bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Deep, Hull: urban regeneration with attitude
Authors: Finlay Martin
Published: January 2006

Success of Lottery-funded visitor attractions on derelict UK sites is also a bit of a lottery. However, if you combine stunning architectural design with outstanding engineering and then fill the whole thing with sharks, you have a winning ticket. The Deep oceanic experience centre was built on a former shipyard site at the point where the Hull and Humber rivers meet in northeast England. Since the £53 million attraction first opened in 2002, visitor numbers are running at more than double the amount anticipated. As this paper reports, designing and building its main 10 m deep, 3000 t aquarium tank were just some of the many engineering challenges on what is now widely regarded as a benchmark regeneration project.
Briefing: Climate change: man-made or natural?
Authors: Freer Robert
Published: January 2006

In December 2005 in Montreal the world's governments effectively adopted the Kyoto protocol on reducing greenhouse gases to limit global warming. Robert Freer assesses a recent book by Australian meteorologist William Kininmonth, who argues we can have little effect on climate change.
What lies beneath: surveying the Thames at Woolwich
Authors: Lenham Joe , Meyer Vaughan , Edmonds Helen , Harris David , Mortimore Rory , Reynolds John , Black Mike
Published: January 2006

Line 1 of the Crossrail project is planned to cross the River Thames via twin tunnels at Woolwich in east London. This paper reports on the fascinating investigation into the riverbed of Woolwich Reach, involving integration of a wide range of data from historical, geophysical and borehole sources. It illustrates how combining detailed desk studies and focused borehole investigations with over-water seismic, sonar and magnetic gradiometer surveys can assist civil engineers in the design of major structures within historic urban and tidal river environments.
Briefing: Dams still not being properly planned
Authors: Collier Ute
Published: January 2006

Five years after the World Commission on Dams report, some dams are still being built without proper planning and risk further erosion of public support. Ute Collier of WWF looked at six dams started since the report and found options and impacts were still not properly considered.
Briefing: Steel buildings remain cheaper than concrete
Authors: Rawlinson Simon
Published: January 2006

Steel-framed buildings are still cheaper than concrete-framed equivalents despite recent hikes in steel costs—and substantially cheaper than two decades ago. Simon Rawlinson of Davis Langdon reports on the results of a recent comparative design project.
Briefing: Design change: new software makes it easy
Authors: Strongitharm Jack
Published: January 2006

Civil engineering design is usually a slow and iterative process, often involving extensive changes to suit many stakeholders. Parametric three-dimensional model-based software could make things lot quicker, according to Jack Strongitharm of Autodesk.
Safe Use of Hazardous Chemicals
Authors: Lunn George , Lawler Gretchen
Published: January 2006

This appendix provides protocols for some commonly used disposal and decontamination procedures along with analytical techniques that are used to verify that reagents have been decontaminated. Some of the specific reagents covered are diaminobenzidine, ethidium bromide, cyanogen bromide and chloromethylsilane. With modification, these assays may also be used to determine the concentration of a particular chemical.
Growing and Analyzing Biofilms in Flow Cells
Authors: Sternberg Claus , Tolker‐Nielsen Tim
Published: January 2006

The setup of flow cell systems for the study of microbial biofilms and methods for the analysis of structural biofilm development are described in this unit. Use of flow cells allows direct microscopic investigation of biofilm development. The biofilms in flow cells develop under hydrodynamic conditions, and the environment can be carefully controlled and easily changed. The protocols in this unit include construction of the flow cell and the bubble trap, assembly and sterilization of the flow cell system, inoculation of the flow cells, running of the system, image capture and analysis, and disassembly and cleaning of the system. In addition, embedding and fluorescent in situ hybridization of flow cell–grown biofilms are addressed.
Methods for Analysis of Bacterial Autoinducer‐2 Production
Authors: Taga Michiko E.
Published: January 2006

The quorum‐sensing signal molecule autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) is produced by over 50 diverse bacterial species and controls many different processes, including antibiotic production, biofilm formation, and virulence. AI‐2 production often varies according to growth phase, media conditions, and the presence of specific factors. This unit describes a biological assay for AI‐2 activity produced by a bacterial strain of interest. The assay employs an AI‐2 reporter strain, Vibrio harveyi BB170, which produces light in response to AI‐2. In the first stage of the assay, culture fluids of the bacterial strain of interest are collected over a time course of growth and filtered to remove cells. In the next stage, these culture fluids are mixed with BB170, and the light produced in response to AI‐2 in the culture fluids is measured using a luminometer. BB170 is exquisitely sensitive to AI‐2, and therefore, even low amounts of AI‐2 can be detected using this bioassay.
Laboratory Maintenance of Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Authors: Carlyon Jason A.
Published: January 2006

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the etiologic agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (formerly human granulocytic ehrlichiosis), an emerging and potentially deadly disease in the United States, Europe, and Asia. A. phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterium that displays a unique tropism for neutrophils. Studying this fascinating organism not only provides insight into microbial invasion and intracellular survival strategies, but also offers a unique approach to understanding neutrophil biology and host defense mechanisms. This unit describes the inoculation and maintenance of A. phagocytophilum from an infected blood sample into eukaryotic cell culture or laboratory mice. Cytological staining and immunofluorescent methods for assessing A. phagocytophilum infection are also presented. In addition, this unit describes isolation of viable, host cell–free bacterial preparations from infected cells, as well as the cryopreservation of infected cultures. Lastly, fluorescent labeling of live A. phagocytophilum for the purpose of tracking infection is provided.
Laboratory Maintenance of Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Gao Lian‐Yong , Manoranjan Joanna
Published: January 2006

