bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Value of Enterprise for Disabled People
Authors: Anderson Maggie , Galloway Laura
Published: May 2012

The focus of this paper is on the role of enterprise training among disabled people. The authors first review the literature, in particular comparing work on the theoretical benefits of enterprise training provision for disabled people with empirical studies of enterprise training initiatives for disabled people in various countries. In the analysis, low social capital is implicated as a cause of much disadvantage in economic and social life among disabled people, and this is particularly pertinent in modern knowledge-based economies where responsibility for development in the lifelong learning agenda is devolved from governments to individuals, including disabled individuals. Following this, an investigation of one publicly funded initiative in Fife, Scotland, is conducted and this is used to inform a wider debate about the potential uses and value of enterprise training for disabled people in the current stratified socioeconomic milieu. The paper argues that there is potential for enterprise training to contribute on a wider basis than simply independent entrepreneurship promotion and that the research community therefore has an opportunity to engage with this broader agenda.
The Lavender Traveller
Authors: Kidney Etain , Manning Jennifer
Published: May 2012

The Lavender Traveller, an online gay travel site, is a micro-organization in the early stages of development. It was founded in 2010 by Elena Pavlou, a Greek Cypriot lesbian travel agent. Elena is facing numerous personal and professional issues in the development of her organization, including prejudice, strategic direction and the strain of having a personal relationship with a professional partner.
No Choices, No Chances: How Contemporary Enterprise Culture is Failing Britain's Underclasses
Authors: Smith Robert , Air Carol
Published: May 2012

Despite an increasing interest in minority entrepreneurship in recent years, the issue of ‘underclass entrepreneurship’ and its linkages to ‘enterprise culture’ remain underresearched. In this article, the authors examine ‘chavs’ as an indigenous British underclass. Using data gathered from an Internet search and newspaper cuttings, they examine how this silent ‘stereotyped’ and socially constructed minority is presented as dangerous and unemployable. In the process, they uncover hidden links between the underclass and enterprise culture, and analyse how entrepreneurship can help such minorities to achieve inclusivity via consideration of role theory and the power of narrative in initiating social transformation. This framework helps us to understand how it is possible to direct young, disadvantaged individuals towards an entrepreneurial career path via self-employment. The paper raises intriguing issues relating to youth employment and tells the story of how contemporary enterprise culture is failing one of Britain's silent minorities.
Existence of Alternate Steady States in a Phosphorous Cycling Model
Authors: Butler Dagny , Sasi Sarath , Shivaji R.
Published: May 2012

We analyze the positive solutions to the steady-state reaction diffusion equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions of the form: . Here, is the Laplacian of , is the diffusion coefficient, and are positive constants, and is a smooth bounded region with in . This model describes the steady states of phosphorus cycling in stratified lakes. Also, it describes the colonization of barren soils in drylands by vegetation. In this paper, we discuss the existence of multiple positive solutions leading to the occurrence of an S-shaped bifurcation curve. We prove our results by the method of subsuper solutions.
De la estetización de la política a la comunidad desobrada
Authors: Acosta María del Rosario , Quintana Laura
Published: May 2012

This article shows that the notion of an “aesthetization of politics” entails much more than the mere translation of aesthetic criteria into politics. The task of thinking about a non-aesthetiziced political realm, therefore, demands even more radical readings than those suggested, for instance, by the proposal of the “politicization of art.” Following Nancy, Lacoue-Labarthe and Esposito, we argue that an aesthetiziced notion of politics seeks to turn the political into a work of art. This idea has predominated through the western tradition since it is precisely in this context that community is understood as a “work” to be produced, as an activity proper to subjectivity (either individual or collective) that involves the “production” of its own essence. The article concludes that the urgent interruption of aesthetiziced politics demands a renewed consideration of our being-in-common, which takes into account the possibility of a radical alterity and our openness to finitude.
La gloria y el concepto de lo político en Giorgio Agamben
Authors: Galindo Hervás Alfonso
Published: May 2012

This article analyzes the concept of the political proposed by Giorgio Agamben in a genealogical study of the concepts of government and glory. To this end, it criticizes Agamben's proposal on two counts: its relevance from the perspective of conceptual history; and its deficiencies in terms philosophies, such as Hans Blumenberg's, that underline the importance of myths as a source of meaning and an indication of the human determination to survive.
Amyloid Directed Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanowires and Their Applications in Hybrid Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Bolisetty Sreenath , Adamcik Jozef , Heier Jakob , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: May 2012

