bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syngeneic natural killer cell therapy activates dendritic and T cells in metastatic lungs and effectively treats low-burden metastases
Authors: Huang Shih-Wen , Lai Yein-Gei , Liao Hao-Ting , Chang Chin-Ling , Ma Ruo-Yu , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Liou Yae-Huei , Wu Zhen-Qi , Wu Yu-Chen , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Huang Yen-Tsung , Yang Jen-Lung , Dai Ming-Shen , Liao Nan-Shih
Published: June 2024

Natural killer (NK) cells can control metastasis through cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production independently of T cells in experimental metastasis mouse models. The inverse correlation between NK activity and metastasis incidence supports a critical role for NK cells in human metastatic surveillance. However, autologous NK cell therapy has shown limited benefit in treating patients with metastatic solid tumors. Using a spontaneous metastasis mouse model of MHC-I+ breast cancer, we found that transfer of IL-15/IL-12-conditioned syngeneic NK cells after primary tumor resection promoted long-term survival of mice with low metastatic burden and induced a tumor-specific protective T cell response that is essential for the therapeutic effect. Furthermore, NK cell transfer augments activation of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), Foxp3-CD4+ T cells and stem cell-like CD8+ T cells in metastatic lungs, to which IFN-γ of the transferred NK cells contributes significantly. These results imply direct interactions between transferred NK cells and endogenous cDCs to enhance T cell activation. We conducted an investigator-initiated clinical trial of autologous NK cell therapy in six patients with advanced cancer and observed that the NK cell therapy was safe and showed signs of effectiveness. These findings indicate that autologous NK cell therapy is effective in treating established low burden metastases of MHC-I+ tumor cells by activating the cDC-T cell axis at metastatic sites.
Identifying, Mapping, and Analyzing Stakeholders of Tomato Value Chain
Authors: Sulthana Shaik Reshma , Kumar Kalpesh , Mishra Snehal
Published: June 2024

The research aims to optimize the efficiency of tomato value chain by mapping and analyzing various stakeholders. The study was taken as a part of the Research work of MBA (Agribusiness) carried out at Madanapalli taluka of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. The complete research design work is based on primary and secondary data collected through a structured questionnaire and from the Madanapalli Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee, annual reports of the National Horticultural Board, and articles from the World Processing Tomato Council. A multistage sampling technique was used for selection and Descriptive statistics, value chain analysis was carried out to identify the key activities within the industry. A value chain map illustrates the journey of tomatoes from production to the consumer, highlighting the various stages and processors involved along the way. The connections are displayed in a vertical manner from the left to the right side. At the top, the main functions of the chain are listed. These functions encompass input supply, production, trading, marketing/processing, and consumption. The vertical progression from the left to the right side illustrates the individuals engaged in performing the various functions. Displayed on the left side, the enablers help and support the actors in performing their roles. These enablers primarily include formal and informal institutions, as well as private organizations. The study concludes that lack of access to credit, Huge loss of raw produce in a glut situation, Inadequate infrastructure, seasonal fluctuations in business, and intense competition within a limited timeframe pose significant challenges in the tomato value chain. The lack of incentives for quality differentiation further exacerbates these issues. The chain's lack of transparency allows middlemen to wield control, leaving farmers with little ability to market their produce effectively.
Pharmaceutical applications of biocompatible polymer blends containing sodium alginate
Authors: Dalmoro Annalisa , Barba Anna Angela , Lamberti Gaetano , Grassi Mario , d'Amore Matteo
Published: April 2012

Biocompatible polymer blends, such as alginate blends, have a widespread use in pharmaceutical and medical applications due to their specific features, such as biodegradation, adhesiveness, and thermo‐ and pH sensitivity and that can be obtained from the mixture composition. In this work, the use of alginate blends was tested in a novel production methodology of therapeutic dosage forms based on polymeric chain reticulation phenomena induced by exposure to bivalent ions. Two kinds of sodium alginate were used to obtain gel films (structured films) in blends with Pluronic F127®. The blends were considered for applications in gel paving of drug‐eluting stents. Sodium alginate was also used in shell–core particle production (structured particles) to obtain shell‐barrier reducing drug release in the preparative steps (see wash operations). Both structures, films and particles, were obtained using Cu2+ and Ca2+ ions, respectively. Film/shell barrier properties were tested in dissolution experiments using vitamin B12 as an active molecule model. Experimental work demonstrated that the alginate composition is a crucial point in defining reticulated structures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 219–230, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21276
Improved Functionality of Lithium‐Ion Batteries Enabled by Atomic Layer Deposition on the Porous Microstructure of Polymer Separators and Coating Electrodes
Authors: Jung Yoon Seok , Cavanagh Andrew S. , Gedvilas Lynn , Widjonarko Nicodemus E. , Scott Isaac D. , Lee Se‐Hee , Kim Gi‐Heon , George Steven M. , Dillon Anne C.
Published: April 2012

