bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illumination intensity effects on the dielectric properties of schottky devices with Co, Ni‐doped PVA nanofibers as an interfacial layer
Authors: Dökme İlbilge , Yildiz D. Esra , Altindal Şemsettin
Published: October 2011

In this study, the Au/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Co, Ni‐doped)/n‐Si Schottky devices (SDs) were fabricated using n‐type single crystal silicon (phosphor‐doped). The ohmic and rectifier contacts were thermally formed by annealing them in an evaporating system. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/(Co–Ni) nanofiber film was used as an interfacial layer between metal‐semiconductor. After the PVA/(Co–Ni) acetate was obtained, the nanofiber film was fabricated on silicon wafer using electrospinning technique. The dielectric properties of Au/PVA (Co,Ni‐doped)/n‐Si SDs were investigated in the gate voltage range of −1.5 to +1.5 V, before and after various illumination levels at 1 MHz. The dielectric constant (ε′, dielectric loss (ε″), dielectric loss tangent (tanδ, the ac electrical conductivity (σac), and the real and imaginary parts of electric modulus (M′ and M″) were obtained from the measured capacitance and conductance values. Experimental results show that the values of the dielectric parameters in dark and under illumination were different from each other. Also, these parameters were found to be functions of illumination intensity and gate voltage. Such illumination level‐related behavior of dielectric parameters can be explained on the basis of Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization and restructuring and reordering of the charges at the interface states. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 31: 63–70, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20236
Preparation and characterization of interpenetrating polymer network beads for controlled release of acebutolol hydrochloride
Authors: Venkata Prasad C. , Yerri Swamy B. , Mallikarjuna B. , Sreekanth K. C. , Subha M. C. S. , Chowdoji Rao K. , Yu Jong‐Sung
Published: October 2011

Graft copolymer of sodium alginate (SA) with N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (N‐VP) was prepared using potassium persulphate (PPS) as an initiator. The effect of monomer content on the percentage of graft yield was investigated. It was observed that N‐vinylpyrrolidone (N‐VP) content has remarkable influence on the percentage graft yield. SA and their graft copolymer (SA‐g‐VP) beads were prepared in various formulations using glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross‐linking agent and acebutolol hydrochloride (ABHCl) as a model drug. Beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Chemical stability of ABHCl after encapsulation into beads was confirmed by FT‐IR analysis. Preparation conditions of the SA‐g‐N‐VP beads were optimized by considering the percentage entrapment efficiency, particle size, swelling capacity, and their release data. In vitro release studies of different formulations were performed at 37°C in an intestinal fluid atmosphere (pH 7.4). The effect of graft copolymer, cross‐linker and drug concentrations on the release of ABHCl was discussed. It was observed that ABHCl release from the beads increased with the increasing N‐VP upto 30%, and then decreases beyond this concentration. It was also observed that, as GA and ABHCl concentration increases, rate of drug release decreases. The highest ABHCl release upto 12 h was obtained is 98.5%% for beads cross‐linked with 0.5 mL GA containing 10% monomer and 10% ABHCl. From these studies, it was observed that SA on grafting with N‐VP showed variation in drug release profiles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: 87–99, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20238
The effects of trans‐polyoctylene rubber on thermal analysis and fatigue properties of styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber
Authors: Noriman N. Z. , Ismail H. , Rashid A. A.
Published: October 2011

The incorporation of trans‐polyoctylene rubber (TOR) into the blends of styrene butadiene rubber/recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (SBR/NBRr) was investigated. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and fatigue life of SBR/NBRr blends with and without TOR were studied. Results showed that SBR/NBRr blends with TOR exhibited better thermal stability than SBR/NBRr blends without TOR. A DSC result showed that with incorporation of TOR into the SBR/NBRr blends, it alters the calorimetric profile particularly for SBR/NBRr/TOR (R05/TOR), which shows changes in the horizontal line from a high to low energy level along with a greater delta H value. The fatigue life of SBR/NBRr blends with the incorporation of TOR showed higher values than SBR/NBRr blends without TOR, particularly at 75/25, 65/35, and 50/50 blend ratios. The scanning electron microscopy images of SBR/NBRr blends with TOR illustrated that the failure surface became rougher with many tear lines compared to SBR/NBRr without TOR, indicating that a good interaction occurred between the NBRr and SBR matrix with the presence of TOR. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: 100–108, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20240
The application of response surface methodology on the synthesis of grafted polypropylene through the solvothermal route
Authors: Zheng Yuying , Zhao Songfang , Zeng Anran , Guo Yong
Published: October 2011