M. marinum naturally infects fish and amphibians and causes diseases in these animals with pathological features similar to the human disease caused by M. tuberculosis. At the genetic and biochemical levels, M. marinum is closely related to M. tuberculosis. Because of these and other properties of M. marinum (such as its fast growth rate and convenient laboratory handing on the benchtop), M. marinum has been increasingly used as a model for studying M. tuberculosis pathogenesis. The protocols in this unit describe the methods for laboratory culturing (in liquid and solid media) and maintenance (subculturing, short‐ and long‐term storage) of M. marinum and the methods for processing M. marinum for infection assays. Important parameters for culturing and maintaining M. marinum and its processing for infection assays are discussed in detail.
Cell Culture Assay for Transient Replication of Human and Animal Papillomaviruses
Authors: Wilson Van G.
Published: January 2006

This unit contains protocols for evaluation of replication functionality of papillomavirus genomes or subgenomic fragments. Replication is measured after transient cotransfection of the genome (or subgenomic fragment) with expression vectors encoding the viral E1 and E2 proteins. Input DNA is methylated at the adenine of GATC sequences by propagation in E. coli. DNA that replicates in mammalian cells will lose the adenine methylation and become DpnI‐resistant, while residual methylated input DNA will remain DpnI‐sensitive. After transfection, DNA extraction, and DpnI digestion, replicated DNA can be detected by Southern blotting as a full‐length plasmid, since it is resistant to digestion. This assay can be used to map the genomic location of a functional origin or to evaluate replication activity of mutations in either the origin DNA sequences or the E1 or E2 proteins.
Transfecting Protoplasts by Electroporation to Study Viroid Replication
Authors: Zhong Xuehua , Itaya Asuka , Ding Biao
Published: January 2006

Protoplasts have been extensively used to study replication of plant viruses at the cellular level. However, their use in studying viroid replication has been very limited because of various technical barriers. As a result, mechanisms of viroid replication remain poorly understood. The electroporation protocol presented in this unit offers a simple, fast and reproducible method to inoculate protoplasts derived from cultured cells of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and the related species Nicotiana benthamiana to study viroid replication. The protocol has proven to be useful in characterizing sequence/structural features of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) that are important for replication at the cellular level, and may be adapted to study the replication of other viroids.
Isolation and Cloning of Small RNAs from Virus‐Infected Plants
Authors: Chappell Louise , Baulcombe David , Molnár Attila
Published: January 2006

RNA silencing is an evolutionarily conserved, RNA‐mediated, regulatory system of eukaryotic organisms that also acts as an antiviral system in plants and animals. A defining feature of RNA silencing is the presence of 21‐ to 26‐nucleotide small RNAs corresponding to the silencing target sequence, which in virus‐infected plants are derived from the viral genome. The virus‐derived small RNAs have a nonrandom distribution along the viral genome, suggesting hotspots for viral small‐RNA generation. The isolated small RNAs can be used either as probes for hybridization studies or for directional cloning in order to get detailed information about their sizes, origins, and functions. This unit describes an isotope‐free small‐RNA cloning procedure that utilizes unmodified small RNAs and is routinely used to characterize small RNAs from various plant tissues.
Common Bacterial Culture Techniques and Media
Authors: Stevenson Brian
Published: January 2006

This appendix provides general techniques, equipment, and media used for the growth of many commonly encountered bacteria. For specific growth conditions, readers should refer to units regarding the laboratory maintenance of the organism of interest.
Research and Learning Intensive: Bowling Green State University Commits to Both
Authors: Knight William E. , Hakel Milton D. , Gromko Mark H.
Published: January 2006

Ten years ago, BGSU pledged to become the premier learning community in Ohio and one of the best in the nation. With campuswide agreement and widespread assessment, the institution has made gains and has a clear sense of what it needs to do next.
Recreating a College by Recreating the Student Experience
Authors: Bonfiglio Robert A.
Published: January 2006

The makeover of Elon University
Dimerization of α‐methylstyrene (AMS): Kinetic study of the liquid–liquid process
Authors: Ghosh Bhaswati , Chaudhuri Basab
Published: January 2006

The dimerization of α‐methylstyrene (AMS) in the presence of aqueous sulfuric acid catalyst in liquid–liquid (L–L) mode of operation has been studied and the kinetic parameters have been determined. There was no mass transfer limitation in the process and the reaction was found to be intrinsically first‐order. The rate constants, activation energy, and product distribution for the L–L mode of operation have been reported. A plausible explanation for the formation of the industrially important dimer in the presence of alcohols has been presented. The data are new and have not been previously reported in the literature. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Detecting white matter injury in sickle cell disease using voxel‐based morphometry
Authors: Baldeweg Torsten , Hogan Alexandra M. , Saunders Dawn E. , Telfer Paul , Gadian David G. , Vargha‐Khadem Faraneh , Kirkham Fenella J.
Published: January 2006

Objective

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with cerebrovascular disease, cerebral infarction, and cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to detect the presence and extent of white matter abnormalities in individuals with SCD using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM).