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 is applied on a polypropylene separator for lithium‐ion batteries. A thin Al2O3 layer (<10 nm) is coated on every surface of the porous polymer microframework without significantly increasing the total separator thickness. The thin Al2O3 ALD coating results in significantly suppressed thermal shrinkage, which may lead to improved safety of the batteries. More importantly, the wettability of Al2O3 ALD‐coated separators in an extremely polar electrolyte based on pure propylene carbonate (PC) solvent is demonstrated, without any decrease in electrochemical performances such as capacity, rate capability, and cycle life. Finally, a LiCoO2/natural graphite full cell is demonstrated under extremely severe conditions (pure PC‐based electrolyte and high (4.5 V) upper cut‐off potential), which is enabled by the Al2O3 ALD coating on all three components (cathode, anode, and separator).
A process for producing ultraclean gasoline by coupling efficient hydrodesulfurization and directional olefin conversion
Authors: Fan Yu , Shi Gang , Bao Xiaojun
Published: April 2012

To solve the contradiction between ultradeep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and octane recovery in clean gasoline production, this article proposes a novel two‐stage fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) gasoline hydro‐upgrading process with the selective HDS catalyst in the first reactor and the complemental HDS and octane recovery catalyst in the second reactor. The process achieved the relayed removal of sulfur‐containing compounds with different natures, providing itself with excellent HDS performance, and the hydroisomerization and aromatization of olefins in the second stage endowed the process with superior octane recovery ability and high product yield while remarkably reducing the olefin content of FCC gasoline. The process was also featured by low hydrogen consumption due to the low first‐stage olefin saturation and the balanced second‐stage hydrogenation and dehydrogenation. The two‐stage process developed here sheds a light for efficiently producing ultralow sulfur gasoline from the poor‐quality FCC gasoline of high olefin and sulfur contents. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 571–581, 2013
Fatal occupational injuries among non‐governmental employees in Malaysia
Authors: Abas Adinegara Bin Lutfi , Mohd Said Datuk Abd. Razzak B. , Aziz Mohammed Mohammed Azman B. , Sathiakumar Nalini
Published: April 2012

Background

In Malaysia, surveillance of fatal occupational injuries is fragmented. We therefore analyzed an alternative data source from Malaysia's Social Security organization, the Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO).

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of the PERKESO database comprised of 7 million employees from 2002 to 2006.

Results

Overall, the average annual incidence was 9.2 fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers. During the 5‐year period, there was a decrease in the absolute number of fatal injuries by 16% and the incidence by 34%. The transportation sector reported the highest incidence of fatal injuries (35.1/100,000), followed by agriculture (30.5/100,000) and construction (19.3/100,000) sectors. Persons of Indian ethnicity were more likely to sustain fatal injuries compared to other ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Government and industry should develop rigorous strategies to detect hazards in the workplace, especially in sectors that continuously record high injury rates. Targeted interventions emphasizing worker empowerment coupled with systematic monitoring and evaluation is critical to ensure success in prevention and control measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:65–76, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant mesothelioma incidence among talc miners and millers in New York State
Authors: Finkelstein Murray M.
Published: April 2012

Background

There is controversy about the potential for dust from the talc mines and mills of New York State to cause mesothelioma. Honda et al. published a study of mortality among New York talc workers and concluded that it was unlikely that the two deaths from mesothelioma were caused by talc ore dust. However, fibers of tremolite and anthophyllite have been found in the lungs of talc workers and Hull concluded that “New York talc exposure is associated with mesothelioma, and deserves further public health attention.”

Methods

Data concerning additional cases of mesothelioma in the cohort have been posted by NIOSH. I used information from the NIOSH website and the Honda report to analyze the incidence of mesothelioma during the years 1990–2007.

Results

There were at least five new cases of mesothelioma in the cohort and mesothelioma incidence rates were at least five (1.6–11.7) times the rate in the general population (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

I conclude that: (1) mesothelioma has been diagnosed among members of the cohort at a rate in excess of that in the general population; (2) fibers of tremolite and anthophyllite have been detected in dust and the lungs of talc workers; and (3) these fibers are known causes of mesothelioma. It is prudent, on the balance of probabilities, to conclude that dusts from New York State talc ores are capable of causing mesothelioma in exposed individuals. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:863–868, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic assessments of cleaners
Authors: Chang Jer‐Hao , Wu Jyun‐De , Liu Chia‐Yi , Hsu Der‐Jen
Published: April 2012

Background

Professional cleaning has emerged as a new industry in Taiwan in the past few years. However, information about the workload and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among these workers is still limited. This study investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomforts and the characteristics of musculoskeletal activities of cleaning workers in Taiwan.

Methods

Face‐to‐face interviews to collect basic information and to administer the Chinese version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were conducted on 180 cleaners. Biaxial electrogoniometers and electromyography were used to characterize the motion and forceful exertion of 56 cleaners during work.

