bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on mechanical characterization and water resistance of glass fiber/thermoplastic polymer bionanocomposites
Authors: Kord Behzad
Published: September 2011

This experimental work is aimed at studying the performance of rice husk flour/glass fiber reinforced high density polyethylene hybrid nanocomposites. To meet this objective, the nanoclay was compounded with high density polyethylene (HDPE), rice husk flour (RF), glass fiber, and coupling agent in an internal mixer; then, the samples were fabricated by injection molding. The concentration was varied from 0 to 6 per hundred compounds for nanoclay and from 0 to 15% for glass fiber, individually. The amount of coupling agent was fixed at 2% for all formulations. The morphology, water absorption, thickness swelling, and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were evaluated as a function of nanoclay and glass fiber contents. The results indicated that both modulus and strength were improved when glass fibers were added to the composites system but impact strength and moisture absorption further decreased with the increase of glass fiber content. The morphology of the nanocomposites has been examined by using X‐ray diffraction. The morphological findings revealed that the nanocomposites formed were intercalated. The mechanical analysis showed that the biggest improvement of the tensile and flexural modulus and strengths can be achieved for the nanoclay loading at 4 per hundred compounds. However, further increasing of the loading of nanoclay resulted in a decrease of impact strength. Finally, it was found that addition of nanoclay reduced the water absorption and thickness swelling of the composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Atomic force microscopy studies of poly(methyl methacrylate) doped with photoinitiator
Authors: Kaczmarek Halina , Gałka Piotr , Szalla Aleksandra
Published: September 2011

Atomic force microscopy has been applied for measuring the nanomechanical characteristics of poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films containing 5% photoinitiator (Irgacure 651). The nanohardness, Young's modulus, and adhesion to AFM tip have been evaluated for the unexposed samples and after UV‐irradiation. Additionally, FTIR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been applied to explain the observed changes in nanomechanical properties. It was found that the exposure to ultraviolet changed the nanomechanical properties of polymer because of photo‐oxidative degradation and relaxation processes. These studies lead to the conclusion that the applied photoinitiator has no noticeable effect on nanohardness and Young modulus during PMMA irradiation, but efficiently participates in polymer photo‐oxidation increasing the surface hydrophilicity and adhesion to Si3N4. Moreover, the initiator hampers the relaxation of PMMA macromolecules, what was proved by DSC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of high‐performance epoxy resin based on disiloxane and 4,4′‐oxybis(benzoic acid) ester
Authors: Wang Zheng , Jiang Jie , Zhang Dunming , Cheng Rongshi
Published: September 2011

Epoxy‐terminated siloxane‐contained resin (BCDS/OBBA‐ETS) with high tensile strength and lap shear strength as well as good thermal stability was synthesized and characterized by 1H‐NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Carboxy‐capped disiloxane‐4,4′‐oxybis (benzoic acid) ester oligomer (BCDS/OBBA) was firstly prepared from the reaction between 1,3‐bis(chloromethyl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl‐disiloxane and 4,4′‐oxybis(benzoic acid) (OBBA) in N,N‐dimethylformamide in the presence of triethylamine. Then, the BCDS/OBBA oligomer was reacted with epichlorohydrin to obtain the title BCDS/OBBA‐ETS resin. Cured with liquid polyamide L‐651, or diethylenetriamine, the mechanical and thermal properties as well as the lap shear strength of the BCDS/OBBA‐ETS resin were evaluated. The results indicated that the BCDS/OBBA‐ETS resin exhibited good thermal stability below 200°C, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) was about 64°C after cured with L‐651. The tensile strength of same cured BCDS/OBBA‐ETS resin was 27.46 MPa with a stain at break of 42.11%, and the lap shear strength for bonding stainless steel was 18.59 MPa. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Thermal degradation and crystallization behavior of blend‐based nanocomposites: Role of clay network formation
Authors: Seyfi Javad , Hejazi Iman , Mohamad Sadeghi Gity Mir , Davachi Seyed Mohammad , Ghanbar Sadegh
Published: September 2011

The main goal of this study is to explicate the exact role of nanoclay particles on thermal degradation mechanism and crystallization behavior of blend‐based nanocomposites. Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) nanocomposites, as a simple model, were prepared via melt mixing in an internal batch mixer. X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy tests show that a relatively good dispersion of silicate layers was obtained in the system. On the addition of nanoclay, a remarkable reduction in rubber domain size was observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis shows that nanoclay particles can retard thermal decomposition process. Thermal degradation kinetic studies, using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method, reveal that addition of nanoclay contents higher than 1 wt % changes the mechanism of thermal degradation. A mechanism was proposed to explain this phenomenon based on SEM images of char residues. Non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of samples was investigated using differential scanning calorimeter. The unexpected reduction in crystallinity of TPO nanocomposites containing 5 wt % nanoclay was explained using rheometry analysis and attributed to the formation of stable percolated clay networks in this sample. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Analysis of whitening phenomenon of EPDM article by humid aging
Authors: Choi Sung‐Seen , Chung Hye‐Seung , Joo Yong‐Tae , Yang Kyung‐Mo , Lee Seong‐Hoon
Published: September 2011

An ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) article used for a car component was aged in 80°C humid air (60% relative humidity) for 30 days and in 80°C tap water for 7 days. The aged sample surfaces were changed to white. The aged sample surfaces were analyzed using GC/MS, image analyzer, SEM, EDX, and ATR‐FTIR. Calcium stearate was found on the aged sample surface. To confirm the whitening phenomenon, three sulfur‐cured EPDM composites with different reinforcing systems (talc/carbon black, calcium carbonate/carbon black, and clay/carbon black) and one resole‐cured EPDM composite were prepared and aged in 90°C tap water for 7 days. The sulfur‐cured EPDM composites contained stearic acid, whereas the resole‐cured EPDM composite did not contain stearic acid. Whitening occurred in the sulfur‐cured EPDM samples irrespective of the filler systems but the aged resole‐cured EPDM composite surface was not changed. The whitening was due to the formation of calcium stearate as a result of reaction between calcium cation and stearic acid. The calcium cation came from humid air and tap water, while the stearic acid came from the sulfur‐cured EPDM samples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
One‐step process for desizing and bleaching of cotton fabrics using the combination of amylase and glucose oxidase enzymes
Authors: Saravanan D. , Sivasaravanan S. , Sudharshan Prabhu M. , Vasanthi N. S. , Senthil Raja K. , Das Arunava , Ramachandran T.
Published: September 2011

Bacterial α amylases, widely used in the desizing of the gray cotton fabrics, convert the starch present in the warp yarns into glucose, a reducing sugar. An attempt has been made to convert the glucose released by amylases in the desizing process into hydrogen peroxide using glucose oxidase enzymes and use the hydrogen peroxide for bleaching of cotton fabrics, in a single step. Conversion of glucose, into hydrogen peroxide, is influenced by aeration of the reaction bath and concentration of the glucose oxidase. Significant improvement in the whiteness and absorbency, reduction in the extractable impurities and clear surface morphology were also observed in the samples obtained from the one‐step process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Polyindene/organo‐montmorillonite conducting nanocomposites. I. Synthesis, characterization, and electrokinetic properties
Authors: Guzel Serkan , Unal Halil Ibrahim , Erol Ozlem , Sari Bekir
Published: September 2011

In this study, Na‐montmorillonite was organically modified with cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) and intercalated with in‐situ polymerized indene. Polyindene(PIn)/Organo‐MMT nanocomposites were obtained with three different compositions and coded as: K1: [PIn(94.5%)/O‐MMT(5.5%)], K2: [PIn(92.8%)/O‐MMT(7.2%)], and K3: [PIn(87.9%)/O‐MMT(12.1%)]. These nanocomposites were subjected to full characterization with various techniques. Electrokinetic studies were conducted to reveal the zeta (ζ)‐potential characteristics of the nanocomposites. ζ‐potentials of the materials were observed to decrease with increasing O‐MMT content. The cationic (CTAB) and anionic (sodium dodecylsulfate) surfactants were shifted the ζ‐potentials of the colloidal dispersions to more positive and more negative regions, respectively whereas nonionic surfactant (Triton X‐100) caused almost no change. The pH and temperature were observed to shift the ζ‐potential values of the nanocomposites to more negative and slightly more positive regions, respectively. With the addition of mono (NaCl), di (BaCl2) and three (AlCl3) valent salts, the ζ‐potential of the nanocomposites were shifted to more negative, more positive, and much more positive regions, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Interface electric field of carbon black loaded electrode and its significant influence on charge injection into polyethylene
Authors: Xiao Chun , Zhang Yewen , An Zhenlian , Zheng Feihu , Wei Wenjie , Xuan Huayun
Published: September 2011

Experimental results show that much more charge injection occurs from nanocarbon black loaded ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer semiconductor electrode (semiconductor electrode for short) into polyethylene (PE) than that from metal electrodes, which cannot be well explained from the existing viewpoints. To explain it, the difference in interface electrical contact between the semiconductor electrode/PE and metal electrode/PE is emphasized. The interface electrical field of the semiconductor electrode with PE is quasi‐quantitatively evaluated, based on a proposed model electrode composed of orderly arranged conductive spheres and ideal filling dielectric, whose interface electrical field was calculated by the finite element method. The calculation results show that the field strength near the top of the conductive spheres is much higher than the uniform strength between two ideal plane electrodes, depending on the filling rate and the size of the conductive spheres. A high filling rate of the conductive spheres is favorable to decrease the maximum interface field, and the strong field range can be effectively reduced by decreasing the size of the conductive spheres. The simulation results give a qualitative satisfactory explanation of the much more charge injection for the sample with the semiconductor electrode than those for the samples with metal electrodes from the point of view of the interface electric field. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
High‐viscosity polylactide prepared by in situ reaction of carboxyl‐ended polyester and solid epoxy
Authors: Zhang Jiuli , Li Guan , Su Yaozhen , Qi Rongrong , Ye Dandan , Yu Juan , Huang Shuangwu
Published: September 2011

