bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MWCNTs as reinforcing agent to the Hap–Gel nanocomposite for artificial bone grafting
Authors: Yadav Santosh K. , Bera Tanmay , Saxena Preeti S. , Maurya Ashok K. , Garbyal Rajendra S. , Vajtai Robert , Ramachandrarao P. , Srivastava Anchal
Published: August 2009

The essence of this investigation is to explore MWCNTs as reinforcing agents to strengthen Hap–Gel nanocomposites for artificial bone grafting applications without significantly compromising their biocompatibility. Hap–Gelatin composites, reinforced with various proportions of MWCNTs, were synthesized to optimize the MWCNT content in the composites which yield commendable improvement in the strength. The morphological studies reveal that the MWCNTs act as templates for nucleation of Hap crystals. The biocompatibility of MWCNT reinforced Hap–Gelatin composites were evaluated in animal model through the histopathological investigation of tissues from skin, kidney, and liver. On histopathological examination, no noticeable alteration due to toxicity was found for lower concentration of MWCNTs. Mild reversible changes in the liver and tubular damage in kidney have been observed for higher concentration (4 wt % of MWCNTs). It can be inferred from the findings that MWCNTs, in proportions less than 4%, can successfully be used to reinforce the Hap–Gel nanocomposite to improve its mechanical properties. However, how safe would these CNT reinforced bone implants would be when used for prolonged period in actual physiological conditions needs to be investigated further. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
The role of phospholipase D in osteoblast response to titanium surface microstructure
Authors: Fang Mimi , Olivares‐Navarrete Rene , Wieland Marco , Cochran David L. , Boyan Barbara D. , Schwartz Zvi
Published: August 2009

Biomaterial surface properties such as microtopography and energy can change cellular responses at the cell‐implant interface. Phospholipase D (PLD) is required for the differentiation of osteoblast‐like MG63 cells on machined and grit‐blasted titanium surfaces. Here, we determined if PLD is also required on microstructured/high‐energy substrates and the mechanism involved. shRNAs for human PLD1 and PLD2 were used to silence MG63 cells. Wild‐type and PLD1 or PLD1/2 silenced cells were cultured on smooth‐pretreatment surfaces (PT); grit‐blasted, acid‐etched surfaces (SLA); and SLA surfaces modified to have higher surface energy (modSLA). PLD was inhibited with ethanol or activated with 24,25‐dihydroxyvitamin‐D3 [24R,25(OH)2D3]. As surface roughness/energy increased, PLD mRNA and activity increased, cell number decreased, osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin increased, and protein kinase C (PKC) and alkaline phosphatase specific activities increased. Ethanol inhibited PLD and reduced surface effects on these parameters. There was no effect on these parameters after knockdown of PLD1, but PLD1/2 double knockdown had effects comparableto PLD inhibition. 24R,25(OH)2D3 increased PLD activity and the production of osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin, but decreased cell number on the rough/high‐energy surfaces. These results confirm that surface roughness/energy‐induced PLD activity is required for osteoblast differentiation and that PLD2 is the main isoform involved in this pathway. PLD is activated by 24R,25(OH)2D3 in a surface‐dependent manner and inhibition of PLD reduces the effects of surface microstructure/energy on PKC, suggesting that PLD mediates the stimulatory effect of microstructured/high‐energy surfaces via PKC‐dependent signaling. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
DNA‐binding affinity and nuclease activity of two cytotoxic copper terpyridine complexes
Authors: Shi Pengfei , Lin Miaoxin , Zhu Jianhui , Zhang Yangmiao , Jiang Qin
Published: August 2009

Two copper(II) terpyridine complexes, [Cu(atpy)(NO3)(H2O)](NO3) ⋅ 3H2O (1) and [Cu(ttpy)(NO3)2] (2) (atpy = 4′‐p‐N9‐adeninylmethyl‐phenyl‐2,2′:6,2″‐terpyridine; ttpy = 4′‐p‐tolyl‐2,2′:6,2″‐terpyridine) exhibited high cytotoxicity, with average ten times more potency than cisplatin against the human cervix carcinoma cell line (HeLa), the human liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2), the human galactophore carcinoma cell line (MCF7), and the human prostate carcinoma cell line (PC‐3). The cytotoxicity of the complex 1 was lower than that of the complex 2. Both complexes showed more efficient oxidative DNA cleavage activity under irradiation with UV light at 260 nm than in the presence of ascorbic acid. Especially, complex 1 exhibited evident photoinduced double‐stranded DNA cleavage activity. The preliminary mechanism experiments revealed that hydrogen peroxide was involved in the oxidative DNA damage induced by both complexes. From the absorption titration data, the DNA‐binding affinity of the complexes with surpersoiled plasmid pUC19 DNA, polydAdT, and polydGdC was calculated and complex 2 showed higher binding affinity than complex 1 with all these substrates. The DNA cleavage ability and DNA‐binding affinity of both complexes depended on the substituent group on the terpyrdine ligands. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:295–302, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20292
Combination of chemical oxidation‐membrane filtration processes for the elimination of phenyl‐ureas in water matrices
Authors: Javier Benitez F. , Acero Juan L. , Real Francisco J. , Garcia Carolina
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Phenyl‐urea herbicides are found in surface waters and wastewaters as a consequence of their extensive use in agriculture. Due to their pollutant power, the removal of phenyl‐ureas is a priority objective in water treatment technologies.