Results

Nearly 90% of the participants reported musculoskeletal discomfort in at least one body part due to work. Of the nine body parts examined, hand/wrist (41.7%), shoulder (41.1%), low back (37.8%), and elbow (33.3%) were most frequently reported to exhibit discomfort. Additionally, time pressure as a psychosocial risk factor was found to be associated with discomfort in several body parts. Measurements of electrogoniometry showed that wrists of many cleaners were frequently held in extreme angles of ulnar/radial deviation, leading to an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Motion repetitiveness and force output during mopping and sweeping tasks were considered less influential in developing hand/wrist discomfort.

Conclusions

Cleaners in Taiwan are a high‐risk group for developing MSDs, and solutions are needed to avoid extreme motion angles of the wrists when performing cleaning tasks. Moreover, both psychosocial stress and the welfare of this group of workers deserve immediate attention from management and the government. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:593–604, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of adding polysilane on melt‐flow properties of ultra‐high molecular weight PE
Authors: Katsuhisa Tokumitsu , Aiko Iguchi , Shigeya Nakamura , Masahiro Yamada , Mika Nakamura , Kana Kobori
Published: April 2012

The effects of polysilane addition on the melt‐flow and mechanical properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were investigated. The kneading torque during melt process of pure UHMWPE without polysilane increased significantly with time and reached a constant value after 100 min. However, the kneading torque did not increase by addition of polysilane materials into UHMWPE, which indicates that all the polysilane materials suppress an increase in the kneading torque during melt process of UHMWPE at 200°C, especially a linear polysilane (PMPS) and a networked structure polysilane (PPSi). When using linear polysilane materials with different molecular weights, the low molecular weight polysilane (PM‐5, Mw = 500 Da) had the most dominant effect on the heat‐flow and mechanical properties of UHMWPE. UHMWPE with PM‐5 could be elongated over 1000% strain, which was the similar to the case for pure UHMWPE, although the elongation at break of UHMWPE with additions of different molecular weight PMPS was significantly decreased with increasing molecular weight of PMPS. Furthermore, the kneading torque during melt process of UHMWPE decreased with increase in the amount of PM‐5 addition, from 1 to 5 wt %. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
UV curing of epoxy functional hybrid silicones
Authors: Putzien Sophie , Louis Eckhart , Nuyken Oskar , Crivello James V. , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: April 2012

Several epoxy difunctional hybrid alkylene‐silicone telomers with different silicone characters and organic spacers (linkers) were prepared via the platinum‐catalyzed polyhydrosilylation of α,ω‐dihydrosiloxanes and α,ω‐dienes. Thereafter, the resulting SiH‐terminated prepolymers were terminally functionalized with 4‐vinyl‐1,2‐epoxycyclohexane or allyl glycidyl ether. In the presence of a lipophilic cationic photoinitiator, the terminally epoxy‐functionalized hybrid alkylene–silicone telomers were photopolymerized to give crosslinked, soft, elastomeric, and transparent films. The progress of the photoinitiated cationic ring‐opening epoxide polymerizations was monitored using optical pyrometry. Potential applications for these novel photocurable epoxy‐functional telomers are as modifiers for UV curable coatings, printing inks, adhesives, and release coatings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Nonisothermal melt crystallization kinetics of syndiotactic polypropylene/alumina nanocomposites
Authors: Truong Le Thuy , Larsen Åge , Holme Børge , Roots Jaan
Published: April 2012

Nonisothermal melt crystallization kinetics of syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP)/alumina nanocomposites were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry. The addition of alumina nanoparticles significantly increases the number of nuclei and promotes the crystallization rate of sPP. Nonisothermal melt crystallization kinetics was analyzed by fitting the experimental data to a Nakamura model using Matlab. The average values of Avrami exponent n are 1.7 for both sPP and sPP/Al2O3 nanocomposites during slow cooling, which implies a two‐dimensional growth is the predominant mechanism of crystallization following a heterogeneous nucleation. The two nanocomposites give n values equal to 2.3 during faster cooling, indicating that the main growth type taking place for sPP/alumina nanocomposites is also the two‐dimensional growth. The subsequent melting behavior shows that the presence of alumina nanoparticles changed both the cold crystallization and the recrystallization of sPP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Chemically modifiable fluorinated copolymer nanoparticles for 19F‐MRI contrast enhancement
Authors: Bailey Mark M. , Kline Steven R. , Anderson Michael D. , Staymates Jessica L. , Berkland Cory
Published: April 2012