Solvothermal synthesis is an important technology to prepare the inorganic matter. In this investigation, xylene–water‐thermal reaction of polypropylene (PP), styrene (St), and maleic anhydride (MAH) under pressure was carried out to prepare grafting polymers. Infrared (IR) spectra and NMR spectra confirmed that MAH and St were successfully grafted onto the PP backbones. Through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray analysis, it was found that the crystallinity of grafting polymers decreased due to the formation of side chains. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to investigate the influence of various factors on the grafting percentage. The predicted results coincided well with the experimental values at optimum reaction conditions; therefore, the response model was adequate to reflect the expected optimization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: 109–117, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20242
Influence of epoxide level and reactive blending on properties of epoxidized natural rubber and nylon‐12 blends
Authors: Narathichat Maswanee , Kummerlöwe Claudia , Vennemann Norbert , Sahakaro Kannika , Nakason Charoen
Published: October 2011

A simple blend (i.e., blend without curative) of 60/40 rubber/nylon‐12 with three different types of natural rubber (i.e., air‐dried sheet natural rubber (ADS) and epoxidized natural rubbers (ENR) with 25 and 50 mol% epoxide) was prepared by the melt‐mixing process. Influence of different types of rubbers and the level of epoxide groups in ENR molecules on the properties of the blends were investigated. It was found that all the blends exhibited a co‐continuous phase morphology. Furthermore, the ENR/nylon‐12 blends exhibited superior mechanical properties, stress relaxation behavior, thermal and rheological properties, and a finer grain morphology than that of the ADS/nylon‐12 blend. This may be attributed to the higher interfacial adhesion between the ENR and nylon‐12 phases via a chemical interaction of epoxide groups in ENR molecules and polar functional groups in the nylon‐12 molecules. Temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR) measurement was also performed. Improvement in stress relaxation and thermal resistance of the blends with ENR was observed. Moreover, the higher temperature coefficient and lower glass transition temperature (Tg) of the nylon‐12 phase in the ENR‐50/nylon‐12 blends were found. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: 118–129, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.20243
Pleural mesothelioma mortality and asbestos exposure mapping in Italy
Authors: Fazzo Lucia , De Santis Marco , Minelli Giada , Bruno Caterina , Zona Amerigo , Marinaccio Alessandro , Conti Susanna , Comba Pietro
Published: October 2011

Background

An epidemic of asbestos‐related diseases is ongoing worldwide. Mortality from malignant pleural neoplasms in Italy was analyzed, to estimate the health impact of asbestos at national and local level.

Methods

Mortality from ICD‐9 code 163 was considered, in the time‐window 1995–2002, using National Bureau of Statistics data. National and regional standardized rates and municipal Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR) were calculated. Municipal clusters were identified by applying Spatial Scan Statistics procedure. Relative risks (RR) express the ratio of risk within the cluster to the risk outside the cluster.

Results

The national standardized annual mortality rate was 1.9 per 100,000. Significant clusters corresponded to asbestos‐cement industries (Casale Monferrato: RR = 11.63), shipyards (Monfalcone, RR = 7.43), oil refineries (Falconara, RR = 2.52), petrochemical industries (Priolo, RR = 3.81).

