bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melioidosis presenting as genitourinary infection in two men with diabetes
Authors: Viswaroop BS , Balaji V , Mathai E , Kekre NS
Published: February 2009

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It occurs predominantly in tropical regions. The manifestations are protean which include pneumonia, visceral abscesses, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, acute suppurative and chronic granulomatous lesions with involvement of almost all organ systems. Fulminant sepsis is much more common and is associated with high mortality. Hence prompt recognition and early treatment is warranted. We report unusual presentations of urinary tract melioidosis in two diabetic men.
Exemestane
Authors: Shetty YC , Chakkarwar PN , Acharya SS , Rajadhyaksha VD
Published: February 2009

Rapid advances in the treatment of breast cancer, especially in the form of hormone therapy have truly increased the hope of longer and better disease-free survival for these patients. Exemestane, a third generation aromatase inhibitor has been extensively evaluated in metastatic as well as adjuvant therapy of breast cancer. It has also been evaluated for its safety profile, especially on bone and lipids. Exemestane provides hope to the patients with breast cancer both in early and metastatic disease. This review analyzes all the aspects of exemestane therapy.
A new approach to the study of diet and risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jinlin Fu , Binyou W , Terry C
Published: February 2009

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a polygenetic disorder resulting from interaction of both hereditary and environmental factors. Diet is an important environmental factor in the development of T2DM. However, there existed inconsistent conclusions among previous studies. The validity of a study of associations between diet and diabetes depends on the method used in the study. Associations between individual nutrients/foods and T2DM have been explored even till today, but the controversy is still unsolved due to the limitations of the study methods such as interactions among nutrients. Emergence of analyses on dietary patterns and diabetes shows its popularity in the studies of associations of dietary patterns with T2DM, but only a few articles have been published. In this review, dietary-pattern-related studies since 1990 were identified by searching through Medline and PubMed in order to analyze methods used in the studies of diabetes. A dietary pattern approach was introduced as an alternative complementary way used to test associations of diet with risk of T2DM and the advantages of the studies of T2DM using this new approach are also explored. It is concluded that the dietary pattern approach shows its advantages over that using individual nutrients or foods in studies on associations between the diet and diabetes, but its reproducibility and validity for such effects, however, need to be further verified in different ethnic population-based on diverse eating habits. The long-term effects of a beneficial dietary pattern on T2DM also require clarifying in future studies.
Thyroid cancer in toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter
Authors: Cerci C , Cerci SS , Eroglu E , Dede M , Kapucuoglu N , Yildiz M , Bulbul M
Published: February 2009

Background:

Many authors have claimed that hyperthyroidism protects against thyroid cancer and believed that the incidence of malignancy is lower in patients with toxic multinodular goiter (TMG) than in those with non-toxic multinodular goiter. But in recent studies, it was reported that the incidence of malignancy with TMG is not as low as previously thought.

Aim:

To compare the thyroid cancer incidence in patients with toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter.

Settings and Design:

Histology reports of patients treated surgically with a preoperative diagnosis of toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter were reviewed to identify the thyroid cancer incidence. Patients having a history of neck irradiation or radioactive iodine therapy were excluded from the study.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed 294 patients operated between 2001-2005 from toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter. One hundred and twenty-four of them were toxic and 170 were non-toxic. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed by elevated tri-iodothyroinine / thyroxine ratios and low thyroid-stimulating hormone with clinical signs and symptoms. All patients were evaluated with ultrasonography and scintigraphy and fine needle aspiration biopsy.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Significance of the various parameters was calculated by using ANOVA test.

Results:

The incidence of malignancy was 9% in the toxic and 10.58% in the non-toxic multinodular goiter group. Any significant difference in the incidence of cancer and tumor size between the two groups could not be detected.

Conclusions:

The incidence of malignancy in toxic multinodular goiter is not very low as thought earlier and is nearly the same in non-toxic multinodular goiter.
Paraphenylene diamine ingestion
Authors: Ram R , Swarnalatha G , Prasad N , Dakshinamurty KV
Published: February 2009

Paraphenylene diamine (PPD) is a major component of hair dyes. The aim is to study the renal manifestations and outcome of PPD consumption. During a four-year period from 2002 to February 2006, 10 persons were admitted to our Institute after consuming a hair dye in a suicidal bid. The percentage of ARF due to PPD at our Institute was 0.95%. Seven patients out of 10 (70%) who consumed PPD developed ARF. All 10 patients, including the patients who had normal renal function had features of rhabdomyolysis. Two patients required ventilator support for respiratory distress and two more required tracheostomy due to upper airway tract edema. One patient has expired after two sessions of dialysis. Renal biopsy in two patients (one, postmortem) showed acute tubular necrosis along with presence of casts in tubules due to myoglobin.
Present status of understanding on the G6PD deficiency and natural selection
Authors: Tripathy V , Reddy BM
Published: February 2009

