bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of petroleum hydrocarbons content from an engine oil refinery wastewater using a continuous stirred tank reactor monitored by spectrometry tools
Authors: Gargouri Boutheina , Aloui Fathi , Sayadi Sami
Published: September 2011

BACKROUND: Hydrocarbon contamination of groundwater resources has become a major environmental and human health concern in many parts of the world. Microbial degradation of hydrocarbons, through either naturally occurring processes or engineered systems, has been successfully used to reduce concentrations of these pollutants. In order to develop an aerobic bioreactor tailored for this purpose, the present study aims to investigate petroleum contaminated wastewater remediation and toxicity reduction by acclimated microbial consortium enriched in a continuous stirred tank bioreactor (CSTR). Characterization and quantification of refinery wastewater components were performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS: The petroleum hydrocarbons were significantly degraded (97%) by the microbial consortium. After continuous aerobic treatment in the CSTR, the CODeffluent and BOD5effluent average removals were high reaching 97% and 78%, respectively. Also, strong degradation of C10C35 n‐alkanes was observed. The concomitant use of GC/MS and FTIR proved to be a useful complementary tool to assess the impact of treatment strategies on hydrocarbon‐contaminated wastewater. In addition, the toxicity of the contaminated wastewater decreased drastically after bioremediation.

CONCLUSION: This work shows the ability of this consortium to degrade hydrocarbons and reduce toxicity, which makes them useful candidates for environmental restoration applications at other hydrocarbon‐contaminated environments. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of cation‐exchange membrane fouling during bipolar membrane electrodialysis of monosodium glutamate isoelectric supernatant
Authors: Ren Hongyan , Wang Qian , Wu Xia , Yang Pengbo , Cong Wei
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: A novel procedure that involved regeneration and recycling of ammonia and sulfuric acid from monosodium glutamate isoelectric supernatant with bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) was proposed. As the performance of the membranes deteriorated during the batch runs, fouling of the cation‐exchange membrane (CEM) in contact with the base cell was studied.

RESULTS: During ten consecutive batches of BMED, some operating parameters deteriorated gradually. Using scanning electron microscopy observations, fouling deposits were found on the CEM surface on the base cell side. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), the organic fouling fraction of the CEM foulants was found to contain eight amino acids. Using X‐ray energy‐dispersive analysis, the mineral fouling fraction was shown to be mainly O and Ca elements, and a little Mg. Using X‐ray diffraction, the inorganic foulant was identified as CaCO3, mainly in the form of calcite and a little aragonite.

CONCLUSION: The CEM was subject to membrane fouling consisting of an organic fouling fraction and a mineral fraction. The organic fraction occurred as ions with some positive charges from the isoelectric supernatant and probably existed in the form of amino acids or their peptides. The mineral fraction was mainly CaCO3 calcite and aragonite, and probably a little amorphous Ca and Mg hydroxides. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Microscopic study of certain age‐related structural changes of maxillary sinus lining epithelium in albino rats
Authors: Abdelmalik Sherin W.
Published: September 2011

Mucociliary clearance is essential to maintain the defense function of the maxillary sinus; however, no literatures described the age changes in its lining epithelium. Therefore, the current work sought to describe the morphological postnatal age‐related changes of maxillary sinus lining epithelium in rats using light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopes. Eighteen albino rats were divided into six groups according to their ages: 2‐week‐old, 1‐month‐old, 2‐month‐old, 3‐month‐old, adults, and senile rats. One‐month‐old‐rats' group was the first to have recognizable maxillary sinus cavities that were lined by either single flat cellular layer or two distinct epithelial layers. These cells were devoid of microvilli and cilia, none of them showed evidence of differentiation into identifiable cell types. In 2‐ and 3‐month‐old rats, the mucosa of maxillary sinus started to be lined with pseudostratified epithelium with apparent increase in both microvilli and cilia. The first indication of goblet cell differentiation was observed in 3‐month‐old‐rats. In the adult rats, the sinuses became completely lined by mature respiratory epithelium. However, in senile rats the epithelium exhibited polyps with clumped cilia and some areas of stratification and desquamation. Goblet cells were scanty and degenerating. The impaired mucociliary components (epithelium, cilia, and goblet cells' mucus) found in young and old ages of the current work might be correlated to human to explain predisposition of rhino‐sinusitis in these age groups. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of collagen fibril spacing in relation to selected region of interest (ROI) on electron micrographs—application to the mammalian corneal stroma
Authors: Doughty Michael J.
Published: September 2011