Conclusions

The present study confirms malignant pleural neoplasms mortality as a suitable indicator of asbestos exposure at geographic level. In addition to asbestos‐cement industries and shipyards, other industrial settings are associated with pleural neoplasm mortality. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:11–24, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma fibrinogen: A possible link between job stress and cardiovascular disease among Chinese workers
Authors: Xu Weixian , Hang Juan , Guo Lijun , Zhao Yiming , Li Zhaoping , Gao Wei
Published: October 2011

Background

Little is known about the effect of effort–reward imbalance (ERI) on fibrinogen. We aimed to examine the association between ERI and fibrinogen among Chinese workers.

Methods

A total of 732 subjects without vascular diseases were analyzed. Associations between job stress evaluated by ERI model and plasma fibrinogen were explored by multiple regression.

Results

Effort, overcommitment, and ERI were significantly positively associated with fibrinogen, while reward was negatively related with fibrinogen both for men and for women. Compared with low level group, high level of effort, overcommitment, and ERI significantly increased risk of elevated fibrinogen (more than mean concentration) with adjusted OR of 3.3, 12.5, and 7.7 for men; 2.9, 7.2, and 7.2 for women, respectively; however, high reward reduced 80% risk for elevated fibrinogen.

Conclusions

Effort, overcommitment, and ERI are significantly associated with fibrinogen among Chinese workers. High fibrinogen may be a possible link between job stress and cardiovascular disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:167–175, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bulk properties of palm kernel cake for solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Saw Horng Yuan , Phang Hooi Kim , Janaun Jidon
Published: October 2011

The bulk volumes of hydrated palm kernel cake (PKC) were investigated to generate information on bulk properties for solid‐state fermentation (SSF). Measurements were made under ambient conditions as regards the range of moisture level, sieved and unsieved PKC and two substrate handling procedures, viz. loading, tapping and hydration (LTH) and hydration, loading and tapping (HLT) methods. Because of the combined effects of particle size, inconsistent particle surface characteristics, moisture level and particle agglomeration caused by substrate hydration before loading, different trends in volume changes were observed. Empirical models were developed to predict the bulk volume changes with information on three measurable parameters, namely, moisture level, initial volume of a known quantity of dry PKC and particle size. For sieved PKC in the LTH method, unsieved PKC in the LTH method and unsieved PKC in the HLT method, three models were derived respectively. As for sieved PKC in the HLT method, significant scatters in the volume changes restricted the establishment of a single model. Instead, six models were proposed for six particle sizes for more precise estimation. The findings from this work are useful, first, in assisting the determination of dimensions of SSF equipment for substrates of different particle sizes and moisture levels and, second, for the interpretation of fermentation results, e.g. effects of particles swelling and handling procedures on microbial performance. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the optimal conditions for synthesizing poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate) copolyesters with targeted properties
Authors: Tsai Ping‐Hsun , Wang Ching‐Huang , Kan Lou‐Sing , Chen C. Will
Published: October 2011

The aliphatic‐aromatic copolyesters are becoming more important due to their desirable mechanical properties and biodegradability. In this study, a series of Poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBST) of various monomer compositions were synthesized from succinic acid (SA), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) in the presence of tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(Obu)4). The experiment was divided into three parts. The first part is a 23 factorial design with permutations of three factors, namely, temperature, molar ratio of BDO/DMT, and molar ratio of SA/DMT in polycondensation. Our statistical analysis showed that the temperature has a more significant effect on the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) of PBST than the other two factors. The number‐average molecular weight (Mn) of the PBST was determined from the intrinsic viscosity by using the Berkowitz model of Mn = 1.521 × 105[η]1.5. The second part of the experiment is a time course investigation of polycondensation under various temperatures, molar ratios of BDO/(DMT + SA), and concentrations of Ti(Obu)4. Our results showed the best polycondensation occurred at 1.5 hr with [η] reaching 0.49 dL/g when the temperature was held at 250 °C, BDO/(SA + DMT) = 1.2 mol/mol with SA/(SA + DMT) = 50 mol%, and 0.97 mmol of Ti(Obu)4 per mol of SA + DMT. The third part of the experiment involves searching for the best molar ratio of SA/(SA + DMT) in obtaining desirable polymer properties and biodegradability. The results showed that the highest melting point of PBST can be as high as 177 °C at SA/(SA + DMT) = 30 mol%. The maximum tensile strength of 25.6 MPa is obtained at SA/(SA + DMT) = 30 mol%. The maximum elongation at break of 269.3% and the maximum Young's modulus of 754.8 MPa are reached at SA/(SA + DMT) = 60 mol% and at SA/(SA + DMT) = 30 mol%, respectively. The fastest lipase‐decomposition rate of PBST reached 100 % at day six for samples with molar ratio SA/(SA + DMT) = 80 mol%. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alteration of the mechanical and thermal properties of nylon 6/nylon 6,6 blends by nanoclay
Authors: Jarrar Rabab , Mohsin Mahmood A. , Haik Yousef
Published: October 2011

