bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nachbildung der Hydroabrasionsbeanspruchung im Laborversuch
Authors: Helbig Ulf , Horlacher Hans.‐B. , Stamm Jürgen , Bellmann Claudia , Butler Marko , Mechtcherine Viktor
Published: May 2012

Der Oberflächenverschleiß von Wasserbauwerken resultiert zu einem hohen Maße aus hydroabrasiver Belastung infolge Überströmung mit feststoffbehaftetem Wasser. Hierbei spielen auf der Einwirkseite die Fließverhältnisse, die Feststoffart, ‐form und ‐zusammensetzung sowie die Zeitdauer der Exposition eine maßgebliche Rolle. Als schwierig erweisen sich unter anderem eine realitätsnahe versuchstechnische Nachbildung sowie ein Vergleich bzw. eine Übertragbarkeit der Verschleißzustände zwischen Modellversuch und Natur. Die experimentellen Untersuchungen zum Einfluss einiger maßgebender Parameter auf die Betonschädigung wurden im ersten Teil des Aufsatzes beschrieben. In diesem, zweiten Teil des Aufsatzes wird ein auf der Basis der gewonnenen Erkenntnisse und Daten entwickelter Korrelationsansatz vorgestellt, mit dem es nun möglich ist, unter Berücksichtigung der Schwere‐ und Turbulenzverhältnisse sowie der mittleren Korndurchmesser gegenseitige Beziehungen zwischen verschiedenen Hydroabrasionsregimen aufzustellen und eine modellbasierte Prognose des Betonverschleißes vorzunehmen.

Simulation of hydro‐abrasion loading in the laboratory. Part 2 – correlation of wear and approaches of prediction

The wear of hydraulic structures is to a great extent caused by hydroabrasive loading. The degree of exposure to such wearing action mostly depends on the flowing waters characteristics, the type, shape and composition of the transported solid phase (sediments) as well as the duration of the exposure. It is also difficult to simulate the hydroabrasive process realistically under laboratory conditions, so that different states of wear as observed in experiments could be compared to or transformed into the real hydroabrasive situations in the practice of construction. The first part of this paper presented the results of own experimental investigations on the effects of various decisive parameters on the concrete degradation due to hydroabrasion. Based on the attained comprehension and data a correlation approach was developed, which enables to estimate the concrete wear under consideration of gravitation and turbulence conditions as well as mean grain diameter. This work is presented in this second part of the paper.
Erneuerung des Rheinhafens Bendorf
Authors: Dormann Michael , Herbort Johannes
Published: May 2012

Im Dezember 2010 begannen die Bauarbeiten zur Erneuerung der Umschlagufer im Rheinhafen Bendorf. Im Rahmen dieser Baumaßnahme werden die über 80 bis 110 Jahre alten Uferwände des Hafens auf einer Länge von 430 m durch eine neue vorgesetzte Stahlspundwand ersetzt, weiterhin werden zwei Gefahrgutliegeplätze für Tankschiffe um weitere Anlegedalben verlängert und mit zusätzlichen Landgängen ausgestattet. Die Hafensohle wird auf einer Fläche von ca. 65000 m2 vertieft und damit an den bereits erfolgten Mittelrheinausbau angepasst. Mit Geländeauffüllungen bis zu 4 m Höhe wird eine neue ca. 12000 m2 große hochwassersichere Lager‐ und Umschlagfläche geschaffen. Die neuen Betriebsflächen erhalten eine Oberflächenbefestigung aus Verbundsteinpflaster und ein neues Entwässerungssystem einschließlich eines Regenrückhalte‐ und Absetzbeckens. Sämtliche Arbeiten müssen unter laufendem Hafenbetrieb erfolgen. Inzwischen sind der erste Bauabschnitt der neuen Uferspundwand einschließlich der hochwassersicheren Betriebsfläche sowie die Verlängerung der Gefahrgutliegeplätze fertiggestellt, in der ersten Jahreshälfte 2012 werden sämtliche Arbeiten abgeschlossen sein. Nach der Fertigstellung steht der Rheinhafen Bendorf GmbH ein moderner und leistungsfähiger Binnenhafen mit deutlich verbesserten Bedingungen für die Berufsschifffahrt und die Umschlagbetriebe zur Verfügung.

Renewal of the Rhine‐Port Bendorf – Modernization of an over 100‐year old inland port

In December the construction work for the renewal of the handling quays in the Rhine‐Port Bendorf started. The 80 – 110 years old bank walls will be replaced by a steel sheet piling with a length of 430 m. Also two berths for tankers will be extended by further mooring dolphins and equipped with additional gangways. A 65000 m2 area of the harbour floor will be deepened and thus adapted to the improvement of the Middle Rhine. A new flood‐proof storage and handling area of about 12000 m2 will be created by means of landfills up to 4 m height. These new areas will get a surface with interlocking paving stones and a new drainage system including a rain detention and settling basin. The total work has to be carried out during full harbour operation. Meanwhile the first construction phase of the new sheet piling including the flood‐proof area and the extension of the berths are finished, by the end of June 2012 the total work will be completed. Upon completion the Rhine‐Port Bendorf will be a modern and efficient inland harbour with clearly improved conditions for the ship's crews and the handling companies.
Impact of severity of renal dysfunction on determinants of in‐hospital mortality among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Parikh Puja B. , Jeremias Allen , Naidu Srihari S. , Brener Sorin J. , Lima Fabio , Shlofmitz Richard A. , Pappas Thomas , Marzo Kevin P. , Gruberg Luis
Published: May 2012