AIMS: To evaluate measurements of collagen fibril spacing using different shaped regions of interest (ROI) on transmission electron micrograph (TEM) images of rabbit corneal stroma. METHODS: Following glutaraldehyde fixation and phosphotungstic acid staining, TEM images of collagen fibrils in cross section were projected at a final magnification close to 250,000 × to obtain overlays. Interfibril distances (IFDs; center‐to‐center spacing) were measured within different ROIs of the same nominal area (0.25 μm2) but different shape (with the length to width, L:W, ratio from 1:1 to 6:1). The IFD distribution was analyzed, and the 2D organization assessed using a radial distribution analysis. RESULTS: The fibrils had an average diameter of 35.3 ± 3.8 (SD) nm, packing density of 393 ± 4 fibrils / μm2 and a fibril volume fraction of 0.39 ± 0.02. IFDs ranged from 29 to 1400 nm depending on the shape of the ROI, with average values ranging from 263 to 443 nm. By artificially selecting IFD data only to a radial distance of 250 nm, the average IFDs were just 145–157 nm. The radial distributions, to 250 nm, all showed a nearest neighbors first peak which shifted slightly from predominantly at 45–54 nm with more rectangular ROIs. The radial distribution profiles could be shown to be statistically different if the ROI L:W ratio was 2:1 or greater. CONCLUSION: Selection of an ROI for assessment of packing density and interfibril distances should be standardized for comparative assessments of TEMs of collagen fibrils. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of sodium chloride on wheat flour dough for yeast‐leavened products. II. Baking quality parameters and their relationship
Authors: Beck Margit , Jekle Mario , Becker Thomas
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The traditional use of sodium chloride (NaCl) fulfills various important rheological, technological and sensory properties in the manufacturing of yeast‐leavened products. However, the use of NaCl in food production has been discussed controversially since a high intake of sodium seems to be associated with hypertension. This study investigates the baking quality parameters of wheat breads containing various levels of NaCl (0–40 g NaCl kg−1flour).

RESULTS: Crumb firmness and rate of bread staling decreased with decreasing NaCl levels. A slight increase in loaf volume was observed based on the increased yeast leavening ability resulting from additional NaCl. Higher crumb retrogradation (measured by differential scanning calorimetry) was observed with low NaCl levels.

CONCLUSION: The retrogradation effect is based on the theory that NaCl probably leads to Na+ inclusion in starch molecules during storage and thus reduces retrogradation. Further, significant (P⩽0.05) linear relationships (r ≥ 0.829) between Rheofermentometer results, bread volume and crumb firmness were found, suggesting a predictability of bread quality by measurement of gas release. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterisation of phenols and antioxidant and hypolipidaemic activities of Lethariella cladonioides
Authors: Wei An‐Hua , Zhou Dao‐Nian , Ruan Jin‐Lan , Cai Ya‐Ling , Xiong Chao‐Mei , Li Ming‐Xing
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hypolipidaemic activities of an ethanol extract of Lethariella cladonioides (Nyl.) Krog (EE) and to characterise its chemical constituents.

RESULTS: Nine phenols were identified as canarione, thamnolic acid, squamatic acid, vermicularin, norstictic acid, baeomycesis acid, lecanoric acid, barbatinic acid and usnic acid from analysis of EE by using high‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector‐mass spectrometry. In antioxidant analysis in vitro, the highest scavenging rate of EEs on the 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide was 81.55 ± 1.95%, 81.84 ± 4.00%, 74.28 ± 3.71% and 74.28 ± 3.71%, respectively. Meanwhile, after administration of EE for 6 weeks in high fat/cholesterol diet mice, the most significant reduction in levels of serum triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol and liver malondialdehyde were 24%, 20%, 15% and 35%, respectively. The most significant increase in levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol and liver superoxide dismutase was 35% and 88%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: L. cladonioides possesses strong antioxidant and hypolipidaemic activities. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of reforestation on nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in the catchment ecosystems of subtropical China: the example of the Hanjiang River basin
Authors: Wang Qinxue , Xiao Qingan , Liu Chen , Wang Kelin , Ye Min , Lei Alin , Song Xianfang , Kohata Kunio
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: To enable effective management and decision making for the sustainable use of water resources, we successfully integrated factors such as dams, land use and soil properties as well as management factors in the Hanjiang River basin, a subtropical catchment of China, into the SWAT model to simulate water cycles as well as the distribution, movement, and transformations of nutrients.

RESULTS: The accuracy of the model was validated by monitoring data over the Hanjiang River. The validated model was then used to evaluate the effects of the Reforestation of Cultivated Land (RFCL) initiative. The simulation results showed that RFCL would cause an obvious decrease in surface runoff (−23.6%, P < 0.01) but an increase in groundwater (71.8%, P < 0.01) and percolation out of the soil (24.7%, P < 0.01). The total water yield does not change significantly (−4.4%), but the decrease in total sediment loading is substantial (−56.2%, P < 0.01). The simulation results also show that RFCL would greatly decrease the organic N (−42.6%, P < 0.01), NO3 yield in surface flow (−37.1%, P < 0.01), and the NO3 yield in subsurface flow (−25.5%, P < 0.01), whereas the NO3 yield in groundwater flow would increase (107%, P < 0.01). In terms of phosphorus, RFCL would cause both organic phosphorus (−38.2%, P < 0.01) and the phosphorus yield from the soil (−33.3%, P < 0.01) to decrease.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that RFCL is an effective policy for watershed environment management, which might have a relatively small effect on river discharge but that the purification effects on water quality in the river would be remarkable. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of environment and variety on the relationships of wheat grain physical and chemical characteristics with ethanol yield
Authors: Awole Kedija D , Kettlewell Peter S , Hare Martin C , Agu Reginald C , Brosnan James M , Bringhurst Thomas A
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Following the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), there is an increasing demand for wheat grain for liquid biofuel in the UK. In order to enhance productivity of the bioethanol industry, good quality wheat must be used.