Nylon 6 [N(6)], nylon 6,6 [N(6,6)], and their blends at different clay loadings were prepared. The mix was melted and injected into strip‐shaped samples. Mechanical and thermal analyses were performed to investigate the effect of blending and the incorporated clay on the mechanical and thermal properties. Enhancements in the Young's modulus and hardness were obtained for all of the nanocomposites, with a 55% increase in Young's modulus after the addition of 6 wt % nanoclay, although the improvement in tensile strength depended on the blend ratio, with greatest effects on the 50% N(6)/50% N(6,6) blend with increases of 44 and 59% for 2 and 4% clay loadings, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis showed an enhancement in the thermal properties in the 50% N(6)/50% N(6,6) blend at 2% clay loading, and the blend exhibited ductile behavior at this loading. Increases in the crystallization peak temperatures of 10–15° in N(6,6) and the two blends 30% N(6)/70% N(6,6) and 50% N(6)/50% N(6,6) were observed after the addition of the clay. The nanoclay enhanced the γ‐/β‐form crystals in N(6) and N(6,6) neat polymers and also in the blends. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FT‐IR revealed the formation of hydrogen bonding and the possible formation of ionic bonds between the polymers and the nanoclay, which resulted in enhancements in the mechanical properties of the blends. The distribution of the nanoclay in the blend was well dispersed, as shown by X‐ray diffraction analysis. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Barriers to task‐based information access in molecular medicine
Authors: Kumpulainen Sanna , Järvelin Kalervo
Published: October 2011

We analyze barriers to task‐based information access in molecular medicine, focusing on research tasks, which provide task performance sessions of varying complexity. Molecular medicine is a relevant domain because it offers thousands of digital resources as the information environment. Data were collected through shadowing of real work tasks. Thirty work task sessions were analyzed and barriers in these identified. The barriers were classified by their character (conceptual, syntactic, and technological) and by their context of appearance (work task, system integration, or system). Also, work task sessions were grouped into three complexity classes and the frequency of barriers of varying types across task complexity levels were analyzed. Our findings indicate that although most of the barriers are on system level, there is a quantum of barriers in integration and work task contexts. These barriers might be overcome through attention to the integrated use of multiple systems at least for the most frequent uses. This can be done by means of standardization and harmonization of the data and by taking the requirements of the work tasks into account in system design and development, because information access is seldom an end itself, but rather serves to reach the goals of work tasks.
Potential pharmacokinetic interactions between antiretrovirals and medicinal plants used as complementary and African traditional medicines
Authors: Müller Adrienne C. , Kanfer Isadore
Published: October 2011

