bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and property of raspberry‐like AS/SiO2 nanocomposite particles
Authors: Zhang Hong , Su Zhixing , Liu Peng , Zhang Fangzhi
Published: January 2007

Surfactant‐free poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐styrene)/silica (AS/SiO2) nanocomposite particles was synthesized in the presence of cheap, commercially amorphous aqueous silica sol at ambient temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated silica contents ranging from 5 wt % to 29 wt %, depending on reaction conditions. Particle size distributions and morphologies were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which clearly showed that most of the colloidal nanocomposites comprised approximately spherical particle with raspberry‐like morphology and relatively narrow size distributions. The optical clarity of solution‐cast nanocomposite films was assessed using UV–vis spectrometer, with high transmission being obtained over the whole visible spectrum. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed that the glass transition temperature of AS/SiO2 nanocomposites can be higher than the corresponding pure AS, resulting from the hydrophilicity of the nanometer silica. The robustness and simplicity of this method may make large‐scale manufacture of this nanocomposite possible. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 415–421, 2007
Preparation and water absorbency of a novel poly(acrylate‐co‐acrylamide)/vermiculite superabsorbent composite
Authors: Tang Qunwei , Lin Jianming , Wu Jihuai , Xu Yuwen , Zhang Chuanjuan
Published: January 2007

A novel poly(acrylate‐co‐acrylamide)/expanded vermiculite (EVMT) superabsorbent composite was synthesized by aqueous solution polymerization method. The water absorbency of the superabsorbent composite still reaches 850 g/g when 50 wt % EVMT is added, which is significant in decreasing the production cost of the superabsorbent composites. By controlling the molar ratio of acrylic acid monomer and acrylamide monomer, and neutralization degree of acrylic acid, the hydrophilic groups on the composite can be adjusted, and it is found that the collaborative absorbent effect of CONH2, COOK, and COOH groups is superior to that of single CONH2, COOK, or COOH group. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 735–739, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of terpolymer of N‐cyclohexylmaleimide, methyl methacrylate, and acrylonitrile
Authors: Yang Liting , Sun Donghai
Published: January 2007

Terpolymers of N‐cyclohexylmaleimide, methylmethacrylate, and acrylonitrile (AN) at different AN feed content were synthesized by suspension polymerization. The thermal properties of the terpolymers such as glass transition temperature (Tg) and Vicat softening temperature (TVicat) were determined by torsion braid analysis and Vicat softening temperature tester, respectively. The value of Tg and TVicat decreased with increasing AN feed content. Thermogravimetric analyses were carried out with the results that the incorporated AN units enhanced the thermal stability of the resulting polymers and a second degradation step appeared with the addition of AN. The mechanical properties (tensile strength and impact strength) of the terpolymers were also detected and the results show that the tensile strength and impact strength of terpolymers increase with increasing AN feed content. The rheological results illustrated that the terpolymers showed rheological behavior similar to that of pseudoplastic liquid. The apparent shear viscosity decreased with the increasing of AN feed content. The flow power index n increased with increasing AN feed content. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 792–796, 2007
HTPB‐based polyurethaneurea membranes for recovery of aroma compounds from aqueous solution by pervaporation
Authors: Bai Yunxiang , Qian Jinwen , Yin Jian , Zhai Zhibin , Yang Yang
Published: January 2007

Hydroxyterminated polybutadiene (HTPB)‐based polyurethaneurea (PU), HTPB‐PU, was synthesized by two‐step polymerization and was firstly used as membrane materials to recover aroma, ethyl acetate (EA), from aqueous solution by pervaporation (PV). The effects of the number–average molecular weight (Mn) of HTPB, EA in feed, operating temperature, and membrane thickness on the PV performance of HTPB‐PU membranes were investigated. The membranes demonstrated high EA permselectivity as well as high EA flux. The DSC result showed two transition temperatures in the HTPB‐PU membrane and contact angle measurements revealed the difference of hydrophobicity of the membrane at both sides, which were induced by glass plate and air, respectively, due to movement of the soft hydrophobic polybutadiene (PB) segments in HTPB‐PU chains. Furthermore, the PV performance of the HTPB‐PU membrane with the hydrophobic surface facing the feed was much better than that with the hydrophilic surface. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 552–559, 2007
Effect of DC glow discharge treatment on the surface energy and surface resistivity of thin film of polypropylene
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Singh Raj Kumar , Kumar Manoj , Barthwal Sudhir Kumar
Published: January 2007

