bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The EH1 motif in metazoan transcription factors
Authors: Copley Richard R
Published: November 2005

Background

The Engrailed Homology 1 (EH1) motif is a small region, believed to have evolved convergently in homeobox and forkhead containing proteins, that interacts with theDrosophilaprotein groucho (C. elegansunc-37, Human Transducin-like Enhancers of Split). The small size of the motif makes its reliable identification by computational means difficult. I have systematically searched the predicted proteomes ofDrosophila,C. elegansand human for further instances of the motif.

Results

Using motif identification methods and database searching techniques, I delimit which homeobox and forkhead domain containing proteins also have likely EH1 motifs. I show that despite low database search scores, there is a significant association of the motif with transcription factor function. I further show that likely EH1 motifs are found in combination with T-Box, Zinc Finger and Doublesex domains as well as discussing other plausible candidate associations. I identify strong candidate EH1 motifs in basal metazoan phyla.

Conclusion

Candidate EH1 motifs exist in combination with a variety of transcription factor domains, suggesting that these proteins have repressor functions. The distribution of the EH1 motif is suggestive of convergent evolution, although in many cases, the motif has been conserved throughout bilaterian orthologs. Groucho mediated repression was established prior to the evolution of bilateria.
A preliminary study of neuroSPECT evaluation of patients with post-traumatic smell impairment
Authors: Eftekhari Mohammad , Assadi Majid , Kazemi Majid , Saghari Mohsen , Esfahani Armaghan Fard , Sichani Babak Fallahi , Gholamrezanezhad Ali , Beiki Davood
Published: November 2005

Background

Most olfactory testings are subjective and since they depend upon the patients' response, they are prone to false positive results. The aim of this study was to use quantitative brain perfusion SPECT in order to detect possible areas of brain activation in response to odorant stimulation in patients with post-traumatic impaired smell in comparison to a group of normal subjects.

Methods

Fourteen patients with post-traumatic impaired smell and ten healthy controls were entered in this prospective study. All subjects underwent brain SPECT after intravenous injection of 740-MBq 99mTc-ECD and 48 hours later, the same procedure was repeated following olfactory stimulus (vanilla powder).

Results

In most of seven regions of interest (Orbital Frontal Cortex, Inferior Frontal Pole, Superior Frontal Pole, Posterior Superior Frontal Lobe, Parasagittal Area, Occipital Pole, and Cerebellar area) the post-stimulation quantitative values show increased cortical perfusion being more pronounced in normal volunteers than the anosmic patients (except cerebellar areas and the right occipital pole). Maximal activation was observed in orbitofrontal regions (right+ 25.45% and left +25.47%).

Conclusion

Brain SPECT is a valuable imaging technique in the assessment of post-traumatic anosmia and could be competitive as an alternative to other imaging techniques, especially when functional MRI is unavailable or unsuitable. However, this procedure may benefit from complementary MRI or CT anatomical imaging.
Impact of the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on immunization coverage among infants
Authors: Lin Nancy D , Kleinman Ken , Chan K Arnold , Yu Xian-Jie , France Eric K , Xu Stanley , Wei Feifei , Mullooly John , Santoli Jeanne , Lieu Tracy A ,   the Vaccine Safety Datalink Group
Published: November 2005

Background

The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to the U.S. recommended childhood immunization schedule in the year 2000 added three injections to the number of vaccinations a child is expected to receive during the first year of life. Surveys have suggested that the addition of PCV has led some immunization providers to move other routine childhood vaccinations to later ages, which could increase the possibility of missing these vaccines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether introduction of PCV affected immunization coverage for recommended childhood vaccinations among 13-month olds in four large provider groups.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed computerized data on vaccinations for 33,319 children in four large provider groups before and after the introduction of PCV. The primary outcome was whether the child was up to date for all non-PCV recommended vaccinations at 13 months of age. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between PCV introduction and the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was the number of days spent underimmunized by 13 months. The association between PCV introduction and the secondary outcome was evaluated using a two-part modelling approach using logistic and negative binomial regression.

Results

Overall, 93% of children were up-to-date at 13 months, and 70% received all non-PCV vaccinations without any delay. Among the entire study population, immunization coverage was maintained or slightly increased from the pre-PCV to post-PCV periods. After multivariate adjustment, children born after PCV entered routine use were less likely to be up-to-date at 13 months in one provider group (Group C: OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3 – 0.8) and were less likely to have received all vaccine doses without any delay in two Groups (Group B: OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3 – 0.6; Group C: OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4 – 0.7). This represented 3% fewer children in Group C who were up-to-date and 14% (Group C) to 16% (Group B) fewer children who spent no time underimmunized at 13 months after PCV entered routine use compared to the pre-PCV baseline. Some disruptions in immunization delivery were also observed concurrent with temporary recommendations to suspend the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine, preceding the introduction of PCV.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the introduction of PCV did not harm overall immunization coverage rates in populations with good access to primary care. However, we did observe some disruptions in the timely delivery of other vaccines coincident with the introduction of PCV and the suspension of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. This study highlights the need for continued vigilance in coming years as the U.S. introduces new childhood vaccines and policies that may change the timing of existing vaccines.
Women and postfertilization effects of birth control: consistency of beliefs, intentions and reported use
Authors: Dye Huong M , Stanford Joseph B , Alder Stephen C , Kim Han S , Murphy Patricia A
Published: November 2005

