bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Multimodal Pain Control in Early Phase After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Park Chang Min , Kim Jong Hae , Kim Suk Jun , Choi Chang Hyuk
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of multimodal pain control method in an early phase after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, under interscalene brachial plexus block, this study was performed.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was progressed with the 80 cases of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Interscalene brachial plexus block was used to all of the 80 cases and patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisted of patients injected with bupivacaine, through subacromial space catheter after surgery, and group B consisted of patients with additional method of multimodal pain control using oral opioids, acetaminophen-tramadol complex and selective COX2 inhibitor. Subacromial cathter was removed after injection in both groups. The pain during the day time and night time was compared on the operation day, postoperative 1st, 2nd, 3rd day and 2nd weeks, and it was measured with VAS (visual analogue scale) score. Additionally, the number of ketolorac injection and side-effect related to analgesics was compared between the 2 groups.RESULTS: The mean VAS score of night time on the operation day and day/night time pain of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd day and 2nd weeks was 7.4, 7.0/6.8, 4.5/5.2, 4.8/5.0, 2.2/2.7 on group A and 6.5, 4.3/5.4, 3.2/4.3, 3.0/4.1, 2.4/2.5 on group B, respectively. Significant difference was observed in the night pain on the operation day, 1st, 2nd, 3rd day time and 1st night time pain (p<.05). The average number of ketololac injection was 1.1 and 0.5 in each group, and there was no difference in the frequency of side effects.CONCLUSION: Multimodal pain control method, after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, showed an effective early pain control and improved patients' satisfaction.
I Can’t Read (Directions)!
Authors: Miller Penelope
Published: August 2012

Notation systems for the arts were developed to educate students in performing the art form. Soon notation systems were used in research and archiving performances and skills that could have been lost to the following generations. Virtual travel through the written notations brings experts to students rather than having students go to the teachers. But, unfortunately, reading notation systems is not always valued nor taught in studio classes. Definitions of notation systems and examples from several art forms are presented for illustration. The pedagogy of teaching with notation systems is explored generally and from shared personal experiences. Finally, notations in craft books are reviewed for use in studio settings. Hopefully, literacy of notation systems will be deliberately addressed in future arts classrooms.
Music Teacher as Writer and Producer
Authors: Randles Clint
Published: August 2012

In this article I attempt to redefine the role of a music teacher as being more than a director, the more traditional term ascribed to this position. I do this by using descriptions of the role of writer and producer of student lives barrowed from music education philosophy, screenwriting, and professional music producers. This vision is centered on the principle that instilling a creative identity in the lives of music students should be the top priority of the music education profession. By thinking of themselves as the writers and producers of student lives, music teachers will adopt a creative identity themselves that can in turn be shared with students. By adopting these unique roles, the music teacher might experience a sense of meaning and purpose in their teaching that is akin to the composer. In essence, teachers who live out these roles in their teaching create purposeful and meaningful professional lives for themselves, something that can be passed on to students.
On Wittgenstein’s Extension of the Domain of Aesthetic Education: Intransitive Knowledge and Ethics
Authors: Escalera Carla Carmona
Published: August 2012

Ludwig Wittgenstein gave priority to aesthetics over other disciplines due to its invaluable capacities for revealing certain aspects of the nature of human understanding and for guiding our actions toward an ethical life. Although Wittgenstein did not focus on these issues in a systematic way, these worries were present in his philosophy during his lifetime. That is why I use a very wide range of his writings, from the Tractatus to letters and diaries. Aesthetic inquiries can throw light upon the existence of an intransitive understanding–that is, a kind of knowledge that cannot be expressed by language shared by all competent users of a language. I also discuss Wittgenstein’s conception of ethics in order to explain the close relationship that he proposed between ethics and aesthetics. I hope this will clarify why he believed there was so much to learn from paintings, films, music, poems, or novels. I compare works of art and religious belief and how the former can help us to guide our lives as the latter does. I do this while extending the scope and claiming the importance of aesthetic education, given that it can help us to deal with our nature and with our history.
Research on Evaluation Models and Empirical Analysis of Earthquake Disaster Losses in China
Authors: Men Kepei , Cui Lei
Published: August 2012

Earthquake disasters occurred very frequently in China. As a result, to evaluate the losses has important social value and economic effect. This paper focuses on the assessment of economic losses of earthquake disasters which is divided into two parts: direct economic loss and indirect economic loss. First, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test is used to determine the distribution of the earthquake losses per year in China, fitting the frequency of earthquake that happened per month in China. Second, the grey clustering method and principal component analysis (PCA) are applied, respectively, for direct economic loss rating and indirect economic loss rating. Finally, the economic loss generated by the earthquakes which happened from 2006 to 2009 in China is evaluated, and eight earthquakes are rated based on the comprehensive economic loss.
A Variety of Exact Periodic Wave and Solitary Wave Solutions for the Coupled Higgs Equation
Authors: Trikia Houria , Wazwazb Abdul-Majid
Published: August 2012

In this work, the coupled Higgs field equation is studied. The extended Jacobi elliptic function expansion methods are efficiently employed to construct the exact periodic solutions of this model. As a result, many exact travelling wave solutions are obtained which include new shock wave solutions or kink-shaped soliton solutions, solitary wave solutions or bell-shaped soliton solutions, and combined solitary wave solutions are formally obtained.
An Overview of Progress and Current Challenges in Ultrasonic Treatment of Polymer Melts
Authors: Ávila‐Orta Carlos , Espinoza‐González Carlos , Martínez‐Colunga Guillermo , Bueno‐Baqués Darío , Maffezzoli Alfonso , Lionetto Francesca
Published: August 2012

