bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplified Elastic Continuum Applied to the Laterally Loaded Pile Problem—Part 1: Theory
Authors: Horvath JS
Published: December 2008

In 1958, Reissner showed that solving the problem of an elastic continuum subjected to a surface pressure was simplified if certain stress components were assumed to be equal to zero. The particular case he solved was for an isotropic, homogeneous layer of finite thickness. The writer named this the Reissner simplified continuum subgrade model and solved two other cases of Young's modulus varying with depth for a layer of finite thickness. The writer also demonstrated that Winkler's modulus of subgrade reaction model can also be derived using the general approach of applying simplified assumptions to an elastic continuum and studied the behavior of mat foundations on simplified continua. This paper presents the theoretical development of the application of the simplified continuum approach to the laterally loaded pile problem. A subsequent paper will compare results obtained using the simplified continuum approach with other, established methods.
Lateral-Load Test of an Aged Drilled Shaft
Authors: Johnson LD , Briaud J-L , Stroman WR
Published: December 2008

A lateral-load test was conducted on a 0.46-m-diameter concrete drilled shaft constructed July 1966 in stiff expensive-clay soil. This 10.5-m-long test shaft had been subject to considerable uplift thrust from swelling of adjacent soil. The lateral-load behavior was reasonably simulated by solutions of the elastic beam-column differential equation. Solutions assuming a linearly increasing soil modulus with depth evaluated from triaxial strength tests were found in good agreement with the field load test results up to at least ½ of the yield load. Solutions using p-y curves developed from laboratory undrained strengths, and field pressuremeter tests provided good overall agreement with the field load test results.
Testing and Analysis of Two Offshore Drilled Shafts Subjected to Lateral Loads
Authors: Long JH , Reese LC
Published: December 2008

A lateral-load test was conducted at an offshore site on two 1.22-m-diameter drilled shafts penetrating through 13.1 m of dense sand overlying clay. The lateral-load test was conducted by pulling the two shafts toward each other under a specified lateral load and then relaxing the load to zero. This procedure was repeated for 40 cycles at each load level. With each load increase the application sequence was repeated to a maximum lateral load of 500 kN. Throughout the test, measurements were made of deflection and slope at the top of the shaft, and measurements of slope along the length of the shaft were obtained using a slope inclinometer.

A computer model was used to predict the behavior of a drilled shaft under the test conditions, and computed results were compared with measured results. At a lateral load of 500 kN, values of deflection were computed to be 20 to 30% less than measured.
Fractographic Analysis of a Steam Turbine Disk Failure
Authors: Burghard HC , McCann DR
Published: December 2008

A metallurgical evaluation of a failed steam turbine disk was performed. The disk in question had failed in service and was one of eleven shrunk-on disks comprising the LP turbine rotor of an electric generating unit. The investigation included detailed fractographic examinations of the initiation area of the primary fracture and metallographic and fractographic examination of subcritical defects. A critical magnetic particle inspection of all blade grooves was performed, and mechanical properties tests and chemical analyses were conducted to characterize the disk material. Slow-strain-rate tests were also performed to investigate the cracking susceptibility of the disk material in selected environments. The observations made and the data obtained indicate that subcritical crack growth occurred in certain blade attachment grooves by some form of stress corrosion cracking. On the basis of the results of this investigation, the failure of the disk is attributed to the combined effects of high operating stresses at the blade grooves, low fracture toughness of the disk material, and environment.
Effect of Irradiation Temperature on the Precipitation in Cold-Worked Titanium-Stabilized Type 316 Stainless Steel
Authors: Gilbon D , Le Naour L , Rivera C , Lorant H
Published: December 2008

In this work, we describe the precipitation behavior of cold-worked titanium-stabilized Type 316 stainless steel irradiated with neutrons in the temperature range of 464 to 596°C. The samples were cut from a Rapsodie fuel pin cladding and were examined by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray micro-analysis.

The microstructure is characterized by the precipitation of G and eta phases in the temperature range of 464 to 521°C, and TiC and Laves phases above 590°C. The results also emphasize the important effect of dose rate on the precipitation, and particularly on the chemical composition of the Laves phases. The most striking feature is the appearance above 546°C of thin platelets whose diffraction characteristics are coherent with the hexagonal Ni3Ti phase. The formation of a high density of these planar may partly explain the low swelling of cold-worked titanium-stabilized Type 316 stainless steel above 540°C.
Nucleation of Voids—The Impurity Effect
Authors: Chen I-W , Taiwo A
Published: December 2008

Nucleation of voids under irradiation in multicomponent alloys remains an unsolved theoretical problem. Of particular interest are the effects of nonequilibrium solute segregation phenomena on the critical nucleus and the nucleation rate. The resolution of the multicomponent nucleation in a dissipative system also has broader implication to the field of irreversible thermodynamics. The present paper describes a recent study of solute segregation effects in void nucleation.

We begin with a thermodynamic model for a nonequilibrium void with interfacial segregation. The thermodynamic model is coupled with kinetic considerations of solute/solvent diffusion under a bias, which is itself related to segregation by the coating effect, to assess the stability of void embryos. To determine nucleation rate, we develop a novel technique by extending the most probable path method in statistical mechanics for nonequilibrium steady state to simulate large fluctuation with nonlinear dissipation. The path of nucleation is determined by solving an analogous problem on particle trajectory in classical dynamics.