To extend the potential applications of polylactide (PLA) in film blowing, foaming, thermal molding, and so on, the high‐viscosity PLA composites with various compositions of carboxyl‐ended polyester (CP) and solid epoxy (SE) have been successfully prepared by an in situ reaction blending process. Their rheological properties, crystallization behaviors, tensile properties, and morphologies have been investigated in detail. The results show that the complex viscosity η*, G′, and G″ at low‐frequency region and the tensile strength of PLA composites are obviously improved with the addition of CP/SE, but the nonisothermal crystallization of PLA component is hindered. SEM reveals that some microphase separations existed in the as‐prepared composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of Some Novel D‐Glucuronic Acid Acetylated Derivatives as Potential Anti‐Tumor Agents
Authors: El‐Nezhawy Ahmed O. H. , Adly Frady G. , Eweas Ahmed F. , Hanna Atef G. , El‐Kholy Yehya M. , El‐Sayed Shahenaz H. , El‐Naggar Tarek B. A.
Published: September 2011

A structurally diverse series of Δ4,5‐uronamide derivatives have been chemically synthesized starting from D‐glucuronic acid itself by means of acetylation, activation, amide bond formation and base‐catalyzed elimination protocols. Structure elucidation for all products along with optimization of the synthetic steps is described. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in‐vitro anti‐tumor activity against MCF‐7, TK‐10 and UACC‐62 cell lines. The compounds 5, 11, 13, 15 and 16 were the most active against TK‐10 cell line. On the other hand, the most active compounds against the MCF‐7 cell line were 11 and 15. However, compounds 5, 7, 11, 13, 15 and 16 were the most active against the UACC‐62 cell line.
Visual approaches and photography for the study of immediate information space
Authors: Hartel Jenna , Thomson Leslie
Published: September 2011

This methods‐oriented paper introduces visual methods and specifically photography to study immediate information space (Lee, 2003); that is, information‐rich settings such as offices or homes. It draws upon the authors' firsthand ethnographic field experiences, a review of relevant theoretical and methodological literature, and an analysis of cases within information studies that have made use of visual and photographic techniques. To begin, the traditions of visual research within anthropology and sociology are traced and major epistemological, methodological, and disciplinary debates associated with visual scholarship are presented. Then, investigations of immediate information space that utilize photography are analyzed, including examples from the areas of personal information management, health informatics, information behavior, and computer‐supported cooperative work. Moreover, a section entitled “Applying Photographic Techniques…” supplies guidelines for employing photography in a research design, as well as a question‐based research framework and tips for photographing information phenomena.
Biofunctional Silicon Nanoparticles by Means of Thiol‐Ene Click Chemistry
Authors: Ruizendaal Loes , Pujari Sidharam P. , Gevaerts Veronique , Paulusse Jos M. J. , Zuilhof Han
Published: September 2011

The preparation and characterization of butylene‐terminated silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) and their functionalization using thiol‐ene chemistry is described, as well as the coupling of DNA strands. Bromide‐terminated SiNPs were prepared by means of the oxidation of magnesium silicide and functionalized with butylene chains through treatment with the corresponding Grignard reagent. The successful coupling was confirmed by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. TEM measurements revealed a silicon‐core diameter of (2.4±0.5) nm. The fluorescence emission maximum is at λmax=525 nm when excited at λexc=430 nm. The conjugation of these alkene‐terminated SiNPs by means of thiol‐ene chemistry is described for a variety of functional thiols. Efficient coupling was evidenced by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, the characteristic fluorescence properties of the SiNPs remained unaltered, thus demonstrating the value of this approach towards functional oxide‐free SiNPs. Activation of the attached carboxylic acid moieties allowed for conjugation of NH2‐terminated oligo‐ssDNA (ss=single strand) to the SiNPs. Successful coupling was confirmed by a characteristic new UV absorption band at 260 nm, and by the still‐present distinctive fluorescence of the SiNPs at 525 nm. Gel electrophoresis confirmed coupling of 2 to 3 DNA strands onto the SiNPs, whereas no uncoupled DNA was observed.
10 Years of Click Chemistry: Synthesis and Applications of Ferrocene‐Derived Triazoles
Authors: Ganesh Venkataraman , Sudhir V. Sai , Kundu Taraknath , Chandrasekaran Srinivasan
Published: September 2011

Click chemistry has played a significant role as a rapid and versatile strategy for conjugating two molecular fragments under very mild reaction conditions. Introduction of ferrocene‐derived triazole systems using click chemistry has attracted enormous interest in various fields due to its potential applications in electrochemical techniques for detection and sensing. The present discussion focuses on the synthesis of ferrocene–triazole and the importance of using a CuAAC reaction for such conjugation. Applications of ferrocene‐based click reactions in conjugate chemistry, asymmetric catalysis, medicinal chemistry, host–guest interactions, and materials chemistry have been highlighted.
Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) production by Bacillus cereus SPV using sugarcane molasses as the main carbon source
Authors: Akaraonye Everest , Moreno Catalina , Knowles Jonathan C. , Keshavarz Tajalli , Roy Ipsita
Published: September 2011

