bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reported adherence is more predictive of virological treatment response among patients with a lower tendency towards socially desirable responding
Authors: Nieuwkerk Pythia T , de Boer-van der Kolk I Marion , Prins Jan M , Locadia Mirjam , Sprangers Mirjam AG
Published: August 2010

Background

Self-report is the most commonly used measure of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy, but typically shows weaker associations with virological treatment outcome than more objective adherence assessment methods. Socially desirable responding might hamper the validity of self-reported adherence. We investigated whether stratifying patients according to their socially desirable response set might improve the prediction of virological treatment response by self-reported adherence.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the focus group of the Dutch national cohort ATHENA completed a social desirability scale, four self-report adherence questions, and had their plasma HIV type-1 (HIV-1) RNA concentrations measured. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for self-reported non-adherence to predict HIV-1 RNA>50 copies/ml among patients with a lower or a higher tendency towards socially desirable responding.

Results

A total of 331 patients were included. Self- reported non-adherence was significantly predictive of HIV-1 RNA>50 copies/ml on three out of four questions among patients with lower socially desirable responding ( n=198). Self-reported non-adherence did not predict HIV-1 RNA>50 copies/ml among patients with higher socially desirable responding ( n=132).

Conclusions

Stratifying patients according to their socially desirable response set improved the prediction of virological treatment response by self-reported adherence. This finding emphasizes the importance of discussing medication adherence with patients in a non-threatening and non-judgemental way that normalizes non-adherence in order to reduce socially desirable responding.
Le développement durable en action : entretien avec madame le commissaire général au développement durable, Michèle Pappalardo
Authors: Pappalardo Michèle
Published: August 2010

À travers ce témoignage, Michèle Papallardo procède à un bilan provisoire de l’ensemble des missions qui lui sont dévolues. Le commissariat général au développement durable est une instance dont le rôle est à la fois transversal et stratégique. Il assume un travail de coordination et de mise en cohérence des politiques des différentes directions générales à l’intérieur du ministère de l’écologie. En sa qualité de délégué interministériel, le commissaire a, en parallèle, pour office de faciliter et d’encourager la prise en compte du développement durable par l’ensemble des acteurs privés et publics, et tout particulièrement les autres administrations.
L'achat public durable, un outil au service de l'Etat régulateur
Authors: Cantillon Guillaume
Published: August 2010

Cet article examine comment le souci du développement durable a été introduit dans un domaine aussi stratégique et technique à la fois, celui de la commande publique. Il examine d’une part comment un nouveau service de l’État, le service des achats de l’État, prend en compte le développement durable parmi ses critères d’action et d’autre part comment le développement durable a été incorporé dans le nouveau droit relatif aux marchés publics.
L'écofiscalité comme outil de politique publique
Authors: Sainteny Guillaume
Published: August 2010

L’écofiscalité possède des justifications solides dans la théorie microéconomique, notamment comme instrument d’internalisation des externalités. Son application démontre, en outre, qu’il s’agit d’un instrument de politique publique efficace sur les plans économique comme environnemental. La France semble pourtant privilégier une fiscalité budgétaire et non incitative. L’auteur expose la stratégie qu’il a mise en œuvre, orientée vers une fiscalité incitative, et les réformes qu’il a initié dans le domaine de l’écofiscalité, lorsqu’il dirigeait la direction des études économiques et de l’évaluation environnementale au ministère de l’écologie, du développement durable et de l’aménagement du territoire
Les technologies de l'information au service du développement durable des territoires
Authors: Berhault Gilles
Published: August 2010

Les civilisations du XXI e siècle sont numériques : 4 milliards de téléphones portables, 1,7 milliards d’ordinateurs connectés. Ce développement rapide, synchrone, mondial va encore s’accélérer. Une clé pour le développement durable réside dans le fait que la connectivité n’est plus réservée aux machines communicantes, ce sont les objets quotidiens et les corps qui deviendront de plus en plus fournisseurs et producteurs d’information. Elle permet de changer les comportements, partager et mutualiser, télétravailler, gouverner, éduquer. Il s’agit d’une opportunité pour rendre plus « verts » les bâtiments, la mobilité, l’énergie, l’économie (relocalisée).
Développement durable, gouvernance et insularité : le cas de la réserve naturelle marine de la Réunion
Authors: Brial Fabien
Published: August 2010