The results of both the stability analysis and the fluctuation analysis establish the paramount significance of the impurity effect via the mechanism of nonequilibrium segregation. We conclude that over-segregation is probably the most general cause for the apparently low nucleation barriers that are responsible for nearly ubiquitous occurrence of void swelling in common metals.
A Mechanism of Void Lattice Formation Based on Two-Dimensional Self-Interstitial Diffusion
Authors: Evans JH
Published: December 2008

Experimental work by Jacques and Robrock has suggested that the self-interstitial atoms (SIA) in molybdenum migrate two-dimensionally on {011} planes. The present author has recently explored the spatial effects that could result if this mode of diffusion were extended up to void formation temperatures for molybdenum and other body centered cubic (bcc) metals, and concluded that void lattice formation is a plausible outcome. This paper will summarize both the qualitative and rate theory arguments and the available evidence to support the two-dimensional diffusion of SIA at high temperatures in molybdenum and niobium. Although it was argued previously that the effect of planar void alignment on all six sets of {011} planes should lead to a bcc void lattice, it was not possible to demonstrate this via the rate theory approach. This weakness has now been rectified in a computer study that followed the growth and position of individual voids placed in a block of material and subjected to two-dimensional SIA migration on the {011} planes. Results from this work will be presented showing that under these conditions there is little doubt that the void positions can indeed evolve, as predicted, into a bcc void lattice. There is no difficulty in extending the present model to include bubble and vacancy loop lattices, while extrapolation to the face centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal close packed (hcp) metals is also possible if the requirement of two-dimensional SIA diffusion on the close packed planes can be met.
Use of Infrared Radiation Thermometers for Temperature Control of Plastic and Paper Webs in Electric Infrared Ovens
Authors: Jacobson DM
Published: December 2008

Using infrared radiation thermometers in conjunction with infrared heater systems requires special considerations to ensure that accuracy will be achieved. If the thermometer picks up infrared radiation from the heaters, faulty readings can occur. Two methods are generally employed to eliminate this interference.

Sight tubes are used to block stray infrared rays from entering the sensor lens, and a thermometer is chosen which responds to a different wavelength than that being emitted from the infrared heaters.

The main types of electric infrared heaters are: (a) screw-in bulbs (shortwave); (b) evacuated tungsten filament tubes (shortwave); (c) quartz tubes (medium wave); (d) quartz panel heaters (medium wave); (e) Ceramic heaters (medium-long wave); (f) metal sheath heaters (medium-long wave).

Positioning of a sensor on a production line is dictated by the product being processed and the desired use of the temperature information.

The most common location for a sensor is just after the infrared unit. The pyrometer information can be used for setting up the process, for quality control, for heater failure detection, and for control of the heaters.

For wide web application in which uniformity across the web is essential, traversing sensors can be used to scan the web to ensure a uniform heating of the product. This information then can be used to control infrared profiling zones which are positioned across the web.

In plastics applications, the thermometer most commonly is positioned also at the exit end of the infrared unit. Control functions are similar to those just listed. In some indexing machines, the plastic is sensed while still in the last index station, and the index can be initiated by the thermometer.
Fire Safety: Science and Engineering
Authors: Harmathy TZ
Published: December 2008

Description

The techniques, models, and research results in STP 882 provide engineering approaches for predicting the course of fire, the response of fire safety features, and the impact on people and property. The result is a scientific foundation for designing fire safety measures. Specific subject include: fire risk, performance standards, fire modeling, fire safety of structures, flame spread, the smoke problem, sprinklering and human aspects of fires.
Building Applications of Heat Flux Transducers
Authors: Bales E , Bomberg M , Courville GE
Published: December 2008

Description

A comprehensive treatment of the basic devices for measuring heat transfer in the thermal building envelope. Explains how an HFT is supposed to work. Discusses the range of applications, calibration, and operator experiences. Identifies problems such as changing weather conditions.
Systemic Inflammation Markers in Patients With Aggressive Periodontitis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shi Dong , Meng HuanXin , Xu Li , Zhang Li , Chen ZhiBin , Feng XiangHui , Lu RuiFang , Sun XiaoJun , Ren XiuYun
Published: December 2008

Background: The association between periodontitis and systemic health is evident; however, until recently, there was a lack of scientific evidence to define the relationship between aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and systemic conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of peripheral blood cellular and serum protein parameters in patients with AgP.

Methods: Patients with AgP (n = 150) and healthy controls (n = 94) were recruited. Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and percentage of severe sites, were examined. Blood cell variables, including leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, as well as serum protein parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio, were analyzed.