An overview of the current state of art of the ultrasonic treatment technology applied to polymer melts is presented. The research and technological advancements of the ultrasonic treatment as applied to development of polymeric materials are discussed. An analysis of the technological progress shows that the mechanism of the effects of ultrasound on polymer melts is not fully understood at present. Such lack in fully understanding the mechanism could limit the use of this versatile technology in future applications. Based on the critical analysis of the research progress to date, some key issues for a deeper understanding of the chemical and physical effects of ultrasound on polymer melts are identified. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E582–E602, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21303
The dark matter problem from f(R) gravity viewpoint
Authors: Capozziello S. , De Laurentis M.
Published: August 2012

An alternative view to the dark matter puzzle is represented by Extended Theories of Gravity. The approach consists in addressing issues like dark components from the point of view of gravitational field instead of requiring new material ingredients that, up to now, have not been detected at fundamental level. In this review paper, by extending the Hilbert‐Einstein action of gravitational field to more general actions (e.g. f(R) gravity), it is shown that several gravitating structures like stars, spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies and clusters of galaxies can be self‐consistently described without asking for dark matter. It is also shown that standard General Relativity tests and Equivalence Principle constraints can be evaded at Solar System scales.
Curvopeptin: A New Lanthionine‐Containing Class III Lantibiotic and its Co‐substrate Promiscuous Synthetase
Authors: Krawczyk Bartlomiej , Völler Ginka H. , Völler Jan , Ensle Paul , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: August 2012

Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized peptides containing post‐translationally installed lanthionine thioether bridges. Recently characterized class III lantibiotics have also revealed the occurrence of labionin, a novel carbacyclic variation of lanthionine, and highlighted the structural diversity within this group. Here we describe the discovery and characterization of curvopeptins produced by Thermomonospora curvata, the first class III lantibiotics of thermophilic origin. Furthermore, investigation of the modifying enzyme CurKC and in particular the characterization of its specificity toward phosphorylation co‐substrates was performed. Remarkably, all investigated NTPs and dNTPs were accepted by the enzyme, although the purine nucleotides ATP/dATP and GTP/dGTP were the preferred co‐substrates. This finding complements previous studies on the class III lantibiotic synthetases LabKC and EryKC and underlines the surprising promiscuity of the Ser/Thr‐kinase domain. Enzymatic studies with a precursor peptide mutant allowed the assignment of all dehydration sites and further GC‐MS analysis revealed the presence of lanthionine as the main type of intramolecular ring.
Catalysis in Modified Liquid‐Liquid Multiphase Systems
Authors: Hamerla Tobias , Schwarze Michael , Schomäcker Reinhard
Published: August 2012

In dieser Übersicht wird ein Konzept für die Modifizierung von Flüssig/flüssig‐Mehrphasensystemen durch den Zusatz von Tensiden diskutiert, dass die Optimierung dieser Reaktionsmedien für homogen katalysierte Reaktionen ermöglicht. Eine Literaturübersicht zeigt das Anwendungspotenzial für verschiedene Reaktionsklassen auf. Durch die starke Erniedrigung der Grenzflächenspannung bei der Zugabe von Tensiden wird die Stoffaustauschfläche in den modifizierten Flüssig/flüssig‐Mehrphasensystemen so weit erhöht, dass in der Regel keine intensive mechanische Dispergierung erforderlich ist, um den Stofftransport vergleichbar schnell oder schneller als die chemische Reaktion zu machen. Daher können auch in konventionellen Reaktionsapparaten hohe Raum‐Zeit‐Ausbeuten erzielt werden.
Cross‐Industry, Cross‐Technology Approaches in the Strategy of Resource Efficiency
Authors: Müller Josephine , Faulstich Martin
Published: August 2012

Eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung von materiellen Wertschöpfungsketten ermöglicht eine umfassende Analyse signifikanter Stoffströme. Die Untersuchung vor allem rohstoffintensiver und technologiestrategischer Wertschöpfungsketten erscheint in diesem Zusammenhang als prioritär. Die exemplarisch vorgestellte Wertschöpfungskette der Eisen‐ und Stahlindustrie zeigt, dass die betrachteten Input‐ und Outputströme auf den verschiedenen Wertschöpfungsstufen teilweise bereits vernetzt sind. Angestrebt wird die Identifikation von Verknüpfungen der Wertschöpfungsketten, um die Vernetzungs‐ und Verbundpotenziale der deutschen Industrie aufzuzeigen.
Development of an Operator Support System to Increase Safety in Automatized Process Plants
Authors: Löwe Katharina , Dalijono Taufan
Published: August 2012

Während des gestörten Betriebs müssen viele Alarme gleichzeitig bearbeitet werden, wobei deren Ursachen und Konsequenzen zum Ergreifen richtiger Gegenmaßnahmen erkannt werden müssen. Prozessleitsysteme liefern nicht alle benötigten Informationen, so dass unvorhergesehene Störungen, Alarmfluten und zusätzliche Bedienhandlungen nach Störungen nicht adressiert werden. Hier wird ein Unterstützungssystem für den Normalbetrieb und den gestörten Betrieb vorgestellt, das diese Informationen bereitstellt. Damit können die Effizienz, die Zuverlässigkeit und Sicherheit verfahrenstechnischer Anlagen erhöht und das Situationsbewusstsein des Operators gestärkt werden.
A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Aminomethylmonoalkylphosphinate
Authors: Ding Derong , Yan Guang
Published: August 2012

