bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of necessity for bioaugmentation—lessons from two batch case studies for bioremediation of diesel‐contaminated soils
Authors: Grace Liu Pao‐Wen , Whang Liang‐Ming , Chang Tsung Chain , Tseng I‐Cheng , Pan Po‐Tseng , Cheng Sheng‐Shung
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Two bio‐pile studies undertaken in a controlled laboratory were aimed at deciding optimal strategies to remediate two different artificial diesel‐contaminated soils. Bioaugmentation with various inoculations, biostimulation with various levels of biosurfactant rhamnolipid, and nutrient enhancement were the proposed remediation courses.

RESULTS: In Case I, the average of the first‐order kinetic degradation rate constants during the first degradation stage for the bioaugmentation/biostimulation treatments was 0.0195 ± 0.0056 d−1, which was about 2.6‐fold higher than that of the control batch (0.0075 d−1). Conversely, in Case II, the rate constants for treatments with amendments and those for the control batch were found to be comparable, 0.0172 ± 0.0015 d−1 and 0.0158 d−1, respectively. Microarray results indicated a less diverse indigenous bacterial community in Case I and an abundant indigenous community in Case II, both from the control batches on Day 0. The dynamics of the two microbial communities, revealed by NMS plots, emphasized the similarity among the different treatments during the first degradation stage.

CONCLUSIONS: Prior to a remediation project, the usefulness of a bioaugmentation approach can be investigated using an ITS oligonucliotide microarray. Results from the microarray answered why the bioaugmentation approach was useful in Case I, but not in Case II. The abundance of the diesel‐degrading community determined the usefulness of bioaugmentation. Relatively quantified TRFLP results analyzed via the NMS plots demonstrated comparable microbial communities during the first degradation stage, regardless of differences between the two batches. The bacterial community structure might shift with the availability of hydrocarbons. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrochemical degradation of pulp and paper industry waste‐water
Authors: Soloman Pooppana Antony , Basha Chiya Ahmed , Velan Manickam , Balasubramanian Natesan
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: Conventional biological waste‐water treatment techniques are insufficient to degrade large quantities of dissolved lignin discharged by small‐scale paper mills. The current investigation is aimed at comparing the overall performance of basic electrochemical reactor configurations such as batch, batch recirculation, recycle and single pass systems, in removing the organic part of waste‐water from a small‐scale, agro‐based paper industry. The effect of current density, supporting electrolyte concentration, duration of electrolysis, specific electrode surface and fluid flow rate on the removal of pollutants and energy consumption are critically evaluated. The improvement in biodegradability of the effluent during treatment is also noticed.

RESULTS: The batch recirculation mode of operation was found to be superior in comparison with a batch system using the same specific electrode surface for both COD removal (73.3 vs. 64%) and capacity utilization (rate constant 1.112 × 10−3 vs. 1.049 × 10−3 cm s−1). The pollutant removal performance of the batch recirculation system improved considerably with increase in the circulation flow rate. At the best operating point in the recycle system, 59% of COD was removed, corresponding to a current efficiency of 68.9% and specific energy consumption of 18.46 kWh kg−1. The biodegradability index of the waste‐water was improved from 0.18 ± 0.01 to 0.36 ± 0.01.

CONCLUSION: A recycle reactor was the best configuration, because of its flexibility of operation. Circulation flow rate and withdrawal flow rate enable the control of transfer coefficients and treatment duration respectively. Electrochemical treatment not only removes the bulk of the organic matter, but also makes the remaining pollutants more easily biodegradable. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of technological parameters on the epoxidation of 1‐butene‐3‐ol over titanium silicalite TS‐2 catalyst
Authors: Wróblewska Agnieszka , Wajzberg Joanna , Fajdek Anna , Milchert Eugeniusz
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: The influence of technological parameters on the epoxidation of 1‐butene‐3‐ol (1B3O) over titanium silicalite TS‐2 catalyst has been investigated. Epoxidations were carried out using 30%(w/w) hydrogen peroxide at atmospheric pressure. The major product from the epoxidation of B3O was 1,2‐epoxybutane‐3‐ol, with many potential applications.

RESULTS: The influence of temperature (20–60 °C), 1B3O/H2O2 molar ratio (1:1–5:1), methanol concentration (5–90%(w/w)), TS‐2 catalyst concentration (0.1–6.0%(w/w)) and reaction time (0.5–5.0 h) have been studied.

