bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Functionalized Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM) on the Kinetics of Sulfur Vulcanization of Normal Rubber/EPDM Blends
Authors: Sirqueira Alex S. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: January 2007

The effect of mercapto‐ and anhydride‐functionalized ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) or ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers on the vulcanization kinetics of natural rubber/EPDM blends was investigated using the oscillatory disk rheometer. The mercapto groups in both EPDM and EVA copolymers resulted in a significant decrease of the curing time. The Coran's model was applied to set the kinetic constants within each distinct step of the vulcanization process. The highest curing velocity was perceived in a blend containing 2.5 phr of mercapto‐functionalized EVA. The functionalized EVA, especially that which was functionalized with anhydride groups, also displayed a lower solvent uptake on blending, which would imply an increase of the crosslink density as well a covulcanization phenomenon.

magnified image
Composite Worm‐Like Aggregates Formed from a Pair of Block‐Copolymers Containing Hydrogen‐Bonding Donor and Acceptor
Authors: Xiong De'an , Shi Linqi , Jiang Xiaowei , An Yingli , Chen Xi , Lü Juan
Published: January 2007

Worm‐like aggregates with a PAA/P4VP complex core and a PEG/PNIPAM mixed shell were prepared in ethanol by the comicellization of poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(acrylic acid) (PEG‐b‐PAA) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PNIPAM‐b‐P4VP) through hydrogen‐bonding. The formed aggregates were studied by dynamic light scattering, static light scattering, 1H NMR, and transmission electron microscopy. The length of worm‐like aggregates could be adjusted by changing the weight ratio of W(PNIPAM‐b‐P4VP)/W(PEG‐b‐PAA). When the ratio changed from 20 to 150%, the length changed from about 100 nm to several microns, and the diameter stayed almost unchanged at about 15 nm.

magnified image
Thermal Degradation Behavior and Kinetic Analysis of Biodegradable Polymers Using Various Comparative Models, 1
Authors: Shih Yeng‐Fong , Chieh Yu‐Chih
Published: January 2007

Thermal degradation behavior of a biodegradable polymer (PBS) has been investigated by conventional and MTGA methods. The kinetic parameters of degradation were calculated by a general analytical solution and by the Coats‐Redfern, Ozawa, Horowitz‐Metzger, and MTGA methods. The results reveal that the reaction mechanism at lower temperature is probably the F1 model through the reaction of random chain cleavage via cis‐elimination. However, the reaction mechanism at higher temperature is likely to be D1 model because of the dominant diffusion control effect.

magnified image
Semigroup approach for identification of the unknown diffusion coefficient in a quasi‐linear parabolic equation
Authors: Demir Ali , Ozbilge Ebru
Published: January 2007

This article presents a semigroup approach for the mathematical analysis of the inverse coefficient problems of identifying the unknown coefficient k(u(x,t)) in the quasi‐linear parabolic equation ut(x,t)=(k(u(x,t))ux(x,t))x, with Dirichlet boundary conditions u(0,t)=ψ0, u(1,t)=ψ1. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the distinguishability of the input–output mappings Φ[⋅]:𝒦 →C1[0,T], Ψ[⋅]:𝒦→C1[0,T] via semigroup theory. In this paper, it is shown that if the null space of the semigroup T(t) consists of only zero function, then the input–output mappings Φ[⋅] and Ψ[⋅] have the distinguishability property. It is also shown that the types of the boundary conditions and the region on which the problem is defined play an important role in the distinguishability property of these mappings. Moreover, under the light of measured output data (boundary observations) f(t):=k(u(0,t))ux(0,t) or/and h(t):=k(u(1,t))ux(1,t), the values k(ψ0) and k(ψ1) of the unknown diffusion coefficient k(u(x,t)) at (x,t)=(0,0) and (x,t)=(1,0), respectively, can be determined explicitly. In addition to these, the values ku(ψ0) and ku(ψ1) of the unknown coefficient k(u(x,t)) at (x,t)=(0,0) and (x,t)=(1,0), respectively, are also determined via the input data. Furthermore, it is shown that measured output data f(t) and h(t) can be determined analytically by an integral representation. Hence the input–output mappings Φ[⋅]:𝒦→ C1[0,T], Ψ[⋅]:𝒦→C1[0,T] are given explicitly in terms of the semigroup. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Reduced Third Order Markov Model for Ethylene‐Norbornene Copolymerization Kinetics with Homogeneous Metallocene Catalysts
Authors: Park Seung Young , Lee Jongku , Choi Kyu Yong
Published: January 2007

A reduced third order Markov model is presented to model the kinetics of ethylene‐norbornene copolymerization over rac‐Et(1‐indenyl)2ZrCl2/methylaluminoxane catalyst in solution. In our previous work, we developed a penultimate model (second order Markov model) to describe the copolymerization rate behavior and the copolymer composition. Although the penultimate model provides better predictions of the polymerization kinetics than a simple terminal model, it tends to give underestimated norbornene incorporation rates at high norbornene/ethylene mole ratios in the bulk liquid phase. In this work, we propose a modified third order Markov model to improve the model's capability of calculating norbornene incorporation rate and comonomer sequence distribution. The model parameters have been estimated using a parameter optimization technique. The model simulation results indicate that the rate constant for norbornene insertion into a growing chain depends upon the norbornene microblock length at the propagating center.