Starting from the readily available 4‐methylbenzoic acid, an efficient protocol for the preparation of ethyl 4‐(aminomethyl) benzyl (methyl) phosphinate (1), a novel aminomethylmonoalkylphosphinate was reported in this communication. The important step involves the selective monochlorination of phosphonic ester by POCl3 and forming the phosphonochloridate, and followed by nucleophilic addition of CH3MgBr to the acid chloride intermediate.
Molecular System Based on Novel Photochromic Biindenylidenedione Derivative Demonstrating Photomodulation of Magnetism
Authors: Chen Yong , Pang Meili , Cheng Kaige , Wang Ying , Meng Jiben
Published: August 2012

Stable nitronyl nitroxide radical and imino nitroxide radical were incorporated into the benzene rings of novel photochromic 7,7′‐dimethyl‐[2,2′‐bi‐1H‐indene]‐3,3′‐diethyl‐3,3′‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐dione (1), leading to the synthesis of novel multifunctional compounds 4 and 5. The photochromic properties, ESR spectroscopy and magnetic properties of the title compounds were investigated. Compounds 4 and 5 possess visible photochromism upon photoirradiation, and their ESR signals undergo secular broadening after photoirradiation. The magnetic susceptibility measurement shows that the antiferromagnetic interaction of 4 and 5 becomes stronger after photoirradiation. In compounds 4 and 5 there are two kinds of spin centers after photoirradiation: one is nitroxide radical, and the other is photo‐generated radicals from two indanone moieties. Our results demonstrated that the colour and magnetic properties of compounds 4 and 5 could be modulated by photoirradiation.
Ionic Conduction in In3+‐doped ZrP2O7 at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Hongmin , Xiao Jia , Yang Zhijie , Wang Hongtao , Ma Guilin
Published: August 2012

A new series of Zr1−xInxP2O7 (x=0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12) samples were prepared by a solid state reaction method. XRD patterns indicated that the samples of x=0.03–0.09 exhibited a single cubic phase structure, and the doping limit of In3+ in ZrP2O7 was x=0.09. The conduction behavior was investigated in wet hydrogen using various electrochemical methods including AC impedance spectroscopy, isotope effect, gas concentration cells at intermediate temperatures (373–573 K). The conductivities were affected by the doping levels, and increased in the order: σ (x=0.03)<σ (x=0.12)<σ (x=0.06)<σ (x=0.09). The highest conductivity was observed for the sample Zr0.91In0.09P2O7 to be 1.59×10−2 S·cm−1 in wet hydrogen at 573 K. The isotope effect also confirmed the proton conduction of the sample under water vapor‐containing atmosphere. It was found that in wet hydrogen atmosphere Zr0.91In0.09P2O7 was almost pure ionic conductor, the ionic conduction was contributed mainly to proton and partially to oxide ionic. The H2/air fuel cell using x=0.09 sample as electrolyte (thickness: 1.73 mm) generated a maximum power density of 13.5 mW·cm−2 at 423 K and 16.9 mW·cm−2 at 448 K, respectively.
A Passive Mixer with Changeable Mixing Mechanism
Authors: Yang Jun , Qi Li , Chen Yi , Ma Huimin
Published: August 2012

In this work, a 3D mixer has been conceived based on the splitting and recombining mechanism with simple topology structure. This mixer can present excellent performance at extremely low Reynolds number, which is very important for the practical use. Further research exhibits that the mixing also can be realized via the chaotic advection that occurred at decreased aspect ratio of channel. Thus, the changeable mechanism of mixer shows potential of being used widely. Meanwhile, mixing process has been confirmed in a fabricated structure. The simulated flow patterns reappear in a scaled‐up mixer and full mixing can be achieved in 8 mm channel length at varied flow rate. Due to the high efficiency and easy fabrication, this 3D mixer possesses great prospect for a large number of microfluidic systems.
Preparing to be a global franchisor
Authors: Sherman Andrew J.
Published: August 2012

Franchising has been a path to growth and expansion for thousands of U.S. companies over the past three decades. And it has also attracted a lot of attention in overseas markets. U.S.‐based franchisors are currently operating in more than 160 countries worldwide. In addition, there are successful overseas franchisors who have penetrated the U.S. market and others. Would your firm like to be a global franchisor? The author of this article discusses the keys to success. © 2012 Andrew J. Sherman
Convergence to IFRS: The Canadian experience
Authors: Pfeffer Kaitlyn , Jacobs Anne , DeLong Cari , Tang Roger Y. W.
Published: August 2012

Beginning in January 2006, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) announced its decision to replace Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for public companies. That decision impacted Canadian investors and businesses and changed the way financial information is reported in Canada. So how have things gone since the decision was made? What has Canada learned? And what can the United States learn from the Canadian experience? The authors have found some answers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
International best practices for MD&A: An update
Authors: Cole Cathy J.
Published: August 2012