CONCLUSION: The epoxidation process is most effective if conducted at a temperature of 20 °C, 1B3O/H2O2 molar ratio 1:1, methanol concentration (used as the solvent) 80%(w/w), catalyst concentration 5%(w/w) and reaction time 5 h. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
SOX9 is not required for the cellular events of testicular organogenesis in XX mole ovotestes
Authors: Carmona F. David , Lupiáñez Darío G. , Real Francisca M. , Burgos Miguel , Zurita Federico , Jiménez Rafael
Published: April 2009

Mammalian sex determination is the genetic process that commits the undifferentiated bipotential gonads to develop as either testes or ovaries. The differentiation of SOX9‐expressing Sertoli cells is assumed to be necessary to initiate testis development. Insectivorous moles of the genus Talpa represent a unique case of generalized true hermaphroditism, as XX female moles constitutively develop two ovotestes instead of normal ovaries. In this work, we have investigated the expression patterns of a number of genes known to play key roles in gonad organogenesis, throughout the entire process of ovotestis development in female moles. Molecular and morphological evidence are provided that these ovotestes contain primary medullary testis‐like cords, Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, and a testis‐specific vasculature, but no Sertoli cells. Our results show for the first time that SOX9 is not required for the formation of the primary testis cords, but it is necessary for the maintenance and subsequent development of these cords. In addition, the expression pattern of WNT4 in male and female moles indicates that this gene inhibits Leydig cell differentiation and, contrary to the proposed scenario in the mouse, it is not required for the colonization and survival of primordial germ cells. According to our data, mole ovotestes result from a process of PDGFRα‐mediated mesonephric cell migration, which occurs simultaneously in both sexes. The fact that FST remains inactive during the critical stages of female gonad development, explains the lack of migration inhibition, and may be a consequence of improper WNT4 signalling in the mole. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:734–748, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asiatic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene from Centella asiatica, is neuroprotective in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Krishnamurthy Rajanikant G. , Senut Marie‐Claude , Zemke Daniel , Min Jiangyong , Frenkel Mark B. , Greenberg Eric J. , Yu Seong‐Woon , Ahn Nick , Goudreau John , Kassab Mounzer , Panickar Kiran S. , Majid Arshad
Published: April 2009

Asiatic acid, a triterpenoid derivative from Centella asiatica, has shown biological effects such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and protection against glutamate‐ or β‐amyloid‐induced neurotoxicity. We investigated the neuroprotective effect of asiatic acid in a mouse model of permanent cerebral ischemia. Various doses of asiatic acid (30, 75, or 165 mg/kg) were administered orally at 1 hr pre‐ and 3, 10, and 20 hr postischemia, and infarct volume and behavioral deficits were evaluated at day 1 or 7 postischemia. IgG (blood–brain barrier integrity) and cytochrome c (apoptosis) immunostaining was carried out at 24 hr postischemia. The effect of asiatic acid on stress‐induced cytochrome c release was examined in isolated mitochondrial fractions. Furthermore, its effects on cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were studied in HT‐22 cells exposed to oxygen‐glucose deprivation. Asiatic acid significantly reduced the infarct volume by 60% at day 1 and by 26% at day 7 postischemia and improved neurological outcome at 24 hr postischemia. Our studies also showed that the neuroprotective properties of asiatic acid might be mediated in part through decreased blood–brain barrier permeability and reduction in mitochondrial injury. The present study suggests that asiatic acid may be useful in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spinal microglial proliferation is evident in a rat model of painful disc herniation both in the presence of behavioral hypersensitivity and following minocycline treatment sufficient to attenuate allodynia
Authors: Rothman Sarah M. , Guarino Benjamin B. , Winkelstein Beth A.
Published: April 2009

Although spinal glia acquire a reactive profile in radiculopathy, glial cell proliferation remains largely unstudied. This study investigated spinal glial proliferation in a model simulating painful disc herniation; the C7 nerve root underwent compression and chromic gut suture exposure or sham procedures. A subset of injured rats received minocycline injections prior to injury. Allodynia was assessed and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected 2 hr before tissue harvest on day 1 or 3. Spinal cell proliferation and phenotype identification were assayed by fluorescent colabeling with antibodies to BrdU and either glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytes) or Iba1 (microglia). At day 1, ipsilateral allodynia was significantly increased (P < 0.001) for injury over sham. Minocycline treatment significantly decreased ipsilateral allodynia to sham levels at day 1 (P < 0.001). At day 3, ipsilateral allodynia remained and contralateral allodynia was also present for injury (P< 0.003) over sham. The number of BrdU‐positive cells in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn at day 1 after injury was significantly elevated (P < 0.001) over sham. Approximately 70% of BrdU‐positive cells labeled positively for Iba1; dividing microglia were significantly increased (P < 0.004) in the ipsilateral dorsal horn at day 1 following injury compared with sham. Spinal cellular proliferation after injury was not changed by minocycline injection. By day 3, the number of BrdU‐positive cells had returned to sham levels bilaterally. Data indicate that spinal microglia proliferate after injury but that proliferation is not abolished by minocycline treatment that attenuates allodynia, indicating that spinal microglial proliferation may be related to injury and may not be linked to changes in sensory perception. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heavy alcohol consumption and neuropathological lesions: A post‐mortem human study
Authors: Aho Leena , Karkola Kari , Juusela Jari , Alafuzoff Irina
Published: April 2009