magnified image
Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Kinetic Constants in Olefin Polymerizations, 3
Authors: Matos Válter , Moreira Maurício , Neto Antônio G. Mattos , Nele Márcio , Melo Príamo A. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: January 2007

A method for the quantitative evaluation of kinetic constants in Ziegler–Natta and metallocene olefin homopolymerizations presented previously (V. Matos, A. G. M. Neto, J. C. Pinto, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2001, 79, 2076; V. Matos, A. G. M. Neto, M. Nele, J. C. Pinto, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2002, 86, 3226) is extended to allow for estimation of model parameters in copolymerization reactions. The method is used to estimate kinetic parameters of ethylene/propylene copolymerization during the synthesis of high impact poly(propylene) in a train of cascade reactors. Process models were developed to describe the reaction rate profile, reactor solubles, molecular weight distribution of the total polymer, xylene solubles, and insoluble polymer. The process models and the estimated parameters were inserted into a process simulator that successfully described the industrial process.

magnified image
Ultrasonically Initiated Grafting of Maleic Anhydride onto Poly(propylene)
Authors: Tan Xiumin , Xu Yongshen , Jia Guangwei , Qian Jun
Published: January 2007

This paper presents the studies on the grafting of MAH onto PP performed in solution by means of ultrasonic initiation. The effect of sonic intensity and monomer concentration on the amount of grafted MAH was investigated. It was found that grafting reaction could be initiated by ultrasound at ambient temperatures in the absence of an initiator. The quantity of product grafted was found to be 1.35%. It has been shown that optimum conditions for grafting are reached at an ultrasonic intensity of 300 W and a MAH concentration of 30%. PP‐g‐MAH is characterized by FTIR and XRD. DSC shows that the crystallinity of PP‐g‐MAH is lower than that of pure PP.

magnified image
Contributions to the Experimental Investigation of the Nascent Polymerisation of Ethylene on Supported Catalysts, 1
Authors: Di Martino Audrey , Weickert Guenter , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: January 2007

A detailed investigation of the kinetics, morphology and polymer properties observed during the polymerisation of ethylene on a Ziegler‐Natta catalyst at very short times (t ≥ 40 ms) in a novel, quenched‐flow reactor is presented. It was found that for times shorter than a tenth of a second, the observed rate of polymerisation was significantly higher than expected, and that the crystallinity of the nascent ethylene homopolymer was of the order of 25 to 30% – much lower than expected. Evidence is presented that shows that fragmentation is essentially complete in a small fraction of a second.

magnified image
An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation into the Diffusion of Olefins in Semi‐Crystalline Polymers: The Influence of Swelling in Polymer‐Penetrant Systems
Authors: Kanellopoulos Vassileios , Mouratides Dimitrios , Tsiliopoulou Evantia , Kiparissides Costas
Published: January 2007

A comprehensive dynamic diffusion model is developed to calculate the diffusion coefficients of low molecular weight penetrants (i.e.,α‐olefins) in semi‐crystalline polyolefins from dynamic sorption measurements. The model also takes into account the extent of polymer swelling on the penetrant diffusion flux, resulting in a moving boundary value problem. The free volume theory is employed to calculate the dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the penetrant concentration. The solubilities and diffusivities of ethylene and propylene in semi‐crystalline high density polyethylene films were measured at different temperatures and pressures, using a Rubotherm® magnetic suspension microbalance operated in series with an optical view cell for the measurement of the degree of polymer swelling. It is shown that model predictions are in excellent agreement with the experimental dynamic measurements on the mass uptake of the sorbed species. Moreover, it is shown that the proposed model can predict correctly the diffusion coefficient ofα‐olefins in semi‐crystalline polyolefins.

magnified image
Cover Picture: Macromol. React. Eng. 1/2007
Authors: Soares João B. P. , Hamielec Archie E.
Published: January 2007

Cover: The picture on the cover describes the time evolution of the chain length distribution of dead and living polymer made in a stopped‐flow reactor with a single site catalyst. These results were predicted using a Monte Carlo model and also a newly developed time‐dependent analytical solution for chain length distribution. Further details can be found in the article by J. B. P. Soares* and A. E. Hamielec on page 53.
Endoscopic fetal surgery: in vitro thermic effect of electrosurgical units
Authors: Ciardelli Valentina , Caroli Elena , Corazza Ivan , Segata Maria , Zannoli Romano , Rizzo Nicola
Published: January 2007

Objective

The study focused on the safety of electrosurgical devices in endoscopic fetal surgery. The thermic effects of monopolar electric waves were studied in vitro in order to obtain safety indications in terms of mode of intramniotic application of electrical devices (time and number of shots; volts; and distance from tissues to be preserved).

Study design

A glass model filled with saline solution, and an electrical device with resistor and voltage supply, were constructed to reproduce the physical effects of thermic conductivity in vitro; a Swan‐Ganz thermic sensor was used to measure the temperature inside the beuta. Different series of tests were carried out.