RESULTS: Four selected phenyl‐ureas herbicides (linuron, diuron, chlortoluron and isoproturon), dissolved in two water matrices (a groundwater and and a reservoir water), were subjected to sequential combinations of chemical treatments and membrane filtration processes. Two specific sequences were conducted: first, a chemical oxidation stage (where UV radiation, ozone and ozone plus hydrogen peroxide were used) followed by a nanofiltration process; and second, a membrane filtration stage (using UF and NF membranes) followed by an ozonation stage. Values for the herbicide removals in the oxidation stages and for the rejection coefficients in the filtration stages are provided, and the partial contribution of the different stages is established for each combined treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: High removals (over 80%) were reached for phenyl‐ureas elimination by most of the combined processes tested. In the combined chemical oxidation/nanofiltration processes, the most effective was an ozonation pretreatment ([O3]0 = 1.5 mg L−1)) followed by a NF step. In the opposite sequence filtration/chemical oxidation, the most effective was a NF pretreatment followed by the ozonation ([O3]0 = 2 mg L−1). Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Breast involvement in visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Alimoglu Emel , Ceken Kagan , Cassano Enrico , Durum Yasemin , Pestereli Elif
Published: August 2009

Visceral leishmaniasis usually involves the bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver and spleen. Involvement of the eye or respiratory or gastrointestinal systems is very rare and usually occurs in immunodepressed patients. Only one case of breast involvement by protozoa has been reported in the literature. We report a case of a visceral leishmaniasis with a solid breast mass caused by leishmania and diagnosed by sonography‐guided core biopsy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009
Strategies to prepare for electronic discovery in healthcare
Authors: Smetana Joseph L.
Published: August 2009

While many healthcare risk managers have not yet received interrogatories requesting electronic information during discovery, all should nevertheless be prepared to face such requests. It is increasingly important to become knowledgeable of the legal exposure, due in part to recent amendments to the rules of civil procedure and case law that support the rules. This article provides healthcare risk managers with the basic knowledge necessary to prepare for electronic discovery.
Efficient generation of mature cerebellar Purkinje cells from mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Tao Osamu , Shimazaki Takuya , Okada Yohei , Naka Hayato , Kohda Kazuhisa , Yuzaki Michisuke , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Okano Hideyuki
Published: August 2009

Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can generate cerebellar neurons, including Purkinje cells (PCs) and their precursor cells, in a floating culture system called serum‐free culture of embryoid body‐like aggregates (SFEB) treated with BMP4, Fgf8b, and Wnt3a. Here we successfully established a coculture system that induced the maturation of PCs in ESC‐derived Purkinje cell (EDPC) precursors in SFEB, using as a feeder layer a cerebellum dissociation culture prepared from mice at postnatal day (P) 6–8. PC maturation was incomplete or abnormal when the adherent culture did not include feeder cells or when the feeder layer was from neonatal cerebellum. In contrast, EDPCs exhibited the morphology of mature PCs and synaptogenesis with other cerebellar neurons when grown for 4 weeks in coculture system with the postnatal cerebellar feeder. Furthermore, the electrophysiological properties of these EDPCs were compatible with those of native mature PCs in vitro, such as Na+ or Ca2+ spikes elicited by current injections and excitatory or inhibitory postsynaptic currents, which were assessed by whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings. Thus, EDPC precursors in SFEB can mature into PCs whose properties are comparable with those of native PCs in vitro. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Downscaling Indonesian precipitation using large‐scale meteorological fields
Authors: Vimont Daniel J. , Battisti David S. , Naylor Rosamond L.
Published: August 2009

This study investigates the skill of linear methods for downscaling provincial‐scale precipitation over Indonesia from fields that describe the large‐scale circulation and hydrological cycle. The study is motivated by the strong link between large‐scale variations in the monsoon and the El Niño—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon and regional precipitation, and the subsequent impact of regional precipitation on rice production in Indonesia. Three different downscaling methods are tested across five different combinations of large‐scale predictor fields and two different estimates of regional precipitation for Indonesia.

Downscaling techniques are most skillful over the southern islands (Java and Bali) during the monsoon onset or transition season (Sep‐Dec). The methods are moderately skillful in the southern islands during the dry season (May‐Aug), and exhibit poor skill during the wet season (Jan‐Apr). In northern Sumatra downscaling methods are most skillful during January to April with little skill during other times of the year. There is little difference between the three different linear methods used to downscale precipitation over Indonesia. Additional analysis indicates that downscaling methods that are trained on the annual cycle of precipitation produce less‐biased estimates of the annual cycle of regional precipitation than raw model output, and also show some skill at reconstructing interannual variations in regional precipitation. Most of the skill of downscaling methods is attributed to year‐to‐year ENSO variations and to the long‐term trend in precipitation and large‐scale fields.

