bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Thallium(III) Solid‐Contact Ion‐Selective Electrode with Electropolymerized Transducer
Authors: Kharitonov Sergey V. , Zarembo Yana V. , Zarembo Viktor I.
Published: July 2006

A solid‐contact ion‐selective electrode for thallium(III) based on its complex with new complexone N,N′‐dioctylethylenediamine‐N,N′‐disuccinic acid ([Tl(DOEDDSA)]−) into a polymeric membrane is described. The ion‐to‐electron transducer used as the solid contact electrode was polyaniline which was electrochemically polymerized on a Pt wire. The plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membrane incorporate ion‐associate of [Tl(DOEDDSA)]− with N,N,N‐trihexadecyl‐N‐methylammonium cation as electroactive material for ionometric sensor controls. The best performance in terms of slope (56±2 mV per decade) and response time (15 s) is displayed. The sensor shows a Nernstian response for [Tl(DOEDDSA)]− ions over a wide concentration range of 6.4×10−7 to 10−2 M, with a detection limit of thallium complexonate 8.2×10−8 M. The sensor can be used for more than three months without any considerable divergence in potentials. The selectivity is also good towards the most common univalent and divalent anions and the signal is constant in the pH range 4.7–9.0. An application to thallium determination in a mineral sample proved to be a success, and it was employed as an indicator electrode in direct potentiometry.
Response Mechanisms and New Approaches with Solid‐State Ion‐Selective Electrodes: A Powerful Multitechnique Materials Characterization Approach
Authors: De Marco Roland , Jiang Zhong‐Tao , Becker Thomas , Clarke Graeme , Murgatroyd Gareth , Prince K.
Published: July 2006

In modern materials science, there is a plethora of characterization techniques of materials that can provide valuable insights into the fundamental chemical physics of solid‐state devices such as chalcogenide glass ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs). In this paper, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) have been used in the elucidation of the mechanistic chemistry of the cadmium chalcogenide glass ISE. Furthermore, in situ synchrotron radiation‐grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (SR‐GIXRD), in situ EIS/SR‐GIXRD, along with small angle neutron scattering (SANS), can be used to unravel the complex relationship between the nanostructure, bulk electrical conductivity and concomitant electrochemical reactivity of an iron chalcogenide glass ISE. Significantly, exciting preliminary modified atomic force microscopy (AFM) data – utilizing AFM cantilevers with attached microparticles of the copper sensing material jalpaite – demonstrate the tremendous potential of selective force ISE‐AFM in the imaging of important molecular structures such as the copper ion channels of cell membranes in fish gills and/or phytoplankton.
Comparison of Different Contactless Conductivity Detectors for the Determination of Small Inorganic Ions by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Kubáň Pavel , Evenhuis Christopher J. , Macka Mirek , Haddad Paul R. , Hauser Peter C.
Published: July 2006

The analytical performance parameters of four different contactless conductivity detectors for capillary electrophoresis were determined. These detectors were designed either with a miniature cell for versatility, with high voltage excitation for high sensitivity or with a battery power supply for field application. One of the units is commercially available. The plate numbers and reproducibility of peak areas (typically about 2%) were very similar, indicating that these parameters are generally limited by the separation and injection procedures rather than the detectors. The linear dynamic ranges are better than 2 orders of magnitude for all detectors and the correlation coefficients were also almost identical. Significant differences were found with regard to the detection limits. For the detector with a miniature cell, which lacks an in‐cell amplifier, the detection limit was typically 1.5 μM for the inorganic ions tested (K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, Li+, Cl−, NO3− and SO42−), while with the other 3 detectors this parameter was as low as about 0.1 μM. The use of buffer solutions with relatively high background conductivity was found to lead to detection limits which were up to one order of magnitude higher. The extent of deterioration of this parameter with buffer conductivity was found to be related to the excitation voltage and was most pronounced for the high voltage detector.
All Solid‐State pH Electrode Based on Titanium Nitride Sensitive Film
Authors: Wang Yan , Yuan Hongyan , Lu Xulin , Zhou Zaide , Xiao Dan
Published: July 2006

Titanium nitride was used as pH‐sensitive material to fabricate all solid‐state pH electrode. The fabrication and the response performance of the pH electrode were described in the paper. The TiN film electrode showed a linear response in the pH range of 2–12 with a near‐Nenstian response (−55 mV/pH). The response time was within 1 min, and the electrode had good reproducibility, stability and low sensitivities for different species. Compared with the glass pH electrode, the electrode exhibited some advantages, for example, without activation, rapid response and high mechanical strength. In addition, the electrode performed excellently in a corrosion medium containing F−(1 M). Electrochemical behaviors of TiN electrode in Britton‐Robinson buffers were studied with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS).
Dopamine Oxidation at Per(6‐deoxy‐6‐thio)‐α‐Cyclodextrin Monolayer Modified Gold Electrodes
Authors: Majewska Urszula E. , Chmurski Kazimierz , Biesiada Krzysztof , Olszyna Andrzej R. , Bilewicz Renata
Published: July 2006

