bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE LIMIT STATE DESIGN OF SPUN CONCRETE COLUMNS USING LOAD COMBINATIONS RECOMMENDED BY EN 1990 AND ASCE/SEI 7–05
Authors: Kudzys Antanas , Kliukas Romualdas
Published: September 2009

The expediency of using precast spun concrete columns of annular cross‐sections reinforced by high‐strength steel bars is discussed. Test material properties, efficiency factors and resisting compressive stresses of plain and reinforced spun concretes are presented. Modelling a bearing capacity of eccentrically loaded members of annular cross‐sections is based on the concepts of compression with a bending moment and bending with a concentrical force. The comparison of test and modelling data of concentrically and eccentrically loaded members is analysed. The expediency to use in design practice the approaches of current methods of partial safety factors design (PSFD) legitimated in Europe and load and resistance factors design (LRFD) suggested in the USA and other countries is considered and illustrated by a numerical example. Santrauka Aptariamas didžiastiprio plieno strypais armuotų žiedinio skerspjūvio centrifuguotojo betono kolonų naudotinumas. Pateiktos armuotojo ir nearmuotojo centrifuguotojo betono medžiagų savybės, efektyvumo veiksniai ir laikomieji gniuždymo įtempiai. Ekscentriškai gniuždomų žiedinio skerspjūvio elementų laikomajai galiai modeliuoti taikomos lenkiamojo gniuždymo ir gniuždomojo lenkimo sampratos. Analizuojamas centriškai ir ekscentriškai apkrautų elementų eksperimentinių ir modeliavimo duomenų sugretinimas, nagrinėjamas Europos, JAV ir kitų šalių projektavimo praktikoje įteisintų ir paplitusių dalinių veiksnių ir apkrovų bei atsparių veiksnių metodų taikymo tikslingumas, kurį rodo skaitmeninis pavyzdys.
MATERIAL AND GEOMETRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STRUCTURAL STEELS BASED ON STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF METALLURGICAL PRODUCTS
Authors: Kala Zdeněk , Melcher Jindřich , Puklický Libor
Published: September 2009

The experimental research results of material and geometrical characteristics of Czech steel are given in the presented paper. Measurements are carried out for the yield strength of plates made of steel grade S355. The values measured are used to compute axial resistances which are compared with the resistance resulting from standard (nominal) values. In this paper, there was used a statistical information for evaluating the results of strength measurements on a series of plates and hot‐rolled profiles under tension to determine the adequate partial γM0 safety factor. Santrauka Straipsnyje pateikti Čekijos plienų mechaninių ir geometrinių charakteristikų eksperimentinių tyrimų rezultatai. Atlikti S355 klasės plieno plokštės takumo stiprio matavimai. Nustatytos reikšmės naudojamos ašiniam stipriui apskaičiuoti, o gauti rezultatai palyginti su standartinėmis (nominaliosiomis) vertėmis. Plieno plokščių ir karštai valcuotų profilių tempiamojo stiprio matavimo rezultatams įvertinti pasitelkta statistinė informacija. Įvertintas dalinio patikimumo koeficiento γM0 adekvatumas.
THE EFFECT OF CONCRETE COMPOSITION AND AGGREGATES PROPERTIES ON PERFORMANCE OF CONCRETE
Authors: Mačiulaitis Romualdas , Vaičienė Marija , Žurauskienė Ramunė
Published: September 2009

The properties of the hardened concrete depend on the selected raw materials: size and amount of the particles of coarse aggregate, as well as on the ratio of other components. Particular countries use various methodologies for the selection of concrete composition to select the components of the concrete mixture. However, the properties of the concrete, selected by using any methodology for the selection of the concrete composition and hardened by following the defined conditions, must satisfy the values of certain necessary characteristics. The results of the implemented research indicate that the most optimal solution is to use the coarse aggregate of multi‐fractional or discontinuous fractional composition. The optimal composition of the concrete must be selected to ensure that the binding material is not overdosed. Yet, all components must be selected in such a way, that the required properties of the final product are retained after concrete mixture hardens. When catalyst waste materials from the reactor of the catalytic cracking (15%) are used for the lightweight concrete, the density of the expanded‐clay lightweight concrete investigated and compressive strength increases even for the higher water/cement ratio, more heat is dissipated during the hydration of the cement and this exothermic effect occurs several hours earlier. Santrauka Sukietėjusio betono savybės priklauso nuo betonui parinktų žaliavų: stambaus užpildo dalelių dydžio ir jų kiekio, taip pat nuo kitų sudedamųjų dalių santykio. Betono mišinio sudedamąsias dalis šalys parenka įvairiais betono sudėties parinkimo metodais, tačiau pagal bet kurį betono sudėties parinkimo metodą parinkto ir pagal nustatytas sąlygas sukietinto betono savybės turi tenkinti tam tikrų būtinųjų charakteristikų vertes. Darbe atliktų tyrimų rezultatai parodė, kad optimaliu naudoti daugiafrakcį arba trūkiosios frakcinės sudėties stambųjį užpildą. Betono sudėtis turi būti parinkta nepereikvojant rišamosios medžiagos, tačiau visas sudedamąsias dalis parenkant taip, kad, sukietėjus betono mišiniui, išliktų reikiamos galutinio produkto savybės. Lengviesiems betonams naudojant katalizatoriaus atlieką iš katalitinio krekingo reaktoriaus (15 %), padidėja tiriamojo keramzitbetonio tankis, gniuždomasis stipris net esant didesniam V/C santykiui, o hidratuojantis cementui, išsiskiria daugiau šilumos, ir šis egzoterminis efektas įvyksta keliomis valandomis anksčiau.
Taxonomic revision of the southwestern Atlantic Madracis and the description of Madracis fragilis n. sp. (Scleractinia: Pocilloporidae), a new coral species from Brazil
Authors: Neves Elizabeth , Johnsson Rodrigo
Published: September 2009