Epidemiological studies have indicated that excessive alcohol consumption leads to cognitive impairment, but the specific pathological mechanism involved remains unknown. The present study evaluated the association between heavy alcohol intake and the neuropathological hallmark lesions of the three most common neurodegenerative disorders, i.e., Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), in post‐mortem human brains. The study cohort was sampled from the subjects who underwent a medicolegal autopsy during a 6‐month period in 1999 and it included 54 heavy alcohol consumers and 54 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects. Immunohistochemical methodology was used to visualize the aggregation of β‐amyloid, hyperphosphorylated τ, and α‐synuclein and the extent of infarcts. In the present study, no statistically significant influence was observed for alcohol consumption on the extent of neuropathological lesions encountered in the three most common degenerative disorders. Our results indicate that alcohol‐related dementia differs from VCI, AD, and DLB; i.e., it has a different etiology and pathogenesis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of glycogen synthase kinase 3β sensitizes neuronal cells to ethanol toxicity
Authors: Liu Ying , Chen Gang , Ma Cuiling , Bower Kimberly A. , Xu Mei , Fan Zhiqin , Shi Xianglin , Ke Zun‐Ji , Luo Jia
Published: April 2009

The developing central nervous system (CNS) is particularly susceptible to ethanol toxicity. The loss of neurons underlies many of the behavioral deficits observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The mechanisms of ethanol‐induced neuronal loss, however, remain incompletely elucidated. We demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), a multifunctional serine/threonine kinase, was involved in ethanol neurotoxicity. The activity of GSK3β is negatively regulated by its phosphorylation at serine 9 (Ser9). Ethanol induced dephosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9 and the activation of Bax as well as caspase‐3 in the developing mouse brain. These ethanol‐induced alterations were ameliorated by the pretreatment of a GSK3β inhibitor, lithium. To determine the role of GSK3β in ethanol neurotoxicity, we overexpressed wild‐type (WT), S9A mutant or dominant‐negative (DN) mutant GSK3β in a neuronal cell line (SK‐N‐MC). Ethanol only modestly reduced the viability of parental SK‐N‐MC cells but drastically induced caspase‐3 activation and apoptosis in cells overexpressing WT or S9A GSK3β, indicating that the high levels of GSK3β or the active form of GSK3β increased cellular sensitivity to ethanol. Contrarily, overexpression of DN GSK3β conferred resistance to ethanol toxicity. Lithium and other specific GSK3β inhibitors abolished the hypersensitivity to ethanol caused by WT or S9A overexpression. Bax, a proapoptotic protein, is a substrate of GSK3β. Cells overexpressing WT or S9A GSK3β were much more sensitive to ethanol‐induced Bax activation than parental SK‐N‐MC cells. Our results indicate that GSK3β may be a mediator of ethanol neurotoxicity, and its expression status in a cell may determine ethanol vulnerability. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new direction in M&A integration: How companies find solutions to value destruction in people‐based activity
Authors: de Haldevang Ben
Published: April 2009

We've all heard merger‐and‐acquisition (M&A) horror stories in which ignoring the complex human element in integration led to problems that leached away some—or much—of the deal's hoped‐for value. The success stories presented here point to effective strategies for smoothly merging organizations without compromising productivity, talent and customer retention, innovation, and other sources of value creation. The author argues that integration planning and management, which too often focus narrowly on process, should also explicitly address the people‐intensive aspects of planning, speed, communication, innovation, culture, and HR issues. For each of these areas, he presents actual cases in which preparation or intervention kept a postdeal integration on track and shares specific solutions and tools that can be adapted to other M&As. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is management by objectives obsolete?
Authors: Roth William F.
Published: April 2009

Management by Objectives has been part of corporate dogma for many decades. But as its touted strengths rapidly become liabilities in the new global century, more empowering and flexible approaches sprout up as promising new models for performance management. The author examines the dampening effect Management by Objectives can have on creativity, teamwork, and the ability to respond to changes in the business. He also presents two cases of organizations that broke out of the mold: W.L. Gore and Associates' innovative approach to self‐managing teams and Bridgeport Paper Company's even bolder experiment, in which employees developed and implemented a team‐based organizational structure and team‐directed processes for decision making, hiring and promotion, training, performance management (without MBO), rewards, and cross‐team communication and integration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Participative strategies for China's growing market
Authors: Tu Howard S. , Sullivan Sherry E.
Published: April 2009

Over the next ten years, China is predicted to become the second‐largest economy in the world. China offers foreign companies many wonderful business opportunities. Although a number of these foreign companies have successfully broken into the Chinese marketplace and reaped immense benefits, others have encountered unexpected obstacles, and some have experienced outright failure. Drawing on our international business experience as well as our knowledge of China's business environment derived from consulting and conducting research in China, we offer guidelines for foreigners considering conducting business in China. Specifically, we examine what major changes are having the most impact on how business is conducted in China and suggest strategies for effectively managing these changes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Legal developments—2009: New year and new administration
Authors: MacGillivray Elizabeth D. , Beecher H. Juanita M. , Golden Deirdre
Published: April 2009

The November 2008 election was significant not only for the historic election of Barack Obama, but also because of the shift in power to a Democratic Congress and the number of ballot initiatives passed at the state level. The following items include some of the results of the election at the national and state level that affect the workplace, and highlight some key issues to watch in 2009. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conducting business in Vietnam: A brief for international managers
Authors: Mai Anh , Bibard Laurent , Som Ashok
Published: April 2009