A change in the surface energy and surface resistivity of a thin film of polypropylene (PP) of thickness 100 μm was investigated, using direct current (DC) glow discharge. The thin film of the PP was treated for various discharge powers and treatment time and the modification in the surface energy and the surface resistivity was observed. To investigate the modification in the surface energy after DC glow discharge treatment, contact angle of two test liquids formamide and de‐ionized water over the surface of PP film was measured. By measuring the contact angle the change in surface energy and its two polar and dispersive components have been measured. It was observed that at a given power level of DC glow discharge surface energy and its polar component increases with increase of the treatment time, attains a maximum value, and then becomes almost constant. Correspondingly, with increase in surface energy, a decrease in surface resistivity was observed. Also, a change in surface morphology was observed by atomic force microscopy and by FT‐IR spectra generation of polar groups at the surface of PP film. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 767–772, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of poly(butyl acrylate–methyl methacrylate)/polyaniline core–shell latexes
Authors: Chen Chia‐Fu , Lee Kuan‐Huei , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: January 2007

Poly(butyl acrylate–methyl methacrylate) [P(BA–MMA]/polyaniline (PANI) core–shell complex particles were synthesized with a two‐step emulsion polymerization method with P(BA–MMA) as the core and PANI as the shell. The first step was to prepare P(BA–MMA) latex particles as the core via soapless emulsion polymerization. The second step was to prepare P(BA–MMA)/PANI core–shell particles. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was fed into the P(BA–MMA) emulsion as a surfactant, and this was followed by the addition of the aniline monomer. A bilayer structure of the surfactant over the surfaces of the core particles was desired so that the aniline monomer could be attracted near the outer surface of the core particles. In some cases, dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid was added after 2 h when the polymerization of aniline was started. The final product was the desired core–shell particles. The morphology of P(BA–MMA) and P(BA–MMA)/PANI particles was observed with transmission electron microscopy. The thermal properties were studied with thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, conductive films made from the core–shell latexes were prepared, and the electrical conductivities of the films were studied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 823–830, 2007
Removal of Cu(II) by polypyrrole deposits on stainless steel mesh
Authors: Ying Tian , Weishen Yang , Fenglin Yang
Published: January 2007

The reduction of Cu(II) in aqueous media by polypyrrole deposits on stainless steel mesh is examined in this work. The kinetics of Cu(II) reduction, the influence of temperature, and the possibility of the regeneration and reuse of polypyrrole for Cu(II) reduction have been investigated. The morphology of stainless steel mesh/polypyrrole electrodes has been monitored with scanning electron microscopy. The X‐ray diffraction technique has been used to detect the formation of metallic copper deposits on the surface of polypyrrole films. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 629–633, 2007
Miniemulsion polymerization of a fluorinated acrylate copolymer: Kinetic studies and nanolatex morphology characterization
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Fengqiu
Published: January 2007

A stable fluoroacrylate copolymer emulsion was successfully prepared by miniemulsion polymerization with fluoroacrylate, lauryl methylacrylate, and methyl methacrylate as monomers. Extremely hydrophobic fluoroacrylate, instead of conventional cosurfactants, was used as a reactive cosurfactant to stabilize the miniemulsions. The results indicated that fluoroacrylate retarded Ostwald ripening and allowed the production of stable miniemulsions. The chemical compositions of the copolymer were studied with Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR. The average composition of the copolymers prepared with miniemulsions was in good agreement with the feed ratio according to 1H‐NMR from the integration ratios corresponding to typical protons of the individual monomers. The particle size distribution and morphology of the latex particles were determined with laser particle analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size of the latex underwent no change in the process of miniemulsion polymerization, but the particle size distributions were broader than those of conventional emulsion polymerization. The effects of various reaction parameters, including the temperature and concentrations of the emulsifier and initiator, on the miniemulsion polymerization were also investigated, and the polymerization rate and conversion increased with increasing concentrations of nonylphenol polyethoxylate (with an average of 40 ethylene oxide units per molecule), cetyltrimethylammonium, and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 641–647, 2007
Synthesis and metal uptake studies on poly(8‐hydroxy‐5‐azoquinolinephenylacrylate‐formaldehyde) resin and its metal complexes
Authors: Vijayalakshmi S. , Sankar R. , Subramanian S. , Rajagopan S. , Kaliyappan T.
Published: January 2007

8‐hydroxy‐5‐azoquinolinephenylacrylate‐formaldehyde (8H5AQPA‐F) macromonomer was prepared from acryloylchloride, with condensation products of 8‐hydroxy‐5‐azoquinolinephenol‐formaldehyde, and polymerized in DMF at 70°C using benzoyl peroxide as free radical initiator. Poly(8H5AQPA‐F) was characterized by infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques. Polychelates were obtained in alkaline solution of polymeric ligand, with the aqueous solution of Cu(II) and Ni(II). Elemental analysis of polychelates suggests that the metal to ligand ratio is about 1:2. The polymer metal complexes were also characterized by IR, XRD, magnetic moments, and thermal analysis. The effects of pH and electrolyte on the metal uptake behavior of the resin were also studied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 797–802, 2007
Adsorption of IgG on spacer‐arm and L‐arginine ligand attached poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA) beads
Authors: Bayramoğlu Gülay , Senel Aysegul U. , Arica M. Yakup
Published: January 2007