Results

The maximal increase (8.60 ± 0.04 °C) takes place at the external surface of the resistor (distance: 0 cm), while at 2 cm, the temperature of the saline solution does not change.

Conclusions

Our tests demonstrate that in order to avoid any kind of risk during electrosurgical procedures on fetuses, the electrode must be placed at least 0.5 cm from delicate tissues. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐specific risk of fetal loss post second trimester amniocentesis: analysis of 5043 cases
Authors: Mazza Vincenzo , Pati Mariangela , Bertucci Emma , Re Claudia , Ranzi Andrea , Percesepe Antonio , Forabosco Antonino , Volpe Annibale
Published: January 2007

Objectives

To assess the risk of fetal loss attributable to second trimester amniocentesis in singleton pregnancies through a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Records of 5043 consecutive second trimester amniocentesis, performed by a single operator between 1997 and 2003, were analyzed. Fetal loss post amniocentesis was calculated by grouping pregnant women in age classes and assessing observed/expected (O/E) rate.

Results

Total fetal losses were 40 (0.81%): 33 cases (0.67%) occurred before the 24th week, 37 cases (0.76%) before the 28th gestational week, and 3 cases (0.06%) after the 28th week of pregnancy. An age‐dependent increase of the rate of fetal loss, not statistically significant (Chi‐Square = 0.349, p = 0.505) was observed. The total O/E ratio values did not show any statistically significant risk (O/E ratio = 1.25, CI = 0.86–1.64). The analysis of the single age classes did not detect any statistical significance. The excess fetal loss rate associated with amniocentesis was 0.16%.

Conclusions

No effect of the 2nd trimester amniocentesis was noted on fetal loss. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific osseous spurs in a lethal form of hypophosphatasia correlated with 3D prenatal ultrasonographic images
Authors: Sinico M. , Levaillant J. M. , Vergnaud A. , Blondeau J. R. , Encha‐Razavi F. , Mornet E. , Le Merrer M. , Gerard‐Blanluet M.
Published: January 2007

Background

Hypophosphatasia is an osseous dysplasia with highly variable clinical expression, ranging from a recessive lethal prenatal type to late onset dominant short stature with premature shedding of teeth. Lethal forms of hypophosphatasia include short limb dwarfism with lack of ossification, especially on the vertebral bodies, very slender ribs and clavicles, and bowed, short lower extremities, with a bifid aspect of the diaphyses. Alkaline phosphatase is abnormally low in liver, bone, kidney and plasma.

Methods

We present here the prenatal images of a lethal form of hypophosphatasia, diagnosed precociously because of specific osseous spurs in a context of recurrent short limb dwarfism.

Results

Prenatal 3D ultrasonography has shown these spurs as early as 18 weeks. Molecular biology found compound heterozygous mutations in the gene TNSALP.

Conclusion

In a context of short limb dwarfism, the search for these specific osseous spurs orient strongly toward the diagnosis of lethal hypophosphatasia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold Coating of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Modified by Argon Plasma
Authors: Kotál Vladimír , Švorčík Václav , Slepička Petr , Sajdl Petr , Bláhová Olga , Šutta Pavol , Hnatowicz Vladimír
Published: January 2007

Little information has been published concerning the interaction of gold with polymers. In the context of this lack of information, we decided to investigate the effect of Ar plasma treatment on the surface properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in order to examine its possible application for metal‐polymer adhesion improvement. The plasma treatment leads to an immediate increase of the PET's surface wettability, which however significantly depends on the sample aging, more specifically on the time elapsed after the treatment. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements revealed that the oxygen concentration in the surface‐near layers increases as a result of the treatment, but that it also changes with time for the samples in contact with the atmosphere, probably as a result of polar group rearrangements. Plasma initiated ablation and Au sputtering increases the surface roughness. The nanoindenter measurements revealed that the treatment increases the microhardness of treated PET. Contrary to hardness, the elastic modulus decreases. Scratch tests showed that the deformation of samples consisting of Au coatings deposited on both pristine and treated PET was elastic rather than plastic. We conclude from the nanoindenter data that the plasma modification does not affect the adhesion of gold on PET, but the X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis showed that the Au film deposited on the as‐treated PET, and on PET aged for 14 d are the most stable.

magnified image
Two‐Dimensional Simulation of Nanoassembly Precursor Species in Ar+H2+C2H2 Reactive Plasmas
Authors: Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Yoon Hyun‐Jin , Rider Amanda E. , Vladimirov Sergey V.
Published: January 2007

The results of two‐dimensional fluid simulation of number densities and fluxes of the main building blocks and surface preparation species involved in nanoassembly of carbon‐based nanopatterns in Ar+H2+C2H2 reactive plasmas are reported. It is shown that the process parameters and non‐uniformity of surface fluxes of each particular species may affect the targeted nanopattern quality. The results can be used to improve predictability of plasma‐aided nanofabrication processes and optimize the parameters of plasma nanotools.

magnified image
On‐Wafer Tunable Deposition Rates Using Ionized Physical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Mao Daisheng , Wang Li‐Peng , Hopwood Jeffrey
Published: January 2007