RESULTS: A total of 84 grain samples comprising 14 varieties collected from 11 sites in two harvest years were analysed for a range of grain quality parameters and ethanol yield (EY). The grain quality parameters studied were starch and protein concentration, specific weight, grain density, packing efficiency, thousand‐grain weight (TGW), grain length, width, length/width ratio and hardness index. Regression analysis was used to establish the relationships between grain quality parameters and EY. Apart from grain length and density, all grain parameters had significant relationships with EY. In the order of importance, protein concentration, TGW, packing efficiency and specific weight showed good relationships with EY. All other parameters, including starch concentration, showed a poor correlation with EY. EY and the relationship with the grain parameters were affected more by environment than by variety. Some sites gave consistently higher EY than others. When site and variety were considered with TGW and protein, a good prediction of EY could be made (variance accounted for = 87%).

CONCLUSION: Combining TGW and protein concentration could be a better indicator of EY than the current practice of specific weight and protein. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Wheat flour dough Alveograph characteristics predicted by Mixolab regression models
Authors: Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Mironeasa Silvia , Mironeasa Costel , Popa Ciprian N , Tamba‐Berehoiu Radiana
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: In Romania, the Alveograph is the most used device to evaluate the rheological properties of wheat flour dough, but lately the Mixolab device has begun to play an important role in the breadmaking industry. These two instruments are based on different principles but there are some correlations that can be found between the parameters determined by the Mixolab and the rheological properties of wheat dough measured with the Alveograph.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis on 80 wheat flour samples using the backward stepwise multiple regression method showed that Mixolab values using the ‘Chopin S’ protocol (40 samples) and ‘Chopin + ’ protocol (40 samples) can be used to elaborate predictive models for estimating the value of the rheological properties of wheat dough: baking strength (W), dough tenacity (P) and extensibility (L). The correlation analysis confirmed significant findings (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) between the parameters of wheat dough studied by the Mixolab and its rheological properties measured with the Alveograph.

CONCLUSION: A number of six predictive linear equations were obtained. Linear regression models gave multiple regression coefficients with $R_{\rm {adjusted}}^{2} > 0.70$ for P, $R_{\rm {adjusted}}^{2} > 0.70$ for W and $R_{\rm {adjusted}}^{2} > 0.38$ for L, at a 95% confidence interval. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Heterogeneous oxidation reaction of gas‐phase ozone with anthracene in thin films and on aerosols by infrared spectroscopic methods
Authors: Nájera Juan J. , Wamsley Ruth , Last Deborah J. , Leather Kimberley E. , Percival Carl J. , Horn Andrew B.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, a real‐time laboratory study of the heterogeneous oxidation reaction of gas‐phase ozone with anthracene on surface substrates by using infrared spectroscopy in two distinctly different experimental configurations is reported. One set of kinetic measurements was made by attenuated total internal reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy using approximately 75‐nm films of anthracene adsorbed on ZnSe, for which the reactive uptake coefficient was determined to be (2.0 ± 1.1) × 10−7. Using an aerosol flow tube coupled to an infrared spectrometer (AFT‐IR), similar measurements were made on (NH4)2SO4 (ammonium sulfate) aerosols coated with a 0.1‐μm film of anthracene. The aerosol kinetic results as a function of the ozone concentration are consistent with a Langmuir–Hinshelwood‐type mechanism, for which the ozone‐partitioning coefficient was K = (1.4 ± 1.7) × 10−16 cm3 molecule−1, and the maximum pseudo‐first‐order rate coefficient was kImax = (0.035 ± 0.016) s−1. Infrared spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analysis of the ozonolysis reaction in the bulk phase identified the main ozonolysis products as dihydroxyanthrones, 9,10‐endoperoxide–anthracene, 9,10‐anthraquinone, and anthrone. Larger products were also seen in the mass spectra, most likely the result of secondary product and oligomer formation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 694–707, 2011
DEGRADATION AND RECOVERY PROCESSES IN SEMI‐ARID PATCHY RANGELANDS OF NORTHERN PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
Authors: KRÖPFL A. I. , Cecchi G. A. , Villasuso N. M. , Distel R. A.
Published: September 2011