La contribution des « aires marines protégées » (AMP) est essentielle à la conservation des écosystèmes mondiaux et au développement socio-économique notamment en milieu insulaire. L’omniprésence de l’environnement marin, l’exigence de sa qualité et l’urgence de limiter les dégradations causées par la croissance démographique font des projets de conservation de la biodiversité marine des enjeux primordiaux pour le développement durable des îles. À l’île de la Réunion, la réserve naturelle marine en fournit un exemple particulièrement pertinent. Mais comment la réserve concilie-t-elle gouvernance et développement durable ? Il s’agit tout d’abord d’identifier les différents acteurs décisionnels ayant autorité sur ce territoire, construction territoriale récente, de nature réglementaire, mais également espace sur lequel s’exercent de multiples compétences administratives. La lecture à différentes échelles de ceux-ci permet d’observer un maillage complexe de prérogatives et d’acteurs qui rendent la gouvernance de cette AMP, véritable « mille-feuille » institutionnel, particulièrement compliquée sinon confuse. Quelques recommandations permettent de proposer une mesure de l’efficacité de la gouvernance institutionnelle pour un développement durable.
Diminishing functionals for nonclassical entropy solutions selected by kinetic relations
Authors: Laforest Marc , LeFloch Philippe G.
Published: August 2010

We consider nonclassical entropy solutions to hyperbolic conservation laws with concave-convex flux functions, whose undercompressive shocks are selected by a kinetic function

φ^♭

. Extending earlier work of Baiti, LeFloch and Piccoli, we reinterpret their construction of the (generalized) strength of classical and nonclassical shocks, allowing us to simplify it, highlight its true nature and identify new degrees of freedom. Relying mainly upon the natural assumption that the composite function

φ^♭ ◦ φ^♭

is uniformly contracting, we establish that the generalized total variation of front-tracking approximations is non-increasing in time, and we conclude with the existence of nonclassical solutions to the initial value problem. We also propose a definition of a generalized interaction potential, and investigate its monotonicity properties. In particular, we established that the interaction functional is globally non-increasing along a splitting-merging interaction pattern.
Interest rate theory and geometry
Authors: Björk Tomas , Gaspar Raquel M.
Published: August 2010

In this paper we provide an overview of some basic topics in interest rate theory from the point of view of arbitrage free pricing. We cover short rate models, affine term structure models, inversion of the yield curve and the Musiela parameterization. We treat geometric interest rate theory in some detail, and we also review the potential approach to positive interest rates. The text is essentially self-contained, and references to the literature can be found in Section 6.
Bijections between noncrossing and nonnesting partitions for classical reflection groups
Authors: Fink Alex , Giraldo Benjamin Iriarte
Published: August 2010

We present an elementary type-preserving bijection between noncrossing and nonnesting partitions for all classical reflection groups, which answers a question of Athanasiadis.
On the homological dimension of o-minimal and subanalytic sheaves
Authors: Prelli Luca
Published: August 2010

