bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Chlamyde de Fortunata: une clef alchimique du cosmos antique ("Julien l'Apostat" de Dmitri Merejkovski)
Authors: Lyutskanov Yordan
Published: December 2011

Cet article étudie certains épisodes importants du premier roman moderniste russe. On examine le discours romanesque, qui hésite entre le naturalisme et le symbolisme et, en particulier, entre la représentation de l’image scientifique du monde au XIXe siècle et la représentation, voire la résurgence, de son image ancienne, à savoir celle du cosmos des quatre éléments. L’accent est mis sur la recréation symbolique (au sens de Baudelaire et des « correspondances ») d’un topos (au sens d’E. R. Curtius) ancien (païen et gréco-romain): celui de la Fortune et de la réitération de la sentence selon laquelle la Fortune grandit les vies des hommes et les abaisse. On envisage ensuite l’emploi du topos mentionné cidessus des points de vue de la philosophie de l’histoire et de l’histoire de l’art. À partir de certaines observations (qui ne sont ici qu’évoquées), les conceptions de Merejkovski se voient associées à l’histoire de l’orientalisme (au sens de Saïd). On fait un pas vers l’intégration des dispositions historiosophiques et esthétiques implicites dans le contexte de l’époque, celle des années 1890: en prenant en considération la présence intertextuelle dans le roman de Vladimir Soloviev et d’Ernest Renan, de l’académisme et de l’impressionnisme. Ont été analysés aussi quelques passages où le roman de Merejkovski revisite des textes de la littérature classique (Plutarque, Strabon, Xénophon). On montre le symbolisme classiciste des premières oeuvres de Merejkovski.
Rappresentazione della figura mitica del ragno nel corpus letterario di J.R.R. Tolkien
Authors: Scolari Lavinia
Published: December 2011

L'analisi delle caratteristiche identitarie della figura mitica del ragno nei romanzi di J.R.R. Tolkien mostra la rielaborazione di alcune componenti del mito di Aracne: la femminilità e la tendenza alla metamorfosi, unite a nuovi tratti costitutivi della mostruosità mitica: l'oscurità, la contaminazione, la bramosia e la sete di morte, che delineano un nuovo ritratto del ragno femmina come figura dell'insidia e delle tenebre, della corruzione e dell'avvizzimento dell vita.
Dobles o Sin Título 2
Authors: Ariza Trinidad Eva , Álvarez de Toledo Blanca
Published: December 2011

Fotomontaje a partir de escultura en vidrio y papel brístol y óleo sobre lienzo.
Prognostic Role of C-Reactive Protein in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Han Yijie , Mao Feng , Wu Ying , Fu Xiaonan , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiaoli , Zhou Shuli , Zhang Wei , Sun Qiang , Zhao Yulan
Published: December 2011

Background

Recent studies have shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) may be associated with breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to summarize the predictive role of CRP for survival in breast cancer as shown in all available studies worldwide.

Methods

Related studies were identified and evaluated for quality through multiple search strategies. Data were collected from studies comparing overall, cancer-specific, and disease-free survival (OS, CSS, and DFS) in patients with elevated CRP levels and those having lower levels. Studies were pooled, and combined hazard ratios (HRs) of CRP for survival were calculated.

Results

A total of 10 studies (n=4,502) were included for this meta-analysis (9 for OS, 3 for CSS, and 3 for DFS). For overall and disease-free survival, the pooled HRs of CRP were significant at 1.62 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.20-2.18) and 1.81 (95% CI, 1.44-2.26), respectively. For cancer-specific survival, the pooled HR in higher CRP expression in breast cancer was 2.08 (95% CI, 1.48-2.94), which could strongly predict poorer survival in breast cancer.

Conclusions

CRP has a critical prognostic value in patients with breast cancer as an inflammation biomarker.
Geometric Properties Solutions of a Class of Third-Order Linear Differential Equations
Authors: Abubaker Afaf Ali , Darus Maslina
Published: December 2011

We aim at investigating the geometric properties of the solutions of the initial-value problem which involves the following third-order linear differential equations: ω′′′(z)+Q(z)ω′(z)=0,
ω(0)=0,
ω′(0)=1,
ω′′(0)=0, where Q(z) is analytic in the open unit disk U.
Prevalence of ESBL-ProducingKlebsiella pneumoniaeIsolates in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sarojamma Vemula , Ramakrishna Vadde
Published: December 2011