The author reveals the latest best practices for global firms preparing their management discussion and analysis (MD&A) reports. One key: U.S. preparers of financial reports may find the International Ac‐counting Standards Board's (IASB's) management commentary framework to be a useful aid for en‐hancing their own MD&As. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactive effect of supplemental ultraviolet B and elevated ozone on seed yield and oil quality of two cultivars of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) carried out in open top chambers
Authors: Tripathi Ruchika , Agrawal Shashi B
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Current scenarios of global climate change predict a significant increase in ultraviolet B (UV‐B) and tropospheric ozone (O3) in the near future. Both UV‐B and O3 can have detrimental effects on the productivity and yield quality of important agricultural crops. The present study was conducted to investigate the individual and interactive effects of supplemental UV‐B (sUV‐B) (ambient + 7.2 kJ m−2 day−1) and O3 (ambient + 10 ppb) on the yield and oil quality of two cultivars of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.).

RESULTS: The mean monthly ambient O3 concentration varied from 27.7 to 59.0 ppb during the experimental period. O3 affected fruit formation, while sUV‐B was mainly responsible for ovule abortion. Seed sugar and protein contents showed maximum reduction in O3‐treated plants, while mineral nutrient levels were most affected by sUV‐B + O3 treatment. Rancid oil of low nutritional quality and containing long‐chain fatty acids was favoured along with a decrease in oil content.

CONCLUSION: sUV‐B and O3 individually as well as in combination caused deterioration of the yield and quality of oil and seeds of linseed. However, the individual effect of O3 was more damaging than the effect of sUV‐B or sUV‐B + O3, and cultivar T‐397 performed better than Padmini. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mark‐resight and sightability modeling of a western Washington elk population
Authors: McCorquodale Scott M. , Knapp Shannon M. , Davison Michael A. , Bohannon Jennifer S. , Danilson Chris D. , Madsen W. Chris
Published: August 2012

The North Cascades (Nooksack) elk (Cervus elaphus) population declined during the 1980s, prompting a closure to state and tribal hunting in 1997 and an effort to restore the herd to former abundance. In 2005, we began a study to assess the size of the elk population, judge the effectiveness of restoration efforts, and develop a practical monitoring strategy. We concurrently evaluated 2 monitoring approaches: sightability correction modeling and mark‐resight modeling. We collected data during February–April helicopter surveys and fit logistic regression models to predict the sightability of elk groups based on group and environmental variables. We used an information‐theoretic criterion to compare 9 models of varying complexity; the best model predicted sightability of elk groups based on 1) transformed (log2) group size, 2) forest canopy cover (%), and 3) a categorical activity variable (active vs. bedded). The sightability model indicated relatively steady and modest herd growth during 2006–2011, but estimates were less than minimum‐known‐alive counts. We also used the logit‐normal mixed effects (LNME) mark‐resight model to generate estimates of total elk population size and the sizes of the adult female and branch‐antlered male subpopulations. We explored 15 LNME models to predict total population size and 12 models to predict subpopulations. Our results indicated individual heterogeneity in resighting probabilities and variation in resighting probabilities across sexes and some years. Model‐averaged estimates of total population size increased from 639 (95% CI = 570–706) in spring 2006 to 1,248 (95% CI = 1,094–1,401) in 2011. We estimated the adult female subpopulation increased from 381 (95% CI = 338–424) in spring 2006 to 573 (95% CI = 507–639) by 2011. The branch‐antlered male subpopulation estimates increased from 87 (95% CI = 54–119) to 180 (95% CI = 118–241) from spring 2006 to spring 2011. The LNME model estimates were greater than sightability model estimates and minimum‐known‐alive counts. We concluded that mark‐resight performed better and was a viable approach for monitoring this small elk population and possibly others with similar characteristics (i.e., small population and landscape scales), but this approach requires periodic marking of elk; we estimated mark‐resight costs would be about 40% greater than sightability model application costs. The utility of sightability‐correction modeling was limited by a high proportion of groups with low detectability on our densely forested landscape. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Modeling female brown bear kill rates on moose calves using global positioning satellite data
Authors: Rauset Geir Rune , Kindberg Jonas , Swenson Jon E.
Published: August 2012

The recent development in Global Positioning System (GPS) techniques has started a new era in predation studies. Estimates of kill rates based on animal movements and GPS relocation clusters have proven to be valid in several obligatory carnivores. The main focus has been to obtain accurate mean predation estimates for the management of wildlife populations. We present a model to estimate individual kill rates of moose calves by adult female brown bears in Sweden, based on spatiotemporal clustering of 30,889 bear GPS relocations and 71 moose calves verified killed during 714 field investigations in 2004–2006. In this virtually single‐predator single large prey system, the omnivorous brown bear is an efficient predator on moose calves up to 4 weeks of age. The top model set only included models with cluster radii of 30 m or 50 m, indicating very high kill‐site fidelity. The best model included a cluster radius of 30 m and number of periods of bear activity at the kill site as a single covariate. The mean estimated individual kill rate of 7.6 ± 0.71 (n = 18, ${\bar {x}}$ ± SE) moose calves per calving season is comparable to the estimate of 6.8 from a previous study of radio‐tracked moose in our study area, though at a lower moose/bear ratio. The mean annual kill rates varied from 6.1 to 9.4 calves per bear. The estimated individual kill rates ranged from 2 to 15 calves per season, indicating a large individual variation in hunting skills and possibly effort. Predation and livestock depredation represent a core conflict between humans and carnivores in rural Scandinavia. Accurate predation estimates represent an important step in quantifying costs of carnivores and reducing human–carnivore conflicts. Our technique may be applied in the exploration of predation mechanisms and predator–prey interactions, and contribute to the old and global debate of problem individuals in livestock depredation. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Colloids of Gold Nanoparticles Protected from Aggregation with Arabinogalactan
Authors: Gasilova Ekaterina , Aleksandrova Galina , Sukhov Boris , Trofimov Boris
Published: August 2012