The selective deposition of vapor‐phase metal ions is investigated using differential, on‐wafer biasing of microstructures. In this work, metal ions are generated by sputtering titanium atoms into an inductively coupled argon plasma, producing 50–80% ionization of the titanium flux to the wafer. The plasma sheath region surrounding the microstructures is modified by applying a pulsed DC bias to some of the microstructures such that plasma ions are attracted toward the most negative regions. Enhanced deposition is observed if the negative bias does not cause the impinging ion energy to exceed the sputtering threshold. Reduction of the deposition rate is observed on individual microstructures that are biased above the sputtering threshold due to resputtering of the titanium thin film by argon ions. A simple model is developed to confirm the mechanism of ion focusing, and the model also shows enhanced and then decreased net deposition rates as the ion energy increases.

magnified image
Bacterial Deactivation Using a Low Temperature Argon Atmospheric Plasma Brush with Oxygen Addition
Authors: Huang Chun , Yu Qingsong , Hsieh Fu‐hung , Duan Yixiang
Published: January 2007

This study investigated the bacterial deactivation effects of a low temperature atmospheric argon plasma brush with oxygen addition. Two types of bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus) seeded in various media were exposed to the oxygen enriched gas plasma and their survivability were thoroughly examined under various plasma conditions. It was found that the bacterial deactivation capability of the plasmas was highly dependent on the amount of oxygen addition and the type of supporting medium. With filter paper as the supporting medium, the addition of oxygen into the argon plasma system led to significant improvement in the bacterial killing efficacy, compared with an argon only plasma discharge. With oxygen addition, the plasma treatment time for a complete kill of the bacteria was 2 min for E. coli and 1 min for M. luteus. These are much shorter than the times required with argon only plasmas. When a nutrient broth or standard methods agar were used as the supporting medium, however, a longer plasma treatment time was necessary when using plasmas with the oxygen addition. The changes in bacterial cell structure after plasma exposure were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The change in plasma characteristics with oxygen addition was investigated using optical emission spectroscopy. The possible mechanism for bacterial inactivation of the plasmas is also discussed here.

magnified image
A novel tumor‐related protein, C7orf24, identified by proteome differential display of bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Kageyama Susumu , Iwaki Hideaki , Inoue Hirokazu , Isono Takahiro , Yuasa Takeshi , Nogawa Masaki , Maekawa Taira , Ueda Masamichi , Kajita Yoichiro , Ogawa Osamu , Toguchida Junya , Yoshiki Tatsuhiro
Published: January 2007

Proteome analysis of bladder cancer with narrow‐range pH 2‐DE has identified a novel protein on chromosome 7 encoded by ORF 24 (C7orf24) as one of the highly expressed proteins in cancer cells. C7orf24 is currently registered in the protein database as a hypothetical protein with unknown function. The homologs of C7orf24 in other animals have also been registered as putative protein genes. Western blot analysis using a mAb against C7orf24 confirmed its higher expression in bladder cancer compared with normal tissue. Several other cancer cell lines were also found to express C7orf24. However, the introduction of C7orf24 into Rat‐1 or NIH3T3 cells did not cause malignant transformation. A stable transfectant of NIH3T3 cells with recombinant retrovirus vector was produced for a growth rate assay, and a higher growth rate was observed in C7orf24‐expressing cells compared with the controls. Six kinds of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were then produced, and C7orf24‐siRNA#5 showed a strong knockdown effect on protein expression and significant antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines were demonstrated by the MTT assay. Therefore, C7orf24 may have an important role in cancer cell proliferation, and may be an appropriate therapeutic target molecule against cancer.
Proteomic analysis of autoantigens associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: Anti‐aldolase A antibody as a potential marker of lupus nephritis
Authors: Serada Satoshi , Fujimoto Minoru , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , He Ping , Hayashi Akio , Tanaka Toshio , Hagihara Keisuke , Yamadori Tomoki , Mochizuki Masao , Norioka Naoko , Norioka Shigemi , Kawase Ichiro , Naka Tetsuji
Published: January 2007

To screen for autoantibodies associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we used proteomic approaches combining 2‐D PAGE and Western blot analysis, followed by protein identification by LC‐MS/MS analysis, resulting in the identification of aldolase A as a novel autoantigen in SLE. ELISA showed the prevalence of anti‐aldolase A antibodies to be 29.3% in SLE, 8.2% in rheumatoid arthritis, 18.1% in polymyositis and absent in healthy controls. Furthermore, 43.4% of SLE patients suffering from nephritis showed anti‐aldolase A autoantibodies, which was significantly higher than the prevalence for those without nephritis (11.1%). In lupus nephritis, there are few reliable diagnostic methods, other than urinalysis. Therefore, these results indicate that autoantibodies against aldolase A may serve as an alternative clinical biomarker of SLE associated with nephritis.
A method for the selective isolation and enrichment of carrier protein‐bound low‐molecular weight proteins and peptides in the blood
Authors: Camerini Serena , Polci Maria Letizia , Liotta Lance A. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Zhou Weidong
Published: January 2007