Vegetation in many arid and semi‐arid shrublands frequently occurs in patches with high plant cover (shrub patches) interspersed in a low‐cover herbaceous matrix (inter‐shrub areas). We hypothesized that (a) livestock grazing is an important determinant of such spatial patterns of vegetation, and (b) redistribution of soil resources associated with shrub patches helps in the recovery of vegetation in inter‐shrub areas. To test these hypotheses, we (a) used line transects to compare spatial variations in vegetation, soil microtopography, and soil physicochemical properties in grazed areas and areas protected from grazing since 1970, (b) added sediment and seeds to inter‐shrub areas, and (c) measured resource redistribution after a wildfire. Results were consistent with the hypotheses. They indicated greater spatial heterogeneity in vegetation, soil microtopography and soil physicochemical properties in grazed areas than in protected areas, and that addition of sediment and seeds or redistribution of soil resources from shrub patches after a wildfire enhanced re‐establishment of vegetation in degraded inter‐shrub areas. As a synthesis, a conceptual model of degradation and recovery processes in semi‐arid shrublands of Northern Patagonia is presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly and Characterization of Polyurethane–Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates
Authors: Romaskevic Tatjana , Sedlevicius Modestas , Budriene Saulute , Ramanavicius Arunas , Ryskevic Natalija , Miasojedovas Saulius , Ramanaviciene Almira
Published: September 2011

The PU/Au‐NPs conjugates based on poly(vinyl alcohol)‐containing polyurethane microparticles coated with Au‐NPs are prepared by a heat‐treated method. The PU/Au‐NPs conjugates are characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, TEM analysis. The appearance of characteristic peaks in the FT‐IR spectra at 1574 and 1624 cm−1, which are attributed to urethane groups, are presented for both PU and PU/Au‐NPs conjugate. The absorption band at 1716–1718 cm−1, attributed to the hydrogen‐bonded urethane carbonyl groups of PU/Au‐NPs(13nm)‐A is higher than that obtained for unmodified PU. The Au‐NPs(13nm) are found to be well dispersed in the PU. The Au‐NPs(3.5nm) tend toward agglomeration when they are entrapped within PU. It is determined, that Au‐NPs present in PU‐Au conjugates quench the luminescence of PU.
Temporal stability of the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale
Authors: Goetz Christopher G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Theeuwes Ad , Stocchi Fabrizio , Ferreira Joaquim J. , van de Witte Serge , Bronzova Juliana
Published: September 2011

Background:

The objective of this study was to establish temporal stability characteristics for objective components of the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS). The UDysRS has strong internal consistency and a reliable factor structure, but the important issue of temporal stability has not been established.

Methods:

Using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses, we examined UDysRS temporal stability for the objective scale components (Part III and IV) over an 8‐hour observation period. We assessed ICCs for the single centralized rater, the on‐site raters, and the agreement between the single centralized rater and the on‐site raters. Kappa statistic assessed agreement between the single centralized and on‐site raters for clinical state (ON vs OFF).

Results:

For both the single centralized rater and the on‐site raters, there was high temporal stability of the UDysRS Part III, Part IV, and Total Objective UDysRS in both ON and OFF states, with ICCs ranging from 0.822 (P < .0005) to 0.513 (P < .013). The agreement between the 2 rating techniques (centralized vs on‐site) was significant for ON and OFF ratings of Part III, Part IV, and Total Objective UDysRS, ranging from 0.821 (P < .0005) to 0.703 (P < .0005).

Conclusions:

The UDysRS is highly stable for ON and OFF. Our data suggest that a single UDysRS evaluation for ON and for OFF states is highly representative of that state regardless of time. Likewise, if appropriate protocols need to assess dyskinesia in a field or community setting, the UDysRS can be filmed without an on‐site rater and rated centrally with retained validity. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
An inherited episodic head tremor syndrome in Doberman pinscher dogs
Authors: Wolf Martina , Bruehschwein Andreas , Sauter‐Louis Carola , Sewell Adrian C. , Fischer Andrea
Published: September 2011

Episodic head tremor anecdotally occurs in the Doberman pinscher dog breed, but it is not described in sufficient detail in the literature. We evaluated 87 Doberman pinschers affected with episodic head tremor and appropriate controls. The data analyzed were collected through detailed questionnaires, elaborate telephone interviews, and video recordings. Affected dogs underwent clinical, neurological, and laboratory examination, and a detailed diagnostic workup was conducted in 5 affected dogs. Pedigrees of affected dogs were collected and reviewed. The affected dogs expressed individual phenotypes of either horizontal or vertical head movements, but rarely did a dog exhibit head movements in both directions. There was considerable variation in duration (10 seconds to 3 hours; median: 3 minutes), frequency of occurrence (1–20 episodes/day; median: 2/day) of head tremor and length of the period without head tremor (1–1,800 days; median: 60 days). Subtle dystonic posturing of the head and neck during head tremor was evident on video recordings of 5 dogs. Certain exceptional conditions such as illness, surgery, some medications, heat, pseudopregnancy, or pregnancy triggered episodes. Two main important forms of episodic head tremor were identified: a familial early‐onset form (age < 1 year) that affected littermates and a sporadic form. Affected dogs were traced back to 1 common sire, also including sporadic cases. Episodic head tremor is an inherited, paroxysmal movement disorder that affects the Doberman pinscher breed. Identification of the causative genes in the future will allow us to obtain a more detailed description of the syndrome. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Magnetic resonance neurography‐surgical correlation of neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome
Authors: Lee Pearlene P. , Dorsi Michael J. , Belzberg Allan J. , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: September 2011