Extended-spectrumβlactamases (ESBLs) continue to be a major challenge in clinical setups world over, conferring resistance to the expanded-spectrum cephalosporins. An attempt was made to study the prevalence of ESBL-producingKlebsiella pneumoniaeclinical isolates in a tertiary care hospital in Kurnool. A total of hundred collected isolates ofKlebsiella pneumoniaewas studied for their susceptibility patterns to various antibiotics and detection of ESBL producers by double disc synergy test (DDST) and phenotypic confirmatory disc diffusion test (PCDDT). Of the 100 isolates tested for their antibiogram, 61% isolates have shown susceptibility to 3rd-generation cepholosporins and 39% were resistant. Amoxycillin showed the highest percentage of resistance followed by tetracyclins and cotrimoxazole. Among 39 resistant isolates ofKlebsiella pneumoniae, 17 were ESBL producers detected by DDST and PCDDT. ESBL producers were more in the hospital isolates (28%) compared to community isolates (6%). Maximum percentage of ESBL producers were noticed from blood sample with 57.14%. In the present study, a large number of isolates were found to be multidrug resistant and ESBL producers. PCDDT was found to be better than DDST in the detection of ESBLs. Continued monitoring of drug resistance is necessary in clinical settings for proper disease management.
Applying the Successional Weed Management Model for Revegetating a Yellow Starthistle-Infested Dryland Pasture in the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Sommers IV William D. , Howery Larry D. , Pendleton Rosemary L. , Lee Richard D. , Pendleton Burton K.
Published: December 2011

A three-year study was conducted in the Chihuahuan Desert in Southwestern New Mexico to evaluate the effectiveness of revegetating a dryland pasture that was heavily infested with yellow starthistle within the context of the successional weed management model. A prescribed burn treatment of the entire study site (designed disturbance) was followed by single-entry revegetation (controlled colonization) and weed suppression (controlled species performance) treatments. Four native perennial grass species were paired with 4 yellow starthistle suppression treatments. We conclude that an integrated, single-entry approach failed to effectively revegetate yellow starthistle-infested dryland pasture in the Chihuahuan Desert, primarily due to a historic severe drought that occurred soon after grasses were seeded. Different strategies and tactics will be required to manage yellow starthistle in the Southwestern USA than have been previously applied in other areas.
Evaluation of the ASK Campaign in Two Midwestern Cities
Authors: Johnson Renee M. , Lintz Jennie , Gross Dan , Miller Matthew , Hemenway David
Published: December 2011

We implemented a year-long community-based campaign to encourage parents to ask about firearms in homes that their children visit, in a small Midwestern city. Along with community residents and local leaders, we disseminated campaign messages through multiple communication channels. To assess message recall, attitudes, and whether parents asked about firearms, we conducted pre- and posttest surveys with randomly sampled adults in the intervention city and in a neighboring city. The posttest survey showed that parents in the intervention city were concerned about the danger of firearms when their child visits a friend's home, suggesting that the campaign influenced their attitudes.
Characterization of CR-Lightlike-Warped Product of Indefinite Kaehler Manifolds
Authors: Rani Rachna , Kumar Rakesh , Nagaich R. K.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we prove that there does not exist a warped product CR-lightlike submanifold in the form other than CR-lightlike product in an indefinite Kaehler manifold. We also obtain some characterizations for a CR-lightlike submanifold to be locally a CR-lightlike warped product.
Study on Case Teaching of Financial Management
Authors: Che Zhenghong , Che Zhengmei
Published: December 2011

Case teaching is an efficient teaching method of management. It plays an important role to enhance the students’ability to practice the theory. However, case teaching of financial management has not achieved the expected results.The paper aims to study the importance, characteristics and corresponding methods of case teaching method offinancial management.
The Social Change Experiences of College Students at an Institution of Higher Learning
Authors: New Kuwihoi , Ghafar Mohamed Najib Abdul
Published: December 2011

The sociology of education provides the most effective means to look into in the dynamics of education and thechanges it produces in the individual. This research uses in-depth field interviews to study the social changeexperienced by a group of college students at a private higher learning institution in Malaysia. The results reveal thatthere are four main elements in the social change experienced by this group of students. The process begins with theself-awareness by students of their social condition both in past and present situations. The second element is theiradaptability, where students come to understand how to interact with their circumstances and are able to find waysto adapt to their environment. This is followed by the third element, responsibility, where students becomeresponsible to the degree that they possess leadership abilities; thoughtfulness, independence, supportiveness anddetermination. The last element is potentiality, which is important in helping students to progress to a higher stage oflife by actualizing their full potential. These findings have identified the elements of social change in the sociologyof education in the context higher education.
Specifics of Course Management System Benefits for New University Faculty
Authors: Porter Gavin
Published: December 2011

A comparison of courses that do or do not utilize a Course Management System (CMS) was undertaken from thestandpoint of a new faculty member. Seven distinct advantages were found with CMS implementation includinginitial tutorial group set-ups, email communication, sharing of student generated products, sharing ofinstructor-generated products, collection of assignments, delivery of graded assignments, and plagiarism checks.CMS training that precedes the start of a course is recommended for new teaching staff, particularly for largecourses of greater than 100 students, where CMS implementation has substantial benefits.
Study on Practicality of Tax Law Course in Accounting Major
Authors: Wang Lixia , Chang Zhongxin
Published: December 2011

Accounting staff play a more and more important role in enterprises and the ability to handle tax related business isone of the necessary abilities of accounting staff. At present, some problems exist in system setting, content teaching,textbook construction, teaching method and so on of tax law course in institutions of higher learning. The societyhas proposed new subjects in higher education of tax law course in accounting major. How to cultivate applicationbased accounting staff with solid theoretical basis and strong capacity in practical operation is an issue that needs tobe urgently resolved by higher education practitioners.
Overcoming Collaborative Inhibition through Error Correction: A Classroom Experiment
Authors: Gadgil Soniya , Nokes‐Malach Timothy J.
Published: December 2011