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known prognostic indicator of poor outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery disease. However, it is unclear whether other predictors of mortality differ among patients with varying degrees of renal impairment. Thus, we aimed to identify determinants of in‐hospital mortality which are specific to patients with preserved renal function, moderate CKD, or end stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis, undergoing PCI. Methods: The study population included 25,018 patients who underwent PCI between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2007, at four New York State hospitals. The primary endpoint of the study was in‐hospital mortality. Results: A total of 474 (1.9%) patients had ESRD on dialysis, 6,596 (26.4%) had moderate CKD (GFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2), and 17,948 (71.7%) had preserved renal function (GFR>60 ml/min/1.73m2). Patients with ESRD and moderate CKD were older, more often male, and had higher rates of prior coronary revascularization, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, prior stroke, and diabetes than those with preserved function. All‐cause in‐hospital mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with ESRD and moderate CKD compared to patients with GFR >60ml/min/1.73m2 (2.1% and 1.3%, respectively vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, ESRD (OR: 3.68, 95% CI 1.62–8.36) and moderate CKD (OR: 2.92, 95% CI 1.91–4.46) were independently associated with higher rates of in‐hospital mortality. Independent predictors of mortality were markedly distinct in each group and included female gender and myocardial infarction within the past 72 hr in the ESRD group, versus left ventricular ejection fraction, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, emergency PCI, and absence of prior PCI in the moderate CKD group and age, prior bypass graft surgery, congestive heart failure, emergency PCI, and absence of prior myocardial infarction in patients with preserved renal function Conclusions: Patients with moderate CKD or ESRD undergoing PCI have an approximately threefold increase in the risk of in‐hospital mortality compared with patients with preserved renal function, with radically different mortality predictors existing for varying levels of renal function. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Ca2+ and Rho GTPase signaling pathways underlying activity‐dependent actin remodeling at dendritic spines
Authors: Saneyoshi Takeo , Hayashi Yasunori
Published: May 2012

Most excitatory synapses reside on small protrusions located on the dendritic shaft of neurons called dendritic spines. Neuronal activity regulates the number and structure of spines in both developing and mature brains. Such morphological changes are mediated by the modification of the actin cytoskeleton, the major structural component of spines. Because the number and size of spines is tightly correlated with the strength of synaptic transmission, the activity‐dependent structural remodeling of a spine plays an important role in the modulation of synaptic transmission. The regulation of spine morphogenesis utilizes multiple intracellular signaling pathways that alter the dynamics of actin remodeling. Here, we will review recent studies examining the signaling pathways underlying activity‐dependent actin remodeling at excitatory postsynaptic neurons. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Late Pleistocene–Holocene river dynamics at the Trent‐Soar confluence, England, UK
Authors: Brown Antony G. , Toms Phillip S. , Carey Chris J. , Howard Andy J. , Challis Keith
Published: May 2012

Although river confluences have received geomorphic attention in recent years it is difficult to upscale these studies, so confluence‐dominated reaches are commonly presumed to be either: (1) braided; or (2) meandering and characterized by laterally migrating channels. If the geomorphology of a confluence zone is to be considered over longer timescales, changes in river style need to be taken into account. This paper uses a combination of remote sensing techniques (LiDAR, GPR, ER), borehole survey and chronometric dating to test this differentiation in the confluence‐zone of a medium‐sized, mixed‐load, temperate river system (Trent, UK), which on the basis of planform evidence appears to conform to the meandering model. However, the analysis of ‘confluence sediment body stratigraphy’ demonstrates that the confluence does not correspond with a simple meander migration model and chronostratigraphic data suggests it has undergone two major transformations. Firstly, from a high‐energy braid‐plain confluence in the Lateglacial (25–13 K yrs cal BP), to a lower‐energy braided confluence in the early to middle Holocene (early Holocene‐2.4 kyr BP), which created a compound terrace. Second, incision into this terrace, creating a single‐channel confluence (2.4–0.5 kyr cal BP) with a high sinuosity south bank tributary (the River Soar). The confluence sediment‐body stratigraphy is characterized by a basal suite of Late Pleistocene gravels bisected by younger channel fills, which grade into the intervening levee and overbank sediments. The best explanation for the confluence sediment body stratigraphy encountered is that frequent switching (soft‐avulsions sensu Edmonds et al., 2011) of the tributary are responsible for the downstream movement of the channel confluence (at an average rate of approximately 0.5 m per year) dissecting and reworking older braid‐plain sediments. The late Holocene evolution of the confluence can be seen as a variant of the incisional‐frequent channel reorganization (avulsion) model with sequential downstream migration of the reattachment point. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid as an internal wetting agent in model conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Weeks Andrea , Morrison David , Alauzun Johan G. , Brook Michael A. , Jones Lyndon , Sheardown Heather
Published: May 2012