The genus Madracis has been known in Brazil from four deep water species, namely M. mirabilis, M. asperula, M. brueggemanni and M. pharensis, and one zooxanthellate species from shallow water environments, M. decactis. Delicate fragments of a small branching colony of an undescribed Madracis were collected at 73 m depth, northern Salvador (Bahia State). Although resembling the congeners M. asperula and M. brueggemanni, the new species has distinct features including reduced branch thickness, smaller diameter of corallite and columella structure and pattern of coenosteum ornamentation. Because of the worldwide focus on reef-building corals, knowledge of azooxanthellate scleractinians remains scarce. In addition to contributing to the inventory of Brazilian coral fauna, the occurrence of a new species of Madracis provides further evidence of the high diversity of deep-water coral communities in the tropical South Atlantic.
Horizontal distribution of invertebrate larvae around the oceanic island of Gran Canaria: the effect of mesoscale variability
Authors: Landeira José María , Lozano-Soldevilla Fernando , Hernández-León Santiago , Desmond Barton Eric
Published: September 2009

In October 1991, the horizontal distribution of invertebrate larvae was studied in the waters surrounding the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands). The cruise was typified by the presence of three recurrent mesoscale hydrographic structures: a cyclonic eddy southwest of the island, a warm lee region downstream of the island and the offshore boundary of an upwelling filament from the African coast reaching the southeast of the island. Decapod larvae were the most abundant group. In general, a rather high spatial variability was found. The horizontal distribution of the invertebrate larvae groups showed that the highest values of abundance occurred in an elongated zone around the island oriented in the overall direction of flow, leeward and windward of the island, while the lowest values occurred off the eastern and western flanks of the islands. On the other hand, Stomatopoda and Mollusca larvae showed a distribution associated with the boundary of the upwelling filament and decapod larvae of pelagic species were distributed around the eddy structure. Our results suggest specific retention mechanisms for the larvae of neritic invertebrate populations that are related to the particular physical oceanography around Gran Canaria.
Monochromatic blue light entrains diel activity cycles in the Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus (L.) as measured by automated video-image analysis
Authors: Aguzzi Jacopo , Costa Corrado , Menesatti Paolo , García José Antonio , Chiesa Juan José , Sardà Francesc
Published: September 2009

There is growing interest in developing automated, non-invasive techniques for long-lasting, laboratory-based monitoring of behaviour in organisms from deep-water continental margins which are of ecological and commercial importance. We monitored the burrow emergence rhythms in the Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus, which included: a) characterising the regulation of behavioural activity outside the burrow under monochromatic blue light-darkness (LD) cycles of 0.1 lx, recreating slope photic conditions (i.e. 200-300 m depth) and constant darkness (DD), which is necessary for the study of the circadian system; b) testing the performance of a newly designed digital video-image analysis system for tracking locomotor activity. We used infrared USB web cameras and customised software (in Matlab 7.1) to acquire and process digital frames of eight animals at a rate of one frame per minute under consecutive photoperiod stages for nine days each: LD, DD, and LD (subdivided into two stages, LD1 and LD2, for analysis purposes). The automated analysis allowed the production of time series of locomotor activity based on movements of the animals’ centroids. Data were studied with periodogram, waveform, and Fourier analyses. For the first time, we report robust diurnal burrow emergence rhythms during the LD period, which became weak in DD. Our results fit with field data accounting for midday peaks in catches at the depth of slopes. The comparison of the present locomotor pattern with those recorded at different light intensities clarifies the regulation of the clock of N. norvegicus at different depths.
Post-larval development and sexual dimorphism of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla (Brachyura: Majidae)
Authors: Guerao Guillermo , Rotllant Guiomar
Published: September 2009

The post-larval development of the majid crab Maja brachydactyla Balss, 1922 was studied using laboratory-reared larvae obtained from adult individuals collected in the NE Atlantic. The morphology of the first juvenile stage is described in detail, while the most relevant morphological changes and sexual differentiation are highlighted for subsequent juvenile stages, until juvenile 8. The characteristic carapace spines of the adult phase are present in the first juvenile stage, though with great differences in the degree of development and relative size. The carapace shows a high length/weight ratio, which becomes similar to that of adults at stage 7-8. Males and females can be distinguished from juvenile stage 4, based on sexual dimorphism in the pleopods and the presence of gonopores. In addition, the allometric growth of the pleon is sex-dependent from juvenile stage 4, with females showing a positive allometry (b=1.23) and males an isometric allometry (b=1.02).
Experiences of health care providers managing sexual assault victims in the emergency unit Part 2: Discussion of results and literature control
Authors: Skhosana Rebecca M. , Peu Mmapheko D.
Published: September 2009