The main hindrance in the use of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a replacement for existing petroleum‐based plastics is their high production cost. The carbon source accounts for 50% of the cost for PHA production. Thus, increasing the yield and productivity of PHAs on cheap substrates is an important challenge for biotechnologists to support the commercialization and further applications of these polymers. In this study, we have investigated the use of an agricultural raw material, sugarcane molasses, as the main carbon source for poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) production by Bacillus cereus SPV. These studies were carried out in both shaken flasks and 2 L bioreactors. Various conditions were evaluated for their effects on biomass and P(3HB) accumulation. A high polymer yield was obtained, 61.07% dry cell weight (DCW) in a 1 L shaken flask study and 51.37% DCW in a 2 L fermenter study. These yields are 50% higher than previously observed with Bacillus cereus SPV. Hence, the results are encouraging and show that sugarcane molasses are a promising carbon source for an economical and commercially viable production of P(3HB).
Use of Oxyma as pH modulatory agent to be used in the prevention of base‐driven side reactions and its effect on 2‐chlorotrityl chloride resin
Authors: Subirós‐Funosas Ramon , El‐Faham Ayman , Albericio Fernando
Published: September 2011

The presence of low pKa N‐hydroxylamines is beneficial in peptide chemistry as they reduce some base‐mediated side reactions. Here we evaluated the applicability and buffering capacity of Ethyl 2‐cyano‐2‐(hydroxyimino) acetate (Oxyma) in the prevention of aspartimide/piperidide formation and Pro‐based overcoupling and compared it with the performance of HOBt and HOAt. In addition, the compatibility of these additives with the highly acid‐labile 2‐chlorotrityl chloride resin is examined. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 98: 89–97, 2012.
Jejunal diverticulum with ectopic pancreatic mucosa: Was it really a Meckel's diverticulum?
Authors: Thomas Rachel A.B. , Gibson Simon , Paul Maxine , McDonald Stuart W.
Published: September 2011

We report the case of a 72‐year‐old man who underwent surgery for a jejunal intussusception caused by an infarcted mass on the antimesenteric surface of the small bowel approximately 90 cm from the duodenojejunal flexure. The specimen was reported as an infarcted diverticulum containing heterotopic pancreatic mucosa in keeping with infarcted Meckel's diverticulum. We initially wished to establish when the term “Meckel's diverticulum” should be used. The anatomical site in the present case argues against this being a Meckel's diverticulum, a remnant from the mid‐gut loop. Non‐Meckelian diverticula are usually acquired and often multiple and generally occur on the mesenteric border of the bowel. It is rare for them to contain ectopic mucosa. The diverticulum in our patient thus has features which suggest it may have been congenital. We believe our patient had a rare occurrence of a congenital, but non‐Meckelian, diverticulum with associated ectopic epithelium. Clin. Anat. 25:509–512, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accessory eye muscle in a young boy with external ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Krasny A. , Lutz S. , Gramsch C. , Diepenbruck S. , Schlamann M.
Published: September 2011

A seven‐year‐old boy presented to the neuropediatric clinic with right‐sided ptosis, external ophthalmoplegia, and mental retardation. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed anomalous soft tissue within the intraconal region, which was interpreted as an atavistic retractor bulbi muscle. In patients with external ophthalmoplegia and ptosis, anatomic variations observed in MRI should be given due consideration. In fact, knowledge about rare anatomical anomalies may contribute to a more accurate diagnosis of such ocular symptoms. Clin. Anat. 24:948–949, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of estrogen on pulmonary arterial hypertension: role of oxidative stress
Authors: Siqueira R. , Campos C. , Colombo R. , Becker C. U. , Fernandes T. R. G. , Araújo A. S. R. , Belló‐Klein A.
Published: September 2011

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that increases the pulmonary vascular resistance, causing hypertrophy and subsequent right heart failure. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of PAH, and estrogen is considered an antioxidant. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that estrogen could attenuate PAH by modulating oxidative stress. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized or suffered the surgery simulation (sham). After 7 days, subcutaneous pellets with 17β‐estradiol or sunflower oil were implanted. At this time, PAH was induced by means of a single dose of monocrotaline (MCT) (60 mg·kg‐1 i.p.). The experimental groups were as follows: (1) sham, (2) sham + MCT, (3) ovariectomy (O), (4) ovariectomy + MCT (OM), (5) ovariectomy + estrogen replacement + MCT (ORM). Hemodynamic measurements were performed 21 days after MCT or saline. Nonovariectomized animals were assessed in the stage of diestrus. Afterwards, the rats were killed to collect the heart, the lung and the liver to evaluate morphometry. Samples of the right ventricle were used to analyse the reduced glutathione : oxidized glutathione ratio. Lung congestion in the OM group, which was decreased in the ORM group, was observed. Right ventricle end‐diastolic pressure was increased in the OM and the ORM groups. The glutathione ratio decreased in the groups O, OM and ORM. The data suggest that estrogen can exert great influence on the cellular redox balance. The maintenance of physiological estrogen levels may help to avoid the appearance of pulmonary oedema, characteristic of this model of PAH, and right ventricular failure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailoring the Activity for Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis on Rutile TiO2(110) by Transition‐Metal Substitution
Authors: García‐Mota Mónica , Vojvodic Aleksandra , Metiu Horia , Man Isabela C. , Su Hai‐Yan , Rossmeisl Jan , Nørskov Jens K.
Published: September 2011