Results: Elevated neutrophil numbers and serum globulin levels were observed in patients with AgP compared to controls (4.22 ± 1.81 × 109/l versus 3.20 ± 0.91 × 109/l and 29.20 ± 3.75 g/l versus 27.17 ± 3.32 g/l, respectively; P <0.01). Albumin level and albumin/globulin ratio were lower in the AgP group than in the control group (47.65 ± 2.45 g/l versus 48.88 ± 2.13g/l and 1.66 ± 0.24 versus 1.83 ± 0.24, respectively; P <0.01). In the AgP group, neutrophil counts and serum globulin levels were positively correlated with clinical parameters, including mean values for PD, CAL, and percentage of severe sites (P <0.05); the albumin level and albumin/globulin ratio were inversely correlated with the clinical parameters as described above (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Patients with AgP may have elevated peripheral leukocyte numbers and serum globulin levels as well as decreased serum albumin levels and albumin/globulin ratios compared to controls. These changes might be associated with the severity of periodontal destruction.
Persistence of Extracrevicular Bacterial Reservoirs After Treatment of Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Johnson Jason D. , Chen Ruoqiong , Lenton Patricia A. , Zhang Guizhen , Hinrichs James E. , Rudney Joel D.
Published: December 2008

Background: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that periodontal pathogens associated with aggressive periodontitis persist in extracrevicular locations following scaling and root planing, systemic antibiotics, and antimicrobial rinses.

Methods: Eighteen patients with aggressive periodontitis received a clinical examination during which samples of subgingival plaque and buccal epithelial cells were obtained. Treatment consisted of full‐mouth root planing, systemic antibiotics, and chlorhexidine rinses. Clinical measurements and sampling were repeated at 3 and 6 months. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction determined the number of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis), and Treponema denticola in the plaque. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy determined the extent of intracellular invasion in epithelial cells.

Results: Clinical measurements improved significantly following treatment. All bacterial species except P. gingivalis were significantly reduced in plaque between baseline and 3 months. However, all species showed a trend to repopulate between 3 and 6 months. This increase was statistically significant for log T. denticola counts. All species were detected intracellularly. The percentage of cells infected intracellularly was not affected by therapy.

Conclusions: The 6‐month increasing trend in the levels of plaque bacteria suggests that subgingival recolonization was occurring. Because the presence of these species within epithelial cells was not altered after treatment, it is plausible that recolonization may occur from the oral mucosa. Systemic antibiotics and topical chlorhexidine did not reduce the percentage of invaded epithelial cells. These data support the hypothesis that extracrevicular reservoirs of bacteria exist, which might contribute to recurrent or refractory disease in some patients.
Microbiological Findings in Subjects With Asymptomatic Oral Lichen Planus: A Cross‐Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Bornstein Michael M. , Hakimi Basir , Persson G. Rutger
Published: December 2008

Background: The bacterial colonization of the oral mucosa was evaluated in patients with asymptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP) and compared to the microbiologic status in mucosally healthy subjects.

Methods: Bacteria from patients with clinically and histopathologically diagnosed OLP from the Stomatology Service, Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, were collected with a non‐invasive swab system. Samples were taken from OLP lesions on the gingiva and from non‐affected sites on the contralateral side of the mouth. The control population did not have OLP and was recruited from the student clinic. All samples were processed with the checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization method using well‐defined bacterial species for the analysis.

Results: Significantly higher bacterial counts of Bacteroides ureolyticus (P = 0.001), Dialister species (sp.) (P = 0.006), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (P = 0.007), and Streptococcus agalactiae (P = 0.006) were found in samples taken from OLP lesions compared to sites with no clinical evidence of OLP. Significantly higher bacterial counts were found for Capnocytophaga sputigena, Eikenella corrodens, Lactobacillus crispatus, Mobiluncus curtisii, Neisseria mucosa, Prevotella bivia, Prevotella intermedia, and S. agalactiae at sites with lesions in subjects with OLP compared to sites in control subjects (P <0.001).

Conclusions: Microbiologic differences were found between sites with OLP and sites in subjects without a diagnosis of OLP. Specifically, higher counts of staphylococci and S. agalactiae were found in OLP lesions.
Effects of Sulfur, Boron, Zinc and Molybdenum on Yield and Profitability of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Var. italica)
Authors: Moniruzzaman M , Mozumder SN , Islam MR
Published: December 2008