Research in classrooms has shown mixed evidence for benefits of collaborative learning compared with learning individually. Moreover, laboratory research has shown that individuals working in dyads or groups often perform worse than individuals working alone — a robust finding called the collaborative inhibition effect. Despite these findings, we hypothesize that some classroom activities may afford benefits for collaborative learning over individual learning. We created a classroom writing activity that incorporated features such as shared prior knowledge and error‐correction processes, which have been hypothesized to eliminate collaborative inhibition and to support constructive collaboration. Students participated in this activity either individually or in dyads. Results showed that the individuals who worked collaboratively performed equally well as those who worked individually and also showed better learning as measured by performance on a future writing assignment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic Current Rectification in Soft‐Matter Diodes with Liquid‐Metal Electrodes
Authors: So Ju‐Hee , Koo Hyung‐Jun , Dickey Michael D. , Velev Orlin D.
Published: December 2011

A soft‐matter‐based diode composed of hydrogel and liquid metal (eutectic gallium indium, EGaIn) is presented. The ability to control the thickness, and thus resistivity, of an oxide skin on the metal enables rectification. First, a simple model system with liquid‐metal/electrolyte‐solution/Pt interfaces is characterized. The electrically insulating oxide skin on the EGaIn electrode is reduced or oxidized further depending on the direction of the bias, thereby allowing unidirectional ionic current. The forward current of the diode increases as the conductivity of the electrolyte increases, whereas backward current depends on the pH of the medium in contact with the insulating oxide layer on the EGaIn electrode. As a result, the diode shows a higher rectification ratio (defined as the ratio of forward to backward current measured at the same absolute bias) with more conductive electrolyte at neutral pH. Replacement of the liquid electrolyte solution with a hydrogel improves the structural stability of the soft diode. The rectification performance also improves due to the increased ionic conductivity by the gel. Finally, a diode composed entirely of soft materials by replacing the platinum electrode with a second liquid‐metal electrode is presented. Contacting each liquid metal with a polyelectrolyte gel featuring different pH values provided asymmetry in the device, which is necessary for rectification. A hydrogel layer infused with a strong basic polyelectrolyte removes the insulating oxide layer, allowing one interface with the EGaIn electrode to be conductive regardless of the direction of bias. Thus, the oxide layer at the other interface rectifies the current.
Medical care of adolescents and women with Rett syndrome: An Italian study
Authors: Vignoli Aglaia , La Briola Francesca , Peron Angela , Turner Katherine , Savini Miriam , Cogliati Francesca , Russo Silvia , Canevini Maria Paola
Published: December 2011

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, linked to MECP2 gene mutations in the majority of cases, which results in severe disability and is associated with several comorbidities. The clinical condition of RTT patients tends to stabilize over time, and prolonged survival has recently been demonstrated. However, limited information is available on the long‐term course of older patients with RTT, especially among those in Southern Europe. The aim of our study is to evaluate the main clinical features and state of health of adult Italian patients with RTT and to present their evolution over time, identifying major clinical issues present at different ages. A total of 130 families of patients with RTT aged ≥14 years were asked to complete a questionnaire, 84 of which were returned (65%). Among the clinical characteristics of RTT, stereotypies and poor hand function and feeding ability remained stable over time, while nonverbal communication tended to improve. With regard to the main pathologies, sleep, behavioral, and autonomic disorders persisted into adulthood, while epilepsy improved and musculoskeletal problems worsened. In our sample, older patients with R294X and R133C mutations and with C‐terminal deletions showed lower levels of clinical severity. The development of guidelines for the clinical management of patients with RTT will assist health care providers in dealing with the complex RTT phenotype. More extensive data about the long‐term course of the condition could help in the design of programs for secondary prevention of disabilities for younger females affected by the syndrome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The evaluation of cascade testing for familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Morris Joan K. , Wald David S. , Wald Nicholas J.
Published: December 2011

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a high risk of coronary heart disease at a young age that can be reduced by cholesterol‐lowering drugs. Computer simulation was used to estimate the screening performance of three strategies of cascade testing for FH (a process of searching for relatives with FH once an individual is diagnosed with FH): (i) testing parents, siblings, and children (1st degree relatives) of an FH index case, (ii) testing (i) and testing 1st degree relatives of subsequently identified relatives with FH, and (iii) testing (ii) and also testing aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandparents, and first cousins (2nd or 3rd degree relatives) when 1st degree relatives of an individual with FH are not available. For cascade testing to achieve detection rates of 80%, (i) 25%, (ii) 11%, and (iii) 8% of FH index cases who are unrelated need to be identified. To identify these unrelated FH index cases, (i) 45% (ii) 23%, and (iii) 17% of all individuals with FH need to be identified independently of cascade testing. Cascade testing is not a suitable method of population screening for FH, because a separate method of systematically identifying new FH index cases is required to achieve a reasonable level of FH detection in the population. Such an alternative systematic method of identifying new cases could itself be the method of population screening. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SMC1A codon 496 mutations affect the cellular response to genotoxic treatments
Authors: Mannini Linda , Menga Stefania , Tonelli Alessandra , Zanotti Silvia , Bassi Maria Teresa , Magnani Cinzia , Musio Antonio
Published: December 2011