Photocrosslinkable methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HA) was prepared and incorporated into model conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses as an internal wetting agent. The molecular weight of the HA, the degree of methacrylation as well as the amount (0.25 to 1.0 wt %) incorporated were varied. The HA‐containing hydrogels were analyzed using a variety of techniques including water contact angles, equilibrium water content (EWC), and lysozyme sorption. The presence of HA could be detected in the materials using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy—attenuated total reflectance. The materials containing methacrylated HA had improved hydrophilicity and reduced lysozyme sorption. Effects of modified HA on EWC were dependent upon the materials but generally increased water uptake. Increased mobility of the HA associated with a lower molecular weight and lower degree of methacrylation was found to be more effective in improving hydrophilicity and decreasing lysozyme sorption than the less mobile HA. All results found suggest that photocrosslinkable HA has significant potential in contact lens applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to biomaterials is inhibited by fibronectin and albumin
Authors: Linnes J. C. , Mikhova K. , Bryers J. D.
Published: May 2012

Decades of contradictory results have obscured the exact role of adsorbed fibronectin in the adhesion of the bacterium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, to biomaterials. Here, the ability of adsorbed fibronectin (FN) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) to modulate S. epidermidis adhesion to various biomaterials is reported. FN or BSA was adsorbed in increasing surface densities up to saturated monolayer coverage onto various common biomaterials, including poly(ethylene terephthalate), fluorinated ethylene propylene, poly(ether urethane), silicone, and borosilicate glass. Despite the wide range of surface characteristics represented, adsorption isotherms varied only subtly between materials for the two proteins considered. S. epidermidis adhesion to the various protein‐coated biomaterials was quantified in a static‐fluid batch adhesion assay. Although slight differences in overall adherent cell numbers were observed between the various protein‐coated substrata, all materials exhibited significant dose‐dependent decreases in S. epidermidis adhesion with increasing adsorption of either protein (FN, BSA) to all surfaces. Results here indicate that S. epidermidis adhesion to FN‐coated surfaces is not a specific adhesion (i.e., receptor: ligand) mediated process, as no significant difference in adhesion was found between FN‐ and BSA‐coated materials. Rather, results indicate that increasing surface density of either FN or BSA actually inhibited S. epidermidis adhesion to all biomaterials examined. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: , 2012.
Effects of surfactants on the properties of PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Menon Jyothi U. , Kona Soujanya , Wadajkar Aniket S. , Desai Foram , Vadla Anupama , Nguyen Kytai T.
Published: May 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the physical characteristics of poly(D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with two surfactants, Pluronic or the commonly used polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); and determine their in vitro efficiency as drug carriers for cancer therapy. Free surfactant cytotoxicity results indicated that Pluronic F127 (PF127) was most cytocompatible among the Pluronics tested and hence chosen for coating PLGA NPs for further studies. Release studies using doxorubicin (DOX) as a drug model showed sustained release of DOX from both PVA‐ and PF127‐coated PLGA NPs (PLGA‐PVA and PLGA‐PF127, respectively) over 28 days. Further, there was no significant difference in human dermal fibroblasts and human aortic smooth muscle cell survival when exposed to both types of NPs. Cellular uptake studies demonstrated that uptake of both nanoparticle types was dose‐dependent for both prostate and breast cancer cells. However, these cancer cells internalized more PLGA‐PF127 NPs than PLGA‐PVA NPs. Moreover, studies showed that drug‐loaded PLGA‐PF127 NPs not only killed more cancer cells than drug‐loaded PLGA‐PVA NPs, but also overcame drug resistance in LNCaP, MDA‐MB‐231, and MDA‐MB‐468 cancer cells on re‐exposure. These results indicate that PLGA‐PF127 NPs can form a promising system that not only delivers anti‐cancer drugs, but also overcomes drug resistance, which is prevalent in most cancer cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
Immobilization of the direct thrombin inhibitor‐bivalirudin on 316L stainless steel via polydopamine and the resulting effects on hemocompatibility in vitro
Authors: Lu Lei , Li Quan‐Li , Maitz Manfred F. , Chen Jia‐Long , Huang Nan
Published: May 2012

Bivalirudin (BV), a peptidic direct thrombin inhibitor, derived from hirudin, has gained increasing interest in clinical anticoagulant therapy in the recent years. In this work, a hemocompatible surface was prepared by immobilization of BV on 316L stainless steel (SS) using a bonding layer of polydopamine (DA). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the chemical composition of the surfaces to characterize polydopamine intermediate layer and the immobilized BV. The quantity of bound BV was measured by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The hemocompatibility in vitro was evaluated by coagulating time of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) assay, platelet adhesion and activation, fibrinogen adsorption, and activation and whole blood test. The effect of sterilizing method on the bioactivity of immobilized BV was also evaluated. The results showed that BVs were successfully immobilized on SS surface with the DA interlayer at a density of 98 ng/cm2. BV coating surface prolonged aPTT and PT, inhibited the activation of platelet and fibrinogen significantly. Sterilization by ultraviolet radiation was possible with only marginal loss of activity. Thus, the approach described here may provide a basis for the preparation of 316L SS surface modification for use in cardiovascular implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2421–2430, 2012.
Macrochanneled bioactive ceramic scaffolds in combination with collagen hydrogel: A new tool for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Yu Hye‐Sun , Jin Guang‐Zhen , Won Jong‐Eun , Wall Ivan , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: May 2012