Here we prove that the homological dimension of the category of sheaves on a topological space satisfying some suitable conditions is finite. In particular, we find conditions to bound the homological dimension of o-minimal and subanalytic sheaves.
GOMOS O3, NO2, and NO3 observations in 2002–2008
Authors: Kyrölä E. , Tamminen J. , Sofieva V. , Bertaux J. L. , Hauchecorne A. , Dalaudier F. , Fussen D. , Vanhellemont F. , Fanton d'Andon O. , Barrot G. , Guirlet M. , Fehr T. , Saavedra de Miguel L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars (GOMOS) instrument onboard the European Space Agency's ENVISAT satellite measures ozone, NO2, NO3, H2O, O2, and aerosols using the stellar occultation method. Global coverage, good vertical resolution and the self-calibrating measurement method make GOMOS observations a promising data set for building various climatologies and time series. In this paper we present GOMOS nighttime measurements of ozone, NO2, and NO3 during six years 2002–2008. Using zonal averages we show the time evolution of the vertical profiles as a function of latitude. In order to get continuous coverage in time we restrict the latitudinal region to 50° S–50° N. Time development is analysed by fitting constant, annual and semi-annual terms as well as solar and QBO proxies to the daily time series. Ozone data cover the stratosphere, mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). NO2 and NO3 data cover the stratosphere. In addition to detailed analysis of profiles we derive total column distributions using the fitted time series. The time-independent constant term is determined with a good accuracy (better than 1%) for all the three gases. The median retrieval accuracy for the annual and semi-annual term varies in the range 5–20%. For ozone the annual terms dominate in the stratosphere giving early winter ozone maxima at mid-latitudes. Above the ozone layer the annual terms change the phase which results in ozone summer maximum up to 80 km. In the MLT the annual terms dominate up to 80 km where the semiannual terms start to grow. In the equatorial MLT the semi-annual terms dominate the temporal evolution whereas in the mid-latitude MLT annual and semi-annual terms compete evenly. In the equatorial stratosphere the QBO dominates the time development but the solar term is too weak to be determined. In the MLT above 85 km the solar term grows significantly and ozone has 15–20% dependence on the solar cycle. For NO2 below 32 km the annual summer maxima dominates at mid-latitudes whereas in the equatorial region a strong QBO prevails. In northern mid-latitudes a strong solar term appears in the upper stratosphere. For NO3 the annual variation dominates giving rise to summer maxima. The NO3 distribution is controlled by temperature and ozone.
What can be learned about carbon cycle climate feedbacks from the CO2 airborne fraction?
Authors: Gloor M. , Sarmiento J. L. , Gruber N.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The ratio of CO2 accumulating in the atmosphere to the CO2 flux into the atmosphere due to human activity, the airborne fraction AF, is central to predict changes in earth's surface temperature due to greenhouse gas induced warming. This ratio has remained remarkably constant in the past five decades, but recent studies have reported an apparent increasing trend and interpreted it as an indication for a decrease in the efficiency of the combined sinks by the ocean and terrestrial biosphere. We investigate here whether this interpretation is correct by analyzing the processes that control long-term trends and decadal-scale variations in the AF. To this end, we use simplified linear models for describing the time evolution of an atmospheric CO2 perturbation. We find firstly that the spin-up time of the system for the AF to converge to a constant value is on the order of 200–300 years and differs depending on whether exponentially increasing fossil fuel emissions only or the sum of fossil fuel and land use emissions are used. We find secondly that the primary control on the decadal time-scale variations of the AF is variations in the relative growth rate of the total anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Changes in sink efficiencies tend to leave a smaller imprint. Therefore, before interpreting trends in the AF as an indication of weakening carbon sink efficiency, it is necessary to account for trends and variations in AF stemming from anthropogenic emissions and other extrinsic forcing events, such as volcanic eruptions. Using atmospheric CO2 data and emission estimates for the period 1959 through 2006, and our simple predictive models for the AF, we find that likely omissions in the reported emissions from land use change and extrinsic forcing events are sufficient to explain the observed long-term trend in AF. Therefore, claims for a decreasing long-term trend in the carbon sink efficiency over the last few decades are currently not supported by atmospheric CO2 data and anthropogenic emissions estimates.
Analysis of CO in the tropical troposphere using Aura satellite data and the GEOS-Chem model: insights into transport characteristics of the GEOS meteorological products
Authors: Liu J. , Logan J. A. , Jones D. B. A. , Livesey N. J. , Megretskaia I. A. , Carouge C. C. , Nedelec P.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. We use the GEOS-Chem chemistry-transport model (CTM) to interpret the spatial and temporal variations of tropical tropospheric CO observed by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES). In so doing, we diagnose and evaluate transport in the GEOS-4 and GEOS-5 assimilated meteorological fields that drive the model, with a particular focus on vertical mixing at the end of the dry season when convection moves over the source regions. The results indicate that over South America, deep convection in both GEOS-4 and GEOS-5 decays at too low an altitude early in the wet season, and the source of CO from isoprene in the model (MEGAN v2.1) is too large, causing a lag in the model's seasonal maximum of CO compared to MLS CO at upper troposphere (UT). TES and MLS data reveal problems with excessive transport of CO to the eastern equatorial Pacific and lofting in the ITCZ in August and September, particularly in GEOS-4. Over southern Africa, GEOS-4 and GEOS-5 simulations match the phase of the observed CO variation from lower troposphere (LT) to UT fairly well, although the magnitude of the seasonal maximum is underestimated considerably due to low emissions in the model. A sensitivity run with increased emissions leads to an improved agreement with observed CO in the LT and middle troposphere (MT), but CO is too high in the UT in GEOS-4. Difficulty in matching CO in the LT and UT implies there may be overly vigorous vertical mixing in GEOS-4 early in the wet season. Both simulations and observations show a time lag between the peak in fire emissions (July and August) and in CO (September and October). We argue that it is caused by the prevailing subsidence in the LT until convection moves south in September, as well as the low sensitivity of TES data in the LT over the African Plateau. The MLS data imply that too much CO has been transported from fires in northern Africa to the UT in the model during burning season, perhaps as a result of the combined influence of too strong Harmattan winds in the LT and too strong vertical mixing over the Gulf of Guinea in the model.
Estimating European volatile organic compound emissions using satellite observations of formaldehyde from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument
Authors: Curci G. , Palmer P. I. , Kurosu T. P. , Chance K. , Visconti G.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Emission of non-methane Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to the atmosphere stems from biogenic and human activities, and their estimation is difficult because of the many and not fully understood processes involved. In order to narrow down the uncertainty related to VOC emissions, which negatively reflects on our ability to simulate the atmospheric composition, we exploit satellite observations of formaldehyde (HCHO), an ubiquitous oxidation product of most VOCs, focusing on Europe. HCHO column observations from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) reveal a marked seasonal cycle with a summer maximum and winter minimum. In summer, the oxidation of methane and other long-lived VOCs supply a slowly varying background HCHO column, while HCHO variability is dominated by most reactive VOC, primarily biogenic isoprene followed in importance by biogenic terpenes and anthropogenic VOCs. The chemistry-transport model CHIMERE qualitatively reproduces the temporal and spatial features of the observed HCHO column, but display regional biases which are attributed mainly to incorrect biogenic VOC emissions, calculated with the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosol from Nature (MEGAN) algorithm. These "bottom-up" or a-priori emissions are corrected through a Bayesian inversion of the OMI HCHO observations. Resulting "top-down" or a-posteriori isoprene emissions are lower than "bottom-up" by 40% over the Balkans and by 20% over Southern Germany, and higher by 20% over Iberian Peninsula, Greece and Italy. The inversion is shown to be robust against assumptions on the a-priori and the inversion parameters. We conclude that OMI satellite observations of HCHO can provide a quantitative "top-down" constraint on the European "bottom-up" VOC inventories.
Implications for chloro- and pheopigment synthesis and preservation from combined compound-specific δ13C, δ15N, and Δ14C analysis
Authors: Kusch S. , Kashiyama Y. , Ogawa N. O. , Altabet M. , Butzin M. , Friedrich J. , Ohkouchi N. , Mollenhauer G.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Chloropigments and their derivative pheopigments preserved in sediments can directly be linked to photosynthesis. Their carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic compositions have been shown to be a good recorder of recent and past surface ocean environmental conditions tracing the carbon and nitrogen sources and dominant assimilation processes of the phytoplanktonic community. In this study we report results from combined compound-specific radiocarbon and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis to examine the timescales of synthesis and fate of chlorophyll-a and its degradation products pheophytin-a, pyropheophytin-a, and 132,173-cyclopheophorbide-a-enol until burial in Black Sea surface sediments. The pigments are mainly of marine phytoplanktonic origin as implied by their stable isotopic compositions. Pigment δ15N values indicate nitrate as the major uptake substrate but 15N-depletion towards the open marine setting indicates contribution from N2-fixation. Radiocarbon concentrations translate into minimum and maximum pigment ages of approximately 40 to 1200 years. This implies that protective mechanisms against decomposition such as association with minerals or eutrophication-induced hypoxia and light limitation are much more efficient than previously thought. However, seasonal variations of nutrient source, growth period, and habitat and their associated isotopic variability are likely at least as strong as long-term trends. Combined triple isotopic analysis of sedimentary chlorophyll and its primary derivatives is a powerful tool to delineate biogeochemical and diagenetic processes in the surface water and assess their precise timescales.
Influence of the Tungurahua eruption on the ice core records of Chimborazo, Ecuador
Authors: Ginot P. , Schotterer U. , Stichler W. , Godoi M. A. , Francou B. , Schwikowski M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The comparison of two shallow ice cores recovered in 1999 and 2000 from the same place on Chimborazo summit glacier revealed the influence of the coincident Tungurahua volcanic eruption on their stable isotope and chemical records. The surface snow melting and water percolation induced from the ash deposition caused a preferential elution and re-localization of certain ionic species, while the stable isotope records were not very affected. Additionally, the comparison of the ionic amount and some selected ratios preserved along the ice core column reports under which processes the chemical species are introduced in the snow pack, as snow flake condensation nuclei, by atmospheric scavenging or by dry deposition. This preliminary study is essential for the interpretation of the deep Chimborazo ice core, or for other sites where surrounding volcanic activity may disturb the glaciochemical records.
Comparison of real‐time microvascular abnormalities in pediatric and adult sickle cell anemia patients
Authors: Cheung Anthony T.W. , Miller Joshua W. , Craig Sarah M. , To Patricia L. , Lin Xin , Samarron Sandra L. , Chen Peter C.Y. , Zwerdling Theodore , Wun Ted , Li Chin‐Shang , Green Ralph
Published: August 2010