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the rutile MTiO2(110) (M=V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Ru, Ir, Ni) surfaces was investigated by using density functional theory calculations. The stability of different doped TiO2 systems was analyzed. The scaling relationship between the binding energies of OER intermediates (HOO* versus HO*) is found to follow essentially the same trend as for undoped oxides. Our theoretical analysis shows a lower overpotential associated with OER on the doped MTiO2(110) than on the undoped TiO2(110). The theoretical activity of Cr‐, Mo‐, Mn‐, and Ir‐doped TiO2 is found to be close to that of RuO2(110) for some of the configurations in consideration.
Cycloaddition Reactions: A Controlled Approach for Carbon Nanotube Functionalization
Authors: Kumar Indresh , Rana Sravendra , Cho Jae Whan
Published: September 2011

Controlled functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through the use of cycloaddition reactions is described. By employing various cycloaddition reactions, a wide range of molecules could be coupled onto CNTs without disruption of the structural integrity as well as with a statistical distribution of functional groups onto the surface of the CNTs. The cycloaddition reactions represent an effective and tailored approach for preparing CNT‐based advanced hybrid materials that would be useful for a wide range of applications from nanobiotechnology to nanoelectronics.
Material Flow Based Planning and Optimization of Highly Integrated Production Systems
Authors: Viere Tobias , Brünner Horst , Hedemann Jan
Published: September 2011

Die strategische Analyse und Optimierung komplexer Produktionssysteme ist wichtig für eine kosten‐ und ressourceneffiziente Produktion. Ein umfassendes, softwarebasiertes Konzept für Modellierung, Simulation, Optimierung und Visualisierung eines integrierten Produktionsnetzwerkes wird vorgestellt. Ein Verbund‐Modell wurde ausgehend von primären Materialflüssen eines Geschäftsbereichs bis zur Modellierung aller Energie‐, Abfall‐ und Kostenflüsse in zahlreichen Geschäftsbereichen aufgebaut. Die Flexibilität des Systems unterstützt verschiedene Detaillierungsgrade für die Modellierung von Prozessen und Teilen des Netzes. Die vorausschauende Umsetzung technischer Maßnahmen und Projekte, die auf Bewertungen von Zukunftsszenarien basieren, sind ein wichtiges Resultat der Verbund‐Simulation.
Deoximation Reaction in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Lu Bin , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhao Jingxiang , Cai Qinghai
Published: September 2011

Deoximation in metal chloride ionic liquids based on 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium and triethylene ammonium cations, such as AmimBr(Cl)‐MClx(A=ethyl, butyl, benzyl; M=Al, Fe, Cu, Sn and Zn; x=2, 3) and Et3NHCl‐FeCl3 were investigated under mild conditions. Ferrate chloride ionic liquid was proved to be an effective catalyst for deoximation of cyclohexanone oxime, exhibiting high conversion of oximes and selectivity to cyclohexanone. Good performance for the deoximation of other oximes such as salicylald oxime, acetone oxime, benzophenone oxime, 4‐nitrobenzald oxime, acetophenone oxime, 2‐chlorobenzaldehyde oxime, Acetald oxime, 2‐butanone oxime and (1R)‐camphor oxime was also achieved with bmimBr‐FeCl3 as catalyst and solvent. The deoximation was determined to carry out via acid‐catalytic hydrolysis and the reaction mechanism was proposed.
Smoking negatively impacts renal cell carcinoma overall and cancer‐specific survival
Authors: Kroeger Nils , Klatte Tobias , Birkhäuser Frédéric D. , Rampersaud Edward N. , Seligson David B. , Zomorodian Nazy , Kabbinavar Fairooz F. , Belldegrun Arie S. , Pantuck Allan J.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Tobacco use is a leading cause of premature death, yet few studies have investigated the effect of tobacco exposure on the outcome of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The authors of this report retrospectively studied the impact of smoking on clinicopathologic factors, survival outcomes, and p53 expression status in a large cohort of patients with RCC.

METHODS:

Eight hundred‐two patients (457 nonsmokers and 345 smokers) who had up to 232 months of follow‐up were compared for differences in their clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes. Immunohistochemical differences in p53 expression were correlated with smoking status.

RESULTS:

Smokers presented more commonly with pulmonary comorbidities (P < .0001) and cardiac comorbidities (P = .014) and with a worse performance status (P = .031) than nonsmokers. Smoking was associated significantly with tumor multifocality (P = .022), higher pathologic tumor classification (P = .037), an increased risk of bulky lymph node metastases (P = .031), and the presence of distant metastases (P < .0001), especially lung metastases (P < .0001). Both overall survival (OS) (62.37 months vs 43.64 months; P = .001) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) (87.43 months vs 56.57 months; P = .005) were significantly worse in patients who smoked. The number of pack‐years was retained as an independent predictor of CSS and OS in patients with nonmetastatic disease. Mean expression levels of p53 were significantly higher in current smokers compared with former smokers and nonsmokers (P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with RCC, a history of smoking was associated with worse pathologic features and survival outcomes and with an increased risk of having mutated p53. Further investigation of the genetic and molecular mechanisms associated with decreased CSS in patients with RCC who have a history of smoking is indicated. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Hematologist/oncologist disease‐specific expertise and survival: Lessons from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
Authors: Shanafelt Tait D. , Kay Neil E. , Rabe Kari G. , Inwards David J. , Zent Clive S. , Leis Jose F. , Schwager Susan M. , Thompson Carrie A. , Bowen Deborah A. , Witzig Thomas E. , Slager Susan L. , Call Timothy G.
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

The impact of physicians' disease‐specific expertise on patient outcome is unknown. Although previous studies suggest a survival advantage for cancer patients cared for at high‐volume centers, these observations may simply reflect referral bias or better access to advanced technologies, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary support at large centers.