New tissue‐engineering tool for bone regeneration is described to facilitate homogeneous cell seeding and effective osteogenic development. Calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds with macrochanneled and well‐defined pore structure was developed, however, a large portion of the cells seeded directly within the scaffold easily penetrates without good adhesion to the scaffold surface. To overcome this, a method was exploited to dispense cells evenly throughout the CaP scaffold using collagen hydrogel. Rat bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were mixed within a neutralized collagen solution, which was then infiltrated into the macrochanneled pore space and gelled to result in macrochanneled bioceramic scaffold combined with MSCs–hydrogel. MSCs contained within the hydrogel‐CaP scaffolds were highly viable, with similar growth pattern to those in the collagen hydrogel. Cells seeded by this approach were initially almost double in number compared with those seeded directly onto the CaP scaffold and had an active proliferation more than 14 days. Assessments of the MSCs showed significantly higher alkaline phosphatase levels in the combined scaffold, which was accompanied by enhanced osteogenesis including the expression of genes [collagen type I, bone sialoprotein, and osteopontin (OPN)] and proteins (OPN and osteocalcin). Extracellular calcium was also elevated significantly in the combined scaffold compared to the CaP scaffold. In addition, mechanical strength of the constructs was improved significantly in the combined scaffold compared to the CaP scaffold. Based on these, the cell culturing and tissue engineering strategy within the macrochanneled bioactive ceramic scaffolds could be improved greatly by the combinatory approach of using collagen hydrogel. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2431–2440, 2012.
Osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic resorption of tricalcium phosphate: Effect of strontium and magnesium doping
Authors: Roy Mangal , Bose Susmita
Published: May 2012

Bone substitute materials are required to support the remodeling process, which consists of osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic synthesis. Osteoclasts, the bone‐resorbing cells, generate from differentiation of hemopoietic mononuclear cells. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of 1.0 wt % strontium (Sr) and 1.0 wt % magnesium (Mg) doping in beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) on the differentiation of mononuclear cells into osteoclast‐like cells and its resorptive activity. In vitro osteoclast‐like cell formation, adhesion, and resorption were studied using osteoclast precursor RAW 264.7 cell, supplemented with receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ ligand (RANKL). Osteoclast‐like cell formation was noticed on pure and Sr‐doped β‐TCP samples at day 8, which was absent on Mg‐doped β‐TCP samples indicating decrease in initial osteoclast differentiation due to Mg doping. After 21 days of culture, osteoclast‐like cell formation was evident on all samples with osteoclastic markers such as actin ring, multiple nuclei, and presence of vitronectin receptor αvβ3 integrin. After osteoclast differentiation, all substrates showed osteoclast‐like cell‐mediated degradation, however, significantly restricted for Mg‐doped β‐TCP samples. Our present results indicated that substrate chemistry controlled osteoclast differentiation and resorptive activity, which can be used in designing TCP‐based resorbable bone substitutes with controlled degradation properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2450–2461, 2012.
Impact of the number of lymph nodes sampled on outcome in ypT0N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Chao Yin‐Kai , Liu Hui‐Ping , Hsieh Ming‐Ju , Wu Yi‐Cheng , Liu Yun‐Hen , Yeh Chi‐Hsiao , Chang Hsien‐Kun , Tseng Chen‐Kan
Published: May 2012

Background

Higher extent of lymph node dissection (LND) is beneficial in primarily resected esophageal cancer patients by providing accurate staging and better tumor control. Achieving pathological complete response (pCR) after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) also represents better outcome. We studied the controversial question whether higher LND could further improve survival after pCR.

Method

Between 1996 and 2007, Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with pCR after CRT were included. Based on the median number of dissected lymph node, patients were divided into two groups (Group 1: Lower LND; Group 2: Higher LND). We compared the demographic features, perioperative outcomes, recurrence, and survival between groups.