This work presents data on human immunoglobulin G (HIgG) adsorption onto L‐arginine ligand attached poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐based affinity beads which were synthesized from methyl methacrylate (MMA) and glycidiyl methacrylate (GMA) in the presence of a crosslinker (i.e., ethylene glycol dimethacrylate; EGDMA) by suspension polymerization. The epoxy groups of the poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA) beads were converted into amino groups after reaction with ammonia or 1,6‐diaminohexane (i.e., spacer‐arm). With L‐arginine as a ligand, it was covalently immobilized on the aminated (poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐ AA) and/or the spacer‐arm attached (poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐SA) beads, using glutaric dialdehyde as a coupling agent. Both affinity poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐based beads were used in HIgG adsorption/desorption studies under defined pH, ionic strength, or temperature conditions in a batch reactor, using acid‐treated poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA) beads as a control system. The poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐SA affinity beads resulted in an increase in the adsorption capacity to HIgG compared with the aminated counterpart (i.e., poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐AA). The maximum adsorption capacities of the poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐AA and poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐SA affinity beads were found to be 112.36 and 142 mg g−1, and the affinity constants (Kd), evaluated by the Langmuir model, were 2.48 × 10−7 and 6.98 × 10−7M, respectively. Adsorption capacities of the poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐AA and poly(GMA/MMA/EGDMA)‐SA were decreased with HIgG by increasing the ionic strength adjusted with NaCl. Adsorption kinetic of HIgG onto both affinity adsorbents was analyzed with first‐ and second‐order kinetic equations. The first‐order equation fitted well with the experimental data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 672–679, 2007
Combining bibliometrics, information retrieval, and relevance theory, Part 2: Some implications for information science
Authors: White Howard D.
Published: January 2007

When bibliometric data are converted to term frequency (tf) and inverse document frequency (idf) values, plotted as pennant diagrams, and interpreted according to Sperber and Wilson's relevance theory (RT), the results evoke major variables of information science (IS). These include topicality, in the sense of intercohesion and intercoherence among texts; cognitive effects of texts in response to people's questions; people's levels of expertise as a precondition for cognitive effects; processing effort as textual or other messages are received; specificity of terms as it affects processing effort; relevance, defined in RT as the effects/effort ratio; and authority of texts and their authors. While such concerns figure automatically in dialogues between people, they become problematic when people create or use or judge literature‐based information systems. The difficulty of achieving worthwhile cognitive effects and acceptable processing effort in human‐system dialogues explains why relevance is the central concern of IS. Moreover, since relevant communication with both systems and unfamiliar people is uncertain, speakers tend to seek cognitive effects that cost them the least effort. Yet hearers need greater effort, often greater specificity, from speakers if their responses are to be highly relevant in their turn. This theme of mismatch manifests itself in vague reference questions, underdeveloped online searches, uncreative judging in retrieval evaluation trials, and perfunctory indexing. Another effect of least effort is a bias toward topical relevance over other kinds. RT can explain these outcomes as well as more adaptive ones. Pennant diagrams, applied here to a literature search and a Bradford‐style journal analysis, can model them. Given RT and the right context, bibliometrics may predict psychometrics.
Combining bibliometrics, information retrieval, and relevance theory, Part 1: First examples of a synthesis
Authors: White Howard D.
Published: January 2007

In Sperber and Wilson's relevance theory (RT), the ratio Cognitive Effects/Processing Effort defines the relevance of a communication. The tf*idf formula from information retrieval is used to operationalize this ratio for any item co‐occurring with a user‐supplied seed term in bibliometric distributions. The tf weight of the item predicts its effect on the user in the context of the seed term, and its idf weight predicts the user's processing effort in relating the item to the seed term. The idf measure, also known as statistical specificity, is shown to have unsuspected applications in quantifying interrelated concepts such as topical and nontopical relevance, levels of user expertise, and levels of authority. A new kind of visualization, the pennant diagram, illustrates these claims. The bibliometric distributions visualized are the works cocited with a seed work (Moby Dick), the authors cocited with a seed author (White HD, for maximum interpretability), and the books and articles cocited with a seed article (S.A. Harter's “Psychological Relevance and Information Science,” which introduced RT to information scientists in 1992). Pennant diagrams use bibliometric data and information retrieval techniques on the system side to mimic a relevance‐theoretic model of cognition on the user side. Relevance theory may thus influence the design of new visual information retrieval interfaces. Generally, when information retrieval and bibliometrics are interpreted in light of RT, the implications are rich: A single sociocognitive theory may serve to integrate research on literature‐based systems with research on their users, areas now largely separate.
Effect of macrolide antibiotics on uptake of digoxin into rat liver
Authors: Ito Suwako , Nasu Risa , Tsujimoto Masayuki , Murakami Hideyasu , Ohtani Hisakazu , Sawada Yasufumi
Published: January 2007