The objective of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of health care providers managing sexual assault victims in the emergency unit of a community hospital in the Nkangala district in the Mpumalanga Province. A qualitative, phenomenological design was applied. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants from health care providers who were working in the emergency unit and had managed more than four sexual assault victims. Data were collected by means of individual interviews and analysed according to the Tesch method of data analysis by the researcher and the independent co-coder. Main categories, subcategories and themes were identified. Participants expressed their emotions, challenges and police attitudes and behaviours, as well as inconsistencies in guidelines and needs identification. It was recommended that members of the multidisciplinary team engage in community activities and that the community participate in matters pertaining to sexual assault. Government should develop clear guidelines that are applicable to rural and urban South Africa. Health care sciences should aim to train more forensic nurses. All relevant departments should work together to alleviate the complications caused by sexual assault incidents. OpsommingDie doel van hierdie studie was om die ervaringe van gesondheidsorgverskaffers wat slagoffers van seksuele aanranding in die ongevalle-eenheid van 'n gemeenskapshospitaal in die Nkangala-distrik in die provinsie van Mpumalanga hanteer, te ontgin en te beskryf. ’n Kwalitatiewe fenomenologiese ontwerp is toegepas. Doelbewuste steekproefneming is gebruik om deelnemers te selekteer uit die groep gesondheidsorgverskaffers wat in die ongevalle-eenheid werksaam was en meer as vier slagoffers van seksuele aanranding hanteer het. Data is by wyse van individuele onderhoude ingesamel en volgens die Tesch-metode van data-analise deur die navorser en die onafhanklike medekodeerder geanaliseer. Hoofkategorieë, subkategorieë en temas is geïdentifiseer. Deelnemers het uitdrukking gegee aan hulle emosies, uitdagings, die houding en gedrag van polisiebeamptes, teenstrydighede in riglyne en behoefte-identifikasie. Aanbevelings is dat multidissiplinêre spanlede betrokke moet wees by gemeenskapsaktiwiteite en dat die gemeenskap moet deelneem aan sake wat verband hou met seksuele aanranding. Die regering moet duidelike riglyne ontwikkel wat op landelike en stedelike Suid-Afrika van toepassing is. Gesondheidsorgwetenskappe moet daarop gerig wees om meer forensiese verpleegkundiges op te lei. Alle toepaslike departemente moet saamwerk om die komplikasies te verlig wat deur voorvalle van seksuele aanranding veroorsaak word.
The influence of performance appraisal on the psychological contract of the inpatriate manager
Authors: Maley Jane F.
Published: September 2009

This article explores the extent, nature and limitations of performance appraisals, and the subsequent influence that these issues may have on the psychological contract of inpatriate managers in a sector of the health care industry in Australia. Eighteen in-depth interviews using a grounded theory methodology revealed that the process was significantly influenced by multinational organisations’ emphasis on the bottom line and the inpatriate manager’s relationship with his/her supervisor. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the inpatriate manager’s experience of his/her performance appraisal frequently results in a perception of violation of his/her psychological contract with the organisation.
Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Fercher A.F. , Sander Birgit , Jørgensen Thomas Martini , Andersen Peter E.
Published: September 2009

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a technique that is used to peer inside a body noninvasively. Tissue structure defined by tissue absorption and scattering coefficients, and the speed of blood flow, are derived from the characteristics of light remitted by the body. Singly backscattered light detected by partial coherence interferometry (PCI) is used to synthesize the tomographic image coded in false colors. A prerequisite of this technique is a low time‐coherent but high space‐coherent light source, for example, a superluminescent diode or a supercontinuum source. Alternatively, the imaging technique can be realized by using ultrafast wavelength scanning light sources. For tissue imaging, the light source wavelengths are restricted to the red and near‐infrared (NIR) region from about 600 to 1300 nm, the so‐called therapeutic window, where absorption (μa ≈ 0.01 mm−1) is small enough. Transverse resolution in OCT is diffraction limited, as in conventional imaging; depth resolution is limited by the coherence length of the light. Both figures are of the order of micrometers. Velocity resolution is of the order of 0.1 mm s−1. Several instruments are commercially available. At present, OCT is mainly used in the medical field, in particular, in ophthalmology. Owing to the high transmissivity of ocular media, the depth penetration is considerable. Corresponding applications in dermatology are somewhat hindered by the strong scattering of epidermic tissue (μs ≈ 102 mm−1). As OCT provides images with a resolution comparable to conventional histology, but in real time, it can be used as a biopsy technique in a wide range of biological systems to detect diseases. These include the tomographic imaging of the internal microstructure of in vivo atherosclerotic plaques, the tomographic real‐time diagnostics for intraoperative monitoring, and in microsurgical intervention. Optical biopsy based on OCT also provides diagnostic information by differentiating the architectural morphology of urological tissue, gastrointestinal tissue, and respiratory tissue.
Airborne Instrumentation for Aerosol Measurements
Authors: Stefanutti Leopoldo , Di Donfrancesco Guido , Cairo Francesco
Published: September 2009