Background

This study assesses the consistency of responses among women regarding their beliefs about the mechanisms of actions of birth control methods, beliefs about when human life begins, the intention to use or not use birth control methods that they believe may act after fertilization or implantation, and their reported use of specific methods.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered in family practice and obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Participants included women ages 18–50 presenting for any reason and women under age 18 presenting for family planning or pregnancy care. Analyses were based on key questions addressing beliefs about whether specific birth control methods may act after fertilization, beliefs about when human life begins, intention to use a method that may act after fertilization, and reported use of specific methods. The questionnaire contained no information about the mechanism of action of any method of birth control. Responses were considered inconsistent if actual use contradicted intentions, if one intention contradicted another, or if intentions contradicted beliefs.

Results

Of all respondents, 38% gave consistent responses about intention to not use or to stop use of any birth control method that acted after fertilization, while 4% gave inconsistent responses. The corresponding percentages for birth control methods that work after implantation were 64% consistent and 2% inconsistent. Of all respondents, 34% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization and would not use any birth control method that acts after fertilization (a consistent response), while 3% reported they believed that life begins at fertilization but would use a birth control method that acts after fertilization (inconsistent). For specific methods of birth control, less than 1% of women gave inconsistent responses. A majority of women (68% or greater) responded accurately about the mechanism of action of condoms, abstinence, sterilization, and abortion, but a substantial percentage of women (between 19% and 57%) were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), Depo-Provera, or natural family planning.

Conclusion

Women who believe that life begins at fertilization may not intend to use a birth control method that could have postfertilization effects. More research is needed to understand the relative importance of postfertilization effects for women in other populations, and in relation to other properties of and priorities for birth control methods. However, many women were uncertain about the mechanisms of action of specific methods. To respect the principles of informed consent, some women may need more education about what is known and not known about the mechanisms of action of birth control methods.
Development and initial testing of a computer-based patient decision aid to promote colorectal cancer screening for primary care practice
Authors: Kim Jane , Whitney Annie , Hayter Sarah , Lewis Carmen , Campbell Marci , Sutherland Lisa , Fowler Beth , Googe Sue , McCoy Regina , Pignone Michael
Published: November 2005

Background

Although colorectal cancer screening is recommended by major policy-making organizations, rates of screening remain low. Our aim was to develop a patient-directed, computer-based decision aid about colorectal cancer screening and investigate whether it could increase patient interest in screening.

Methods

We used content from evidence-based literature reviews and our previous decision aid research to develop a prototype. We performed two rounds of usability testing with representative patients to revise the content and format. The final decision aid consisted of an introductory segment, four test-specific segments, and information to allow comparison of the tests across several key parameters. We then conducted a before-after uncontrolled trial of 80 patients 50–75 years old recruited from an academic internal medicine practice.

Results

Mean viewing time was 19 minutes. The decision aid improved patients' intent to ask providers for screening from a mean score of 2.8 (1 = not at all likely to ask, 4 = very likely to ask) before viewing the decision aid to 3.2 afterwards (difference, 0.4; p < 0.0001, paired t-test). Most found the aid useful and reported that it improved their knowledge about screening. Sixty percent said they were ready to be tested, 18% needed more information, and 22% were not ready to be screened. Within 6 months of viewing, 43% of patients had completed screening tests.

Conclusion

We conclude that a computer-based decision aid can increase patient intent to be screened and increase interest in screening. Practice Implications: This decision aid can be viewed by patients prior to provider appointments to increase motivation to be screened and to help them decide about which modality to use for screening. Further work is required to integrate the decision aid with other practice change strategies to raise screening rates to target levels.
Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation Using a Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Regimen Has the Capacity to Produce Durable Remissions and Long-Term Disease-Free Survival in Patients With High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplasia
Authors: Tauro Sudhir , Craddock Charles , Peggs Karl , Begum Gulnaz , Mahendra Premini , Cook Gordon , Marsh Judith , Milligan Donald , Goldstone Anthony , Hunter Ann , Khwaja Asim , Chopra Raj , Littlewood Timothy , Peniket Andrew , Parker Anne , Jackson Graham , Hale Geoff , Cook Mark , Russell Nigel , Mackinnon Stephen
Published: November 2005

Purpose

The toxicity of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation can be substantially reduced using a reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen. This has increased the proportion of patients with myeloid malignancies eligible for allogeneic transplantation. However, the capacity of RIC allografts to produce durable remissions in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplasia (MDS) has not yet been defined, and consequently, the role of RIC allografts in the management of these diseases remains conjectural.