The conjunctival microcirculation in 14 pediatric and eight adult sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients was studied using computer‐assisted intravital microscopy. The bulbar conjunctiva in SCA patients in both age groups exhibited a blanched/avascular appearance characterized by decreased vascularity. SCA patients from both age groups had many of the same abnormal morphometric [vessel diameter, vessel distribution, morphometry (shape), tortuosity, arteriole:venule (A:V) ratio, and hemosiderin deposits] and dynamic [vessel sludging/sludged flow, boxcar blood (trickled) flow, and abnormal flow velocity] abnormalities. A severity index (SI) was computed to quantify the degree of vasculopathy for comparison between groups. The severity of vasculopathy differed significantly between the pediatric and adult patients (SI: 4.2 ± 1.8 vs. 6.6 ± 2.4; P = 0.028), indicative of a lesser degree of overall severity in the pediatric patients. Specific abnormalities that were less prominent in the pediatric patients included abnormal vessel morphometry and tortuosity. Sludged flow, abnormal vessel distribution, abnormal A:V ratio, and boxcar flow appeared in high prevalence in both age groups. The results indicate that SCA microvascular abnormalities develop in childhood and the severity of vasculopathy likely progresses with age. Intervention and effective treatment/management modalities should target pediatric patients to ameliorate, slow down, or prevent progressive microvascular deterioration. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identical IGHV‐D‐J gene rearrangement may precede the clinical onset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia by several years
Authors: Frezzato Maurizio , Giaretta Ilaria , Madeo Domenico , Rodeghiero Francesco
Published: August 2010

The pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been fully elucidated. Moreover, the time required for the initial B lymphocyte IGH gene rearranged clone to manifest as a clinical entity remains unknown. We searched for previous IGH gene rearranged B lymphocyte clones in healthy people who developed CLL and estimated the time for the clone to become clinically detectable. To this aim, we identified all incident cases of CLL diagnosed in a cohort of 15,055 healthy subjects aged 18–65 years enrolled in a prospective survey on thrombophilia. Seven CLL cases were identified at a median follow‐up of 54 months (range, 18–89). The estimated incidence was 0.46 cases/10,000 person‐years (CI: 0.17–1.00). A PCR was performed to detect IGH gene rearrangement at enrollment and at CLL diagnosis. Comparison was possible in six subjects. In five, the same IGH gene rearrangement and gene sequence were already present 39–89 months before CLL diagnosis. A mutated status was identified in four of five cases. The median age at diagnosis was 66.2 years, and all subjects were asymptomatic. Two patients expressing the IGHV1‐69 gene with an unmutated status required treatment 16 and 40 months after diagnosis. The IGHV4 family genes were rearranged in the remaining cases, all showing a mutated status. No additional rearrangements or mutations in the rearranged gene were found during follow‐up. An identical clonal IGH gene rearrangement may precede CLL diagnosis by several years. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second‐line mitoxantrone, etoposide, and cytarabine for acute myeloid leukemia: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kohrt Holbrook E. , Patel Samit , Ho Michelle , Owen Terri , Pollyea Daniel A. , Majeti Ravindra , Gotlib Jason , Coutre Steve , Liedtke Michaela , Berube Caroline , Alizadeh Ash A. , Medeiros Bruno C.
Published: August 2010

The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will require second‐line chemotherapy for either relapsed or refractory disease. Currently, only allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) offers a curative option in this setting and no preferred regimen has been established. The reported efficacy of second‐line regimens is widely disparate, thus limiting informed clinical decision making. A retrospective review of 77 patients receiving therapy between 2001 and 2008 with relapsed, 42, and refractory, 35, AML was performed to determine overall response rate and survival following mitoxantrone (8 mg/m2/day), etoposide (100 mg/m2/day), and cytarabine (1,000 mg/m2/day) chemotherapy administered over 5 days. Among 77 patients (median age of 54 years and 64% intermediate risk karyotype) with median follow‐up of 153 days, 18% achieved a complete response and 8% a morphologic leukemia‐free state. Fifty‐seven (74%) experienced treatment failure, 10 of whom achieved a remission after additional therapy. Median overall survival (OS) was 6.8 months. Among patients achieving a response, 50% received consolidation with allogeneic HCT, autologous HCT (5%), or consolidation chemotherapy alone (45%). A nonsignificant trend in overall response (50%, 27%, and 23.8%) and median OS (8.3, 6.8, and 4.7 months) was observed by cytogenetic stratification into favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable risk. Patients with refractory versus relapsed disease had similar overall responses (20% and 31%, P = 0.41) and median OS (5.3 and 7.6 months, P = 0.36). Despite risk stratification by the European Prognostic Index, our series demonstrates inferior rates of response and survival, illustrating the limited activity of this regimen in our cohort. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of a low intensity intervention to increase hearing protector use among noise‐exposed workers
Authors: McCullagh Marjorie C.
Published: August 2010

Background

Farm operators experience exposure to high noise and high prevalence of noise‐induced hearing loss, but use of hearing protection in this worker group is low. The purpose of this study was to test a brief intervention to increase farm operators' use of hearing protection.

Methods

In this one‐group pre‐ and post‐test study, a random sample of 32 members of a farmers' organization was supplied a variety of hearing protectors. Participants received an assortment of hearing protectors by mail with manufacturer's instructions for use.

Results

Mean pre‐intervention hearing protector use when in high noise in this group was 23% (SD 29). Of the 32 participants, 27 (84%) were exposed to hazardous noise during the study period. Post‐intervention mean use of HPDs was 64%, an increase of 41% (t = 5.26, P < 000).

Conclusion

Results of this study suggest that overall, hearing protectors were acceptable to farm operators, and that a brief mailed intervention is feasible. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:210–215, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partner smoking characteristics: Associations with smoking and quitting among blue‐collar apprentices
Authors: Okechukwu Cassandra A. , Nguyen Kim , Hickman Norval J.
Published: August 2010

Background

Studies suggest that the social context of blue‐collar workers contribute to their low smoking cessation rates. However, little is known on the effect of partner smoking and requests to quit on workers' cessation attempts.

Methods

Using data from a longitudinal smoking cessation intervention, multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the association of partner smoking characteristics with cessation among blue‐collar apprentices.

Results

Smokers were more likely to have partners who smoke (OR 13.06; 95% CI 8.52–20.01). Partner's request to quit was associated with higher odds of smoking cessation at 1 month (OR 3.74; 95% CI 2.49–5.63) and 6 months (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.06–3.41) post‐intervention. Having a partner who smoked was associated with lower odds of smoking cessation at 1 month (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.27–0.62), but not 6 months post‐intervention.