The gold electrode is functionalized by sequential self‐assembly of a monolayer of the title thiolated cyclodextrin with and without dopamine included in the cavities. The structure of α‐cyclodextrin modified gold electrode is carefully characterized using STM and AFM. Surface complexation of dopamine is examined and its association constant is evaluated. Chemical reactions accompanying the electrode process of dopamine, which interfere in the electrochemical dopamine determination, are described and the conditions to avoid them are proposed. Dopamine incorporated in the α‐cyclodextrin sites anchored to the electrode surface was found to provide electrochemical contact of the electrode with the solution‐resident dopamine. Dopamine present in the α‐cyclodextrin cavities has different properties compared to dopamine in the bulk buffer solution and can act as a mediator for the dopamine molecules diffusing to the electrode. This unique mediation effect leads to improvement of the sensitivity of dopamine determination using the α‐cyclodextrin modified electrode and a procedure for the determination of dopamine in large excess of ascorbate is proposed.
Preparation, Characterization and Analytical Applications of a New and Novel Electrically Conducting Polymer
Authors: D'Eramo F. , Sereno L. E. , Arévalo A. H.
Published: July 2006

In this study, a glassy carbon electrode (GC) was modified with an electropolymerized film of 1‐naphthylamine (1‐NAP) with a subsequent overoxidation treatment in 0.2 M sodium hydroxide solution. This polymer p‐1‐NAPox film coated GC electrode was used for the selective determination of dopamine (DA) in the presence of a triple concentration of ascorbic acid (AA).These studies were performed using cyclic voltammetry and square‐wave voltammetry at physiological pH. p‐1‐NAPox shows an attractive permselectivity, a marked enhancement of the current response and antifouling properties when compared to a bare GC electrode activated in basic media. With a preconcentration time of 3 minutes at open circuit, linear calibration plots were obtained for DA in buffer solution (pH 7.4) over the concentration range from 1×10−6–1×10−4 M with a detection limit of 1.59×10−7 M.
Detrending economic time series: a Bayesian generalization of the Hodrick–Prescott filter
Authors: Trimbur Thomas M.
Published: July 2006

This article develops a new method for detrending time series. It is shown how, in a Bayesian framework, a generalized version of the Hodrick–Prescott filter is obtained by specifying prior densities on the signal‐to‐noise ratio (q) in the underlying unobserved components model. This helps ensure an appropriate degree of smoothness in the estimated trend while allowing for uncertainty in q. The article discusses the important issue of prior elicitation for time series recorded at different frequencies. By combining prior expectations with the likelihood, the Bayesian approach permits detrending in a way that is more consistent with the properties of the series. The method is illustrated with some quarterly and annual US macroeconomic series.  Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random walk hypothesis in exchange rate reconsidered
Authors: Chu Chia‐Shang J. , Lu Hsin‐Min
Published: July 2006

An econometric model for exchange rate based on the behavior of dynamic international asset allocation is considered. The capital movement intensity index is constructed from the adjustment of a fully hedged international portfolio. Including this index as an additional explanatory variable helps to explain the fluctuation of the exchange rate and predict better than the competing random walk model. Supporting empirical evidence is found in Germany–USA, Japan–USA, Singapore–USA and Taiwan–USA exchange markets.  Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic perspectives on the molecular mechanisms providing protein adsorption resistance that include protein‐surface interactions
Authors: Latour Robert A.
Published: July 2006

Current theories regarding the molecular mechanisms that provide protein adsorption resistance primarily focus on the characteristics of various types of surface‐tethered chains and their interactions with water but often neglect their interactions with the protein. Such theories thus do not provide a complete explanation for protein adsorption resistance. The real issue that must be addressed is which properties enable surfaces to interact with water more favorably than with proteins. To address this issue, a thermodynamic treatment of protein adsorption to surface‐tethered chains is presented and specific molecular‐level interactions are addressed that contribute to enthalpy, entropy, and free energy changes that are involved during protein adsorption processes. Based on this analysis, it is proposed that two independently controllable sets of criteria provide conditions that are thermodynamically favorable for protein adsorption resistance: (1) well‐hydrated long flexible surface‐tethered chains with packing density sufficiently low to allow chain mobility while still providing complete surface coverage, and (2) surface‐tethered chains that contain hydrogen‐bondable groups that are readily accessible to water molecules but not to the hydrogen bond‐forming groups of a protein. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Construction of antibacterial multilayer films containing nanosilver via layer‐by‐layer assembly of heparin and chitosan‐silver ions complex
Authors: Fu Jinhong , Ji Jian , Fan Dezeng , Shen Jiacong
Published: July 2006