This paper reports β‐lactoglobulin amyloid protein fibrils directed synthesis of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) hybrid nanowires. Protein fibrils act as templates to generate closely packed TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of the fibrils using titanium (IV) bis (ammonium lactato) dihydroxide (TiBALDH) as precursor, resulting in the TiO2–coated amyloid hybrid nanowires. These amyloid fibrils also exhibit complexation with a luminescent water‐soluble semiconductive polythiophene (P3HT). TiO2 nanowires behave as electron acceptor while, P3HT as electron donor. In this way, amyloid‐TiO2 hybrid nanowires can serve in heterojunction photovoltaic devices. To demonstrate this, a photovoltaic active layer is prepared by spin coating the blended mixture of polythiophene‐coated fibrils and amyloid‐TiO2 hybrid nanowires. The current–voltage characteristics of these photovoltaic devices exhibit excellent fill factor of 0.53, photovoltaic current density of 3.97 mA·cm−2 and power conversion efficiency of 0.72%, highlighting a possible future role for amyloid‐based templates in donor–acceptor devices, organic electronics and hybrid solar cells.
Multiobjective evolutionary optimization of batch process scheduling under environmental and economic concerns
Authors: Capón‐García Elisabet , Bojarski Aarón D. , Espuña Antonio , Puigjaner Luis
Published: May 2012

The simultaneous consideration of economic and environmental objectives in batch production scheduling is today a subject of major concern. However, it constitutes a complex problem whose solution necessarily entails production trade‐offs. Unfortunately, a rigorous multiobjective optimization approach to solve this kind of problem often implies high computational effort and time, which seriously undermine its applicability to day‐to‐day operation in industrial practice. Hence, this work presents a hybrid optimization strategy based on rigorous local search and genetic algorithm to efficiently deal with industrial scale batch scheduling problems. Thus, a deeper insight into the combined environmental and economic issues when considering the trade‐offs of adopting a particular schedule is provided. The proposed methodology is applied to a case study concerning a multiproduct acrylic fiber production plant, where product changeovers influence the problem results. The proposed strategy stands for a marked improvement in effectively incorporating multiobjective optimization in short‐term plant operation. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 429–444, 2013
Analyzing transformation of myelodysplastic syndrome to secondary acute myeloid leukemia using a large patient database
Authors: Shukron Ofir , Vainstein Vladimir , Kündgen Andrea , Germing Ulrich , Agur Zvia
Published: May 2012

One‐third of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) progress to secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML), with its concomitant poor prognosis. Recently, multiple mutations have been identified in association with MDS‐to‐sAMLtransition, but it is still unclear whether all these mutations are necessary for transformation. If multiple independent mutations are required for the transformation, sAML risk should increase with time from MDS diagnosis. In contrast, if a single critical biological event determines sAML transformation; its risk should be constant in time elapsing from MDS diagnosis. To elucidate this question, we studied a database of 1079 patients with MDS. We classified patients according to the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), using either the French‐American‐British (FAB) or the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and statistically analyzed the resulting transformation risk curves of each group. The risk of transformation after MDS diagnosis remained constant in time within three out of four risk groups, and in all four risk groups, when patients were classified according to FAB or to the WHO‐determined criteria, respectively. Further subdivision by blast percentage or cytogenetics had no influence on this result. Our analysis suggests that a single random biological event leads to transformation to sAML, thus calling for the exclusion of time since MDS diagnosis from the clinical decision‐making process. Am. J. Hematol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffuse pattern of bone marrow involvement on magnetic resonance imaging is associated with high risk cytogenetics and poor outcome in newly diagnosed, symptomatic patients with multiple myeloma: A single center experience on 228 patients
Authors: Moulopoulos Lia A. , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Kastritis Efstathios , Christoulas Dimitrios , Gkotzamanidou Maria , Roussou Maria , Koureas Andreas , Migkou Magdalini , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Eleutherakis‐Papaiakovou Evangelos , Gika Dimitra , Koutoulidis Vasilios , Terpos Evangelos
Published: May 2012

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and specific cytogenetic abnormalities offer important prognostic information for myeloma patients. However, limited data are available about the association between cytogenetic abnormalities and MRI patterns of marrow infiltration. To address this issue, we analyzed 228 consecutive newly diagnosed, symptomatic patients who were diagnosed and treated in a single center. On bone marrow MR images, 95 (41%) patients had diffuse, 94 (41%) had focal, 35 (15%) were normal, and 4 (1.7%) patients had variegated pattern of marrow infiltration. High risk cytogenetics were more commonly observed with diffuse MRI pattern (50% vs. 31% in focal and normal patterns). Patients with diffuse MRI pattern had poorer survival compared to others and responded better to novel agent‐based therapies than to conventional chemotherapy (objective response: 88% vs. 46%, P < 0.001). There was a significant improvement of patients' survival with a diffuse MRI pattern when treated upfront with novel agents compared to conventional chemotherapy (47 vs. 24 months; P < 0.001). Diffuse MRI pattern along with ISS‐3 and high risk cytogenetics could identify a very high risk group of patients with extremely poor median survival (21 months) and an only 35% probability of 3‐year OS. Our study shows that symptomatic myeloma patients with a diffuse MRI pattern at diagnosis very often show high risk cytogenetic abnormalities and are benefiting from upfront novel agent‐based therapies. Diffuse MRI pattern in combination with high risk cytogenetics and ISS‐3 can identify a subset of myeloma patients with very poor prognosis who may need innovative treatment strategies and possibly more aggressive therapies. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elevated pretreatment serum levels of interferon‐inducible protein‐10 (CXCL10) predict disease relapse and prognosis in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Ansell Stephen M. , Maurer Matthew J. , Ziesmer Steven C. , Slager Susan L. , Habermann Thomas M. , Link Brian K. , Witzig Thomas E. , Macon William R. , Dogan Ahmet , Cerhan James R. , Novak Anne J.
Published: May 2012