A field experiment on broccoli (var. Premium Crop) comprising four levels of each of sulfur (s) (0, 10, 20 and 30 Kg/ha), boron (B) (0, 1, 1.5, and 2.0 Kg/ha), zinc (Z) (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 Kg/ha) and five levels of molybdenum (Mo) (0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 Kg/ha) was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Raikhali, Rangamati Hill district during the rabi seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-2006 on the growth, yield and profitability of the crop. The fertilizer treatments had significant effects on growth and yield parameters viz. plant spread, numbers of leaves per plant, head diameter, main head weight and weight of secondary shoot per plant. Application of S, B, Zn and Mo increased head yield of broccoli significantly up to 20, 1.5, 5 and 0.8 kg/ha, respectively. The maximum head yields of 14.71 t/ha in 2004-05 and 18.61 t/ha in 2005-06 was obtained from the nutrient combination of 30: 1.5: 5: 0.8 kg S: B: Zn: Mo/ha with a blanket dose of 180: 43: 66 kg N: P: K /ha and cowdung @ 10 ton/ha identically followed by the yields obtained from the combinations of 20: 1.5: 5: 0.8 kg S: B: Zn: Mo/ha and 20: 2: 5: 0.8 kg S: B: Zn: Mo/ha. The S30B1.5Zn Mo0.8 kg/ha combination also caused the highest gross margin (TK. 243649) and marginal rate of return as high as 3020%. The calculated optimum and economic nutrient combinations from the polynomial regression equation were S35B2.8Zn4.23Mo0.9 kg/ha and S34.7B2.75Zn4.20Mo0.88 kg/ha, respectively. Key words: Broccoli, fertilizer, yield, profitability, Rangamati, Bangladesh. doi:10.3329/jard.v6i1.1657 J Agric Rural Dev 6(1&2), 55-61, June 2008
Electrodeposition of Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Thin Films
Authors: Yoshida Tsukasa , Zhang Jingbo , Komatsu Daisuke , Sawatani Seiichi , Minoura Hideki , Pauporté Thierry , Lincot Daniel , Oekermann Torsten , Schlettwein Derck , Tada Hirokazu , Wöhrle Dieter , Funabiki Kazumasa , Matsui Masaki , Miura Hidetoshi , Yanagi Hisao
Published: December 2008

Electrodeposition of inorganic compound thin films in the presence of certain organic molecules results in self‐assembly of various hybrid thin films with new properties. Examples of new discoveries by the authors are reviewed, taking cathodic formation of a ZnO/dye hybrid as the leading example. Hybridization of eosinY leads to the formation of highly oriented porous crystalline ZnO as the consequence of dye loading. The hybrid formation is a highly complicated process involving complex chemistry of many molecular and ionic constituents. However, electrochemical analyses of the relevant phenomena indicate the possibility of reaching a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism, giving us the chance to further develop them into industrial technologies. The porous crystals are ideal for photoelectrodes in dye‐sensitized solar cells. As the process also permits the use of non‐heat‐resistant substrates, the technology can be applied for the development of colorful and light‐weight plastic solar cells.
Self‐Assembling Peptide as a Potential Carrier for Hydrophobic Anticancer Drug Ellipticine: Complexation, Release and In Vitro Delivery
Authors: Fung Shan Yu , Yang Hong , Bhola Priya T. , Sadatmousavi Parisa , Muzar Edward , Liu Mingyao , Chen P.
Published: December 2008

The self‐assembling peptide EAK16‐II is capable of stabilizing hydrophobic compounds to form microcrystal suspensions in aqueous solution. Here, the ability of this peptide to stabilize the hydrophobic anticancer agent ellipticine is investigated. The formation of peptide‐ellipticine suspensions is monitored with time until equilibrium is reached. The equilibration time is found to be dependent on the peptide concentration. When the peptide concentration is close to its critical aggregation concentration, the equilibration time is minimal at 5 h. With different combinations of EAK16‐II and ellipticine concentrations, two molecular states (protonated or cyrstalline) of ellipticine could be stabilized. These different states of ellipticine significantly affect the release kinetics of ellipticine from the peptide‐ellipticine complex into the egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles, which are used to mimic cell membranes. The transfer rate of protonated ellipticine from the complex to the vesicles is much faster than that of crystalline ellipticine. This observation may also be related to the size of the resulting complexes as revealed from the scanning electron micrographs. In addition, the complexes with protonated ellipticine are found to have a better anticancer activity against two cancer cell lines, A549 and MCF‐7. This work forms the basis for studies of the peptide‐ellipticine suspensions in vitro and in vivo leading to future development of self‐assembling peptide‐based delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.
Polymeric Materials for Gene Delivery and DNA Vaccination
Authors: Nguyen David N. , Green Jordan J. , Chan Juliana M. , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G.
Published: December 2008

Gene delivery holds great potential for the treatment of many different diseases. Vaccination with DNA holds particular promise, and may provide a solution to many technical challenges that hinder traditional vaccine systems including rapid development and production and induction of robust cell‐mediated immune responses. However, few candidate DNA vaccines have progressed past preclinical development and none have been approved for human use. This Review focuses on the recent progress and challenges facing materials design for nonviral DNA vaccine drug delivery systems. In particular, we highlight work on new polymeric materials and their effects on protective immune activation, gene delivery, and current efforts to optimize polymeric delivery systems for DNA vaccination.
A new approach to batch process optimization using experimental design
Authors: Wissmann Paul J. , Grover Martha A.
Published: December 2008

Empirical and mechanistic experimental design methods are combined to construct partial models, which are, thus, used to design a process. The grid algorithm restricts the next experimental point to potential process optima, according to the confidence intervals around the optimal points, and works with any experimental design algorithm such as D‐optimal. Two case studies show the advantages of implementing the grid algorithm. On average the improvement due to the grid algorithm was 15–20% in the first case study. The second case study is based on thin film growth using four potential models, with the most probable model used for experimental design. The grid algorithm balances the trade‐off between two extremes: D‐optimal designs and sampling at the predicted optimal point. The methodology presented shows that the experimenter does not have to decide ahead of time on purely empirical or mechanistic experimental design methods, since both may be useful. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Ionic‐complementary peptide‐modified highly ordered pyrolytic graphite electrode for biosensor application
Authors: Yang Hong , Fung Shan‐Yu , Sun Wei , Mikkelsen Susan , Pritzker Mark , Chen P.
Published: December 2008