G6PD deficiency is a common hemolytic genetic disorder, particularly in the areas endemic to malaria. Individuals are generally asymptomatic and hemolytic anemia occurs when some anti-malarial drugs or other oxidizing chemicals are administered. It has been proposed that G6PD deficiency provides protection against malaria. Maintaining of G6PD deficient alleles at polymorphic proportions is complicated because of the X-linked nature of G6PD deficiency. A comprehensive review of the literature on the hypothesis of malarial protection and the nature of the selection is being presented. Most of the epidemiological, in vitro and in vivo studies report selection for G6PD deficiency. Analysis of the G6PD gene also reveals that G6PD-deficient alleles show some signatures of selection. However, the question of how this polymorphism is being maintained remains unresolved because the selection/fitness coefficients for the different genotypes in the two sexes have not been established. Prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Indian caste and tribal populations and the different variants reported has also been reviewed.
The rumination syndrome in adults
Authors: Papadopoulos V , Mimidis K
Published: February 2009

Rumination in adults is considered to be the effortless regurgitation of recently ingested food into the mouth, followed by either rechewing and reswallowing or expulsion of the regurgitate. On the basis of the definition of rumination as a unique category of functional gastroduodenal disorders, according to the newly established Rome III classification, a review of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of the rumination syndrome in adults is presented after systematic and critical approach of all articles that could be retrieved through PubMed using the term "rumination".
One gene, many phenotypes
Authors: Prasun P , Pradhan M , Agarwal S
Published: February 2009

"Phenotype" is the visible or quantifiable effect of the expression of a gene, whereas the specific genetic constitution responsible for a phenotype is called "genotype". It was hoped that phenotype could be accurately predicted if the genotype could be characterized. But, the relationship between the genotype and phenotype is not straightforward. Similar genetic lesions can have entirely different phenotypes. In recent years, there has been tremendous progress in the understanding of the genetic basis of diseases. The extent to which it will be possible to relate findings at the DNA level to the clinical phenotype is difficult to delineate on many occasions. The elucidation of mechanisms underlying genotype-phenotype discrepancies is important as it will influence the use of DNA-based tests in the diagnosis, therapy and counseling of individuals affected with genetic disorders. This issue is pertinent to almost every aspect of medical practice and research in this post-genome era. In this article, we have tried to summarize those factors which are responsible for varied manifestations of lesion(s) in a single gene.
Miliary tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients not on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Swaminathan S , Padmapriyadarsini C , Ponnuraja C , Sumathi CH , Rajasekaran S , Amerandran VA , Reddy MVK , Deivanayagam CN
Published: February 2009

Background:

An increase in tuberculosis (TB) incidence has been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Aims:

To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of patients with HIV and miliary TB treated with short-course intermittent chemotherapy in the absence of access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Settings and Design:

Prospective study of HIV infected adults referred to a TB clinic between July 1999 and July 2004.

Materials and Methods:

On diagnosis of miliary TB, patients were treated with a standard regimen of two months of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide followed by four months of isoniazid and rifampicin (2EHRZ3 /4RH3) thrice weekly and followed up for 24 months. Patients were reviewed clinically every month and two sputa were collected. Chest radiographs and blood investigations were done at two months, end of treatment and every six months thereafter.

Results:

Of 498 patients with HIV and tuberculosis, 31 (6%) were diagnosed as miliary tuberculosis. At diagnosis, sputum smear was positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in 14 patients (45%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated in 21 (68%). The mean CD4 cell count was 129 ± 125 cells/mm3. Twenty-five patients were declared cured at the end of treatment (81%) while one (3%) died and five (16%) failed. The recurrence rate was 19.4/100 person-years and the median survival was 17 months (95% CI 14 to 20). None of the patients received antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusions:

Miliary TB tends to occur among HIV infected patients with severe immunosuppression. Though the initial response to short-course chemotherapy was encouraging, a high recurrence rate and mortality was observed indicating poor prognosis in HIV.
Field rats form a major infection source of leptospirosis in and around Madurai, India
Authors: Priya CG , Hoogendijk KT , Berg MVD , Rathinam SR , Ahmed A , Muthukkaruppan VR , Hartskeerl RA
Published: February 2009

Aims:

To determine the seroprevalence of leptospires and to isolate Leptospira spp. from field rats and bandicoots in and around Madurai.

Materials and Methods:

Thirteen rats and five bandicoots were trapped alive from fields in and around Madurai. Blood samples were tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies by microscopic agglutination test while the urine and kidney samples were used for isolation of leptospires. The isolated leptospires were tested for pathogenic status (13°C test and PCR) followed by serological and genetic characterization.

Results:

Serology revealed the presence of anti-leptospiral antibodies in 58% (7/12) of field rats and leptospires were isolated from two urine and six kidney samples. The bandicoots were negative in both serology and culture. Analysis of the isolates from field rats revealed that all the isolates were pathogenic except for one, which was further confirmed by serological and genetic characterization. Six of the seven pathogenic isolates were identified as L. interrogans serogroup Autumnalis serovar Akiyami A and one as L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica serovar Veldrat Batavia 46.