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a pleiotropic developmental syndrome characterized by growth and cognitive impairment, facial dysmorphic features, limb anomalies, and other malformations. Mutations in core cohesin genes SMC1A and SMC3, and the cohesin regulatory gene, NIPBL, have been identified in Cornelia de Lange syndrome probands. Patients with NIPBL mutations have more severe phenotypes when compared to those with mutations in SMC1A or SMC3. To date, 26 distinct SMC1A mutations have been identified in patients with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Here, we describe a 3‐year‐old girl with psychomotor and cognitive impairment, mild facial dysmorphic features but no limb anomaly, heterozygous for a c.1487G>A mutation in SMC1A which predicts p.Arg496His. We show that this mutation leads to an impairment of the cellular response to genotoxic treatments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myelodysplastic syndrome in a child with 15q24 deletion syndrome
Authors: Narumi Yoko , Shiohara Masaaki , Wakui Keiko , Hama Asahito , Kojima Seiji , Yoshikawa Kentaro , Amano Yoshiro , Kosho Tomoki , Fukushima Yoshimitsu
Published: December 2011

15q24 deletion syndrome is a recently‐described chromosomal disorder, characterized by developmental delay, growth deficiency, distinct facial features, digital abnormalities, loose connective tissue, and genital malformations in males. To date, 19 patients have been reported. We report on a 13‐year‐old boy with this syndrome manifesting childhood myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). He had characteristic facial features, hypospadias, and mild developmental delay. He showed neutropenia and thrombocytopenia for several years. At age 13 years, bone marrow examination was performed, which showed a sign suggestive of childhood MDS: mild dysplasia in the myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocytic cell lineages. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) revealed a de novo 3.4 Mb 15q24.1q24.3 deletion. Although MDS has not been described in patients with the syndrome, a boy was reported to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The development of MDS and hematological malignancy in the syndrome might be caused by the haploinsufficiency of deleted 15q24 segment either alone or in combination with other genetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells. Further hematological investigation is recommended to be beneficial if physical and hematological examination results are suggestive of hematopoietic disturbance in patients with the syndrome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abnormal facial appearance, body asymmetry, limb deformities, and internal malformations
Authors: Oudesluijs Grétel , Simon Marleen E.H. , Burggraaf Rianne H.J. , Waterham Hans R. , Hennekam Raoul C.M.
Published: December 2011

We describe a newborn girl with multiple congenital anomalies and abnormal phenotype comprising underdeveloped corpus callosum with ventriculomegaly, chorioretinal atrophy, pulmonary arterial hypertension, annular pancreas, horseshoe kidney, asymmetric limb and chest anomalies, spinal segmentation defects, hypertrichosis, and unusual face with large anterior fontanel, high anterior hairline, broad forehead, mildly underdeveloped midface, hypertelorism, depressed nasal bridge, short and upturned nose, large mouth, retrognathia, and large and malformed ears. Work‐up included cytogenetic studies of lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts, subtelomere Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), whole‐genome oligo‐array, and molecular analysis of SETBP1 and NSDHL: no abnormalities were found. Mucopolysaccharide urinary excretion was elevated. Results of metabolic studies for sterol and peroxisomal abnormalities in fibroblasts were normal. Additional electronic microscopy studies in skin fibroblasts did not show evidence for storage in fibroblasts or lysosomal changes. Nosologic considerations allowed exclusion of Schinzel–Giedion and Urioste syndrome. This condition seems not to have been described before; a segregating Mendelian mutation is assumed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Report of a mother and daughter with the 12q14 microdeletion syndrome
Authors: Bibb Audrey L. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Weaver David D.
Published: December 2011

The 12q14 microdeletion syndrome is characterized by microcephaly, short stature, osteopoikilosis, weight deficiency, and learning disabilities. We report on a mother and daughter with a 12q14 microdeletion. To our knowledge these are the first reported familial cases with the syndrome. We also discuss the genes in the deleted area that may be contributing to the phenotype. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Catalytic potential of a nitrocellulose membrane‐immobilized lipase in aqueous and organic media
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Kanwar Shamsher S.
Published: December 2011