Ionic‐complementary peptides are promising new biomaterials with potential applications in bionanotechnology. In the present investigation, a typical ionic‐complementary peptide, EFK16‐II, was used to modify a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrode. Upon modification, peptide nanofibers, parallel or oriented 60° or 120° to each other, were formed on the surface of HOPG electrode. Surface wettability of the electrode was improved as indicated by a significant decrease in the water contact angle. The electrochemical response of the EFK16‐II nanofiber‐modified HOPG electrode for the ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox couple was characterized. Cyclic voltammograms indicated that the presence of peptide nanofibers on the HOPG electrode did not block electron transfer at slow scan rates (∼2 mV/s), but did so at high scan rates (∼ 100 mV/s). A model enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) was covalently immobilized onto this nanofiber‐modified electrode, and its potential as an enzyme‐based biosensor for glucose was examined. At an applied potential of +0.45 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the current increased linearly with glucose concentration up to 7.5 mM and a relative high sensitivity was obtained at 11.3 ± 1.0 nA/(mM mm2). The immobilized GOx showed high affinity for glucose, with a Michaelis–Menten constant Km of 6.8 ± 0.9 mM. It also exhibited relatively good storage and operational stabilities, and reflected in only a small decrease (13%) in the current response after 1 month storage and negligible changes upon 50 cyclic voltammetric scans. The results presented here demonstrate an excellent potential of the use of ionic‐complementary peptides to modify electrode surfaces for biomolecular sensing and diagnostics.
Biomaterials as vaccine adjuvants
Authors: Jones Kim S.
Published: December 2008

Biomaterials are promising candidate adjuvants to enhance vaccine efficacy. Through adjuvant design, we can broaden the use of vaccines to diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and cancer. This review addresses the fundamentals of vaccine and adjuvant function in order to determine guidelines for adjuvant design, including aspects of the vaccine such as disease target, antigen formulation, and delivery route. An ideal biomaterial adjuvant will perform three functions. (1) It will deliver the antigen selectively to dendritic cells. This has been accomplished through release of chemokines or cytokines, use of antidendritic cell antibodies, and even through particle size selection. (2) It will activate the dendritic cells, improving antigen presentation. Biomaterials themselves have been shown to activate innate immunity, but specific innate‐activating ligands have also been included in adjuvant formulations. Finally, (3) it will release the antigen appropriately into the dendritic cell. Tuning release to be pH sensitive and engineering endosomal release are strategies that have been used. There is a real opportunity to rationally design better biomaterial adjuvants that will significantly expand and improve vaccine function.
Polyethylenimine‐coated albumin nanoparticles for BMP‐2 delivery
Authors: Zhang Sufeng , Wang Guilin , Lin Xiaoyue , Chatzinikolaidou Maria , Jennissen Herbert P. , Laub Marcus , Uludağ Hasan
Published: December 2008

Nanoparticle (NP)‐based delivery has gained importance for improving the potency of therapeutic agents. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) NPs, obtained by a coacervation process, was modified by electrostatic adsorption of cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) to NP surfaces for delivery of bone‐inducing growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). Different concentrations of PEI were utilized for coating BSA NPs to stabilize the colloidal system and to control the release of BMP‐2. The NPs were characterized by size and zeta potential measurements, as well as by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency was typically >90% in all NP preparations. In vitro release kinetics showed that the PEI concentration used for coating the NPs efficiently controlled the release of BMP‐2, demonstrating a gradual slowing, sustained release pattern during a 10‐day study period. The bioactivity of the encapsulated BMP‐2 and the toxicity of the NPs were examined by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) induction assay and the MTT assay, respectively, using C2C12 cells. The results indicated that PEI was the primary determinant of NP toxicities, and BSA NPs coated with 0.1 mg/mL PEI demonstrated tolerable toxicity, retained the bioactivity of BMP‐2, and efficiently slowed the release rate of BMP‐2. We conclude that BMP‐2 encapsulated in BSA NPs might be an efficient way to deliver the protein for in vivo bone induction.
Investigation of a dual‐particle liquid–solid circulating fluidized bed bioreactor for extractive fermentation of lactic acid
Authors: Patel Manoj , Bassi Amarjeet S. , Zhu Jesse J.‐X. , Gomaa Hassan
Published: December 2008

A dual‐particle liquid–solid circulating fluidized bed (DP‐LSCFB) bioreactor has been constructed and investigated for the simultaneous production and extraction of lactic acid using immobilized Lactobacillus bulgaricus and ion‐exchange resins. The apparatus consisted of a downer fluidized bed, 13 cm I.D. and 4.75 m tall, and a riser fluidized bed, 3.8 cm I.D. and 5.15 m in height. The lactic acid production and removal was carried out in the downer, while the riser was used for the recovery of lactic acid. A continuously recirculating bed of ion‐exchange resin was used for adsorption of the produced acid as well as for maintaining optimum pH for bioconversion, thus eliminating the need for costly and complex chemical control approach used in conventional techniques. Studies using lactic acid aqueous solution as feed and sodium hydroxide solution as regeneration stream showed 93% lactic acid removal from the downer and 46% recovery in the riser under the conditions investigated. Such results prove the functionality of using the newly developed bioreactor design for the continuous production and recovery of products of biotechnological significance.
CHO cells adapted to hypothermic growth produce high yields of recombinant β‐interferon
Authors: Sunley Kevin , Tharmalingam Tharmala , Butler Michael
Published: December 2008

