bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheological, thermal, and curing properties of natural rubber‐g‐poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Nakason Charoen , Pechurai W. , Sahakaro K. , Kaesaman A.
Published: December 2005

Graft copolymers of NR and PMMA (i.e., NR‐g‐PMMA) were prepared with the bipolar redox initiation system, using various percentages of molar ratios of NR/MMA at 95/5, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 60/40. It was found that the Mooney viscosity, shear stress, and shear viscosity of the NR‐g‐PMMA increased with an increase in the molar ratio of MMA used in the graft copolymerization. This may be attributed to an increasing trend of the chemical interaction between polar functional groups within the grafted PMMA molecules. Furthermore, a decreasing trend of storage moduli was observed with increasing molar ratios of MMA. The glass transition temperature was obtained from the tan δ curves. We found a slightly increasing trend of the Tg's with an increase in molar ratios of MMA used in the grafting reaction. The NR‐g‐PMMA was later compounded using TBBS as an accelerator. With an increase in molar ratios of MMA in the grafting reaction, we observed an increasing trend of minimum torque, maximum torque, cure time, and scorch time, but quite similar levels of torque difference and crosslink density. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the NR‐g‐PMMA gum vulcanizate increased with an increase in molar ratios of MMA, whereas the elongation at break decreased. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1600–1614, 2006
A convenient one‐step preparation of chitosan‐poly(sodium acrylate‐co‐acrylamide) hydrogel hybrids with super‐swelling properties
Authors: Mahdavinia G. R. , Pourjavadi A. , Zohuriaan‐Mehr M. J.
Published: December 2005

Hydrogel hybrids were conveniently prepared from alkaline hydrolysis of chitosan–poly(acrylonitrile) mixture under highly practical conditions. The reaction of chitosan alkoxide anions with nitrile groups of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) forms crosslinking points and results in a three‐dimensional network with superswelling ability in aqueous media. The hydrogel hybrid was identified using FTIR spectroscopy. The PAN content of the hydrolyzing feed affects proportionally the swelling capacity of the hydrogel hybrid. The swelling properties (capacity and rate) of the ampholytic hydrogel were investigated preliminarily. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1615–1619, 2006
PET recycling: Evaluation of the solid state polymerization process
Authors: Cruz S. A. , Zanin M.
Published: December 2005

Many studies have been carried out to make bottle‐to‐bottle recycling feasible. One of the difficulties found is the decrease in the polymer's molar mass, which damages the injection blow molding process. A method usually employed to increase the molar mass of virgin PET consists of solid‐state polymerization (SSP). In this work, we studied the SSP process applied to post‐consumer recycled PET by analyzing the inherent viscosity and amount of carboxylic end groups, and the results of dynamic flow rheometry. Although the results show that the recycling process decreases polymer molar mass, and this indicates degradative processes, SSP was successful in increasing molar mass in post‐consumer recycled PET. This made feasible bottle‐to‐bottle recycling. In addition, the parallel plate rheometry technique was powerful in assessing the degradative process and, therefore, that the SSP process was successful. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Metallization of UV‐cured acrylate resins by reduction of polymer‐incorporated cobalt ion
Authors: Kuribayashi Masamichi , Narita Yuko , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2005

The surface of UV‐cured films of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGAc)/tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate (THFAc) (weight ratio 100/0, 90/10, and 80/20) was metallized by the reduction of polymer‐incorporated cobalt chloride with aqueous sodium borohydride at 20°C. The electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement revealed that the cobalt ion, which was homogeneously distributed in the inner part of the film before reduction, migrated to both sides of the film, and then reduced to pure metal by the reduction treatment. The surface resistance of the UV‐cured PEGAc/THFAc film increased with increasing THFAc content. Especially, the trend was prominent at the glass side of the metallized films. The glass transition temperature of the cured resin measured by dynamic viscoelastic analysis slightly rose with an increase of THFAc content. The EPMA map of cobalt and carbon in the depth direction of the metallized film showed that the cobalt layer, generated at the glass side of the film with a higher THFAc content, contains more polymer component, in agreement with the order of surface resistance. The X‐ray diffraction analysis of the reduced films revealed that the degree of crystallinity of the generated cobalt was low. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1627–1632, 2006
Effects of UV‐irradiation on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene
Authors: Tang Longxiang , Yan Manging , Qu Baojun
Published: December 2005

The influences of UV‐induced photodegradation on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene (PP) were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The Avrami analysis modified by Jeziorny, Ozawa method, and a method modified by Liu were employed to describe the nonisothermal crystallization process of unexposed and photodegraded PP samples. Kinetics studies reveal that the rates of nucleation and growth may be affected differently by photodegradation. A short‐term UV‐irradiation may accelerate the overall nonisothermal crystallization process of PP, but a long‐term UV‐irradiation should impede it. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Effects of polyphenylene oxide content on morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of polyphenylene oxide/polyamide 6 blends
Authors: Li Yulin , Xie Tingxiu , Yang Guisheng
Published: December 2005