Patients and Methods

Seventy-six patients with high-risk AML or MDS received an allograft using a fludarabine/melphalan RIC regimen incorporating alemtuzumab. The median age of the cohort was 52 years (range, 18 to 71 years).

Results

The 100-day transplantation-related mortality rate was 9%, and no patient developed greater than grade 2 graft-versus-host disease. With a median follow-up of 36 months (range, 13 to 70 months), 27 patients were alive and in remission, with 3-year actuarial overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of 41% and 37%, respectively. The 3-year OS and DFS rates of patients with AML in complete remission at the time of transplantation were 48% and 42%, respectively. Disease relapse was the most common cause of treatment failure and occurred at a median time of 6 months after transplantation. All but one patient destined to relapse did so within 24 months of transplantation.

Conclusion

The extended follow-up in this series identifies a high risk of early disease relapse but provides evidence that RIC allografts can produce sustained DFS in a significant number of patients with AML who would be ineligible for allogeneic transplantation with myeloablative conditioning.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Survival in Women With Lung Cancer
Authors: Ganti Apar Kishor , Sahmoun Abe E. , Panwalkar Amit W. , Tendulkar Ketki K. , Potti Anil
Published: November 2005

Purpose

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is frequently prescribed to postmenopausal women, but there is little data on its effect on lung cancer. Hence, we conducted a retrospective study to examine the impact of HRT on the natural history of lung cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of women diagnosed with lung cancer between January 1994 and December 1999. Data collected included age, stage, past history of cancer, smoking history, family history of cancer, HRT use, treatment, and overall survival. The effects of various clinical features on survival were examined using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Four hundred ninety-eight women (median age, 67 years; range, 31 to 93 years) with lung cancer were included. A history of smoking was present in 429 women (86%), whereas 86 women (17%) had taken HRT. Women with lung cancer who received HRT were younger than women with lung cancer who never received HRT (63 v 68 years old, respectively; P < .0001). Overall survival was significantly higher in patients with no HRT compared with patients who received HRT (79 v 39 months, respectively; hazard ratio = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.39). This effect seemed to be more pronounced in women with a smoking history.

Conclusion

HRT may affect outcomes from lung cancer adversely. Further studies examining the role of HRT use on outcomes from lung cancer, especially in women with a history of smoking, are urgently needed to clarify this important problem.
Comparison of ABVD and Alternating or Hybrid Multidrug Regimens for the Treatment of Advanced Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Results of the United Kingdom Lymphoma Group LY09 Trial (ISRCTN97144519)
Authors: Johnson Peter W.M. , Radford John A. , Cullen Michael H. , Sydes Matthew R. , Walewski Jan , Jack Andrew S. , MacLennan Kenneth A. , Stenning Sally P. , Clawson Simon , Smith Paul , Ryder David , Hancock Barry W.
Published: November 2005

Purpose

To perform an open-label, randomized, controlled trial comparing treatment with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) with two multidrug regimens (MDRs) for advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL).

Patients and Methods

Eight hundred seven patients with advanced HL (stage III to IV, or earlier stage with systemic symptoms or bulky disease) were randomly assigned between ABVD and MDR specified before randomization as alternating chlorambucil, vinblastine, procarbazine, and prednisolone (ChlVPP) with prednisolone, doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, and etoposide (PABIOE), or hybrid ChlVPP/etoposide, vincristine, and doxorubicin (EVA). Radiotherapy was planned for incomplete response or initial bulk disease.

Results

At 52 months median follow-up, 212 event-free survival (EFS) events (disease progression or any death) were reported. In the primary comparison, at 3 years EFS was 75% (95% CI, 71% to 79%) for ABVD and 75% (95% CI, 70% to 79%) for MDRs (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.37; HR more than 1.0 favors ABVD). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 90% (95% CI, 87% to 93%) in patients allocated ABVD and 88% (95% CI, 84% to 91%) in patients allocated MDRs (HR = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.77). Patients receiving MDRs experienced more grade 3/4 infection, mucositis, and neuropathy. One occurrence of myelodysplastic syndrome was reported, but no acute leukemia was reported. When the two MDRs are compared separately with ABVD, neither the alternating nor the hybrid regimen showed a statistically significant difference from ABVD for EFS or OS. Subgroup analysis suggested that MDRs may be associated with poorer outcomes in older patients (heterogeneity test of OS older or younger than 45 years, P = .020).