This article gives a description of airborne and balloon‐borne instrumentation for the measurement of microphysical properties and the chemical composition of aerosol and cloud particles. Different techniques are described. In particular, the instrumentation is subdivided into two broad categories: remote sensing instrumentation and in situ instrumentation. In the first category are instrumentation like cloud RADARs (radio detection and ranging), LIDARs (light detection and ranging), backscatter sondes, limb, and occultation aerosol detection devices. They can determine the microphysical properties of the aerosols and, only with complex a priori assumptions, their chemical composition. Among the in situ instrumentation, for example, optical particle counters (OPC), condensation particle counters (CPC) determine the microphysical properties of aerosols, whereas their chemical composition is determined by means of mass spectrometers, and the counterflow virtual impactor (CVI) technique associated with tunable diode laser and Lyman‐α spectrometers.
Biological Samples in Environmental Analysis: Preparation and Cleanup
Authors: Kero Frank A. , Barr Dana B. , Blount Benjamin C. , Mawhinney Douglas B.
Published: September 2009

The characterization of biological systems on a molecular level has led to sweeping developments in industries including pharmaceuticals, consumer product manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. The integrity of the sample preparation process is critical for development and discovery efforts in these fields. The art of biological sample preparation is in a perpetual state of evolution where boundaries and limitations reflect the sophistication of contemporary technology. Historical methods required laborious multistep procedures that resulted in analytical measurements with limited throughput and poor detection limits due to analyte losses. Present efforts in the scientific community are moving toward automated methods that require minimal sample volume and minimal sample cleanup. This change in the approach is due to the increasing selectivity of analytical systems that allow analyte separation and purification to be performed online with a variety of detectors. Trends of this nature are consistent with the so‐called “green chemistry” efforts, where less solvent consumption provides a more environmental friendly (and cost effective) platform for the next stage of development in this field. This article revisits historical approaches and describes current trends in the preparation of biological samples.
Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Chance Mark R. , Chang Jinsook , Schlatzer Daniela , Miyagi Masaru
Published: September 2009

Quantitative proteomics technologies have been evolving rapidly, but have reached a level of maturity where reliable results of well‐understood statistical significance can be expected from experiments intended to measure changes in protein abundance in paired samples of case versus control or in multiple comparison studies with substantial numbers of biological replicates and multiple treatments. This review provides an overview of the progress and challenges in the field and highlights specific methods to examine changes in protein abundance where the intact protein species are separated and quantified (top‐down proteomics) and where proteins are digested and separated and peptide abundance is quantified (bottom‐up or shotgun proteomics) to infer relative protein abundance. This paper provides specific examples of two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel‐based quantification along with shotgun methods using18O‐labeling and label‐free quantification methods. In each case, issues of sample numbers, target variance, sample prefractionation, and other considerations that are informative to the practical use of these techniques are highlighted. The future prospects of this field are bright, but the challenges of integrating the wealth of proteomics data available into an informative biological context remain an area of important future development.
Pharmaceuticals and Hormones in the Environment
Authors: Jones‐Lepp Tammy L , Alvarez David A , Englert Brian , Batt Angela L.
Published: September 2009

Some of the earliest initial reports from Europe and the United States demonstrated that a variety of pharmaceuticals and hormones could be found in surface waters, source waters, drinking water, and influents and effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). It is unknown though, at this time, what ecotoxicological effects can be had from pharmaceuticals and hormones that are essentially designed for one purpose (e.g., treatment of human and domestic livestock for illness and disease) and their possible adverse effects on terrestrial wildlife, aquatic organisms, bacteria, and ultimately humans, through unintentional environmental exposure.

One of the challenges the analytical chemistry community faces is the development of robust and standardized analytical methods and technologies that can easily be transferred to laboratories worldwide. While today's analysts can detect picograms per liter and nanograms per liter concentrations of numerous pharmaceuticals, hormones, and their metabolites, in a variety of environmental matrices, there are still analytical gaps that are necessary to fill. We hope that this article will add to the body of knowledge of environmental analytical chemistry techniques regarding pharmaceuticals and hormones, giving environmental scientists a good overview of those analytical techniques that are currently available, and where possible, of improvements and new methodologies that can be developed in support of this important, and relevant, environmental issue.
Membrane Techniques in Analytical Applications: Developments and Recent Advances
Authors: Pabby Anil Kumar , Sastre Ana Maria
Published: September 2009