Conclusions

Results suggest that smoking cessation interventions that include partner support might improve cessation among blue‐collar smokers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1102–1108, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the clay size on the dispersion morphology and emulsion stability of ABS/layered silicate nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Kwanghyon , Kim Jong Hyun , Chung In Jae
Published: August 2010

ABS/layered silicate nanocomposites were synthesized through an emulsion polymerization with different sizes of silicates. The particle sizes of Laponite, Cloisite‐Na and Kunipia‐F are about 20–30, 70–150, and 300–500 nm, respectively. When ABS was synthesized by the emulsion polymerization in the presence of Laponite and Cloisite‐Na, ABS/layered silicate nanocomposite emulsion showed a stable suspension without the precipitation of solid particle. On the other hand, ABS/layered silicate nanocomposite synthesized with Kunipia‐F showed the precipitation of large aggregated particles and the phase separation. Smaller sizes of silicates like Laponite and Cloisite‐Na than polymerized particle worked as resided barrier preventing the emulsion particle from coagulation. Larger size of silicate like Kunipia‐F than emulsion particle was not able to enclose the emulsion particle delicately because of its stiffness and large aspect ratio. The monomers inserted into the intercalated Kunipia‐F connected the ABS particles and clay particles. The Kunipia‐F particles anchored ABS particles around them inducing the aggregation and precipitation of ABS particles. ABS copolymer emulsion and aqueous silicate dispersion were mixed to compare with synthesized ABS/layered silicate nanocomposites and showed a stable suspension. With small amount of Laponite or Cloisite‐Na, nanocomposite emulsion of Kunipia‐F was also stabilized. Laponite and Cloisite‐Na worked as a steric stabilizer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Application of nonisothermal cure kinetics to the interaction of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with alkyd resin varnish
Authors: Dias D. S. , Crespi M. S. , Ribeiro C. A. , Kobelnik M.
Published: August 2010

Samples of varnish (V), poly(ethylene terephthalate) from recycled soft drink bottles (PET‐R), and varnish/poly(ethylene terephthalate) from recycled soft drink bottles mixtures (VPET‐Rs) were evaluated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to verify their physicochemical properties and thermal behavior. Films from V and VPET‐R were visually similar. The maximum amount of PET‐R that we could add to V without significantly altering its filming properties, such adherence and color in glass sheets, was 2%. The cure process (80–203°C) was identified through the DSC curves. The kinetic parameters, activation energy (E), and Arrhenius parameter (A) for the samples containing 0.5–2% PET‐R were calculated with the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa isoconversional method. With greater amounts of PET‐R added, there was a small change in E for the curing process. A kinetic compensation effect, represented by the equation ln A = −10.5 + 0.29E, was observed for all of the samples. The most suitable kinetic model to describe this curing process was the autocatalytic Sestak–Berggren model, which is applied to heterogeneous systems governed by nucleation and growth. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, characterization, and ionic conductivity of nanocomposites: Polyelectrolyte systems
Authors: Cardoso J. , Montiel R. , Manero O.
Published: August 2010

The synthesis, diffraction patterns, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity properties of methacrylate‐type polymers are analyzed here to assess their feasibility as polymer electrolytes. From the parent polymer, poly (N,N‐dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate), herein labeled PDMAEMA, a protonated derivative was used to prepare polymer/Montmorillonite nanocomposites with various clay contents (1, 3, and 5 wt %). AC spectroscopy provided the ionic conductivity data for the polymers and clay–polymer nanocomposites. Evidences of nanocomposite formation are shown using transmission electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of propylation on the characteristics of corn starch and variation of properties with different degrees of substitution
Authors: Garg Sangeeta , Jana Asim Kumar
Published: August 2010

Corn starch was modified by propylation with different degree of substitution (DS). DS of four starch modifications were 0.61, 1.56, 2.27, and 2.51. Samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TG‐DTA, swelling power, solubility, water binding capacity, and light transmittance. Results of the systematic physico‐chemical characterization of the starch modification in comparison with the native starch have been documented in the article. Results showed that during propylation, the crystalline structure of starch got destroyed and surface of the starch was eroded. Propylated starch (DS 2.51) showed 85% weight loss at temperatures from 300 to 400°C, whereas the native starch underwent similar weight loss (83%) from 250 to 300°C. Swelling power and water binding capacity of native starch (DS 0.0) were 3.09 g/g and 89.8%, respectively. However, in propylated starch at low DS (DS 0.61), swelling power and water binding capacity increased to 10.55 g/g and 136.8% under same conditions. At high DS (DS 2.51), swelling power was similar to native starch at 65°C, whereas solubility and water binding capacity decreased to below that of native starch. Light transmittance of propylated starch with high DS (DS 2.51) increased dramatically compared with native starch. Propylation improved the hydrophobic transformation and thermal stability of starch at high DS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Ecological materials and methods in the textile industry: Atmospheric‐plasma treatments of naturally colored cotton
Authors: Demir Aslı , Özdoğan Esen , Özdil Nilgün , Gürel Aynur
Published: August 2010