Recently there has been interest in developing imaging contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that contain biologically rare, magnetically active nuclei such as fluorine. In principle, fluorinated contrast agents can be used to generate highly selective 19F magnetic resonance images that can be superimposed over complimentary 1H magnetic resonance images to provide an anatomical context for the fluorinated contrast agent. Additionally, nanoparticles can be made to target various pathological sites via active and passive targeting mechanisms. In this study, fluorinated nanoparticles were produced using a free radical polymerization of vinyl formamide monomers with two different fluorinated monomers. The nanoparticles showed a clear, single 19F‐NMR signal. Additionally, surface amide groups were hydrolyzed to primary amines to yield additional surface reactivity. Fluorinated nanoparticles produced using a free‐radial polymerization method yield a new nanoparticle for 19F‐MRI applications with potential for facile functionalization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Molecularly imprinted poly(MAA‐co‐AM) composite membranes for selective recognition of nicosulfuron herbicide
Authors: Liu Zhenghao , Lv Yunkai , Gao Jungang , Li Xiaoliu , Zhai Xuefei , Zhao Jianhua , Xu Xiangjie
Published: April 2012

Molecularly imprinted membranes with different ratio of acrylamide (AM) versus methacrylic acid (MAA) were prepared by photocopolymerization on commercial filter paper using nicosulfuron as the template. The structures, the thermal stability, and the morphology of membranes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Static equilibrium binding and competitive recognition properties of the membranes to nicosulfuron and its analogs (pyrazosulfuron ethyl and bensulfuron methyl) were tested. The results showed that nicosulfuron‐imprinted membranes had the best recognition capacity to nicosulfuron compared with its analogs. The biggest selectivity factors of
${\rm \alpha }_{{\rm N}_{\rm 1} /{\rm P}_{\rm 2} }$
and
${\rm \alpha }_{{\rm N}_{\rm 1} /{\rm B}_{\rm 3} }$
were 1.28 and 1.83 and the imprinted factor reached to 2.34. The results of this study implied that the molecularly imprinted composite membranes could be used as separation membranes for nicosulfuron enrichment. The Scatchard plot revealed that one class of binding sites was mainly produced in the imprinted composite membrane in the studied concentration range of nicosulfuron. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) nanocomposites incorporating cellulose nanocrystals with potential applications in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Kelley Jeremiah , Simonsen John , Ding Jie
Published: April 2012

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have received considerable attention recently because CNCs can be produced from renewable materials such as straw, wood, cotton, and sea animals (tunicates). CNCs are one of the stiffest organic materials, with an estimated tensile modulus (E) of 80–160 GPa depending on the starting material. In addition, composites incorporating CNCs have been fabricated from a variety of polymer matrices and CNCs have been shown to increase the E significantly and to a lesser extent the tensile strength (TS). A copolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), PVDF‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDFHFP), has received interest over the years in the area of lithium ion battery separator technology. However, the mechanical properties of neat PVDFHFP do not meet the necessary requirements for commercial separators, especially the low E. In this work, novel PVDHFHFP/CNC nanocomposite films were fabricated and characterized. It was found that incorporation of CNCs improves the E and TS. The improvement in mechanical properties of PVDFHFP upon addition of CNCs makes PVDFHFP a more suitable candidate for polymer separators in lithium ion batteries. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Evaluation of the phytomass source for composite preparation
Authors: Šimkovic Ivan , Šurina Igor , Mikulášik Radoslav , Orságová Anna , Ház Aleš , Schwarzinger Clemens
Published: April 2012

The properties of lignocellulose materials from the trunk and bark of trees, and from agricultural sources were investigated by thermogravimetry (TG) and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS). The goal was to learn which of the phytomass sources is the most accessible to dehydration and aldol reactions, and in this way could be considered suitable for composite preparation by the thermal pressing treatment. The bagasse second differential thermal analysis peak in air is at the highest temperature acceptable for intermolecular dehydration/crosslinking, and therefore we consider bagasse to be the most suitable candidate for composite preparation. From the TG results in air at 250°C, it follows that willow wood and bagasse are the most thermally resistant sources. The data obtained by Py‐GC/MS analysis showed glycolaldehyde and acetic acid as dominant markers related to adhesion properties via aldol condensation. The detected sum amount of glyceraldehyde and acetic acid decreases in the order: beech wood > bagasse > acacia wood > sugar beet pulp, whereas the remaining species produced much less of it. By comparing results run at above conditions with composite preparation using the pressing thermal treatment at a temperature of 150°C and pressures up to 800 kPa, the suggested evaluation was examined for application on sugar beet residue. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation of hydrophobic polymer particles by radical polymerization and subsequent modification into magnetically doped particles
Authors: Ahmad Hasan , Abu‐Waesmin Mohammad , Rahman Mohammad Mahbubor , Jalil Miah Mohammad Abdul , Tauer Klaus
Published: April 2012