Results

The cohort comprised 101 patients (100 males and one female) with a mean age of 58 years. There were 56 and 45 patients in Group 1 and 2, respectively. Clinical features and perioperative outcome were similar between groups. During a mean follow‐up of 78.8 months, 32 (33.7%) patients died of the disease and 35.8% of patients developed recurrence. There was no difference in locoregional (11.3% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.78) or distant recurrence (22.6% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.18) between the two groups. Patients with lowest LND also had similar outcomes as those with the highest LND. The 5‐year disease specific survival rate was 65 and 64% in Group 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusion

In ESCC patients, the number of negative lymph nodes had no prognostic impact after pCR. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:436–440. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Specific activation requirements of in vitro‐matured sheep oocytes following vitrification‐warming
Authors: Asgari V. , Hosseini S.M. , Ostadhosseini S. , Hajian M. , Azhdari Z.T. , Mosaie M. , Nasr‐Esfahani M.H.
Published: May 2012

Oocyte vitrification and assisted oocyte activation have increasingly important roles in assisted reproductive technology. Yet, an important area of concern with matured oocyte cryobiology is that elements of oocytes intimately involved in metaphase‐II arrest may be modified by cryopreservation. By comparing different cellular characteristics of unvitrified, vitrified‐warmed, and unvitrified‐activated oocytes, the present study investigated how vitrification‐warming process may affect developmental competence of in vitro‐matured sheep oocytes following parthenogenetic activation. Structural, ultrastructural, and molecular analyses indicated that the characteristics of vitrified‐warmed oocytes vastly differed from fresh oocytes, instead resembling unvitrified‐activated oocytes. For unvitrified oocytes, the highest blastocyst yield (41.8 ± 0.6%) was achieved using the maximum ionomycin concentration (5 µM), and importantly, the duration of ionomycin treatment was not of utmost importance at this concentration. In contrast, the maximum blastocyst yield of vitrified‐warmed oocytes (28.4 ± 1.4%) was achieved with a minimal duration of ionomycin treatment (1 min), and further extending the duration dramatically reduced developmental potential of vitrified‐warmed oocytes. These results suggested that vitrified‐warmed oocytes may need an activation protocol different from unvitrified oocytes. In this respect, unvitrified oocytes were more sensitive to the concentration rather than the duration of ionomycin treatment when compared with vitrified oocytes, which were sensitive to the treatment duration. These results may provide a platform to improve the potential applications of vitrified oocytes in medicine and agriculture. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:434–444, 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproductive mode and ovarian morphology regulation in chimeric planarians composed of asexual and sexual neoblasts
Authors: Nodono Hanae , Matsumoto Midori
Published: May 2012

Planarians are comprised of populations with different reproductive strategies: exclusively innately asexual (AS), exclusively innately sexual (InS), and seasonally switching. AS worms can be sexualized experimentally by feeding them with minced InS worms, and the resultant worms are characterized as acquired sexual (AqS). Differences between InS and AqS worms are expected to provide important clues to the poorly understood mechanism underlying the regulation of their reproductive mode. Morphological differences were found between InS and AqS worm ovaries, and we showed that the pluripotent stem cells (neoblasts) from InS worms, but not those of AqS worms, have the capacity to initiate the sexual state autonomously via neoblast fraction transplantation. To compare their reproductive mode and ovarian morphology regulation, InS donor neoblast fractions were transplanted into non‐lethally X‐ray‐irradiated AS recipients. All transplants showed stable chimerism and reproduced sexually, suggesting that InS worm neoblasts can initiate sexual state autonomously, even when coexisting with AS worm neoblasts. The chimeras formed extraordinarily large and supernumerary ovaries equivalent to AqS worms, which were not seen in InS worms, suggesting that regulation of ovarian morphology in AS worm‐derived cells in response to endogenous sexualizing stimulation distinctly differs from that of InS worms. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:451–460, 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermorheological properties of poly (ε‐caprolactone)/polylactide blends
Authors: Noroozi Nazbanoo , Schafer Laurel L. , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G.
Published: May 2012

Blends of poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/polylactide (PLA) were prepared by solution‐casting method to study their thermal and rheological properties. Differential scanning calorimetry thermographs have shown two separate melting peaks in the blends, which are indicative of immiscible structure at all compositions. Scanning electron microscopy images show droplet morphology of PCL into PLA matrix up to 40 wt% of PCL. Above this concentration, the co‐continuous morphology starts to appear, which becomes again droplet morphology for blends with concentration of PCL higher than about 60 wt%. The viscoelastic properties of the various blends were investigated using rotational rheometry. The enhancement of the elastic modulus of blends at small frequencies at which terminal zone behavior is expected, is a signature behavior of immiscible systems due to the presence of interface and contribution to the stress from interfacial tension. Two emulsion models were used to predict the viscoelastic properties of the blends from the corresponding properties of their pure components that led to the determination of the interfacial tension of PCL/PLA in agreement with experimental findings. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Flow behavior of polypropylenes with different molecular structures in a coat‐hanger die
Authors: Grieß Hans Jürgen , Münstedt Helmut
Published: May 2012

An experimental investigation of the flow behavior of three polypropylene melts with different molecular structures during extrusion through a coat‐hanger die is presented. Two linear and one long‐chain branched material, rheologically characterized in shear and elongation, were investigated. Using laser–Doppler velocimeter measurements of the velocity profiles across the gap height were performed at five various locations along the die. The uniformity of the velocity distribution along the die has been assessed using the maximum velocities v0 of the corresponding velocity profiles across the gap. The velocity distribution along the die changes with throughput and temperature. Regarding the rheological properties, it was found that the power‐law index of the viscosity as a function of shear rate has a decisive influence on the uniformity of flow but that the pronounced strain hardening in elongation typical of the long‐chain branched polypropylene is not reflected by the velocity distribution along the die. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of precipitated calcium carbonate as a processing aid and impact modifier in poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Fernando N.A.S. , Thomas N.L.
Published: May 2012