For evaluation of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), 3 Tesla magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is being increasingly used. The authors report the findings on 3 T MRN with surgical correlation in a rare case of neurologic TOS caused by anomalous costal pseudoarthrosis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Nonlinear analysis of laterally loaded rigid piles in cohesive soil
Authors: Zhang Lianyang , Ahmari Saeed
Published: September 2011

This article presents a method for the nonlinear analysis of laterally loaded rigid piles in cohesive soil. The method considers the force and the moment equilibrium to derive the system equations for a rigid pile under a lateral eccentric load. The system equations are then solved using an iteration scheme to obtain the response of the pile. The method considers the nonlinear variation of the ultimate lateral soil resistance with depth and uses a new closed‐form expression proposed in this article to determine the lateral bearing factor. The method also considers the horizontal shear resistance at the pile base, and a bilinear relationship between the shear resistance and the displacement is used. For simplicity, the modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction is assumed to be constant with depth, which is applicable to piles in overconsolidated clay. The nonlinearity of the modulus of horizontal subgrade reaction with pile displacement at ground surface is also considered. The validity of the developed method is demonstrated by comparing its results with those of 3D finite element analysis. The applications of the developed method to analyze five field test piles also show good agreement between the predictions and the experimental results. The developed method offers an alternative approach for simple and effective analysis of laterally loaded rigid piles in cohesive soil. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance evaluation of ad hoc routing protocols for military communications
Authors: Kioumourtzis Georgios , Bouras Christos , Gkamas Apostolos
Published: September 2011

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are of much interest to both the research community and the military because of the potential to establish a communication network in any situation that involves emergencies. Examples are search‐and‐rescue operations, military deployment in hostile environments, and several types of police operations. One critical open issue is how to route messages considering the characteristics of these networks. The nodes act as routers in an environment without a fixed infrastructure, the nodes are mobile, the wireless medium has its own limitations compared to wired networks, and existing routing protocols cannot be employed, at least without modifications. Over the last few years, a number of routing protocols have been proposed and enhanced to address the issue of routing in MANETs. It is not clear how those different protocols perform under different environments. One protocol may be the best in one network configuration but the worst in another. This article provides an analysis and performance evaluation of those protocols that may be suitable for military communications. The evaluation is conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we compare the protocols based on qualitative metrics to locate those that may fit our evaluation criteria. In the second phase, we evaluate the selected protocols from the first phase based on quantitative metrics in a mobility scenario that reflects tactical military movements. The results disclose that there is no routing protocol in the current stage without modifications that can provide efficient routing to any size of network, regardless of the number of nodes and the network load and mobility. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extended isogeometric analysis for simulation of stationary and propagating cracks
Authors: Ghorashi Seyed Shahram , Valizadeh Navid , Mohammadi Soheil
Published: September 2011

A novel approach based on a combination of isogeometric analysis (IGA) and extended FEM is presented for fracture analysis of structures. The extended isogeometric analysis is capable of an efficient analysis of general crack problems using nonuniform rational B‐splines as basis functions for both the solution field approximation and the geometric description, and it can reproduce crack tip singular fields and discontinuity across a crack. IGA has attracted a lot of interest for solving different types of engineering problems and is now further extended for the analysis of crack stability and propagation in two‐dimensional isotropic media. Concepts of the extended FEM are used in IGA to avoid the necessity of remeshing in crack propagation problems and to increase the solution accuracy around the crack tip. Crack discontinuity is represented by the Heaviside function and isotropic analytical displacement fields near a crack tip are reproduced by means of the crack tip enrichment functions. Also, the Lagrange multiplier method is used to impose essential boundary conditions. Moreover, the subtriangles technique is utilized for improving the accuracy of integration by the Gauss quadrature rule. Several two‐dimensional static and quasi‐static crack propagation problems are solved to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method and the results of mixed‐mode stress intensity factors are compared with analytical and extended FEM results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New potentially environmentally friendly copolymer of styrene and maleic acid—castor oil monoester
Authors: Mamat Xamxikamar , Wang Yonglei , Eli Wumanjiang
Published: September 2011

The maleic acid‐castor oil monoester (MACO) was synthesized and was used as monomer to synthesize a new potentially environmentally friendly copolymer of styrene and MACO (poly‐St/MACO) by suspension polymerization. Under the appropriate conditions, the poly‐St/MACO with yield of 81%, number average molecular weight of 44100 g/mol, and molecular weight distribution of 1.5 could be obtained. The chemical structures of the MACO and resulting copolymer were confirmed by Mass Spectrometry Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy H[1]. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and biodegradation test showed the poly‐St/MACO can be used as a new potentially environmentally friendly material with excellent thermal stability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Audit of 10 years of referrals for fetal echocardiography
Authors: Clur S. A. B. , Van Brussel P. M. , Mathijssen I. B. , Pajkrt E. , Ottenkamp J. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To evaluate trends over time, indications, diagnoses, noncardiac defects and outcome of fetuses referred for tertiary level echocardiography.