Conclusion

There was no evidence of significant difference in EFS or OS between ABVD and MDRs in the trial overall or if the two MDR versus ABVD comparisons are considered separately. ABVD remains the standard for treatment of advanced HL.
An inter-enterprise semantic web system to support information autonomy and conflict moderation
Authors: Lin H. K. , Harding J. A. , Teoh P. C.
Published: November 2005

This paper discusses a semantic web architecture for formation of an extended project team manufacturing system engineering moderator (EEMSEM) which includes four major modules: ontology acquisition, ontology mapping, knowledge acquisition, and design moderation. This collaborative system architecture focuses on how to support information autonomy that allows individual enterprises to keep their own preferred terminology or languages rather than requiring them to adopt a single standardized vocabulary. Different engineering information terminologies are interpreted and automatically connected to the corresponding terminologies through mapping into the mediated ontology model. A case study is provided to demonstrate how the EEMSEM applies its ontology during the moderation of an extended enterprise, supply chain focused project.
Systematic development and evaluation of composite methods for recognition of three-dimensional subtractive features
Authors: Owodunni O , Hinduja S
Published: November 2005

This paper describes a systematic procedure for developing composite feature detection systems from six methods for detecting three-dimensional depression features. The six methods, proposed by the authors in earlier papers, correspond to all the possible ways of grouping faces together from the simplest to the most complex grouping. All the possible ways of combining the six feature detection methods are considered and arranged in a tree structure. The possible composites are reduced to 20, using a tree pruning technique based on the criteria that the features detected should be the same (i.e. consistent), irrespective of the ordering of the faces in the B-rep model and that all faces of the component should be detected (i.e. complete coverage). A test bed for these 20 composites has been developed, implemented, and tested using carefully selected components from the public domain. The performance of these 20 composites is evaluated on the basis of suitability of the features as input to a machining application with minimal or no additional geometric reasoning, thus enabling the most promising composites to be identified.
Organic Field-effect Transistor Based on a Thin Film of Polydiacetylene Prepared from 10,12-Pentacosadiynoic Acid
Authors: Koyanagi Tomohiro , Muratsubaki Masanori , Hosoi Yoshinobu , Shibata Takanori , Tsutsui Ken , Wada Yasuo , Furukawa Yukio
Published: November 2005

The organic field-effect transistors based on polydiacetylene as an active semiconductor have been made. The hole mobility and the on/off ratio have been determined to be 1.3 × 10−3 cm2/V s and 1.0 × 104, respectively, for the transistor based on the blue phase of polydiacetylene prepared from 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid. The gate-voltage-induced infrared absorption spectrum has been attributed to the positive carriers injected by field effect. The spectrum shows a remarkable electron–molecular vibration coupling between vibration levels and an electronic transition.
An Efficient Synthesis of β-Aroylacrylic Acid Ethyl Ester by the Friedel–Crafts Reaction in the Presence of Diethyl Sulfate
Authors: Onoue Ken-ichi , Shintou Taichi , Zhang Chang Shan , Itoh Isamu
Published: November 2005

An β-Aroylacrylic acid ethyl ester such as ethyl (E)-4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2-butenoate (1) can be obtained in good yield and with excellent purity by way of the Friedel–Crafts reaction in which 1,2-dimethoxybenzene (2) is treated with maleic anhydride (3) and aluminum chloride in the presence of diethyl sulfate (4) under mild conditions.
Influence Diagram Retrospective
Authors: Howard Ronald A. , Matheson James E.
Published: November 2005

Since the invention of Influence diagrams in the mid-1970s, they have become a ubiquitous tool for representing uncertain situations. This single diagram replaced awkward manipulations of decision trees and nature’s trees with a single representation that displays both the sequential and informational structure of decisions. The diagram permits high-level graphic communication, clear assessments and computation in a single graphical system. This retrospective discusses the evolution and application of influence diagrams.
Alterations of Phosphorylation State of Connexin 43 during Hypoxia and Reoxygenation Are Associated with Cardiac Function
Authors: Matsushita Satoshi , Kurihara Hidetake , Watanabe Makino , Okada Takao , Sakai Tatsuo , Amano Atsushi
Published: November 2005

Gap junctions formed by connexins mediate cell–cell communication by electrical and chemical coupling. Recently, it has been shown that alterations in the phosphorylation state of the connexins result in functional alteration of cell–cell communication through gap junctions. Therefore, we focused on the association of alterations of phosphorylation state of connexin 43 (Cx43) with cardiac function in vivo. Rat hearts were transferred to Langendorff apparatus and submitted to hypoxia and then reoxygenated. In the control heart, Cx43 was phosphorylated and located at the intercalated disk. When the hearts were subjected to hypoxia, Cx43 at gap junctions was dephosphorylated and changed its localization to the entire plasma membrane. The area of cardiomyocytes stained with anti-phosphorylated Cx43 antibody was decreased in a time-dependent manner. Immunoblot data supported the decrease of phosphorylated Cx43 during hypoxia. ZO-1 did not change its localization at the intercalated disk during the hypoxic period. We also found that the area occupied by dephosphorylated Cx43 was correlated with the decrease of percent of rate-pressure product. These data indicate that dephosphorylation and redistribution of Cx43 is an early sign of cardiac injury after hypoxia. Detection of dephosphorylated Cx43 may serve as a diagnostic tool for examining ischemic heart disease.
NF1 Gene Expression in Mouse Fracture Healing and in Experimental Rat Pseudarthrosis
Authors: Kuorilehto Tommi , Ekholm Erika , Nissinen Marja , Hietaniemi Kalevi , Hiltunen Ari , Paavolainen Pekka , Penttinen Risto , Peltonen Juha
Published: November 2005