METHODS:

We evaluated time to first treatment (TTFT) and overall survival (OS) of patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) at a single academic center based on whether they were cared for by a hematologist/oncologist who subspecializes in CLL (CLL hematologist) or a hematologist/oncologist with expertise in other areas (non‐CLL hematologist).

RESULTS:

Among 1309 newly diagnosed patients with CLL cared for between 1999 and 2009, 773(59%) were cared for by CLL hematologists and 536 were cared for by non‐CLL hematologists. Among early‐stage patients (Rai 0‐I), median TTFT (9.2 vs 6.1 years; P < .001) and OS (10.5 years vs 8.8 years; P < .001) were longer for patients cared for by CLL hematologists. For all patients, OS was superior for patients cared for by CLL hematologists (10.5 years vs 8.4 years; P = .001). Physician's disease‐specific expertise remained an independent predictor of OS after adjusting for age, sex, stage, and lymphocyte count at diagnosis. Patients seen by a CLL hematologist were also more likely to participate in clinical trials (48% vs 16%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Physician disease‐specific expertise appears to influence outcome in patients with CLL. To the greatest extent possible, patients should be cared for by a hematologist/oncologist expert in the care of their specific malignancy. When not possible, practice guidelines developed by disease‐specific experts should be followed. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Functional regulatory variants of MCL1 contribute to enhanced promoter activity and reduced risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers: Implications for context‐dependent phenotype of an antiapoptotic and antiproliferative gene in solid tumor
Authors: Jiang Yan , Wang Wenjing , Wang Jiucun , Lu Ye , Chen Yanmei , Jin Li , Lin Dongxin , He Fuchu , Wang Haijian
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Dysfunction of molecules that regulate both apoptosis and proliferation is involved in tumorigenesis. A common insertional polymorphism in promoter of MCL1, a member of BCL2 family gene with the dual regulatory functions, has been shown to be functional in leukemia, but its association with cancer predisposition and prognosis has not been well established. We hypothesized that MCL1 promoter variants may modify risk of solid cancer.

METHODS:

We genotyped −190 insertional polymorphism and 3 linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (−627A>C, −298G>C, and −235C>A) in 320 lung cancer patients and 362 controls, and analyzed their functional significance.

RESULTS:

We confirmed that these regulatory variants correlated with enhanced promoter activity and elevated expression of both mRNA and protein in solid cancer cells and tissues. We further demonstrated that heightened expression of MCL1 resulted in decreased proliferation ability of lung cancer cells. We found a reduced cancer risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25‐0.88) associated with −190 insertional genotype. Stratification analysis further showed pronounced associations in nonsmokers (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09‐0.70), in females (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07‐0.74), and in the histological type of adenocarcinoma (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05‐0.62). Likewise, homologous diplotype of these polymorhpisms that positively affected gene expression was associated with reduced risk in nonsmokers (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.58).

CONCLUSION:

The present study demonstrated that common variants in MCL1 promoter correlated with increased transactivation in solid cancer cells and were associated with reduced risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers, suggesting a dominant antiproliferative function of MCL1 against its antiapoptosis effect in development of solid cancer in nonsmokers. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Fluorescence Quenching of CdS Quantum Dots by 4‐Azetidinyl‐7‐Nitrobenz‐2‐Oxa‐1,3‐Diazole: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Santhosh Kotni , Patra Satyajit , Soumya S. , Khara Dinesh Chandra , Samanta Anunay
Published: September 2011

Fluorescence quenching of CdS quantum dots (QDs) by 4‐azetidinyl‐7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD), where the two quenching partners satisfy the spectral overlap criterion necessary for Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), is studied by steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence techniques. The fluorescence quenching of the QDs is accompanied by an enhancement of the acceptor fluorescence and a reduction of the average fluorescence lifetime of the donor. Even though these observations are suggestive of a dynamic energy transfer process, it is shown that the quenching actually proceeds through a static interaction between the quenching partners and is probably mediated by charge‐transfer interactions. The bimolecular quenching rate constant estimated from the Stern–Volmer plot of the fluorescence intensities, is found to be exceptionally high and unrealistic for the dynamic quenching process. Hence, a kinetic model is employed for the estimation of actual quencher/QD ratio dependent exciton quenching rate constants of the fluorescence quenching of CdS by NBD. The present results point to the need for a deeper analysis of the experimental quenching data to avoid erroneous conclusions.
Hexagonal Boron Nitride from a Borazine Precursor for Coating of SiBNC Fibers using a Continuous Atmospheric Pressure CVD Process
Authors: Ye Yaping , Graupner Uta , Krüger Reinhard
Published: September 2011