In Volume 28 Number 3 of Global Business and Organizational Excellence, the name of the second author of the article “Conducting Business in Vietnam: A Brief for International Managers” was misspelled. His correct name is Laurent Bibard.
Does loading influence the severity of cartilage degeneration in the canine Groove‐model of OA?
Authors: Vos Petra , Interma Femke , van El Benno , DeGroot Jeroen , Bijlsma J.W.J. , Lafeber Floris , Mastbergen Simon
Published: April 2009

Many animal models are used to study osteoarthritis (OA). In these models the role of joint loading in the development of OA is not fully understood. We studied the effect of loading on the development of OA in the canine Groove‐model. In ten female beagle dogs OA was induced in one knee according to the Groove‐model. The animals were divided in groups with and without forced‐loading. Forced‐loading was achieved by fixing the contra‐lateral limb to the trunk 3 times a week for 4 hours. After 20 weeks joint tissues of all dogs were evaluated. Subjective evaluation revealed less movement with more loading in the forced‐loading‐group compared to the group without forced‐loading. In both groups induction of OA resulted in macroscopical and microscopical OA changes as well as alterations in cartilage metabolism characteristics for OA. Although differences were small, for some parameters they were statistically significant for the forced‐loading‐group. There were no differences between the contra‐lateral healthy joints of both groups. The present study demonstrates that in the Groove‐model intensified loading is not a prerequisite for the development of OA, although it adds to some extent to the severity of the OA. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:1332–1338, 2009
Cellular composition of the initial fracture hematoma compared to a muscle hematoma: A study in sheep
Authors: Schmidt‐Bleek Katharina , Schell Hanna , Kolar Paula , Pfaff Michael , Perka Carsten , Buttgereit Frank , Duda Georg , Lienau Jasmin
Published: April 2009

Bone fracture leads to a cycle of inflammation, cellular migration, and proliferation to restore tissue integrity. Immune cells at the site of injury are involved especially in the early phase of the healing process, but little is known about the cells present in the initial fracture hematoma. The hypothesis of this study was that the cellular composition in a fracture hematoma differs from that found in a muscle hematoma and that these divergences get more pronounced over time. By using a reproducible osteotomy model and muscle trauma in sheep the distributions of the immune cell subpopulations were evaluated 1 and 4 h after surgery. The cell amount within the first 4 h increased in both hematoma. The number of dead cells was higher in the muscle hematoma. One hour postoperatively the initial fracture hematoma revealed a lower granulocyte percentage compared to the muscle hematoma. The ratio of T helper to cytotoxic T cells was higher in the fracture hematoma compared to the muscle hematoma at both investigated time points. B cell percentage increased in the fracture but not in the muscle hematoma from 1 to 4 h. This is the first study that compares the immune cell subpopulations of a fracture and muscle hematoma. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Effect of Pb2+ on L‐glutathione monolayers on a silver surface investigated by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Sheng Chun , Zhao Han , Gu Fukang , Yang Haifeng
Published: April 2009

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy was applied to observe reduced L‐glutathione [L‐Glut(R)] molecules self‐assembled on a silver surface and the effect of Pb2+ on them. The adsorption structure suggests that the mercapto group of the L‐Glut(R) molecule is covalently bonded to the silver surface along with the imine group, amino group and entire carboxyl group in a perpendicular orientation after self‐reorganization. Results of SERS experiment show that Pb2+ influences the structure of L‐glutathione monolayers as a result of the binding reaction possibly occurring between Pb2+ and the carboxyl and the amino groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tribological performances of heterocyclic‐containing ether and/or thioether as additives in the synthetic diester
Authors: Liang Peipei , Wu Hua , Zuo Guangzhi , Ren Tianhui
Published: April 2009

The load‐carrying capacity, wear and friction properties of 2‐octoxyl methylthio‐benzothiazole (DEOY) and 2‐dodecylthio methylthio‐benzothiazole (DEMB) added to a synthetic lubricant (diester) were evaluated using a four‐ball test machine. The results indicate that the two compounds added to the diester possess good load‐carrying capacities and excellent anti‐wear and friction reduction properties. The thermal stability of the two compounds under nitrogen atmosphere was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that the compounds DEOY and DEMB possess excellent thermal stability. The surface topography of the rubbed surface was investigated with scanning electron microscopy, the elemental chemical nature of the anti‐wear films generated on steel counterface were investigated with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presence of arsenic in agricultural products from arsenic‐endemic areas and strategies to reduce arsenic intake in rural villages
Authors: Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. , Signes‐Pastor Antonio J. , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Burló Francisco , Sengupta Bhaskar
Published: April 2009