The low molecular weight (LMW) region of the circulatory proteome, thought to contain a rich source of biomarkers, resides in vivo, in a complexed state with larger, highly abundant resident proteins. Consequently, serum fractionation approaches that deplete the high‐abundance proteins under native conditions will remove much of the LMW proteome. We describe a new strategy to systematically collect, isolate and enrich the LMW molecules that would be otherwise eliminated during the depletion of high‐abundance circulatory proteins based on continuous elution electrophoresis. We employ strong denaturing conditions to disrupt association with the high‐abundance carrier proteins followed by fractionation and removal of SDS. Under denaturation, the LMW molecules were effectively stripped from the highly abundant carrier proteins. We then removed the SDS by ion exchange matrix sequestration and concentrated the fractions. The outcome is a series of SDS‐free fractions of LMW molecules. The isolated fractions were then analyzed by enzymatic digestion followed by LC‐MS/MS analysis. The yield of multiple peptide hits as well as the total number of identifications significantly increased (50%) compared to unfractionated serum. The method yielded a 30% higher number of low‐abundance serum proteins compared to direct sequencing of unfractionated serum.
Computational design and crystal structure of an enhanced affinity mutant human CD8 αα coreceptor
Authors: Cole David K. , Rizkallah Pierre J. , Boulter Jonathan M. , Sami Malkit , Vuidepot Anne‐lise , Glick Meir , Gao Feng , Bell John I. , Jakobsen Bent K. , Gao George F.
Published: January 2007

Human CD8 is a T cell coreceptor, which binds to pHLA I and plays a pivotal role in the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Soluble recombinant CD8 αα has been shown to antagonize T cell activation, both in vitro and in vivo. However, because of a very low affinity for pHLA I, high concentrations of soluble CD8 αα are required for efficient inhibition. Based upon our knowledge of the wild‐type CD8/pHLA I structure, we have designed and produced a mutated form of soluble CD8 αα that binds to pHLA I with approximately fourfold higher affinity. We have characterized the binding of the high affinity CD8 mutant using surface plasmon resonance and determined its structure at 2.1 Å resolution using X‐ray crystallography. The analysis of this structure suggests that the higher affinity is achieved by providing a larger side chain that allows for an optimal contact to be made between the HLA α3 loop and the mutated CDR‐like loops of CD8. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A pair‐to‐pair amino acids substitution matrix and its applications for protein structure prediction
Authors: Eyal Eran , Frenkel‐Morgenstern Milana , Sobolev Vladimir , Pietrokovski Shmuel
Published: January 2007

We present a new structurally derived pair‐to‐pair substitution matrix (P2PMAT). This matrix is constructed from a very large amount of integrated high quality multiple sequence alignments (Blocks) and protein structures. It evaluates the likelihoods of all 160,000 pair‐to‐pair substitutions. P2PMAT matrix implicitly accounts for evolutionary conservation, correlated mutations, and residue–residue contact potentials. The usefulness of the matrix for structural predictions is shown in this article. Predicting protein residue–residue contacts from sequence information alone, by our method (P2PConPred) is particularly accurate in the protein cores, where it performs better than other basic contact prediction methods (increasing accuracy by 25–60%). The method mean accuracy for protein cores is 24% for 59 diverse families and 34% for a subset of proteins shorter than 100 residues. This is above the level that was recently shown to be sufficient to significantly improve ab initio protein structure prediction. We also demonstrate the ability of our approach to identify native structures within large sets of (300–2000) protein decoys. On the basis of evolutionary information alone our method ranks the native structure in the top 0.3% of the decoys in 4/10 of the sets, and in 8/10 of sets the native structure is ranked in the top 10% of the decoys. The method can, thus, be used to assist filtering wrong models, complimenting traditional scoring functions. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel computer‐assisted technique for pedicle screw insertion
Authors: John P. S. , James C. , Antony J. , Tessamma T. , Ananda R. , Dinesh K.
Published: January 2007

Background

Commercially available systems for computer‐assisted pedicle screw placement are prohibitively expensive, even in advanced countries. The advantage of the great accuracy of computer‐assisted systems for pedicle screw insertion makes them highly desirable and essential for current spinal surgeries.

Methods

We have tried to develop a new software for pedicle screw placement, based on paired point matching.

Results

The newly developed software is much less expensive and is an excellent educational tool. Its accuracy has been established by a cadaveric study, described in this paper.

Conclusions

The cadaveric study supports the view that computer‐assisted pedicle screw fixation using the newly developed software is superior to the conventional fluoroscopic method, especially with regard to the thoracic spine, where a higher degree of accuracy is needed. Further clinical studies are planned and the software needs further refinement for complex clinical situations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Extraction and Precipitation Conditions During Soybean Protein Isolate Production on the Genistein Series Content
Authors: Speroni Aguirre F. J. , Milesi V. , Añón M. C.
Published: January 2007