Methods

Retrospective study of fetal echocardiograms performed between April 1999 and 2009.

Results

Of the 623 fetuses included, 301 (48%) had cardiac pathology. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) were found in 243/301 (81%), mostly in the severe spectrum. Of the fetuses with CHDs, 26% (63/243) had chromosomal anomalies. The chromosomally normal fetuses with CHDs had a mortality rate of 43% (77/180) and 23% (41/180) had extra‐cardiac anomalies. The termination of pregnancy (TOP) rate for all cardiac pathology was 24.9% (75/301) and for CHDs 29.6% (72/243). The TOP rates for CHDs diagnosed before 19 and 24 weeks gestation were 61% (28/46) and 44% (68/155), respectively. An increase in referrals followed the introduction of a national screening program, (nuchal translucency (NT) and routine structural ultrasound screening). The main referral indication was an increased NT (>95th percentile; 32% of cases). CHDs were found in 81/239 (34%) fetuses with an increased NT.

Conclusions

Referral indications for fetal echocardiography were appropriate (almost 50% had cardiac pathology). The mortality was high. Fetal outcome and TOP decisions correlated with CHD severity and presence of noncardiac defects. An increased NT is a strong marker for CHDs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution‐derived ferroelectric vinylidene fluoride oligomer thin films with large polarization
Authors: Chen Shuting , Yao Kui , Hock Tay Francis Eng
Published: September 2011

Dense and uniform vinylidene fluoride (VDF) oligomer thin films with a highly polar β phase were prepared for the first time by a low‐cost and scalable solution casting approach, after treatments of substrate surface functionalization and hot‐pressing. Introducing hydrated salt in the precursor solution effectively promoted the ferroelectric β phase. The VDF oligomer thin films obtained with short molecular chains exhibited high crystallinity and high remnant polarization (91 mC m−2), which is larger than both the polymer and copolymer counterpart films. The reasons for the observed low dielectric constant at low electric field, despite its larger polarization at high field, and the relatively high coercive field are discussed on the basis of the distinct structural characteristics of VDF oligomers. The low polar bulky end‐groups and difficulties in kink formation and propagation may result in the observed low dielectric constant at low electric field and the high coercive field. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative proteomic identification of host factors involved in the Salmonella typhimurium infection cycle
Authors: Vogels Mijke W. , van Balkom Bas W. M. , Heck Albert J. R. , de Haan Cornelis A. M. , Rottier Peter J. M. , Batenburg Joseph J. , Kaloyanova Dora V. , Helms J. Bernd
Published: September 2011

To identify host factors involved in Salmonella replication, SILAC‐based quantitative proteomics was used to investigate the interactions of Salmonella typhimurium with the secretory pathway in human epithelial cells. Protein profiles of Golgi‐enriched fractions isolated from S. typhimurium‐infected cells were compared with those of mock‐infected cells, revealing significant depletion or enrichment of 105 proteins. Proteins annotated to play a role in membrane traffic were overrepresented among the depleted proteins whereas proteins annotated to the cytoskeleton showed a diverse behavior with some proteins being enriched, others being depleted from the Golgi fraction upon Salmonella infection. To study the functional relevance of identified proteins in the Salmonella infection cycle, small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments were performed. siRNA‐mediated depletion of a selection of affected proteins identified five host factors involved in Salmonella infection. Depletion of peroxiredoxin‐6 (PRDX6), isoform β‐4c of integrin β‐4 (ITGB4), isoform 1 of protein lap2 (erbin interacting protein; ERBB2IP), stomatin (STOM) or TBC domain containing protein 10b (TBC1D10B) resulted in increased Salmonella replication. Surprisingly, in addition to the effect on Salmonella replication, depletion of STOM or ITGB4 resulted in a dispersal of intracellular Salmonella microcolonies. It can be concluded that by using SILAC‐based quantitative proteomics we were able to identify novel host cell proteins involved in the complex interplay between Salmonella and epithelial cells.
Immunoproteomic analysis of the antibody response obtained in mouse following vaccination with a T‐cell vaccine
Authors: Xu Wen , Li Xinqun
Published: September 2011

T‐cell vaccination (TCV), the application of irradiated activated T cells, has been shown to prevent effectively and treat experimental autoimmune diseases. It has been reported that anti‐lymphocytic antibodies induced by TCV were capable of strongly inhibiting T‐cell proliferation and of ameliorating experimental autoimmune disease. The present study was undertaken to characterize the antigen specificity of these Abs. We used activated mouse ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific T cells (OVA‐T) as vaccine immunized mice. By combination of 2‐DE, 2‐D Western blot and Q‐TOF mass spectrometry we have identified 11 antigens in activated T cells that were recognized by the anti‐T‐cell Abs. The resulting antigenic molecules included calreticulin (CRT), ERp57, Vimentin, HSP70‐4, tubulin β5 chain, coronin‐1A, pyruvate kinase, ATP synthase β chain and transketolase most of which belong to so‐called damage‐associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs). CRT, ERp57 and vementin were further examined by Western blot and cellular ELISA to identify molecular targets which may be involved in the TCV immunotherapy. On the basis of our results, γ‐radiation induced the activated T cells “immunogenic apoptosis” and exposed/secreted DAMPs (CRT, ERp57 and Vementin) played an important role in TCV therapy.
Synthesis and characterization of positively charged, alumina‐coated silica/polystyrene hybrid nanoparticles via pickering miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Schrade Anika , Mikhalevich Viktoria , Landfester Katharina , Ziener Ulrich
Published: September 2011