A series of composites of PPO/PA 6 with improved toughness were synthesized by using ε‐caprolactam as a reactive solvent. Inserting minor PPO macromolecules (1–3 wt %) into PA 6 matrix obviously reduced the crystallinity of PA6. Two crystallization temperatures were found when 6 wt % PPO was added. SEM revealed that the phase morphology of the composites could be manipulated by varying the content of PPO in PA 6. As a consequence, the impact strength and the elongation of PPO/PA6 were improved with maintenance of tensile strength when quite small content of PPO (1–3 wt %) was incorporated. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006
Effect of ambient‐temperature and high‐temperature electron‐beam radiation on the structural, thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties of injection‐molded polyamide‐6,6
Authors: Sengupta Rajatendu , Sabharwal S. , Tikku V. K. , Somani Alok K. , Chaki Tapan K. , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: December 2005

Electron‐beam irradiation of injection‐molded specimens of polyiminohexamethyleneiminoadipoyl (better known as polyamide‐6,6) was carried out in air at ambient temperature (303 K) and a high temperature (393 K). Most of the irradiated specimens were tensile dumbbells, although a few were cylinders for compressive stress relaxation testing. A few representative samples were dipped in triallyl cyanurate (TAC) solution before ambient‐temperature irradiation. The gel content of the specimens increased with radiation dose and the temperature of irradiation. Moreover, the TAC‐treated specimens showed an increase in gel content over the neat specimens irradiated at the same dose levels. Wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed that the crystallinity decreased with increasing radiation dose. Irradiation at the high temperature and treatment with TAC further decreased the crystallinity compared to irradiation at ambient temperature. As determined from compressive stress relaxation and mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties, the optimized radiation dose for ambient‐temperature radiation was 200 kGy. The gels had a stiffening effect, and the rate of relaxation decreased significantly. The water‐uptake characteristics of the tensile specimens were investigated; this revealed a decrease in the water absorption tendency with increasing gel content. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1633–1644, 2006
Preparation and characterization of nanocomposites based on thermoplastic elastomers from rubber–plastic blends
Authors: Maiti Madhuchhanda , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: December 2005

In the present work, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)–clay nanocomposites (TPN) based on different rubber–plastic blends from ethylene–octene copolymer [Engage]–Polypropylene and brominated poly(isobutylene‐co‐paramethyl styrene)–nylon 6 were prepared by melt blending. Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and octadecyl amine‐modified sodium montmorillonite were used as organoclays. The nanocomposites were prepared by adding the nanoclay separately into the rubber and plastic phases. The TPNs were characterized with the help of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray diffraction peaks observed in the range of 3–10° for the modified clays disappeared in the thermoplastic elastomeric nanocomposites. TEM photographs showed exfoliation and intercalation of the clays in the range of 20–30 nm in the particular phase where the clay was added. Excellent improvement in mechanical properties like tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus was observed on incorporation of the nanoclays in the rubber phase of TPN. When the nanoclay was added to the plastic phase, the mechanical reinforcement is comparatively poorer due to partial destruction of the crystallinity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1645–1656, 2006
Oligoarginine vectors for intracellular delivery: Design and cellular‐uptake mechanisms
Authors: Futaki Shiroh
Published: December 2005

Intracellular delivery using membrane‐permeable peptide vectors is a recently developed methodology that has been employed successfully to transport various bioactive molecules into cells to modify cell functions. The efficient delivery of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, liposomes, and so on has been accomplished using this methodology by conjugation of a peptide vector with the cargo molecules. The potentials of this approach for medical and pharmaceutical applications has also attracted our attention. Arginine‐rich peptides, including a basic peptide segment derived from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) Tat protein, are categorized into one of the most frequently used peptide vectors, and the efforts of designing novel vectors have been ongoing. Internalization of these peptides has previously been regarded as not employing endocytosis. However, recent reevaluations have demonstrated the significant involvement of endocytosis in the cellular uptake of these peptides. These arginine‐rich peptide vectors share many common features in internalization. However, there seem to be certain simultaneous dissimilarities observed in the modes of internalization among these peptides. In this review, the structural features of these arginine‐rich peptide vectors have been focused on and the current understandings of their internalization mechanisms are summarized. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 84: 241–249, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Nipping psychopathy in the bud: an examination of the convergent, predictive, and theoretical utility of the PCL‐YV among adolescent girls
Authors: Odgers Candice L. , Reppucci N. Dickon , Moretti Marlene M.
Published: December 2005