While the goal of the present study is to investigate the skill of downscaling methods specifically for Indonesia, results are expected to be more generally applicable. In particular, the downscaling models derived from observations have been effectively used to debias the annual cycle of regional precipitation from global climate models. It is expected that the methods will be generally applicable in other regions where regional precipitation is strongly affected by the large‐scale circulation. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Adapting MODIS‐derived LAI and fractional cover into the RAMS in East Africa
Authors: Moore Nathan , Torbick Nathan , Lofgren Brent , Wang Jing , Pijanowski Bryan , Andresen Jeffrey , Kim Dong‐Yun , Olson Jennifer
Published: August 2009

Land cover and its associated biophysical parameters govern many land–atmosphere interactions. Several previous studies have demonstrated the utility of incorporating satellite‐derived observations of land cover into climate models to improve prediction accuracy. In the developing world where agriculture is a primary livelihood, a better understanding of seasonal variability in precipitation and near‐surface temperature is critical to constructing more effective coping strategies for climate changes and food security. However, relatively few studies have been able to assess the impacts of improved surface parameterisation on these variables and their seasonality. Using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)‐derived products, we sought to address this shortcoming by adapting leaf area index (LAI) and vegetative fractional cover (FC) products, along with an improved representation of the land surface (i.e. land use land cover) into the Regional Atmospheric Modelling System in East Africa to evaluate the effect improved representations would have on simulated precipitation and land surface temperature (LST). In particular, we tested the hypothesis that improved phenological parameterisations could reduce error in precipitation and LST under dramatically different atmospheric conditions. The model was used to simulate dry/normal/wet rainfall years of 2000, 2001, and 2002 (respectively) in order to understand biases in this parameterisation under different boundary conditions. Our results show a dramatic improvement in LST simulation due to the use of the improved representations (spline functions) during most of the year, both spatially and temporally. Annual precipitation, which is dependent upon a much greater variety of surface and atmospheric characteristics, did not improve as much by adopting the spline representations of LAI and FC; the results were more equivocal. However, seasonal timing of precipitation improved in some areas, and this improvement has important consequences for integrated climate–agriculture assessments. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
An affordable method for the simultaneous determination of the most studied pharmaceutical compounds as wastewater and surface water pollutants
Authors: Camacho‐Muñoz Dolores , Martín Julia , Santos Juan Luis , Aparicio Irene , Alonso Esteban
Published: August 2009

There is still an increasing need of knowledge about the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment in many countries. To contribute to the improvement of this knowledge it should be useful to get not only more reliable methods, but also analytical methods that do not require expensive equipment and, consequently, could be used even in the less developed areas. In the present work, a novel analytical method for the simultaneous determination of several priority pharmaceuticals, as aquatic media pollutants, in wastewater and surface water is reported. The method involves sample treatment by SPE, followed by LC with diode array and fluorescence detection. Parameters that affect the efficiency of the SPE step such as elution solvents, sample pH and cartridge sorbents were evaluated and optimized. The best results were obtained using acetone as elution solvent, acidifying samples to pH 2 and employing Oasis HLB as SPE sorbent. Recoveries of the pharmaceuticals from influent and effluent wastewater and surface water samples were in the range from 61.4 to 123%. LODs were in the range of 0.001–0.323 μg/L and LOQs were between 0.020 and 1.078 μg/L.
1,3‐Alternate calix[4]arene‐bonded silica stationary phases. Effect of calixarene skeleton substituents on the retention mechanism and column selectivity
Authors: Śliwka‐Kaszyńska Magdalena , Jaszcołt Katarzyna , Anusiewicz Iwona
Published: August 2009

Four novel 1,3‐alternate calix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phases possessing different aromatic and aliphatic substituents at the upper rim (CalixNph, CalixBph, CalixHex, and CalixDdc) were prepared and structurally characterized. The comparison and selectivity of these phases were done by using alkylbenzenes, fatty acid p‐bromophenacyl esters, aromatic positional isomers, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons as analytes. Quantum chemistry calculations have also been performed (using an ab initio method) to support the experimental findings. The effect of the type and content of organic modifier on the retention and selectivity of the alkylbenzenes was studied. The retention mechanism is also discussed. The results indicate that the stationary phases behave like RP packings. However, inclusion complex formation and hydrophobic and π–π interactions seem to be involved in the separation process.
Supercritical fluid extraction of the volatile oil from Santolina chamaecyparissus
Authors: Grosso Clara , Figueiredo Ana Cristina , Burillo Jesus , Mainar Ana M. , Urieta José S. , Barroso José G. , Coelho José A. , Palavra António M. F.
Published: August 2009