Antibacterial multilayer films containing nanosilver were prepared via layer‐by‐layer fashion. PET film was aminolyzed with 1,6‐hexanediamine to introduce amino groups on PET film surface; chitosan–silver nitrate complex and heparin were alternately deposited onto an aminolyzed PET film surface, and subsequently, the silver ions within the multilayer films were reduced with ascorbic acid to form silver nanoparticles. UV–visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of well‐dispersed nanosilver particles with sizes (10–40 nm) that depended on the initial concentration of silver ions in chitosan solution and the pH of ascorbic acid solution. The chitosan/heparin multilayer films were possessed of bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli (E. coli), and this antibacterial effect could be significantly enhanced by the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the multilayer films. The multilayer films containing nanosilver were not only effective as antibacterial but also as anticoagulant coating. And cell toxicity evaluation suggested that the multilayer films containing nanosilver did not show any cytotoxicity. The multilayer films containing nanosilver may have good potentials for surface modification of medical devices, especially for cardiovascular implants. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Periodontitis destructions are restored by synthetic glycosaminoglycan mimetic
Authors: Lallam‐Laroye C. , Escartin Q. , Zlowodzki A.‐S. , Barritault D. , Caruelle J.‐P. , Baroukh B. , Saffar J.‐L. , Colombier M.‐L.
Published: July 2006

Periodontitis are bacterium‐driven inflammatory diseases that destroy tooth‐supporting tissues whose complete restoration is not currently possible. RGTA®, a new class of agents, have this capacity in an animal model. Periodontitis was induced in hamsters and, starting 8 weeks later, injected RG1503, a glycosaminoglycan synthesized from a 40 kDa dextran behaving like a heparan sulfate mimetic (1.5 mg kg−1 w−1) or saline for 8 weeks. The three periodontium compartments were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and morphometry. The gingival extracellular matrix disorganized by inflammation was restoring under treatment. The collagen network was repaired and resumed its previous organization. Fibrillin‐1 expression was restored so that the elastic network rebuilt at a distance from the pocket and began to reconstruct near the pocket. Apoptotic cell numbers were decreased in the pocket epithelium, and more so in the infiltrated connective tissue. The continuity and the thickness of the basement membrane were restored and testified normalization of epithelium connective tissue interaction. The amount of alveolar bone increased around the first molar, and the interradicular bone was rebuilt. The root cementum was thickened and the number of proliferating cells in the periodontal ligament was increased close to the cementum. RG1503 treatment induces potent anabolic reactions in the extracellular matrices of the different tissues of the periodontium and recruitment of progenitors. In particular, the cell proliferation close to the root surface suggests the reformation of a functional attachment apparatus. These results demonstrate that RG1503 reverses the degenerative changes induced by inflammation and favors the conditions of a regenerative process. Thus, RGTA, a known matrix component mimetic and protector, may be considered as a new therapeutic tool to regenerate the tissues destroyed by periodontitis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Ozonation of weathered olive mill wastewaters
Authors: Karageorgos Petros , Coz Alberto , Charalabaki Magdalini , Kalogerakis Nicolas , Xekoukoulotakis Nikolaos P , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: July 2006

The treatment of fully and partly weathered olive mill wastewaters by means of ozonation was investigated, with emphasis on the effect of treatment conditions (organic loading, treatment time, ozone concentration) on the extent of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total phenol degradation, colour removal as well as ecotoxicity to the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri. In general, ozonation was capable of substantially reducing the concentration of phenols as well as decolourising the effluent after relatively short treatment times, with the extent of phenol and colour removal exceeding 80% in most cases. The fast and selective degradation of phenols was ascribed to the direct electrophilic attack by molecular ozone (ozonolysis). Conversely, complete mineralisation proved difficult; at the conditions employed in this study, COD removal varied from as little as 10% to about 60%. Both effluents were strongly ecotoxic owing to the presence of phenols and other organics in substantial concentrations; toxicity decreased partly following considerable degradation of the organic matter. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Anaerobic biodegradability of gallic acid found in olive mill wastewaters
Authors: Kouroutzidou Eleni , Georgaki Irini , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Manios Thrassyvoulos
Published: July 2006

This paper discusses the applicability of a low‐cost method for evaluating the ability of anaerobic micro‐organisms to decompose phenolic compounds found in olive mill wastewaters. Gallic acid (GA) was used as test substance at concentrations of 100, 500 and 1000 mg L−1. When 1000 mg L−1 GA was inoculated with anaerobic sludge, the average (of six replicates) cumulative gas volume collected over a period of 23 days was 87.6 ± 2.4 mL, while without sludge the volume was 9.3 ± 1.0 mL. The corresponding values for 500 mg L−1 GA were 48.0 ± 8.0 and 6.5 ± 1.0 mL respectively, while for 100 mg L−1 GA they were 30.8 ± 4.7 and 9.6 ± 2.3 mL respectively. These results suggest that gallic acid is readily degradable under anaerobic conditions even at concentrations as high as 1000 mg L−1 if adequate fermentation time and appropriate microbial culture are provided. The gas volume produced was found to depend linearly (r2 = 0.95) on the concentration of gallic acid under the conditions studied. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated solvents: environmental factors influencing microbial activity and their relevance under field conditions
Authors: Aulenta Federico , Majone Mauro , Tandoi Valter
Published: July 2006