The article first presents an overview of the various membrane‐based systems and their role in analytical applications. This is followed by a systematic review of the various membrane extraction methods used to determine various compounds in different matrices in chemical, environmental, and biological applications. The reviewed methods include supported liquid membrane (SLM) extraction, microporous membrane liquid‐liquid extraction (MMLLE), polymeric membrane extraction (PME), semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), membrane‐assisted sorbent extraction (MASE), membrane extraction with a sorbent interface (MESI), and membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS). Theory and principles, the possibility of combining membrane extraction methods with methods of final determination, and applications are discussed in detail. Emphasis is placed on the attractiveness of membrane‐based extraction techniques in terms of the challenging parameters and design aspects that must be considered when coupling membrane‐based extraction systems to on‐line or off‐line analytical systems. A section is devoted to familiarize analytical chemists who work with liquid samples with the practical aspects of the reviewed membrane extraction techniques. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques are discussed.
Distinguishing true from false memories in forensic contexts: Can phenomenology tell us what is real?
Authors: Marche Tammy A. , Brainerd C. J. , Reyna Valerie F.
Published: September 2009

We studied the extent to which subjective ratings of memory phenomenology discriminate true‐ and false‐memory responses, and whether degree of gist‐based processing influences false memory and phenomenology, in a classic forensic task, the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS). Participants heard a narrative of a robbery followed by suggestive questions about the content of the narrative. They were asked to rate the items they recognized as studied using the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ). Consistent with studies of word lists, there were phenomenological differences between true and false memory responses: memory phenomenology was richer for true than for false memories, which supports opponent‐process accounts of false memory such as fuzzy‐trace theory. Thus, phenomenology is a useful means for differentiating experienced from non‐experienced events in forensic contexts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of Various Ferromagnetic Nanotubes
Authors: Han Xiu‐Feng , Shamaila Shahzadi , Sharif Rehana , Chen Jun‐Yang , Liu Hai‐Rui , Liu Dong‐Ping
Published: September 2009

The structural and magnetic properties of ferromagnetic nanotubes fabricated by a low cost electrodeposition method are investigated. The fabrication of various elemental ferromagnetic materials are described, such as Fe, Co, and Ni, and ferromagnetic alloys, such as NiFe, CoPt, CoFeB, and CoCrPt nanotube arrays, in aluminum oxide templates and polycarbonate membranes with different diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths. The structural, magnetic, and magnetization reversal properties of these nanotubes are investigated as a function of the geometrical parameters. The angular dependence of the coercivity indicates a transition from the curling to the coherent mode for the ferromagnetic nanotubes. The results show that nanotube fabrication allows the outer and inner diameter, length, and thickness of the nanotubes to be tuned systematically. The magnetization processes of ferromagnetic nanotubes are influenced by the wall thickness.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Weiya , Bai Xuedong , Wang Enge , Xie Sishen
Published: September 2009

Great interest in single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) derives from their remarkable electrical, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties together with their lower density, which promise extensive and unique applications. Much progress has been achieved in the fundamental and applied investigations of SWCNTs over the past decade. At the same time, many obstacles still remain, hampering further development in this field. To clarify the emerging problems and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field, we review the recent progress of research on the synthesis, structure, and properties of SWCNTs, in particular the SWCNT non‐woven film, SWCNT rings, boron–nitrogen (B–N) co‐doped SWCNTs (BCN‐SWNTs), and individual SWCNTs. Some long‐standing problems and topics warranting further investigations in the near future are addressed.
CHM gene molecular analysis and X‐chromosome inactivation pattern determination in two families with choroideremia
Authors: Perez‐Cano Hector J. , Garnica‐hayashi Rosa E. , Zenteno Juan C.
Published: September 2009

Choroideremia is an X‐linked recessive retinal dystrophy characterized by progressive loss of the photoreceptor, the retinal pigment epithelium, and the choriocapillaris layers which ultimately can result in blindness by the fifth decade of life. The disease is caused by mutations in the gene CHM, which encodes a protein involved in the regulation of intracellular vesicular traffic. Typically, hemizygous males are affected by the disease and female carriers are asymptomatic with only a diffuse mottled pattern of hyperpigmentation on funduscopy. Uncommon instances of fully affected females have been described previously and these cases are proposed to arise from an skewed Lyonization mechanism preferentially inactivating the X chromosome carrying the normal CHM allele. In this work, the clinical and molecular features of two Mexican families with choroideremia are described. A novel and a previously described CHM mutation were identified. X‐chromosome inactivation assays were performed in a total of 12 heterozygous carriers from the two families. In an affected female from family A, a random X‐inactivation pattern was demonstrated; on the other hand, in a female carrier from family B displaying a conspicuous pattern of pigment epithelium mottling at the peripheral retina, a skewed X‐inactivation pattern was found. However, the X‐chromosome preferentially inactivated in this female was the one carrying the mutated allele. Our results add to the genotypic spectrum in choroideremia and does not support a correlation between X‐inactivation status and abnormal retinal phenotype in heterozygous female carriers from these two families. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Severe neonatal spondylometaphyseal dysplasia in two siblings
Authors: Czarny‐Ratajczak Malwina , Chrzanowska Krystyna , Bieganski Tadeusz , Sulko Jerzy , Baranska Dobromila , Kocyla‐Karczmarewicz Beata , Kuszel Lukasz , Jakubowski Lucjusz , Niedzielski Kryspin , Kozlowski Kazimierz
Published: September 2009