The effect of ultra‐fine precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), with a primary particle size of 50 nm, on the fusion behavior and mechanical properties of Ca/Zn stabilized poly(vinyl chloride) PVC has been investigated. The optimum concentration of PCC was determined and, in addition, experimental design was used to examine possible synergies between PCC and two important additives in an unplasticized PVC (PVC‐U) formulation: namely, the processing aid and impact modifier. Dry blends were extruded and tested by differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, and Charpy impact testing. The results confirm that ultra‐fine PCC can give rise to large improvements in single notch impact strengths. Control values of 8 kJ/m−2 were increased to 79 kJ/m−2 through the addition of ultra‐fine PCC. There was also found to be a significant increase in fusion levels but no effect on the tensile strength of the samples. It is concluded that PCC behaves as both a processing aid and impact modifier in PVC‐U formulations, and the reasons for this are discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of a core–shell polyacrylate elastomer containing ultraviolet stabilizer and its application in polyoxymethylene
Authors: You Bin , Wu Guibo , Zhang Shiling , Yang Fan , Ren Xiancheng
Published: May 2012

A core–shell polyacrylate elastomer containing ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer was synthesized via semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerization from butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and a polymerizable UV stabilizer 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxylproroxy)benzophenone (BPMA). The core–shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography UV–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope. Furthermore, the obtained core–shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) elastomer was used as a modifier to enhance the UV resistance and impact resistance of polyoxymethylene (POM). As studied by scanning electron microscope, the core–shell poly(BA‐MMA‐BPMA) elastomer could be well dispersed in POM matrix, indicating that the elastomer had good compatibility with POM. In addition, the POM/poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) blend was examined by differential scanning calorimetry before and after UV irradiation. The results showed that the melting point decreased as the irradiation time increased; however, the crystallinity culminated at 500‐h UV irradiation slightly decreased and at last leveled off. The mechanical properties of POM/poly(BA‐MMA‐BPMA) before and after UV irradiation were also studied. It revealed that the photostabilizing fragments in the elastomer could provide long‐term UV resistance to POM. Besides, the impact strength was also improved when compared with pure POM. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Annihilation kinetics of color center in polycarbonate irradiated with gamma ray at elevated temperatures
Authors: Peng J.S. , Hsu C.M. , Yeh S.H. , Lee Sanboh
Published: May 2012

Annihilation kinetics of color center in polycarbonate (PC), irradiated with gamma ray at elevated temperatures, was investigated. The transmission loss in the PC was monitored in the ultraviolet and visible wavelength range. The transmittance decreased with increasing gamma‐ray dose. The loss was attributed to the presence of annealable and permanent color centers. The absorbance in situ data were detected at the wavelength of 450 nm and found in good agreement with the theoretical model in which the annealable color center followed a first‐order kinetic process. The rate constant satisfies the Arrhenius equation, with the activation energy of the color centers decreasing with increase of the gamma‐ray dose. The results were compared with the early findings reported in the literature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface immobilization chemistry influences peptide‐based detection of lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid
Authors: North Stella H. , Wojciechowski Jason , Chu Virginia , Taitt Chris R.
Published: May 2012

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently gained attention as potentially valuable diagnostic and therapeutic agents. The utilization of these peptides for diagnostic purposes relies on the ability to immobilize them on the surface of a detection platform in a predictable and reliable manner that facilitates target binding. The method for attachment of peptides to a solid support is guided by peptide length, amino acid composition, secondary structure, and the nature of the underlying substrate. While immobilization methods that target amine groups of amino acid sequences are widely used, they can result in heterogeneous conjugation at multiple sites on a peptide and have direct implications for peptide presentation and function. Using two types of commercial amine‐reactive microtiter plates, we described the effects of analogous immobilization chemistries on the surface attachment of AMPs and their differential binding interaction with Gram‐specific bacterial biomarkers, lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid. As might be expected, differences in overall binding affinities were noted when comparing AMPs immobilized on the two types of plates. However, the two‐amine‐targeted linking chemistries also affected the specificity of the attached peptides; lipopolysaccharide generally demonstrated a preference for peptides immobilized on one type of plate, while (when observed at all) lipoteichoic acid bound preferentially to AMPs immobilized on the other type of plate. These results demonstrate the potential for tuning not only the binding affinities but also the specificities of immobilized AMPs by simple alterations in linking strategy. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Glucose interaction with Au, Ag, and Cu clusters: Theoretical investigation
Authors: Jamshidi Zahra , Farhangian Hossien , Tehrani Zahra Aliakbar
Published: May 2012