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of the volatile oil from Santolina chamaecyparissus L. flower heads was performed under different conditions of pressure, temperature, mean particle size and CO2 flow rate. This oil was compared with the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation (HD). The SFE volatile and essential oils were analysed by GC and GC‐MS. The range of the main volatile components obtained with HD and SFE were, respectively: 1,8‐cineole (25–30% and 7–48%), camphor (7–9% and 8–14%), borneol (7–8% and 2–11%), terpinen‐4‐ol (6–7% and 1–4%), terpinolene (1–4% and 1–7%) and isobornyl acetate (1–2% and 1–11%). The chemical composition of the extracts was greatly influenced by the conditions of pressure and temperature used. In fact, it was possible to enrich the sesquiterpene fraction by increasing the pressure from 8 to 9 MPa, while changing the temperature from 40 to 50°C at 90 bar enriched of the volatiles in n‐alkanes.
Hybrid Aluminum Colored Pigments Based on Gradient Copolymers Design
Authors: Joubert Mathieu , Khoukh Abdel , Tranchant Jean‐François , Morvan Fabrice , Billon Laurent
Published: August 2009

A colored polymer/aluminium hybrid pigment was synthesized by nitroxide mediated polymerization initiated from an inorganic surface. This approach requires the preparation of a vinyl dye monomer able to copolymerize with n‐butyl acrylate (n‐BuA) and styrene (S) from the surface of aluminium flakes. The linearity of the ln([M]0/[M]t) and of the $\overline M _{\rm n}$ as a function of time and conversion constitute the criteria of control/“living” polymerization, i.e. linearity of respectively ln([M]0/[M]t) = f(t) and the $\overline M _{\rm n}$ = f(conversion) plots. Kinetic measurements reveal an upward deviation from the linearity for n‐BuA polymerization for very high conversion. The introduction of S monomer restores the control of the polymerization. Both the length of the grafted chains and the dye/styrene molar ratio influence the color of the hybrid material.

magnified image
Severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms and dopamine transporter levels in dementia with Lewy bodies: A 123I‐FP‐CIT SPECT study
Authors: Roselli Francesco , Pisciotta Nicola M. , Perneczky Robert , Pennelli Michele , Aniello Maria S. , De Caro Maria F. , Ferrannini Ermanno , Tartaglione Bruno , Defazio Giovanni , Rubini Giuseppe , Livrea Paolo
Published: August 2009

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequent in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging with 123I‐labeled ligand N‐δ‐(fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)tropene (123I‐FP‐CIT), which reliably measures midbrain dopaminergic dysfunction, has provided important evidence on the neurobiological substrate of some of these symptoms including apathy and depression. However, little is known on DAT levels and other distressing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Therefore, 123I‐FP‐CIT imaging was performed in 18 well‐characterized patients with DLB, and striatal DAT levels were correlated with the frequency/severity ratings of several neuropsychiatric symptoms. A wide range of neuropsychiatric symptoms could be observed in the sample. Significant correlations were observed between decreased striatal DAT levels and visual hallucinations. Although there were no correlations between striatal DAT levels and other neuropsychiatric symptoms, when considering the putamen and the caudate nucleus separately, delusions, depression, and apathy were inversely correlated to decreased caudate DAT levels. Theseresults provide intriguing evidence on the involvement of the mesocortical dopaminergic pathways in neuropsychiatric symptoms in DLB. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Expression of genes related to myostatin signaling during rat skeletal muscle longitudinal growth
Authors: Aoki Marcelo S. , Soares Antonio G. , Miyabara Elen H. , Baptista Igor L. , Moriscot Anselmo S.
Published: August 2009

In this study we investigated the gene expression of proteins related to myostatin (MSTN) signaling during skeletal muscle longitudinal growth. To promote muscle growth, Wistar male rats were submitted to a stretching protocol for different durations (12, 24, 48, and 96 hours). Following this protocol, soleus weight and length and sarcomere number were determined. In addition, expression levels of the genes that encode MSTN, follistatin isoforms 288 and 315 (FLST288 and FLST315), follistatin‐like 3 protein (FLST‐L3), growth and differentiation factor–associated protein‐1 (GASP‐1), activin IIB receptor (ActIIB), and SMAD‐7 were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Prolonged stretching increased soleus weight, length, and sarcomere number. In addition, MSTN gene expression was increased at 12–24 hours, followed by a decrease at 96 hours when compared with baseline values. FLST isoforms, FLST‐L3, and GASP‐1 mRNA levels increased significantly over all time‐points. ActIIB gene expression decreased quickly at 12–24 hours. SMAD‐7 mRNA levels showed a late increase at 48 hours, which peaked at 96 hours. The gene expression pattern of inhibitory proteins related to MSTN signaling suggests a strong downregulation of this pathway in response to prolonged stretching. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Clinical phenotype of autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia in a family with a novel mutation in the C10orf2 gene
Authors: Hong Daojun , Bi Hongyan , Yao Sheng , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun
Published: August 2009

Autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia (adPEO) is a mitochondrial disorder caused by mutations in nuclear genes. Here we report the clinical and genetic features of adPEO in a Chinese family. All patients had gradual onset of ptosis, with or without ophthalmoplegia, around age 30. Thirteen patients had limb weakness around age 40. Eight patients developed dysphagia around age 50. Four patients died of cardiac abnormalities around age 60. Muscle biopsy of the proband indicated mitochondrial myopathy characterized by ragged‐red fibers, cytochrome c oxidase‐negative fibers, and multiple deletions of mitochondrial DNA. A heterozygous missense mutation of c.1342A>G in the C10orf2 gene resulting in the p.448N>D mutation in the protein was found in the proband and four other affected family members. In summary, we identified an adPEO family with a novel C10orf2 gene mutation that manifested an age‐dependent phenotype. It suggests that greater attention must be paid to cardiac abnormalities in the late stages of this disease. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Zero flash ultrasonic micro embossing on foamed polymer substrates: A proof of concept
Authors: Vengasandra Srikanth G. , Harmon Greg , Grewell David
Published: August 2009

This article reviews a novel method to produce microembossed features with an aspect ratio of three and negligible flash on polymer surfaces. An embossing technique that utilizes localized heating (ultrasonic energy) was used with polystyrene and polypropylene substrates. It was demonstrated that when foamed substrates were used, the amount of flash produced was negligible compared to nonfoamed substrates, which has been a significant unresolved problem with embossing using localized heating. The depth of microembossed features as a function of heating times and amplitudes of ultrasonic embossing is detailed in this article, along with a characterization of complex embossed geometries. It was seen that embossing depth was generally proportional to heating time and amplitude until the maximum feature depth was achieved. Although this article deals with embossing of microfeatures for lab‐on‐a‐CD applications, it is envisioned that it is also suitable for lab‐on‐a‐chip applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of glass bead content and diameter on shrinkage and warpage of injection‐molded PA6
Authors: Kovács J.G. , Solymossy B.
Published: August 2009

A simple technique has been introduced to evaluate the shrinkage and warpage behavior of injection molded products. Using the shrinkage values measured on specific locations of the specimen, three deformation factors have been defined to characterize the warpage behavior of the materials examined. Experiments were carried out to determine these properties of injection molded polyamide 6 (PA6) composites with solid glass bead (GB) contents of 10, 20, 30, 40 wt% and diameters of 11, 85, 156, 203 μm. It was concluded that the flow directional shrinkages can principally be described by the change in the bead content and diameter; it was proven that the increase in bead content and in bead diameter induces a reduction in flow directional shrinkage. The rising bead content and diameter increased the deformation factor, defined by the shrinkage differences caused by the pressure drop. It was pointed out that the ideal bead content can be determined in the function of bead diameter. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of novel bilayer hydrogels by combination of irradiation and freeze–thawing and their physical and biological properties
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Yang Kang , Yu Feng , Chen Xiliang , Wu Shengwei , Zhu Zhiyong
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Hydrogels made by irradiation or freeze–thawing often exhibit poor mechanical strength; therefore we investigated a novel synthetic method to circumvent this detrimental effect. We report a series of novel bilayer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/water‐soluble chitosan (ws‐chitosan)/glycerol hydrogels prepared by a combination of irradiation and freeze–thawing. Scanning electron microscopy morphology, swelling behavior, mechanical strength, elongation at break, PVA dissolution behavior and bovine serum albumin (BSA) release profile of the bilayer hydrogels were compared with those of hydrogels made by irradiation and freeze–thawing followed by irradiation. The cytotoxicity of the bilayer hydrogels was studied using a tetrazolium salt (MTT) assay.

RESULTS: The novel bilayer hydrogels contain one layer made by freeze–thawing followed by irradiation and the other layer made by irradiation. The preparation method provides the two layers with good combination force in the wet state. However, the two layers are not combined very well in the freeze‐dried state due to the difference in microstructure. The bilayer hydrogels have large swelling capacity and good mechanical strength, and these properties can be varied by changing freeze–thawing cycles, irradiation doses and the relative thickness of the two layers. The PVA and BSA release behaviors show that the bilayer hydrogels have a small amount of dissolved PVA and can prolong the BSA release time. The MTT assay shows that extracts of the bilayer hydrogels are non‐toxic towards L929 mouse fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION: The novel bilayer hydrogels prepared in this study show good physical properties with no cytotoxicity, indicating that they are suitable for biomedical applications, such as in wound dressings and drug delivery devices. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
High performance anticorrosive coatings based on new phosphonic methacrylate terpolymers
Authors: Lam Ousmane A. , David Ghislain , Hervaud Yves , Boutevin Bernard
Published: August 2009

This article describes the synthesis of new methacrylic‐phosphonated monomer PM(B) obtained from the diethyl‐1,2‐epoxide‐propyl 2‐phosphonate opening by methacrylic acid in presence of the tetrabutyl ammonium bromide as catalyst. Both its homopolymerization and copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) have been achieved in acetonitrile at 80 °C in the presence of 4,4′‐azobisisobutyronitrile. The determination of the reactivity ratios evidenced a statistical copolymer structure. Then, terpolymer of low degree of polymerization and composed of MMA, butyl methacrylate (BuMA) and PM(B) was synthesized and showed a high thermal stability (no degradation before 300 °C). This phosphonate terpolymer was incorporated in an acrylate formulation, polymerized under UV‐light, and the resulting coating was subjected to the salt spray test. High resistance towards corrosion was observed as no corrosion occurred even after 1100 hrs to the salt spray test. This result was also confirmed by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5090–5100, 2009
Synthesis of chitosan‐based thermo‐ and pH‐responsive porous nanoparticles by temperature‐dependent self‐assembly method and their application in drug release
Authors: Chuang Chung‐Yang , Don Trong‐Ming , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: August 2009