We report on two siblings with a severe neonatal form of spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (SMD). Similar cases have been reported in four publications. Analysis of pedigree data from the original and present families suggests an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, although parental gonadal mosaicism is also possible. The similarities in the phenotype between our patients and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEMDC) and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia Strudwick (SEMDS) type, indicated that these patients could have a defect in the COL2A1 gene. Molecular analysis of genomic DNA of these patients excluded this gene. Another potential candidate gene PTHR1, was also analyzed in the selected regions and no mutation was found. This gene is probably causative in the Jansen type of SMD, which shares some phenotypic features with the siblings whom we documented. Our results indicate that a new candidate gene for the reported form of SMD should be sought. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apparent third patient with cutaneous mastocytosis, microcephaly, conductive hearing loss, and microtia
Authors: Salpietro Carmelo Damiano , Briuglia Silvana , Cutrupi Maria Concetta , Gallizzi Romina , Rigoli Luciana , Dallapiccola Bruno
Published: September 2009

Mastocytosis refers to a heterogeneous group of rare disorders characterized by an abnormal accumulation of mast cells in one or more organ systems. Cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is the most frequent form in children and is characterized by hyperpigmented macules or papules symmetrically distributed over the trunk, and less so over the limbs, neck, and scalp. Two published articles have reported on unrelated girls presenting with mastocytosis, microcephaly, hearing loss, and hypotonia. Based on the original observation, this disorder was defined as CM with short stature, conductive hearing loss, and microtia (OMIM 248910). Here we report on a girl with similar manifestations who corroborates the existence of this rare disorder. CM, microcephaly, microtia, and/or hearing loss are the minimal diagnostic criteria. All the known patients were sporadic, but parental consanguinity in the first case argues for a possible autosomal‐recessive inheritance. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical variability of Waardenburg–Shah syndrome in patients with proximal 13q deletion syndrome including the endothelin‐B receptor locus
Authors: Tüysüz Beyhan , Collin Anna , Arapoğlu Müjde , Suyugül Nezir
Published: September 2009

Waardenburg–Shah syndrome (Waardenburg syndrome type IV‐WS4) is an auditory‐pigmentary disorder that combines clinical features of pigmentary abnormalities of the skin, hair and irides, sensorineural hearing loss, and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Mutations in the endothelin‐B receptor (EDNRB) gene on 13q22 have been found to cause this syndrome. Mutations in both alleles cause the full phenotype, while heterozygous mutations cause isolated HSCR or HSCR with minor pigmentary anomalies and/or sensorineural deafness. We investigated the status of the EDNRB gene, by FISH analysis, in three patients with de novo proximal 13q deletions detected at cytogenetic analysis and examined the clinical variability of WS4 among these patients. Chromosome 13q was screened with locus specific FISH probes and breakpoints were determined at 13q22.1q31.3 in Patients 1 and 3, and at 13q21.1q31.3 in Patient 2. An EDNRB specific FISH probe was deleted in all three patients. All patients had common facial features seen in proximal 13q deletion syndrome and mild mental retardation. However, findings related to WS4 were variable; Patient 1 had hypopigmentation of the irides and HSCR, Patient 2 had prominent bicolored irides and mild bilateral hearing loss, and Patient 3 had only mild unilateral hearing loss. These data contribute new insights into the pathogenesis of WS4. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skeletal abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1: Approaches to therapeutic options
Authors: Elefteriou Florent , Kolanczyk Mateusz , Schindeler Aaron , Viskochil David H. , Hock Janet M. , Schorry Elizabeth K. , Crawford Alvin H. , Friedman Jan M. , Little David , Peltonen Juha , Carey John C. , Feldman David , Yu Xijie , Armstrong Linlea , Birch Patricia , Kendler David L. , Mundlos Stefan , Yang Feng‐Chun , Agiostratidou Gina , Hunter‐Schaedle Kim , Stevenson David A.
Published: September 2009

The skeleton is frequently affected in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1, and some of these bone manifestations can result in significant morbidity. The natural history and pathogenesis of the skeletal abnormalities of this disorder are poorly understood and consequently therapeutic options for these manifestations are currently limited. The Children's Tumor Foundation convened an International Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Bone Abnormalities Consortium to address future directions for clinical trials in skeletal abnormalities associated with this disorder. This report reviews the clinical skeletal manifestations and available preclinical mouse models and summarizes key issues that present barriers to optimal clinical management of skeletal abnormalities in neurofibromatosis type 1. These concepts should help advance optimal clinical management of the skeletal abnormalities in this disease and address major difficulties encountered for the design of clinical trials. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detailed assessment of the ear in Cornelia de Lange syndrome: Comparison with a control sample using the new dysmorphology guidelines
Authors: Hunter Alasdair G.W. , Collins Julianne S. , Deardorff Matthew A. , Krantz Ian D.
Published: September 2009