Although standard clinical prognostic factors predict outcome in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), predicting the outcome of patients might be further refined using biological factors. We tested whether serum cytokines could provide prognostic information in DLBCL patients. Thirty cytokines were measured in pretreatment samples from newly diagnosed DLBCL patients using a multiplex ELISA. Sixty‐nine patients treated with R‐CHOP plus epratuzumab were used in an initial cohort and 185 patients treated with standard R‐CHOP served as a subsequent validation cohort. In the initial cohort, elevated serum interleukin‐10 [IL‐10; hazard ratio (HR) = 6.6, P = 0.022], granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (HR = 10.8, P= 0.027) and IP‐10 (interferon‐inducible protein‐10, CXCL10; HR = 3.32, P = 0.015) were associated with event‐free survival (EFS). An identical analysis of the subsequent validation cohort confirmed that elevated serum levels of IP‐10 were strongly associated with a poor EFS (HR = 2.42, P = 0.0007); and also identified interleukin‐8 (IL‐8; HR = 3.40, P = 0.00002) and interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R, CD25; HR = 2.59, P = 0.0012) as significantly associated with prognosis. The prognostic significance of elevated IP‐10 remained significant after adjustment for the International Prognostic Index (EFS − HR 1.99, P = 0.009, overall survival‐HR 1.93, P = 0.021). Elevated pretreatment serum IP‐10 levels are therefore associated with an increased likelihood of disease relapse and an inferior survival in patients with DLBCL. Am. J. Hematol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: Risk stratified approach with a long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Zuckerman Tsila , Katz Tamar , Haddad Nuhad , Fineman Riva , Dann Eldad J. , Avivi Irit , Ofran Yishai , Gavish Israel , Faibish Tal , Sahar Dvora , Hertz Eti , Sabo Edmond , Reisner Yair , Rowe Jacob M.
Published: May 2012

The use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was almost abandoned in recent years for very effective targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, approximately one third of patients still need another treatment including SCT. 38 consecutive CML patients were treated (most in preimatinib era) with allogeneic SCT, using partial T cell depletion (TCD) and preemptive donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), without post‐transplant graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Conditioning included busulfan, cyclophosphamide, antithymocytic globulin, and fludarabine followed by donor stem cell transfusion. With a median follow up of 90.5 months (1–134), 32 patients are alive. 97% engrafted. 5‐year leukemia free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were 78.95% and 84.2%, respectively. All patients are in major molecular remission and 78% in complete molecular remission. Transplant‐related mortality (TRM) was 13%. Twenty‐four patients received DLI for residual disease. Acute GvHD, mostly Grades I‐II, occurred in 18% of patients post‐transplant and in 24% of patients receiving DLI. In conclusion, the risk‐adapted approach using only partial TCD and preemptive escalated dose of DLI precluded the need for immunosuppressive medications and reduced the risk of significant GvHD without compromising engraftment and long‐term disease control. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salivary gland pathology as a new finding in Treacher Collins syndrome
Authors: Østerhus Ingvild N. , Skogedal Nina , Akre Harriet , Johnsen Ulf L‐H. , Nordgarden Hilde , Åsten Pamela
Published: May 2012

In our clinical experience, individuals with Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) present with more complaints of oral dryness and higher caries activity than seen in the general population. A literature review identified no reports of salivary gland pathology and glandular dysfunction associated with TCS. Twenty‐one Norwegian individuals with TCS underwent ultrasound examinations and salivary secretion tests of the submandibular and parotid glands. Intraglandular architecture patterns were analyzed and subsequently classified as either normal, dysplastic, or aplastic. The results were compared with salivary secretion rates and subjective reports of oral dryness. Ultrasound examination revealed pathological appearance of the salivary glands in approximately half (48%) of the individuals, with dysplasia identified in six (29%) participants and aplasia in four (19%). Almost all participants had co‐existing low salivary secretion rates. A few individuals had low salivary secretion rates despite normal appearance of the salivary gland tissue on ultrasound examination. Subjective experience of oral dryness did not correlate significantly with low salivary secretion rates. We conclude that mild to severe salivary gland pathology and dysfunction can be associated with TCS. Further investigation is needed to clarify this association. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetric polymicrogyria and periventricular nodular heterotopia due to mutation in ARX
Authors: Oegema Renske , Maat‐Kievit Anneke , Lequin Maarten H. , Schot Rachel , Nanninga‐ van den Neste Veerle M.H. , Doornbos Marianne E. , de Wit Marie C.Y. , Halley Dicky J. , Mancini Grazia M.S.
Published: May 2012