In this research, thermo‐ and pH‐responsive chitosan‐based porous nanoparticles were prepared by the temperature‐dependent self assembly method. The chitosan‐graft‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (CS‐g‐PNIPAAm) copolymer solution was prepared through polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer in the presence of chitosan (CS) solution using cerium ammounium nitrate as the initiator. Then, CS‐g‐PNIPAAm solution was diluted by deionized water and heated to 40 °C for CS‐g‐PNIPAAm self‐assembly. After that, CS‐g‐PNIPAAm assembled to form micelles in which shell layer was CS. Crosslinking agent was used to reinforce the micelle structure to form nanoparticle. The molar ratio of CS/NIPAAm in the feed mixture was changed to investigate its effect on structure, morphology, thermal‐ and pH‐responsive properties of the nanoparticles. TEM images showed that a porous structure of nanoparticles was developed. The synthesized nanoparticles carried positive charges on the surface and exhibited stimuli‐responsive properties, and their mean diameter thus could be manipulated by changing pH value and temperature of the environment. The nanoparticles showed a continuous release of the encapsulated doxycycline hyclate up to 10 days during an in‐vitro release experiment. These porous particles with environmentally sensitive properties are expected to be utilized in hydrophilic drug delivery system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5126–5136, 2009
Effect of the dimer structure on indium adsorption and diffusion on a GaSb surface
Authors: Xiong Min , Li Meicheng , Zhao Yu , Wang Lu , Liang Yi , Zhao Liancheng
Published: August 2009

The adsorption properties and surface diffusion of an indium adatom on a GaSb(001)‐(2 × 3) structure have been studied using first‐principles calculations. We find that the indium adatoms are preferentially adsorbed in the low energy trenches along the [110] direction at bridge positions of surface dimers. Besides, the adsorption sites connecting these trenches along [110] present distinct properties for different surface dimer structures. For the structure with Sb–Sb homodimers, the dimer arrangement reduces significantly the adatom diffusion barrier along the [110] direction and the calculations on diffusion coefficients demonstrate that [110] is the fast diffusion direction. While on the structure with Ga–Sb heterodimers, the adsorption sites are separated by the heterodimers causing a considerable diffusion barrier and [$ \bar 1 $10] becomes the fast diffusion direction accordingly. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
How wide do you want the jar?: the effect on diameter for ease of opening for wide‐mouth closures
Authors: Yoxall A. , Langley J. , Janson R. , Lewis R. , Wearn J. , Hayes S. A. , Bix L.
Published: August 2009

The ease with which a container can be accessed or its ‘openability’ is becoming more of an issue for manufacturers and consumers as the average age of the population increases. Ageing brings with it a range of issues including a loss of strength and reduced dexterity. This paper aimed to look at the relationship between diameter, torque and age for standard consumer closures using a torque‐measuring device.

The results of the investigation show that larger‐diameter jars (85 mm) require much higher opening forces than smaller ones (75 mm and below). Smaller jars require lower opening torques, although the force required to open many jars is still higher than many elderly people are able to generate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are the unconventional density variations really unconventional?
Authors: Zhang Yu Adam , Wang Yan Alexander
Published: August 2009

Based on numerical evidence and theoretical arguments, we demonstrate that the unconventional density variations are not really unconventional and should be included in the density variational domain of any ground‐state density. As a result, Lieb's Theorem 3.10 (Lieb, Int J Quantum Chem 1983, 24, 243) is reconfirmed. More specifically, the energy variation δEv is of order higher than linear order of the density variation δn(r) about the ground‐state density n0(r) of a system with a fixed number of electrons in Hilbert space, whereas δEv is of linear order of δn(r) about the ground‐state density of a system with a varied number of electrons in Fock space. The unconventional density variations are not the cause for the linear‐order behavior of δEv in Fock space and the derivative discontinuity of the total energy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Direct olive oil analysis by low‐temperature plasma (LTP) ambient ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: García‐Reyes Juan F. , Mazzoti Fabio , Harper Jason D. , Charipar Nicholas A. , Oradu Sheran , Ouyang Zheng , Sindona Giovanni , Cooks R. Graham
Published: August 2009

A fast, reagentless, and direct method is presented for the mass spectrometric analysis of olive oil without any sample pretreatment whatsoever. An ambient ionization technique, the low‐temperature plasma (LTP) probe, based on dielectric barrier discharge, is used to detect both minor and trace components (free fatty acids, phenolics and volatiles) in raw untreated olive oil. The method allows the measurement of free fatty acids (the main quality control parameter used to grade olive oil according to quality classes), selected bioactive phenolic compounds, and volatiles. The advantages and limitations of the direct analysis of extremely complex mixtures by the ambient ionization/tandem mass spectrometry combination are discussed and illustrated. The data presage the possible large‐scale application of direct mass spectrometric analysis methods in the characterization of olive oil and other foodstuffs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sterically hindered phenols in negative ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry
Authors: Laakia Jaakko , Pedersen Christian Schack , Adamov Alexey , Viidanoja Jyrki , Sysoev Alexey , Kotiaho Tapio
Published: August 2009