Naturally colored cotton, in accordance with currently increasing interest in ecological textile products and methods, has increased in popularity. Commerce is another of the primary reasons along with interest in environmentally friendly and niche‐concept approaches. However, the color palette is limited; no bleaching or dyeing process is used. Instead, only a pretreatment to make the fibers hydrophilic is necessary. This can be induced with several different methods. In this respect, atmospheric‐plasma treatments have emerged as an alternative. In this study, knitted and naturally colored cotton fabrics were treated with argon and air atmospheric plasma. The hydrophilicity, wickability, surface friction coefficient, air permeability, water vapor permeability, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and fastness were investigated. The surfaces of untreated and plasma‐treated fabrics were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflectance and scanning electron microscopy to detect and compare the chemical and morphological modifications. The results revealed that atmospheric‐plasma treatments are capable of modifying the surface of naturally colored cotton fabrics without any important loss in the color strength or fastness and thermal properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Anisotropic mechanical behavior of magnetically oriented iron particle reinforced foams
Authors: Sorrentino L. , Aurilia M. , Forte G. , Iannace S.
Published: August 2010

Reinforced foams were prepared by exposing a polyurethane matrix filled with iron particles to a magnetic field during the foaming process. The magnetic field induced an alignment of the iron particles along the field direction, giving rise to columnar structures similar to fibrils, as observed by SEM and microtomographic 3D reconstructions.

The anisotropic reinforcement induced by the fibrils improved the mechanical performances, yielding a threefold increase of both elastic modulus and yield stress in the alignment direction, whereas minor effects were observed in the transversal direction. In this case, the mechanical properties were comparable with those of randomly filled foams or, in some cases, of unfilled foam.

The reinforcing efficiency of fibrils was evaluated through a theoretical model, based on the combination of the mechanics of foams with two micromechanical models for aligned short fibers composites (Halpin‐Tsai and Cox‐Krenchel). The theoretical predictions based on the Halpin‐Tsai equations showed a good agreement with the experimental data, whereas the model derived from Cox‐Krenchel equations overestimated data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation, crystallization, and properties of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Fang , Qiu Zhaobin
Published: August 2010

Intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and Cloisite 30B (C30B) were fabricated by a solution‐casting method to study the effects of the clay loading on the crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical properties of PBAT in PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results indicated the formation of exfoliated nanocomposites at low clay loadings (<5 wt %) and a mixture of exfoliated and intercalated nanocomposites with a clay content of 8 wt % throughout the PBAT matrix. Nonisothermal melt crystallization studies indicated that C30B enhanced the crystallization of PBAT, apparently because of a heterogeneous nucleation effect. Moreover, an attempt was made to quantitatively study the influence of the presence of C30B and its contents on the nucleation activity of PBAT in the PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. The thermal stability of PBAT decreased slightly in the nanocomposites. However, the storage modulus of PBAT apparently increased with the C30B loading increasing in the PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Phase morphology and thermomechanical analysis of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer blends: Uncompatibilized and reactively compatibilized blends with two mixing sequences
Authors: Taheri Mona , Morshedian Jalil , Ali Khonakdar Hossein
Published: August 2010

The phase morphology developing in immiscible poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN)/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) blends was studied with an in situ reactively generated SAN‐g‐EPDM compatibilizer through the introduction of a suitably chosen polymer additive (maleic anhydride) and 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di‐(t‐butyl peroxy) hexane (Luperox) and dicumyl peroxide as initiators during melt blending. Special attention was paid to the experimental conditions required for changing the droplet morphology for the dispersed phase. Two different mixing sequences (simple and two‐step) were used. The product of two‐step blending was a major phase surrounded by rubber particles; these rubber particles contained the occluded matrix phase. Depending on the mixing sequence, this particular phase morphology could be forced or could occur spontaneously. The composition was stabilized by the formation of the SAN‐g‐EPDM copolymer between the elastomer and addition polymer, which was characterized with Fourier transform infrared. As for the two initiators, the blends with Luperox showed better mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed good compatibility for the SAN/EPDM blends produced by two‐step blending with this initiator. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies showed that the two‐step‐prepared blend with Luperox had the best compatibility. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Miniaturized biocatalysis on polyacrylate‐based capillary monoliths
Authors: Elsner Christian , Ernst Claudia , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: August 2010