Artificial membranes are ideal supports for enzyme immobilization and biocatalysis. The binding of a commercial lipase, Lipolase T20 on to nitrocellulose (NC) membrane was achieved by physical adsorption followed by cross‐linking with formalin (2%). The NC‐immobilized lipase was characterized for its catalytic activity and operational stability, using p‐nitrophenyl palmitate (p‐NPP) hydrolysis as a model reaction system. Functionally membrane bound lipase was more stable than free lipase (55°C) at higher temperature (65 and 75°C) and at pH 9.0 to 9.5. The hydrolytic properties of NC‐bound lipase were studied consecutively as a function of physicochemical parameters. The NC‐bound lipase was highly hydrolytic toward relatively longer C‐chain length esters. This indicated a preferential selectivity of NC‐bound lipase toward the p‐NPP with an activity of 6.03 + 0.30 IU/cm2. The nonionic detergents like Tween‐20, 40, and 60 promoted the hydrolytic activity of membrane‐bound lipase, while Tween‐80 prompted a decline in the activity of NC‐membrane bound lipase. Among various salt ions, Ca2+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ showed a stimulatory effect while Fe2+, NH4+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ antagonized the hydrolytic activity of the bound lipase. The immobilized lipase was studied for its reusability and was found to retain >50% of hydrolytic activity after fifth repetitive cycle. In DMSO, the synthesis of octyl ferulate at 55°C under shaking (150 rpm) using ferulic acid (75 mM) and 1‐octanol (100 mM) was achieved with a yield of ˜61 mM of ester (1‐octyl ferulate) as analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of attapulgite contents on release behaviors of a pH sensitive carboxymethyl cellulose‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite/sodium alginate composite hydrogel bead containing diclofenac
Authors: Wang Qin , Wang Wenbo , Wu Jie , Wang Aiqin
Published: December 2011

A series of pH‐sensitive composite hydrogel beads, carboxymethyl cellulose‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite/sodium alginate (CMC‐g‐PAA/APT/SA), were prepared by combining CMC‐g‐PAA/APT composite and SA, using Ca2+ as the ionic crosslinking agent and diclofenac sodium (DS) as the model drug. The effects of APT content and external pH on the swelling properties and release behaviors of DS from the composite hydrogel beads were investigated. The results showed that the composite hydrogel beads exhibited good pH‐sensitivity. Introducing 20% APT into CMC‐g‐PAA hydrogel could change the surface structure of the composite hydrogel beads, decrease the swelling ability, and relieve the burst release effect of DS. The drug cumulative release ratio of DS from the hydrogel beads in simulated gastric fluid was only 3.71% within 3 hour, but in simulated intestinal fluid about 50% for 3 hour, 85% for 12 hour, up to 90% after 24 hour. The obtained results indicated that the CMC‐g‐PAA/APT/SA hydrogel beads could be applied to the drug delivery system as drug carriers in the intestinal tract. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Thermal stability of HCl‐doped‐polyaniline and TiO2 nanoparticles‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Ansari Mohd Omaish , Mohammad Faiz
Published: December 2011

Electrically conductive HCl doped polyaniline (Pani) : titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites thin films were prepared by in‐situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles. Later film casting was done using N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. The formation of Pani : TiO2 nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier Transform Infra‐Red spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability of the nanocomposites in terms of direct‐current electrical conductivity retention was studied in air by isothermal and cyclic techniques. The films of Pani : TiO2 nanocomposites were observed thermally more stable under ambient environmental conditions than pure polyaniline film. The stability was seen to be highly dependent on the content of TiO2 nanoparticles in the nanocomposite films. Due to their high stability, such type of nanocomposites can find place as a replacement material for pure polyaniline in electrical and electronic devices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of poly(hydroxamic acid)–poly(amidoxime) chelating ligands from polymer‐grafted acacia cellulose
Authors: Yong Wen Simon Siew , Rahman Md Lutfor , Arshad Sazmal Effendi , Surugau Noumie @ Loumie , Musta Baba
Published: December 2011

Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) and acrylonitrile (AN) onto acacia cellulose was carried out using free radical initiating process in which ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) was used as an initiator. The optimum grafting yield was determined by the certain amount of acacia cellulose (AGU), mineral acid (H2SO4), CAN, MA, and AN at 0.062, 0.120, 0.016, 0.397, and 0.550 mol L−1, respectively. The poly(methyl acrylate‐co‐acrylonitrile)‐grafted acacia cellulose was obtained at 55°C after 2‐h stirring, and purified acrylic polymer‐grafted cellulose was characterized by FTIR and TG analysis. Therein, the ester and nitrile functional groups of the grafted copolymers were reacted with hydroxylamine solution for conversion into the hydroxamic acid and amidoxime ligands. The chelating behavior of the prepared ligands toward some metal ions was investigated using batch technique. The metal ions sorption capacities of the ligands were pH dependent, and the sorption capacity toward the metal ions was in the following order: Zn2+ > Fe3+ > Cr3+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Alternating multilayer structure of polyethylene/polypropylene blends obtained through injection molding
Authors: Jiang Kun , Yu Feilong , Bai Hongwei , Gao Jian , Deng Hua , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang
Published: December 2011

The formation of multilayer structures in the high‐speed thin wall injection‐molded samples of high‐density polyethylene/isotactic polypropylene blends is reported. Based on the morphology development in injection runner and mold, a possible formation mechanism of multilayer structure was proposed in this study. Injection molding could be used as a simple and an effective method for the fabrication of multifunctional multilayer structure. This work is interesting and important for scientific research as well as several potential applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Morphological changes of poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐isophthalate) during solid state polymerization
Authors: Vouyiouka Stamatina N. , Filgueiras Viviane , Papaspyrides Constantine D. , Lima Enrique L. , Pinto Jose Carlos
Published: December 2011

Poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐isophthalate) (PETI) prepolymer was submitted to solid state polymerization (SSP) at 184–230°C in a fixed bed reactor, to study the evolution of morphological changes during the process. Short reaction times were selected to investigate crystallization phenomena during nonisothermal (heating) and isothermal SSP phases. More specifically, multiple PETI melting behavior was observed and attributed to secondary crystallization, the rate of which increased significantly with SSP temperature. Reaction time was also found to exert a positive effect on solid‐phase perfection of secondary crystals, leading at each temperature to melting points close to the value of bottle‐grade poly(ethylene terephthalate). Finally, the mass fraction crystallinity of the SSP grades was found to comply with the crystal morphology encountered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synergistic flame retardant effect of poly(ether sulfones) and polysiloxane on polycarbonate
Authors: Liu Shu‐Mei , Yang Yan , Jiang Zhi‐Jie , Zhou Yan‐Hui , Zuo Jian , Zhao Jian‐Qing
Published: December 2011

Flame retardance of bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) was improved by the co‐addition of poly (ether sulfones) (PES) and polysiloxane/acrylate copolymer (PSiA) while retaining a high rigidity and toughness. A UL 94 V‐0 rating for 1.6‐mm thick samples of PC/PES/PSiA blend with 10.0 wt % PES and 0.5 wt % PSiA (PC/10PES/0.5PSiA) was obtained. Its average heat release rate (av‐HRR) in a cone calorimeter measurement was decreased by 19% on the basis of PC/PES blend with 10.0 wt % PES. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphologies of impact‐fractured surfaces revealed that the incorporation of 0.5 wt % PSiA decreased the dimensions of PES dispersed phase and provoked the uniform distribution of PES in PC matrix. Thermogravimetric‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis results revealed that PSiA dominantly promoted the degradation of PC and the degraded products were combined with PES to form a superior flame‐retarded carbon layer. A higher sulfur and silicon content on the residue surface after vertical burning tests detected by SEM/energy dispersive spectrometer signified their accumulation during combustion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Amine treatment of polyvinyl chloride/wood flour composites
Authors: Müller Marcus , Grüneberg Timo , Militz Holger , Krause Andreas
Published: December 2011

Ethanolamine and L‐arginine treated wood flour were added to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in order to improve the interphase between PVC and wood. The influence of the treatment on pH‐value changes and nitrogen fixation of the wood and mechanical properties of the composite were evaluated. The treatments changed the pH of wood from acidic to basic. The highest nitrogen fixation was measured for monoethanolamine and L‐arginine treated wood flour at high concentrations. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and unnotched impact strength were improved by ethanolamine and L‐arginine treatments considerably. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Puncturing the Skin of the Self: A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Why Prejudice Hurts
Authors: Ad‐Dab'bagh Yasser
Published: December 2011

There is growing interest in the psychodynamics of prejudice. An aspect of prejudice seldom addressed is its peculiar capacity to be injurious to victims. Through a process of self‐analysis stimulated by chance reading of some of Freud's work, I will reflect on the vicissitudes of the development of the function of cultural boundary attributed to the psychological integument, or the “skin of the self”. Further, I will postulate the role of this “psychological skin” as the target for prejudicial assaults and the dynamics of the resulting psychological reactions. This “cultural function” will be contrasted with the well‐established notion of the containment function of the psychological skin. Finally, I will link the discussed framework to possible socio‐cultural implications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prevalence of HLA–B27 in the US: Data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009
Authors: Reveille John D. , Hirsch Rosemarie , Dillon Charles F. , Carroll Margaret D. , Weisman Michael H.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To carry out the first large‐scale population study of the prevalence of HLA–B27 in the US, which is needed for public health planning purposes because of recent improvements in medical therapy and diagnostic testing for ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

The national prevalence of HLA–B27 was determined as part of the 2009 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross‐sectional survey monitoring the health and nutritional status of the US civilian, noninstitutionalized population. DNA polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted in samples from 2,320 adults ages 20–69 years from this nationally representative sample.

Results

The age‐adjusted US prevalence of B27 was 6.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.6–8.2). By race/ethnicity, the prevalence of B27 was 7.5% (95% CI 5.3–10.4) among non‐Hispanic whites and 3.5% (95% CI 2.5–4.8) among all other US races/ethnicities combined. In Mexican Americans, the prevalence was 4.6% (95% CI 3.4–6.1). The prevalence of B27 could not be reliably estimated for other US racial/ethnic groups because of the low number of B27‐positive individuals in those groups. For adults 50–69 years of age, the prevalence of B27 was 3.6% (95% CI 2.2–5.8), which suggested a decrease in B27 with age. These prevalence estimates took into account the NHANES survey design and are reviewed with respect to data from the medical literature.