Mild hypothermic conditions (30–33°C) have previously been shown to increase cell‐specific productivity (Qp) of recombinant proteins from mammalian cells. However, this is often associated with a lower growth rate which off‐sets any potential advantage of higher product titers. We report the isolation of a population of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells that have been adapted to low‐temperature growth by continuous subculture at low temperature for up to 300 days. This adapted cell population achieved a growth rate twofold greater than nonadapted cells under low‐temperature conditions (32°C) while maintaining an elevated level of cell‐specific expression of recombinant β‐interferon. The volumetric titer of β‐interferon was enhanced by 70% in stationary cultures and by more than twofold by application of a temperature‐shift strategy involving a growth to production phase. However, the low‐temperature–adapted cells were fragile and demonstrated an increased sensitivity to hydrodynamic stress in agitated cultures. This problem was resolved by the use of macroporous microcarriers which protected the cells and allowed growth of high‐density cultures under hypothermic conditions. This eventually resulted in a threefold enhancement of volumetric titer of monomeric β‐interferon compared to the original control culture at 37°C.
UK responses to the asylum issue: A comparison of lay and expert views
Authors: Pearce Julia M , Stockdale Janet E
Published: December 2008

There is much political and media discussion about asylum in Britain and opinion polls indicate public hostility towards asylum seekers. The current research aims to contribute towards a greater understanding of public responses to this issue by exploring the social representations of asylum seekers. Social representations theory provides a useful framework for research on asylum as it conceptualizes public understandings of new and challenging social objects. Semi‐structured interviews conducted with lay participants and experts working in support of asylum seekers were thematically analyzed and the results were compared with existing media representations. These comparisons suggest that public representations of asylum seekers differ from formal discourses and are closer to media portrayals. Public respondents perceived public hostility to be greater than the attitudes evinced by the current sample would suggest. The findings suggest that opinion polls may exaggerate public negativity towards asylum seekers and indicate the need for accurate information to be disseminated through publicly accessible sources and for public engagement in debate about the issue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Synthesis and One‐ and Two‐Photon Optical Properties of Dipolar, Quadrupolar and Octupolar Donor–Acceptor Molecules Containing Dimesitylboryl Groups
Authors: Collings Jonathan C. , Poon Suk‐Yue , Le Droumaguet Céline , Charlot Marina , Katan Claudine , Pålsson Lars‐Olof , Beeby Andrew , Mosely Jackie A. , Kaiser Hanns Martin , Kaufmann Dieter , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Marder Todd B.
Published: December 2008

Two series of related donor–acceptor conjugated dipolar, pseudo‐quadrupolar (V‐shaped) and octupolar molecular systems based on the p‐dimesitylborylphenylethynylaniline core, namely, 4‐(4‐dimesitylborylphenylethynyl)‐N,N‐dimethylaniline, 4‐[4‐(4‐dimesitylborylphenylethynyl)phenylethynyl]‐N,N‐dimethylaniline, 3,6‐bis(4‐dimesitylborylphenylethynyl)‐N‐n‐butylcarbazole and tris[4‐(4‐dimesitylborylphenylethynyl)phenyl]amine, and on the E‐p‐dimesitylborylethenylaniline motif, namely, E‐4‐dimesitylborylethenyl‐N,N‐di(4‐tolyl)aniline, 3,6‐bis(E‐dimesitylborylethenyl)‐N‐n‐butylcarbazole and tris(E‐4‐dimesitylborylethenylphenyl)amine have been synthesised by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling and hydroboration routes, respectively. Their absorption and emission maxima, fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields have been obtained and their two‐photon absorption (TPA) spectra and TPA cross‐sections have been examined. Of these systems, the octupolar compound tris(E‐4‐dimesitylborylethenylphenyl)amine has been shown to exhibit the largest TPA cross‐section among the two series of approximately 1000 GM at 740 nm. Its TPA performance is comparable to those of other triphenylamine‐based octupoles of similar size. The combination of such large TPA cross‐sections and high emission quantum yields, up to 0.94, make these systems attractive for applications involving two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF).
Extraction of pollen lipids by SFE‐CO2 and determination of free fatty acids by HPLC
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Honglun , Liu Yongjun , You Jinmao , Suo Yourui
Published: December 2008