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of macrolide antibiotics, clarithromycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin, josamycin and azithromycin, on the hepatic uptake of digoxin. The uptake of [3H]digoxin was studied in ratsin vivo, using the tissue‐sampling single‐injection technique, and in isolated rat hepatocytesin vitro. The uptake of [3H]digoxin into rat hepatocytes was concentration‐dependent with a Michaelis constant (Km) of 445 nM. All the macrolide antibiotics inhibited the uptake of [3H]digoxin into rat hepatocytes in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, clarithromycin did not affect thein vivohepatic uptake of digoxin in rats. Thein vivopermeability–surface area product of digoxin for hepatic uptake (PSinf) was estimated to be 12.5 ml/min/g liver from the presentin vitrodata, which is far larger than the hepatic blood flow rate (1.4 ml/min/g liver). Macrolide antibiotics at clinically relevant concentrations inhibit digoxin uptake by rat hepatocytesin vitro, but notin vivo, probably because hepatic uptake of digoxin in rats is blood flow‐limited. Clinically observed digoxin–macrolide interaction in humans could be due to macrolide inhibition of hepatic digoxin uptake, if the uptake is permeation‐limited. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of conformational dynamics in sequence‐specific autoantibody•ssDNA recognition
Authors: Bobeck Melissa J. , Glick Gary D.
Published: January 2007

11F8 is a sequence‐specific monoclonal anti‐ssDNA autoantibody isolated from a lupus prone mouse that forms pathogenic complexes with ssDNA, resulting in kidney damage. Prior studies show that specificity is mediated by a somatic mutation from serine at 31VH to arginine. Reversion back to serine in 11F8 resulted in >30‐fold decrease in affinity and altered thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for sequence‐specific recognition of its cognate ssDNA ligand. Mutagenesis and structural studies suggest that R31VH contacts ssDNA via a salt bridge and a bidentate hydrogen bond and may further contribute to specificity by altering binding‐site conformation. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments were conducted to assess the kinetics of conformational change during 11F8•ssDNA association. The extent of rearrangement between the six complementary determining regions in the 11F8•ssDNA complex with germline serine or somatically mutated arginine at residue 31 of the heavy chain was examined. Our studies show that greater conformational change occurs in five of six complementarity determining regions after the heavy chain germline J558 sequence undergoes mutation to arginine at 31VH. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 481–489, 2007.

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
An additional simple denitrification bioreactor using packed gel envelopes applicable to industrial wastewater treatment
Authors: Morita Masahiko , Uemoto Hiroaki , Watanabe Atsushi
Published: January 2007

A simple denitrification bioreactor for nitrate‐containing wastewater without organic compounds was developed. This bioreactor consisted of packed gel envelopes in a single tank. Each envelope comprised two plates of gels containing Paracoccus denitrificans cells with an internal space between the plates. As an electron donor for denitrification, ethanol was injected into the internal space and not directly into the wastewater. P. denitrificans cells in the gel reduced nitrate to nitrogen gas by using the injected ethanol. Nitrate‐containing desulfurization wastewater derived from a coal‐fired thermal power plant was continuously treated with 20 packed gel envelopes (size, 1,000 × 900 × 12 mm; surface area, 1.44 m2) in a reactor tank (volume 1.5 m3). When the total nitrogen concentration in the inflow was around 150 mg‐N·L−1, the envelopes removed approximately 60–80% of the total nitrogen, and the maximum nitrogen removal rate was 5.0 g‐N·day−1 per square meter of the gel surface. This value corresponded to the volumetric nitrogen removal performance of 0.109 kg‐N·m−3·day−1. In each envelope, a high utilization efficiency of the electron donor was attained, although more than the double amount of the electron donor was empirically injected in the present activated sludge system to achieve denitrification when compared with the theoretical value. The bioreactor using the envelopes would be extremely effective as an additional denitrification system because these envelopes can be easily installed in the vacant spaces of preinstalled water treatment systems, without requiring additional facilities for removing surplus ethanol and sludge. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97:1439–1447. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the insulin binding, uptake and endogeneous insulin content in long‐ and short‐term starvation in Tetrahymena
Authors: Csaba G. , Kovács P. , Pállinger Éva
Published: January 2007

FITC‐insulin binding and endogeneous insulin content of Tetrahymena pyriformis, that had been 24 h or 30 min starved, continuously fed or re‐fed after starvation was studied by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Long starvation elevated both insulin binding and endogeneous insulin content of the cells. Short re‐feeding after long starvation or short starvation after continuous feeding does not change the situation. Fixed cells also bind FITC‐insulin, however, in this case long starvation reduces, and re‐feeding after long starvation elevates, the binding, which means that hormone binding by receptors only differs from receptor binding and engulfment (in living cells). The increase of FITC‐insulin content in living cells seems to be due to engulfment, rather than by receptor binding. The results point to the unicellular organism's requirement for insulin production and binding in a life‐threatening stress situation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
External validity of ST elevation myocardial infarction trials: The Zwolle studies
Authors: Rasoul Saman , Ottervanger Jan Paul , Dambrink Jan‐Henk E. , Boer Menko‐Jan de , Hoorntje Jan C.A. , Gosselink A.T. Marcel , Zijlstra Felix , Suryapranata Harry , van 't Hof Arnoud W.J.
Published: January 2007