Positively charged, raspberry‐like hybrid nanoparticles, consisting of a polystyrene core and an alumina‐coated silica shell were successfully prepared in a surfactant free system via the radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and different comonomers (acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and acrylamide) by using a cationic silica sol as the sole emulsifier in Pickering miniemulsion polymerization. The influence of different parameters like pH of the dispersion, comonomer content, and the amount and size of silica nanoparticles on the colloidal stability of the systems, prepared with different comonomers, was examined. The particles' morphology was observed via high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The removal of free silica particles via centrifugation was proved by TEM and SEM, and the content of free and adsorbed silica was quantified via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Poly(N‐vinylimidazole)‐l‐poly(tetrahydrofuran) amphiphilic conetworks and gels. II. Unexpected dependence of the reactivity of poly(tetrahydrofuran) macromonomer cross‐linker on molecular weight in copolymerization with N‐vinylimidazole
Authors: Fodor Csaba , Iván Béla
Published: September 2011

No absract.
Assessing the psychological predictors of benefit finding in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Llewellyn Carrie D. , Horney Debbie J. , McGurk Mark , Weinman John , Herold Jim , Altman Keith , Smith Helen E.
Published: September 2011

Background

Some individuals are able to gain psychological benefits from illness and adversity, such as a greater sense of purpose and closer relationships, termed ‘benefit finding’ (BF). The main aim of this study was to explore the extent to which BF is reported in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Secondary aims were to establish the relationships between BF, other patient‐reported outcomes and predictive factors such as coping strategy and level of optimism.

Methods

This repeat measures study was conducted with 103 newly diagnosed patients with HNC. Self‐completion questionnaires were used to assess BF pre‐treatment and 6 months after treatment and pre‐treatment coping, optimism, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Sixty‐eight patients (66%) completed follow‐ups.

Results

Moderate to high levels of BF were reported. Anxiety, depression and quality of life were not related to BF. Regression models of BF total score and three new factor analysed BF scales indicated that use of emotional support and active coping strategies were predictive of finding more positive consequences. Optimism, living with a partner and higher educational attainment were also found to have a protective effect. The amount of variance in BF explained by these five pre‐treatment factors ranged from 32 to 46%.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that both dispositional and potentially modifiable factors, in particular optimism and coping strategies, were associated with patients identifying positive consequences of a diagnosis of HNC. To maximise patient's longer‐term resilience and adaptation, components of BF, either directly or via coping strategies, could be targeted for intervention. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and characterisation of a bacterial strain degrading the herbicide sulcotrione from an agricultural soil
Authors: Calvayrac Christophe , Martin‐Laurent Fabrice , Faveaux Alexia , Picault Nathalie , Panaud Olivier , Coste Camille‐Michel , Chaabane Hanene , Cooper Jean‐François
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The dissipation kinetics of the herbicide sulcotrione sprayed 4 times on a French soil was studied using a laboratory microcosm approach. An advanced cultivation‐based method was then used to isolate the bacteria responsible for biotransformation of sulcotrione. Chromatographic methods were employed as complementary tools to define its metabolic pathway.

RESULTS: Soil microflora was able quickly to biotransform the herbicide (DT50 ≈ 8 days). 2‐Chloro‐4‐mesylbenzoic acid, one of its main metabolites, was clearly detected. However, no accelerated biodegradation process was observed. Eight pure sulcotrione‐resistant strains were isolated, but only one (1OP) was capable of degrading this herbicide with a relatively high efficiency and to use it as a sole source of carbon and energy. In parallel, another sulcotrione‐resistant strain (1TRANS) was shown to be incapable of degrading the herbicide. Amplified ribosomal restriction analysis (ARDRA) and repetitive extragenic palendromic PCR genomic (REP‐PCR) fingerprinting of strains 1OP and 1TRANS gave indistinguishable profiles.

CONCLUSION: Sequencing and aligning analysis of 16S rDNA genes of each pure strain revealed identical sequences and a close phylogenetic relationship (99% sequence identity) to Pseudomonas putida. Such physiological and genetic properties of 1OP to metabolise sulcotrione were probably governed by mobile genetic elements in the genome of the bacteria. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Developing Drosophila suzukii management programs for sweet cherry in the western United States
Authors: Beers Elizabeth H , Van Steenwyk Robert A , Shearer Peter W , Coates William W , Grant Joseph A
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a newly introduced pest of sweet cherry on the west coast of North America which produces about 97% of the value of the US sweet cherry crop. D. suzukii initially caused considerable economic loss to cherry growers, who were unaware of this new pest. Little control information was available at the time of initial infestation. Pest control studies were initiated to examine the materials, timings and application methods to control D. suzukii in three major cherry‐producing states (California, Oregon and Washington).