Mutations in the ARX gene, at Xp22.3, cause several disorders, including infantile spasms, X‐linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia (XLAG), callosal agenesis and isolated intellectual disability. Genotype/phenotype studies suggested that polyalanine tract expansion is associated with non‐malformative phenotypes, while missense and nonsense mutations cause cerebral malformations, however, patients with structural normal brain and missense mutations have been reported. We report on a male patient born with cleft lip and palate who presented with infantile spasms and hemiplegia. MRI showed agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC), an interhemispheric cyst, periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH), and extensive left frontal polymicrogyria (PMG). Sequencing of the ARX gene in the patient identified a six basepair insertion (c.335ins6, exon 2). The insertion leads to a two‐residue expansion of the first polyalanine tract and was described previously in a family with non‐syndromic X‐linked mental retardation. To our knowledge, ARX mutation causing PMG and PVNH is unique, but the spasms and ACC are common in ARX mutations. Clinicians should be aware of the broad clinical range of ARX mutations, and further studies are necessary to investigate the association with PMG and PVNH and to identify possible modifying factors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth hormone secretion and its effect on height in pediatric patients with different genotypes of Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Oto Yuji , Obata Kazuo , Matsubara Keiko , Kozu Yuki , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Sakazume Satoru , Yoshino Atsunori , Murakami Nobuyuki , Ogata Tsutomu , Nagai Toshiro
Published: May 2012

There have been multiple reports regarding the growth hormone (GH) secretion in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). However, none have compared GH secretion in children with deletion group to those with maternal uniparental disomy (UPD). We evaluated the GH secretion in pediatric patients with PWS. Seventy‐six patients with a deletion (n = 55) or UPD (n = 21) were studied. The secretion of GH by insulin stimulation in the patients with UPD (3.6 ± 2.2 ng/ml) was significantly lower than those with deletions (peak GH level: 11.1 ± 8.6 ng/ml; P = 0.0013). We also compared the response to GH replacement therapy. Yearly improvements in height standard deviation score (SDS) were similar in the two groups (first year SDS: 0.47 ± 0.47, deletion; 0.68 ± 0.26, UPD; P = 0.14). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic‐induced coil‐globule transition for polyelectrolytes
Authors: Yuan Bin , He Linli , Zhang Linxi
Published: May 2012

The effects of an applied magnetic field on the system composed of polyelectrolytes (PEs) and magnetic nanoparticles oppositely charged are studied by means of Monte Carlo method within the framework of “single‐site bond fluctuation model.” For a certain concentration of chains, the coil‐globule transition can be induced by the applied magnetic field. The mean‐square end‐to‐end distance and gyration radius as well as the shape factor of PE chains are used to characterize the conformational transitions. The statistical analysis of the system energy demonstrates this significant physical process. The role of entropy‐energy balance is well‐understood for different chain lengths, and a typical phase‐transition anomaly concerned with specific heat curve is observed. Under a certain magnetic field, the PE chains will regularly collapse due to the enough adsorption of magnetic particles. The magnetic particles exhibit peculiar spatial distribution at high magnetic fields: the string‐like arrangement along the magnetic field and the square lattice‐like arrangement perpendicular to the magnetic field. The applied magnetic field has a great influence on the length of string‐like structures formed by nanoparticles. This investigation may cast light on the collapse of PEs and provide a promising method for producing new nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Novel polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane‐substituted dendritic polyester tougheners for linear thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Spoljaric Steven , Shanks Robert A.
Published: May 2012

Boltorn hyperbranched aliphatic polyesters were functionalized with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and incorporated into linear thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Increasing POSS‐functionalized Boltorn concentration led to an increase in agglomerate size and frequency, due to interactions between POSS molecules. The Boltorn dendrimer primarily influenced the morphology of the blends. Blends displayed enhanced thermal stability, due to restrictions on chain segmental motions imparted by the Boltorn and thermal shielding by POSS. Increasing the blend concentration resulted in higher tensile modulus and strength, while ductility decreased due to increased rigidity. Creep deformation decreased and permanent deformation increased with increased Boltorn content, while E′, E″, and Tg values all increased. TPU blended with higher generation functionalized‐Boltorn displayed superior thermal and mechanical properties than those containing lower generation dendrimer, due to enhanced interaction and restrictions on TPU chain segments. Both the Boltorn and POSS contributed to material properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Acetylated microfibrillated cellulose as a toughening agent in poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Bulota Mindaugas , Kreitsmann Kätlin , Hughes Mark , Paltakari Jouni
Published: May 2012