Background: Guidelines are mainly based upon results of randomised controlled clinical trials. However, due to low external validity of these trials, their results can not reasonably be applied to all patients in routine practice. In our hospital, all patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are eligible for inclusion in one of our ongoing trials or registries. To asses differences between patients enrolled versus not‐enrolled in a trial or registry, we evaluated all patients with a discharge diagnose of STEMI during the study period. Methods: Retrospectively, individual patient data from all patients with a discharge diagnosis of STEMI between Jan 2001 and Dec 2001 were evaluated. Follow‐up data were obtained until Dec 2004. Results: A total of 583 patients were discharged with a diagnosis of STEMI. About 455 (78%) patients were enrolled in one of the ongoing clinical trials or registry and 128 were not. Not‐enrolled patients were significantly older; more often had a history of previous MI and had higher risk profiles. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher age was the only independent predictor for non enrolment. Not‐enrolled patients were more often treated conservatively and had a higher mortality rate (36% vs. 6%, P << 0.001). After multivariate analysis, nonenrolment (OR: 95% CI) 4.02 (1.98–8.16), age 1.07 (1.04–1.12), and diabetes 2.39 (1.17–4.89) were the only independent predictors of long term mortality. Conclusions: This study shows important differences in baseline characteristics, treatment, and prognosis between patients with STEMI who were enrolled or not in a trial. To better reflect daily clinical practice, guidelines should also consider results of observational studies of unselected patients. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Total Solution of the Gibilaro and Rowe Model for a Segregating Fluidized Bed
Authors: Leaper M. C. , King A. C. , Burbidge A. S.
Published: January 2007

This study re‐examines the one‐dimensional equilibrium model of Gibilaro and Rowe (1974) for a segregating gas fluidized bed. The model was based on volumetric jetsam concentration and divided the bed contents into bulk and wake phases, taking account of bulk and wake flux, segregation, exchange between the bulk and wake phases, and axial mixing. Due to the complex nature of the model and its unstable solution, the lack of computing power at the time prevented the authors from doing little more than the analytical solutions to specific cases of this model. This paper provides a numerical total solution and allows the effect of the respective parameters to be compared for the first time. There is also a comparison with experimental results, which showed a reasonable agreement.
Removal of Gas Pollutants of a Thermal Oxidizer with a Dynamic Scrubber
Authors: Bagheri S. R. , Jamshidi E. , Najafabadi A.
Published: January 2007

The absorption of gas pollutants including CO2, CO, NO, NO2, SO2, and H2S from the exhaust of a paint recuperative oxidizer into NaOH solution has been studied using an industrial scale dynamic scrubber. Experimental results show the influence of the absorbent concentration on the pollutant removal efficiency. The best removal efficiencies of CO2, CO, NO, NO2, SO2, and H2S were 79, 80, 80, 100, 75 and 88 %, respectively, with 2 % NaOH as the absorbent. A comparison of these results with previous studies shows that the liquid‐to‐gas flow rate ratio (FL/FG) in this dynamic scrubber is much smaller than for traditional NaOH scrubbers and spray dryers.
Technical/Economical Evaluation of Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysis for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Sarrouh B. F. , Silva S. S. , Santos D. T. , Converti A.
Published: January 2007

In an attempt at improving bioethanol production, a bench‐scale comparison has been performed between the traditional one‐step process of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysis with 70 % sulfuric acid, and a modified operation including a second step with more dilute acid, at higher temperature. The influence of the reaction time, the percentage of solids in the sugarcane bagasse suspension and temperature on the hydrolysis efficiency, was investigated. Although the modified protocol allows for an appreciable improvement in the yield of conversion to fermentable sugars in comparison to the one‐step hydrolysis, a technical/economical analysis demonstrated that it would demand higher production costs and a longer payback period. Therefore, the latter process should be recommended for the setting up of a pilot plant with a production capacity of 80 m3 of alcohol per day.
Analysis of antigen‐specific antibodies and their isotypes in experimental malaria
Authors: van der Heyde Henri C. , Burns James M. , Weidanz William P. , Horn John , Gramaglia Irene , Nolan John P.
Published: January 2007

Background

Measuring antibody production in response to antigen exposure or vaccination is key to disease prevention and treatment. Our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the antibody response is limited by a lack of sensitive analysis methods. We address this limitation using multiplexed microsphere arrays for the semi ‐quantitative analysis of antibody production in response to malaria infection.

Methods

We used microspheres as solid supports on which to capture and analyze circulating antibodies. Antigen immobilized on beads captured antigen‐specific antibodies for semi‐ quantitative analysis using fluorescent secondary antibodies. Anti‐immunoglobulin antibodies on beads captured specific antibody isotypes for affinity estimation using fluorescent antigen.