The aim of this work is the coating of SiBNC fibers with hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) for ceramic composite applications. h‐BN is deposited from borazine in a vertical, hot‐wall, atmospheric pressure (AP)CVD system. The effects of deposition parameters (e.g., temperatures, reactant concentrations, and gas velocity) on the deposition rates are investigated using Si(100) substrates statically placed at various positions in the reactor. The highest deposition rates are observed at 1090 °C. It is found that ammonia is necessary for a satisfying coating deposition and for low oxygen incorporation, though high concentrations decreased the deposition rate. The coating structures are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Based on the results of static h‐BN deposition on Si substrates, h‐BN is continuously and homogenously coated on SiBNC multifilaments with a fiber draw speed of 5 m h−1. The thickness of the coating on SiBNC fibers is 180–200 nm as measured by SEM. The h‐BN coatings from our experiments have no influence on the mechanical strength of the SiBNC fibers.
Hierarchical and low‐power IPv6 address configuration for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Qian Huanyan
Published: September 2011

The paper proposes a hierarchical and low‐power IPv6‐address configuration scheme for wireless sensor networks based on the cluster‐tree architecture. In the scheme, a wireless sensor network is divided into multiple clusters and the generation algorithm of a cluster is proposed. A cluster‐tree architecture for wireless sensor networks is presented and a layered IPv6 address format for a cluster head and a cluster member is created. The stateless address configuration strategy and the stateful address configuration strategy are effectively combined to develop the IPv6 address configuration scheme. In the scheme, the duplicate address detection of the IPv6 address assigned for a cluster member is performed in the cluster where the cluster member locates, and the IPv6 address configuration for the cluster members in the different clusters can be carried out at the same time. The paper also addresses the mobility of sensor nodes and their failure. From the theoretical and simulative perspectives, the paper analyzes the performance parameters, including duplicate address detection cost, address configuration cost and address configuration delay time, of the proposed scheme, Strong DAD and MANETConf. Analytical and simulative results show that the performance of the proposed scheme is better. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thyroid follicular lesion of undetermined significance: Evaluation of the risk of malignancy using the two‐tier sub‐classification
Authors: Horne Matthew J. , Chhieng David C. , Theoharis Constantine , Schofield Kevin , Kowalski Diane , Prasad Manju L. , Hammers Lynwood , Udelsman Robert , Adeniran Adebowale J.
Published: September 2011

The Bethesda 2007 Thyroid Cytology Classification defines follicular lesion of undetermined significance as a heterogeneous category of cases that are not convincingly benign nor sufficiently atypical for a diagnosis of follicular neoplasm or suspicious for malignancy. In our institution, we refer to these cases as indeterminate, and they are further sub‐classified into two: (1) low cellularity with predominant microfollicular architecture and absence of colloid (INa) and (2) nuclear features not characteristic of benign lesions (nuclear atypia) (INb). We reviewed these indeterminate cases to document the follow‐up trend using this two‐tier classification. A search of the cytology records was performed for the period between January 2008 and June 2009. All thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cases were reviewed and the ones diagnosed as indeterminate were identified. Correlating follow‐up FNA and/or surgical pathology reports were reviewed. The percentage of cases showing a malignancy was calculated. One hundred and seventy‐one indeterminate cases were identified, representing 2.8% of the 6,205 thyroid FNA cases examined during the time under review (107 INa, 64 INb). Records of follow‐up procedures were available in 106 (61%) cases. Malignancy was identified in 27% of all indeterminate cases. This was disproportionately more in the INb (56%) compared to the INa (7%) cases. A diagnosis of “INa” does not carry the same implication as that of “INb”. The INb category needs a more aggressive follow‐up than the INa category and may justify an immediate referral for lobectomy. Despite the vague morphologic criteria for this diagnostic category, the indeterminate rate remains relatively low and falls within the NCI recommendation (<7%). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization diagnosis of extramedullary nodal blast crisis
Authors: Jin Guan‐Nan , Zou Ping , Chen Wan‐Xin , Ding Ze‐Yang , Zhou Hao
Published: September 2011

The t(9;22)(q34;q11) translocation between bcr and abl genes plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using specific DNA probes provides a useful and accurate way for the detection of bcr/abl fusion gene in single cell. Here, we report an unusual case of a patient with no prior hematologic disease who initially manifested lymphadenopathy. The lymph node findings were suspicious for T‐lineage lymphoblastic lymphoma, however, his blood and bone marrow at that time were in chronic phase of CML. This presented difficulty for accurate discrimination between CML blast crisis (BC) and non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs). To discern where the extramedullary nodal malignancy originated from, we cytologically analyzed lymph node biopsies and bone marrow with FISH to detect bcr/abl fusion signals. Together with the morphology, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics as well as molecular analysis, the patient was diagnosed as extramedullary T‐lymphoid BC of Ph+ CML. In conclusion, this case is unusual at three levels: first, extramedullary nodal BC as a presenting manifestation of CML is rare and the blasts are of precursor T lymphoblastic lineage, rather than the more common B‐cell lineage; second, this case suggests that extramedullary lymphoid nodal BC of CML can exist independently without the bone marrow developing into BC; and third, FISH analysis on the single neoplastic cell is an accurate way to confirm that the neoplasm is either extramedullary localized blasts of CML or genetically distinct neoplasm. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A large scale screen for neural stem cell markers in Xenopus retina
Authors: Parain Karine , Mazurier Nicolas , Bronchain Odile , Borday Caroline , Cabochette Pauline , Chesneau Albert , Colozza Gabriele , Yakoubi Warif El , Hamdache Johanna , Locker Morgane , Gilchrist Michael J. , Pollet Nicolas , Perron Muriel
Published: September 2011