Over the last decade rates of violence among adolescent girls have increased. Within high‐risk contexts, urgent calls for assessment options have resulted in the extension of adult and male‐based instruments to adolescent females in spite of the absence of strong empirical support. The current study evaluates the downward extension of psychopathy within a population of female juvenile offenders (N = 125). The convergent and predictive validity of the Psychopathy Checklist—Youth Version (PCL‐YV) were evaluated within a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework. Results indicated that while a specific component of psychopathy, deficient affective experience, was related to aggression, the effect was negated once victimization experiences were entered into the models. In addition, PCL‐YV scores were not predictive of future offending, while victimization experiences significantly increased the odds of re‐offending. Implications for research, policy, and clinical practice are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the psychopathic personality inventory on a female inmate sample
Authors: Berardino Stacey D. , Meloy J. Reid , Sherman Mark , Jacobs Delores
Published: December 2005

This investigation evaluated the construct validity of the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI; Lilienfeld & Andrews, 1996), a self‐report measure designed to assess psychopathy. One hundred and two incarcerated females were administered the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K‐BIT), an oral alcohol and drug screening measure, a demographic interview, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (MMPI‐2), the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL‐R), and the PPI. There were significant correlations among the PPI, MMPI‐2 scales, and the PCL‐R. In addition, the correlations between the PPI and the separate PCL‐R factors were not significantly different from each other, indicating that the PPI is assessing both facets of the psychopathy construct to some extent. A high correlation between the PPI and the DSM‐IV criteria, which assesses adult antisocial behaviors, revealed adequate concurrent validity. Nonsignificant or negligible correlations between the PPI and the MMPI‐2 scales provided some support for discriminant validity. The results are discussed with respect to the clinical and forensic utility of the PPI, the limitations of the study, and the need for further research. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in psychopathy in a swedish offender sample
Authors: Strand Susanne , Belfrage Henrik
Published: December 2005

In this study we examined gender differences in the PCL:SV employing a variety of statistical methods with two subsets of psychopathic individuals drawn from larger samples of 129 female and 499 male Swedish offenders. The larger samples included forensic psychiatric patients, forensic psychiatric evaluees and criminal offenders. We found gender differences in antisocial behavior, as defined in factor 2 of the PCL:SV, with female psychopaths (PCL:SV≥18) displaying significantly more lying, deceitfulness and lack of control, while male psychopaths were more antisocial as measured by the PCL:SV. We conclude that it might be meaningful to use gender specific definitions in the assessment of psychopathy or, alternatively, slightly revise the diagnostic tools. Our results support the use of the three‐factor model of the PCL‐R and PCL:SV introduced by Cooke and Michie (2001) in female populations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychopathy in women: a review of its clinical usefulness for assessing risk for aggression and criminality
Authors: Nicholls Tonia L. , Ogloff James R. P. , Brink Johann , Spidel Alicia
Published: December 2005

Despite a flurry of studies examining psychopathy in women, and the recent release of the second version of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist—Revised manual, there is still little consensus whether the lateral extension of the current conceptualization of psychopathy to women is appropriate. In particular, very little agreement exists concerning the clinical utility of the Hare psychopathy measures to assess women's risk of future offending and violence. This article presents a comprehensive review of studies of the association between psychopathy, antisocial behavior, and violence, in diverse samples of women, and looks at similarities and differences between these constructs in males and females. Findings from inmates and offenders, civil and forensic psychiatric patients, substance abusers, and community samples indicate a consistently lower base rate of psychopathy among women than among men. With some exceptions, correlates of psychopathy in women relevant to risk assessments for crime and violence tend to be modest and significant, generally mirroring what we see in men. Clinicians and policy makers charged with the care and management of women at risk for criminal offending and violence are likely to find the PCL‐R and PCL:SV have clinical utility; however, cautious application is called for and ongoing research is required. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized comparison of operator radiation exposure during coronary angiography and intervention by radial or femoral approach
Authors: Lange Helmut W. , von Boetticher Heiner
Published: December 2005

Controversial data have been published on the amount of radiation exposure during radial coronary procedures. We hypothesized that in the current era, high‐volume operators with optimal technique would not be exposed to higher radiation doses during radial procedures. A total of 297 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization (195 elective diagnostic coronary angiograms and 102 elective coronary interventions) were prospectively assigned in a random fashion to the radial access (RA) or femoral access (FA). All procedures were performed by the same operator with vast experience in radial procedures and standard measures for radiation protection were used. Operator radiation exposure was measured with an electronic radiation dosimeter attached to the breast pocket of the operator on the outside of the lead apron and estimates of the ambient dose equivalent were derived. For coronary angiograms, fluoroscopy time (2.8 ± 2.1 vs. 1.7 ± 1.4 min; P < 0.001) and dose‐area product (15.1 ± 8.4 vs. 13.1 ± 8.5 Gy·cm2; P < 0.05) were increased by 18% and 15%, respectively, for RA vs. FA. Operator radiation exposure was 100% higher for the RA compared to the FA (64 ± 55 vs. 32 ± 39 μSv; P < 0.001). For coronary interventions, fluoroscopy time (11.4 ± 8.4 vs. 10.4 ± 6.8 min; P = NS) and dose‐area product (46.3 ± 28.7 vs. 51.0 ± 29.4 Gy·cm2; P = NS) for RA and FA were not statistically different. However, operator radiation exposure was increased by 51% for the RA compared to the FA (166 ± 188 vs. 110 ± 115 μSv; P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that the radial approach is burdened with a 100% increase in operator radiation exposure during diagnostic coronary catheterization procedures and a 50% increase during coronary interventions, provided that no special devices for radiation protection are used. Measurements of radiation dose, such as fluoroscopy time and dose‐area product, substantially underestimate the disproportionate rise in radiation exposure. Special precautions are warranted to improve radiation protection during invasive coronary procedures via the radial approach. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Co‐TUD‐1: A Ketone‐Selective Catalyst for Cyclohexane Oxidation
Authors: Hamdy Mohamed S. , Ramanathan Anand , Maschmeyer Thomas , Hanefeld Ulf , Jansen Jacobus C.
Published: December 2005