The use of traditional/complementary/alternate medicines (TCAMs) in HIV/AIDS patients who reside in Southern Africa is quite common. Those who use TCAMs in addition to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment may be at risk of experiencing clinically significant pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions, particularly between the TCAMs and the protease inhibitors (PIs) and non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Mechanisms of PK interactions include alterations to the normal functioning of drug efflux transporters, such as P‐gp and/or CYP isoenzymes, such a CYP3A4 that mediate the absorption and elimination of drugs in the small intestine and liver. Specific mechanisms include inhibition and activation of these proteins and induction via the pregnane X receptor (PXR). Several clinical studies and case reports involving ARV–herb PK interactions have been reported. St John's Wort, Garlic and Cat's Claw exhibited potentially significant interactions, each with a PI or NNRTI. The potential for these herbs to induce PK interactions with drugs was first identified in reports of in vitro studies. Other in vitro studies have shown that several African traditional medicinal (ATM) plants and extracts may also demonstrate PK interactions with ARVs, through effects on CYP3A4, P‐gp and PXR. The most complex effects were exhibited by Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Sutherlandia frutescens, Cyphostemma hildebrandtii, Acacia nilotica, Agauria salicifolia and Elaeodendron buchananii. Despite a high incidence of HIV/AIDs in the African region, only one clinical study, between efavirenz and Hypoxis hemerocallidea has been conducted. However, several issues/concerns still remain to be addressed and thus more studies on ATMs are warranted in order for more meaningful data to be generated and the true potential for such interactions to be determined. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of the antifungal drug anidulafungin by LC‐online SPE‐MS/MS in human plasma
Authors: Burhenne Heike , Kielstein Jan T. , Burkhardt Olaf , Kaever Volkhard
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to develop a fast and robust method for the quantitation of the antifungal drug anidulafungin in human plasma samples by generic two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (online‐SPE/reversed phase LC) coupled to a tandem‐quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC‐online SPE‐MS/MS). Online SPE was performed using an Oasis HLB cartridge column and for reversed‐phase chromatography a Nucleodur Gravity C18 column was used. A 100 μL aliquot of human plasma was extracted with 200 μL of 80:20 MeOH–0.2 M ZnSO4 (v/v) as precipitation reagent containing ascomycin as internal standard (IS). The supernatant was directly injected for analysis. The total run time was 4.5 min. Anidulafungin and ascomycin were detected in the positive ionization mode. The method performance data for anidulafungin, such as limit of detection (0.013 µg/mL), lower limit of quantitation (0.04 µg/mL), linearity (R2 = 0.9999) and concentration range (0.04–10 µg/mL) were ascertained. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were ≤6.6% and intra‐ and inter‐day accuracies were 98.5–101.0 and 100.0–102.5%, respectively. The assay was successfully applied for quantitation of anidulafungin in patient plasma samples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic torsional injury as an indirect cause of fibular intraneural ganglion cysts: Case illustrations and potential mechanisms
Authors: Spinner Robert J. , Ibrahim Elshiekh Mohanad Ahmed , Tubbs R. Shane , Turner Norman S. , Amrami Kimberly K.
Published: October 2011

Trauma has been loosely associated with the development of fibular intraneural ganglion cysts. Sporadic reports of direct trauma to the proximal lateral leg in the region of the superior tibiofibular joint (STFJ) capsule support the development of a capsular rent and the subsequent egress of joint fluid from the articular joint. This report provides evidence to suggest that indirect trauma from torsion can link concomitant ankle injury and fibular nerve palsy (foot drop) and fibular intraneural ganglion cysts. We present two cases to illustrate different potential mechanisms. One patient sustained an ankle ligamentous injury which was translated through the interosseous membrane (IOM) to the proximal leg region, affecting the STFJ and the fibular nerve (ascending pathway). The second patient had blunt injury to the popliteal fossa in combination with a twisting injury to the leg. In this latter case we offer two plausible explanations: (1) combined knee and ankle injury resulting in an ascending pathway mechanism; and (2) a knee injury which disrupted the STFJ, resulting in a translational force down the leg (descending pathway). We believe that fibular intraneural cysts from the STFJ result from direct and indirect trauma. Additional reports of similar cases and sophisticated biomechanical testing will allow us to delineate the exact mechanisms for these injury patterns. Clin. Anat. 25:641–646, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Religion and Social Capital: Identity Matters
Authors: Hopkins Nick
Published: October 2011