The influence of the conditions for isolation of soy protein on the content of genistein and its conjugated forms was studied. The major components of the genistein series isolated from soybean flour were malonyl genistin (54.3%), genistin (36.9%), and equal amounts (4.4%) of genistein and acetyl genistin. A modification in the conjugation profile of genistein between pH 4.5 and 8.0 and above pH 10 was attributed to the action of β‐glucosidase and the saponification reaction, respectively. A decrease in the content of total genistein in the insoluble flour residue and in the soy protein isolate (SPI) with increasing extraction pH was detected, while in the whey, the total genistein content was not affected by pH. The effect of pH variation during acid precipitation on the content of genistein and its conjugated forms, at a constant extraction pH (8.0), was also studied. Under these conditions, the highest absolute content of total genistein in the SPI was obtained at pH 3.5 and the lowest was obtained at pH 5.6. The total genistein content in the whey followed an inverse trend compared with that of the protein yield. A temperature increase did not substantially affect the distribution of the different genistein forms or their total contents. The content of total genistein was higher in the glycinin than in the β‐conglycinin protein fraction. The effect of the pH during the alcohol/water extraction of the isoflavones was also analyzed. The efficiency of the extraction was lower at pH values between 3.25 and 3.5 than at other pH values.
Amoeba proteus displays a walking form of locomotion
Authors: Cameron Ivan , Rinaldi Robert A. , Kirby Gerald , Davidson David
Published: January 2007

This report deals with observations on the directional locomotion of amoeba before and after fixation and scanning electron microscopy. The study was aimed at visualization of the stepwise events of directional movements. After the analysis of the data it is proposed that the amoeba undergoes a sequence of movement events that can be defined as a walking form of locomotion.
Synthesis of β‐alanine C60 derivative and its protective effect on hydrogen peroxide‐induced apoptosis in rat pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Hu Zhen , Guan Wenchao , Wang Wei , Huang Lizhen , Xing Haiping , Zhu Zhou
Published: January 2007

Oxidative stress has been considered as a major cause of cellular injuries in a variety of clinical abnormalities, especially prominent in neural diseases. One of the effective ways to prevent the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated cellular injury is dietary or pharmaceutical augmentation of some free radical scavenger. Water‐soluble amino‐fullerene derivative is a novel compound that behaves as a free radical scavenger with excellent biocompatibility. In the present study, we synthesized a novel β‐alanine C60 derivative. The product was characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, LC‐MS and elemental analysis. We investigated the protective effect on hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress and apoptotic death in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. PC12 cells treated with hydrogen peroxide underwent apoptotic death determined by MTT, flow cytometry analysis and PI/Hoechst 33342 staining. Moreover, the scavenging ability of β‐alanine C60 derivative to reactive oxygen species both in vivo and in vitro of PC12 cells was measured. The results suggest that β‐alanine C60 derivative has the potential to prevent oxidative stress‐induced cell death without evident toxicity. Hence, on the basis of the above‐mentioned studies, we can hypothesize that the protective effect of β‐alanine C60 derivative on H2O2 induced apoptosis is related to their known scavenger activity toward ROS.
Dynamics of satellite binding protein CENP‐B and telomere binding protein TRF2/MTBP in the nuclei of mouse spermatogenic line
Authors: Dolnik A.V. , Pochukalina G.N. , Parfenov V.N. , Karpushev A.V. , Podgornaya O.I. , Voronin A.P.
Published: January 2007

The location of centromeric protein CENP‐B and telomeric protein TRF2/MTBP in the mouse spermatogenic line has been studied using indirect immunofluorescent and immunoelectron microscopy. CENP‐B localized to the heterochromatic parts of the nuclei at meiotic stages. A clearly distinct chromocenter forms in the nucleus at stages 3–4 of spermatid maturation; CENP‐B localizes in it and in the area adjacent to the future acrosome. CENP‐B localization in the subacrosomal area and in the chromocenters’ periphery demonstrates that centromeres are organized in two groups in mouse spermatozoa, unlike human centromeres. TRF2/MTBP concentrates around the forming chromocenter at spermiogenesis early stages. The TRF2/MTBP main signal migrates into the area of acrosomal membrane at the course of spermatozoon maturation. TRF2/MTBP never localizes inside the synaptonemal complex but can be found in the areas where the synaptonemal complex attaches to the nuclear envelope. At the pachytene and diplotene stages when chromosomes separate from the nuclear envelope, some amount of the protein remains bound to the nuclear membrane while the other part reveals itself in chromosomes. TRF2/MTBP accumulates in the future acrosome from the very beginning of its formation. In the mature spermatozoon TRF2/MTBP decorates the acrosomal membrane as well as spreads in condensed chromatin.
Hsp70 in the atrial neuroendocrine units of the snail, Achatina fulica
Authors: Martynova M.G. , Bystrova O.A. , Shabelnikov S.V. , Margulis B.A. , Prokofjeva D.S.
Published: January 2007

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are evolutionary conserved peptides well known as molecular chaperones and stress proteins. Elevated levels of extracellular Hsps in blood plasma have been observed during the stress responses and some diseases. Information on the cellular sources of extracellular Hsps and mechanisms regulating their release is still scanty. Here we showed the presence and localization of Hsp70 in the neuroendocrine system in the atrium of the snail, Achatina fulica. The occurrence of the peptide in snail atrium lysate was detected by Western blot analysis. Immunoperoxidase and immunogold staining demonstrated that Hsp70‐immunoreactivity is mainly confined to the peculiar atrial neuroendocrine units which are formed by nerve fibers tightly contacted with large granular cells. Immunolabelling intensity differed in morphologically distinct types of secretory granules in the granular cells. The pictures of exocytosis of Hsp70‐immunolabeled granules from the granular cells were observed. In nerve bundles, axon profiles with Hsp70‐immunoreactive and those with non‐immunoreactive neurosecretory granules were found. In addition, Hsp70‐like material was also revealed in the granules of glia‐interstitial cells that accompanied nerve fibers. Our findings provide an immuno‐morphological basis for a role of Hsp70 in the functioning of the neuroendocrine system in the snail heart, and show that the atrial granular cells are a probable source of extracellular Hsp70 in the snail hemolymph.
Centromeric protein CENP‐B proteasomal degradation induced by the viral protein ICP0
Authors: Lomonte Patrick , Morency Eric
Published: January 2007