Cobalt‐containing mesoporous TUD‐1 with different Si/Co ratios (100, 50, 20, and 10) was synthesized by the direct hydrothermal treatment method (DHT) using triethanolamine (TEA) as a template. The prepared samples (denoted as Co‐TUD‐1) were characterized by XRD, UV/Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, N2 sorption measurements, 29Si magic‐angle spinning (MAS)‐NMR, Raman spectroscopy, and HRTEM. The catalytic performance of Co‐TUD‐1 samples was tested in the liquid‐phase oxidation of cyclohexane with tert‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant under solventless conditions. Higher catalytic efficiency was observed in samples with low Co‐loading and thus, most likely isolated CoII active sites, than in samples with high Co‐loading and nanoparticles or bulk Co3O4 embedded in the TUD‐1 silica.
How Fast Do RX Bonds Ionize? A Semiquantitative Approach
Authors: Denegri Bernard , Ofial Armin R. , Jurić Sandra , Streiter André , Kronja Olga , Mayr Herbert
Published: December 2005

The correlation equation log k25 °C = sf(Nf + Ef), where sf and Nf are nucleofuge‐specific parameters referring to leaving group/solvent combinations and Ef are electrofuge‐specific parameters referring to the incipient carbocation R+, are used to predict ionization rate constants of alkyl derivatives RX. We show how to employ the Ef parameters of reference electrofuges and the sf and Nf parameters of reference nucleofuges reported in the preceding article for determining further sf, Nf, and Ef parameters. Since sf is usually close to 1.0, one comes to the semiquantitative rule that at 25 °C, compounds RX for which Nf + Ef>−2 will solvolyze with half‐lives of less than a minute, while the solvolysis half‐lives will exceed 1 month if Nf + Ef<−6.5.
Adapting clinical trials networks to promote cancer prevention and control research
Authors: Weiner Bryan J. , McKinney Martha M. , Carpenter William R.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND

Since 1987, cancer centers and clinical cooperative groups serving as ‘research bases’ for the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) have been required to design and conduct cancer prevention and control (CP/C) clinical trials in addition to therapeutic trials. The study describes the structural and strategic adaptations that CCOP research bases have made to incorporate CP/C research into their scientific agendas and operations.

METHODS

Approaches to CP/C research in four cooperative groups with different scientific agendas were investigated: the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, the North Central Cancer Treatment Group, and the Southwest Oncology Group. Sixty‐five individual interviews with group leaders and investigators were conducted. Data were coded and thematically analyzed from transcribed interviews, observations of scientific sessions, and secondary documents.

RESULTS

The cooperative groups have tailored CP/C research programs to fit the interests, skills, and practice settings of their investigators without making significant adaptations in administrative and statistical infrastructures. Ongoing challenges include finding ways to broaden the pool of investigators designing CP/C protocols, involve more nononcologists in protocol design, and secure more stable and adequate funding for CP/C research.

CONCLUSION

The cooperative groups' experiences with CP/C research suggest that, with adequate resource investments, existing clinical research networks can expand into new areas of scientific investigation. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
The Photochemistry of Lipoic Acid: Photoionization and Observation of a Triplet Excited State of a Disulfide
Authors: Bucher Götz , Lu Changyuan , Sander Wolfram
Published: December 2005

Under short‐wavelength UV irradiation, lipoic acid (LipSS) and its reduced form, dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), undergo photoionization processes through a bi‐ or monophotonic pathway. After ionization, the LipSS radical cation (LipSS.+) and radical anion (LipSS.−) are generated. LipSS.− can be converted to equimolar amounts of LipSS and DHLA through second‐order decay. Triplet acetone can be quenched by LipSS and DHLA with a rate close to the diffusion‐controlled limit. The mechanism was further confirmed by continuous irradiation experiments. When LipSS is directly irradiated with UVA light, the first excited triplet state of LipSS is observed, with a lifetime τ=75 ns. Characteristic reactions include triplet energy transfer to oxygen and β‐carotene and addition to isoprene. The lifetime of triplet LipSS is also shortened by addition of water and methanol.
Comparison of Stochastic Optimization Methods for All‐Atom Folding of the Trp‐Cage Protein
Authors: Schug Alexander , Herges Thomas , Verma Abhinav , Lee Kyu Hwan , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: December 2005