The literature abounds with reports of malformation syndromes in which human external ears are variously described as dysplastic, abnormal, large/small, low set, typical, or in some way unusual. Rarely is the ear well illustrated or described in meaningful detail. With few exceptions, such as Down syndrome, there is no real understanding of the degree to which ear morphology is affected in a specific syndrome. This paper describes a retrospective attempt to apply the recently published Morphological Definitions of the ear to compare a control sample of convenience with a group of patients with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) (all six papers in this issue are available online, open access at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121641055/issue). Although this study has a number of limitations, it demonstrates that the method can be successfully applied and is capable of producing data that can be subjected to statistical analysis. The ears of the patients with CdLS were significantly different from the controls over a number of descriptors, the most significant of which included more frequent apparent posterior rotation, a shorter more serpiginous antihelical stem and sharper antihelical to inferior crus angle, a shorter crus helix, a more V‐shaped incisura, and a smaller lobe. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of injection‐homo‐polypropylene filled with nano‐CaCO3
Authors: Wang Wen‐Yi , Wang Guo‐Quan , Zeng Xiao‐Fei , Chen Jian‐Feng
Published: September 2009

Nano‐CaCO3/homo‐PP composites were prepared by melt‐blending using twin‐screw extruder. The results show that not only the impact property but also the bending modulus of the system have been evidently increased by adding nano‐CaCO3. The nano‐CaCO3 particles have been dispersed in the matrix in the nanometer scale which was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The toughening mechanism of nano‐CaCO3, investigated by means of dynamical mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), lies on that the nano‐CaCO3 particles take an action of initiating and terminating crazing (silver streak), which can absorb more impact energy than the neat PP. At the same time, the nano‐CaCO3 particles, as the nuclear, decrease the crystal size of PP, the results of which were investigated by means of polarized optical microscope (POM). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Thermoresponsive surface prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization directly from poly(vinylidene fluoride) for control of cell adhesion and detachment
Authors: Ke Zhenjiang , Dai Baihui , Li Liang , Yan Guoping , Zhou Dongshan
Published: September 2009

Thermoresponsive surface was prepared from commercial poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The direct initiation of the secondary fluorinated site of PVDF facilitated grafting of the N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer. The PVDF surfaces grafted with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) [P(NIPAAm)] were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Kinetics study revealed that the P(NIPAAm) chain growth from the PVDF surface was consistent with a “controlled” process. The temperature‐dependent swelling behavior of the surfaces in aqueous solution was studied by atomic force microscope. At 37°C [above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST, about 32°C) of NIPAAm], the seeded cells adhered and spread on the NIPAAm grafted PVDF surface. Below the LCST, the cells detached from the P(NIPAAm)‐grafted PVDF surface spontaneously. The thermoresponsive surfaces are potentially useful as stimuli‐responsive adhesion modifiers in the biomedical fields.© 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Controlling the structure of a porous polymer by coupling supercritical CO2 and single screw extrusion process
Authors: Nikitine Clémence , Rodier Elisabeth , Sauceau Martial , Letourneau Jean‐Jacques , Fages Jacques
Published: September 2009

A study on the extrusion of Eudragit E100 was carried out using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as plasticizer and foaming agent. ScCO2 modifies the rheological properties of the material in the barrel of the extruder and acts as a blowing agent during the relaxation when flowing through the die. For experiments, a single‐screw extruder was modified to be able to inject scCO2 within the extruded material. The aim is to determine a correlation between operating conditions and foam structure. The effect of three parameters was studied: the temperature in the die and in the metering zone, the screw speed, and the volumetric flow rate of CO2. An increase in temperature enhances the expansion rate and the average pore diameter and appears to be the most significant parameter. The effect of CO2 concentration is significant at small concentrations only: the higher the CO2 concentration, the lower the pore density and the higher both the pore diameter and the expansion rate. The effect of the screw speed is tricky because a variation of this speed involves a decrease of CO2 weight ratio. This study shows that the structure of the extrudates does not evolve with a coupling of screw speed increase and a subsequent CO2 weight ratio decrease. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Dynamic rheological behavior and morphology of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene octene) copolymer blends
Authors: Luo Wei‐Ang , Yi Guobin , Yang Jin , Liao Zhengfu , Chen Xudong , Mai Kancheng , Zhang Mingqiu
Published: September 2009

The dynamic rheology and morphology of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and maleic anhydride grafted poly(ethylene octene) composites were investigated. A specific viscoelastic phenomenon, that is, a second plateau, appeared at low frequencies and exhibited a certain dependence on the content of elastomer particles and the temperature. This phenomenon was attributed to the formation of an aggregation structure of rubber particles. The analyses of the dynamic viscoelastic functions suggested that the heterogeneity of the composites was enhanced as the particle content or temperature increased. The microstructural observation by scanning electron microscopy confirmed that maleic anhydride could react with the end groups of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) to form a stable interfacial layer and result in a smaller dispersed‐phase particle size due to the reduced interface tension. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Asymmetric bihomologous crosslinkers for bicomponent gels—The way to strongly increased elastic moduli
Authors: Demirgöz Döne , Navarro Rodrigo , Pérez Mónica , Reinecke Helmut , Gallardo Alberto
Published: September 2009