The ICP0 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) is a nuclear protein that possesses a well‐characterized E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. This activity is responsible for the proteasomal‐dependent degradation of several cellular proteins. This study shows that ICP0 induces the proteasomal‐dependent degradation of the centromeric protein CENP‐B in infected as well as ICP0‐expressing cells. It is also shown that the ICP0‐induced CENP‐B degradation occurs as efficiently in human and mouse cells. CENP‐B is one of the major proteins of centromeres and its degradation is likely to contribute to the severe damage induced to centromeres by ICP0.
The welfare of urban youth in China 1949–79
Authors: Dixon John
Published: January 2007

The problems of urban youth in China, especially juvenile delinquency, have been a continuing policy concern for the Chinese Communist Party. Undoubtedly the factors that have most influenced the welfare of urban youth have been the inevitable delays in assigning them jobs and their compulsory and permanent transfer to the countryside. Exacerbating the situation has been the evident weakening of family discipline and the continuing confusion as to youth's proper role in Chinese society. The Chinese Communist Party's response has been to urge local neighbourhoods, rural production teams and local enterprises to provide a range of services and facilities for urban young people so as to inhibit juvenile misbehaviour and to ensure that they become policically and socially conforming adults.
Scotland in the seventies—Adolescents in care and custody. A survey of adolescent murder in Scotland*
Authors: Fiddes Dorothy O.
Published: January 2007

This survey was undertaken as a pilot within a wider ranging study of the most violent and seriously disturbed adolescents who might be candidates for some form of Youth Treatment Centre or Secure Psychiatric Unit in Scotland.

It covers all murderers over 12 and under 18 years of age convicted in Scotland in the six years following the implementation of the Social Work (Scotland) Act in April, 1971. The cohort of 37 male adolescents is described in terms of contributing factors surrounding the crime and the differentiating factors which point to social or psychiatric morbidity in this particular population. The conflict is examined between the demands of the penal system and the needs of still developing adolescents in the abnormal, restrictive environments to which they are confined.
The hyperactive child in adolescence: some pharmacologic approaches
Authors: White James H.
Published: January 2007

The history of the hyperactive child when he reaches adolescence reveals continuing behavioral and emotional problems. These problems may persist into adulthood. Recent studies indicate the usefulness of pharmacologic treatment of formerly hyperactive children when they reach adolescence. Three case histories are described illustrating the effectiveness of pharmacologic intervention in disturbed adolescents who were diagnosed hyperactive as children. The implications of drug treatment of impulsive behavior disorders are discussed along with the drugs of choice for treating these disorders. It is recommended that a trial of pharmacologic treatment be considered in adolescents with disorders of impulse control who have a past history of hyperactivity.
Family therapy with adolescents
Authors: Teichman Yona
Published: January 2007

This paper is a continuation of Berkowitz's (1979) systemic ideas about the treatment of troubled adolescents and their families. A therapeutic approach which is conceptually and structurally relevent to the developmental task of differentiation and individuation is presented. This task is viewed systemically as a family's task rather than an individual's task. Specific problems and applications are discussed.
Intermediate treatment, research and social policy
Authors: Jones Ray
Published: January 2007

There has recently been an intensification in the debate about social policies for juvenile offenders. Reforms in the legislation relevant to these young people have been proposed for England and Wales, Scotland, and for Northern Ireland. These reforms are largely in opposition to the social values underlying the legislation introduced in the 1960s to structure services for deprived and delinquent adolescents. One of the major innovations of the changes during the 1960s was the introduction of the concept of intermediate treatment. This paper explores the development of intermediate treatment during the past decade, and looks briefly at some of the theoretical rationales underlying this concept. Issues which arise in researching intermediate treatment are discussed; these are also issues which arise in researching many other forms of social intervention. Finally, some thoughts are offered on the making of social policy, and about the relationship between research and policy formulation, using intermediate treatment as a case study.
How endings are experienced in time limited family placement of difficult adolescents
Authors: Downes Celia
Published: January 2007

This paper illustrates four patterns of interaction between adolescent and foster family in terms of the way that placements end. It describes how adolescents and foster parents prepare for and anticipate the end of placement, it examines what happens during the ending and, thirdly, what events occur after the placement has ended. It concludes with a discussion of relevant, theoretical concepts.
“Dropping out” from an adolescent therapeutic group: a study of factors in the patients and their parents which may influence this process
Authors: Holmes Paul
Published: January 2007