The performances of three different stochastic optimization methods for all‐atom protein structure prediction are investigated and compared. We use the recently developed all‐atom free‐energy force field (PFF01), which was demonstrated to correctly predict the native conformation of several proteins as the global optimum of the free energy surface. The trp‐cage protein (PDB‐code 1L2Y) is folded with the stochastic tunneling method, a modified parallel tempering method, and the basin‐hopping technique. All the methods correctly identify the native conformation, and their relative efficiency is discussed.
Spectroscopic Properties in the Liquid Phase: Combining High‐Level Ab Initio Calculations and Classical Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Pavone Michele , Brancato Giuseppe , Morelli Giovanni , Barone Vincenzo
Published: December 2005

We present an integrated computational tool, rooted in density functional theory, the polarizable continuum model, and classical molecular dynamics employing spherical boundary conditions, to study the spectroscopic observables of molecules in solution. As a test case, a modified OPLS‐AA force field has been developed and used to compute the UV and NMR spectra of acetone in aqueous solution. The results show that provided the classical force fields are carefully reparameterized and validated, the proposed approach is robust and effective, and can also be used by nonspecialists to provide a general and powerful complement to experimental techniques.
How glucocorticoids control their own strength and the balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators.
Authors: Van Molle Wim , Libert Claude
Published: December 2005

The very powerful anti‐inflammatory properties of glucocorticoids (GC) have enabled researchers to use them to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The potential of GC lies in their ability to inhibit the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and mediators by gene repression as well as by gene induction. Paradoxically, GC seem to control their own strength by inducing the pro‐inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which negatively regulates the anti‐inflammatory capacities of GC. The mechanism by which MIF inhibits the actions of GC is addressed by Roger et al. in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology. They report that MIF inhibits GC‐induction of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1), a phosphatase that inhibits the activation of pro‐inflammatory MAPK. We comment here on their findings and place their work in the broader context of the physiological role of MIF and the potential therapeutic targeting of glucocorticoid resistance.

See accompanying article http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200535413
Willingness to pay for reductions in health risks when probabilities are distorted
Authors: Bleichrodt Han , Eeckhoudt Louis
Published: December 2005

We study the willingness to pay for reductions in health risks when people do not evaluate probabilities linearly, as is commonly assumed in elicitations of willingness to pay, but weight probabilities, as is commonly observed in empirical studies of decision under risk. We show that for the levels of baseline risk typically considered, probability weighting strongly affects willingness to pay estimates and may lead to unstable monetary valuations of health. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of light‐cure time of adhesive resin on the thickness of the oxygen‐inhibited layer and the microtensile bond strength to dentin
Authors: Kim Jong‐Soon , Choi Yong‐Hoon , Cho Byeong‐Hoon , Son Ho‐Hyun , Lee In‐Bog , Um Chung‐Moon , Kim Chang‐Keun
Published: December 2005

A thick oxygen‐inhibited layer (OIL) on a cured adhesive layer (AL) is believed to result in both good adaptation of composite resin (CR) and high bond strength. A high degree of conversion (DC) of the AL is also needed for durable bonding. This study evaluated the hypothesis that increasing the DC by prolonging the light‐curing time of adhesive bonding resin might decrease the bond strength of the adhesive to dentin because of the subsequent thinning of the OIL thickness. The OIL thickness and the DC of solvent‐removed One Step and D/E bonding resin of All Bond 2 (Bisco, USA) were measured simultaneously with FT‐NIR spectroscopy according to increasing light‐cure times (10, 20, 30, and 60 s) so as to evaluate their effect on the microtensile bond strength. The bonded interfaces were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Excessive irradiation of light‐curing adhesives increased the DC, but decreased the OIL thickness. When the OIL was significantly thin by curing the adhesives for 30 or 60 s, defects were observed at the interface between the AL and the CR, as well as at the interface between the AL and the hybrid layer. When the OIL was thick, free radicals from the overlying CR may have diffused into the unreacted monomer mixtures of the OIL, chemically connecting the cured AL and the newly curing composite. It was found that to obtain maximum dentin bond strength, light‐curing adhesives should be cured for the irradiation time recommended by the manufacturer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Three‐dimensional direct writing of B35 neuronal cells
Authors: Patz T. M. , Doraiswamy A. , Narayan R. J. , He W. , Zhong Y. , Bellamkonda R. , Modi R. , Chrisey D. B.
Published: December 2005