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited disease with an incidence of about 1:3000 worldwide. Approximately half of all patients with NF1 present osseous manifestations, which can vary from mild to severely debilitating changes such as congenital pseudarthrosis. In the present study, fracture healing of mouse tibia was followed and specimens were collected 5, 9, 14, and 22 days postoperatively. Experimental pseudarthrosis of rat was followed up to 15 weeks postoperatively. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to demonstrate expression of NF1 tumor suppressor and phosphorylated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), an indicator of the Ras-MAPK pathway. The results showed that ossified callus was formed in mouse fracture 22 days after the operation. The final outcome of rat pseudarthrosis was detected 9 weeks after the operation, presenting abundant cartilaginous callus at the pseudarthrosis. NF1 gene expression was noted in the maturing and in the hypertrophic cartilages during normal mouse fracture healing, and in rat pseudarthrosis. Phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK was detected in a subpopulation of the hypertrophic chondrocytes in both models. Furthermore, positive labeling for NF1 mRNA and protein was detected in endothelium in both the pseudarthrosis and in the fracture. In conclusion, NF1 gene expression and function are needed for normal fracture healing, possibly restraining excessive Ras-MAPK pathway activation.
Cell-specific Subcellular Localization of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase in Human Tissues
Authors: Enayetallah Ahmed E. , French Richard A. , Barber Michele , Grant David F.
Published: November 2005

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a phase-I xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme having both an N-terminal phosphatase activity and a C-terminal epoxide hydrolase activity. Endogenous hydrolase substrates include arachidonic acid epoxides, which have been involved in regulating blood pressure and inflammation. The subcellular localization of sEH has been controversial. Earlier studies using mouse and rat liver suggested that sEH may be cytosolic and/or peroxisomal. In this study we applied immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy using markers for different subcellular compartments to evaluate sEH colocalization in an array of human tissues. Results showed that sEH is both cytosolic and peroxisomal in human hepatocytes and renal proximal tubules and exclusively cytosolic in other sEH-containing tissues such as pancreatic islet cells, intestinal epithelium, anterior pituitary cells, adrenal gland, endometrium, lymphoid follicles, prostate ductal epithelium, alveolar wall, and blood vessels. sEH was not exclusively peroxisomal in any of the tissues evaluated. Our data suggest that human sEH subcellular localization is tissue dependent, and that sEH may have tissue- or cell-type-specific functionality. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the subcellular localization of sEH in a wide array of human tissues.
Effects of a carbonization product as additive on the germination, growth and yield parameters of agricultural crops
Authors: Svetková K. , Henselová M. , Morvová M.
Published: November 2005

The effects of the carbonization product of separated communal waste as an additive to the soil was studied on the germination, quantitative growth and yield parameters of maize (Zea mays L.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The product was tested on three soil types with different humus content and mineral composition in doses of 1, 10 and 20 g of additive per kg soil, with application before seeding or after plant emergence, under greenhouse and field conditions. It was found that plants utilized the nutrient content from the carbonization products in both methods of application and that the stimulatory effect on the germination, fresh and dry mass and yield parameters of the treated plants was dependent on the plant species, soil type, dose and method of application. A significant effect of the additive was found on the germination of bean, which increased by 8-22% over the control. Fresh and dry mass increased by 18-62% in maize and by 2-30% in bean when the additive was applied under greenhouse conditions. In the field the additive was found to have a positive effect on the average mass of tomato fruits and maize cobs, and on the yield per plant.
Distribution of nutrients in the active root area of olive trees under a drip irrigation system in a sandy soil
Authors: Shaaban S. H. A. , El-Fouly M. M.
Published: November 2005