Methods

Thirty‐six children and adolescents with SCD (age range, 9–24 years) and 31 controls (8–25 years) underwent magnetic resonance investigations using T1‐ and T2‐weighted protocols. White and gray matter density maps were obtained from three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data sets. Using VBM, we compared the maps between controls and SCD individuals with silent white matter infarct lesions (SCD+L; n = 16), and those without visible abnormality (SCD−L; n = 20).

Results

In comparison with controls, intelligence quotients (IQs) were lower in both SCD groups irrespective of presence of visible lesions. VBM showed widespread bilateral white matter abnormalities in the SCD+L group, extending beyond the regions of focal infarction in the deep anterior and posterior white matter borderzones. Bilateral white matter abnormalities were also observed in the SCD−L group, in locations similar to those in the SCD+L group.

Interpretation

VBM is sensitive to detection of widespread white matter injury in SCD patients in borderzones between arterial territories even in the absence of evidence of infarction. Those changes may contribute to cognitive deficits in this population. Ann Neurol 2006
Evolution of cerebral arteriopathies in childhood arterial ischemic stroke
Authors: Danchaivijitr Nasuda , Cox Timothy C. , Saunders Dawn E. , Ganesan Vijeya
Published: January 2006

Objective

To investigate evolution of cerebral arteriopathy in children with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) and its influence on recurrence.

Methods

Arteriopathy severity was graded on serial magnetic resonance angiograms from 50 children with first AIS; diagnostic categories were assigned.

Results

Arteriopathy affected 72 arteries in 43 of 50 children. Five had clinical recurrence, with reinfarction in four; another had clinically silent reinfarction. Twelve children (24%; 4 with recurrence) had progressive arteriopathy. Arteriopathy improved in 24 patients (including 1 with recurrent transient ischemic attacks) and was stable in 7 patients. Magnetic resonance angiograms remained normal in seven patients; one had recurrent stroke. Diagnoses were transient cerebral arteriopathy (n = 24), chronic cerebral arteriopathy (n = 11), arterial dissection (n = 3), possible moyamoya (n = 2), primary moyamoya (n = 1), dysplastic arteriopathy (n = 1), and cerebral vasculitis (n = 1). Some of the first two categories could represent thromboembolic arterial occlusion with recanalization. The hazard of recurrence was three times higher when arterial disease had progressed (Cox regression hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence intervals, 0.5–20.3; p = 0.22). After adjustment for age and number of AIS risk factors, the hazard ratio was 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.4–22.2; p = 0.27).

Interpretation

Arteriopathy frequently progresses after childhood AIS. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between progressive arteriopathy and recurrence. Ann Neurol 2006
Synthesis of Naturally Occurring Polyynes
Authors: Shi Shun Annabelle L. K. , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: January 2006

Over the past fifty years, hundreds of polyyne compounds have been isolated from nature. These often unstable molecules are found in sources as common as garden vegetables and as obscure as bacterial cultures. Naturally occurring polyynes feature a wide range of structural diversity and display an equally broad array of biological properties. Early synthetic efforts relied primarily on Cu‐catalyzed, oxidative acetylenic homo‐ and heterocoupling reactions to assemble the polyyne framework. The past 25 years, however, have witnessed a renaissance in the field of polyyne natural product synthesis: transition‐metal‐catalyzed alkynylation reactions and asymmetric transformations have combined to substantially expand access to natural polyynes. This Review recounts these synthetic achievements and also highlights both the natural source(s) and biological relevance for many of these compounds.
Synthesis, crystal structure and electrochemical properties of three isocloso eleven‐vertex ferrocenecarboxylate ruthenaborane clusters
Authors: Dou Jianmin , Guo Qingliang , Wu Libin , Li Dacheng , Wang Daqi , Wang Huaisheng , Li Yantuan
Published: January 2006

The reaction of [RuCl2(PPh3)3] with closo‐[B10H10]2− and C5H5FeC5H4COOH (FcCO2H) in refluxing CH2Cl2 solution affords three ruthenaborane clusters: [PPh3(H2O)(FcCO2)RuB10H8Cl] (1), [(PPh3)2ClRu(PPh3)(FcCO2)RuB10H9]·0.5CH2Cl2 (2 × 0.5CH2Cl2) and [PPh3(FcCO2)2RuB10H8] (3). All of these compounds are characterized by FT‐IR, NMR spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. They are all based on a closo‐type 1:2:4:2:2 {RuB10} stack with the metal occupying the unique six‐connected apical position and can be considered as having isocloso structures derived from the complete capping of the open face of an arachano geometry to give a completely closed deltahedral cluster. Compounds 1 and 2 both have an exo‐polyhedral ferrocenecarboxylate that is attached with one {RuO} and one {BO} bond each, resulting in one exo‐cyclic five‐membered RuOCOB ring. There is in addition one exo‐polyhedral ruthenium atom bonded to the center {RuB10} cluster via one {RuRu} linkage and two {RuHµB} bridges, which forms a closed exo‐polyhedral tetrahedron configuration in compound 2. Compound 3 has two exo‐polyhedral ferrocenecarboxylates to form two five‐membered RuOCOB rings engendering a symmetrical conformation. All of these new 11‐vertex ruthenaboranes can be considered as having isocloso structures derived from the complete capping of the open face of an arachano geometry to give a completely closed deltahedral cluster. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural study of C,N‐chelated monoorganotin(IV) halides
Authors: Novák Petr , Padělková Zdeňka , Císařová Ivana , Kolářová Lenka , Růžička Aleš , Holeček Jaroslav
Published: January 2006