Conclusion

Our findings provide the first US national prevalence estimates for HLA–B27. A decline in the prevalence of HLA–B27 with age is suggested by these data but must be confirmed by additional studies.
Resolution of inflammation induces osteoblast function and regulates the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Matzelle Melissa M. , Gallant Maxime A. , Condon Keith W. , Walsh Nicole C. , Manning Catherine A. , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B. , Burr David B. , Gravallese Ellen M.
Published: December 2011

Objective

Inflammation in the bone microenvironment stimulates osteoclast differentiation, resulting in uncoupling of resorption and formation. Mechanisms contributing to the inhibition of osteoblast function in inflammatory diseases, however, have not been elucidated. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prototype of an inflammatory arthritis that results in focal loss of articular bone. The paucity of bone repair in inflammatory diseases such as RA raises compelling questions regarding the impact of inflammation on bone formation. The aim of this study was to establish the mechanisms by which inflammation regulates osteoblast activity.

Methods

We characterized an innovative variant of a murine model of arthritis in which inflammation is induced in C57BL/6J mice by transfer of arthritogenic K/BxN serum and allowed to resolve.

Results

In the setting of resolving inflammation, bone resorption ceased and appositional osteoblast‐mediated bone formation was induced, resulting in repair of eroded bone. Resolution of inflammation was accompanied by striking changes in the expression of regulators of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which is critical for osteoblast differentiation and function. Down‐regulation of the Wnt antagonists secreted frizzled‐related protein 1 (sFRP1) and sFRP2 during the resolution phase paralleled induction of the anabolic and pro–matrix mineralization factors Wnt10b and DKK2, demonstrating the role of inflammation in regulating Wnt signaling.

Conclusion

Repair of articular bone erosion occurs in the setting of resolving inflammation, accompanied by alterations in the Wnt signaling pathway. These data imply that in inflammatory diseases that result in persistent articular bone loss, strict control of inflammation may not be achieved and may be essential for the generation of an anabolic microenvironment that supports bone formation and repair.
Knee confidence as it relates to physical function outcome in persons with or at high risk of knee osteoarthritis in the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Colbert Carmelita J. , Song Jing , Dunlop Dorothy , Chmiel Joan S. , Hayes Karen W. , Cahue September , Moisio Kirsten C. , Chang Alison H. , Sharma Leena
Published: December 2011

Objective

To evaluate whether low knee confidence at baseline is associated with poor baseline‐to‐3‐year physical function outcome in the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Methods

Knee confidence was assessed using an item from the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score instrument. Physical function was assessed using self‐report measures (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] function score and Short Form 12 physical component scale) and performance‐based measures (20‐meter walk and chair stand test). Poor function outcome was defined as moving into a worse function group or remaining in the 2 worst function groups between baseline and 3 years. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline knee confidence level and poor baseline‐to‐3‐year function outcome, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The sample included 3,975 men and women with or at high risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee, of whom 37–53% had poor baseline‐to‐3‐year function outcome. For both self‐report measures, increasingly worse knee confidence was associated with a greater risk of poor function outcome, and trend tests supported a graded response (e.g., the adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals] for the WOMAC function score for worsening confidence categories were 1.26 [1.07–1.49], 1.43 [1.16–1.77], and 2.05 [1.49–2.82], P for trend <0.0001). Similar associations between confidence and performance‐based function outcome were observed, but statistical significance did not persist in adjusted analyses. Factors independently associated with poor function outcome for all 4 outcome measures were depressive symptoms, comorbidity, body mass index, and joint space narrowing.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that worse knee confidence at baseline is independently associated with greater risk of poor function outcome by self‐report measures, with evidence of a graded response; the relationship with performance measures is not significant in fully adjusted models.
Incidence and risk factors for radiographic knee osteoarthritis and knee pain in Japanese men and women: A longitudinal population‐based cohort study
Authors: Muraki Shigeyuki , Akune Toru , Oka Hiroyuki , Ishimoto Yuyu , Nagata Keiji , Yoshida Munehito , Tokimura Fumiaki , Nakamura Kozo , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Yoshimura Noriko
Published: December 2011

Objective

To examine the incidence and progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the incidence of knee pain, and their risk factors in Japan, using the large‐scale population of the nationwide cohort study ROAD (Research on Osteoarthritis/osteoporosis Against Disability).

Methods

Subjects from the ROAD study who had been recruited in 2005–2007 were followed up with knee radiography 3 years later. A total of 2,262 paired radiographs (74.4% of the original sample) were scored using the Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grading system, and the incidence and progression rate of knee OA was examined. The incidence rate of knee pain was also examined. In addition, risk factors were tested for their association with incident and progressive radiographic knee OA and incident knee pain.

Results

Given the ∼3.3‐year followup, the rate of incident K/L grade ≥2 radiographic knee OA was 6.9% and 11.9% in men and women, respectively, while that of K/L grade ≥3 knee OA was 8.4% and 13.9% in men and women, respectively. The rate of progressive knee OA was 17.8% and 22.3% in men and women, respectively. The incident rate of knee pain was 21.2% and 27.3% in men and women, respectively. Female sex was a risk factor for incident K/L grade ≥2 knee OA, but was not associated with incident K/L grade ≥3 knee OA or progressive knee OA. Knee pain was a risk factor for incident and progressive knee OA. Previous knee injury was a risk factor for knee pain but not for radiographic knee OA.