RESULTS: Three classes of registered insecticides, organophosphates, pyrethroids and spinosyns, have demonstrated good topical or residual activity against D. suzukii. Neonicotinoids and the systemic organophosphate dimethoate appear to be able to kill eggs or larvae in fruit. Preliminary timing studies indicate that at least two preharvest insecticide sprays are required to obtain control of D. suzukii in California cherry orchards. Aerially applied malathion ULV (ultra‐low volume) appears to be a viable control tactic for this pest.

CONCLUSION: The results presented here form the basis for developing D. suzukii management programs in the western United States. Additional studies are needed to refine management practices for the different growing regions and conventional versus organic production requirements. Cherry growers will likely need to apply broad‐spectrum insecticides in a prophylactic manner until treatment thresholds and monitoring methods have been developed and validated. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
‘Omic’ Genetic Technologies for Herbal Medicines in Psychiatry
Authors: Sarris Jerome , Ng Chee Hong , Schweitzer Isaac
Published: September 2011

The field of genetics, which includes the use of ‘omic’ technologies, is an evolving area of science that has emerging application in phytotherapy. Omic studies include pharmacogenomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Herbal medicines, as monotherapies, or complex formulations such as traditional Chinese herbal prescriptions, may benefit from omic studies, and this new field may be termed ‘herbomics’. Applying herbomics in the field of psychiatry may provide answers about which herbal interventions may be effective for individuals, which genetic processes are triggered, and the subsequent neurochemical pathways of activity. The use of proteomic technology can explore the differing epigenetic effects on neurochemical gene expression between individual herbs, isolated constituents and complex formulae. The possibilities of side effects or insufficient response to the herb can also be assessed via pharmacogenomic analysis of polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 liver enzymes or P‐glycoprotein. While another novel application of omic technology is for the validation of the concept of synergy in individual herbal extracts and prescriptive formulations. Chronic administration of psychotropic herbal medicines may discover important effects on chromatin remodelling via modification of histone and DNA methylation. This paper focuses on the emerging field of herbomics, and is to our knowledge the first publication to explore this in the area of psychiatry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the Antipsoriatic Activity of Aloe Vera Leaf Extract Using a Mouse Tail Model of Psoriasis
Authors: Dhanabal S. P. , Priyanka Dwarampudi L. , Muruganantham N. , Vadivelan R.
Published: September 2011

Aloe vera gel is used traditionally for the treatment of skin diseases, including psoriasis. An ethanolic extract of the gel was assessed for antipsoriatic activity using a mouse tail model of psoriasis. The extract produced a significant differentiation in the epidermis, as seen from its degree of orthokeratosis (85.07 ± 3.36%) when compared with the negative control (17.30 ± 4.09%). This was equivalent to the effect of the standard positive control, tazarotene (0.1%) gel, which showed a 90.03 ± 2.00% degree of orthokeratosis. The ethanolic extract of Aloe vera leaf gel also produced a significant increase in relative epidermal thickness when compared with the control group, whereas the standard tazarotene showed no change. Taken together, the extract showed an overall antipsoriatic activity of 81.95%, compared with 87.94 for tazarotene, in the mouse tail model for psoriasis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. (Yerba Mate) on Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 Replication
Authors: Lückemeyer Débora D. , Müller Vanessa D. M. , Moritz Maria Izabel G. , Stoco Patricia H. , Schenkel Eloir P. , Barardi Célia R. M. , Reginatto Flávio H. , Simões Cláudia M. O.
Published: September 2011

The antiherpes effects of the crude extract obtained from Ilex paraguariensis leaves (yerba mate) and their purified fractions were investigated. The most active fraction was selected and assayed to determine the viral multiplication steps upon which it acted. In order to detect the major components of this fraction, thin layer chromatography (TLC) analysis was performed. The antiviral activity was evaluated against HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 by a viral plaque number reduction assay (IC50) and the cytotoxicity by a MTT assay (CC50). According to the obtained results, all tested samples showed antiherpes activity at noncytotoxic concentrations, and the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active (SI = CC50/IC50 = 188.7 and 264.7 for HSV‐1 and HSV‐2, respectively). The results also demonstrated that this fraction exerts antiviral activity by the reduction of viral infectivity, the inhibition of virus entry into cells and cell‐to‐cell virus spread, as well as by the impaired levels of ICP27, ICP4, gD and gE proteins of HSV‐1. The TLC analysis showed that this fraction contains monodesmosidic triterpenoid saponins, matesaponin‐1 (a bidesmosidic one), caffeic and chlorogenic acids and rutin, which suggests that they could act synergistically and be responsible for the detected antiherpes activity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.