A study was carried out on the root distribution of mature olive trees (olea europaea, L., var. manzanillo) grown on a sandy soil, irrigated by means of drip irrigation, and on the nutrient distribution in the soil and plants. Soil was sampled at a distance of 20-160 cm from the tree trunks at depths of 0-80 cm. Leaves were also analysed for nutrient content. The roots were concentrated in the area 80-140 cm from the trunk at a soil depth of 20-60 cm, i.e. in the zone with the highest soil water content. In the horizontal layer, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper mostly decreased at the ends of the wet area, while in the vertical layer, the 0-20 cm surface soil layer was the richest in potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc and copper. Phosphorus concentrations fluctuated. The average values of potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc and copper concentrations in olive leaves were significantly higher in bearing years than in non-bearing ones. For this reason it is important to increase the doses of fertilizers containing these elements after bearing years to replace the high removal.
Heavy metal, macro- and microelement content of grass species and dicotyledons
Authors: Tasi J.
Published: November 2005

Data on the composition of fodder from pastures (grass, meadow-hay) can be frequently found in the literature, but data on the element contents of the grass or non-grass species composing natural grasslands are scarce. In order to analyse the element contents of plants, samples were collected over 3 years (1998-2000) from different types of natural grasslands. On non-fertilised grasslands, the dominant species was Festuca pseudovina. The dominant species on fertilised grasslands was Poa pratensis, with Bromus inermis or Elymus repens being dominant at some sites. The results showed that leguminous plants had the highest contents of four of the five macroelements, while the highest level of K was found in dicotyledonous plants. The Na and Ca contents of the plants were higher on non-fertilised grasslands, while the level of all the other macroelements was higher in plants from fertilised grasslands. Since the Se contents showed a high dispersion, only a trend was observed, indicating that the Se content of grass species is not significantly lower than that of other grassland plants. On non-fertilised grasslands, grass species contained the most Cr and Pb, while leguminous plants contained the most Cd. In fodder from fertilised grasslands, the highest quantity of Cd and Cr was found in grass species, and the most lead in non-leguminous dicotyledons.
Yield formation in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)
Authors: Kalinová J. , Moudrý J. , Čurn V
Published: November 2005

Seven varieties of common buckwheat were tested in field experiments under two levels of nitrogen fertilisation (0 and 50 kg N ha-1) during the period 1998-2000. The objective of the experiments was to evaluate the influence of varieties, fertilisation andyear on the formation of yield components in common buckwheat and to evaluate the relationships between the individual components. As was observed, a compensatory ability exists among the particular yield components. An increase in stand density reduces branching and the number of inflorescences per plant. The number of flowers in the raceme is influenced by the mean day temperature during the period from flower bud formation to the beginning of flowering (r = -0.98, P < 0.01). Rainfall during flowering negatively influenced the number of achenes per plant. The high number of flowers reduced seed setting and negatively influenced the yield due to competition for assimilates. The high number of achenes per plant was linked to lower weight (r = -0.33, P < 0.05). The occurrence of empty achenes was a result of the susceptibility of the plants to the temperature conditions during the achene maturation period (r = 0.86, P < 0.05). The main yield component determining the yield was the number of fully developed achenes per plant.
Effect of lead stress on the growth and metabolism of Eruca sativa M. seedlings
Authors: Faheed F. A.
Published: November 2005

Among the toxic elements, lead has great importance because of its harmful effects on animal and human health. Heavy metals are known as growth inhibitors and consequently exhibit toxicity symptoms in plants. The effect of different concentrations of lead on seed germination, seedling growth and some metabolites ofEruca sativaplants was examined. The percentage of seed germination gradually decreased with an increase in the lead concentration. A considerable reduction in fresh and dry matter as well as shoot and root length was obtained as a result of increasing lead concentration. Among these parameters, total root length was a more sensitive parameter than shoot length at every lead concentration. The proline content increased, in most cases, with increasing lead concentration. The same trend was observed for the free amino acid content. Soluble protein generally increased with an increase in lead concentration. In contrast, the total protein gradually decreased as the lead concentration increased, particularly at the highest levels used.
Controlled release of insecticide carbaryl from sodium alginate, sodium alginate/gelatin, and sodium alginate/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose blend beads crosslinked with glutaraldehyde
Authors: Işiklan Nuran
Published: November 2005

Interpenetrating network polymeric beads of sodium alginate (NaAlg) and its blend with gelatin (gels) or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) have been prepared by crosslinking with a common crosslinking agent, glutaraldehyde (GA), for the release of insecticide carbaryl (Carb). The prepared beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the spherical nature and surface morphology of the particles. Bead characteristics, such as carbaryl entrapment efficiency, particle size, equilibrium swelling degree, and carbaryl release kinetics, were determined. The effects of the preparation conditions, such as Carb/NaAlg ratio, time of exposure to GA, blend ratio, and temperature of release medium on the carbaryl release, were investigated for 25 days at 25°C. It was observed that the carbaryl release decreased with increase in crosslinking of network, while it increased with increase in Carb/NaAlg ratio and temperature. The release of carbaryl also increased with increase in Gel or NaCMC content in the blend beads. The highest carbaryl release was found to be 100%, for the beads that were prepared with 1 : 1 NaAlg/Gel at 16 days. The diffusion coefficients have been calculated for the transport of insecticide through the polymeric beads, using initial time approximation method. These values were also consistent with the carbaryl release data. The carbaryl release from most of the bead formulations followed the Fickian trend. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1310–1319, 2006
Immobilization of soluble eggshell membrane protein on polyethylene film surface: Effect on the culture of NIH3T3 in vitro
Authors: Yi Feng , Li Qiang , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian
Published: November 2005