About 100 million rural people in Asia are exposed to arsenic (As)‐polluted drinking water and agricultural products. Total and inorganic arsenic (t‐As and i‐As) intake mainly depend on the quality of drinking and cooking waters, and amounts of seafood and rice consumed. The main problems occur in countries with poor water quality where the population depends on rice for their diet, and their t‐As and i‐As intake is high as a result of growing and cooking rice in contaminated water. Workable solutions to remove As from water and breeding rice cultivars with low As accumulation are being sought. In the meantime, simple recommendations for processing and cooking foods will help to reduce As intake. For instance, cooking using high volumes of As‐free water may be a cheap way of reducing As exposure in rural populations. It is necessary to consider the effects of cooking and processing on t‐As and i‐As to obtain a realistic view of the risks associated with intake of As in As‐endemic areas.
Repeatability of a dual gradient‐recalled echo MRI method for monitoring post‐isometric contraction blood volume and oxygenation changes
Authors: Sanchez O. A. , Louie E. A. , Copenhaver E. A. , Damon B. M.
Published: April 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the repeatability of a dual gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) muscle functional MRI technique. On 2 days, subjects (n = 8) performed 10 s isometric dorsiflexion contractions under conditions of: (1) maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), (2) 50% MVC (50% MVC), or (3) 50% MVC with concurrent proximal arterial cuff occlusion (50% MVCcuff). Functional MRI data were acquired using single‐slice dual GRE (TR/TE = 1000/6, 46 ms)‐echo planar imaging for 20 s before, during, and for 180 s after each contraction. The mean signal intensity (SI) time courses at each TE (SI6 and SI46, reflecting variations in blood volume and %HbO2, respectively) from the tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were characterized with the post‐contraction change in SI and the time‐to‐peak SI (ΔSI and TTP, respectively). ΔSI6 following an MVC was 36% higher than that obtained after a 50% MVC (p = 0.048). For ΔSI6, the highest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were observed for the TA muscle in the 50% MVC and MVC conditions, with values of 0.83 (p = 0.01) and 0.88 (p = 0.005), respectively. Bland–Altman plots revealed repeatability coefficients (RCs) for the 50% MVC and MVC conditions in the TA muscle of 1.9 and 1.4, respectively. The most repeatable measures for ΔSI46 were obtained for the 50% MVC and MVC conditions in the EDL muscle (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). Bland–Altman plots revealed RC's for 50% MVC and MVC conditions in the EDL muscle of 3.9 and 5.7, respectively. ΔSI6 and ΔSI46 increased as a function of the contraction intensity. The repeatability of the method depends on the muscle and contraction condition being evaluated, and in general, is higher following an MVC. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cosine expansion‐based differential quadrature algorithm for numerical solution of the RLW equation
Authors: Dağ İdris , Korkmaz Alper , Saka Bülent
Published: April 2009

The differential quadrature method based on cosine expansion is applied to obtain numerical solutions of the RLW equation. The propagation of single solitary wave is studied to validate the efficiency of the algorithm. Then, test problems including interaction of two and three solitary waves, undulation, and evolution of solitary waves are implemented. Solutions are compared with earlier results. Discrete conservation quantities are computed for test experiments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Effects of heat transfer and space porosity on peristaltic flow in a vertical asymmetric channel
Authors: Mekheimer Kh.S. , Husseny S.Z.A. , Elmaboud Y. Abd
Published: April 2009

This article discusses the effect of heat transfer on the peristaltic flow of a Newtonian fluid through a porous space in a vertical asymmetric channel. Long wavelength approximation is used to linearize the governing equations. The system of the governing nonlinear PDE is solved by using the perturbation method. The solutions are obtained for the velocity and the temperature fields. The flow is investigated in a wave frame of reference moving with velocity of the wave. Numerical calculations are carried out for the pressure rise, frictional forces, and the features of the flow and temperature characteristics are analyzed by plotting graphs and discussed in detail. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2010
Solving evolution equations using a new iterative method
Authors: Bhalekar Sachin , Daftardar‐Gejji Varsha
Published: April 2009

In this article, we apply the new iterative method proposed by Daftardar‐Gejji and Jafari (J Math Anal Appl 316, (2006), 753–763) for solving various linear and nonlinear evolution equations. The results obtained are compared with the results by existing methods. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2010
Valuing difference: caregiving by mothers of children with disabilities
Authors: Esdaile Susan A.
Published: April 2009

Mothers who are caregivers of children with disabilities seek to have their children accepted and valued by others in society. This is supported by many reports of studies from different countries that involved mothers of children with disabilities, as well as through publications by disability advocates. In this paper, qualitative research data from interviews with seven mothers of children with disabilities were reanalysed using Bourdieu's theory of practice and van Manen's phenomenological methodology. The results showed that these mothers, who were caregivers of children with disabilities, valued their children despite ongoing challenges, and wanted others to do likewise. This study supports the importance of valuing difference in terms of the insights and understanding gained from those with disabilities and their caregivers. It would be difficult to replicate it exactly; its relevance lies in demonstrating that valuable insights can be gained from extending reflective practice to research that involves re‐examining a study from a different theoretical perspective. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of wood fiber hygroexpansion to moisture induced thickness swelling of composite plates
Authors: Almgren Karin M. , Gamstedt E. Kristofer , Varna Janis
Published: April 2009