Interactions of α‐D‐glucose with gold, silver, and copper metal clusters are studied theoretically at the density functional theory (CAM‐B3LYP) and MP2 levels of theory, using trimer clusters as simple catalytic models for metal particles as well as investigating the effect of cluster charge by studying the interactions of cationic and anionic gold clusters with glucose. The bonding between α‐D‐glucose and metal clusters occurs by two major bonding factors; the anchoring of M atoms (M = Cu, Ag, and Au) to the O atoms, and the unconventional M…HO hydrogen bond. Depending on the charge of metal clusters, each of these bonds contributes significantly to the complexation. Binding energy calculations indicate that the silver cluster has the lowest and gold cluster has the highest affinity to interact with glucose. Natural bond orbital analysis is performed to calculate natural population analysis and charge transfers in the complexes. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules was also applied to interpret the nature of bonds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The potential energy surface of CO2 from an algebraic approach
Authors: Sánchez‐Castellanos M. , Lemus R. , Carvajal M. , Pérez‐Bernal F.
Published: May 2012

The potential energy surface (PES) for the ground state of the 12C 16O2 molecule is estimated through an algebraic approach based on unitary groups. It is shown that a purely algebraic approach may lead to a unphysical surface even when the fit turns out to be of a remarkable high quality. The vibrational description is obtained in the framework of the U(2) × U(3) × U(2) model, where the U(2) algebras are associated with the CO bond stretching and the U(3) algebra with the OCO bending. The algebraic representation of the Hamiltonian is obtained through the connection between the coordinates and momenta and the generators of the dynamical algebra. It is shown that through this connection it is possible to choose the appropriate set of spectroscopic parameters leading to the right PES. The fit from which the PES is estimated involves 101 energy levels with an standard deviation of RMS = 0.53 cm−1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CCSD study of anharmonic Raman cross sections of fundamental, overtone, and combination transitions
Authors: Vidal Luciano N. , Vazquez Pedro A. M.
Published: May 2012

A methodology is presented for the study of fundamental, combination, and overtone Raman transitions, including a treatment based on the contact transformation theory for the mechanical anharmonicity from the cubic potential energy terms. The results obtained for acetylene and its deutered isotopologues show that anharmonicity effects on the Raman intensities can be very strong, particularly in the second‐order transitions. On average, these effects vary from 6.4 to 11.6% for fundamental transitions, from 26.8 to 36.0% for combinations, and from 56.3 to 86.6% for the overtones. Quantitative agreement of the calculated fundamental Raman cross sections with experiment was achieved. For combinations, it was determined that only semiquantitative agreement was achieved, while the computed overtone cross sections overestimated the experimental values. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physiological requirements for growth and competitiveness of Dekkera bruxellensis under oxygen‐limited or anaerobic conditions
Authors: Blomqvist Johanna , Nogué Violeta Sànchez , Gorwa‐Grauslund Marie , Passoth Volkmar
Published: May 2012

The effect of glucose and oxygen limitation on the growth and fermentation performances of Dekkera bruxellensis was investigated in order to understand which factors favour its propagation in ethanol or wine plants. Although D. bruxellensis has been described as a facultative anaerobe, no growth was observed in mineral medium under complete anaerobiosis while growth was retarded under severe oxygen limitation. In a continuous culture with no gas inflow, glucose was not completely consumed, most probably due to oxygen limitation. When an air/nitrogen mixture (O2‐content ca. 5%) was sparged to the culture, growth became glucose‐limited. In co‐cultivations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ethanol yields/g consumed sugar were not affected by the co‐cultures as compared to the pure cultures. However, different population responses were observed in both systems. In oxygen‐limited cultivation, glucose was depleted within 24 h after challenging with S. cerevisiae and both yeast populations were maintained at a stable level. In contrast, the S. cerevisiae population constantly decreased to about 1% of its initial cell number in the sparged glucose‐limited fermentation, whereas the D. bruxellensis population remained constant. To identify the requirements of D. bruxellensis for anaerobic growth, the yeast was cultivated in several nitrogen sources and with the addition of amino acids. Yeast extract and most of the supplied amino acids supported anaerobic growth, which points towards a higher nutrient demand for D. bruxellensis compared to S. cerevisiae in anaerobic conditions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of Conjugated Soybean Oil as Drying Oils and CLA Sources
Authors: Chintareddy Venkat Reddy , Oshel Reed E. , Doll Kenneth M. , Yu Zhengkun , Wu Wei , Zhang Guangtao , Verkade John G.
Published: May 2012

Better sources of drying oils for coatings and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for potential health benefits are of continuing interest. Iodine under photochemical conditions in hexanesB at reflux temperatures was investigated as a catalyst for conjugating soybean oil (SBO) for use as drying oils and as a potential source of CLA. Variations in catalyst loading, SBO, light source, free radical catalyst, solvent and temperature strongly affected the efficiency of the process. Changes in fatty acid isomer distributions in conjugated SBO (CSBO) influenced drying properties of CSBO. Conjugated dienes formed were predominantly trans‐9,trans‐11, which contrasts distributions found with catalysts such as strong base and metal compounds. Drying times of some of the CSBOs were superior to that of raw linseed oil. Iodine was partially recovered.
The impact of physical activity on menopausal symptoms in middle‐aged women
Authors: Canário Ana C.G. , Cabral Patrícia U. , Spyrides Maria H. , Giraldo Paulo C. , Eleutério José , Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Published: May 2012

Objective

To evaluate the influence of physical activity on climacteric symptoms among middle‐aged women in Brazil.