This paper considers how our understanding of religious identifications may be enriched through social psychological theorizing on group identity. It reviews a range of work (for example, sociological and social psychological) concerning Islam and Muslim identities and develops the case for viewing religious identities as constructed in and through argument. It then seeks to draw out the implications of such an approach for understanding group relations. Although minority religious identifications are often assumed to undermine social cohesion, the social networks within and between groups can contribute to inter‐group harmony. For example, reciprocal relationships characterized by trust and reciprocity can constitute forms of social capital that facilitate civic integration. Yet, how such social networks are used and how relationships are developed depends on group members' understandings of their collective identity. As this is contested, it follows that analyses of intergroup relations must attend to group members' identity‐related arguments and the strategic concerns that lie behind them. The utility of this perspective is illustrated briefly with empirical material (arising from interviews conducted with Muslim activists) which hints at the importance of investigating social actors' own theories of social capital and how it can be developed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social Psychology, Religion and Inter‐Group Relations: Hamas Leaders' Media Talk about their Vision for the Future
Authors: McVittie Chris , McKinlay Andy , Sambaraju Rahul
Published: October 2011

This paper focuses on the relationship between Islam and the secular aspects of society which differentiate Islamic societies from other states. Bound up with this question is the issue of the extent to which Islamists challenge proposals that religion should be ‘set aside’ when people act as citizens by arguing that Islam embraces the whole of life. Using discourse analysis we examine extracts from media interviews with leaders of the Islamist Hamas movement about Islam and its application within the Gaza strip. The interviewees construct religion as being congruent with existing social practices within Gaza. This allows interviewees to make three claims: that the introduction of Islam will make no difference to existing society, that Islam will be tolerant of existing social practices, and that potentially criticisable political acts should be viewed in civic rather than religious terms. By so doing, the interviewees display sensitivity to potential distinctions between religious and civic practices and attend to inferences that might arise in respect of inter‐group relations. Constructions of religion and of civic society can thus be viewed as participants' rather than analysts' concerns and should be examined for their functions within both distal and local contexts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐stereotypes of Groups with Opposite Religious Views: Believers and Non‐Believers
Authors: Saroglou Vassilis , Yzerbyt Vincent , Kaschten Cécile
Published: October 2011

Recent research on meta‐stereotypes, that is, ingroup members' beliefs about how the outgroup sees them, may be of importance for intergroup relations between believers and non‐believers, especially in the context of increasingly secularized societies. How do believers and non‐believers think that outgroup members, respectively non‐believers and believers, see them? Do these meta‐stereotypes accurately reflect the outgroup's actual stereotypes? We investigated these questions by focusing on a series of relevant characteristics selected on the basis of previous research on religion and personality. Participants (n = 100) provided their stereotypes and meta‐stereotypes on eight personality traits. Believers and non‐believers tended to share the meta‐stereotype that the outgroup members see them as respectively high versus low in prosociality and conservatism and low versus high in hedonism and impulsivity. In contrast, believers seemed to ignore that non‐believers see them as dogmatic and non‐believers often exaggerated their meta‐stereotypes in comparison to how believers actually saw them. Finally, highly identified group members tended to deny the outgroup's core characteristic, that is, believers' relative higher altruism and non‐believers' relative lower dogmatism. We discuss the importance of knowing commonalities and discrepancies between stereotypic and meta‐stereotypic perceptions for understanding intergroup perceptions and relations between groups that hold conflicting religious positions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of brown Brazilian propolis against acute vaginal lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 in mice: involvement of antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory mechanisms
Authors: Sartori Gláubia , Pesarico Ana Paula , Pinton Simone , Dobrachinski Fernando , Roman Silvane Souza , Pauletto Fernanda , Rodrigues Luiz Carlos , Prigol Marina
Published: October 2011