Three monoorganotin(IV) compounds of general formula LCNSnX3, where LCN is a 2‐(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl‐ group and X = Cl (1), Br (2) and I (3), were prepared and characterized using XRD and NMR techniques. Compound 1 reacts with moisture producing [(LCN)2HSnCl2]+ [LCNSnCl4]−. Compound 3 decomposes to (LCN)2SnI2, SnI2 and I2 when heated. Compound 2 was reacted with NH4F yielding an equilibrium of fluorine‐containing species. The major products were [LCNSnF5]2− and [(LCNSnF3)2(µ2‐F)2]2− (4a). When compound 2 was reacted with another fluorinating agent, LCN(n‐Bu)2SnF, an oligomeric product, [LCNSnF2(µ2‐F)2]n, was observed. Further addition of NH4F led to subsequent formation of 4a. The structure of fluorinated products was investigated by 1H, 19F and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organotin(IV) and organolead(IV) complexes as biocides and fertility regulators: synthetic, spectroscopic and biological studies
Authors: Chaudhary Ashu , Agarwal Mithlesh , Singh R. V.
Published: January 2006

Biocidal, antifertility and spectroscopic aspects of organotin(IV) and organolead(IV) complexes with amino acids(L) and 2,2‐bipyridine(L′) are described with the support of elemental analysis, IR, 1H, 13C, 119Sn and 207Pb NMR spectroscopy. The spectral data suggest that the ligand L acts in a monodentate and ligand L′ in a bidentate manner, coordinating through the nitrogen atoms. The complexes have been characterized on the basis of molecular weight determinations and conductivity measurements. The isolated products are coloured solids, soluble in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF) and methanol. All the complexes are monomeric in nature, as indicated by their molecular weight determinations. Conductivity measurements in dry DMF show them to be non‐electrolytes. The complexes have been screened against a number of fungi and bacteria to assess their growth inhibiting potential. The results are positive. In addition to these studies, the complexes show good antimicrobial properties as compared with their starting materials. The testicular sperm density, sperm morphology, sperm motility, density of cauda epididymis, spermatozoa and fertility in mating trials and the biochemical parameters of the reproductive organs of rats were examined and are discussed in detail. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of novel palladium N‐heterocyclic‐carbene complexes as catalysts for Heck and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions
Authors: Özdemir Ismail , Yiǧit Murat , Çetinkaya Engin , Çetinkaya Bekir
Published: January 2006

Novel palladium‐1,3‐dialkylperhydrobenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (2a–c) and palladium‐1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene complexes (4a,b) have been prepared and characterized by C, H, N analysis, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. Styrene or phenylboronic acid reacts with aryl halide derivatives in the presence of catalytic amounts of the new palladium‐carbene complexes, PdCl2(1,3‐dialkylperhydrobenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene) or PdCl2(1,3‐dialkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene) to give the corresponding CC coupling products in good yields. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ring‐opening polymerization of styrene oxide with Maghnite‐H+ as ecocatalyst
Authors: Yahiaoui Ahmed , Belbachir Mohammed
Published: January 2006

The polymerization of styrene oxide was carried out at 20°C in chloroform with an acid‐exchanged montmorillonite as acid solid ecocatalyst (Mag‐H+). The effect of the amount of catalyst, solvent, and concentration of monomer on yield and molecular weight of polymer was studied. A typical reaction product (PSTO) was analyzed by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as well as by gel‐permeation chromatography and MALDI‐TOFMS. The mechanism of the polymerization appears to be cationic. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1681–1687, 2006
Preparation of cellulose acetate butyrate and poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer to blend with poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)
Authors: Cheng Guoxiang , Wang Tiezhu , Zhao Qiang , Ma Xiaolu , Zhang Liguang
Published: January 2006

A two‐step procedure was used to synthesize the cellulose acetate butyrate and poly(ethylene glycol) graft copolymer (CAB‐g‐PEG). By choosing the appropriate composition, the crosslinked graft copolymer or not could be obtained. Then, the CAB‐g‐PEG copolymer was blended with poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), to further improve the mechanical properties of PHB. The results indicated that PHB and CAB‐g‐PEG that were not crosslinked were miscible over the entire composition range. As the CAB‐g‐PEG copolymer increased in the PHB/CAB‐g‐PEG blends, the melting temperature of the blends decreased, the crystallization of PHB became more difficult, and the crystallinity of the blend and PHB phase all decreased. The tensile properties and impact strength of the PHB/CAB‐g‐PEG blends were superior to the PHB/CAB blends. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1471–1478, 2006
Effect of bisphenol A on the miscibility, phase morphology, and specific interaction in immiscible biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(L‐lactide) blends
Authors: Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Huang Chih‐Feng , Tung Yi‐Chih , Chang Feng‐Chih
Published: January 2006

We have investigated the enhancement in miscibility, upon addition of bisphenol A (BPA) of immiscible binary biodegradable blends of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA). That BPA is miscible with both PCL and PLLA was proven by the single value of Tg observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses over the entire range of compositions. At various compositions and temperatures, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding existed between the hydroxyl group of BPA and the carbonyl groups of PCL and PLLA. The addition of BPA enhances the miscibility of the immiscible PCL/PLLA binary blend and transforms it into a miscible blend at room temperature when a sufficient quantity of the BPA is present. In addition, optical microscopy (OM) measurements of the phase morphologies of ternary BPA/PCL/PLLA blends at different temperatures indicated an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) phase diagram, since the ΔK effect became smaller at higher temperature (200°C) than at room temperature. An analysis of infrared spectra recorded at different temperatures correlated well with the OM analyses. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1146–1161, 2006
Physical properties of natural rubber/organoclay nanocomposites compatibilized with epoxidized natural rubber
Authors: Teh P. L. , Mohd Ishak Z. A. , Hashim A. S. , Karger‐Kocsis J. , Ishiaku U. S.
Published: January 2006

Onium ion‐modified montmorillonite (organoclay) was melt compounded with natural rubber (NR) in an internal mixer and cured by using a conventional sulfuric system. Epoxidized natural rubber with 50 mol % epoxidation (ENR 50) was used in 10 parts per hundred rubber (phr) as a compatibilizer. The effect of organoclay with different filler loading up to 10 phr was studied. Cure characteristics were determined by a Monsanto MDR2000 rheometer, whereas the tensile, compression, and tear properties of the nanocomposites were measured according to the related ASTM standards. While the torque maximum and torque minimum increased slightly, both scorch time and cure time reduced with the incorporation of organoclay. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear properties went through a maximum (at about 2 phr) as a function of the organoclay content. As expected, the hardness, moduli at 100% (M100) and 300% elongations (M300) increased continuously with increasing organoclay loading. The compression set decreased with incorporation of organoclay. The dispersion of the organoclay in the NR stocks was investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1083–1092, 2006
Local microstructure characterization of rare earth‐doped PMMA with low‐ion content by fluorescence EXAFS
Authors: Zhao Hui , Hu Jun , Zhang Qijin , Bao Jun , Liu Wenhan , Gao Chen , Luo Yanhua
Published: January 2006

Fluorescence‐extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), and emission spectrum and excitation spectrum (ESES) were used to characterize the local structure of rare earth‐doped poly(methyl methacrylate)s (Re‐PMMAs) with ion concentration of 600–1000 ppm. Fluorescence EXAFS shows that the chemical state of Sm in Sm‐PMMA is the same as that in Sm2O3 and samarium octanoate (SOA), while that of Eu in Eu‐PMMA is different from that in Eu2O3 and europium octanoate. ESES also proves the concomitance of Eu2+ with Eu3+ ions in Eu‐PMMA. And, the almost identical peak positions of Eu L3 edge at ∼6976.7 eV in fluorescence EXAFS of Eu‐PMMA with various Eu content suggests the proportions of Eu2+ to Eu3+ are the same in these samples. The simulation of fluorescence EXAFS shows that the first‐shell coordination number of Sm3+ in Sm‐PMMA is 9.12, and the average first‐shell distance around Sm3+ in Sm‐PMMA is 2.43 Å. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1294–1298, 2006
Extrusion of feather keratin
Authors: Barone Justin R. , Schmidt Walter F. , Gregoire N. T.
Published: January 2006

Keratin obtained from poultry feathers was extruded at 120°C using a combination of glycerol, water, and sodium sulfite as processing aids. Rheological properties were assessed as a function of water, glycerol, and sodium sulfite content as well as extruder die temperature. The lowest viscosity blends at a constant feather keratin concentration of 60 wt % were found at glycerol concentrations that were higher than the water concentration and sodium sulfite concentrations of 3–4 wt % of the feather keratin fraction. For the melt state, higher or lower sodium sulfite concentrations resulted in increased viscosity. In the solid state, it was observed that processing induced orientation increased the tensile properties of the extrudates. Raman spectroscopy and DSC showed that there was a transition from α‐helix to β‐sheet at sodium sulfite concentrations of less than 4 wt %. At greater sodium sulfite concentration, increased crystallinity was found, because keratin chains could be extended more during processing. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1432–1442, 2006
Synthetic preparations and physical and electrical properties of main chain type thermotropic liquid crystalline polyimide/SiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Ho Czung‐Yu , Lee Jiunn‐Yih
Published: January 2006