Enhanced in situ anaerobic bioremediation of chlorinated solvents is a cost‐effective, expanding technology for the clean‐up of chlorinated solvent‐contaminated sites. However, this technology is knowledge‐intensive and its application requires a thorough understanding of the microbiology, ecology, hydrology and geochemistry of chlorinated solvent‐contaminated aquifers. This review summarises current knowledge and future perspectives in the area of microbial anaerobic dechlorination of chlorinated solvents, particularly chloroethenes. Main attention is paid to the discussion of environmental factors and conditions that influence microbial activity under field conditions. Approaches to stimulate and manipulate the activity of native dechlorinating populations in order to meet target remediation goals for both plume management and source treatment are reviewed in detail. Possible research efforts needed to increase the likelihood of success of this technology are finally presented. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterisation of a series of acetals/ketals of bis(2‐nitrophenyl) ethanediol and bis(4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrophenyl) ethanediol under APCI mass spectrometric conditions
Authors: Bhaskar G. , Prabhakar S. , Ravi Kumar M. , Narsimhaji Ch. V. , Srinivas K. , Vairamani M.
Published: July 2006

A series acetals/ketals of aldehydes and ketones formed by the reaction of two photolabile protecting groups, bis(2‐nitrophenyl) ethanediol and bis(4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitrophenyl) ethanediol (I and II, respectively), were analysed under EI, LSIMS, ESI and APCI conditions to obtain molecular weights as well as structural information. The EI and LSIMS techniques failed to give molecular weight information. The positive ESI yielded [M + H]+ ions only for I; however, with added Na+ both I and II formed [M + Na]+ adducts. But upon decomposition, the [M + Na]+ ions yielded Na+ ion as the only product ion. Similarly, under negative ion ESI conditions both I and II gave molecular weight information by forming adduct ions with halide anions (F−, Cl−, Br− and I−); however, they did not give structural information as they resulted in only the halide anion as the abundant fragment ion upon dissociation. All the compounds formed abundant M−• ions under negative ion APCI conditions, and their MS/MS spectra showed characteristic fragment ions; hence the acetals/ketals of I and II could be successfully characterized under negative ion APCI conditions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behaviour of family 10 and 11 xylanases towards arabinoxylans with varying structure
Authors: Bonnin Estelle , Daviet Stéphanie , Sorensen Jens F , Sibbesen Ole , Goldson Andrew , Juge Nathalie , Saulnier Luc
Published: July 2006

The effect of arabinoxylan structure on xylanase activity was investigated using a range of water‐soluble and water‐insoluble substrates isolated from wheat flour and several xylanases from families 10 and 11 of the glycoside hydrolases. The arabinose content of the substrates affected the activity in a linear manner related to the arabinose:xylose ratio and to different extents depending on the specificity of the xylanase. The soluble/insoluble feature of the substrates had a strong impact on the enzymatic activity and different selectivities (activity on insoluble arabinoxylan vs. activity on soluble arabinoxylan) were observed. There was no relationship between specificity and selectivity of a given xylanase. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of amylases on the rheological and molecular properties of partially damaged wheat starch
Authors: Leman Pedro , Bijttebier Annabel , Goesaert Hans , Vandeputte Greet E , Delcour Jan A
Published: July 2006

The effects of Bacillus subtilis, porcine pancreatic and Aspergillus oryzae α‐amylases, sweet potato β‐amylase and Bacillus stearothermophilus maltogenic amylase (BStA) on the rheological properties (measured with a Rapid Visco Analyser) of partially damaged wheat starch were studied and the accompanying changes in starch molecular properties were analysed by high‐performance size exclusion chromatography. Pasting and gelation of starch slurries (with an increased level of damaged starch) were significantly affected by the supplemented amylases and greatly depended on the mode of action and properties of the enzymes added. In general, at low endo‐amylase concentrations, peak, hot paste and cold paste viscosities were more reduced for enzyme‐supplemented partially damaged starch than for enzyme‐supplemented native wheat starch, demonstrating the significance of damaged starch levels in determining amylase functionality. Higher dosages of thermostable amylases ruled out most of the differences between amylase‐supplemented native starch and partially damaged starches, except for BStA. Furthermore, the (limited) endo‐action of BStA determines to a great extent the rheological properties of the starch paste. These results contribute to a better understanding of (maltogenic) amylase functionality in processing (damaged) starch‐containing foods. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Gas‐phase reaction of hydroxyl radicals withm‐,o‐ andp‐cresol
Authors: Coeur‐Tourneur Cecile , Henry Françoise , Janquin Marie‐Andrée , Brutier Laurent
Published: July 2006