Propolis has been highlighted for its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiviral properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate if brown Brazilian hydroalcoholic propolis extract (HPE) protects against vaginal lesions caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) in female BALB/c mice. The treatment was divided in 5 days of pre‐treatment with HPE [50 mg·kg–1, once a day, intragastric (i.g.)], HSV‐2 infection [10 µl of a solution 1 × 102 plaque‐forming unit (PFU·ml–1 HSV‐2), intravaginal inoculation at day 6] and post‐treatment with HPE (50 mg·kg–1) for 5 days more. At day 11, the animals were killed, and the in vivo analysis (score of lesions) and ex vivo analysis [haematological and histological evaluation; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities; reactive species (RS), tyrosine nitration levels, non‐protein thiols (NPSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) levels] were carried out. HPE treatment reduced extravaginal lesions and the histological damage caused by HSV‐2 infection in vaginal tissues of animals. HPE was able to decrease RS, tyrosine nitration, AA levels and MPO activity. Also, it protected against the inhibition of CAT activity in vaginal tissues of mice. HPE promoted protective effect on HSV‐2 infected animals by acting on inflammatory and oxidative processes, and this effect probably is caused by its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrepancy in the assessment of jailed side branch lesions by visual estimation and quantitative coronary angiographic analysis
Authors: Shin Dong‐Ho , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Waseda Katsuhisa , Park Kyung Woo , Kim Hyo‐Soo , Corral Maria , Lansky Alexandra , Honda Yasuhiro , Fearon William F , Fitzgerald Peter J
Published: October 2011

Objective: We sought to evaluate the variability in the assessment of jailed side branch (SB) lesions by visual estimation and quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and to compare those results with fractional flow reserve (FFR). Methods: Twenty jailed SB lesions with available FFR (median 0.76; range, 0.39–0.94) were selected from the PRESSURE trial. Lesions were assessed by three independent QCA core laboratories with different QCA systems and by three different cardiologist groups (five European bifurcation club members, five Korean experts, and five trainees). Agreements of the continuous measurements were expressed as the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and average coefficient of variance (CV), and those of the categorical values as kappa. Results: Mean minimum lumen diameter (MLD) and % diameter stenosis differed among the three QCA systems up to 0.30 mm and 9.65%, respectively (P < 0.001). Three QCA systems showed fair agreement for the measurements of reference diameter, % diameter stenosis, MLD, and lesion length (ICC 0.346–0.686, CV 8.7–29.5%), and a poor agreement on stenosis of 75% or more (Fleiss κ 0.14 and mean κ 0.18). Agreements of visual estimation among the three groups were poor to fair (Fleiss κ 0.167–0.367). Sensitivity and specificity for predicting ischemia‐inducible lesion (FFR < 0.75) were 64.7% and 48.0% for visual estimation and 56.6% and 56.6% by QCA, respectively. Visual estimation overestimated the % diameter stenosis and functional significance of the lesions compared with QCA (P < 0.001) and FFR (P = 0.036). Conclusions: Angiographic assessment of jailed SB lesions by both QCA and visual estimation showed variability. Visual estimation tended to overestimate the severity of jailed SB lesions compared to FFR and QCA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Syntheses of 9‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)‐9H‐carbazoles through a Tandem CH Activation/CX (X=C or N) Formation Process
Authors: Chu Jean‐Ho , Lin Pi‐Shan , Lee Ya‐Ming , Shen Wei‐Ting , Wu Ming‐Jung
Published: October 2011

A new one‐pot synthesis of 9‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐9H‐carbazoles through the simultaneous CH activation and palladium(II)‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of N‐phenylpyridin‐2‐amines with potassium aryltrifluoroborates is presented. Silver acetate and 1,4‐dioxane proved to be the best oxidant and solvent, respectively. The product yields fluctuated from modest to excellent and the reaction showed sufficient functional group tolerance. p‐Benzoquinone served as an important ligand for the transmetalation and reductive elimination steps in the catalytic process. The kinetic isotope effects (kH/kD) for the first and second CH activation/CC or CN formation steps were measured as 2.14 and 1.18, respectively. Finally, a rational catalytic mechanism is presented based on all experimental evidence.
Interfacial Complexation Reactions of Sr2+ with Octyl(phenyl)‐N,N‐diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine Oxide for Understanding Its Extraction in Reprocessing Spent Nuclear Fuels
Authors: Stockmann T. Jane , Lu Yu , Zhang Jing , Girault Hubert H. , Ding Zhifeng
Published: October 2011