2‐Hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and acrylamide (AA) have been copolymerized via free radical mechanism, in the presence of 5 mol % of four different crosslinker systems, the symmetric ethylenglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA), bisacrylamide (BIS), a mixture of EGDMA and BIS, and the asymmetric acrylamideethylenmethacrylate (METAA). The polymerizations have been monitored with a rheometer, exhibiting the gel obtained with the asymmetric METAA, an elastic modulus that is dramatically increased compared with those of the gels prepared with the other three crosslinker systems. A kinetic analysis using the terminal model has been used to build probabilistic surfaces that give information about how the crosslinker is incorporated into the network. This analysis shows a high dissimilarity between the reactions using the asymmetric and the mixture of symmetric crosslinkers, what has been correlated to the difference in modulus. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of ionizing irradiation and blending of natural rubber latex on polyvinylalcohol gelation by using chemical and freezing–thawing processes for use in the field of construction engineering
Authors: El‐Nahas H. H. , Heba R. A. , Magida M. M.
Published: September 2009

The aim of this work is to study the gelation behavior of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and natural rubber latex (NRL) using two methods: The first was chemical gelation by adding sodium borate as a crosslinking to obtain a modeling clay gel able to draw easily under tension (using drum mill) or by using hand pressing. Irradiation was then applied at 2.5 Mrad to possess more crosslinking effect, where stable and rubbery‐gel shape in the dimension was obtained. The second method, where samples of liquid PVA were frozen and thawed for three consecutive cycles. The obtained gel was quite rubbery but completely soluble in hot water at 70°C. Irradiation was performed at 2.5 Mrad to produce a highly rubbery gel and resistant to boiled water. Also, blending of NRL with PVA induced a significant increase in gel‐elasticity and resistivity to boiled water. Factors affecting the properties of the prepared gel such as gel draw ability and gel strength were studied. The study was supported with thermal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the modification of PVA‐gel behavior through irradiation and blending with NRL processes. The results indicated that the PVA‐gel obtained by chemical method or blended with NRL through freezing–thawing gelation gave a superior ability for cement loading. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of syndiotacticity‐rich high molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol)/iodine polarizing film with high water resistance
Authors: Han Man Ho , Lyoo Won Seok
Published: September 2009

To enhance durability of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/iodine polarizing film under humid and warm atmospheres and to identify the effects of syndiotacticity on the polarizing efficiency (PE) and durability of PVA/iodine complex film, we prepared three high molecular weight (PVA)s with similar number‐average degree of polymerization (Pn) of 4000 and with different syndiotactic diad (s‐diad) contents of 53, 56, and 59%, respectively. It was found that syndiotacticity of PVA had a significant influence on the durability of PVA/iodine complex film in warm and humidity conditions (relative humidity of 80% and temperature of 50°C). That is, both desorption of iodine in PVA/iodine film and transmittance of film decreased with increasing syndiotacticity of PVA. In the case of PE, the values of over 99% were obtained at each optimum conditions. The change of PE (durability) of PVA/iodine complex films having Pn of 4000 and s‐diad contents of 56 and 59%, respectively, in warm and humidity conditions was almost zero, whereas those of PVA/iodine film with s‐diad content of 53% and with (Pn)s of 1700 and 4000 were about 60% and 50%, respectively, under same conditions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Photoactive antimicrobial agents/polyurethane finished leather
Authors: Hong Kyung Hwa , Sun Gang
Published: September 2009

To prepare antimicrobial coating on leather surfaces with high potency against microbes, photoactive agents such as benzophenone (BP) and rose bengal (RB) were incorporated into polyurethane‐based coating solutions, respectively, and then the BP or RB containing solutions were applied onto surfaces of leather by a painting method. The photoactive antimicrobial agents treated leather samples were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and antimicrobial tests. The treated‐leather samples demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity under fluorescent light as well as UVA light and also the antimicrobial ability showed the effective durability to abrasion and daylight. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Ferromagnetic NiII Discs
Authors: Scott Richard T. W. , Jones Leigh F. , Tidmarsh Ian S. , Breeze Barbara , Laye Rebecca H. , Wolowska Joanna , Stone Daniel J. , Collins Anna , Parsons Simon , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang , Aromí Guillem , McInnes Eric J. L. , Brechin Euan K.
Published: September 2009

A family of planar disc‐like hexa‐, octa‐ and decametallic NiII complexes exhibit dominant ferromagnetic exchange. The deca‐ and octametallic clusters [NiII10(tmp)2(N3)8(acac)6(MeOH)6] (1, H3tmp=1,1,1‐tris(hydroxymethyl)propane; acac=acetylacetonate) and [NiII8(thme)2(O2CPh)4(Cl)6(MeCN)6(H2O)2] (2, H3thme=1,1,1‐tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane) represent rare examples of NiII‐based single‐molecule magnets, and [NiII10] (1) possesses the largest barrier to magnetisation reversal of any NiII single‐molecule magnet to date.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of BaMg2Si2O7 and Eu2+ Luminescence.
Authors: Park Cheol‐Hee , Choi Yong‐Nam
Published: September 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.