We study the colloids of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) covered with water‐soluble natural branched polysaccharide arabinogalactan (ARB) which is used as reducing and capping agent in the GNPs colloidal synthesis. A set of the ARB‐GNP composites with gold content ranging from 3.1 to 11.9% was investigated. Transmission electron microscopy of dried colloids shows that the clustering of spherical GNPs into dimers and trimers increases with the gold content. The ARB‐GNP colloids are studied by static and dynamic light scattering resonantly enhanced by the GNP surface plasmons. The GNPs clustering within the colloids is manifested by the scattered light depolarization. Spherical form of the colloids is proved by the analysis of their translational and rotational diffusion coefficients obtained via dynamic light scattering.
Organosoluble Polyelectrolyte‐Surfactant Complexes
Authors: Kudaibergenov Sarkyt E. , Sadakbayeva Zhansaya K. , Tatykhanova Gulnur S. , Medard Nicolas , Seitov Arman S. , Abdullin Khabib A.
Published: August 2012

Organosoluble polyelectrolyte‐surfactant complexes (PSCs) based on cationic polymer – JR‐400 and anionic surfactant – sodium salt of dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDDBS) were isolated as a precipitate from polyelectrolyte/surfactant aqueous mixture. The reduced viscosity of JR‐400/SDDBS in ethanol showed polyelectrolyte anomaly that was suppressed upon addition of 0.05N and 0.1N KBr. Light scattering measurements of JR‐400/SDDBS in ethanol showed 4 peaks belonging to non‐aggregated and aggregated polycomplex particles. The elemental composition and morphology of thin layers of polyelectrolyte‐surfactant complexes deposited on SiO2surface were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The height of PSC aggregates evaluated using AFM and Surface Enhanced Ellipsometry Contrast (SEEC) microscopy data is in good agreement and range within 10–50 nm. The XRD analysis revealed that PSCs have amorphous structure with a broad halo near 20 °. The contact angle measurements were used to demonstrate the hydrophobization of glass surface after the deposition of PSCs.
Behavior of a Polyion at the Charged Wall of the Same Sign in Presence of Counterions and of a System of two Equal Uncharged Polymer chains. Study by Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Antipina A. Yu. , Antyukhova M. A. , Yurchenko A. A. , Vorontsov‐Velyaminov P. N.
Published: August 2012

In this paper Monte Carlo simulations of two polymer systems are presented. The first system is a single polyion near the plane charged wall of the same sign with presence of counterions. The interest in studying this system is stimulated by experiments on binding of negatively charged DNA deposited on the negatively charged substrate.1 The second system contains two non‐charged polymer chains with attractive or repulsive intrachain interaction and attraction between chains in both cases. Treatment of this system is aimed at further simulation of a system of polyions as the next step. In both cases the continuous and discrete models of chains were considered and Monte Carlo simulation method within Wang–Landau algorithm was used. It allowed to obtain the energy‐distribution functions that in its turn made it possible to calculate various thermal properties of the systems in a wide temperature range: thermodynamic quantities and structural characteristics (root mean‐square radius of gyration, root mean‐square distance between the centers of mass of two polymers).
Syntheses of Silver Nanoparticles in the Matrices of Block and Graft Copolymers and Polymer‐Inorganic Hybrid in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Fedorchuk Sergey , Zheltonozhskaya Tatyana , Gomza Yuriy , Nessin Stanislav , Kunitskaya Larisa , Demchenko Olga
Published: August 2012

In the present work we have synthesized two‐component block‐ and graft copolymers MOPEO‐b‐PAAm, PAAm‐b‐PEO‐b‐PAAm and PVA‐g‐PAAm comprised methoxypoly(ethylene oxide), poly(ethylene oxide) or poly(vinyl alcohol) and chemically complementary polyacrylamide and also the grafted polymer‐inorganic hybrid SiO2‐g‐PAAm based on monodispersed silica nanoparticles. These copolymers we used as special matrices in the process of borohydride reduction of Ag+ ions. It was established the influence of chemical nature, molecular architecture and concentration of the matrices and the content of silver nitrate on some reaction parameters, size and stability of Ag‐nanoparticles in aqueous solutions.
Mechanochemical Formulation of Coating Iron Oxides Magnetic Nanoparticles with Humics
Authors: Yurishcheva Anna , Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian I. , Pomogailo Svetlana , Pomogailo Anatoly D. , Jorobekova Sharipa , Kydralieva Kamila
Published: August 2012

This paper identifies properties of magnetite nanoparticles when combined with macromolecules of humic substances in a nanocomposite matrix using mechanochemical dispersion technique. This method is described providing an inexpensive production methods for sorbents with the requisite properties for binding heavy metals.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanosized Pectin‐Based Formulations
Authors: Zakharova Natalia , Kydralieva Kamila , Khudaibergenova Elnura , Gorbunova Nina , Pomogailo Svetlana , Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian I. , Pomogailo Anatoly , Jorobekova Sharipa
Published: August 2012