The application potential of hydrophobic polymer is numerous. Lauryl methacrylate (LMA) having long alkyl chain is a commercially available hydrophobic monomer. In this investigation, poly‐LMA (PLMA) latex particles were prepared by suspension polymerization in aqueous media using 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) in presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as steric stabilizer. The preparation kinetics was studied in detail in terms of percentage yield and particle size variation. Low glass transition temperature (∼ −65°C) associated with high flexibility did not allow electron micrographic observation though 1H‐NMR and particle size measurement confirmed the formation of PLMA latex. To improve the glass transition temperature, aqueous emulsion copolymerization of LMA with methyl methacrylate (MMA) was carried out. The solubility of LMA was improved by adding ethanol to the aqueous phase. Two types of polymeric stabilizers, PVA and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) were used to stabilize the colloidal particles. The nature of the stabilizer affected both morphology and final rate of polymerization. The hydrophobic P(LMA‐MMA) copolymer particles were subsequently modified by nanosized magnetic (Fe3O4) particles by two different methods. The in situ formation of Fe3O4 particles in presence of P(LMA‐MMA) was found to be suitable for the preparation of magnetic latex particles. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR, transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used for the characterization of magnetically doped particles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Morphology and rheological properties of high density polyethylene/fluorothermoplastics blends
Authors: Siengchin S. , Abraham Thomas N.
Published: April 2012

The polyolefin blends of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) with two types of fluorothermoplastics (THV500 and THV220); were prepared by melt compounding technique. The morphology, crystallization, and the viscoelastic measurements of the blends were carried out. The dispersion of THVs was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, and discussed. The crystallization characteristics of the blend were studied using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The oscillatory shear measurement was employed for determining the rheological properties of the prepared blends. There is a significant difference in the rheological behavior of the HDPE blends with THV500 and THV220. The dynamic linear viscoelastic behavior (storage modulus and viscosity) of HDPE/THV500 was found to be higher than that of HDPE/THV220 blend. This was attributed to the molecular weight and particle size distribution of THVs. However, the molecular weight effect of THVs on the crystallization behavior of the blend is marginal. The master curves of the storage and loss modulus vs. frequency were constructed by applying the time–temperature–superposition (TTS) principle. It was established that the parsimonious and modified Cox‐Merz models are fairly applicable to the storage modulus and viscosity results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Structural, mechanical, and biocompatibility analyses of a novel dental restorative nanocomposite
Authors: Khan A. S. , Wong F. S. L. , McKay I. J. , Whiley R. A. , Rehman I. U.
Published: April 2012

Structure and biocompatibility are key parameters that determine the usefulness of dental materials for clinical use. Novel polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite material was prepared by chemically binding nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) to the diisocyanate component of the PU backbone by solvent‐polymerization. nHA was incorporated into PU by the stepwise addition of monomeric units of the PU. The PU/nHA composite was analyzed by 13C Nuclear magnetic resonance (structural) and X‐ray diffraction (phase analysis). The tensile strength and elastic modulus was evaluated for mechanical properties. These analyses revealed linkage between the hard‐ and soft‐segments are urethane linkage and showed high mechanical properties with increase in content of nHA. To assess biocompatibility osteoblast cells were seeded on to the material and allowed to adhere and proliferate. Osteoblast‐like cell growth and proliferation was assessed by MTS assay. It was found that cells adhered and proliferated on these novel substrates. To test bacterial adhesion discs of composite with and without nHA were incubated with standardized suspensions of oral bacterium Streptococcus sanguinis strain NCTC 7863. PU composites with nHA exhibited biocompatibility with respect to mammalian cell growth and showed significantly reduced bacterial adhesion as compared to PU alone. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Investigation on the reaction between polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride oligomer and glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Wei Dafu , Zhou Rihui , Guan Yong , Zheng Anna , Zhang Youwei
Published: April 2012

Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) oligomer is attracting increasing attention for its highly efficient biocidal activity and nontoxicity. To make it bearing carbon‐to‐carbon double bonds and enlarge its application in production of antimicrobial materials via copolymerization, PHMG oligomer was modified via reaction with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The influence of reaction parameters on the conversion rate of GMA was investigated using ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The structures of PHMG oligomer before and after modification were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The results show that carbon‐to‐carbon double bond is successfully introduced into the modified PHMG oligomer. At a feeding molar ratio of GMA to PHMG of 1.0, the conversion rate of GMA reached up to 75% after 60 h of reaction at 60°C in dimethyl sulfoxide. Also, there is an activity difference in the different aminos of PHMG oligomer: the primary amino is ready to react with epoxy of GMA, while the guanidyl amino hardly reacts with GMA due to the p‐π conjugation. Furthermore, the modified PHMG oligomer was used as comonomer to synthesize acrylonitrile copolymer, showing excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and application of polycarbosilane supported manganese ions as catalyst in mannich reaction
Authors: Mangala Kunniyur , Sreekumar Krishnapillai
Published: April 2012

