Endocyclic Cleavage of Conformationally Restricted Glycopyranosides
Authors: Manabe Shino , Ishii Kazuyuki , Hashizume Daisuke , Koshino Hiroyuki , Ito Yukishige
Published: June 2009

2,3‐trans‐carbamate‐ and ‐carbonate‐carrying pyranosides were very easily anomerised from the β to the α direction in the presence of a Lewis acid compared to other pyranosides. This reaction is caused by endocyclic cleavage of the pyranosides. Evidence for endocyclic cleavage of conformationally restricted pyranosides in the chair form was obtained by intra‐ and intermolecular Friedel–Crafts reactions, chloride addition, and reduction of the generated cation. On the other hand, pyranosides with the distorted conformation were never cleaved in an endocyclic manner.
Nb and Ta Adducts: Connecting d0 Metal Chlorides and Phosphorus Sulfide Cages
Authors: Hoppe Diana , Schemmel Dominik , Schütz Martin , Pfitzner Arno
Published: June 2009

Phosphorus sulfide cages α‐P4S4, α‐P4S5, β‐P4S5, and β‐P4S6 and transition‐metal chlorides TaCl5 and NbCl5 form molecular adducts in CS2/n‐hexane. The crystal structures of the adducts (TaCl5)(α‐P4S4), (TaCl5)(α‐P4S5), (TaCl5)(β‐P4S5), (NbCl5)(β‐P4S5), and (TaCl5)(β‐P4S6) are reported and their conformation and energetic stability are discussed on the basis of ab initio electronic structure calculations. Furthermore bond lengths of coordinated and noncoordinated phosphorus sulfide cages obtained from experiment and theory are compared, emphasizing the changes within the cages that emerge upon coordination.
Cover Picture: A Cholesterol‐Based Tether for Creating Photopatterned Lipid Membrane Arrays on both a Silica and Gold Surface (Chem. Eur. J. 26/2009)
Authors: Han Xiaojun , Achalkumar Ammathnadu S. , Bushby Richard J. , Evans Stephen D.
Published: June 2009

A cholesterol‐based membrane tether…︁ system has been developed, for the attachment of lipid bilayer membranes at silica and gold surfaces, by S. D. Evans et al. in their Full Paper on page 6363 ff. Arrays of membrane have been produced by using deep UV lithography on both metallic and insulating substrates. Their response to electric fields demonstrates the formation of highly resistive, fluid membranes.

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