The gas‐phase reaction of oxygenated aromatic compoundsm‐cresol,o‐cresol, andp‐cresol with hydroxyl radicals has been studied by GC‐MS. Experiments have been performed in a large‐volume photoreactor (8000 L) at 294 ± 2 K and atmospheric pressure. The relative kinetic method was used to determine the rate constants for these reactions, with 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene as a reference compound. The rate constants obtained arekOH(m‐cresol) = (5.88 ± 0.92) × 10−11cm3molecule−1s−1,kOH(o‐cresol) = (4.32 ± 0.52) × 10−11cm3molecule−1s−1, andkOH(p‐cresol) = (4.96 ± 0.75) × 10−11cm3molecule−1s−1. The degradation products observed and their respective molar yields were methyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone 12.4 ± 1.2%, 5‐methyl‐2‐nitrophenol 1.5 ± 0.3%, and 3‐methyl‐2‐nitrophenol 1.4 ± 0.3% fromm‐cresol, methyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone 5.6 ± 0.9%, and 6‐methyl‐2‐nitrophenol 4.7 ± 0.8% fromo‐cresol, and 4‐methyl‐2‐nitrophenol 17.2 ± 2.5% fromp‐cresol. This kinetic and product data are compared with the literature, and the reaction mechanisms are discussed. Our results are in accordance with the previous studies (Atkinson,J Phys Chem Ref Data1989, Monograph (1), 1–246; Atkinson and Aschmann,Int J Chem Kinet1990, 22, 59–67; Atkinson et al.,Environ Sci Technol1992, 26, 1397–1403; Atkinson et al.,J Phys Chem1978, 82, 2759–2805; Olariu et al.,Atmos Environ2002, 36, 3685–3697; Semadeni et al.,Int J Chem Kinet1995, 27, 287–304) and confirm the methyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone yields determined by a different experimental technique (long‐path Fourier transform infrared FT‐IR (Olariu et al., 2002)). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 553–562, 2006
Reaction of the NO3 radical with some thiophenes: Kinetic study and a correlation between rate constant and EHOMO
Authors: Cabañas B. , Baeza M.T. , Martín P. , Salgado S. , Villanueva F. , Monedero E. , Díaz De Mera Y.
Published: July 2006

The rate constants and activation energies for the reactions of some thiophenes with the NO3 radical were measured using the absolute fast‐flow discharge technique at 263–335 K and low pressure. The proposed Arrhenius expressions for 2‐ethylthiophene, 2‐propylthiophene, 2,5‐dimethylthiophene, and 2‐chlorothiophene are k = (4.2 ± 0.28) ×10−16 exp[(2280 ± 70)]/T, k = (7.0 ± 2) × 10−18 exp[(3530 ± 70)]/T, k = (1 ± 1) × 10−14 exp[(1648 ± 240)]/T, and k = (8 ± 2) × 10−17 exp[(2000 ± 200)]/T (k = cm3 molecule−1 s−1), respectively. The reactions of this radical with 2‐chlorothiophene and 3‐chlorothiophene were also studied by a relative method in a Teflon static reactor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The effect of substitution on thiophene reactivity is discussed, and a relationship between the rate constants and the ionization potential (IP = −EHOMO) has been proposed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 570–576, 2006
Rate coefficients for the gas‐phase reaction of hydroxyl radicals with the dimethylbenzaldehydes
Authors: Clifford Grainne M. , Wenger John C.
Published: July 2006

Rate coefficients for the reactions of hydroxyl (OH) radicals with the dimethylbenzaldehydes have been determined at 295 ± 2K and atmospheric pressure using the relative rate technique. Experiments were performed in an atmospheric simulation chamber using gas chromatography for chemical analysis. The rate coefficients (in units of cm3molecule−1s−1) are: 2,3‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, (25.9 ± 2.8) × 10−12; 2,4‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, (27.5 ± 4.4) × 10−12; 2,5‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, (27.6 ± 5.1) × 10−12; 2,6‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, (30.7 ± 3.0) × 10−12; 3,4‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, (24.6 ± 4.0) × 10−12; and 3,5‐dimethylbenzaldehyde, (28.2 ± 2.5) × 10−12. The reactivity of the dimethylbenzaldehydes is compared with other aromatic compounds and it is shown that the magnitude of the OH rate coefficients does not depend significantly on the position of the CH3substituent on the aromatic ring. The rate coefficient data are explained in terms of known mechanistic features of the reactions and the atmospheric implications are also discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 563–569, 2006
Biobased Contents of Biodegradable Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Composites Polymerized and Directly Molded Using Aluminium Triflate from Caprolactone with Cellulose and Inorganic Filler
Authors: Kunioka Masao , Inuzuka Yoshifumi , Ninomiya Fumi , Funabashi Masahiro
Published: July 2006

Summary: Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) composite samples were prepared by polymerization and direct molding. The starting compound was ε‐caprolactone monomer liquid combined with cellulose and inorganic fillers, using aluminium triflate as a catalyst at 80 °C, for 6 or 24 h. Cylinder‐shaped PCL composite samples with a homogeneously dispersed cellulose filler were prepared with $\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 4 600 ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 2.9). The mechanical properties of the PCL composite samples were studied using compression test methods. The strength of a PCL composite with 50 wt.‐% cellulose filler (10.8 MPa) was found to be lower than the PCL sample without fillers (19.2 MPa). The biobased content of the PCL composite with 50 wt.‐% cellulose filler (51.67%) measured using accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) was slightly higher than the carbon ratio of cellulose in the starting powder samples (41.3 mol‐%). The biobased content of the polymer composite powders by AMS was found not to be affected by the presence of inorganic fillers, such as talc. The rate and extent of biodegradation, caused by Amano Lipase PS, of the PCL composite sample with cellulose filler (40% degradation in 4 d) was the same as that of a PCL sample without the cellulose filler.