Polyethylene (PE) film surface is modified by combining plasma treatment and soluble eggshell membrane protein (SEP) immobilization. Contact angle measurements, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm that SEP adheres tightly to the PE film surface. Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts are used as model cells to evaluate the biocompatibility of PE film surfaces before and after modification. Plasma pretreatment can incorporate polar groups onto the surface, benefitting tight immobilization of SEP. The hydrophilicity of the PE film surface modified by combining plasma treatment and SEP immobilization is increased as evidenced by contact angle measurements, and the biocompatibility of the surface is greatly improved as shown by cell culture. The surface of the modified material can endure rinsing with 10% acetic acid (a good solvent of SEP), which would be an advantage for further application as a biomaterial. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1340–1345, 2006
Synthesis and thermal properties of randomly branched poly(butylene isophthalate) containing sodium sulfonate groups
Authors: Finelli L. , Siracusa V. , Lotti N. , Gazzano M. , Munari A.
Published: November 2005

Randomly branched poly(butylene isophthalate) samples containing sodium sulfonate groups were prepared from dimethyl isophthalate, 3,5‐bis(carbomethoxycarbonyl) benzene sulfonate, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, and 1,4‐butanediol, according to the well‐known two‐stage polycondensation procedure. The polymers, containing various amounts of branching units and ionic groups, demonstrated to be soluble in the most common organic solvents, an evidence that gelation was not reached under the polymerization conditions adopted. The thermal behavior was examined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The sulfonate as well as the branching units had only a limited effect on the thermal stability, which slightly decreased with respect to pure poly(butylene isophthalate). The analysis carried out using DSC technique showed that the Tm of the copolymers decreased with increasing counit content, differently from Tg, which, on the contrary, increased. Baur's equation was found to describe well the Tm‐composition data. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1374–1379, 2006
Modification of tetraethylorthosilicate crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) membrane using chitosan and its application to the pervaporation separation of water–isopropanol mixtures
Authors: Kulkarni Srikant S. , Tambe Subhashchandra M. , Kittur Arjumand A. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: November 2005

Tetraethylorthosilicate crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) membrane was modified by varying the amounts of chitosan. The resulting membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The effects of chitosan content and feed composition on the pervaporation performance of the membranes were analyzed. The modified membranes exhibit simultaneous increase of both flux and selectivity. The membrane containing 15 mass % of chitosan shows the highest separation selectivity of 2991, with a flux of 2.39 × 10−2 kg/(m2 h) at 30°C for 10 mass % of water in the feed. The total flux and flux of water are almost overlapping each other, manifesting that the membranes could be used effectively to break the azeotropic point of water–isopropanol mixture, so as to remove water from the isopropanol. From the temperature dependent diffusion and permeation values, the Arrhenius activation parameters were estimated. The activation energy values obtained for water permeation (Epw) are significantly lower than those of isopropanol permeation (EpIPA), suggesting that the membranes developed here have higher separation ability for water–isopropanol system. In addition, difference was negligibly small between the activation energy values of total permeation (Ep) and water permeation (Epw), indicating that coupled transport is minimal because of a higher selective nature of membranes. The Ep and ED values ranged between 40.92 and 52.60, and 39.58 and 52.47 kJ/mol, respectively. The positive heat of sorption (ΔHs) values observed in all the membranes suggests that Henry's mode of sorption is predominant. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1380–1389, 2006
Effect of diether as internal donor on MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst for propylene polymerization
Authors: Cui Nannan , Ke Yucai , Li Huayi , Zhang Zhicheng , Guo Cunyue , Lv Zhanxia , Hu Youliang
Published: November 2005

This article demonstrates the influence of the molar ratio between diether as internal donor and Magnesium dichloride in processing of the catalyst preparation on the catalytic performance for propylene polymerization with MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst. The effect of electron donor on catalyst is investigated. The experimental data find that diether content on catalyst increases and Ti content on catalyst decreases with the increase of diether/Mg molar ratio. This result indicates that diether as internal donor is not coordinated to Ti species but to Mg species on catalyst. The introduction of diether remarkably improves the catalytic activity. The extents of improvement closely connect with diether/Mg molar ratio. The stereospecificity of catalyst intensively depends on the structure of diether as internal donor. The possible model of multi‐active sites on heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalyst is proposed to explain these phenomena. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1399–1404, 2006
Preparation and characterization of a proton‐exchange membrane by the radiation grafting of styrene onto polytetrafluoroethylene films
Authors: Kang Kai , Kang Phil Hyun , Nho Young Chang
Published: November 2005