Conclusion

The present longitudinal study revealed a high incidence of radiographic knee OA in Japan.
Now for Me, Later for Us? Effects of Group Context on Temporal Discounting
Authors: Charlton Shawn R. , Yi Richard , Porter Caitlin , Carter Anne E. , Bickel Warren , Rachlin Howard
Published: December 2011

Delayed rewards are less valuable than immediate rewards. This well‐established finding has focused almost entirely on individual outcomes. However, are delayed rewards similarly discounted if they are shared by a group? The current article reports on three experiments exploring the effect of group context on delay discounting. Results indicate that discount rates of individual and group rewards were highly correlated, but that respondents were more willing to wait (decreased discounting) for shared outcomes than for individual outcomes. An explanatory model is proposed suggesting that decreased discount rates in group contexts may be due to the way the effects of both delay and social discounting are combined. That is, in a group context, a person values both a future reward (discounted by delay) and a present reward to another person (discounted by the social distance between them). The results are explained by a combined discount function containing a delay factor and a factor representing the social distance between the decision maker and group members. Practical implications of the fact that shared consequences can increase individual self‐control are also discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PRENATAL EPOXICONAZOLE EXPOSURE EFFECTS ON RAT POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: de Castro Vera L.S.S. , Maia Aline H.
Published: December 2011

Although some studies have pointed out to embryo/fetal toxicity, knowledge about the potential toxicity of the fungicide epoxiconazole is still limited. Once the results of these previous studies have raised some concern, this study studied the effects of epoxiconazole maternal exposure on the physical endpoints in the development of rat pups. To accomplish that, the effects of epoxiconazole (50.0, 100.0, and 150.0 mg/kg) were examined when rats were exposed at two different developmental stages: during the first 6 days of pregnancy or in the organogenesis period (6–15 days). After parturition, pups were tested for growth and maturational milestones. Maternal exposure to the fungicide, independently of phase, resulted in significantly early mean time to vaginal opening and delayed time to testes descent in pups. Weight gain rate in pups and their mothers was not affected for the tested exposure period. The findings of this study emphasize that epoxiconazole maternal exposure may lead to alterations in developmental patterns in nursing pups, consistent with the known influence of epoxiconazole on steroid hormone synthesis. Birth Defects Res (Part B) XX:1–7 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wildbrücke Völkermarkt – vorgespanntes Bogentragwerk aus UHFB‐Segmentfertigteilen
Authors: Reichel Michael , Sparowitz Lutz , Freytag Bernhard
Published: December 2011

Dieser Beitrag stellt die Fortsetzung des ersten Teiles des Aufsatzes “Entwurf und Bemessung der Wildbrücke Völkermarkt” dar, einer Talbrücke mit einem extern vorgespannten Bogen, bestehend aus dünnwandigen Hohlkastensegmentfertigteilen aus ultrahochfestem Beton (UHFB). Es werden die Besonderheiten bei der Fertigung im Werk, die Montage und Errichtung auf der Baustelle sowie die begleitenden Versuche und die Qualitätsüberwachung als auch die gewonnenen Erfahrungen im Rahmen der Umsetzung beschrieben. Mit dem Bau dieses Pilotprojektes konnte das Potenzial von UHFB bei einer Anwendung für Brückenbauwerke eindrucksvoll gezeigt und durch die äußerst kurze Bauzeit von weniger als zehn Arbeitstagen zur Errichtung des Bogens bestätigt werden. Letztlich ist der Bau der Wildbrücke Völkermarkt ein weiterer Beweis dafür, dass das Entwicklungspotenzial im Betonbau noch lange nicht erschöpft ist und eine werkstoffgerechte Anwendung neuer Materialien zu immer wieder neuen und wirtschaftlichen Lösungen führen kann.

Bridge WILD Völkermarkt – prestressed arched structure made of precast UHPC‐segments. Part 2 – Erection, accompanying research, quality control

The WILD‐bridge spans a romantic valley at the periphery of Völkermarkt in Carinthia. The main structure is an arch consisting of thin‐walled pre‐cast elements made of ultra high performance concrete (UHFB). The arch is pre‐stressed by means of bondless tendons which are arranged in the hollow space of the box‐shaped pre‐cast elements. This paper continuous the first part, which deals with design and detailing of WILD‐bridge. The focus here is on various issues of the realisation. These are the production of the pre‐cast members, assembling and erection as well as particular approval experiments and the procedure of quality examination. The mounting of the arch took only ten working days, which shows the high potential of UHFB in the building of bridges as far as economic efficiency is concerned. The project WILD‐bridge impressively shows that the possibilities for innovation and development in the field of concrete construction are far from being exhausted. Further bridge projects with UHFB might benefit from the manifold experience gained from this successful pilot project.