Composites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and acetylated microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) were prepared by a solvent casting technique. MFC, mechanically isolated from never‐dried bleached birch Kraft pulp, was used as a reinforcement. The acetylation reaction was carried out at 105°C in toluene and proved to be an effective way of increasing the dispersion of MFC in a nonpolar solution of PLA in chloroform. The maximum acetyl content (10.3%) was achieved after 30 min of reaction time. This could be translated to a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.43. The acetylation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MFC with a higher DS exhibited a more pronounced effect on the properties of PLA. Mechanical testing showed that Young's modulus increased by approximately 70% and the tensile strength increased by approximately 60% at a fiber weight fraction of 20%. At an MFC loading of 10 wt %, the strain at break and toughness, expressed as the work of fracture, increased by around 500%. The Young's modulus increased by approximately 15%, whereas the tensile strength remained the same. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2012
Sequential homo‐interpenetrating polymer networks of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate): Synthesis, characterization, and calcium uptake
Authors: Chirila Traian V. , George Karina A. , Abdul Ghafor Wael A. , Pas Steven J. , Hill Anita J.
Published: May 2012

Formation of homo‐interpenetrating polymer networks (homo‐IPNs) of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and their capacity for calcification are investigated. A sequential method is established to generate IPNs of rank I and II, containing two or three crosslinked networks. Although the networks are chemically identical, thermo‐mechanical analysis (DSC, DMA) suggests some phase separation. Calcification of PHEMA hydrogels, thought to be controlled by the free volume pathways accessible to calcium ions, is investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and experimental calcium deposition. While calcium uptake is reduced in IPNs, the size of the free volume elements estimated by PALS remain constant at radii of 2.6 Å (dry) and 2.9 Å (hydrated), both in PHEMA and IPNs. The reduction of calcium uptake cannot be therefore associated with the size reduction of the angstrom‐size free volume elements detectable by PALS, and is attributed to the effect of chain packing on pores too large to be detected by PALS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Low methanol permeable sulfonated poly(ether imide)/sulfonated multiwalled carbon nanotube membrane for direct methanol fuel cell
Authors: Heo Yusun , Yun Sungjin , Im Hyungu , Kim Jooheon
Published: May 2012

A novel organic/inorganic composite membrane synthesized with sulfonated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (s‐MWNTs) and sulfonated polyetherimide (s‐PEI) is prepared for use in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). A solution casting method was used to prepare s‐MWNT/s‐PEI membranes (SPEI membranes) with various s‐MWNT contents. This composite membrane showed not only low methanol crossover and water swelling but also enhanced mechanical properties. The IEC and proton conductivity of SPEI membranes were increased by incrementing their s‐MWNT content. This is because the number of sulfonic acid groups (SO3−) increases as s‐MWNTs are added. The water uptake of SPEI membranes increased as s‐MWNT content was increased due to the hydrogen bonded interaction between sulfonic groups and carboxylic groups in s‐MWNTs and water molecules. However, the water uptake of SPEI membranes is remarkably low, compared with Nafion membranes. The methanol permeability of the SPEI membranes (8.8 × 10−8 cm2 s−1) in this study was also lower than that of the Nafion membrane. Therefore, SPEI membranes were expected to have potential applications in DMFCs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Periodic crazing on polymethylmethacrylate film by localized bending
Authors: Naito Keishi , Takeno Akiyoshi , Miwa Minoru
Published: May 2012

Crazing was induced on a polymethylmethacrylate film using an original, low‐cost, simple process in which the film was bent using a wedge‐shaped plate (referred to herein as a crazing edge, or an edge). In this process, stress concentration and stress opening occur spontaneously by feeding the film past the edge, and crazing is periodically induced (periodic craze). The craze interval, width, and depth depend on the localized bending conditions at the tip of the edge. Two different types of crazing mechanism were suggested. It was assumed that the films were either crazed by bending along the tip of the edge or by bending according to the curvature induced by the three‐point bending system. The calculated maximum stress determined by the three‐point bending process and the experimental values of the craze interval and width showed similar tendencies. These results suggested that the craze depth could be determined using this bending process and known mechanical properties and crazing conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation of micrometer‐sized, multifunctional capsule particles for cosmetic by microsuspension polymerization utilizing the self‐assembling of phase separated polymer method
Authors: Nakai Shiro , Akiyoshi Mina , Okubo Masayoshi
Published: May 2012

Micrometer‐sized polymer particles with encapsulated ultraviolet (UV) absorbent, fluorescent agent, and blue pigment were successfully prepared by microsuspension polymerization utilizing the Self‐assembling of Phase Separated Polymer method. The particles were characterized by optical microscope and particle size distribution analysis, and they were evaluated on their usefulness for cosmetic using UV spectrometry, colorimetry, VISIA™ Evolution, and bioassay. The capsule particles had multifunctional properties, which are very attractive in the cosmetic field, especially in whitening, brightening, the improvement of face‐texture, and less noticeable pores in face, as well as the protection from UV. Moreover, bioactivities of the particles under the UV irradiation, which were examined with the films prepared from capsule components, revealed not only makeup effect but also the activation of human epidermal keratinocytes. The results suggest the importance of blue light in the field of cosmetics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis of a novel chelating resin functionalized with β‐dicarbonyl units from a new monomer and its use for selective separation and preconcentration of some trace metals in water samples
Authors: Üngören Şevket Hakan , Kartal Şenol
Published: May 2012