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Synthesis and Hydrolysis Behaviour of Poly(ester anhydrides) from Polylactone Precursors Containing Alkenyl Moieties
Authors: Korhonen Harri , Hakala Risto A. , Helminen Antti O. , Seppälä Jukka V.
Published: July 2006

Summary: Hydroxyl‐group functional polylactones were prepared and converted to acid‐ terminated polyesters in a reaction with a series of alkenylsuccinic anhydrides containing 8, 12, or 18 carbons in their alkenyl chains. These polyester precursors were then linked into higher molecular weight poly(ester anhydrides) containing alkenyl moieties in their polyester blocks. The hydrolysis behaviour of the poly(ester anhydrides) was found to depend on the thermal properties of the polyester precursors. For poly(ester anhydrides) prepared from low molecular weight prepolymers with thermal transitions below 37 °C, the presence of hydrophobic alkenyl chains in the polyester precursors slowed the rate of weight loss. Poly(ester anhydrides) prepared from higher molecular weight prepolymers showed the opposite weight‐loss behaviour; i.e., the crystallinity and thermal transitions of the alkenyl chain‐containing poly(ester anhydrides) were low, and the weight loss was faster than for poly(ester anhydrides) without the alkenyl chains. The differences in length of the alkenyl chain, as such, had little effect on the hydrolysis behaviour and thermal properties of the poly(ester anhydrides).

Structure of poly(ester anhydride) molecules.

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Structure of poly(ester anhydride) molecules.
Thermal Degradation of Environmentally Degradable Poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid)s
Authors: Abe Hideki
Published: July 2006

Summary: Aliphatic polyesters have attracted industrial attention as environmentally degradable thermoplastics to be used for a wide range of applications. Besides intensive studies on the biodegradability of aliphatic polyesters, understanding of the thermal stability has importance for processing, application, and recycling. The details of thermal degradation processes of five types of aliphatic polyesters; namely, poly(L‐lactide), poly(3‐hydroxybutyric acid), poly(4‐hydroxybutyric acid), poly(δ‐valerolactone), and poly(ε‐caprolactone), were investigated by means of several thermoanalytical techniques under both isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions. In this feature article, the thermal degradation behaviors of aliphatic polyesters with different numbers of carbon atoms in the main chain of the monomeric unit are reviewed. In addition, the effects of chain‐end structure and residual metal compounds on the thermal degradation processes of aliphatic polyesters consisting of hydroxyalkanoic acid monomeric units are presented.

Schemes of thermal degradation reaction of poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid)s.

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Schemes of thermal degradation reaction of poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid)s.
Comparison study of autonomous activity in bladders from normal and paraplegic rats
Authors: Gevaert Thomas , Ost Dieter , De Ridder Dirk
Published: July 2006

Aim

To identify differences in the pattern of pressure generated by isolated bladders from normal and paraplegic rats.

Materials and Methods

Nine female Wister rats were made paraplegic by spinal cord transsection at the vertebral level T8‐T9 and sacrificed between D21 and D28. A further group (n = 9) was used as a control group. Each bladder was excised and placed in an organ bath where intravesical pressures were measured. Pressure changes were divided in two well‐defined groups: macro‐transients and spikes. The effects of intravesical volume load and muscarinic (M) agonists were studied.

Results

We demonstrated a higher frequency, a longer duration, and a higher variance of duration in macro‐transients in the neurogenic group. Intravesical volume load influenced the amplitude and frequency of macro‐transients in both groups similarly. The effects of the muscarinic (M2)‐selective agonist arecaïdine were different in neurogenic bladder; the effects of the non‐selective muscarinic (M)‐agonist carbachol were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

We showed that the pattern of autonomous activity was significantly different between normal and neurogenic rat bladders. We also found evidence for alterations in the muscarinic response of isolated neurogenic rat bladders. This model offers an exciting new research tool to evaluate the detrusor activity in neurogenic and normal conditions. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel schemes for traffic engineering in access domains
Authors: Zubairi Junaid Ahmed , Al‐Bahbooh Nabeel Ali
Published: July 2006