Results

Antigen‐mediated capture of plasma antibodies enables determination of antigen‐specific antibody “titer,” a semi‐quantitative parameter describing a convolution of antibody abundance and avidity, as well as parameters describing numbers of antibodies bound/bead at saturation and the plasma concentration‐dependent approach to saturation. Results were identical in single‐plex and multiplex assays, and in qualitative agreement with similar parameters derived from ELISA‐based assays. Isotype‐specific antibody‐mediated capture of plasma antibodies allowed the estimation of the affinity of antibody for antigen.

Conclusion

Analysis of antibody responses using microspheres and flow cytometry offer significant advantages in speed, sample size, and quantification over standard ELISA‐based titer methods. © 2007 International Society for Analytical Cytology.
Taking Up the Cudgels for Perchlorates: Uses and Applications in Organic Reactions under Mild Conditions
Authors: Bartoli Giuseppe , Locatelli Manuela , Melchiorre Paolo , Sambri Letizia
Published: January 2007

Metal perchlorates are compounds of great chemical interest since they possess some unique properties, such as high electronegativity and relatively low charge density, poor complexing ability, high solubility in various organic solvents, and kinetic stability under mild conditions. Besides providing polar media when dissolved in solvents, metal perchlorates have recently found wide employment as Lewis acid promoters in various organic transformations, both in the development of new techniques for known and widely used reactions and in promotion of new kinds of reactivity. This paper presents a general overview of the more recent uses of lithium, magnesium, zinc, and nickel perchlorates, underlining the fact that such perchlorates are quite safe chemical products under mild conditions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Fmoc‐Protected Altritol Phosphoramidite Building Blocks and Their Application in the Synthesis of Altritol Nucleic Acids (ANAs)
Authors: Abramov Mikhail , Schepers Guy , Van Aerschot Arthur , Herdewijn Piet
Published: January 2007

Fmoc‐protected altritol nucleoside phosphoramidite building blocks with adenine, guanine, thymine, uracil, cytosine and 5‐methylcytosine as bases have been synthesized. These building blocks were used for the synthesis of altritol nucleic acid (ANA) and chimeric ANA‐RNA oligonucleotides. Whilst the yields of oligonucleotides were lower than those obtained with 3′‐O‐benzoyl‐protected altritol building blocks, the excellent compatibility with Pac‐RNA chemistry for the synthesis of chimeric oligonucleotides makes Fmoc a valuable protecting group for the secondary alcohol functions of the sugar moieties of nucleosides for oligonucleotide synthesis.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A numerical method for one‐dimensional compressible multiphase flows on moving meshes
Authors: Saurel Richard , Massoni Jacques , Renaud François
Published: January 2007

This paper is devoted to the numerical approximation of a hyperbolic non‐equilibrium multiphase flow model with different velocities on moving meshes. Such goal poses several difficulties. The presence of different flow velocities in conjunction with cell velocities poses difficulties for upwinding fluxes. Another issue is related to the presence of non‐conservative terms. To solve these difficulties, the discrete equations method (J. Comput. Phys. 2003; 186(2):361–396; J. Fluid. Mech. 2003; 495:283–321; J. Comput. Phys. 2004; 196:490–538; J. Comput. Phys. 2005; 205:567–610) is employed and generalized to the context of moving cells. The complementary conservation laws, available for the mixture, are used to determine the velocities of the cells boundaries. With these extensions, an accurate and robust multiphase flow method on moving meshes is obtained and validated over several test problems with exact or experimental solutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue‐preserving approach to extracting DNA from paraffin‐embedded specimens using tissue microarray technology
Authors: Prince Mark E. , Ubell Mathew L. , Castro Jason , Ogawa Haruko , Ogawa Tetsuya , Narayan Ajita , Paulino Augusto , Cole Andrew , Wolf Gregory T. , Rubin Mark A. , Lyons Robert H. , Bradford Carol R. , Carey Thomas E.
Published: January 2007

Background.

DNA extracted from tumor cells or normal cells contained in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues is widely used in many laboratories. The 2 most common procedures to isolate cells for DNA extraction from paraffin‐embedded tissues are scalpel microdissection and laser capture microdissection. A new tissue‐ and time‐conserving method for rapid DNA isolation from small cores taken from paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks is described in this report.

Methods.

DNA was extracted from small tissue cores collected from paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks at the time of tissue microarray construction. The quality and quantity of the DNA extracted was compared to DNA collected by scalpel microdissection. DNA collected from tissue cores was used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis.

Results.

The quality and quantity of DNA obtained using tissue cores was comparable to DNA obtained by traditional methods. The tissue core method of DNA extraction preserves the tissue blocks from which the cores are extracted for future use. Adequate quantities of DNA can be successfully extracted from small segments of tissue cores and used for PCR. DNA isolated by tissue microdissection and the tissue core method were comparable when used to assess allelic heterozygosity on chromosome arm 18q.