One of the main drawbacks of wood fiber‐based composite materials is their propensity to swell due to moisture uptake. Because the wood fibers are usually the main contributor to hygroexpansion, it is of interest to quantify the hygroexpansion coefficient of wood fibers, to compare and rank different types of fibers. This investigation outlines an inverse method to estimate the transverse hygroexpansion coefficient of wood fibers based on measurements of moisture induced thickness swelling of composite plates. The model is based on composite micromechanics and laminate theory. Thickness swelling has been measured on polylactide matrix composites with either bleached reference fibers or crosslinked fibers. The crosslinking modification reduced the transverse hygroexpansion of the composites and the transverse coefficient of hygroexpansion of the fibers was reduced from 0.28 strain per relative humidity for reference fibers to 0.12 for cross‐linked fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Determination of pressure drop for concentrated suspension in a capillary flow
Authors: Wang Zhi Ying , Lam Yee Cheong , Joshi Sunil C. , Chen Xing
Published: April 2009

The rheological behavior of concentrated suspension melts in a capillary die is investigated. Particle migration and wall slip are two major factors affecting the flow behavior. A numerical model is proposed to describe the coupling effect of particle migration and wall slip in a capillary tube flow, incorporating a power‐law model for binder viscosity and a concentrated suspension viscosity model proposed by Krieger. Wall slip of a non‐Newtonian concentrated suspension is characterized by a modified Mooney method for which the conventional Mooney method is not applicable. We characterized the flow behavior of a concentrated suspension of a non‐Newtonian binder, EVA 460 (ethylene vinyl acetate), mixed with spherical glass beads of 40% by volume. Predicted results were compared with experimental observations, with good agreement. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of composite materials composed of ι‐carrageenan and polymeric ionic liquids
Authors: Prasad Kamalesh , Kadokawa Jun‐ichi
Published: April 2009

New composite materials composed of ι‐carrageenan and polymeric ionic liquids were prepared by in situ polymerization of ionic liquids having polymerizable acrylateand vinyl benzyl groups using 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) as an initiator. The FTIR and CP‐MAS 13C NMR data confirmed the formation of the composites composed of the two components. Effective miscibility and occurrence of ionic exchanges among the components during the formation of the composites were further estimated by employing some analytical tools. The composites were found to have good mechanical properties under compressive mode. Furthermore, the electrical conductivities of the composites were summarily measured, which were comparable to semiconductors. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Studies on novel dual filler based epoxidized natural rubber nanocomposite
Authors: Chattopadhyay Pijush Kanti , Basuli Utpal , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: April 2009

Carbon black (N‐330), organically modified nanoclay (NC) based ternary, particulate nanocomposites comprising of epoxidized natural rubber matrix having 25 mol% of epoxy group (ENR‐25) were prepared in an open two‐roll mill. Investigations of cure characteristics, dynamic mechanical, tensile, thermal, and morphological characteristics were conducted using Rheometric analysis, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), mechanical property evaluation, Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR‐TEM), respectively, to derive the interrelation among the developed nanostructures inside the composite, crosslinking density, performance properties obtained there from. A satisfactory level of correlation was obtained among various results, which indicated the formation of “nanounit” comprising of N‐330 and NC inside ENR‐25 matrix. To optimize the nanostructures, ENR based compounds containing various combinations of NC and N‐330 was prepared. Thorough and systematic structure‐property analyses were performed on those composites. Optimum stoichiometric combination of N‐330 and NC inside the ENR‐25 matrix was derived (ratio of N‐330 and nanoclay in wt% = 20:15), which showed synergistic effect of one filler upon another that was ultimately reflected in their dynamic mechanical and tensile properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Measurement, modeling, and variability of thermal conductivity for structural polymer composites
Authors: Hind Simon , Robitaille Francois
Published: April 2009

The through‐thickness thermal conductivity of polymer composite molds has a strong effect on out‐of‐autoclave manufacturing operations. Limited thermal conductivity and variability data is available for composites made from carbon fibers that are widely used in mold and aircraft construction. This article presents in‐plane and through‐thickness thermal conductivity data for structural carbon fiber polymer composites made from three types of reinforcements. Variability is quantified in all cases. Techniques for the predictive modeling of through‐thickness transverse thermal conductivity are assessed. Effects of variations in model geometry on conductivity are quantified. Conclusive observations on variability and recommendations on modeling techniques appropriate for the different reinforcements are made. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Supramolecular polyseudorotaxanes formation between star‐block copolymer and α‐cyclodextrin: From outer block to diblock inclusion complexation
Authors: Yuan Weizhong , Ren Jie
Published: April 2009