A new chelating resin, poly(4‐ethoxy‐2,4‐dioxobutyl 2‐methylacrylate), functionalized with β‐dicarbonyl units derived from a newly synthesized monomer was prepared and characterized with molecular spectroscopic methods. The synthesized polymer was used for the separation and preconcentration of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II) ions before their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of different parameters, such as pH of sample solution, sample and eluent flow rates, volumes of sample and eluent, concentration and type of eluent, and matrix ions on quantitative recovery of the analytes were evaluated for optimal experimental conditions. The adsorption capacities of the chelating resin for cobalt(II) and nickel(II) were found to be 24.2 and 19.8 mg g−1, respectively. Validation studies for the proposed method were performed using three certified reference materials, and the results obtained were agreed with those of the certified values. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of water samples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Semicontinuous heterophase copolymerization of vinyl acetate and butyl acrylate
Authors: Ovando‐Medina Víctor M. , Díaz‐Flores Paola E. , Peralta René D. , Mendizábal Eduardo , Cortez‐Mazatan Gladis Y.
Published: May 2012

Vinyl acetate (VAc) and butyl acrylate (BuA) were copolymerized in heterophase by a semicontinuous process (unseeded) and compared with the seeded semicontinuous microemulsion polymerization of the same monomers. A mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and poly(ethylene oxide) dodecyl ether (Brij‐35®) were used as surfactants. The effects of monomer addition rate (Ra) and surfactants concentrations (4 or 1 wt % with respect to the initial mixture of reaction) on polymer and latex properties were studied. High copolymer content latexes (24–36 wt %) with average particle diameters (Dp) from 38 to 55 nm and relatively narrow particle size distributions, high polymerization rates, weight ratios of polymer to surfactant (P/S) from 13.3 to 32.8 were obtained. The number‐average molecular weights (Mn) were between 96,000 and 188,000 g/mol. Homogeneous copolymer compositions were obtained throughout the reaction for both, seeded and unseeded processes, which is not possible by the usual batch microemulsion process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Doped polyaniline in Brønsted acid ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis[trifluoromethyl(sulfonyl)]imide/bis[trifluoromethyl(sulfonyl)]imide
Authors: Margaretta Evan , Olmeda Chris , Yu Lei
Published: May 2012

We report the preparation and characterization of doped polyaniline (PANI) in an ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis[trifluoromethyl(sulfonyl)]imide (BMImTFSI) medium. Aniline monomer was chemically polymerized via oxidation with KMnO4 in an ionic liquid BMImTFSI solution containing a monoprotic Brønsted acid bis[trifluoromethyl(sulfonyl)]imide (HTFSI). HTFSI is the source of proton that doped PANI. The identity of PANI as the reaction product was confirmed with both ultraviolet–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Unlike syntheses in aqueous media, the doped PANI did not readily precipitate from the ionic liquid; a transparent and stable green solution‐like liquid dispersion was obtained (dispersion is used to refer the product hereafter). PANI precipitated when dedoped with organic bases such as triethylamine. The PANI precipitate can be redoped by HCl and the so‐doped PANI has conductivity of about 2.0 × 10−2 S/cm. The liquid dispersion of doped PANI in the ionic liquid can be diluted by many organic solvents or other ionic liquids to diluted “solutions.” © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Long‐term development of thermophysical and mechanical properties of cold‐curing structural adhesives due to post‐curing
Authors: Moussa Omar , Vassilopoulos Anastasios P. , Castro Julia de , Keller Thomas
Published: May 2012

The long‐term changes in the thermophysical and mechanical properties of a cold‐curing structural epoxy adhesive were investigated by accelerating the curing reaction by post‐curing at elevated temperatures. Experimental data concerning the glass transition temperature for periods of up to 7 years and tensile strength and stiffness measurements could be extrapolated for a period of up to 17 years. An existing model for the long‐term development of concrete properties was modified for the prediction of the long‐term mechanical properties of adhesives. The applicability of the acceleration procedure and the new model was confirmed by several verification procedures. Structural adhesives exhibit significant increases in glass transition temperature, strength and stiffness over the long term provided that joints are adequately sealed and protected from humidity and UV radiation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Stem cells: A view from the roots
Authors: Somorjai Ildiko M. L. , Lohmann Jan U. , Holstein Thomas W. , Zhao Zhong
Published: May 2012