Conclusions:

Serology and isolation reveals that field rats are major natural carriers and shedders of leptospires in and around Madurai.
Cracks and Plasticity
Authors: Brocks Wolfgang
Published: February 2009

The paper gives a review of the state‐of‐the‐art of modeling deformation, damage, and fracture of ductile metals on various length scales, namely numerical simulation of micro‐void nucleation and growth, porosity‐based constitutive equations, the cohesive zone model and the macroscopic fracture‐mechanics approach. Links between the various models are outlined and their respective favorable and preferential applications are discussed. The potential of a hierarchical modeling approach from the micro‐ to the macroscale is emphasized.
Compact Inverse‐Opal Electrode Using Non‐Aggregated TiO2 Nanoparticles for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kwak Eun Sik , Lee Wonmok , Park Nam‐Gyu , Kim Junkyung , Lee Hyunjung
Published: February 2009

Compact inverse‐opal structures are constructed using non‐aggregated TiO2 nanoparticles in a three‐dimensional colloidal array template as the photoelectrode of a dye‐sensitized solar cell. Organic‐layer‐coated titania nanoparticles show an enhanced infiltration and a compact packing within the 3D array. Subsequent thermal decomposition to remove the organic template followed by impregnation with N‐719 dye results in excellent inverse‐opal photoelectrodes with a photo‐conversion efficiency as high as 3.47% under air mass 1.5 illumination. This colloidal‐template approach using non‐aggregated nanoparticles provides a simple and versatile way to produce efficient inverse‐opal structures with the ability to control parameters such as cavity diameter and film thickness.
A multicenter, prospective pilot study of gamma knife radiosurgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Seizure response, adverse events, and verbal memory
Authors: Barbaro Nicholas M. , Quigg Mark , Broshek Donna K. , Ward Mariann M. , Lamborn Kathleen R. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Larson David A. , Dillon William , Verhey Lynn , Garcia Paul , Steiner Ladislau , Heck Christine , Kondziolka Douglas , Beach Robert , Olivero William , Witt Thomas C. , Salanova Vicenta , Goodman Robert
Published: February 2009

Objective

The safety, efficacy, and morbidity of radiosurgery (RS) must be established before it can be offered as an alternative to open surgery for unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We report the 3‐year outcomes of a multicenter, prospective pilot study of RS.

Methods

RS was randomized to 20 or 24Gy targeting the amygdala, hippocampus, and parahippocampal gyrus. Seizure diaries evaluated the final seizure remission between months 24 and 36. Verbal memory was evaluated at baseline and 24m with the Wechsler Memory Scale–Revised (WMS‐R) and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Patients were classified as having “significant improvement,” “no change,” and “significant impairment” based on relative change indices.

Results

Thirteen high‐dose and 17 low‐dose patients were treated. Both groups showed significant reductions in seizures by 1 year after treatment. At the 36‐month follow‐up evaluation, 67% of patients were free of seizures for the prior 12 months (high dose: 10/13, 76.9%; low dose: 10/17, 58.8%). Use of steroids, headaches, and visual field defects did not differ by dose or seizure remission. The prevalence of verbal memory impairment was 15% (4/26 patients); none declined on more than one measure. The prevalence of significant verbal memory improvements was 12% (3/26).

Interpretation

RS for unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy offers seizure remission rates comparable with those reported previously for open surgery. There were no major safety concerns with high‐dose RS compared with low‐dose RS. Additional research is required to determine whether RS may be a treatment option for some patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2009
Synthesis of polymer‐supported quaternary ammonium salts and their phase‐transfer catalytic activity in halogen‐exchange reactions
Authors: Leelamma P. N. , Devaky K. S.
Published: February 2009

Polymer‐supported quaternary ammonium salts were prepared, and their applications as phase‐transfer catalysts in aqueous organic systems were investigated. The polymer‐bound phase‐transfer catalysts were prepared with polystyrene resins crosslinked with the bifunctional monomers divinylbenzene and 1,4‐butanediol dimethacrylate. The polymers were functionalized with chloromethyl groups and quaternized with trialkylamines having different alkyl chains. The obtained phase‐transfer catalysts were characterized with IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The thermal stability was also determined by the thermogravimetric method. The catalytic properties of the phase‐transfer catalysts were studied in halogen‐exchange reactions. The effects of the nature and extent of crosslinking of the polymer support, the alkyl groups of the trialkylamine, and the reaction conditions were investigated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2009
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of antifouling polymers of 4‐acryloyloxybenzaldehyde with methyl methacrylate
Authors: Subramanyam Elango , Mohandoss Sidharthan , Shin Hyun‐Woung
Published: February 2009