Negative corona discharge atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) was used to investigate phenols with varying numbers of tert‐butyl groups using ion mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry (IMS‐MS). The main characteristic ion observed for all the phenolic compounds was the deprotonated molecule [M–H]−. 2‐tert‐Butylphenol showed one main mobility peak in the mass‐selected mobility spectrum of the [M–H]− ion measured under nitrogen atmosphere. When air was used as a nebulizer gas an oxygen addition ion was seen in the mass spectrum and, interestingly, this new species [M–H+O]− had a shorter drift time than the lighter [M–H]− ion. Other phenolic compounds primarily produced two IMS peaks in the mass‐selected mobility spectra measured using the [M–H]− ion. It was also observed that two isomeric compounds, 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol and 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol, could be separated with IMS. In addition, mobilities of various characteristic ions of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene were measured, since this compound was previously used as a mobility standard. The possibility of using phenolic compounds as mobility standards is also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The order of the giant component of random hypergraphs
Authors: Behrisch Michael , Coja‐Oghlan Amin , Kang Mihyun
Published: August 2009

We establish central and local limit theorems for the number of vertices in the largest component of a random d‐uniform hypergraph Hd(n,p) with edge probability p = c/$\left(\matrix{n-1 \cr d-1 }\right)$, where c > (d ‐ 1)‐1 is a constant. The proof relies on a new, purely probabilistic approach. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2010
Randomly coloring random graphs
Authors: Dyer Martin , Frieze Alan
Published: August 2009

We consider the problem of generating a coloring of the random graph𝔾n,puniformly at random using a natural Markov chain algorithm: the Glauber dynamics. We assume that there areβΔcolors available, whereΔis the maximum degree of the graph, and we wish to determine the leastβ=β(p) such that the distribution is close to uniform inO(nlogn) steps of the chain. This problem has been previously studied for𝔾n,pin cases wherenpis relatively small. Here we consider the “dense” cases, wherenpε [ωlnn,n] andω=ω(n) → ∞. Our methods are closely tailored to the random graph setting, but we obtain considerably better bounds onβ(p) than can be achieved using more general techniques. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
Product‐market strategy and the marketing capabilities of the firm: impact on market effectiveness and cash flow performance
Authors: Vorhies Douglas W. , Morgan Robert E. , Autry Chad W.
Published: August 2009

We report on two studies (a single and a multi‐industry) that empirically investigate a nomological network of relationships between strategic business unit product‐market strategy (differentiation, cost‐focus, and product‐market scope), marketing capabilities (architectural and specialized capabilities, as well as their integration), and business unit performance (market effectiveness and subsequent one‐year objective cash flow), along with a series of controls. Addressing important lacunae in the resource‐based view our main research objective is to augment understanding of how critical firm‐level marketing capabilities enable the realization of strategy, thus, further advancing both the resource‐based view and more recent capabilities theorizing. Specifically, we test seven hypotheses and find strong evidence that both architectural and specialized marketing capabilities, and their integration, positively mediate the product‐market strategy and derived business unit performance relationship. In contrast to many extant studies, both survey and objectively measured data are combined, and because the secondary data collected contains both resource‐level (input) data and subsequent one‐year financial data, a higher level of confidence may be attributable to our findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sniffing the Unique “Odor Print” of Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Barash Orna , Peled Nir , Hirsch Fred R. , Haick Hossam
Published: August 2009

A highly sensitive and fast‐response array of sensors based on gold nanoparticles, in combination with pattern recognition methods, can distinguish between the odor prints of non‐small‐cell lung cancer and negative controls with 100% accuracy, with no need for preconcentration techniques. Additionally, preliminary results indicate that the same array of sensors might serve as a better tool for understanding the biochemical source of volatile organic compounds that might occur in cancer cells and appear in the exhaled breath, as compared to traditional spectrometry techniques. The reported results provide a launching pad to initiate a bedside tool that might be able to screen for early stages of lung cancer and allow higher cure rates. In addition, such a tool might be used for the immediate diagnosis of fresh (frozen) tissues of lung cancer in operating rooms, where a dichotomic diagnosis is crucial to guide surgeons.
Doppler velocimetry of the uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries in pregnant women undergoing tocolysis with oral nifedipine
Authors: Lima M. M. De S. , Souza A. S. R. , Diniz C. , Porto A. M. F. , Amorim M. M. R. , Moron A. F.
Published: August 2009

Objectives

To evaluate Doppler velocimetry (resistance index (RI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV)) in the maternal–fetal circulation before and 5 and 24 h after tocolysis with oral nifedipine.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational, analytic cohort study performed in 47 pregnant women undergoing nifedipine tocolysis, each subject acting as her own control. Doppler assessment of uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral (MCA) arteries was performed before and 5 and 24 h after an initial 20‐mg sublingual dose, which was repeated twice at 20‐min intervals if contractions failed to diminish. The maintenance dose consisted of 20 mg orally every 6 h for 24 h up to a total of 100–120 mg nifedipine. We analyzed whether there was a time effect and compared values at the different time‐points.