Polycarbosilane (PCS) with highly crosslinked structure and high surface area was synthesized by the polycondensation reaction between trimethoxyvinylsilane and trichloromethylsilane. The reaction was conducted in the presence of sodium metal. Manganese ion was supported on PCS. The immobilization of transition metal ions to polymer support leads to a number of advantages over homogeneous catalyst, viz easy product recovery, increased selectivity, etc. The catalytic activity of PCS supported manganese ion was studied by considering three‐component Mannich reaction. Reaction with diverse sets of aldehydes, amines, and ketones was examined. PCS‐supported manganese ion catalyst has been prepared for the first time and used successfully in Mannich reaction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Effect of Triptolide on T‐Cell Receptor Beta Variable Gene mRNA Expression in Rats With Collagen‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Wang Jixi , Wang Aibing , Zeng Heqing , Liu Lantao , Jiang Wenhao , Zhu Yongjie , Xu Yudong
Published: April 2012

Triptolide (TP) has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its mechanism of action is not understood. T‐cell activation and associated release of cytokines appear to be major factors in the pathogenesis of RA. The overexpression of T‐cell receptor (TCR) variable gene (V gene) fragments can cause the activation and infiltration of autoreactive T cells. This study examines the effects of TP on rats with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). The levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in the serum were examined with ELISA. Compared to the CIA group, the levels of IL‐10 were greater in the TP treatment group. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the expression of TCR V beta (BV) 15 and TCR BV19 was increased in the CIA group, whereas in the TP treatment group, the expression was decreased. In this study, TP was found to enhance IL‐10 levels and decrease the expression levels of TCR BV15 and TCR BV19. These changes might help explain the effectiveness of TP in the treatment of RA. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Influence of Maximum Running Speed on Eye Size: A Test of Leuckart's Law in Mammals
Authors: Heard‐Booth Amber N. , Kirk E. Christopher
Published: April 2012

Vertebrate eye size is influenced by many factors, including body or head size, diet, and activity pattern. Locomotor speed has also been suggested to influence eye size in a relationship known as Leuckart's Law. Leuckart's Law proposes that animals capable of achieving fast locomotor speeds require large eyes to enhance visual acuity and avoid collisions with environmental obstacles. The selective influence of rapid flight has been invoked to explain the relatively large eyes of birds, but Leuckart's Law remains untested in nonavian vertebrates. This study investigates the relationship between eye size and maximum running speed in a diverse sample of mammals. Measures of axial eye diameter, maximum running speed, and body mass were collected from the published literature for 50 species from 10 mammalian orders. This analysis reveals that absolute eye size is significantly positively correlated with maximum running speed in mammals. Moreover, the relationship between eye size and running speed remains significant when the potentially confounding effects of body mass and phylogeny are statistically controlled. The results of this analysis are therefore consistent with the expectations of Leuckart's Law and demonstrate that faster‐moving mammals have larger eyes than their slower‐moving close relatives. Accordingly, we conclude that maximum running speed is one of several key selective factors that have influenced the evolution of eye size in mammals. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large‐eddy simulation of urban boundary‐layer flows by generating turbulent inflows from mesoscale meteorological simulations
Authors: Nakayama Hiromasa , Takemi Tetsuya , Nagai Haruyasu
Published: April 2012

We propose an approach to generate turbulent flows by using mesoscale meteorological simulations in order to conduct building‐resolving large‐eddy simulations (LESs) of boundary‐layer flows over urban areas under realistic meteorological conditions. The urban surface geometry was explicitly represented in the LES model. This approach was applied for a strong wind event in Tokyo owing to the landfall of a major typhoon whose intensity and track were well reproduced in the meteorological simulation. The observed ranges of wind fluctuations and gust factors and significant decelerations of wind speeds within the urban canopy layer were successfully represented in the LES. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The impact of the Madden‐Julian oscillation trend on the Antarctic warming during the 1979–2008 austral winter
Authors: Yoo Changhyun , Lee Sukyoung , Feldstein Steven
Published: April 2012

Antarctica is one of the regions where the earth's surface is warming most rapidly. The interdecadal warming trend over much of Antarctica during the austral winter is about 1 °C decade−1, which is almost twice that of the global mean. There is increasing observational and modeling evidence that high‐latitude warming is linked to localized heating in the tropics. Here we show that interdecadal changes in the spatial patterns of the extratropical response to various phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) explain 10–20% of the interdecadal warming over Antarctica, possibly through the poleward propagation of tropically forced Rossby wave trains. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Identification of novel antibacterial peptides isolated from a commercially available casein hydrolysate by autofocusing technique
Authors: Elbarbary Hend A. , Abdou Adham M. , Nakamura Yasushi , Park Eun Young , Mohamed Hamdi A. , Sato Kenji
Published: April 2012