In recent years, antifouling (AF) polymers are widely used in marine paints to protect the ship hulls from biofouling. The AF polymer coatings have better leaching characteristics and long lasting efficiency than other conventional formulations. In this study, an attempt has been made to prepare new p‐acryloyloxybenzaldehyde(AcBA) polymers to assess their AF efficiency against marine microfoulers. The monomer, AcBA was prepared by the esterification reaction between p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (HBA) and acryloyl chloride (Ac) in presence of triethylamine (TEA) in MEK at 0°C. The reaction was monitored by TLC and the prepared monomer was characterized by UV, IR, 1H‐NMR and GC‐MS. The homo‐[poly(AcBA)] and co‐polymers [poly(AcBA‐co‐MMA)] were prepared by solution polymerization using BPO as initiator. To find out the AF activity of prepared polymers, representatives of marine microfoulers, shipfouling bacteria (Bacillus macroides and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and microalgae (Amphora coffeaeformis and Navicula incerta) were screened. The contact toxicity and diatom attachment assays were conducted with prepared polymers and microfouling formation on coatings was also investigated using a tubular biofilm reactor. AF potential of these polymers coating is demonstrated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Flexible cross‐linking by both pentaerythritol and polyethyleneglycol spacer and its impact on the mechanical properties and the shape memory effects of polyurethane
Authors: Chung Yong‐Chan , Cho Tae Keun , Chun Byoung Chul
Published: February 2009

A series of polyurethane (PU) polymers cross‐linked laterally by pentaerythritol and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) spacers were compared with linear PU. The PU was composed of 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI), poly(tetramethyleneglycol), 1,4‐butanediol (BD), pentaerythritol, and PEG‐200 as a spacer. PEG‐200 connected the pentaerythritol hydroxyl groups of two PU chains with MDI as a connecting agent. The phase separation between hard and soft segments was disrupted by the PEG crosslinking, and Tm did not change with an increase in cross‐linking content. Instead, the cross‐link density increased with an increase of pentaerythritol content. A significant increase in maximum stress compared with linear PU was attained, together with an increase in strain. The combination of both pentaerythritol and PEG‐200 in the PU resulted in the improvement of both stress and strain, unlike in the conventional cross‐linking method. The shape recovery increased to 90% and did not decrease after three test cycles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of poly (MAA)‐crosslinked pregelled starch graft copolymer and its application in waste water treatments
Authors: Mostafa Kh. M. , Samarkandy Abdul Rahim , El‐Sanabary A. A.
Published: February 2009

Propelled starch (PG) was first crosslinked with epichlorohydrin to obtain insoluble crosslinked pregelled starch (CPS). The latter was graft copolymerized with different amounts of Methacrylic acid using potassium persulphate as initiator. This was done to obtain six levels of poly (MAA)‐crosslinked pregelled starch graft copolymers (PMCPS) having different graft yields (expressed as meq COOH/100 g starch) with increasing order and designated as (PMCPS 1 to PMCPS 6). The latter copolymers were dispersed in aqueous solution of heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+) and filtered to form polymer‐metal ions complex. Different factors affecting the heavy metal ions removal such as pH, extent of grafting, treatment time and starch dose were studied in detail. It was found from the obtained results that; the residual metal ions removal from their aqueous solutions increased with (a) increasing the extent of grafting of PMCPS i.e., from PMCPS 1 to PMCPS 6; (b) Increasing the pH of the metal ions solution complex from 1 to 8; (c) increasing the starch dosage from 0.25 to 2.0% (W/V), then leveled off thereafter, (d) increasing the time of the reaction up to 20 min then leveled off after that. On the other hand, Pb, Cd and Hg ions were also removed from their solutions with different extent. Furthermore, the prepared copolymer could be recovered by washing the metal ions from the complex with weak acid 1N HNO3 (pH 2) and the metal‐binding activity of the starch was slightly reduced by this process. Finally, the ability of PMCPS to remove three types of basic dyes from their solutions was also reported. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Photo‐oxidation of polystyrene/clay nanocomposites under accelerated UV exposure: Effect on the structure and molecular weight
Authors: Remili Chérifa , Kaci Mustapha , Kachbi Souad , Bruzaud Stéphane , Grohens Yves
Published: February 2009

The present work investigates the effects of photo‐oxidation under accelerated UV conditions on the structure, the molecular weight and the morphology of polystyrene (PS)/organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) at various clay contents: 2.5, 5, and 7 wt %. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, viscosimetry and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the extent of degradation of nanocomposite samples in comparison with neat PS, up to 216 h of exposure. The study has shown that the formation rates of both carbonyl and hydroperoxide groups increase with exposure time, being much higher for PS/OMMT nanocomposites. Moreover, it is also observed that all samples exhibit a large increase in the scission index, however less pronounced for neat PS. These results clearly indicate the formation of low molecular weight products that could arise from chain scission. Further, the photo‐oxidation rate seems to be more affected by the presence of clay, which acts as a catalyst, rather than by the variation of clay contents. Finally, the degraded materials exhibit eroded surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Stability of electrical properties of carbon black‐filled rubbers
Authors: Podhradská Silvia , Prokeš Jan , Omastová Mária , Chodák Ivan
Published: February 2009