We developed a synthetic concept for the immobilization of enzymes onto monolithic supports. In addition, we elaborate on a generally applicable method for the rapid screening of the activity of such immobilized enzymes. For these purposes, we prepared monolithic acrylate‐based systems by electron‐beam (EB)‐triggered free‐radical polymerization within the confines of 200‐μm capillary columns. Aiming for protein immobilization, we subjected the polyacrylate‐based monoliths to EB‐mediated grafting processes to introduce functional surface‐located groups suited for the subsequent generation of functional units that themselves could bind different proteins. For the generation of the functional units, we used ring‐opening metathesis polymerization and free‐radical polymerization. The produced systems were tested for their ability to bind or repel proteins as exemplified by the use of the serine protease trypsin, which was used to catalyze the hydrolysis of N‐α‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine ethyl ester (BAEE). Finally, the monolith‐immobilized trypsin systems were used for enzymatic peptide synthesis purposes, such as the acyl transfer of BAEE to amino acid amides. Complementarily, we used an immobilized trypsin variant, which we additionally subjected to on‐column chemical modification with succinic anhydride to alter its synthetic properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Adsorption and electroanalytical studies of a poly‐o‐toluidine Zr(IV) phosphate nanocomposite for zinc(II) dimethyldithiocarbamate
Authors: Khan Asif Ali , Akhtar Tabassum
Published: August 2010

The adsorption behavior of zinc(II) dimethyldithiocarbamate (Ziram) was studied on the surface of a poly‐o‐toluidine Zr(IV) phosphate nanocomposite cation exchanger. A spectrophotometric method based on the conversion of Ziram into a copper dimethyldithiocarbamate complex was applied for the study of Ziram at the maximum absorption wavelength of 437 nm. A Ziram‐ sensitive membrane electrode was fabricated with poly‐o‐toluidine Zr(IV) phosphate (an electroactive composite material). The sensitivity of Ziram for the composite cation‐exchange material was monitored with potentiometric methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and comparative solution properties of a cationic polyelectrolyte and its corresponding polyzwitterion from 1,1‐diallyl‐4‐methoxycarbonylpiperidinium chloride
Authors: Al‐Muallem Hasan A.
Published: August 2010

The quaternary ammonium monomer 1,1‐diallyl‐4‐methoxycarbonylpiperidinium chloride was synthesized in good yield. On polymerization in water using t‐butylhydroperoxide as initiator, a cationic polyelectrolyte (CPE) with a five‐membered cyclic structure on the polymeric backbone was obtained. On acid hydrolysis, followed by basification, the CPE gave the corresponding polybetaine (PB). The solution properties of these polymers were investigated by potentiometric and viscometric techniques. The PB demonstrated “antipolyelectrolyte” behavior. The basicity constant of the carboxylate functionality in the polyzwitterionic polymers was ‘apparent’ in a 0.1 N NaCl solution and followed the modified Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation. It was found that as the degree of protonation (α) of the whole macromolecule increases, the protonation of the amine nitrogen becomes increasingly more difficult. Unlike other polyzwitterions/polybetaines, the PB was soluble in salt‐free water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Dysregulated expression of CXCR4/CXCL12 in subsets of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang Andrew , Guilpain Philippe , Chong Benjamin F. , Chouzenoux Sandrine , Guillevin Loïc , Du Yong , Zhou Xin J. , Lin Fangming , Fairhurst Anna‐Marie , Boudreaux Christopher , Roux Christian , Wakeland Edward K. , Davis Laurie S. , Batteux Frederic , Mohan Chandra
Published: August 2010

Objective

CXCR4 is a chemokine with multiple effects on the immune system. In murine lupus models, we demonstrated that monocytes, neutrophils, and B cells overexpressed CXCR4 and that its ligand, CXCL12, was up‐regulated in diseased kidneys. We undertook this study to determine whether CXCR4 expression was increased in peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and whether CXCL12 expression was increased in kidneys from patients with SLE.

Methods

Peripheral blood leukocytes from 31 SLE patients, 8 normal controls, and 9 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were prospectively analyzed by flow cytometry for CXCR4 expression. Biopsy samples (n = 14) from patients with lupus nephritis (LN) were immunostained with anti‐CXCL12 antibody.

Results

CD19+ B cells and CD4+ T cells from SLE patients displayed a >2‐fold increase (P = 0.0001) and >3‐fold increase (P < 0.0001), respectively, in median CXCR4 expression compared with that in controls (n = 7–8). Moreover, CXCR4 expression on B cells was 1.61‐fold higher in patients with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores >10 (n = 8) than in patients with SLEDAI scores ≤10 (n = 16) (P = 0.0008), 1.71‐fold higher in patients with class IV LN (n = 5) than in patients with other classes of LN (n = 7) (P = 0.02), and 1.40‐fold higher in patients with active neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) (n = 6) than in patients with inactive NPSLE (n = 18) (P = 0.01). CXCL12 was significantly up‐regulated in the tubules and glomeruli of kidneys in patients with LN (n = 14), with the percentage of positive cells correlating positively with the severity of LN.

Conclusion

CXCR4 appears to be up‐regulated in multiple leukocyte subsets in SLE patients. The heightened expression of CXCR4 on B cells in active NPSLE and of CXCL12 in nephritic kidneys suggests that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for SLE patients with kidney and/or central nervous system involvement.