Autofocusing, as a simple and safe technique, was used to fractionate casein hydrolysate based on the amphoteric nature of its peptides. The antibacterial activity of casein hydrolysate and its autofocusing fractions (A1–10) was examined against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. The basic fraction A9 exhibited the highest activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 150 μg/mL, whereas casein hydrolysate showed MIC values ranging from 2000 to 8000 μg/mL. The antibacterial peptides in A9 were purified by using a series of size exclusion and reversed phase chromatographies. Three peptides exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 100 μg/mL. These peptides were generated from αs2‐casein, αs1‐casein, and κ‐casein and identified as K165KISQRYQKFALPQYLKTVYQHQK188, I6KHQGLPQEV15, and T136EAVESTVATL146, respectively. Therefore, the results revealed that casein hydrolysate had potent antibacterial peptides that could be isolated by autofocusing technique. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Critical appraisal of the ‘wait and see’ approach in rectal cancer for clinical complete responders after chemoradiation
Authors: Glynne-Jones R , Hughes R
Published: April 2012

Background

Some 10–20 per cent of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) at surgery following preoperative chemoradiation (CRT). Some demonstrate a sustained clinical complete response (cCR), defined as absence of clinically detectable residual tumour after CRT, and do not undergo resection. The aim of this review was to evaluate non-operative treatment of rectal cancer after CRT, and the outcome of patients observed without radical surgery.

Methods

A systematic computerized search identified 30 publications (9 series, 650 patients) evaluating a non-operative approach after CRT. Original data were extracted and tabulated, and study quality evaluated. The primary outcome measure was cCR. Secondary outcome measures included locoregional failure rate, disease-free survival and overall survival.

Results

The most recent Habr-Gama series reported a low locoregional failure rate of 4·6 per cent, with 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates of 96 and 72 per cent respectively. These findings were supported by a small prospective Dutch study. However, other retrospective series have described higher recurrence rates. All studies were heterogeneous in staging, inclusion criteria, study design and rigour of follow-up after CRT, which might explain the different outcomes. The definition of cCR was inconsistent, with only partial concordance with pCR. The results suggested that patients who are observed, but subsequently fail to sustain a cCR, may fare worse than those who undergo immediate tumour resection.

Conclusion

The rationale of a ‘wait and see’ policy relies mainly on retrospective observations from a single series. Proof of principle in small low rectal cancers, where clinical assessment is easy, should not be extrapolated uncritically to more advanced cancers where nodal involvement is common. Long-term prospective observational studies with more uniform inclusion criteria are required to evaluate the risk versus benefit.
Diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Facy O , Chalumeau C , Poussier M , Binquet C , Rat P , Ortega-Deballon P
Published: April 2012

Background

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major source of morbidity after pancreatectomy. The International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF) defines postoperative fistula by an amylase concentration in the abdominal drain of more than three times the serum value on day 3 or more after surgery. However, this definition fails to identify some clinical fistulas. This study examined the association between lipase measured in abdominal drainage fluid and PF.

Methods

Amylase and lipase levels in the abdominal drain were measured 3 days after pancreatic resection. Grade B and C fistulas were classified as clinical fistulas, regardless of whether the measured amylase concentration was considered positive or negative. The PF group included patients with a clinical fistula and/or those with positive amylase according to the ISGPF definition.

Results

Sixty-five patients were included. The median level of lipase was higher in patients with positive amylase than in those with negative amylase: 12 176 versus 64 units/l (P < 0·001). The lipase level was 16 500 units/l in patients with a clinical fistula and 224 units/l in those without a clinical fistula (P = 0·001). Patients with a PF had a higher lipase concentration than those without: 7852 versus 64 units/l (P < 0·001). A lipase level higher than 500 units/l yielded a sensitivity of 88 per cent and a specificity of 75 per cent for PF. For clinical fistulas the sensitivity was 93 per cent and specificity 77 per cent when the threshold for lipase was 1000 units/l.

Conclusion

Lipase concentration in the abdominal drain correlated with PF. A threshold of 1000 units/l yielded a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of clinical PF.
Volunteering to Help Conserve Endangered Species: An Identity Approach to Human–Animal Relationships
Authors: Abell Jackie
Published: April 2012

This study explores identity in providing voluntary help for endangered animal species. Identity is a cornerstone of social psychological explanations of helping behaviour but has not been understood in relation to human–animal relationships. Open‐ended questionnaires were administered to 111 volunteers working in a range of international conservation projects aimed at protecting endangered animals. Participants were asked their reasons for volunteering, choice of project, experiences and expectations. Thematic textual analysis explored common features across the dataset. Themes identified were identifying with animals, humans dominating nature and collective identity with the organization and fellow volunteers. The paper suggests social psychological knowledge about helping behaviour be applied to understand human–animal interactions to offer insight into the conditions under which we will engage with conservational and environmental concerns and provide aid. Social psychology has been slow to apply its knowledge to an examination of human responses to the challenge of loss of biodiversity. To act, humans must identify with those they seek to protect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Uniform Sub‐50 nm‐Sized Magnetic/Upconversion Fluorescent Bimodal Imaging Agent Capable of Generating Singlet Oxygen by Using a 980 nm Laser
Authors: Chen Feng , Zhang Shengjian , Bu Wenbo , Chen Yu , Xiao Qingfeng , Liu Jianan , Xing Huaiyong , Zhou Liangping , Peng Weijun , Shi Jianlin
Published: April 2012