Conducting composites were prepared by melt mixing of ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) or styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) and 35 wt % of carbon black (CB). Stability of electrical properties of rubber/CB composites during cyclic thermal treatment was examined and electrical conductivity was measured in situ. Significant increase of the conductivity was observed already after the first heating–cooling cycle to 85°C for both composites. The increase of conductivity of EPDM/35% CB and SBR/35% CB composites continued when cyclic heating‐cooling was extended to 105°C and 125°C. This effect can be explained by reorganization of conducting paths during the thermal treatment to the more conducting network. EPDM/35% CB and SBR/35% CB composites exhibited very good stability of electrical conductivity during storage at ambient conditions. The electrical conductivity of fresh prepared EPDM/35% CB composite was 1.7 × 10−2 S cm−1, and slightly lower conductivity value 1.1 × 10−2 S cm−1 was measured for SBR/35% CB. The values did not significantly change after three years storage. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Melt rheology of aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters
Authors: Vuković Jasna , Jovanović Slobodan , Lechner Manfred D. , Vodnik Vesna
Published: February 2009

Rheological behavior in melt of aliphatic hyperbranched polyesters (AHBP), synthesized using pseudo‐one‐step and one‐step procedure, was investigated in this work. Three commercially available AHBP were also examined. Because of the presence of relatively strong hydrogen bonds between numerous end hydroxyl groups, AHBP of lower generation number, as well as the sample of tenth pseudo generation, show non‐Newtonian behavior in the entire investigated frequency and temperature region. However, for other examined AHBP, the slope of the frequency dependence of complex viscosity (η* = f(ω)) becomes smaller with the temperature increase. Therefore, samples of fourth, fifth, and sixth pseudo generations show Newtonian behavior at temperatures higher than 70°C. Value of glass transition temperature, melt flow activation energy, fractional free volume, and thermal expansion coefficient were determined for the investigated AHBP. The influence of the type of end groups on rheological properties of AHBP was also examined. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Network structure/mechanical property relationship in crosslinked dimethacrylates of different chain lengths
Authors: Podgórski Maciej
Published: February 2009

In this article, the syntheses of three novel dimethacrylates of different chain lengths as well as the mechanical and thermal properties of their copolymers with methyl methacrylate and styrene were studied. The monomers were prepared by the reaction of glycidyl methacrylate with dicarboxylic acid esters obtained from maleic anhydride and ethylene, 1,4‐butylene and 1,6‐hexylene glycols. The addition reaction of glycidyl methacrylate and the acidic compound was carried out in the presence of basic catalyst, tetraethylammonium bromide. The monomers were UV‐copolymerized with methyl methacrylate and styrene in the presence of a photoinitiator which was 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyloacetophenone. The prepared polymers were subjected to different studies concerning evaluation of their flexural properties, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical behavior as well as qualitative estimation of the content of unreacted double bonds. The dependence of glass transition temperatures (Tg) as well as degree of inhomogeneity on the crosslinking density has been examined in different copolymer systems. Evidence that the dependence of the Tg on the crosslinking density is not straightforward is presented. Dynamic mechanical measurements have demonstrated that the heterogeneity of the crosslinked polymers depends strongly on the crosslinking density of the system and the nature of methacrylate monomers used. Depending on the monomer size as well as its functionality, the resultant polymer may have features such as crosslinks or residual unsaturations that influence and define the properties of the materials. It is proved that the new dimethacrylates change their functionality in copolymerization with different monovinyl monomers. Also, the degree of unsaturated bonds conversion was found to be growing with the amount of monovinyl in the copolymer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Degradation of poly(D,L‐lactic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(D,L‐lactic acid) copolymer by electron beam radiation
Authors: Miao Peikai , Zhao Chun'e , Xu Guoliang , Fu Qiang , Tang Wenrui , Zeng Ke , Wang Yipeng , Zhou Hongfei , Yang Gang
Published: February 2009

This article investigates the effects of electron beam (EB) radiation on poly(D,L‐lactic acid)‐b‐poly (ethylene glycol) copolymer (PLA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLA). The copolymer films were EB irradiated at doses from 0 to 100 kGy. The degradation of these films was studied by measuring the changes in their molecular weight, mechanical and thermal properties. The dominant effect of EB radiation on PLA‐b‐PEG‐b‐PLA is chain‐scission. With increasing irradiation dose, recombination reactions or partial crosslinking may occur in addition to chain scission. The degree of chain scission Gs and crosslinking Gx of sample are calculated to be 0.213 and 0.043, respectively. A linear relationship is also established between the decreases in molecular weight with increasing irradiation dose. Elongation at break of the irradiated sample decreases significantly, whereas its tensile strength decreases slightly. The glass transition temperature (Tg) is basically invariant as a function of irradiation dose. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that its thermal stability decreases with increasing dose. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Manduca sexta prothoracicotropic hormone: evidence for a role beyond steroidogenesis
Authors: Rybczynski Robert , Snyder Chelsea A. , Hartmann John , Sakurai Sho , Gilbert Lawrence I.
Published: February 2009

Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) is a homodimeric brain peptide hormone that positively regulates the production of ecdysteroids by the prothoracic gland of Lepidoptera and probably other insects. PTTH was first purified from heads of adult domestic silkworms, Bombyx mori. Prothoracic glands of Bombyx and Manduca sexta undergo apoptosis well before the adult stage is reached, raising the recurring question of PTTH function at these later stages. Because Bombyx has been domesticated for thousands of years, the possibility exists that the presence of PTTH in adult animals is an accidental result of domestication for silk production. In contrast, Manduca has been raised in the laboratory for only five or six decades. The present study found that Manduca brains contain PTTH at all stages examined post‐prothoracic gland apoptosis, i.e., pharate adult and adult life, and that PTTH‐dependent changes in protein phosphorylation and protein synthesis were observed in several reproductive and reproduction‐associated organs. The data indicate that PTTH indeed plays a role in non‐steroidogenic tissues and suggest possible future avenues for determining which cellular processes are being so regulated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A flexible approach for extracting metadata from bibliographic citations
Authors: Cortez Eli , da Silva Altigran S. , Gonçalves Marcos André , Mesquita Filipe , de Moura Edleno S.
Published: February 2009

In this article we present FLUX‐CiM, a novel method for extracting components (e.g., author names, article titles, venues, page numbers) from bibliographic citations. Our method does not rely on patterns encoding specific delimiters used in a particular citation style. This feature yields a high degree of automation and flexibility, and allows FLUX‐CiM to extract from citations in any given format. Differently from previous methods that are based on models learned from user‐driven training, our method relies on a knowledge base automatically constructed from an existing set of sample metadata records from a given field (e.g., computer science, health sciences, social sciences, etc.). These records are usually available on the Web or other public data repositories. To demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of our proposed method, we present a series of experiments in which we apply it to extract bibliographic data from citations in articles of different fields. Results of these experiments exhibit precision and recall levels above 94% for all fields, and perfect extraction for the large majority of citations tested. In addition, in a comparison against a state‐of‐the‐art information‐extraction method, ours produced superior results without the training phase required by that method. Finally, we present a strategy for using bibliographic data resulting from the extraction process with FLUX‐CiM to automatically update and expand the knowledge base of a given domain. We show that this strategy can be used to achieve good extraction results even if only a very small initial sample of bibliographic records is available for building the knowledge base.
Using computer software packages to enhance the teaching of engineering management science: Part 1—Critical path networks
Authors: Ku H. , Fulcher R. , Xiang W.
Published: February 2009

The aim of this article is to share the experience of using different software packages in the delivery of critical path networks in Engineering Management Science coded as ENG4004, in the Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering Technology programs offered by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), a regional Australian University with excellence in developing e‐learning (Good University Guides, 2001). The article describes how the authors use different software packages to solve the critical path network problems of the course. At times, more than one package will be required for the effective delivery of a topic or module of the course. The needs for the usage were also explained. The assessments of the course were also studied and reviewed. How the software packages met the objectives of the module was also discussed together with the desired learning outcomes of students. The preferred software was Production and Operations Management (POM‐QM) for Windows 3. It was finally concluded that the actual costs to the university and students are not too much but students learning experience and satisfaction will be greatly improved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 19: 26–39, 2011
Near Zero CO2 Emissions in Coal Firing with Oxy‐Fuel Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler
Authors: Myöhänen K. , Hyppänen T. , Pikkarainen T. , Eriksson T. , Hotta A.
Published: February 2009

Carbon capture and storage is a concept to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of energy production from fossil fuels. In oxy‐fuel combustion, the fuel is burned in a mixture of oxygen and recycled flue gas. This generates CO2‐rich flue gas from which the CO2 is easily separated and compressed. Foster Wheeler Power Group is developing the existing design tools and process models of air‐fired circulating fluidized bed boilers to implement specific features of oxycombustion. The validation data is produced from bench‐scale and pilot‐scale experiments at the VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland. A three‐dimensional circulating fluidized bed (CFB) furnace model is developed and applied by Lappeenranta University of Technology for predicting the effects of oxycombustion in full scale units. This paper presents concept studies and initial 3D modeling results based on a 460 MWe supercritical CFB power plant at Lagisza, and pilot‐scale studies with flue gas recirculation demonstrating real oxygen combustion conditions.
Evaluation of the Limiting Regime in Iron Ore Fines Reduction with H2‐Rich Gases in Fluidized Beds: Fe2O3 to Fe3O4
Authors: Sturn J. , Voglsam S. , Weiss B. , Schenk J. , Winter F.
Published: February 2009

In metallurgical processes, fluidized‐bed technology is gaining more importance because of its advantages. Processes with H2‐rich and CO‐rich reducing gases were developed for the reduction of iron ore fines (e.g. FINEX®). For improvement of these new technologies, greater knowledge about the chemical kinetics of iron ore reduction in fluidized beds is necessary. The scope of this work is to evaluate the limiting regime of the iron ore fines reduction. Therefore, experimental results of reduction tests were compared with theoretically investigated reduction rates. These reduction rates were based on a limitation either of mass transfer through the external gas film to the particle surface, diffusion in a porous product layer (pore diffusion and Knudsen diffusion), diffusion in a dense product layer (solid diffusion) or the phase boundary reaction. The phase boundary reaction was found to be the most likely limiting reaction regime.
Novel features of boundary cap cells revealed by the analysis of newly identified molecular markers
Authors: Coulpier Fanny , Le Crom Stéphane , Maro Géraldine S. , Manent Jan , Giovannini Marco , Maciorowski Zofia , Fischer Andreas , Gessler Manfred , Charnay Patrick , Topilko Piotr
Published: February 2009