Rape bee pollen lipids obtained by petrol ether extraction (PEE) or supercritical fluid (carbon dioxide) extraction (SFE) were compared with regard to their free fatty acid (FFA) components. Optimal SFE conditions were selected by carrying out the Taguchi method with an OA9 (33) matrix design, and are as follows: extraction pressure at 35 MPa, temperature at 45 °C, and dynamic extraction time at 90 min. The lipid yield based on PEE was 7.42 wt‐% and the extracts of the desired analytes based on SFE varied in the range of 3.23–5.58 wt‐% under different conditions. With the optimized procedure, the lipid yield was 6.09 wt‐%. The FFA in the lipids were separated with a pre‐column derivation method and 1‐[2‐(p‐toluenesulfonate) ethyl]‐2‐phenylimidazole [4,5‐f]9,10‐phenanthrene as labeling regent, followed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. HPLC analysis shows that the lipids contain abundant unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in high to low concentrations as follows: linolenic acid (18:3), oleic acid (18:1), linoleic acid (18:2), nervonic acid (24:1), and lignoceric acid (20:4). The UFA contents in the SFE extracts were higher than those after PEE. The results indicated that SFE under suitable conditions is more selective than conventional PEE with regard to lipid extraction and preservation of their quality.
Making Molecules Make Themselves – the Chemistry of Artificial Replicators
Authors: Vidonne Annick , Philp Douglas
Published: December 2008

Examples of chemical systems capable of templating and catalyzing their own synthesis – so‐called replicating systems – have begun to appear in the chemical literature over the last 20 years. For the biologist, these systems represent a link with the origin of life – their study can perhaps shed light on prebiotic chemical evolution. For the synthetic chemist, they represent the ultimate synthetic machine, capable of templating the production of a large number of perfect copies of themselves from a single original molecule. One of the driving forces behind this research area has been the recognition of the important role that replication plays in biology and a desire to answer a fundamental question – “Is the structural complexity of nucleic acids necessary to store and transmit information at a molecular level?” In addition, the concept of a chemical template that is capable of making billions of exact copies of itself, given appropriate starting materials, is a highly attractive one for the burgeoning field of systems chemistry. It is therefore clear that the development of a detailed understanding of the behaviour of replicating systems has important perspectives for both biology and chemistry. In the present review, we will concentrate on the design and implementation of systems based on small, synthetic organic molecules that can reproduce themselves.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Volatile compounds of chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum) at two ripening stages
Authors: Forero M. Daniel , Quijano Clara E. , Pino Jorge A.
Published: December 2008

The steam volatile components of chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum) at two ripening stages (green and red) were analysed using GC and GC–MS; 140 constituents were identified, of which hexyl isopentanoate, hexyl 2‐methylbutanoate, limonene, hexyl isohexanoate, (E)‐2‐hexenal, isopentyl isopentanoate and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl isopentanoate were found to be the major constituents. During fruit maturation, the majority of volatile compounds decreased. In general, green chile peppers have higher amounts of esters, with their fruity odour notes, than red fruits. Attending to the differences in the amount of total volatiles, which is higher at the green stage in comparison with the mature stage, it can be concluded that the green stage is better in terms of its flavour than the red stage. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meat intake and meat preparation in relation to risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in the NIH‐AARP diet and health study
Authors: Kabat Geoffrey C. , Cross Amanda J. , Park Yikyung , Schatzkin Arthur , Hollenbeck Albert R. , Rohan Thomas E. , Sinha Rashmi
Published: December 2008

A number of studies have reported that intake of red meat or meat cooked at high temperatures is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, but other studies have shown no association. We assessed the association between meat, meat‐cooking methods, and meat‐mutagen intake and postmenopausal breast cancer in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study cohort of 120,755 postmenopausal women who completed a food frequency questionnaire at baseline (1995–1996) as well as a detailed meat‐cooking module within 6 months following baseline. During 8 years of follow‐up, 3,818 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified in this cohort. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). After adjusting for covariates, intake of total meat, red meat, meat cooked at high temperatures, and meat mutagens showed no association with breast cancer risk. This large prospective study with detailed information on meat preparation methods provides no support for a role of meat mutagens in the development of postmenopausal breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macromol. Mater. Eng. 12/2008
Authors: Kim Seong Yun , Lee Seung Hwan , Baek Soo Jin , Youn Jae Ryoun
Published: December 2008

Cover: Film insert molded tensile specimens are bent after ejection such that the inserted film side is protruded. After annealing at higher temperature, the specimens undergo a warpage reversal phenomenon (WRP) such that the inserted film side is intruded. Further details can be found in the article by S. Y. Kim, S. H. Lee, S. J. Baek, and J. R. Youn* on page 969.
Promoter polymorphisms of IL2, IL4, and risk of gastric cancer in a high‐risk Chinese population
Authors: Wu Juan , Lu Yan , Ding Yan‐bing , Ke Qiao , Hu Zhi‐bin , Yan Zhi‐gang , Xue Yan , Zhou Yan , Hua Zhao‐lai , Shu Yong‐qian , liu Ping , Shen Jing , Xu Yao‐chu , Shen Hong‐bing
Published: December 2008