Conclusion.

The tissue core method of DNA isolation is reliable, tissue conserving, and time effective. Tissue cores for DNA extraction can be harvested at the same time as tissue microarray construction. The technique has the advantage of preserving the original tissue blocks for additional study as only tiny cores are removed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
Necrotizing fasciitis as a late complication of multimodal treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer: A case report
Authors: Maluf Fernando C. , William, William N. , Rigato Otelo , Menon Antonio D. , Parise, Orlando , Docema Marcos F. L.
Published: January 2007

Background.

Late complications of novel organ preservation multimodal protocols for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer may be underreported in the literature.

Methods and Results.

We present the case of a 64‐year‐old man with T4 N0 M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, who enrolled on an organ‐preservation protocol at our institution. He received 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine, docetaxel, and carboplatin, followed by 2 more identical cycles given concurrently with radiotherapy. Nine months later, he was admitted to the hospital with Streptococcus pyogenes necrotizing fasciitis of the cervical region, leading to rapidly progressive septic shock.

Conclusions.

Severe infectious complications of chemoradiation for locally advanced head and neck cancer may occur months after completion of treatment. The recognition of these late side effects is crucial so as to accurately ascertain the long‐term morbidity and benefits of organ‐preservation protocols in this setting. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
In vitro evaluation of a double‐membrane–based voice‐producing element for laryngectomized patients
Authors: Tack Johannes W. , Rakhorst Gerhard , van der Houwen Eduard B. , Mahieu Hans F. , Verkerke Gijsbertus J.
Published: January 2007

Background.

A sound generator based on a double‐membrane design that fits into a regular tracheoesophageal shunt valve may improve voice quality after total laryngectomy in patients rehabilitated with surgical voice prostheses.

Methods.

Voice‐producing element (VPE) prototypes were manufactured using medical grade biocompatible materials and tested in vitro under physiological conditions.

Results.

Basic sound, containing multiple harmonics, was successfully produced under physiologic air pressure and airflow conditions. The fundamental frequency and sound pressure level (SPL) is controlled by changing the driving pressure, thus enabling sufficient intonation for day‐to‐day speech. The obtained frequency range (190–350 Hz) is appropriate for producing a female voice. The low noise‐to‐harmonics ratio (mean 0.15) and also the efficiency of sound production (5.5 × 10−5 at 80 dB(A) and 0.15 m microphone distance) is comparable to that of normal vocal folds.

Conclusions.

Functional restoration of the voice after laryngectomy with a double‐membrane VPE appears to be a feasible concept for female laryngectomized patients with a hypotonic, or atonic pharyngoesophageal segment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
Angiomatous type of jugular foramen meningioma with neck extension: Differential diagnosis from paraganglioma and schwannoma
Authors: Chen Zeng‐Chang , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Hsiao Jong‐Kai , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Tseng Ham‐Min , Yao Yu‐Tung
Published: January 2007

Background.

Meningiomas involving the jugular foramen and parapharyngeal space are extremely rare. They most commonly occur intracranially and then extend to the extracranial region through the foramen of the skull base, such as jugular foramen. Clinically, these tumors mimic the more common glomus jugulare tumor. Preoperative diagnosis can be correct on the basis of the characteristic imaging findings.

Methods.

A 52‐year‐old woman was seen with a left neck mass and mixed‐type hearing loss. She underwent physical examination, MRI, high‐resolution CT, and angiography.

Results.

Physical examination revealed a retrotympanic, pulsatile red mass in the left ear, and mild bulging of the left oropharyngeal wall. The patient was found to have the spreading, carpet‐like, meningioma with extracranial extensions via jugular foramen to parapharyngeal space. Preoperative imaging strategy allowing accurate preoperative diagnosis is discussed.

Conclusions.

Accurate distinction between meningioma and glomus tumor or schwannoma is possible in most cases, with attention to fine radiologic detail. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007
What drives home bias? Evidence from fund managers' views
Authors: Lütje Torben , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: January 2007

A new survey of fund managers reveals home bias for these sophisticated investors in a setting being unrestricted by customer preferences or legal requirements. We confirm informational and behavioural determinants of home bias and find them to hold simultaneously. Further examinations of potential characteristics of home biased fund managers show that the perceived informational advantage does not need to be valid. Multivariate analyses indicate home bias being related to relative return optimism, overconfidence, higher age, lower bonus and less experience. Therefore, behavioural determinants contribute usefully towards an explanation of the home bias puzzle. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective cell proliferation can be controlled with CPC particle coatings
Authors: Szivek J.A. , Margolis D.S. , Schnepp A.B. , Grana W.A. , Williams S.K.
Published: January 2007