Neural crest (NC) cells are a multipotent, highly migratory cell population that generates most of the components of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), including the glial Schwann cells (SC) and boundary cap (BC) cells. These latter cells are located at the interface between the central nervous system and PNS, at the exit/entry points of ventral motor/dorsal sensory axons and give rise to all SC in the nerve roots and to a subset of nociceptive neurons and satellite cells in the dorsal root ganglia. In the present study we have compared BC cells with two closely related cell types, NC and Schwann cell precursors (SCpr), by RNA profiling. This led to the definition of a set of 10 genes that show specific expression in BC cells and/or in their derivatives along the nerve roots. Analysis of the expression of these genes during mouse development revealed novel features, of those most important are: (i) dorsal and ventral nerve root BC cell derivatives express different sets of genes, suggesting that they have distinct properties; (ii) these cells undergo major modifications in their gene expression pattern between embryonic days 14.5 and 17.5, possibly linked to the SCpr‐immature Schwann cell transition; (iii) nerve roots SC differ from more distal SC not only in their origins and locations, but also in their gene expression patterns. In conclusion, the identification of these novel makers opens the way for a detailed characterization of BC cells in both mouse and man. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Na+ transport in cardiac myocytes; Implications for excitation‐contraction coupling
Authors: Bers Donald M. , Despa Sanda
Published: February 2009

Intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) is very important in modulating the contractile and electrical activity of the heart. Upon electrical excitation of the myocardium, voltage‐dependent Na+ channels open, triggering the upstroke of the action potential (AP). During the AP, Ca2+ enters the myocytes via L‐type Ca2+ channels. This triggers Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and thus activates contraction. Relaxation occurs when cytosolic Ca2+ declines, mainly due to re‐uptake into the SR via SR Ca2+‐ATPase and extrusion from the cell via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). NCX extrudes one Ca2+ ion in exchange for three Na+ ions and its activity is critically regulated by [Na+]i. Thus, via NCX, [Na+]i is centrally involved in the regulation of intracellular [Ca2+] and contractility. Na+ brought in by Na+ channels, NCX and other Na+ entry pathways is extruded by the Na+/K+ pump (NKA) to keep [Na+]i low. NKA is regulated by phospholemman, a small sarcolemmal protein that associates with NKA. Unphosphorylated phospholemman inhibits NKA by decreasing the pump affinity for internal Na+ and this inhibition is relieved upon phosphorylation. Here we discuss the main characteristics of the Na+ transport pathways in cardiac myocytes and their physiological and pathophysiological relevance. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61(3): 215–221, 2009
Extensive conformational searches of 13 representative dipeptides and an efficient method for dipeptide structure determinations based on amino acid conformers
Authors: Yu Wenbo , Xu Xuee , Li Hongbao , Pang Rui , Fang Kun , Lin Zijing
Published: February 2009

Conformations of peptides are the basis for their property studies and the predictions of peptide structures are highly important in life science but very complex in practice. Here, thorough searches on the potential energy surfaces of 13 representative dipeptides by considering all possible combinations of the bond rotational degrees of freedom are performed using the density functional theory based methods. Careful analyses of the conformers of the 13 dipeptides and the corresponding amino acids reveal the connections between the structures of dipeptide and amino acids. A method for finding all important dipeptide conformers by optimizing a small number of trial structures generated by suitable superposition of the parent amino acid conformations is thus proposed. Applying the method to another eight dipeptides carefully examined by others shows that the new approach is both highly efficient and reliable by providing the most complete ensembles of dipeptide conformers and much improved agreements between the theoretical and experimental IR spectra. The method opens the door for the determination of the stable structures of all dipeptides with a manageable amount of effort. Preliminary result on the applicability of the method to the tripeptide structure determination is also presented. The results are the first step towards proving Anfinsen's hypothesis by revealing the relationships between the structures of the simplest peptide and its constituting amino acids. It implies that the structures of peptides are not only determined by their amino acid sequences, but also closely linked with the amino acid conformations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009
On triazoles. XL [1]. Non catalytic dehalogenation of some 5‐chloro‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Berecz Gábor , Reiter József , Császár János
Published: February 2009

A non catalytic dehalogenation method of type 4 5‐chloro‐1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives based on the hydrolysis of the corresponding type 5 p‐toluenesulphonyl hydrazones with diluted aqueous sodium carbonate solution was elaborated. The method provides the required 5‐unsubstituted derivatives 6 also in those cases when the simple hydrogenation is not possible. Using deuterium oxide as the solvent of the hydrolysis, deuterium atoms also could be inserted into position 5 of derivatives 6. Different by‐products of the reactions were also isolated, and a possible explanation was given for their formation.
Synthesis of spiro‐1‐pyrazolines by the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of exocyclic α,β‐unsaturated ketones with diazomethane
Authors: Silva Artur M. S. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Lévai Albert , Patonay Tamás
Published: February 2009