Interleukin 2 (IL2) is a typical Th1 cytokine, and interleukin 4 (IL4) is an inducible Th2 cytokine. These cytokines are critical mediators of the Th1/Th2 balance and apoptosis potential and involved in the process of inflammation‐mediated carcinogenesis in human organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that functional variants in IL2 and IL4 were associated with risk of gastric cancer by genotyping two promoter polymorphisms in IL2 G‐330T (rs2069762) and IL4 T‐168C (rs2070874) in a case‐control study of 1045 patients with incident gastric cancer and 1100 cancer‐free controls in a high‐risk Han Chinese population. We found that, compared with the IL4 ‐168TT genotype, heterozygous ‐168TC and combined ‐168TC/CC genotypes were associated with a significantly decreased gastric cancer risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67–0.98 for ‐168TC; OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69–1.00 for ‐168TC/CC, respectively]. Furthermore, this significant protective effect was more evident for gastric cardia cancer patients (adjusted OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56–0.95 for ‐168TC/CC vs. ‐168TT). For IL2 G‐330T, subjects carrying GT/TT genotypes also had a significantly reduced risk of gastric cardia cancer (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.46–0.99), compared with those carrying the GG genotype. Our results indicate that IL4 T‐168C and IL2 G‐330T promoter polymorphisms may contribute to the etiology of gastric cardia cancer in Chinese populations. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Discriminating neurogenic from myopathic disease via measurement of muscle anisotropy
Authors: Garmirian Lindsay P. , Chin Anne B. , Rutkove Seward B.
Published: December 2008

Skeletal muscle is electrically anisotropic, with a tendency for applied electrical current to flow more readily along muscle fibers than across them. In this study, we assessed a method for non‐invasive measurement of anisotropy to determine its potential to serve as a new technique for distinguishing neurogenic from myopathic disease. Measurements were made on the biceps brachii and tibialis anterior muscles in 15 normal subjects and 12 patients with neuromuscular disease (6 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and 6 with various myopathies) using 50 kHZ applied current. Consistent multi‐angle anisotropic patterns were found for reactance and phase in both muscles in normal subjects. Normalized anisotropy differences for each subject were defined, and group average values identified. The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients demonstrated increased and distorted anisotropy patterns, whereas myopathic patients demonstrated normal or reduced anisotropy. These results suggest that non‐invasive measurement of muscle anisotropy has potential for diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve, 2009
Conductive thin film formation onto radiation grafted polymeric surfaces using electroless plating technique
Authors: Ali Amr El‐Hag , Aal Alsayed Abdel
Published: December 2008

Surface modification of polypropylene films (PP) was carried out via radiation induced graft copolymerization of 4‐vinyl pyridine (4VP) and acrylamide (AAm) to enhance the adhesion ability of the PP surface for electroless deposition of copper. Factors affecting the grafting process such as suitable solvent, comonomer composition and concentration and irradiation dose were optimized. The grafted films produced were characterized by studying their Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and thermal stability. The grafted films were copper‐plated by electroless deposition using Pd as the catalyst to initiate the redox reaction. The influence of catalytic activation method parameters on the plating rate were studied. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a dense and void‐free copper deposited film. The adhesion of the deposited copper film to the modified PP films was determined by measuring the tensile strength of the copper plated films. The electrical characteristics of the copper plated films in comparison with grafted films were studied. The results showed the high adhesion of the deposited copper film to the grafted PP film as well as the high electrical conductivity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acrylic fibers processing with ionic liquid as solvent
Authors: Wan Shengxing , Zhang Yumei , Wang Huaping
Published: December 2008

Ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl), was used as solvent for the polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and the resulting polymer solution was directly applied for spinning to produce polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber for the first time. Acrylic polymers with high content of AN, large molecular weight, and low polydispersity index (PDI) were prepared. The PAN macromolecules have little degradation during dissolution of PAN in [BMIM]Cl, which is completely different from the dissolution of biopolymers such as cellulose in ionic liquids. The PAN fiber with round profile and good mechanical properties was successfully spun from the PAN/[BMIM]Cl solution using dry–jet wet spinning technology. It suggests that an environmental friendly process for the acrylic fiber would be developed and the high performance PAN fiber would be obtained when the spinning conditions are optimized further. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neonatal bilateral ovarian sex cord stromal tumors
Authors: Capito Carmen , Flechtner Isabelle , Thibaud Elisabeth , Emond Sophie , Kalfa Nicolas , Jaubert Francis , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: December 2008

A child was referred for evaluation after prenatal diagnosis with macrosomia, clitoromegaly, labial hypertrophy, and a left ovarian cyst. The karyotype was 46,XX. The postnatal pelvic ultrasound was normal. High levels of anti‐mullerian hormone and testosterone led to a hCG stimulation test, which was followed by isosexual precocious puberty and the appearance of a bilateral ovarian enlargement with a left tumoral mass. A left ovarian tumorectomy revealed a fibrothecoma. Six weeks later, a tumoral relapse occurred and completion of oophorectomy revealed a juvenile granulosa cell tumor (JGCT). Whereas hormonal levels decreased after surgery, a new rise associated with an enlargement of the right ovary led to the diagnosis of right JGCT. A right oophorectomy was proposed to the parents, who declined further surgery. After 2 months, the hormonal levels normalized. This case illustrates the confusing overlap between developmental and neoplastic biology in neonates. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:401–403. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.