A series of star‐block poly(L‐lactide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (SPLLA‐b‐PEO) copolymers were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and DCC chemistry. The inclusion complexes of SPLLA‐b‐PEO copolymers and α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) were prepared with two different methods. FTIR, 1H NMR, WAXD, DSC, and TGA indicate that α‐CD only can be threaded onto PEO blocks in inclusion complexes of α‐CD‐SPLLA‐b‐PEO1.1K‐a, α‐CD‐SPLLA‐b‐PEO2K‐a, and α‐CD‐SPLLA‐b‐PEO5K‐a formed without heating and ultrasonication, and can be threaded onto both PLLA and PEO blocks in inclusion complexes of α‐CD‐SPLLA‐b‐PEO1.1K‐b, α‐CD‐SPLLA‐b‐PEO2K‐b, and α‐CD‐SPLLA‐b‐PEO5K‐b formed with heating and ultrasonication. Namely, α‐CDs can be threaded onto PEO blocks and the flanking bulky PLLA blocks of star‐block copolymers to form stable polyseudorotaxanes with heating method and ultrasonication to conquer the activation energy barrier of the inclusion complexation between bulky PLLA and α‐CD and the effect of the steric hindrance of star‐block copolymers. With the alteration of preparing methods, the inclusion complexes of α‐CD with the outer PEO block or PEO and PLLA blocks were obtained successfully. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2754–2762, 2009
Facile synthesis of triple‐stimuli (photo/pH/thermo) responsive copolymers of 2‐diazo‐1,2‐naphthoquinone‐mediated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐hydroxymethylacrylamide)
Authors: Yu Yuan‐Yuan , Tian Feng , Wei Chuan , Wang Chang‐Chun
Published: April 2009

A series of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐N‐hydroxymethylacrylamide) P(NIPAM‐co‐NHMA) copolymers were firstly synthesized via free radical polymerization. Then, the hydrophobic, photosensitive 2‐diazo‐1,2‐naphthoquinone (DNQ) molecules were partially and randomly grafted onto P(NIPAM‐co‐NHMA) backbone through esterification to obtain a triple‐stimuli (photo/pH/thermo) responsive copolymers of P(NIPAM‐co‐NHMA‐co‐DNQMA). UV‐vis spectra showed that the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of P(NIPAM‐co‐NHMA) ascended with increasing hydrophilic comonomer NHMA molar fraction and can be tailored by pH variation as well. The LCST of the P(NIPAM‐co‐NHMA) went down firstly after DNQ modification and subsequently shifted to higher value after UV irradiation. Meanwhile, the phase transition profile of P(NIPAM‐co‐NHMA‐co‐DNQMA) could be triggered by pH and UV light as expected. Thus, a triple‐stimuli responsive copolymer whose solution properties could be, respectively, modulated by temperature, light, and pH, has been achieved. These stimuli‐responsive properties should be very important for controlled release delivery system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2763–2773, 2009
Study of supramolecular side‐chain and cross‐linking polymers by complexation of various H‐donor acids with H‐acceptor copolymers containing pendent carbazole and fluorescent pyridyl units
Authors: Liang Tzung‐Chi , Lin Hong‐Cheu
Published: April 2009

Two H‐bonded acceptor (H‐acceptor) homopolymers 14 and 17 were successfully prepared by polymerization of fluorescent pyridyl monomers PBT and PBOT (12 and 13), which were synthesized via Sonogashira coupling and Wittig‐Horner reactions. To increase the glass transition temperatures as well as reduce the π‐π stacking of the photoluminescent (PL) H‐acceptor copolymers and their H‐bonded polymer complexes, fluorescent monomers 12 and 13 were copolymerized with N‐vinylcarbazole monomer CAZ (23) to produce H‐acceptor copolymers 15–16 and 18–19. Supramolecular side‐chain and crosslinking polymers (i.e., H‐bonded polymer complexes) obtained by complexation of light‐emitting H‐acceptor polymers 14–19 with various proton donor (H‐donor) acids 20–22 were further characterized by DSC, POM, FTIR, XRD, and PL measurements. The mesomorphic properties can be tuned from the nematic phase in H‐acceptor homopolymers (14 and 17) to the tilted smectic C phase in their H‐bonded polymer complexes (14/20–21 and 17/20–22) by the introduction of H‐donor acids (20–22). Moreover, the PL properties of light‐emitting H‐acceptor polymers can be adjusted not only by the central structures of the conjugated pyridyl cores but also by their surrounding nonfluorescent H‐donor acids. In general, redder shifts of PL emissions in H‐bonded polymer complexes occurred when the light‐emitting H‐acceptor polymers were complexed with H‐donors having smaller pKa values. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2734–2753, 2009
Phase behavior and photo‐responsive studies of photoactive liquid crystalline hyperbranched polyethers containing benzylidene moiety
Authors: Rao V. Srinivasa , Samui A. B.
Published: April 2009

Two sets of hyperbranched polyether epoxies were synthesized to study the effect of substituent, rigidity, and nature of photoactive unit on the thermal and photoresponsive properties. Each set was comprised of one molecule with an acyclic moiety in the repeating unit, and two molecules with a cyclic moiety of varying rigidity (cycle size) in the repeating unit. Two substituents on aromatic rings in the repeating unit were present in one set, and other set was without a substituent. The mesogenic and photoresponsive properties were studied and correlated to the varied structural parameters. The effects of varied molecular structural parameters on phase behavior and photoresponsive properties were very prominent. Out of six monomeric diols, only four have exhibited liquid crystalline phase while the polymers corresponding to all monomeric diols revealed mesophase. The findings in photoresponsive properties were further supported by molecular modeling studies. The changes in refractive index, photoviscosity, and fluorescence intensity with irradiation time substantiated the spectral pattern observed in UV‐Vis spectroscopy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2774–2786, 2009
Unexpected reactivity for the RAFT copolymerization of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates
Authors: Pietsch Christian , Fijten Martin W. M. , Lambermont‐Thijs Hanneke M. L. , Hoogenboom Richard , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: April 2009