1,3‐Dipolar cycloadditions of exocyclic α,β‐unsaturated ketones 1‐22 with diazomethane afforded spiro‐1‐pyrazolines 23‐44 in a diastereospecific reaction. The structure and stereochemistry of each compound synthesised has been elucidated by nmr spectroscopic measurements and other analytical techniques. It has been proven that the stereochemistry of the starting α,β‐enones was retained in the course of these cycloadditions.
The preparation of 4,5‐dihydro‐2H‐benz[e]indazoles from dilithiated 2‐tetralone phenylhydrazone and aromatic esters
Authors: Angel April J. , Finefrock Anne E. , Williams Angela R. , Townsend Jessica D. , Nguyen Thuy‐Ha V. , Hurst Douglas R. , Heldrich Frederick J. , Beam Charles F. , Badejo Ibraheem T.
Published: February 2009

The phenylhydrazone of 2‐tetralone was dilithiated with excess lithium diisopropylamide followed by condensation with several aromatic esters, and the resulting intermediates were acid cyclized to 4,5‐dihydro‐2H‐benz[e]indazoles.
Heterocyclization reactions of azinoisocyanates. Synthesis of 2H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3(4H)‐one derivatives
Authors: Lee Kee‐Jung , Kim Jin Lyang , Hong Mun Ki , Lee Jung Yong
Published: February 2009

The reaction of 1‐aminoethylidenehydrazones 9 with di‐tert‐butyl dicarbonate and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine led to the corresponding azinoisocyanates 10, which underwent thermal rearrangement under the reaction conditions to give 4‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐5‐methyl‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3(4H)‐ones 14. However, amidrazone 17 gave 2‐(2‐tert‐butoxycarbonyloxy‐2‐phenyl)ethyl‐4‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyl)‐5‐methyl‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3(4H)‐one 22 and N‐aziridinyliminocarbamate 18 under the similar conditions.
Synthesis of 2(3H)‐benzoxazolinone derivatives as potential beta‐3‐adrenergic receptor ligands
Authors: Delhomel J. F. , Yous S. , Depreux P. , Lesieur D.
Published: February 2009

Beta‐3‐subtype‐adrenoceptors mediate lipolysis and in the search for potential beta‐3‐adrenergic receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity, we designed new arylethanolamines, structures B1 and B2, derived from 2(3H)‐benzoxazolinone. To obtain these target compounds as starting materials, various N‐benzyl‐[2(3H)‐benzoxazolinon‐6‐yl]ethylamines were used.
Studies on pyrrolidinone. Synthesis of aza analogs of podophyllotoxin and related compounds
Authors: Legrand Anne , Rigo Benoît , Gautret Philippe , Henichart Jean‐Pierre , Couturier Daniel
Published: February 2009

The Friedel‐Crafts cyclisation ofN‐benzhydrylpyroglutamic acids whose aromatic rings are substituted by methoxy or methylenedioxy groups gives podophyllotoxin analogs whose lactone ring was changed to a lactam.
Credit demand in Mozambican manufacturing
Authors: Byiers Bruce , Rand John , Tarp Finn , Bentzen Jeanet
Published: February 2009

This paper uses two industrial firm surveys to identify the key determinants of credit demand in Mozambican manufacturing. We construct five different measures of being credit constrained and estimate desired debt demand. Besides firm size and ownership structure, we find evidence that general manager education and business association membership are associated with whether a firm is credit constrained or not. Using our preferred measure of credit constraint suggests that around 43 per cent of the firms surveyed are constrained, and these enterprises would almost triple their debt burden if borrowing constraints were relaxed. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hydroclimatic index for examining patterns of drought in the Colorado River Basin
Authors: Ellis Andrew W. , Goodrich Gregory B. , Garfin Gregg M.
Published: February 2009

To better understand drought occurrence in the Colorado River Basin (CRB) of the southwestern United States we used a hydroclimatic index to create a historical record of drought coverage and analysed the linear trend and relationships with key climate teleconnections. The past century was characterized by an increase in drought coverage during the warm portion of the year almost exclusively as a result of climatic warming. In recent decades, a significant increase in the drought coverage occurred earlier in the year, during the spring season, primarily as a function of warming, but in combination with a decline in precipitation for a significant portion of the basin. The El Niño (La Niña) phase of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is associated with a smaller (larger) area of drought during fall and winter, and the ENSO phase during the preceding six months is a significant predictor. The area of drought within the CRB is larger (smaller) during the warm (cold) phases of the Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), although the relationship with the PDO is weak. Monthly AMO values for the two years preceding drought provide minor predictability. Decadal averages of drought coverage closely follow those of both the AMO and PDO index. However, the nature of the PDO‐drought relationship is reversed over the two halves of the historical record, possibly indicating a dominance of the AMO over the PDO in influencing drought in the region. Teleconnection‐drought relationships are stronger for the southern portion of the basin. Trends in drought coverage, the current phases of the AMO and PDO, climate change projections of regional warming, and the likelihood of continued rapid population growth could result in significant water resource problems within the CRB. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society