Results

The MCA‐RI had decreased significantly after 24 h of tocolysis (0 h = 0.85; 5 h = 0.85; 24 h = 0.81; P = 0.001), with no differences in uterine or umbilical arteries or in the MCA to umbilical artery ratio. The MCA‐PSV had reduced significantly after 5 h (0 h = 41.5 cm/s; 5 h = 34.7 cm/s; P = 0.001), returning close to baseline levels between 5 and 24 h. The PSV increased significantly between 5 and 24 h in the right uterine artery (5 h = 55.1 cm/s; 24 h = 65.0 cm/s; P = 0.037) and in the umbilical artery (5 h = 28.4 cm/s; 24 h = 33.1 cm/s; P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Nifedipine tocolysis is associated with a reduction in RI in the MCA but not in the uterine or umbilical arteries, a reduction in PSV in the MCA after 5 h but returning to baseline within 24 h, and an increase in PSV between 5 and 24 h in the umbilical and right uterine arteries. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SnO2Nanowire Arrays and Electrical Properties Synthesized by Fast Heating a Mixture of SnO2and CNTs Waste Soot
Authors: Li Zi-Jiong , Qin Zhen , Zhou Zhi-Hua , Zhang Li-Ying , Zhang Ya-Fei
Published: August 2009

SnO2nanowire arrays were synthesized by fast heating a mixture of SnO2and the carbon nanotubes waste soot by high-frequency induction heating. The resultant SnO2nanowires possess diameters from 50 to 100 nm and lengths up to tens of mircrometers. The field-effect transistors based on single SnO2nanowire exhibit that as-synthesized nanowires have better transistor performance in terms of transconductance and on/off ratio. This work demonstrates a simple technique to the growth of nanomaterials for application in future nanoelectronic devices.
Increased In Vitro and In Vivo Digestibility of Soy Proteins by Chemical Modification of Disulfide Bonds
Authors: Wang H. , Faris R. J. , Wang Tong , Spurlock M. E. , Gabler N.
Published: August 2009

To improve protein digestibility of aqueously extracted soy proteins, an effective chemical treatment under mild conditions is needed. Soy proteins, including storage protein glycinin and antinutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors, are rich in disulfide bonds. Reduction of these disulfide bonds by incubating soy proteins with sodium sulfite and sodium metabisulfite at 55 °C showed no net increase of free sulfhydryl groups after dialysis to remove the residual reducing agent. However, the in vitro digestibility measured by trypsin hydrolysis using the pH‐Stat method was significantly increased. Sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) was more effective in increasing in vitro digestibility than sodium sulfite at the same molar concentration. The digestibility of soy protein treated by 0.5 mmol SMBS/g soy flour at 55 °C was more than doubled compared to that of the control without reduction treatment. Large‐scale testing of soy proteins treated with SMBS for an in vivo animal feeding study showed similar in vitro digestibility by trypsin, e.g., the degree of hydrolysis of the treated sample was 8.5% compared to 1.6% of the control. These soy proteins were further evaluated using a chick growth model. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) increased by 57% when the chicks fed SMBS‐treated soy were compared to the chicks fed raw soy flour. SMBS‐fed chicks did not display any pancreatic hypertrophy compared to those fed with raw soy control. These results indicate that there is great potential to use safe chemicals and mild temperature to inactivate the antinutritional factors in soybeans and thus improve digestibility of soy proteins that are extracted with low‐temperature aqueous process.
Confounding Effects of Benign Lung Diseases on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Serum Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Rathinam Sridhar , Alzetani Aiman , Starczynski Jane , Rajesh Pala B. , Nyangoma Stephen , Wakelam Michael J. O. , James Nicholas D. , Wei Wenbin , Billingham Lucinda J. , Johnson Philip J. , Martin Ashley , Ward Douglas G.
Published: August 2009

Introduction

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The discovery of new biomarkers could aid early diagnosis and monitoring of recurrence following tumor resection.

Methods

We have prospectively collected serum from 97 lung cancer patients undergoing surgery with curative intent and compared their serum proteomes with those of 100 noncancer controls (59 disease-free and 41 with a range of nonmalignant lung conditions). We initially analyzed serum from 67 lung cancer patients and 73 noncancer control subjects by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using immobilized metal affinity capture ProteinChip arrays and subsequently validated our findings with an independent analysis of 30 lung cancer patients and 27 noncancer subjects.

Results

The data from both experiments show many significant differences between the serum proteomes of lung cancer patients and nondiseased control subjects, and a number of these polypeptides have been identified. However, the profiles of patients with benign lung diseases resembled those of lung cancer patients such that very few significant differences were found when these cohorts were compared.

Conclusions

This report provides clear evidence of the need to account for the confounding effects of benign diseases when designing lung cancer serum biomarker discovery projects.