Neural stem cell research suffers from a lack of molecular markers to specifically assess stem or progenitor cell properties. The organization of the Xenopus ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) in the retina allows the spatial distinction of these two cell types: stem cells are confined to the most peripheral region, while progenitors are more central. Despite this clear advantage, very few genes specifically expressed in retinal stem cells have been discovered so far in this model. To gain insight into the molecular signature of these cells, we performed a large‐scale expression screen in the Xenopus CMZ, establishing it as a model system for stem cell gene profiling. Eighteen genes expressed specifically in the CMZ stem cell compartment were retrieved and are discussed here. These encode various types of proteins, including factors associated with proliferation, mitotic spindle organization, DNA/RNA processing, and cell adhesion. In addition, the publication of this work in a special issue on Xenopus prompted us to give a more general illustration of the value of large‐scale screens in this model species. Thus, beyond neural stem cell specific genes, we give a broader highlight of our screen outcome, describing in particular other retinal cell markers that we found. Finally, we present how these can all be easily retrieved through a novel module we developed in the web‐based annotation tool XenMARK, and illustrate the potential of this powerful searchable database in the context of the retina. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 491–506, 2012
Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (H‐Pgds) is expressed in the early embryonic gonad and participates to the initial nuclear translocation of the SOX9 protein
Authors: Moniot Brigitte , Farhat Andalib , Aritake Kosuke , Declosmenil Faustine , Nef Serge , Eguchi Naomi , Urade Yoshihiro , Poulat Francis , Boizet‐Bonhoure Brigitte
Published: September 2011

In mammals, the Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) signaling pathway is involved in male gonadal development, regulating Sox9 gene expression and SOX9 protein subcellular localization through lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase (L‐Pgds) activity. Nevertheless, because L‐Pgds is downstream of Sox9, its expression cannot explain the initial nuclear translocation of the SOX9 protein. Here, we show that another source of PGD2, hematopoietic‐Pgds (H‐Pgds) enzyme is expressed in somatic and germ cells of the embryonic gonad of both sexes, as early as embryonic day (E) 10.5, before the onset of L‐Pgds expression. Inhibition of H‐Pgds activity by the specific HQL‐79 inhibitor leads to impaired nuclear translocation of SOX9 protein in E11.5 Sertoli cells. Furthermore, analysis of H‐Pgds−/− male embryonic gonads confirms abnormal subcellular localization of SOX9 protein at the E11.5 early stage of mouse testicular differentiation suggesting a role for H‐Pgds‐produced PGD2 in the initial nuclear translocation of SOX9. Developmental Dynamics 240:2335–2343, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNApol‐ϵ gene is indispensable for the survival and growth of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Verma Akanksha , Sengupta Sonali , Lakhotia Subhash C.
Published: September 2011

Based on deletion and complementation mapping and DNA sequencing, a new recessive fully penetrant mutation (DNApol‐ϵpl10R), causing prolonged larval life and larval/early pupal lethality, is identified as the first mutant allele of the DNApol‐ϵ (CG6768) gene of Drosophila melanogaster. A same‐sense base pair substitution in exon 1 of the DNApol‐ϵ gene is associated with retention of the first intron and significant reduction in DNApol‐ϵ transcripts in DNApol‐ϵpl10R homozygotes. Homozygous mutant larvae show small imaginal discs with fewer cells and reduced polyteny in salivary glands, presumably because of the compromised DNA polymerase function following exhaustion of the maternal contribution. Extremely small and rare DNApol‐ϵpl10R homozygous somatic clones in DNApol‐ϵpl10R/+ imaginal discs confirm their poor mitotic activity. The DNApol‐ϵpl10R homozygotes, like those expressing DNApol‐ϵ‐RNAi transgene, show high sensitivity to DNA damaging agents. The first mutant allele of the DNApol‐ϵ gene will facilitate functional characterization of this enzyme in the genetically tractable Drosophila model. genesis 50:86–101, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of reducing the frequency and duration criteria for binge eating on lifetime prevalence of bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: Implications for DSM‐5
Authors: Trace Sara E. , Thornton Laura M. , Root Tammy L. , Mazzeo Suzanne E. , Lichtenstein Paul , Pedersen Nancy L. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: September 2011

Objective:

We assessed the impact of reducing the binge eating frequency and duration thresholds on the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED).

Method:

We estimated the lifetime population prevalence of BN and BED in 13,295 female twins from the Swedish Twin study of Adults: Genes and Environment employing a range of frequency and duration thresholds. External validation (risk to cotwin) was used to investigate empirical evidence for an optimal binge eating frequency threshold.

Results:

The lifetime prevalence estimates of BN and BED increased linearly as the frequency criterion decreased. As the required duration increased, the prevalence of BED decreased slightly. Discontinuity in cotwin risk was observed in BN between at least four times per month and at least five times per month. This model could not be fit for BED.

Discussion:

The proposed changes to the DSM‐5 binge eating frequency and duration criteria would allow for better detection of binge eating pathology without resulting in a markedly higher lifetime prevalence of BN or BED. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)