A significant proportion of all patients offered group therapy “drop out” before any help can be given to them. This process of attrition is likely to be even higher in adolescent groups. This paper considers factors, observable in the initial assessments of adolescents and their families, which might be associated with this process. Two styles of “drop out” were noticed; one appearing to be less destructive than the other to the patient and to the group. A highly significant association was observed between an assessor's feeling that either the adolescent or one of their parental figures had a paranoid personality and a tendency to leave the group in a precipitate and destructive manner. It is suggested that the sort of therapy offered by the group described in this study may not be the treatment of choice for adolescents of this type, and that there are benefits to be gained from assessing the family of an adolescent before he is offered group therapy on his own.
Political knowledge and awareness in adolescents
Authors: Furnham Adrian , Gunter Barrie
Published: January 2007

Although some work has been done on adolescents' political attitudes, very little work has been done on their political knowledge. This study aimed to replicate a large study carried out eight years ago (Stradling, 1977) to see whether recent political changes altered adolescents' political knowledge and secondly to investigate the determinants (demographic, media usage, interest) of this knowledge. The results were strikingly similar to those of Stradling despite the smaller sample and the changes over time. The subjects appeared to know most about responsibility for public services and party political leaders and least about party political or parliamentary procedure. The canonical variable that best predicted overall knowledge was interest in politics and current affairs and to a lesser extent TV news watching and discussions with adults. The results are discussed in terms of political socialization and limitations of this work are considered.
Adolescents, parents, and peers: What is one with or without the other?
Authors: Valiant Gayle L.
Published: January 2007

The present study investigates the relationship between Asian and white adolescents, resident in Britain, and their parents and peers. Ninety Asian and 81 white youths aged between 11 and 16 years, completed questionnaires concerning the quality of relations with parents; conflict between parents and peers; and willingness to approach parents, peers, siblings, teachers, and religious leaders in particular situations. In addition, diaries of time spent with peers were kept for a one week period. The data tend to show that relations among youths and groups of would‐be advisers are influenced by both age and cultural background. Also, they would further support the view that relations with parents and peers do not represent mutually exclusive domains, but must be seen as developing from both a consideration of the appropriateness of each group in particular circumstances as well as the availability of other groups of “significant” persons.
Are there psychological differences between persistent solvent‐abusing delinquents and delinquents who do not abuse solvents?
Authors: Biggs S.J. , Bender M.P. , Foreman J.
Published: January 2007

Twenty‐two male adolescents who were known to be persistent solventabusers at a community home with education and 22 matched adolescents with no known history of solvent abuse were given a wide range of psychometric tests in order to investigate on what personality dimensions, if any, the two groups differed. No significant differences were found and these findings are discussed in terms of their social implications.
The Anarchic Principle of Christian Eschatology in the Eucharistic Tradition of the Eastern Church
Authors: Manoussakis John Panteleimon
Published: January 2007

Theology in the 20th century witnessed a shift in emphasis: The talk about the last things did not have to come last any more as the traditional handbooks of systematic theology would have it; eschatology was no longer one branch of theology among others but lay at the center of our understanding of the Christian faith. My purpose in this essay is to go a step further than this rearrangement in theological discourse and examine a reversal within the theological understanding of eschatology itself. In the wake of the work of the Metropolitan of Pergamon John (Zizioulas), a different understanding of eschatology has emerged, one that recognizes in the Parousia not only the event that stands at the end of history (the apocalyptic closure of time with which certain Christian groups have always had a fascination), but also as that event that, grounded in the Eucharist, flows continuously from the and permeates every moment in history. In the following discussion I wish to trace and spell out the implications of such a novel understanding of eschatology for our theologies today. As my guides in this exploration, I take the theology of John Zizioulas and certain insights that recent research in phenomenology has placed at theology's service. This association might seem strange to the reader: What does the theology of things-to-come have in common with the philosophy of things-themselves? I would like to propose that phenomenology, especially as it has been recently formulated by a new generation of phenomenologists, such as Jean-Luc Marion, Jean-Yves Lacoste, and Richard Kearney, can be a very helpful instrument in the hands of eucharistic eschatology in its effort to rescue eschatology from the twin risks of either immanentizing it or relegating it to an end-of-times utopia. Furthermore, the structure of an “inverted intentionality,” as exemplified by certain liturgical forms such as hymnology and iconography, will be suggested as the precise point of phenomenology's convergence with eucharistic eschatology. I write with the conviction that eschatology is in essence a “liberation” theology (freeing us from the moralistic and sociological constellations of this world) and that, as my concluding remarks illustrate, it has real, practical, day-to-day consequences for the ways we conduct our lives and our relationships with others.
The Fantasy of Reunion: The Rise and Fall of the Association for the Promotion of the Unity of Christendom
Authors: CHAPMAN MARK D.
Published: January 2007

This paper traces the history of the Association for the Promotion of the Unity of Christendom, one of the most successful of the eccentric and idiosyncratic private ecumenical initiatives of the mid-nineteenth century. The principal motivation behind the venture was a Romantic medievalism inspired by the lay Roman Catholic Ambrose Phillipps de Lisle and the Anglican ritualist priest, Frederick George Lee. While initially attracting widespread support, the leaders failed to recognise the power of vested interests in both Churches. After a vigorous denunciation by Henry Manning, the hopes of reunion proved to be little more than a dream.