We have demonstrated two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional transfer of B35 neuronal cells onto and within polymerized Matrigel® substrates, using matrix‐assisted pulsed laser evaporation‐direct write (MDW). The B35 cells were transferred from a quartz ribbon to depths of up to 75 μm by systematically varying the fluence emitted from the ArF (λ = 193 nm) laser source. MDW‐transferred cells were examined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI), and α‐tubulin staining. Confocal microscopy has shown that the transferred B35 cells extended their axons outward in three dimensions within the polymerized Matrigel substrate. The B35 cells made axonal connections and formed a three‐dimensional neural network within 72 h after MDW transfer. In addition, TUNEL staining demonstrated that only 3% of the B35 cells underwent apoptosis after being transferred using the MDW process. MDW and other emergent direct write processes may provide unique approaches for creating layered, heterogeneous, three‐dimensional cell‐seeded scaffolds for use in peripheral nerve repair. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Effect of impact assembly on the fretting corrosion of modular hip tapers
Authors: Mroczkowski Matthew L. , Hertzler Justin S. , Humphrey Steven M. , Johnson Todd , Blanchard Cheryl R.
Published: December 2005

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of assembly load and local assembly environmental conditions on the fretting corrosion of modular femoral stem tapers. Femoral head/taper assemblies in both similar (CoCrMo/CoCrMo) and mixed (CoCrMo/Ti‐6Al‐4V) alloy combinations were evaluated using an electrochemical test method. Specimens were assembled under impact loading and by hand, in both wet and dry conditions. Incremental cyclic loads ranging from 89 to 5,340 N were applied at a frequency of 3 Hz in Ringer's solution at ambient temperature. During the test, both the open circuit potential (OCP) and fretting current (ifret) were measured using a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) and counter electrode, respectively. The results were comparable for both mixed and similar alloy couples. Decreases in OCP and increases in ifret (indicators of oxide film fracture and repassivation) were seen with increasing load magnitude, often occurring at loads well below those expected clinically. OCP at the 5,340 N cyclic load ranged from −30.4 to −103.7 mV versus SCE for similar alloy couples, and −19.1 to −181.4 mV versus SCE for mixed alloy couples. Mean peak fretting currents ranged from 0.84 to 1.42 µA and 1.06 to 3.12 µA for similar and mixed alloy couples, respectively. The larger current magnitudes and more negative shifts in OCP for mixed alloy couples indicate the difference in oxide film fracture behavior between titanium and cobalt alloys. The load at which OCP began to drop (onset of fretting) was dependent upon the assembly conditions for both material couples. Specimens assembled with impact loads in air showed the highest resistance to fretting. The results of this study indicate that the assembly load and the environment both play a role in the initial stability of modular hip taper connections. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Monitoring of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase activity in mononuclear cells of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Enzymological and clinical aspects
Authors: Brouwer Connie , Vermunt‐de Koning Diana G.M. , Trueworthy Robert C. , ter Riet Patricia G.J.H. , Duley John A. , Trijbels Frans J.M. , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. , Bökkerink Jos P.M. , van Wering Elisabeth R. , De Abreu Ronney A.
Published: December 2005

Background

Inosine 5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH; EC1.1.1.205) catalyzes the rate‐limiting step in guanine nucleotide biosynthesis, and may play an important role in treatment of patients with antipurines.

Methods

We used an HPLC method to measure the IMPDH activity in peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC). IMPDH activities were determined in children who were diagnosed with and treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and in a group of control children.

Results

The median IMPDH activity for control children was 350 pmol/106 pMNC/hr (range 97–896; n = 47). No gender or age differences were observed. IMPDH activity at diagnosis of ALL was correlated with the percentage of peripheral blood lymphoblasts (r = 0.474; P < 0.001; n = 71). The median IMPDH activity at diagnosis was 410 pmol/106 pMNC/hr (range 40–2009; n = 76), significantly higher than for controls (P = 0.012). IMPDH activity significantly decreased after induction treatment, and during treatment with methotrexate (MTX) infusions (median 174 pmol/106 pMNC/hr; range 52–516; n = 21). The activity remained low during maintenance treatment with 6‐mercaptopurine (6MP) and MTX, at a significantly lower level than for controls (P < 0.004). One year after cessation of treatment IMPDH activity returned to normal values.

Conclusion

The decrease of IMPDH activity at remission of ALL seems to be at least partly due to the eradication of lymphoblasts with the type 2 isoform of the enzyme. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006, 46:434–438. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prevention and treatment of bacterial infections in children with asplenia or hyposplenia: Practice considerations at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
Authors: Price Victoria E. , Dutta Sanjeev , Blanchette Victor S. , Butchart Sheila , Kirby Melanie , Langer Jacob C. , Ford‐Jones E. Lee
Published: December 2005