In this paper, our approach to tackling the problem of traffic engineering in access domains is discussed. The complete solution would take into account bandwidth management, allocation, de‐allocation, protection and restoration. In this work, we focus on one part of the problem, i.e. constrained routing in the MPLS access domains. We define all categories of traffic in an access domain and use CF (conjunction factor) as a figure of merit for performance evaluation of constrained routing schemes and present algorithms that control and limit CF value. The results of conducting simulations using various constrained routing algorithms are presented and conclusions are outlined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supporting dependable group‐oriented mobile transactions: redundancy‐based architecture and performance
Authors: Varshney Upkar
Published: July 2006

Several of the emerging mobile commerce services, such as mobile auctions, mobile financial services, and multi‐party interactive games, will require support for dependable transactions. This is a difficult challenge because of both intermittent connectivity and potential failures in wireless infrastructure. In this paper, we present a multi‐network access‐based wireless architecture and related protocols to support dependable transactions. The key idea is to allow group users to utilize access to one or more wireless networks to complete different steps of a transaction. This allows for transactions to be completed even under time‐ and location‐dependent connectivity problems and network failures. The performance results show that access to multiple wireless networks leads to very high transaction completion probability even when individual wireless networks do not offer continuous and/or highly available access. The transaction completion probability is found to be dependent on the group size and number of steps in a transaction, and the same level of dependable performance for transactions can be achieved by increasing the number of wireless networks or improved access to individual networks. The overhead for multi‐network access can be further reduced by creating preferred wireless networks and by reducing the number of critical users in different transaction stages. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lobbying in the 21st century
Authors: John Steve , Thomson Stuart
Published: July 2006

This paper suggests that the nature of activism is changing to take account of the shifts in political and economic conditions. It further goes on to consider that as a result of these emerging trends we have witnessed a generational shift in how governments, businesses, interest groups and citizens will interact. It is possible to place the issues and questions that this new environment raises under a number of broad headings—Democracy and Dissent, Government and Parliament, Media, and Lobbying –each of which the paper deals with in turn. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
24‐hours media
Authors: Jones Nicholas
Published: July 2006

Democratically elected governments are having to respond to an increasingly media‐driven society. The pressures imposed by 24‐hour news media are unrelenting: growing demands for access and information show no sign of abating. Tony Blair and his personal spin doctor, the Downing Street director of communications, Alastair Campbell, are at the cutting edge in developing media techniques which seem likely to be tested as never before, as democracies around the world have to grapple with astute propagandists like Osama bin Laden. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
When marketing models clash with democracy
Authors: Collins Neil , Butler Patrick
Published: July 2006

The application of marketing models in political and public sector contexts is examined. The assumptions in marketing of positive outcomes of (i) rapid responses to consumer concerns, (ii) the extension of choice and customisation in product development, and (iii) the application of market research techniques are considered in turn. This analysis suggests that in the political context, responding rapidly to public opinion is not necessarily a sound reaction; extending choice and customisation of products may not best serve public welfare, and applying market research techniques may not provide for the best system for policy decisions. The features of liberal representative democracy, particularly the role of deliberation, informed assent and accountability, have been neglected. Speed of response has been emphasised to the cost of democratic filters and checks on public opinion; enhanced choice, enabled by mass customisation, presents problems of social fragmentation; and the application of market research is no substitute for political discourse and engagement. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
The importance of industry compliance in improving advertising self‐regulatory processes
Authors: Harker Debra
Published: July 2006

As the most visible element of the marketing communications mix, advertising has had its critics and, given the choice, developed countries usually select a self‐regulatory approach to deal with unacceptable advertising. The recent breakdown of one of the world's longest established advertising self‐regulatory programmes in Australia has reopened the 20‐year old debate that has taken place in the leading academic and business journals concerned with enhancing understanding of such regulatory systems.

This paper focuses on the activity of code enforcement in improving the effectiveness of advertising self‐regulatory frameworks. The key findings of an Australian study, where its scheme has recently failed, are presented and discussed in this context and a key concept is developed. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
The development of competencies in international public affairs
Authors: Fleisher Craig S.
Published: July 2006

This paper provides guidance to managers in the corporate public affairs (PA) community for internationalising their professional development and competency acquisition. It is increasingly necessary that PA managers have competencies in the range of global socio‐political matters that impact their organisations. Unfortunately, the provision of this knowledge, skill and ability (KSAs) has mostly come through unsystematic, personal and on‐thejob experience. This paper develops a list of international PA competencies, and calls for improved dedication by all PA leaders, to internationalising the developmental, experiential, on the job and post‐secondary educational ‘curriculums’ for PA managers. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
How political and social change will transform the EU public affairs industry
Authors: Titley Simon
Published: July 2006

The EU public affairs industry is failing to recognise that political and social change is rendering its traditional approach to lobbying redundant. The key change is the growing importance of public opinion. Politicians are tending to follow rather than lead public opinion. The public is becoming more individualistic and more prone to emotional appeals. Pressure groups are increasingly setting the political agenda. The Internet is reinforcing all these trends and multiplying the number of political actors.

To survive and prosper, public affairs practitioners need to adopt a strategic view of public affairs, which is aligned with companies' brand strategies.