Methods

A population‐based sample of women aged 40–65 years was recruited from Natal, Brazil. Enrollment took place in basic health units in each health district of the city from June to September 2011. Data were collected while women waited for routine appointments at the health units. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale and the Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index. The level of physical activity was assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. It was classified as low, moderate, or vigorous.

Results

The mean age of the 370 participants was 49.8 ± 8.1 years. They were predominantly white (72.7%), married (61.6%), non‐smokers (93.5%), and had undergone high‐school education (70.5%). All domains of climacteric symptoms were significantly affected by physical activity: psychological (P < 0.001); somatovegetative (P < 0.001); and urogenital (P = 0.008). Significant differences were found between the IPAQ groups of physical activity and the Blatt–Kupperman Menopausal Index for the following symptoms: hot flashes (P < 0.001); paresthesia (P = 0.022); insomnia (P < 0.001); impatience (P < 0.001); depression (P < 0.001); vertigo (P < 0.001); fatigue (P < 0.001); arthralgia/myalgia (P < 0.001); and palpitation (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Physical activity improved climacteric symptoms among middle‐aged women in Brazil.
Consumer decisions in relationships
Authors: Simpson Jeffry A. , Griskevicius Vladas , Rothman Alexander J.
Published: May 2012

Most research on consumer choice assumes that decisions are usually made by individuals, and that these decisions are based on an individual's personal attitudes, beliefs, and preferences. Yet, much consumer behavior—from joint decisions to individual choices—is directly or indirectly shaped by people with whom we have some relationship. In this target article, we examine how each member in a relationship can affect how consumer decisions are made. After reviewing foundational work in the area, we introduce a powerful and statistically sophisticated methodology to study decisions within relationships—a dyadic framework of decision‐making. We then discuss how the study of consumer decisions in relationships can be informed by different theories in the relationships field, including attachment, interdependence, social power, communal/exchange orientations, relationship norms, and evolutionary principles. By building on the seminal foundations of prior joint‐decision making research with theories and methods from contemporary relationship science, we hope to facilitate the integration of the consumer and relationships literature to better understand and generate novel hypotheses about consumer decisions in relationships.
Social Influence on consumer decisions: Motives, modes, and consequences
Authors: Wood Wendy , Hayes Timothy
Published: May 2012

Research on consumer decision making has long recognized the influence of others. In this comment on Simpson, Griskevicius, and Rothman (this issue), we agree with them that consumer decisions are best understood in the social contexts in which these decisions are made. We explain how research on consumer social influence incorporates social motives, and we trace the effects of these motives on consumers’ information processing and their purchase and consumption decisions.
Experiential knowledge in action: Consulting practitioners for policy change
Authors: Smith-Merry Jennifer
Published: May 2012

The success of practitioner involvement in a policy consultation process is usually taken to be evident in the extent to which the resulting policy document is shaped by their views. Taking as its case study a public consultation for a new Scottish mental health policy, and drawing on theories of knowledge, this paper finds that for practitioner involvement in this consultation it is not possible to measure impact in this way. This is because the experiential and verbal knowledge of practitioners is not easily transferable through the different stages of the consultation process and into the final policy document. Instead, another significant effect resulting from practitioner involvement in the consultation is identified. Practitioner participation in the consultation is found to be a productive process of learning or education which produces a policy community more aware of its role in relation to the new policy.
Magnetostratigraphy of deep drilling core SG-1 in the western Qaidam Basin (NE Tibetan Plateau) and its tectonic implications
Authors: Zhang Weilin , Appel Erwin , Fang Xiaomin , Song Chunhui , Cirpka Olaf
Published: May 2012

The Qaidam Basin is the largest intermontane basin of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and contains a continuous Cenozoic sequence of lacustrine sediments. A ~ 1000-m-deep drilling (SG-1) with an average core recovery of ~ 95% was carried out in the depocenter of the Chahansilatu playa (sub-depression) in the western Qaidam Basin, aimed to obtain a high-resolution record of the paleoenvironmental evolution and the erosion history. Stepwise alternating field and thermal demagnetization, together with rock magnetic results, revealed a stable remanent magnetization for most samples, carried by magnetite. The polarity sequence consisted of 16 normal and 15 reverse zones which can be correlated with chrons 1n to 2An of the global geomagnetic polarity time scale. Magnetostratigraphic results date the entire core SG-1 at ~ 2.77 Ma to ~ 0.1 Ma and yielded sediment accumulation rate (SAR) ranging from 26.1 cm/ka to 51.5 cm/ka. Maximum SARs occurred within the intervals of ~ 2.6–2.2 Ma and after ~ 0.8 Ma, indicating two episodes of erosion, which we relate to pulse tectonic uplift of the NE Tibetan Plateau with subsequent global cooling.