Pectin conjugated magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by chemical coprecipitation method in situ. The FTIR, acoustic, Mössbauer spectrometry, XRD measurements confirmed the nanoscaled structure of Fe3O4‐pectin composite. The synthesized magnetite nanoparticles were uniform with an mean size of ∼14–17 nm for low pectin concentration as 10 wt.%.
Synthesis and Characteristics of Acetylenedicarboxylic Acid Salts as Precursors for Obtaining of Nanocomposites
Authors: Shershnev Vitaly A. , Shilov Gennady V. , Dzhardimalieva Gulzhian I. , Pomogailo Anatoly D. , Izydorzak Marta , Leonowicz Marcin
Published: August 2012

acetylenedicarboxylic acid salts were used as precursors for further polymerization and thermal degradation to obtain nanocomposites. Monomers and composites structure was investigated with different methods including IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and electron microscopy.
Bioactive Electroconductive Hydrogels Yield Novel Biotransducers for Glucose
Authors: Kotanen Christian N. , Guiseppi‐Elie Anthony
Published: August 2012

A class of bioactive, stimuli‐responsive co‐joined interpenetrating networks of inherently conductive polymers and highly hydrated hydrogels are being developed for implantable biodevice interfaces and for electric field induced release of elutable drugs. A novel microfabricated multidisc electrode array biotransducer intended for trauma management has been coated with poly(HEMA)‐polypyrrole and characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry using ferrocene monocarboxylic acid (FcCOOH) as a probe molecule. Electrodeposition of polypyrrole (700 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) to 100 mC/cm2 onto the hydrogel coated microdisc electrode array resulted in large and unstable background currents relative to uncoated electrodes. Overoxidation of polypyrrole (0–1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, 20 cylces, 100 mV/s) eliminates background current. Dose‐response curves with FcCOOH showed that the transducer has good reproducibility with molecules of facile electrochemical properties. Polypyrrole provides interference screening of endogenous interferents in biosensor applications with a 12:1 rejection ratio. GOx was immobilized via electropolymerization of polypyrrole into hydrogel coated MDEA 5037s to yield biotransducers with sensitivity of 0.045 µA mM−1 cm−2. Changes to improve biotransducer sensitivity are proposed.
Polypeptides‐Induced Self‐Aggregation and Tuning of Emission Properties of Luminescent Complexes
Authors: Moriuchi Toshiyuki , Yamada Masahiro , Yoshii Kazuki , Katano Chiaki , Hirao Toshikazu
Published: August 2012

The assembling of anionic [Au(CN)2]− spatially along cationic β‐sheeted poly‐L‐lysine (P(Lys)) through electrostatic and aurophilic bonding interactions was demonstrated to form the luminescent [Au(CN)2]− aggregate, wherein negatively charged [Au(CN)2]− was found to stabilize the β‐sheet structure by suppressing repulsion between the positively charged side chains. Poly‐L‐glutamic acid (P(Glu)) bearing multiple negatively charged side chains was performed to serve as a polymeric spatially aligned scaffold for aggregation of the positively charged platinum(II) complexes [Pt(trpy)CCR](OTf) (trpy = 2,2′,6′,2″‐terpyridine; R = Ph (PtH), C6H4C12H25‐p (PtC12)) through electrostatic interaction, resulting in tunable emission properties. The introduction of the cationic luminescent iridium(III) and ruthenium(II) complexes into P(Glu) as a polymeric scaffold, wherein control of the conformational change of P(Glu) was achieved, was also allowed to induce the tuning of the emission properties and energy transfer in aqueous media.
Macromolecular Complexes Leading to High‐Performance Energy Devices
Authors: Oyaizu Kenichi , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: August 2012

Dynamic interactions and electronic processes in macromolecule‐metal complexes established in 1970s provided conceptual basis for the development of a new class of functional polymers. Principles of soft/multiple interaction and multielectron processes have been pursued by exploring the macromolecule‐metal complexes and polyion complexes, which gave rise to more generalized concept of macromolecular complexes. As one of the multiple interaction, reversible binding of O2 in aqueous media and facilitated transport of O2 were first accomplished by macromolecular metal complexes. The related oxygen technologies have led to the development of unprecedented materials to allow oxygen enrichment in cathodes of fuel cells and air batteries. Properties of electric/ionic conduction and electron transfer mediation in macromolecular complexes suggested our avenue toward the “radical batteries” as entirely organic, rare metal‐free, and rechargeable burst power sources. Combination of the photoelectrochemistry of macromolecular complexes and the methods for the precision control of charge separation, transport, and storage in polymers derived from the battery research have inspired design principles of novel photovoltaic polymers useful for organic solar cells. In this paper, recent developments of energy‐related materials originated from the idea of the macromolecular complexes are focused.
Formation of a tunable starch‐based network by in situ incorporation of mercapto groups and a subsequent thiol‐ene click reaction
Authors: Huang Li , Xiao Congming
Published: August 2012