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) with fascinating properties hold great potential as nanotransducers for solving the problems that traditional photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been facing. In this report, by using well‐selected bifunctional gadolinium (Gd)‐ion‐doped UCNPs and water‐soluble methylene blue (MB) combined with the water‐in‐oil reverse microemulsion technique, we have succeeded in developing a new kind of UCNP/MB‐based PDT drug, NaYF4:Er/Yb/Gd@SiO2(MB), with a particle diameter less than 50 nm. Great efforts have been made to investigate the drug‐formation mechanism and provide detailed physical and photochemical characterizations and the potential structure optimization of the as‐designed PDT drug. We envision that such a PDT drug will become a potential theranostic nanomedicine for future near‐infrared laser‐triggered photodynamic therapy and simultaneous magnetic/optical bimodal imaging.
Thermal Cleavage of Cyclobutane Rings in Photodimerized Coordination‐Polymeric Sheets
Authors: Chanthapally Anjana , Kole Goutam Kumar , Qian Kang , Tan Geok Kheng , Gao Song , Vittal Jagadese J.
Published: April 2012

Three coordination polymers, [Cd2(pvba)2(tbdc)(dmf)2] (1), [Co2(pvba)2(tbdc)(dmf)2(H2O)2] (2), and [Ni2(pvba)2(tbdc)(dmf)2(H2O)2] (3) (H2tbdc=2,3,5,6‐tetrabromobenzenedicarboxylic acid, Hpvba=trans‐2‐(4′‐pyridyl)vinylbenzoic acid), were synthesized by solvothermal methods. The solid‐state structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. In compounds 1 and 2, the bimetallic cores acted as secondary building units that connected the tbdc ligands in one direction and a pair of pvba ligands, which were aligned in a head‐to‐tail parallel manner, in the orthogonal direction to form sheet structures. The CC bonds in these pvba ligand pairs in all three compounds were well‐aligned to undergo quantitative [2+2] cycloaddition reactions in the solid state under UV irradiation, thereby yielding their cyclobutane derivatives. This photochemical reaction appeared to facilitate structural transformations from one 2D structure into another in the solid state. The photoreactive CoII‐ and NiII coordination polymers exhibited a reversible dehydration–rehydration reaction that was accompanied by color changes from pink to purple and green to yellow, respectively, owing to a change in coordination number from six to five. Magnetic studies showed that compound 2 was an antiferromagnet, which displayed a field‐dependent transition with a critical field (Hc) of 40 kOe at 2 K; the antiferromagnetic interaction between the Co2 units was strengthened and weakened by dehydration and UV irradiation, respectively. The cyclobutane ligand in the photodimerized products was cleaved on heating to yield a mixture of trans‐ and cis‐isomers of pvba, as monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The CdII coordination polymer underwent quantitative cleavage of the cyclobutane ring whilst the other two underwent partial cleavage.
A Guest‐Dependent Approach to Retain Permanent Pores in Flexible Metal–Organic Frameworks by Cation Exchange
Authors: Lin Zu‐Jin , Liu Tian‐Fu , Huang Yuan‐Biao , Lü Jian , Cao Rong
Published: April 2012

Two anionic metal–organic frameworks were successfully prepared based on pre‐designed flexible multicarboxylate ligands and indium cations. Owing to the flexibility of the bridging organic linkers, which could not themselves sustain the frameworks, both of the frameworks showed thermal instability and shrinkage after removal of guest solvent molecules. Inspired by bamboo, we used a guest‐dependent approach to tune the permanent porosity of the MOFs. In this approach, several tetraalkyammonium cations of different sizes were introduced into the channels by cation exchange to act as partitions and to support the main frameworks. This approach significantly enhanced the stability of the framework and its permanent porosity. Moreover, the gas‐adsorption properties (such as gate sorption, hysteresis, and selectivity) of the MOFs were also modulated by the judicious choice of guest cations.
Hot Gas Filtration
Authors: Heidenreich Steffen
Published: April 2012

Auch wenn bereits viele Heißgasfiltersysteme in Betrieb sind, so ist doch die Heißgasfiltration mit all ihren Aspekten immer noch relativ unbekannt. Die Heißgasfiltration bietet in vielen Fällen erhebliche Vorteile. So können z. B. Prozesse vereinfacht und intensiviert oder die Prozesseffizienz gesteigert werden, Produktverunreinigungen und Verblockungen durch Kondensations‐ oder Desublimationsvorgänge vermieden sowie nachgeschaltete Anlagenteile geschützt werden. Nach einer Betrachtung der grundlegenden Besonderheiten der Filtration bei hohen Temperaturen wird eine Übersicht über Filtermedien und ‐systeme für die Heißgasfiltration gegeben. Anwendungen werden dargestellt und ausführlich beschrieben.