This view must be based on a holistic view of politics and recognition that winning public trust, acceptance and support is the prerequisite of successful lobbying. The emphasis will therefore shift away from traditional elite lobbying towards NGO‐style campaigning and mobilisation of public support. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
Marketing political soap: a political marketing view of selling candidates like soap, of electioneering as a ritual, and of electoral military analogies
Authors: Marland Alex
Published: July 2006

This paper examines three common political expressions and ideas from a marketing perspective. First, the origins of the ‘selling candidates like soap’ expression are traced and it is argued that, rather than being ‘sold’ like a product, candidates are instead ‘marketed’ like a service provider such as a real estate agent. Traditional campaign rituals have a legitimate marketing function if electors, and not just political actors, are meaningfully incorporated and military analogies in elections have increasing relevance given the classic military strategy used by commercial marketers. Together, these examples suggest that the application of marketing to politics may require the rethinking of ingrained electoral jargon and concepts. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
The trade‐offs in developing public affairs metrics
Authors: Fleisher Craig S.
Published: July 2006

This paper examines the place of metrics in the assessment of a corporation's public affairs practice. It describes how public affairs metrics are situated in the larger context of organisational performance assessment, examines the range of metrics available to the CPA practitioner, and identifies the critical trade‐offs associated with why public affairs metrics utilisation has not achieved the level of application that some experts have encouraged. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
Ford Motor Company and the Firestone tyre recall
Authors: Moll Robert
Published: July 2006

This paper was prepared as the basis for a class discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation. It may be appropriate for public affairs, business and public policy, and/or crisis management courses at the undergraduate or graduate level. In conjunction with this case, it may be useful to use the framework for crisis management developed by Dr Ian I. Mitroff, the Harold Quinton Distinguished Professor of Business Policy at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. This best practice model is discussed in ‘Managing Crises Before They Happen’, which Mitroff published in 2001 with Gus Anagnos, Vice President of Comprehensive Crisis Management.

This case leads the audience through the Ford–Firestone tyre crisis from 1997—when Ford began to learn of a problem with Firestone tyres on its popular Explorer sport‐utility vehicle—up until the summer of 2001, just after Ford recalled 13 million Firestone tyres and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration cleared Ford of further investigation into potential defects in the Explorer.

The case addresses potential causes of the tyre problem, how Ford handled the crisis from a corporate public affairs perspective and, tangentially, how Firestone handled the issue. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
The GMO food arena in the EU (1998–2001)
Authors: van Schendelen Rinus
Published: July 2006

A highly politicised arena in the EU has been caused by the 1998 Commission legislative proposal with regard to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The debate over different interests became more intense.

During the EU decision‐making process concerning GMOs, two larger coalitions cutting across institutions and countries waged the fight: one was led by industry and was in favour of GMOs and the other was against and mainly rooted in nongovernmental lobby groups. In mid‐2001, the ‘anti’ movement had gained a (temporary) winning position. In an attempt to explain this, it was concluded that the industrial lobby has been nonchalant in its preparatory work for public affairs management, by not carefully studying the various stakeholders, issues, time developments and the boundaries of this arena. With the benefit of hindsight it can be seen that the industrial lobby itself has missed opportunities and made unforced errors. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
The role of public relations in non‐electoral participative democracy: a case study examining the effectiveness of district assemblies within Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Authors: Yeomans Liz , Adshead Louise
Published: July 2006

This paper is concerned with how local councils might bring about the renewal of local democracy, and in particular, to the extent to which public relations might contribute to the process of renewal. To begin, the public policy literature is reviewed to investigate the concept of participatory democracy and its application in the UK. The role of local government public relations is then discussed and to the extent to which the concepts of public relations and local public participation are linked. The paper then goes on to describe and critically evaluate one particular case where a public relations strategy was used to effect participatory democracy through local forums or ‘district assemblies’. In the case of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, district assemblies were found to be successful examples of deliberative forums in achieving participatory democracy. They were well publicised and encouraged participation, and people thought that they made a difference to their community. However, the research raised questions surrounding the extent of community representation at district assemblies (including the publics targeted); and inclusivity in the structure and organisation of the meetings. The case raised the issue of power inequalities which public relations efforts alone cannot resolve in the democratic renewal project. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications
The symbolic state: a British experience
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Nicholas
Published: July 2006

This paper aspires to introduce a new word into the political lexicon. It argues that Britain's ‘New’ Labour Government embodies a phenomenon for which the word ‘spin’ is descriptively inadequate. New Labour actually represents something much more radical and important than this—an entire regime whose core competence has lain in the generation of imagery. Its directors recognise that, in a sense, words speak louder than actions, and that the production of the correct imagery is politically more significant than the creation and execution of policy, the old concept of governing. While the paper discusses the ethical and the social consequences of this evolution, it also suggests that such symbolic government is the almost inevitable response of governing elites to an inquisitorial and relentless modern media. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications