bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZNAČAJ PODRŠKE DECI I RODITELJIMA ROMSKE NACIONALNOSTI U DOMENU OBRAZOVANJA U CILJU PREVENCIJE NAPUŠTANJA ŠKOLOVANJA
Authors: Tanasijević Jelena , Vesić Zoran
Published: May 2024

Savremeni trendovi i zaokret u shvatanju značaja sredine u kojoj dete odrasta za njegov razvoj i dostizanje optimalnih postignuća u domenu obrazovanja povećava prostor za kreiranje obrazovnih politika i mera koje su osetljive na uvaţavanje konteksta, kao i činjenicu da nemaju sva deca istu polaznu osnovu i podršku koji mogu biti značajni za uspešnost u oblasti obrazovanja. Upravo ovakav pristup povećava prilike za socijalno uključivanje, a kroz sprečavanje ranog napuštanja obrazovanja i pristup koji odgovornost za neupeh ne traţi u detetu i njegovim roditeljima, već u društvenom i obrazovnom kontekstu koji nije u dovoljnoj meri prepoznao nejednakosti početnih pozicija meĎu decom. Sa druge strane aktuelni društveni kontekst koji podrazumeva tranziciju ka trţišnoj ekonomiji podrazumeva jačanje individualne odgovornosti porodice i pojedinca, što pripadnike osetljivih društvenih grupa dovodi u još teţi poloţaj. Imajući u vidu ove činjenice, uvoĎenje mera obrazovne politike koje se odnose na inkluzivno obrazovanje i aktivnu uključenost šire društvene zajednice, mogu imati pozitivne efekte na decu koja su njime obuhvaćena, ali i celokupan obrazovni sistem i širu društvenu zajednicu. Samim tim sprečava se i prekid školovanja i umanjuju mogućnosti za razvoj problema u ponašanju kod dece. U okviru ovog rada biće predstavljeni rezultati istraţivanja koje je sprovedeno u Beogradu na teritoriji Gradske opštine Zvezdara, a koje je imalo za cilj procenu roditeljskih kompetencija, socio-ekonomskih i sredinskih faktora koji utiču na roditeljske uloge, podršku institucija sistema u prevazilaţenju problema i zadovoljavanju potreba porodice i dece, snaga i rizika porodičnog sistema kao i mapiranje potreba i poloţaja roditelja romske nacionalnosti u oblasti obrazovanja dece i mladih. Rezultati istraţivanja ukazali su na značaj podrške koju dobijaju i deca i roditelji i ukazali na pravac u kome bi lokalna zajednica kroz različite programe i aktivnosti mogla doprineti poboljšanju poloţaja ove grupacije i kroz to prevenirala izazove sa kojima se aktuelno susreću.
A Rare Case of Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis with Non Syndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Meghe Soham , Singh Al , Kashikar Yash , Singh Sudhir
Published: May 2024

The onset of Non Syndromic Hearing Loss (NSHL) typically occurs without any other symptoms and can vary from person to person, even within the same family. Hearing loss can be unilateral or bilateral and can range from mild to profound degrees of hearing loss. Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis (EDV) is a dermatologic condition in which patients show reduced immunologic ability to defend and eradicate certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), leading to persistent infection and an increased lifetime risk of developing cutaneous dysplasia and malignancy. Both conditions have a genetic background. However, their concurrent occurrence is very rare. Therefore, a case study is presented of a four-year-old female child who visited the dermatology outpatient department with a chief complaint of hearing loss and white-coloured lesions covering her arms, neck, back, and chest for the last two years. The hearing loss was gradual, not apparent at birth, and progressed slowly to complete hearing loss. A final diagnosis of EDV with Non Syndromic Sensorineural Hearing Loss (NSSNHL) was made based on clinical and histological examination.
Complex Traumatic Degloving Facial Injury with Multiple Maxillofacial Fractures: A Case Report
Authors: Saluja Pulkit Khandelwal Harish , Shah Seemit , Dadhich Anuj
Published: May 2024

Reconstructing mutilating soft-tissue injuries, lacerations, and extensive degloving injuries of the face is a very challenging and exacting task, It becomes more challenging and difficult if these types of injuries are associated with maxillofacial fractures. Such injuries require meticulous treatment and care; inadequate and poor treatment may lead to grotesque unsightly deformities, with inevitable physiological and psychological ill-effects. It requires a staged treatment method for optimal and successful aesthetic and functional outcomes. Meticulous anatomic repositioning of soft tissues as well as hard tissues, and proper postoperatively gives good aesthetic and functional results. The present article presents a case of 45-year-old male patient of a complex traumatic degloving soft-tissue injury along with multiple facial bone fractures, detailing the measures taken to prevent necrosis and infection through surgical debridement, internal fixation of maxillofacial fractures, and timely restoration of vital soft-tissue elements in position. Following a road traffic accident, the patient was diagnosed with a frontal bone fracture, Lefort-II fracture with a comminuted parasymphysis fracture of the mandible, and a degloving injury to the lower lip. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) were performed for the mandibular fracture, and an autologous cancellous bone graft from the anterior iliac crest was grafted to bridge the gap between fractured segments. Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF) (Closed reduction) was done for the midface fracture. Meticulous multiple-layered suturing was performed for the degloving soft-tissue injury. After three months, there were no complications, and the patient was satisfied with no functional or aesthetic deficits.
Development, Validation and Reliability of Comprehensive Primary Dysmenorrhoea Scale: A Research Protocol
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Sharma Sunita , Chatterjee Subhasish , Yadav Sarita , Kaur Simmanjit
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Primary Dysmenorrhoea (PD) is a common disorder in both young and adult females which is characterised by cramps that start immediately before or at the beginning of menstruation in the lower abdomen and are spasmodic and painful in nature, without any pelvic pathology. PD has a serious detrimental effect on quality of life and productivity in terms of health. Need of the Study: To the best of author’s knowledge, there is no specific scale meant to extensively assess the overall physical, social, psychological and nutritional status of females with PD and evaluate the quality of life, therefore, a comprehensive tool is required to resolve these issues and capture a comprehensive overview of the typical distress encountered during menstruation. Aim: To develop the items and domains, estimate its content and concurrent validity as well as assess intra-rater and testretest reliability of the scale, which comprehensively assesses physical, social, psychological and nutritional status of females with PD and determine their quality of life. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study, that will be conducted at General Outpatient Department (OPD), Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India from April 2023 to March 2024. It consists of three phases. First phase comprises of the scale development procedure which includes generation of domains and items. Second phase is to validate the scale. This phase includes content validation through Delphi method as well as evaluation of criterion (concurrent) validity. Third phase consists of assessing intra-rater and testretest reliability of the scale.
Assessment of Anthocyanin Content and Consumer Acceptability of Dried Rose Herbal Tea Blended Infusions
Authors: Sruthi K , Babu K Kaladhar , Laxmi K Venkata , Jyothi G , Kumar S Praneeth
Published: May 2024

Tea is a famous beverage that is used all over the world because of its refreshing characteristics. Herbal teas have recently gained popularity due to their therapeutic and antioxidant effects. The present investigation was carried out at Floriculture Laboratory, College of Horticulture, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the year 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments and each replicated thrice. They were evaluated for the antioxidant activity, total phenols, anthocyanin content and sensory analysis at period of 0, 30, 60, 90 days of storage. The study revealed that among different herbal teas, T1 (Dried rose petals- Control) found to be best with total anthocyanin content (19.56 mg.L-1). Antioxidant activity and total phenolics content was recorded highest in treatment T4 (Dried rose petals and dried tulasi leaves in 1:1) with (92.70 %) and (140.68 mg.100g-1 GAE) respectively. In respect with organoleptic scoring, T2 (Dried rose petals and dried lemon grass in 1:1) was found to be best with flavor (8.50), taste (8.25), overall acceptability (8.60) and T1 (Dried rose petals- Control) showed highest score (8.60) for colour.
Understanding the Role of Light in Seed Germination: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chandra R. Jeya , Masilamani P. , Suthakar B. , Rajkumar P. , Sivakumar S. D. , Manonmani V.
Published: May 2024

Seed germination is an important stage in the plant's life cycle, and light is a key factor in regulating this stage. The regulation of seed germination by light is an intricate process that is governed by a range of photoreceptors and signaling pathways. Photoreceptors, which include phytochromes, cryptochromes, and phototropins, are the major sensors in seeds that detect and transduce light signals. These photoreceptors regulate the expression of various sets of genes, resulting in the activation or repression of germination related activities. The phytochrome system, which consists of various phytochrome species such as phyA, phyB and phyC acts critically in controlling the seed germination in response to varying light conditions. Phytochromes break seed dormancy, promote endosperm weakening, and mobilize store reserves during germination. Cryptochromes, another form of photoreceptor, are largely involved in blue light perception and have been found to influence seed germination through numerous processes, including the modulation of hormonal pathways, such as those involving gibberellic acid (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA). In addition to the photoreceptors, there are various upstream and downstream signaling components, such as transcription factors, protein kinases, and hormonal regulators, that contribute to the complex network that regulates light induced seed germination. Photoregulation of seed germination is the process by which light, as perceived by specialized photoreceptors known as phytochromes, regulates the transition of a quiescent dry seed to a metabolically active state, thereby                   commencing the germination process. Different wavelengths of light, red (R) and far-red (FR) light, used to regulate seed germination through the phytochrome, and used in environment                            signals for promoting the germination. This review examines the current state of                             knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that govern the photoregulation of seed germination. It delves into the intricate among between photoreceptors, signaling pathways, and environmental cues that play a crucial role in this process. Moreover, it explores the possible implications of this research in enhancing agricultural practices and devising strategies for maximizing crop yields.
Influence of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth and Yield Attributes of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)
Authors: Sharma Jayprakash , C. Umesha
Published: May 2024

The field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (India). to determine the "Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur levels on Growth and Yield Attributes of Cluster Bean". The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (R.B.D) with ten treatments with three replicate. Here are the treatment details: T1: Application of 10 kg/ha of nitrogen and 20 kg/ha of Sulphur.T2: Application of 10 kg/ha of nitrogen and 25 kg/ha of Sulphur.T3: Application of 10 kg/ha of nitrogen and 30 kg/ha of Sulphur.T4: Application of 15 kg/ha of nitrogen and 20 kg/ha of Sulphur.T5: Application of 15 kg/ha of nitrogen and 25 kg/ha of Sulphur.T6: Application of 15 kg/ha of nitrogen and 30 kg/ha of Sulphur.T7: Application of 20 kg/ha of nitrogen and 20 kg/ha of Sulphur.T8: Application of 20 kg/ha of nitrogen and 25 kg/ha of Sulphur.T9: Application of 20 kg/ha of nitrogen and 30 kg/ha of Sulphur. and Control Plot. The results shows that T9 recorded significantly higher plant height (103.21cm), Number of nodules/plant (25.80), Number of branches/plant (11.03), maximum plant dry weight (30.84 g/plant), maximum pods per plant (39.31), Seeds per pod (7.63), test weight (29.51 g), Seed yield (1.69 t/ha), Stover yield (3.27 t/ha).
Prevalence of falls and the association with knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spondylosis as well as knee and lower back pain in Japanese men and women
Authors: Muraki Shigeyuki , Akune Toru , Oka Hiroyuki , En‐yo Yoshio , Yoshida Munehito , Nakamura Kozo , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Yoshimura Noriko
Published: July 2011

Objective

There is little information on falls by sex and age strata in Japan, and few factors associated with falls have been established. However, the association between bone and joint diseases and falls remains unclear. We examined prevalence of falls by sex and age strata, determined its association with radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and lumbar spine, and determined knee and lower back pain after single and multiple falls.

Methods

A questionnaire assessed the number of falls during 12 months preceding baseline. Knee and lumbar spine radiographs were read by Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade; radiographic knee OA and lumbar spondylosis were defined as a K/L grade of 3 or 4. Knee and lower back pain were estimated by an interview.

Results

A total of 587 men and 1,088 women (mean ± SD age 65.3 ± 12.0 years) were analyzed. During 1 year, 79 (13.5%) men and 207 (19.0%) women reported at least 1 fall. With increasing age, the prevalence of multiple falls was higher in women, but lower in elderly men age >60 years. In men, few factors were significantly associated with falls. In women, radiographic knee OA and lumbar spondylosis, as well as knee and lower back pain, were significantly associated with multiple falls without adjustment. Lower back pain and knee pain were independently associated with multiple falls in women after adjustment.

Conclusion

Lower back pain and knee pain were significantly associated with multiple falls in women.
Architecture and Mathematics: Between Hubris and Restraint
Authors: Picon Antoine
Published: July 2011

The introduction of calculus‐based mathematics in the 18th century proved fatal for the relationship of mathematics and architecture. As Antoine Picon, Professor of History of Architecture and Technology at Harvard Graduate School of Design, highlights, when geometry was superseded by calculus it resulted in an ensuing estrangement from architecture, an alienation that has persisted even with the widespread introduction of computation. It is a liaison that Picon characterises as having shifted between hubris and restraint. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuity and Rupture
Authors: Shelden Dennis R , Witt Andrew J
Published: July 2011

There is currently a disjoint between the enthusiasm that is expressed for geometry in architecture and the disparate manner in which it is applied spatially. Dennis R Shelden and Andrew J Witt of Gehry Technologies here seek to address this by reconnecting theory and practice with developments in modern mathematics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desargues and Leibniz: In the Black Box ‐ A Mathematical Model of the Leibnizian Monad
Authors: Cache Bernard
Published: July 2011

Here Bernard Cache provides a detailed analysis of a paper written in 1636 by the French mathematician, architect and engineer, Girard Desargues. Desargues is best known as the founder of projective geometry. Cache explains how he initally developed this significant concept in response to the very practical problems of producing a perspectival drawing. The introduction of projective geometry, though, had potentially more far‐reaching implications on philosophical thought, informing the theory of monads developed by the German philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Leibniz in 1714 to explain the metaphysics of simple substances. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pasta by Design
Authors: Legendre George L
Published: July 2011

Guest‐editor George L Legendre has taken the parametric surface model that he developed for buildings through his practice, IJP Corporation, and applied it to pasta. The result is Pasta by Design, publishing in September 2011 by Thames & Hudson, which classifies this primo piatto into 92 basic topological types. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Metabolism of the City: The Mathematics of Networks and Urban Surfaces
Authors: Weinstock Michael
Published: July 2011

How might we best track the accelerating demands of global urbanisation? Michael Weinstock, Director of Research and Development at the Architectural Association (AA) in London, proposes a mathematical approach to uncovering the dynamics of cities. He advocates a dual method that reveals any city's particular metabolism by simultaneously mapping its physical shape ‐ its compactness and densities ‐ and its flows of energy, information and materials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling the Recombination Zone of White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Extremely Long Lifetimes
Authors: Duan Lian , Zhang Deqiang , Wu Kongwu , Huang Xiuqi , Wang Liduo , Qiu Yong
Published: July 2011

The lifetime of the organic devices remains a major challenge that must be overcome before the wide application of white organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) technology. In this work, we present a new strategy to achieve WOLEDs with an extremely long lifetime by wisely control of the recombination zone. A blue emitting layer of 6,6′‐(1,2‐ethenediyl)bis(N‐2‐naphthalenyl‐N‐phenyl‐2‐naphthalenamine doped 9‐(1‐naphthyl)‐10‐(2‐naphthyl)‐anthracene was deposited on top of the mixed host blue emitting layer to prevent hole penetration into the electron transporting layer and to attain better confinement of carrier recombination. In this way, we obtained a WOLED with a record high lifetime of over 150 000 hours at an initial brightness of 1000 cd m−2, 40 times longer than the conventional bilayer WOLED. The electroluminescent spectra of the long‐lived WOLED showed almost no color‐shifting after accelerated aging. It is anticipated that these results might be a starting point for further research towards ultrastable OLED displays and lightings.
Behavioral and perceived stressor effects on urinary catecholamine excretion in adult samoans
Authors: Bergey Meredith R. , Steele Matthew S. , Bereiter David A. , Viali Satupaitea , Mcgarvey Stephen T.
Published: July 2011

Objectives:

The effects of perceptions and behaviors related to culturally patterned socioeconomic obligations on catecholamine excretion rates were studied in a cross‐sectional sample of Samoan adults.

Methods:

A total of 378 participants, ages 29–62 years, from 9 villages throughout Samoa, provided timed overnight urine specimens, and self‐reported perceptions and behaviors associated with contributions to one's family, aiga, and chief, matai, and communal gift exchanges, fa'alavelave. Urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine excretion rates were measured by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Age (≤40 vs. >40 years) and gender‐specific regression models were estimated to detect associations with catecholamine excretion.

Results:

Young women who contribute more to their matai, who consider fa'alavelave to be a financial strain, and who view their contribution to their matai to be “just right,” had significantly higher residence‐adjusted norepinephrine excretion. Young women who contribute more to their matai, who consider fa'alavelave to be a financial strain, and who consider their contribution to their aiga not to be a burden, had higher epinephrine excretion. Older men who contribute more to their aiga and who perceive their contribution to their aiga to be “just right” had increased residence‐adjusted epinephrine excretion.

Conclusions:

Individual‐level perceptions and behaviors related to traditional socioeconomic obligations are a significant correlate of increased overnight catecholamine excretion rates. Higher excretion rates may be attributed to psychosocial stress arousal associated with a discordance between personal desires for upward social mobility, and family and community‐based socioeconomic obligations. Changes in patterns of individual‐level psychosocial stress arousal may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk in modernizing Samoans. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and studies of blue light emitting polymers containing triphenylamine‐substituted fluorene and diphenylanthracene moiety
Authors: Barve Kanchan A. , Raut Sambhaji S. , Mishra Alok V. , Patil Vishwanath R.
Published: July 2011

Photoluminescent (PL) polymers containing triphenylamine‐substituted fluorene and diphenylanthracene (DPA) units were synthesized by aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction. The light emitting polymers (LEPs) contains hole‐transporting triphenylamine (TPA) groups at the C‐9 position of fluorene and DPA‐emitting segments in the main chain. The obtained polymers were soluble in various organic solvents and thermally stable. The synthesized polymers were successfully characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR and, 1H NMR spectroscopy. The electrochemical measurements and optical properties of the polymers were also studied. The obtained polymers showed significant blue emission. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Sr2+, and Y3+ binding characteristics of 17β‐estradiol molecularly imprinted polymer particles incorporated with dicyclohexano‐18‐crown‐6 for urine bioassay
Authors: Lai Edward P. C. , Bahraini Negar , Li Chunsheng , Sadi Baki B. , Kramer Gary H.
Published: July 2011

The metal ion binding characteristics of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) submicron particles prepared using 17β‐estradiol (E2) as a template, and incorporated with dicyclohexano‐18‐crown‐6 (DCH18C6), were studied using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. When Sr2+ was added to DCH18C6‐E2‐MIP particles already occupied by Cd2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ inside the binding sites, a displacement reaction was observed: Cd2+/Cu2+/Pb2+‐DCH18C6‐E2‐MIP + Sr2+ = Sr2+‐DCH18C6‐E2‐MIP + Cd2+/Cu2+/Pb2+. This demonstrated that DCH18C6 had stronger binding affinity for Sr2+ than Cd2+ Cu2+ or Pb2+. Strong DCH18C6 binding affinity was also observed for Y3+. Atomic emission spectrometry showed that DCH18C6‐E2‐MIP particles (150 mg/mL) resulted in 52% binding of Sr2+ (2000 ppm, at pH 6.3 ± 0.1 and ionic strength of 0.1M NaNO2). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Functionalization of polypropylene at high temperature under oxidative/inert environment
Authors: Akolekar Deepak B. , Nair Shubhangi , Adsul Santosh , Virkar Sunil
Published: July 2011

Functionalization of polypropylene (PP) has been investigated using the high‐temperature route. The advantage of the high‐temperature functionalization is the introduction of cheaper, long‐term stable and environmentally friendly routes for generating surface active groups on PP. In this regard, extensive experimental work was undertaken to investigate the influence of the high‐temperature (40–360°C) treatment, reaction time, and inert/oxidative gas environments on generation of functional groups on PP. The thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimeter techniques were used to study the changes in the temperature of melting/crystallization and the crystallinity of the treated PP samples. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed that the high‐temperature treatment under inert/oxidative affects the surface/morphology of PP samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to examine the surface species formation and the stability of functional groups. FTIR results of the thermally treated PP showed the selective formation of monosubstituted alkenes under inert atmosphere, while the formation of hydroperoxides, carbonyl, lactones, and substituted alkenes stable species was observed under oxidative atmosphere. The changes in the molecular weight of the treated PP under different conditions were evaluated using high‐temperature gel permeation chromatography (HTGPC) technique. The extent of functionalization of PP up to 20% or more could be obtained by using the different oxidation conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Selective permeation of cross‐linked polyelectrolyte and polyelectrolyte‐filled nonwoven membranes
Authors: Jung Kyung‐Hye , Pourdeyhimi Behnam , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: July 2011

Selective permeation, driven by ionic attraction, is one of the most important properties of polyelectrolyte membranes. In this study, selective permeation behaviors of different polyelectrolytes, poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS), poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS), and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA), were studied via solution‐diffusion mechanism. Among these three polyelectrolytes, PSS membranes showed the highest permeabilities for both water and dimethyl methylphophonate vapors due to their high diffusion coefficients caused by the high flexibility of PSS chains. It was also found that the cross‐linking of polymer chains increased membrane permeabilities by weakening the physical network formed by ionic attraction. However, the type and cross‐linking of polyelectrolytes did not have significant effect on the membrane selectivities. Nonwoven fabric was employed to control the selective permeation of polyelectrolyte membranes. It was found that filling the nonwoven fabric with polyelectrolytes led to composite membranes with reduced permeabilities and increased selectivities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Effect of twisting on mechanical properties of GF/PP commingled hybrid yarns and UD‐composites
Authors: Torun A. R. , Hoffmann G. , Mountasir A. , Cherif Ch.
Published: July 2011

This study was conducted due to the necessity for improving the processability of commingled yarns during textile processing, in particular dense 3D preform weaving. Open structure of the commingled yarns caused higher production stops. As a possible solution, GF/PP commingled yarns with different twisting levels were produced. Effect of twisting on the mechanical properties of commingled yarns and on their compression molded UD composites are determined. Further tests were executed about yarn/yarn and yarn/metal friction of twisted commingled yarns, which are important properties during textile processing. Theoretical approaches such as a yarn model with linear bar elements and lamina equation with an equivalent angle distortion of over‐delivery proved useful to relate the structural parameters and mechanical properties. As a result, twisting did not significantly affect the modulus of elasticity of UD‐composites, however, the tensile strength of UD‐composites were reduced by further processing even without twisting. Therefore, small twisting levels can be applied on commingled yarns to improve processability of dense preforms without significantly affecting the mechanical performance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Atomic oxygen erosion resistance of titania–polyimide hybrid films derived from titanium tetrabutoxide and polyamic acid
Authors: Xiao Fei , Wang Kai , Zhan Maosheng
Published: July 2011

A series of polyimide/titania (PI/TiO2) hybrid films have been successfully synthesized based on titanium tetrabutoxide (Ti(OEt)4), 3,3′,4,4′‐bezonphenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA), and 1,3‐bis(aminopropyl) tetramethyldisiloxane (APrTMOS) by a sol–gel process. The atomic oxygen (AO) exposure tests were carried out using a ground‐based AO effects simulation facility. The chemical structure of PI/TiO2 films was characterized by Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscope before and after AO exposure. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties were examined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and universal mechanical testing machine, respectively. The tensile strength and elongation of the hybrid film decreased with the increase of TiO2 content, whereas the Tg increased with the increase of TiO2 content. The effects of TiO2 content on the morphology and structure evolvement of PI/TiO2 hybrid films were also investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), respectively. The results indicated that a TiO2‐rich layer resulting from the Ti(OEt)4 formed on the PI film after AO exposure, which decreased the mass loss rate and obviously improved the AO resistance of PI films. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and application of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐bile salts conjugates in physicochemical characterization and the pharmacokinetics of the liposomal bifendate in rats
Authors: Chen Zhi‐peng , Zhu Jia‐bi , Chen Hong‐xuan , Xiao Yan‐yu , Liu Dan , Chen Jun , Lu Tulin , Cai Baochang
Published: July 2011

Stealth liposomes have been broadly investigated as drug delivery or diagnostic agent. However, the materials that possess the ability of stealth, such as DSPE‐PEG and Chol‐PEG, are either costly or synthetic complex. In this research with different molecular weights (2000–6000 g/mol) of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)(MePEG), a series of MePEG‐bile (MePB) conjugates were generated by an economical and simple method and confirmed by FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectrum. The properties in aqueous solution were studied, including viscosity and surface activity, over a wide concentration range. To elucidate the application of MePB in liposomes (MePBL), conventional liposomes (CL) were prepared, and the influence of the grafting density and the chain length of MePB in liposomes were investigated. The ability of long circulation of MePBL was evaluated by intravenous injection administration in rats. Results indicated that all the liposomes prepared, with or without MePB composition, were similar in micrograph, and the contents of MePB in MePBL were more important than the chain length of MePB for a long circulation in vivo. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Persistence of native fishes in small streams of the urbanized San Francisco Estuary, California: acknowledging the role of urban streams in native fish conservation
Authors: Leidy Robert A. , Cervantes‐Yoshida Kristina , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: July 2011

Urbanization is known to have pernicious consequences for native stream fishes globally. The San Francisco Estuary (SFE), California, is one of the largest, most urbanized estuaries in North America and non‐native freshwater fishes are widespread in many of its catchments. Nevertheless, a diverse native and endemic freshwater fish species assemblage remains in this region.

Historical records (1854–2007) were reviewed and sampling conducted throughout SFE catchments to determine the distribution of stream fishes. Native stream fishes were classified by zoogeographic type, habitat preferences, physiological tolerances, and whether native fishes utilized reservoirs during their life cycle.

From 1993–1999, stream fishes were sampled at 270 sites distributed in 23 SFE catchments to assess the overall status and distribution of native stream fishes, and illuminate drivers of persistence.

In 2009, stream fishes were sampled at 65 sites within the largest estuary catchment, Alameda Creek, to further explore distributional patterns and drivers of native fish persistence.

Native stream fishes persist in the urbanized SFE because of several interacting factors, including the existence of extensive undeveloped landscapes in the headwaters of many catchments, the prevalence of saltwater dispersant native stream fishes, the wide physiological tolerances of native species, the presence of saltwater barriers between catchments that presumably reduces the spread of non‐native fishes, and the existence of reservoirs that function as habitat for several native species. These results emerged from both the SFE‐wide and the Alameda Creek analyses, suggesting they are somewhat general for this region.

Study results show that streams in spatially complex urban settings retain important conservation benefits to native stream fishes, despite significant perturbations and the establishment of non‐native fishes.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of the anti–citrullinated protein antibody repertoire prior to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: van de Stadt Lotte A. , de Koning Margret H. M. T. , van de Stadt Rob J. , Wolbink Gertjan , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Hamann Dörte , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan
Published: July 2011

Objective

To examine how anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) epitope spreading takes place prior to the onset of clinical rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to analyze the pattern of autoantigen reactivity at the beginning of the immune response.

Methods

Multiple consecutive serum samples from 79 RA patients who had donated blood before disease onset were available for analysis. Fifty‐three patients tested positive for ACPAs prior to the onset of clinical RA. For these patients, a median of 6 (interquartile range 4–9) sequential pre‐RA serum samples obtained 1–2 years apart were tested. Reactivity to 5 distinct citrullinated peptides was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Two peptides were derived from fibrinogen, 1 from vimentin, 1 from α‐enolase, and 1 from filaggrin.

Results

In 25 of 53 ACPA‐positive patients, seroconversion from ACPA absence to ACPA presence was observed. In 72% of these patients, the immune response started with reactivity to 1 peptide, without preference for a particular peptide. The number of peptides recognized increased over time, without a dominant epitope‐spreading pattern. ACPAs appeared in low levels several years prior to the diagnosis of RA. Antibody titers increased markedly ∼2–4 years before diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ACPA epitope spreading occurs over several years prior to the onset of clinical RA. The initial autoimmune response is mostly directed toward only 1 autoantigen, but this is not always the same antigen. The marked increase in ACPA titers a few years prior to the diagnosis of RA suggests a second stage in disease development, which might be due to a variety of factors.
Identification of novel genetic susceptibility loci in African American lupus patients in a candidate gene association study
Authors: Sánchez Elena , Comeau Mary E. , Freedman Barry I. , Kelly Jennifer A. , Kaufman Kenneth M. , Langefeld Carl D. , Brown Elizabeth E. , Alarcón Graciela S. , Kimberly Robert P. , Edberg Jeffrey C. , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind , Petri Michelle , Reveille John D. , Vilá Luis M. , Merrill Joan T. , Tsao Betty P. , Kamen Diane L. , Gilkeson Gary S. , James Judith A. , Vyse Timothy J. ,   International Consortium on the Genetics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Gaffney Patrick M. , Jacob Chaim O. , Niewold Timothy B. , Richardson Bruce C. , Harley John B. , Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta E. , Sawalha Amr H.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Candidate gene and genome‐wide association studies have identified several disease susceptibility loci in lupus patients. These studies have largely been performed in lupus patients who are Asian or of European ancestry. This study was undertaken to examine whether some of these same susceptibility loci increase lupus risk in African American individuals.

Methods

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms tagging 15 independent lupus susceptibility loci were genotyped in a set of 1,724 lupus patients and 2,024 healthy controls of African American descent. The loci examined included PTPN22, FCGR2A, TNFSF4, STAT4, CTLA4, PDCD1, PXK, BANK1, MSH5 (HLA region), CFB (HLA region), C8orf13‐BLK region, MBL2, KIAA1542, ITGAM, and MECP2/IRAK1.

Results

We found the first evidence of genetic association between lupus in African American patients and 5 susceptibility loci (C8orf13‐BLK, BANK1, TNFSF4, KIAA1542, and CTLA4; P = 8.0 × 10−6, P = 1.9 × 10−5, P = 5.7 × 10−5, P = 0.00099, and P = 0.0045, respectively). Further, we confirmed the genetic association between lupus and 5 additional lupus susceptibility loci (ITGAM, MSH5, CFB, STAT4, and FCGR2A; P = 7.5 × 10−11, P = 5.2 × 10−8, P = 8.7 × 10−7, P = 0.0058, and P = 0.0070, respectively), and provided evidence, for the first time, of genome‐wide significance for the association between lupus in African American patients and ITGAM and MSH5 (HLA region).

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence of novel genetic susceptibility loci for lupus in African Americans and demonstrate that the majority of lupus susceptibility loci examined confer lupus risk across multiple ethnicities.
Nerve growth factor: A key local regulator in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Raychaudhuri Siba P. , Raychaudhuri Smriti K. , Atkuri Kondala R. , Herzenberg Leonard A. , Herzenberg Leonore A.
Published: July 2011

Objective

The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor (NGFR) in inflammatory diseases is a novel research field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NGF/NGFR in human T cell subpopulations and fibroblast‐like synovial cells (FLS) and examine its pathophysiologic significance in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Expression of NGF/NGFR was examined in synovial fluid (SF), FLS, peripheral blood (PB)–derived T cells, and SF‐derived T cells from patients with PsA, RA, and osteoarthritis (OA). NGF levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. NGF‐induced T cell/FLS proliferation was examined by MTT assay. Low‐affinity (p75)/high‐affinity (TrkA) NGFR expression was determined by high‐dimensional fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. A monochlorobimane assay was used to determine the effect of NGF on T cell survival.

Results

Levels of NGF were higher in SF samples from PsA and RA patients as compared to SF samples from OA patients. NGF‐induced FLS proliferation was more marked in PsA and RA patients. TrkA was up‐regulated on activated SF T cells from PsA (mean ± SD 22 ± 6.2%) and RA (8 ± 1.3%) patients, whereas in SF samples from OA patients, TrkA+CD3+ T cells were not detectable. NGF induced the proliferation of PB T cells, induced the phosphorylation of Akt in activated T cells, and consistent with known pAkt activity, inhibited tumor necrosis factor α–induced cell death in these T cells.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we propose a model in which NGF secreted by FLS into PsA and RA synovium promotes the survival of activated autoreactive T cells as well as FLS proliferation. Thus, NGF has the potential to sustain the chronic inflammatory cascades of arthritis of autoimmune origin.
The “Frankenplasmid” lab: An investigative exercise for teaching recombinant DNA methods
Authors: Dean Derek M. , Wilder Jason A.
Published: July 2011

We describe an investigative laboratory module designed to give college undergraduates strong practical and theoretical experience with recombinant DNA methods within 3 weeks. After deducing restriction enzyme maps for two different plasmids, students ligate the plasmids together in the same reaction, transform E. coli with this mixture of ligated DNA, and plate the cells on media that specifically select for hybrid plasmids. The main goal of the assignment is for students to deduce the gene map of one hybrid “Frankenplasmid” using the LacZ phenotype of its transformants, PCR, and restriction mapping. Our protocol results in a number of possible outcomes, meaning that students are mapping truly unknown plasmids. The open‐ended nature of this assignment results in an effective module that teaches recombinant DNA procedures while engaging students with its investigative approach, increasing complexity, and puzzle‐like quality. Moreover, the modular design of the activity allows it to be adapted to a more limited schedule, introductory courses, or more advanced courses. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 2011
GuideLiner, a child‐in‐a‐mother catheter for successful retrieval of an entrapped rotablator burr
Authors: Cunnington Michael , Egred Mohaned
Published: July 2011

Entrapment of the rotablator burr within heavily calcified lesions is a recognized complication, which usually necessitates sternotomy and open surgical intervention to retrieve the trapped burr. In some cases, the trapped burr can be retrieved using simple traction, but this is potentially hazardous with possible trauma and perforation of the vessel. Passing a wire alongside the trapped burr with ballooning to free the burr can be attempted. We describe a novel technique to remove a trapped rotablator burr from a heavily calcified lesion using counter‐traction with a GuideLiner, child‐in‐a‐mother catheter, which successfully removed the entrapped burr without the need for surgery when simple traction alone had been ineffective. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total Synthesis of Bryostatins: The Development of Methodology for the Atom‐Economic and Stereoselective Synthesis of the Ring C Subunit
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Frontier Alison J. , Thiel Oliver R. , Yang Hanbiao , Dong Guangbin
Published: July 2011

Bryostatins, a family of structurally complicated macrolides, exhibit an exceptional range of biological activities. The limited availability and structural complexity of these molecules makes development of an efficient total synthesis particularly important. This article describes our initial efforts towards the total synthesis of bryostatins, in which chemoselective and atom‐economical methods for the stereoselective assembly of the ring C subunit were developed. A Pd‐catalyzed tandem alkyne–alkyne coupling/6‐endo‐dig cyclization sequence was explored and successfully pursued in the synthesis of a dihydropyran ring system. Elaboration of this methodology ultimately led to a concise synthesis of the ring C subunit of bryostatins.
Probing Lipid Peroxidation by Using Linoleic Acid and Benzophenone
Authors: Andreu Inmaculada , Neshchadin Dmytro , Rico Enrique , Griesser Markus , Samadi Abdelouahid , Morera Isabel M. , Gescheidt Georg , Miranda Miguel A.
Published: July 2011

A thorough mechanistic study has been performed on the reaction between benzophenone (BZP) and a series of 1,4‐dienes, including 1,4‐cyclohexadiene (CHD), 1,4‐dihydro‐2‐methylbenzoic acid (MBA), 1,4‐dihydro‐1,2‐dimethylbenzoic acid (DMBA) and linoleic acid (LA). A combination of steady‐state photolysis, laser flash photolysis (LFP), and photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo‐CIDNP) have been used. Irradiation of BZP and CHD led to a cross‐coupled sensitizer–diene product, together with 6, 7, and 8. With MBA and DMBA as hydrogen donors, photoproducts arising from cross‐coupling of sensitizer and diene radicals were found; compound 7 was also obtained, but 6 and o‐toluic acid were only isolated in the irradiation of BZP with MBA. Triplet lifetimes were determined in the absence and in the presence of several diene concentrations. All three model compounds showed similar reactivity (kq≈108 M−1 s−1) towards triplet excited BZP. Partly reversible hydrogen abstraction of the allylic hydrogen atoms of CHD, MBA, and DMBA was also detected by photo‐CIDNP on different timescales. Polarizations of the diamagnetic products were in full agreement with the results derived from LFP. Finally, LA also underwent partly reversible hydrogen abstraction during photoreaction with BZP. Subsequent hydrogen transfer between primary radicals led to conjugated derivatives of LA. The unpaired electron spin population in linoleyl radical (LA.) was predominantly found on H(1‐5) protons. To date, LA‐related radicals were only reported upon hydrogen transfer from highly substituted model compounds by steady‐state EPR spectroscopy. Herein, we have experimentally established the formation of LA. and shown that it converts into two dominating conjugated isomers on the millisecond timescale. Such processes are at the basis of alterations of membrane structures caused by oxidative stress.
Adsorption and separation of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 by 13X zeolite
Authors: Mulgundmath V. P. , Tezel F. H. , Saatcioglu T. , Golden T. C.
Published: July 2011

Accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is responsible for increased global warming of our planet. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide mainly from flue gas, automobile and landfill gas (LFG) emissions are major contributors to this problem. In this work, CO2, CH4 and N2 adsorption was studied on Ceca 13X zeolite by determining pure and binary mixture isotherms using a constant volume method and a concentration pulse chromatographic technique at 40 and 100°C. The experimental data were then compared to the predicted binary behaviour by extended Langmuir model. Results showed that the extended Langmuir theoretical adsorption model can only be applied as an approximation to predict the experimental binary behaviour for the systems studied. Equilibrium phase diagrams were obtained from the experimental binary isotherms. For these systems, the integral thermodynamic consistency tests were also conducted. It was found that Ceca 13X exhibits large CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivity and could find application in landfill gas purification, CO2 removal from natural gas and CO2 removal from ambient air or flue gas streams. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Preparation and Antitumour Properties of the Enantiomers of a Hypoxia‐Selective Nitro Analogue of the Duocarmycins
Authors: Tercel Moana , Lee Ho H. , Yang Shangjin , Liyanage H. D. Sarath , Mehta Sunali Y. , Boyd Peter D. W. , Jaiswal Jagdish K. , Tan Karin L. , Pruijn Frederik B.
Published: July 2011

Racemic 2‐{[1‐(chloromethyl)‐5‐nitro‐3‐{5‐[2‐(dimethylamino)ethoxy]indol‐2‐carbonyl}‐1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐benzo[e]indol‐7‐yl]sulfonyl}aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate, a synthetic nitro derivative of the duocarmycins, is a hypoxia‐selective prodrug active against radiation‐resistant tumour cells at nontoxic doses in mice. An intermediate in the synthesis of this prodrug was resolved by chiral HPLC and the absolute configuration assigned by X‐ray crystallography. The intermediate was used to prepare the prodrug′s enantiomers, and also the enantiomers of the active nitro and amino metabolites. In vitro analysis in the human cervical carcinoma cell line SiHa showed that both nitro enantiomers are hypoxia‐selective cytotoxins, but the “natural” S enantiomer is at least 20‐fold more potent. Examination of extracellular amino metabolite concentrations demonstrated no enantioselectivity in the hypoxia‐selective reduction of nitro to amino. Low levels of amino derivative were also found in aerobic cell suspensions, sufficient to account for the observed oxic toxicity of the nitro form. At an equimolar dose in SiHa‐tumour bearing animals, the (−)‐R enantiomer of the prodrug was inactive, while the (+)‐S enantiomer caused significantly more hypoxic tumour cell kill than the racemate. At this dose, the combination of (+)‐S‐prodrug and radiation eliminated detectable colony‐forming cells in four out of five treated tumour‐bearing animals.
Dielectric materials in magnetic resonance
Authors: Webb A.G.
Published: July 2011

High permittivity materials find extensive use in high frequency communications devices due to their small size (compared to lumped element circuits), low losses and physical robustness. Recently, these types of materials have been applied in high field magnetic resonance imaging, based upon earlier work in electron paramagnetic resonance. This review article describes the basic properties of high permittivity materials, how they can be formed into both discrete resonators and also into deformable water‐based suspensions, and how these different structures can be used to improve many aspects of high frequency magnetic resonance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 38: 148–184, 2011.