In both plants and animals, regeneration requires the activation of stem cells. This is possibly related to the origin and requirements of multicellularity. Although long diverged from a common ancestry, plant and animal models such as Arabidopsis, Drosophila and mouse share considerable similarities in stem cell regulation. This includes stem cell niche organisation, epigenetic modification of DNA and histones, and the role of small RNA machinery in differentiation and pluripotency states. Dysregulation of any of these can lead to premature ageing, patterning and specification defects, as well as cancers. Moreover, emerging basal animal and plant systems are beginning to provide important clues concerning the diversity and evolutionary history of stem cell regulatory mechanisms in eukaryotes. This review provides a comparative framework, highlighting both the commonalities and differences among groups, which should promote the intelligent design of artificial stem cell systems, and thereby fuel the field of biomaterials science.
Modest seductiveness: Reconciling modesty and vanity by reverse assimilation and double resistance
Authors: Sobh Rana , Belk Russell William , Gressel Justin
Published: May 2012

We study conflicting notions of modesty and vanity in the Arab Gulf region by focusing on contemporary female adornment practices and the tensions underlying them. The standard of modest traditional dress that women are expected to adhere to in Gulf countries is intended to conceal their sexuality and promote public virtue. Nevertheless, emerging bodily adornment practices in the region serve the contradictory purposes of emphasizing female sexuality and celebrating fashion. By using insights from observations and depth interviews with young Qatari and Emirati women, we explore the dynamics underlying the conflicting imperatives of modesty and vanity and examine how they reconcile these contradictions in constructing their identities as women, Muslims, Qataris, and Emiratis. We find that the concepts of reverse assimilation and double resistance are most useful in understanding responses to these conflicting imperatives among young Gulf women. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Succinobucol‐eluting stents increase neointimal thickening and peri‐strut inflammation in a porcine coronary model
Authors: Watt Jonathan , Kennedy Simon , McCormick Christopher , Agbani Ejaife O. , McPhaden Allan , Mullen Alexander , Czudaj Peter , Behnisch Boris , Wadsworth Roger M. , Oldroyd Keith G.
Published: May 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of stent‐based delivery of succinobucol alone and in combination with rapamycin in a porcine coronary model. Background: Current drugs and polymers used to coat coronary stents remain suboptimal in terms of long term efficacy and safety. Succinobucol is a novel derivative of probucol with improved antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.

Methods

Polymer‐free Yukon stents were coated with 1% succinobucol (SucES), 2% rapamycin (RES), or 1% succinobucol plus 2% rapamycin solutions (SucRES) and compared with a bare metal stent (BMS).

Results

The in vivo release profile of SucES indicated drug release up to 28 days (60% drug released at 7 days); 41 stents (BMS, n = 11; SucES, n =10; RES, n = 10; SucRES, n = 10) were implanted in the coronary arteries of 17 pigs. After 28 days, mean neointimal thickness was 0.31 ± 0.14 mm for BMS, 0.51 ± 0.14 mm for SucES, 0.19 ± 0.11 mm for RES, and 0.36 ± 0.17 mm for SucRES (P < 0.05 for SucES vs. BMS). SucES increased inflammation and fibrin deposition compared with BMS (P < 0.05), whereas RES reduced inflammation compared with BMS (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this model, stent‐based delivery of 1% succinobucol using a polymer‐free stent platform increased neointimal formation and inflammation following coronary stenting. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Left ventricular guidewire pacing for transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Guérios Ênio E. , Wenaweser Peter , Meier Bernhard
Published: May 2012

Previous reports prove the safety and efficacy of cardiac pacing employing a guidewire in the left ventricle as unipolar pacing electrode. We describe the use of left ventricular guidewire pacing as an alternative to conventional transvenous temporary right ventricular pacing in the context of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute and medium‐term outcomes of endovascular therapy of obstructive disease of diverse etiology of the common femoral artery
Authors: Dattilo Philip B. , Tsai Thomas T. , Kevin Rogers R. , Casserly Ivan P.
Published: May 2012

Background

Common femoral endarterectomy is regarded as the standard revascularization strategy for the treatment of common femoral artery (CFA) disease. The availability of a variety of endovascular tools has resulted in an increased number of patients with CFA disease being treated using an endovascular strategy. We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes in a contemporary series of patients who were treated for CFA disease using an endovascular‐first approach.

Methods

All patients with obstructive CFA disease who were treated using endovascular therapy were retrospectively identified from a peripheral interventional database. Baseline patient characteristics, anatomic details, procedural data, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves for mortality, amputation‐free survival, and primary and secondary patency were generated.

Results

Between 2006 and 2011, a total of 30 patients underwent 31 CFA procedures. The primary etiologies of CFA obstruction were atherosclerosis (58%), access‐site‐related complication (32%), and thromboembolism (10%). Patients presented with severe claudication (60%), critical limb ischemia (13%), or acute limb ischemia (27%). The procedure was technically successful in 90% of cases with major complications in two (7%) patients. There was no procedure‐related mortality. The KM estimate of survival and amputation‐free survival at 1 year was 96% (±4%) and 96% (±4%), respectively. In those patients who had a successful revascularization, the overall 1‐year estimate for primary and secondary patency was 88% (±6) and 92% (±5%), respectively. There was a nonsignificant trend toward lower patency in patients treated for atherosclerotic disease compared to those with access‐site‐related complications and thromboembolic disease at 2‐year follow‐up (76 vs. 100%, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Endovascular therapy for treatment of obstructive disease of the CFA is associated with a high rate of acute technical success. Primary patency rates in the cohort treated for access‐site‐related complications and thromboembolic disease are excellent and support an endovascular‐first approach for this patient subset. Based on lower patency rates, surgical endarterectomy for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease in the CFA remains the gold standard in patients with normal surgical risk. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Approaches for dislodged stent retrieval during transradial percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Kwan Tak W. , Chaudhry Muhammad , Huang Yili , Liou Michael , Wong Sally , Zhou Xuanjing , Pancholy Samir , Patel Tejas
Published: May 2012

Transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with a lower incidence of major access site related complications. With the increased implementation of transradial approach in complex PCI, stent dislodgement is unavoidable in any interventionalists' career. Stent retrieval is different in a transradial approach as compared to a transfemoral approach because of the former's smaller arterial size. In this review, we outline the different stent retrieval techniques with considerations from transradial access. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution and functional organization of glomeruli in the olfactory bulbs of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Braubach Oliver R. , Fine Alan , Croll Roger P.
Published: May 2012

The cover image shows the paired olfactory bulbs of an adult female zebrafish (Danio rerio). The image was obtained through a novel in toto immunohistochemistry protocol explained in Braubach, Fine and Croll in this issue. The tissue was labeled with antibodies against the molluscan blood protein, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (red), and the calcium binding protein, calretinin (green). Axons that enter the olfactory bulbs via the olfactory nerve (bottom) converge on different target areas, which differ in their neurochemistry and the numbers and morphologies of olfactory glomeruli contained within each region. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:2317–2339, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD): developing a tissue biobank for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Campbell‐Thompson Martha , Wasserfall Clive , Kaddis John , Albanese‐O'Neill Anastasia , Staeva Teodora , Nierras Concepcion , Moraski Jayne , Rowe Patrick , Gianani Roberto , Eisenbarth George , Crawford James , Schatz Desmond , Pugliese Alberto , Atkinson Mark
Published: May 2012

Background

The Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD) was established to recover and characterize pancreata and related organs from cadaveric organ donors with various risk levels for type 1 diabetes (T1D). These biospecimens are available to investigators for collaborative studies aimed at addressing questions related to T1D natural history and pathogenesis.

Research design and methods

Organ donors included T1D patients (new onset to long term), non‐diabetic autoantibody‐positive subjects, non‐diabetic controls and individuals with disorders relevant to β‐cell function. Pancreas recovery and transport met transplant‐grade criteria. Additional samples recovered included serum, whole blood, spleen and pancreatic and non‐pancreatic lymph nodes. Biospecimens were processed for cryopreserved cells, fixed paraffin and fresh frozen blocks and snap frozen samples. T1D autoantibodies, C‐peptide levels and high‐resolution HLA genotyping for risk alleles were also determined.

Results

Over 160 donors have been enrolled (ages of 1 day to >90 years). Standard operating procedures were established along with a quality management system. Donor demographics, laboratory assays and histopathological characterizations were shared through an open online informatics system. Biospecimens were distributed to more than 60 investigators.

Conclusions

The nPOD programme provides access to high quality biospecimens without cost to investigators. Collaborations and open data sharing are emphasized to maximize research potential of each donor. On the basis of initial successes, the nPOD programme is expanding to recover additional organs relevant to T1D pathogenesis and complications from European countries (PanFin network). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a Conceptual Framework for The Study of Shifts in Modes of Environmental Governance – Experiences From The Netherlands
Authors: Driessen Peter P. J. , Dieperink Carel , van Laerhoven Frank , Runhaar Hens A. C. , Vermeulen Walter J. V.
Published: May 2012

In the last decade, many authors have observed shifts from government to governance in the environmental policy domain. However, a clear conceptual framework to differentiate between modes of environmental governance is lacking and our understanding of when, how and why environmental governance changes from one mode to another is limited. In this paper we propose such a framework and we illustrate its usefulness by applying it to two environmental policy sectors in the Netherlands: urban environmental policy and policy regarding sustainable production and consumption. We show how the application of our framework leads to detailed, replicable and comparable claims about character and intensity of shifts in environmental governance. From this analysis, we conclude that character and intensity of shifts in environmental governance vary significantly. Furthermore, we show that modes of governance build on rather than completely replace one another. Finally, we point to a number of possible explanations for shifts in environmental governance, recognized in literature and in practice. We conclude with some suggestions for further research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.