To develop implantable, engineered, cartilage constructs supported by a scaffold, techniques to encourage rapid tissue growth into, and on the scaffold are essential. Preliminary studies indicated that human endothelial cells proliferated at different rates on different calcium phosphate ceramic (CPC) particles. Judicious selection of particles may encourage specific cell proliferation, leading to an ordered growth of tissues for angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis. The goal of this study was to identify CPC surfaces that encourage bone and vascular cell growth, and other surfaces that support chondrocyte growth while inhibiting proliferation of vascular cells. Differences in bone and vascular cell proliferation were observed when using epoxy without embedded CPCs to encourage bone cells, and when three CPCs were tested, which encouraged vascular cell proliferation. One of these (CPC 7) also substantially depressed cartilage cell proliferation. Only one small‐diameter crystalline CPC (CPC 2) supported rapid chondrocyte proliferation, and maintained the cartilage cell phenotype. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
Hemocompatibility of high strength oxide ceramic materials: An in vitro study
Authors: Fischer Horst , Luk Maria , Oedekoven Bernward , Telle Rainer , Mottaghy Khosrow
Published: January 2007

High strength oxide ceramic materials like alumina and zirconia are frequently used for artificial joints because of their biocompatibility and high wear resistance. Their suitability as materials for implants and biomedical devices with direct blood contact, such as cardiovascular implants or components for blood pumps and dialyzers, has not been confirmed to date. The objective of this study was to investigate whether oxide ceramics show sufficient hemocompatibility. Dense specimens were made out of alumina, zirconia, titanium oxide, and aluminum titanate. Polyvinylchloride and silicone were additionally tested as reference materials. Interactions of human blood with the surfaces were studied by investigating partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombin antithrombin III complex (TAT), free plasma hemoglobin concentration, complete blood count, complement factor 5a, and protein adsorption. The results from the PTT and TAT tests clearly indicated higher blood activation by the ceramic materials when compared to the two polymer materials. However, alumina and zirconia showed lower C5a concentrations and less protein adsorption than the reference materials. Our results revealed that oxide ceramic materials alone cannot be used for implants in direct blood contact without modification of the ceramic surface, for example, by made‐to‐measure inert nanocoatings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2007
On the molecular electron structure of three phosphinine‐containing macrocycles
Authors: Ferro V. R. , López R. , Omar S. , De La Vega J. M. García
Published: January 2007

A broad set of structural models and theoretical methods has been successfully used for studying both the molecular electron structure of the silacalix[3]phosphinine and the changes of the macrocycle core under the conditions that frequently correspond to its complexes with metals. The macrocycle core of the silacalix[3]phosphinine and its neutral derivatives are strongly deviated from the main molecular plane. The phosphorous electron lone pairs and the π‐cloud of the phosphinine units give the main contribution to the electron valence structure in the silacalix[3]phosphinine and also in its both oxidized and reduced derivatives. Although the electron lone pairs of the P atoms tend to be strongly repulsive, they are either totally or partially extended above all the fragment of the phosphorous atoms depending on geometrical factors or even strongly coupled with the π‐cloud of the phosphinine units. Electronic processes that take away part of the electron density from the macrocyle favor both its planar configuration and the asymmetric distribution of the valence electrons in the silacalix[3]phosphinine and its derivatives. The limit condition to this effect is the appearance of a new in‐plane σ molecular orbital between the P atoms of two neighboring phosphinine units. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
Castration of male C57L/J mice increases susceptibility and estrogen treatment restores resistance to Theiler's virus‐induced demyelinating disease
Authors: Fuller Alyson , Yahikozawa Hiroyuki , So Eui Young , Dal Canto Mauro , Koh Chang‐Sung , Welsh C. Jane , Kim Byung S.
Published: January 2007

Intracerebral inoculation of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) results in immune‐mediated demyelination in selective mouse strains. We have previously demonstrated that the males of C57L mice are significantly more susceptible to TMEV‐induced demyelinating disease. To assess further the hormonal influence for this gender‐associated differential susceptibility, estrogen‐treated, castrated C57L mice were infected with TMEV and compared with sham‐operated and/or placebo‐treated mice. Interestingly, castration further elevated the susceptibility to virally induced demyelinating disease compared with sham‐castrated control mice, and prolonged treatment of castrated mice with estrogen restored the resistance to the level of control mice. These results strongly suggest that sex hormone levels contribute to the gender‐biased susceptibility to TMEV‐induced demyelinating disease. Mice treated with estrogen showed a significantly decreased level of virus‐specific Th1 responses both in the periphery and in the CNS. In addition, in vitro estrogen treatment was able to inhibit viral replication directly in macrophages, consistent with the lower level of viral RNA in microglia/macrophages in the CNS from castrated estrogen‐treated mice compared with controls. Also, estrogen treatment inhibited VCAM‐1 expression induced by tumor necrosis factor‐α in cerebral vascular endothelial (CVE) cells via inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB (NFκB), which is produced in various glial cells upon TMEV infection. Overall, estrogen treatment appears to exert its effects on viral replication, induction of immune responses, as well as infiltration of activated immune cells into the CNS via inhibition of NFκB function. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.