A tunable starch‐based hydrogel was prepared by crosslinking unsaturated macromonomers in the presence of H2S. First, well‐defined poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was prepared by alcoholysis of poly(vinyl acetate) obtained by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of vinyl acetate. Subsequently, carbon‐carbon double bonds were incorporated onto PVA through esterification with maleic anhydride. Finally, the hydrogel was formed via concurrent electrophilic addition and thiol‐ene reaction between starch maleic half‐ester, unsaturated PVA and H2S using potassium persulfate as initiator at 60 °C. Elemental analysis showed the percentage of sulfur in the gel ranged from 0.86% to 1.73%, depending on the chain length of PVA. The storage modulus, loss modulus and glass transition temperature of the networks varied from 12.7 to 50.9 MPa, from 3.7 to 15.7 MPa and from 57.0 to 71.8 °C, respectively. Both the swelling and release behavior of the gels were also modulated by changing the unsaturated PVA component. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The glycolyzer: Automated glycan annotation software for high performance mass spectrometry and its application to ovarian cancer glycan biomarker discovery
Authors: Kronewitter Scott R. , De Leoz Maria Lorna A. , Strum John S. , An Hyun Joo , Dimapasoc Lauren M. , Guerrero Andrés , Miyamoto Suzanne , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Leiserowitz Gary S.
Published: August 2012

Human serum glycomics is a promising method for finding cancer biomarkers but often lacks the tools for streamlined data analysis. The Glycolyzer software incorporates a suite of analytic tools capable of identifying informative glycan peaks out of raw mass spectrometry data. As a demonstration of its utility, the program was used to identify putative biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer from a human serum sample set. A randomized, blocked, and blinded experimental design was used on a discovery set consisting of 46 cases and 48 controls. Retrosynthetic glycan libraries were used for data analysis and several significant candidate glycan biomarkers were discovered via hypothesis testing. The significant glycans were attributed to a glycan family based on glycan composition relationships and incorporated into a linear classifier motif test. The motif test was then applied to the discovery set to evaluate the disease state discrimination performance. The test provided strongly predictive results based on receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.93. Using the Glycolyzer software, we were able to identify a set of glycan biomarkers that highly discriminate between cases and controls, and are ready to be formally validated in subsequent studies.
The OASIS® HLB μElution plate as a one‐step platform for manual high‐throughput in‐gel digestion of proteins and peptide desalting
Authors: Franz Thomas , Li Xinping
Published: August 2012

Separation or prefractionation of proteins by gel electrophoresis, followed by in‐gel proteolytic digest and analysis by MS is a typical standard application in proteomics. For many laboratories, it is not cost‐effective to use a robot with all its drawbacks. On the other hand, manual digest is time consuming and not free of error if many samples are processed at the same time. The OASIS® HLB μElution plate allows the handling of 96 samples for protein in‐gel digest and peptide desalting in a semiautomatic way. Using multichannel pipettes, solutions are added quickly, and with the use of the positive pressure‐96 stand all solutions are removed simultaneously. In this article, a complete and detailed protocol for the use of the OASIS® HLB μElution plate is introduced and its effectiveness is shown with 2D‐ and 1D‐gel samples.
Influence of the Z‐group on the RAFT‐mediated polymerizations in nanoreactors
Authors: Valade David , Jeon Yujung , Kessel Stefanie , Monteiro Michael J.
Published: August 2012

In this work, we showed that the self‐assembly behavior of the macro‐chain transfer agent P(DMA69‐b‐NIPAM60)‐S(CS)SC12H25 [dodecyltrithiocarbonate (DTTC)] was very different to P(DMA68‐b‐NIPAM62)‐S(CS)SC4H9 [butyltrithiocarbonate (BTTC)], resulting in very different water‐based nanoreactor polymerizations. The DTTC diblock formed small aggregates below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), which increased slightly above the LCST. This is in contrast to the BTTC diblock, in which unimers existed below the LCST and large aggregates of core–shell nanoreactors were present above the LCST. Polymerization of styrene in the DTTC diblock nanoreactors afforded fast rates of polymerization with the production of narrow molecular weight and particle size distributions. We found a direct relationship between the size and the targeted molecular weight; the greater the targeted the molecular weight the greater the particle size. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Aqueous reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer dispersion polymerization of thermoresponsive diblock copolymer assemblies: Temperature directed morphology transformations
Authors: Kessel Stefanie , Truong Nghia P. , Jia Zhongfan , Monteiro Michael J.
Published: August 2012

In this work, we demonstrate the formation of various 3D structures formed by a structural reorganization; a process not governed by self‐assembly. First, we packaged well‐defined diblocks, thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐b‐styrene) or P(NIPAM‐b‐STY), into spherical particles made in situ using a reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) nanoreactor technique in water to obtain high polymer solids. The resultant spheres reorganized through a temperature stimulus to form equilibrium and kinetically trapped structures; we denote this process as temperature directed morphology transformation (TDMT). Cylinder and vesicle structures, other more unusual loop, buckled sphere and cauliflower (via ultrasound) structures were observed below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. These structures were produced efficiently, rapidly, reproducibly at high polymer solids and can be stored for years in solution or be freeze‐dried and rehydrated without a change in structure, which becomes important in biological applications. We generated the first phase diagram for the TDMT changes of thermoresponsive diblock micelles in concentrated solutions (> 7% polymer solids) produced from narrow molecular weight diblock copolymers (PDI ∼ 1.1). The sphere/cylinder and cylinder/vesicle transition in the phase diagram were surprisingly found to be predominantly dictated by the length of the hydrophilic block, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Protective encapsulation of acid‐sensitive catalysts using polyethylene ligands
Authors: Suriboot Jakkrit , Hobbs Christopher E. , Yang Yun‐Chin , Bergbreiter David E.
Published: August 2012