Radiation‐induced simultaneous grafting of styrene onto polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films and the subsequent sulfonation in the chlorosulfonic acid/dichloroethane were investigated. The effects of the main radiation grafting conditions, such as the type of solvents, irradiation dose, dose rate, the styrene concentrations, etc., on the degree of grafting (DOG) were studied. To elucidate the influence of both the grafting and sulfonation conditions on the properties of the PTFE‐g‐polystyrene‐sulfonic acid (PSSA) membranes, the sulfonation conditions, including the sulfonation temperature and the concentration of the ClSO3H with respect to the DOG, were systematically evaluated. The grafted and sulfonated membranes were characterized by FTIR–ATR spectra, ion‐exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, thickness measurement, etc. The as‐prepared PTFE‐g‐PSSA membranes in this work showed a good combination of a high IEC (0.85–2.75 meq g−1), acceptable water uptake (8.86–56.9 wt %), low thickness, and volume expansion and/or contraction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1415–1428, 2006
Kinetic investigations on the UV‐induced photopolymerization of nanocomposites by FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Li Fusheng , Zhou Shuxue , You Bo , Wu Limin
Published: November 2005

The kinetics of the photopolymerization for nanocomposites containing nanosilica with 2,2‐dimethoxy‐1,2‐diphenylethan‐1‐one or benzophenone/n‐methyl diethanolamine (BP/MDEA)as photoinitiators were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that nanocomposites containing nanosilica had higher conversion in comparison with pristine EA. The presence of MPS and ethanol accelerated the photopolymerization of nanocomposites, while the presence of water decelerated it. The photopolymerization of nanocomposites was more sensitive to oxygen than that of pristine EA. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99:1429–1436, 2006
Microstructure analysis of methyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymers by two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Brar A. S. , Singh Gurmeet , Shankar Ravi
Published: November 2005

Methyl acrylate (A)/methyl methacrylate (B) copolymers of different compositions were synthesized in bulk at 50°C and the compositions were determined from 1H NMR spectra. Reactivity ratios were optimized using the least square methodology. Compositional and configurational assignments were done using two‐dimensional (2D) Heteronuclear Single Quantum Correlation (HSQC) and Total Correlation Spectroscopy (TOCSY) experiments. Methylene proton and carbon resonances were assigned for compositional and configurational sensitivity at tetrad level. Carbon resonances of methine group of methyl acrylate were assigned for compositional sensitivity up to triad level with the help of 2D HSQC spectra. α‐Methyl group of methyl methacrylate was assigned up to triad level of compositional and configurational placements for carbon and proton resonances by 2D HSQC spectroscopy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1437–1445, 2006
Surface modification of polypropylene sheets by UV‐radiation grafting polymerization
Authors: Cho Jung‐Dae , Kim Soon‐Gi , Hong Jin‐Who
Published: November 2005

1,6‐Hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) was grafted onto polypropylene (PP) substrates in the presence of benzophenone (BP) and isopropylthioxanthone (ITX) photoinitiators, and then polyurethane acrylate formulations were coated onto the HDDA‐g‐PP substrates, using UV radiation. The amount grafted and the grafting efficiency of the polymerizations were determined gravimetrically. The effects of the photoinitiator concentration and the UV radiation intensity on the physicochemical surface properties and the grafting efficiency of the UV‐radiation grafting polymerizations were characterized in detail using contact‐angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total internal reflection, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the amount grafted and the surface polarity of the HDDA‐g‐PP substrates both increased linearly with increasing BP photoinitiator concentration and UV radiation intensity, and that the addition of a small amount of ITX markedly enhanced both parameters, probably due to photosensitization. The adhesion of the UV‐cured coating onto the HDDA‐g‐PP substrates was evaluated using the crosshatch adhesion test. The results indicated that the amount of HDDA grafted onto the PP substrates should exceed about 1 mmol/cm2 for satisfactory adhesion with the UV‐cured coating. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1446–1461, 2006
ATR‐UV monitoring of methyl methacrylate miniemulsion polymerization for determination of monomer conversion
Authors: Chai X.‐S. , Schork F. J. , Oliver E. M.
Published: November 2005

Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) UV spectroscopy has been used to monitor monomer conversion in methyl methacrylate miniemulsion polymerization. It was found that the vinylic groups of methyl methacrylate strongly absorb the UV light with a maximum absorption at 225 nm. This absorption peak decreases as monomer is converted to polymer. The polymer has a strong absorption at a lower UV region. The results from this feasibility study indicate that ATR‐UV sensor technique has a great potential to be used for on‐line or in‐line process monitoring in emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization. With a partial least square (PLS) calibration model, very good prediction the monomer conversion was obtained. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1471–1475, 2006