Children born without a spleen or who have impaired splenic function, due to disease or splenectomy, are at significantly increased risk of life‐threatening bacterial sepsis. The mainstays of prevention are education, immunization, and prophylactic antibiotics. The availability of conjugate 7‐valent pneumococcal vaccines for use in children to age 9 years at least, as well as conjugate meningococcal C vaccine in some countries, for use beginning in infancy, appear to represent beneficial additions, but not substitutions, to previous recommendations for the use of polysaccharide 23‐valent pneumococcal and quadrivalent A, C, Y, W‐135 vaccines. Routine immunization against H. influenzae type b should continue with non‐immunized children older than age 5 years receiving two doses 2 months apart, similar to children who have not previously received conjugate pneumococcal vaccine in infancy. Annual influenza immunization, which reduces the risk of secondary bacterial infection, is also recommended for asplenic children and their household contacts. Many experts continue prophylaxis indefinitely although prophylaxis of the penicillin allergic child remains suboptimal. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesvirus 6 infection and transient acquired myelodysplasia in children
Authors: Kagialis‐Girard Sandrine , Durand Brigitte , Mialou Valérie , Pagès Marie‐Pierre , Galambrun Claire , Bertrand Yves , Negrier Claude
Published: December 2005

Background

To demonstrate that primary human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) infection in childhood can cause hematopoietic dysplasia that mimics a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in severe cases.

Procedure

Seven immunocompetent children, who presented at admission with concomitant cytopenias in blood and morphologic features of dysplasia in bone marrow, were evaluated. Diagnosis of acute HHV‐6 infection was secondary made by detection of HHV‐6 DNA in plasma, bone marrow, or cerebrospinal fluid and measurement of plasma antibody titers. Peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate smears were examined at diagnosis and during follow‐up. Morphologic recognition of myelodysplasia was made according to the recommendations of the Third MIC Cooperative Group.

Results

Anemia was the most frequent cytopenia (five of seven cases). Bi‐ or tri‐lineage dysplasia was observed in the marrow samples. Granulocytic and erythroid cells were always affected with dysgranulopoiesis and dyserythropoiesis scores equal to or higher than 3. Myelodysplasia was not due to a clonal disorder and disappeared gradually within 1 or 2 months.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that severe HHV‐6 infection may induce reversible myelodysplastic changes. These findings contribute to elucidate the pathogenicity of HHV‐6 and furthermore suggest that HHV‐6 infection must also be considered as a cause of dysplasia in the differential diagnosis of MDS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006; 47:543–548. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The perfect storm: Torsades de Pointes in a child with leukemia
Authors: Bagatell Rochelle , Hainstock Michael , Lowe Merlin C. , Barber Brent J. , Samson Ricardo A.
Published: December 2005

Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia that can be associated with metabolic abnormalities, exposure to arrhythmogenic medications, and congenital long‐QT syndrome. This report describes a patient with ALL and multiple complications of therapy who developed TdP. The patient had no evidence of congenital long‐QT syndrome, but a constellation of factors appears to have led to QT prolongation, ventricular ectopy, and TdP. Although the patient suffered cardiac arrest, rapid recognition of TdP and prompt defibrillation resulted in an excellent outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:996–999. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study on the Relationship between Particle Size and Near Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Szalay Annamária , Antal István , Zsigmond Zsolt , Marton Sylvia , Erős István , Regdon Géza , Pintye‐Hódi Klára
Published: December 2005

Since the particle size distribution is a critical parameter of pharmaceutical excipients used for tablet manufacturing by direct compression, the mean particle size of sieved sorbitol powder was studied by near‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRDRS).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the particle size (reciprocally proportional to the bulk density) on the reflectance spectrum. The effects of the particle characteristics on the spectral changes were described on the basis of the Kubelka‐Munk theory taking the scattering into consideration. A smaller particle size fraction was associated with a lower spectral value, and at the characteristic wavelength of 1584 nm a linear relationship was established for the particle size range from 125 to 670 μm. The diffuse reflectance measurement was sensitive to the particle characteristics, which offers a fast, non‐destructive alternative test method that can be applied after detailed calibration.
PDA and Neural Network Investigation of Swirl Spray Interaction Phenomena
Authors: Soltani M. Reza , Ghorbanian Kaveh , Ashjaee Mehdi , Morad Mohammad R.
Published: December 2005

Experiments are performed to investigate the atomization characteristics of mixed‐interaction regions of sprays of two swirl injectors installed side by side. Both droplet size and velocity distributions on a plane perpendicular to the axes of the injectors are measured using a PDA system. As a result of the interaction phenomenon, a region of secondary atomization is identified that differs significantly from the hollow region spray of a single swirl injector. A neural network algorithm is used to reconstruct the entire spray field for both droplet size and velocity distribution in extrapolation regimes for injector spacing as well as three dimensional spatial coordinates. Excellent agreement between the predicted values and the measurements is obtained. It is observed that points on the extrapolation regime of the neural network can be predicted with an accuracy of 93 % using a training data set with less than 50 % of the number of data points to be predicted. The results indicate the capability of performing design‐ and optimization studies for pressure‐swirl injectors, with sufficient accuracy, by applying a modest amount of data in conjunction with an overall optimized value for the width of the probability.
Numerical Simulation of Flow Patterns in Cyclones of Different Cone Dimensions
Authors: Xiang Rong B. , Lee Ken W.
Published: December 2005