The stability of polyethylene oligomer (PEOlig)‐entrapped salen‐metal complexes toward acidolysis is described. These complexes dissolve in hot toluene and precipitate as hydrophobic powders. The salen species in these precipitates or in precipitates of admixtures of oligomeric complexes and unfunctionalized polyethylene are stable to acid when suspended in acidic methanol for 24 h at 25°C. The lack of metal leaching due to acid‐promoted demetalation was determined using both colorimetric and ICP‐MS analyses. The ICP‐MS results showed the amount of metal loss for PEOlig‐salen‐metal complexes was 0.27%, 0.45%, and 0.79% for half‐salen Cr(III), salen Cr(III), and salen Mn(III) complexes, respectively. These results were in contrast to the reported behavior of low molecular weight salen metal complexes and to results seen with a salen complex bound to divinylbenzene (DVB) crosslinked polystyrene which demetalates under acidic conditions at room temperature. Salen complexes formed with PEOlig complexes also demetalate when the PEOlig‐bound species are in solution at elevated temperature and exposed to acid. These results show that as solids oligomeric polyethylene ligands even without added PE can serve as a protective encapsulating matrix for the solid forms of polymer‐supported catalysts. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
In Situ TEM Electromechanical Testing of Nanowires and Nanotubes
Authors: Espinosa Horacio D. , Bernal Rodrigo A. , Filleter Tobin
Published: August 2012

The emergence of one‐dimensional nanostructures as fundamental constituents of advanced materials and next‐generation electronic and electromechanical devices has increased the need for their atomic‐scale characterization. Given its spatial and temporal resolution, coupled with analytical capabilities, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been the technique of choice in performing atomic structure and defect characterization. A number of approaches have been recently developed to combine these capabilities with in‐situ mechanical deformation and electrical characterization in the emerging field of in‐situ TEM electromechanical testing. This has enabled researchers to establish unambiguous synthesis‐structure‐property relations for one‐dimensional nanostructures. In this article, the development and latest advances of several in‐situ TEM techniques to carry out mechanical and electromechanical testing of nanowires and nanotubes are reviewed. Through discussion of specific examples, it is shown how the merging of several microsystems and TEM has led to significant insights into the behavior of nanowires and nanotubes, underscoring the significant role in‐situ techniques play in the development of novel nanoscale systems and materials.
Vapor‐Phase Hydrothermal Transformation of HTiOF3 Intermediates into {001} Faceted Anatase Single‐Crystalline Nanosheets
Authors: Liu Porun , Wang Yun , Zhang Haimin , An Taicheng , Yang Huagui , Tang Zhiyong , Cai Weiping , Zhao Huijun
Published: August 2012

For the first time, a facile, one‐pot hydrofluoric acid vapor‐phase hydrothermal (HF‐VPH) method is demonstrated to directly grow single‐crystalline anatase TiO2 nanosheets with 98.2% of exposed {001} faceted surfaces on the Ti substrate via a distinctive two‐stage formation mechanism. The first stage produces a new intermediate crystal (orthorhombic HTiOF3) that is transformed into anatase TiO2 nanosheets during the second stage. The findings reveal that the HF‐VPH reaction environment is unique and differs remarkably from that of liquid‐phase hydrothermal processes. The uniqueness of the HF‐VPH conditions can be readily used to effectively control the nanostructure growth.
Human Liver Stem Cell-Derived Microvesicles Inhibit Hepatoma Growth in SCID Mice by Delivering Antitumor MicroRNAs
Authors: Fonsato Valentina , Collino Federica , Herrera Maria Beatriz , Cavallari Claudia , Deregibus Maria Chiara , Cisterna Barbara , Bruno Stefania , Romagnoli Renato , Salizzoni Mauro , Tetta Ciro , Camussi Giovanni
Published: August 2012

Microvesicles (MVs) play a pivotal role in cell-to-cell communication. Recent studies demonstrated that MVs may transfer genetic information between cells. Here, we show that MVs derived from human adult liver stem cells (HLSC) may reprogram in vitro HepG2 hepatoma and primary hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting their growth and survival. In vivo intratumor administration of MVs induced regression of ectopic tumors developed in SCID mice. We suggest that the mechanism of action is related to the delivery of microRNAs (miRNAs) from HLSC-derived MVs (MV-HLSC) to tumor cells on the basis of the following evidence: (a) the rapid, CD29-mediated internalization of MV-HLSC in HepG2 and the inhibition of tumor cell growth after MV uptake; (b) the transfer by MV-HLSC of miRNAs with potential antitumor activity that was downregulated in HepG2 cells with respect to normal hepatocytes; (c) the abrogation of the MV-HLSC antitumor effect after MV pretreatment with RNase or generation of MVs depleted of miRNAs; (d) the relevance of selected miRNAs was proven by transfecting HepG2 with miRNA mimics. The antitumor effect of MV-HLSC was also observed in tumors other than liver such as lymphoblastoma and glioblastoma. These results suggest that the delivery of selected miRNAs by MVs derived from stem cells may inhibit tumor growth and stimulate apoptosis.