Two kinds of monomers, 1,3‐bis[4‐(4′‐amino‐Phenoxy)cumyl]benzene (BACB) and pyromellitic dianhydride were used to synthesize the Liquid Crystalline Polyamic acid—a precursor (LCPAA) of Liquid Crystalline Polyimide (LCPi). The nanohybrid films were successfully prepared by the sol–gel reaction. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) (99%)–ethanol (99.8%) solution was added to LCPAA solution. The hybrid films were made by the hydrolysis–polycondensation of TEOS–ethanol in the LCPAA solution. When water and the solvent were removed completely, the hybrid films were obtained. The functional group and chemical structure were characterized by FTIR. We employed a number of instruments to understand whether the nano‐SiO2 particle was introduced into the polymer matrix and enhanced the thermal properties and mechanical strength. The liquid crystalline phase of the LCPi and LCPi/SiO2 hybrid films was observed by POM. TGA and DSC were used to test the thermal properties. The crystallization and liquid crystal phase analyses were carried out by XRD. The elemental analysis was employed to measure the 1,3‐bis[4‐(4′‐nitrophenoxy)cumyl)]benzene and BACB monomers. Besides, the cross section at morphology of the materials was observed with an FESEM. The electrical properties of hybrid films were measured by the high resistance analysis and dielectric constant analysis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1688–1704, 2006
Characteristics of konjac glucomannan and poly(acrylic acid) blend films for controlled drug release
Authors: Yu Huiqun , Huang Aibin , Xiao Chaobo
Published: January 2006

Novel polymer blend films composed of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were prepared by mixing the aqueous solution of both samples at a different weight ratio. Their structure and properties were studied by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐IR), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength test, and equilibrium swelling test. The structure analysis indicated that there is a strong interaction between KGM and PAA, which result in a uniform structure and complete miscibility between the components. Potential applications of the polymer composed matrices in controlled drug delivery were also examined. The drug‐loaded KGM/PAA composed matrices were prepared by coated films and directly compressed tablets, respectively. The release mechanism of a model drug, ketoprofen, from two matrices in phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.4) was studied. Release behavior of ketoprofen rely on preparation methods of matrices and the ratio of KGM to PAA in matrices. The result showed that the drug release from the coated films is Fickian diffusion mechanism. However, for tablets, the drug release is a non‐Fickian kinetics process. Various delivery parameters have been calculated and the results are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1561–1570, 2006
Cure kinetics of aqueous phenol–formaldehyde resins used for oriented strandboard manufacturing: Analytical technique
Authors: Lei Y. , Wu Q. , Lian K.
Published: January 2006

The cure kinetics of commercial phenol–formaldehyde (PF), used as oriented strandboard face and core resins, were studied using isothermal and dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The cure of the face resin completely followed an nth‐order reaction mechanism. The reaction order was nearly 1 with activation energy of 79.29 kJ mol−1. The core resin showed a more complicated cure mechanism, including both nth‐order and autocatalytic reactions. The nth‐order part, with reaction order of 2.38, began at lower temperatures, but the reaction rate of the autocatalytic part increased much faster with increase in curing temperature. The total reaction order for the autocatalytic part was about 5. Cure kinetic models, for both face and core resins, were developed. It is shown that the models fitted experimental data well, and that the isothermal DSC was much more reliable than the dynamic DSC in studying the cure kinetics. Furthermore, the relationships among cure reaction conversion (curing degree), cure temperature, and cure time were predicted for both resin systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1642–1650, 2006
Clinical study of hereditary disorders of connective tissues in a Chilean population
Authors: Bravo Jaime F. , Wolff Carlos
Published: January 2006

Objective

To demonstrate the high frequency and lack of diagnosis of joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) and the seriousness of vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (VEDS).

Methods

Two hundred forty‐nine Chilean patients with hereditary disorders of the connective tissues (CTDs) and 64 control subjects were evaluated for the diagnoses of JHS and VEDS using the validated Brighton criteria, as compared with the traditional Beighton score. In addition, the presence of blue sclera was determined, with the degree of intensity graded as mild, moderate, or marked.

Results

The frequency of hereditary CTDs was 35%, with diagnoses of JHS in 92.4% of subjects, VEDS in 7.2%, and osteogenesis imperfecta in 0.4%. The Beighton score proved to be insufficient for the diagnosis of JHS (35% of subjects had a negative score), whereas the Brighton criteria yielded positive findings (a diagnosis of JHS) in 39% of control subjects. Blue sclera was frequent, being identified in 97% of JHS patients and 94% of VEDS patients. Moderate osteopenia/osteoporosis was observed in 50% of patients with VEDS and 26% of those with JHS. Dysautonomia, dyslipidemia, and scoliosis were more frequent in VEDS patients than in JHS patients. The typical JHS facial appearance and the “hand holding the head sign” were identified. Raynaud's phenomenon was extremely rare in JHS patients (2%). Ruptured uterus and cerebral aneurysm occurred in 12% and 6% of VEDS patients, respectively. Spontaneous pneumothorax was more frequent in VEDS patients (11%) than in JHS patients (0.9%).

Conclusion

JHS is very frequent but usually undiagnosed. The Beighton score is an insufficient method for JHS diagnosis. We recommend that physicians learn to recognize the typical facial features of JHS and be able to identify blue sclera. We also propose that validated hypermobility criteria be routinely used. Further research is needed to determine why the prevalence of JHS is so high in Chile.
Apoptosis of rheumatoid synovial cells by statins through the blocking of protein geranylgeranylation: A potential therapeutic approach to rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nagashima Takao , Okazaki Hitoaki , Yudoh Kazuo , Matsuno Hiroaki , Minota Seiji
Published: January 2006

Objective

To determine whether statins induce apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synoviocytes.