Homo‐ and copolymers of di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA) and oligo(ethyleneglycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA1100) were synthesized with various chain lengths via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization in ethanol using [M]/[RAFT] ratios of 100 and 200. Kinetic investigations on the homo‐ and copolymerization of these monomers were performed using a parallel synthesizer resulting in well‐defined polymers with polydispersity indices mostly below 1.3. The polymerization kinetics are presented and discussed in detail surprisingly revealing that the DEGMA homopolymerization is slower than the OEGMA1100 homopolymerization. Transfer coefficients c were estimated to be ∼0.5 for the RAFT polymerization of both DEGMA and OEGMA1100 resulting in hybrid behavior at the beginning of the polymerizations. Subsequent copolymerization also revealed fast incorporation of the OEGMA1100 and relatively slow incorporation of DEGMA resulting in well‐defined copolymers with a molecular weight up to 100 kDa and polydispersities around 1.20. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2811–2820, 2009
‘A disease many people still feel uncomfortable talking about’: Australian television coverage of colorectal cancer
Authors: MacKenzie Ross , Chapman Simon , McGeechan Kevin , Holding Simon
Published: April 2009

Objective: To examine the coverage of colorectal cancer on Australian television news over a 3 year period commencing May 2005, and compare it with that given to other cancers.

Methods: News reports on colorectal cancer broadcast on Sydney's five free‐to‐air television channels between 3 May 2005 and 30 May 2008 were reviewed for statements by news actors. The frequency of coverage was compared with that for other cancers.

Results: Colorectal cancer news reports accounted for 4.1% (95% CI 2.9–5.1%) of all cancer news reports while the cancer represents 13.5% of cancer incidence and 11.5% of cancer deaths. Compared to cancers receiving greater television news coverage, there was a near total absence of reports of celebrity diagnoses, and of representations by colorectal advocacy groups. A national colorectal screening programme received limited coverage.

Conclusions: Media neglect of colorectal cancer may be an important factor in explaining low participation in the Australian colorectal screening programme. Those advocating for colorectal cancer screening face ingrained cultural challenges in gaining broad media coverage, but investment in efforts to generate news and commentary would appear to be overdue. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Ar+–Organic Polymer Interactions
Authors: Végh Joseph J. , Graves David B.
Published: April 2009

MD simulations of ion–organic styrene‐containing polymer interactions are reviewed and compared to experiment. We report results for argon ion bombardment of PS, PαMS and P4MS. All three polymers exhibit the formation of a similar, highly cross‐linking, dehydrogenated near‐surface damaged layer at steady state, but small changes in the structure of the polymer (P4MS and PαMS are isomers) can lead to drastic changes in the initial transient sputtering of the material. We correlate this behavior to differences in radiation chemistry (P4MS and PS are cross‐linking while PaMS is a chain scission polymer), and examine how the behavior in MD may relate to larger‐scale experimental results, such as roughness formation.

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Kinetic Modelling of Plasma Activated BN‐Film Deposition in the System B‐N‐H‐F
Authors: Matheis J. , Panowitz S. , Wu Y. , Lunk A.
Published: April 2009

The paper presents for the Ar/B/N/H/X‐system (X = F, Br) thermodynamic calculations of the mole fraction at equilibrium conditions and kinetic modelling of the BN‐growth at plasma‐activated chemical deposition. Modelling was performed with the software CHEMKIN® 4.1. The data of different databases (NASA, JANAF, NIST) are used in the thermodynamic equilibrium modelling and the results are compared among each other and also with results from the literature. Kinetic modelling is focused on the system Ar/B/N/F/H to find out the influence of nitrogen, fluorine and the plasma power on the BN‐growth rate. The data received by modelling are compared qualitatively with experimental results in c‐BN‐deposition and ‐etching.
Predicting structurally conserved contacts for homologous proteins using sequence conservation filters
Authors: Michino Mayako , Brooks Charles L.
Published: April 2009

The prediction of intramolecular contacts has a useful application in predicting the three‐dimensional structures of proteins. The accuracy of the template‐based contact prediction methods depends on the quality of the template structures. To reduce the false positive predictions associated with using the entire set of template‐derived contacts, we develop selection filters that use sequence conservation information to predict subsets of contacts more likely to be structurally conserved between the template and the target. The method is developed specifically for protein families with few available templates such as the G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) family. It is validated on a test set of 342 template‐target pairs from three protein families, and applied to one template‐target pair from the GPCR family. We find that the filter selection method increases the accuracy of contact prediction with sufficient coverage for structure prediction. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.