This paper presents the numerical simulation of the flow patterns within three cyclones of different cone dimensions. The simulation was performed with commercial CFD package FLUENT V5.5. The accuracy of the simulation was tested by comparison with the available experimental data. Simulation results show that the cone dimension significantly influences the flow pattern within cyclones. The comparison of the flow patterns within the cyclones of different cone dimensions explained well the different separation behavior of these cyclones. The results suggest that the CFD simulation is capable of predicting changes in flow patterns resulting from cyclone configuration modification.
Analysis of urinary nucleosides. V. Identification of urinary pyrimidine nucleosides by liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Bond Alison , Dudley Edward , Lemière Filip , Tuytten Robin , El‐Sharkawi Salah , Brenton A. Gareth , Esmans Eddy L. , Newton Russell P.
Published: December 2005

Modified urinary nucleosides are potentially invaluable in cancer diagnosis, as they reflect altered RNA turnovers. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was combined with full‐scan mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, MSn analysis and accurate mass measurements in order to identify pyrimidine nucleosides purified from urine. Potential nucleosides were assessed by their evident UV absorbance in the HPLC chromatogram and then further examined by the various mass spectrometric techniques. In this manner numerous pyrimidine nucleosides were identified in the urine samples from cancer patients including pseudouridine, cytidine, two methylcytidines and an acetylcytidine. Furthermore, a number of novel modified pyrimidine nucleosides were tentatively identified via critical interpretation of the combined mass spectrometric data. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New experiments on HNCSe and HCNSe radical cations
Authors: Gerbaux P. , Dechamps N. , Flammang R. , Nagi Reddy P. , Srinivas R.
Published: December 2005

Dissociative ionization of the selenourea SeC(NH2)2 (2) conveniently generates beams of pure isocyanoselenic acid radical cations. The HNCSe.+ connectivity is established by collisional activation and by associative ion‐molecule reactions with dimethyl sulfide or nitric oxide using a large‐scale hybrid mass spectrometer. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The analysis of 1‐propanol and 2‐propanol in humid air samples using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Tianshu , Carroll Will , Lenny Warren , Boit Phillipa , Smith David
Published: December 2005

Following the observation that propanol is present in the breath samples of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients infected byPseudomonas aeruginosa(PA), a study of the reactions of H3O+, NO+and Owith 1‐propanol and 2‐propanol has been conducted using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS). In this study the number and the distribution of the product ions from NO+reactions with the two propanol isomers under humid air conditions were able to differentiate between the two isomers. The reaction mechanisms and the structures of the product ions for these reactions, especially those with H3O+and NO+, have been proposed. As an example, 2‐propanol was shown to be present in a breath sample from one CF patient infected with PA, and also in a PA isolate from another CF patient grown on Pseudomonas‐selective media. The results of this study allow an analytical procedure to be advanced for the analysis of the two propanol isomers, which can also be utilised in other applications. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capturing design rationale with functional decomposition of roles in business processes modeling
Authors: Balabko Pavel , Wegmann Alain , Ruppen Alain , Clément Nicolas
Published: December 2005

Enterprises need to create and maintain the fit between their business processes and their business process support (BPS) systems. This frequently requires re‐engineering of business processes. If the business processes' design rationales are made explicit, the re‐engineering of the existing business processes is easier. Making the design rationales explicit is useful to understand why things exist as they are, and to understand if and how they can be changed.

The most common way to capture design rationales is to list the design decisions underlying the business process. In the method proposed in this publication, we capture design rationales through role modeling. We document the design rationales for each role in the analyzed business process. The roles are described as the compositions of ‘base functionalities’. A base functionality is the specification of a role (or of a part of a role) from the viewpoint of one of the specific specialists who designs the business process. These base functionalities are composed together to describe the roles of the participants to the business process. As a result, a business process modeler can understand who is responsible for what in the business processes. In collaboration with the specialists, the business modeler can then ensure that no important part of the business process is missing or is unnecessary. Owing to this work, the business process can be verified before being automated with the BPS system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aligning people to business processes experience report
Authors: Andersson Tomas , Bider Ilia , Svensson Rogier
Published: December 2005

Business process orientation requires some kind of a business processes support system. However, building a proper system is not enough for introducing process orientation, the organization should ensure that the system is routinely used by all people involved in the processes. The latter task may be more complicated than the one of building the system. This article summarizes an experience of building business process support systems and introducing them into operational practice acquired over some period of time. The article describes and explains difficulties related to the marketing of such systems and introducing them into operational practice, and gives examples that show how these difficulties could be overcome. In conclusion, it suggests an approach to introducing business process orientation, called a ‘reverse’ evolutionary approach, which could be suitable for some business contexts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.