Methods

The effects of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins (fluvastatin and pravastatin, respectively) on the apoptosis of cultured RA synoviocytes were examined in vitro. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry after staining with JC‐1 (to measure the mitochondrial transmembrane potential), active caspase 3, annexin V, and propidium iodide. Add‐back experiments were conducted to determine which downstream products of the mevalonate pathway could suppress apoptosis. Modulation of various signaling pathways induced by statins, including protein prenylation, was also investigated.

Results

Fluvastatin, but not pravastatin, induced apoptosis in RA synoviocytes in a concentration‐dependent (1–10 μM) and time‐dependent (48–96 hours) manner. Another lipophilic statin, pitavastatin, displayed almost the same effects as fluvastatin. In sharp contrast, lipophilic statins did not significantly increase apoptosis in synoviocytes from patients with osteoarthropathy. Apoptosis induced by fluvastatin was mitochondrial‐ and caspase 3–dependent and was abrogated by mevalonate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, but not by farnesyl pyrophosphate. In addition, the geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor GGTI‐298 mimicked the effect of fluvastatin on RA synoviocytes. Treatment of RA synoviocytes with the RhoA kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 caused apoptosis. Fluvastatin decreased the amount of RhoA protein in the membrane fraction, but increased the amount in the cytosolic fraction.

Conclusion

Fluvastatin induced apoptosis in RA synoviocytes through a mitochondrial‐ and caspase 3–dependent pathway and by the blockage of mevalonate pathways, particularly through the inhibition of protein geranylgeranylation and RhoA/RhoA kinase pathways. These findings suggest that lipophilic statins have potential as novel therapeutic agents for RA.
Treatment of early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: Doxycycline plus methotrexate versus methotrexate alone
Authors: O'Dell James R. , Elliott Jennifer R. , Mallek Jack A. , Mikuls Ted R. , Weaver Cynthia A. , Glickstein Scott , Blakely Kent M. , Hausch Raymond , Leff Rob D.
Published: January 2006

Objective

To compare the efficacy of doxycycline plus methotrexate (MTX) versus MTX alone in the treatment of early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to attempt to differentiate the antibacterial and antimetalloproteinase effects of doxycycline.

Methods

Sixty‐six patients with seropositive RA of <1 year's duration who had not been previously treated with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs were randomized to receive 100 mg of doxycycline twice daily with MTX (high‐dose doxycycline group), 20 mg of doxycycline twice daily with MTX (low‐dose doxycycline group), or placebo with MTX (placebo group), in a 2‐year double‐blind study. Treatment was started with an MTX dosage of 7.5 mg/week, which was titrated every 3 months until remission was reached (maximum dosage of 17.5 mg/week). The primary end point was an American College of Rheumatology 50% improvement (ACR50) response at 2 years.

Results

ACR50 responses were observed in 41.6% of patients in the high‐dose doxycycline group, 38.9% of those in the low‐dose doxycycline group, and 12.5% of patients in the placebo group. Results of chi‐square analysis of the ACR50 response in the high‐dose doxycycline group versus that in the placebo group were significantly different (P = 0.02). Trend analysis revealed that the ACR20 response and the ACR50 response were significantly different between groups (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). MTX doses at 2 years were not different among groups. Four patients in the high‐dose doxycycline group, 2 patients in the low‐dose doxycycline group, and 2 patients in the placebo group were withdrawn because of toxic reactions.

Conclusion

In patients with early seropositive RA, initial therapy with MTX plus doxycycline was superior (based on an ACR50 response) to treatment with MTX alone. The therapeutic responses to low‐dose and high‐dose doxycycline were similar, suggesting that the antimetalloproteinase effects were more important than the antibacterial effects. Further studies to evaluate the mechanism of action of tetracyclines in RA are indicated.
The accumulation of intracellular ITEGE and DIPEN neoepitopes in bovine articular chondrocytes is mediated by CD44 internalization of hyaluronan
Authors: Embry Flory Jennifer J. , Fosang Amanda J. , Knudson Warren
Published: January 2006

Objective

A dramatic loss of aggrecan proteoglycan from cartilage is associated with osteoarthritis. The fate of residual G1 domains of aggrecan is unknown, but inefficient turnover of these domains may impede subsequent repair and retention of newly synthesized aggrecan. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether ITEGE‐ and DIPEN‐containing G1 domains, generated in situ, are internalized by articular chondrocytes, and whether these events are dependent on hyaluronan (HA) and its receptor, CD44.

Methods

ITEGE and DIPEN neoepitopes were detected by immunofluorescence staining of bovine articular cartilage chondrocytes treated with or without interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α). Additionally, purified ITEGE‐ or DIPEN‐containing G1 domains were aggregated with HA and then added to articular chondrocytes, articular chondrocytes transfected with CD44▵67, or COS‐7 cells transfected with or without full‐length CD44. Internalized epitopes were distinguished by their resistance to extensive trypsinization of the cell surface.

Results

Both ITEGE and DIPEN were visualized within the extracellular cell‐associated matrix of chondrocytes as well as within intracellular vesicles. Following trypsinization, the intracellular accumulation of both epitopes was clearly visible. IL‐1 treatment increased extracellular as well as intracellular ITEGE epitope accumulation. Once internalized, the ITEGE neoepitope became localized within the nucleus and displayed little colocalization with HA, DIPEN, or other G1 domain epitopes. The internalization of both ITEGE and DIPEN G1 domains was dependent on the presence of HA and CD44.

Conclusion

One important mechanism for the elimination of residual G1 domains following extracellular degradation of aggrecan is CD44‐mediated co‐internalization with HA.
Induction of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 in murine resident peritoneal macrophages by monosodium urate monohydrate crystals
Authors: Murakami Yousuke , Akahoshi Tohru , Hayashi Izumi , Endo Hirahito , Kawai Shinichi , Inoue Matsuhisa , Kondo Hirobumi , Kitasato Hidero
Published: January 2006

Objective

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM‐1) is a cell surface molecule that was recently identified on monocytes and neutrophils. TREM‐1 has been implicated in the early inflammatory responses induced by microbes, but its pathophysiologic role in nonmicrobial inflammation remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of TREM‐1 in acute inflammation induced by monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals. Induction of TREM‐1 expression by MSU crystal–stimulated murine resident peritoneal macrophages and infiltrating leukocytes in a murine air‐pouch model of crystal‐induced acute inflammation was determined. The biologic role of TREM‐1 in crystal‐induced cytokine production by resident peritoneal macrophages was also investigated.

Methods

TREM‐1 expression by resident peritoneal macrophages and infiltrating leukocytes in a murine air‐pouch model was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry. Cytokine production by resident peritoneal macrophages after incubation with MSU crystals in the presence or absence of an anti–TREM‐1 agonist antibody was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

TREM‐1 expression by resident peritoneal macrophages was significantly induced after stimulation with the crystals. Maximum expression of TREM‐1 transcripts and protein occurred at 1 and 4 hours after exposure to the crystals, respectively. Costimulation of resident peritoneal macrophages with MSU crystals and an anti–TREM‐1 agonist antibody synergistically increased the production of both interleukin‐1β and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 compared with stimulation with the crystals alone. MSU crystals also induced TREM‐1 expression in infiltrating leukocytes in a murine air‐pouch model of crystal‐induced acute inflammation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that rapid induction of TREM‐1 expression on resident peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils by MSU crystals may contribute to the development of acute gout through enhancement of inflammatory responses.
Can scientific journals be classified in terms of aggregated journal‐journal citation relations using the Journal Citation Reports?
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet
Published: January 2006

The aggregated citation relations among journals included in the Science Citation Index provide us with a huge matrix, which can be analyzed in various ways. By using principal component analysis or factor analysis, the factor scores can be employed as indicators of the position of the cited journals in the citing dimensions of the database. Unrotated factor scores are exact, and the extraction of principal components can be made stepwise because the principal components are independent. Rotation may be needed for the designation, but in the rotated solution a model is assumed. This assumption can be legitimated on pragmatic or theoretical grounds. Because the resulting outcomes remain sensitive to the assumptions in the model, an unambiguous classification is no longer possible in this case. However, the factor‐analytic solutions allow us to test classifications against the structures contained in the database; in this article the process will be demonstrated for the delineation of a set of biochemistry journals.
Propionate inhibits glucose‐induced insulin secretion in isolated rat pancreatic islets
Authors: Ximenes Helena M. A. , Hirata Aparecida E. , Rocha Marlene S. , Curi Rui , Carpinelli Angelo R.
Published: January 2006

Dietary fibers, probably by generating short chain fatty acids (SCFA) through enterobacterial fermentation, have a beneficial effect on the control of glycemia in patients with peripheral insulin resistance. We studied the effect of propionate on glucose‐induced insulin secretion in isolated rat pancreatic islets. Evidence is presented that propionate, one of the major SCFA produced in the gut, inhibits insulin secretion induced by high glucose concentrations (11.1 and 16.7 mM) in incubated and perfused pancreatic islets. This short chain fatty acid reduces [U‐14C]‐glucose decarboxylation and raises the conversion of glucose to lactate. Propionate causes a significant decrease of both [1‐14C]‐ (84%) and [2‐14C]‐pyruvate (49%) decarboxylation. These findings indicate pyruvate dehydrogenase as the major site for the propionate effect. These observations led us to postulate that the reduction in glucose oxidation and the consequent decrease in the ATP/ADP ratio may be the major mechanism for the lower insulin secretion to glucose stimulus induced by propionate. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption Isotherms of Citric Acid Acting as a Growth‐Suppressor onto the (100) and (111) Faces of Sodium Chloride Crystals in Supersaturated Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sasaki S. , Kubota N. , Doki N.
Published: January 2006

The growth‐starting supercooling ΔTG, a degree of supercooling at which a crystal starts to grow when the solution is continuously cooled, was measured in supersaturated aqueous solutions in the presence of citric acid as an impurity. It was measured both for the (100) and (111) faces of sodium chloride crystals. From the measured data of ΔTG, the Langmuir constants of the (100) and (111) faces were determined at pH = 4.5 to be 6.16 ± 0.88 L/mol and 12.5 ± 2.0 L/mol, respectively. This ΔTG method is a convenient method for the determination of adsorption isotherms of an impurity onto specific crystallographic faces of a crystal.