The complexation reactions between strontium (Sr2+) and octyl(phenyl)‐N,N‐diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) were studied at the aqueous|1,2‐dichloroethane (w|DCE) and aqueous|room‐temperature ionic liquid (w|RTIL) microinterfaces, in order to understand its extraction in reprocessing spent nuclear fuels, remediation of environmental contamination, and potential radiological isotope feed stock for 90Y from its isotope 90Sr in fission byproducts. The stoichiometry (or metal to ligand ratios) and overall complexation constant (β) for these reactions at these two interfaces are described herein. Two stoichiometries at the w|DCE interface were discovered, that is, [Sr(CMPO)2]2+ and [Sr(CMPO)3]2+ with β values of 4.5×1019 and 5.5×1025, respectively. Only one stoichiometry was observed at the w|RTIL interface: [Sr(CMPO)3]2+ with β equal to 1.5×1034. The larger complexation constant for [Sr(CMPO)3]2+ at the w|RTIL interface than those found at the w|DCE interface supported the previous observation of a greater distribution ratio in the aqueous–RTIL metal extraction than that in the aqueous–alkane processing. The kinetics of the reactions at the w|RTIL interface was slow. The stoichiometries at the w|DCE interface were confirmed using biphasic electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (BESI‐MS) as well as direct injection of Sr2+ and CMPO mixture by means of a “shaking flask” experiment to conventional ESI‐MS.
Evaluation of Platinum–Ethacrynic Acid Conjugates in the Treatment of Mesothelioma
Authors: Zanellato Ilaria , Bonarrigo Ilaria , Sardi Manuele , Alessio Manuela , Gabano Elisabetta , Ravera Mauro , Osella Domenico
Published: October 2011

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cells are characterized by chemoresistance associated with glutathione (GSH) metabolism. Ethacrynic acid (EA) is able to inhibit the detoxifying enzyme glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), which catalyzes the conjugation between GSH and Pt‐based drugs. With the aim of obtaining active bifunctional drugs, a PtII complex containing two EA moieties as leaving groups, namely cis‐diamminobis(ethacrynato)platinum(II), was synthesized, characterized, and tested on four MPM cell lines. The resulting antiproliferative activity was compared with that elicited by the analogue PtIV complex, cis,cis,trans‐diamminodichloridobis(ethacrynato)platinum(IV) (ethacraplatin) and by the co‐administration of free EA and cisplatin. The PtII and PtIV bifunctional complexes showed poorer performance than the reference drug cisplatin alone or in combination with EA. After treatment, cellular GST activity remained consistently unchanged, while the GSH level increased.
Flow cytometry as a diagnostic tool in lymphomatous or leukemic meningitis
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Wallace Paul K. , Peereboom David M.
Published: October 2011

In patients with neoplastic meningitis (NM), early diagnosis is highly desirable because the rapid institution of intrathecal therapy may mitigate the course of the disease. Cytology, long considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis, has low sensitivity because of both the paucity of cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and morphological similarities between benign and malignant cells. A comprehensive review of the literature from 2005 through 2011 was performed that focused on diagnostic modalities for lymphomatous meningitis. Several studies demonstrated the sensitivity of flow cytometry to be several‐fold higher than that of cytology for the detection of CSF leukemia/lymphoma. Patients with negative cytology but positive flow cytometry results are often asymptomatic and have lower CSF cell counts and neoplastic B‐cell percentages compared with patients with positive cytology findings. Flow cytometry is a highly sensitive technique capable of accurately detecting malignant cells, even in samples with very low cell counts. Flow cytometry allows for the earlier detection of NM before the onset of clinical symptoms and CSF pleocytosis and therefore may enable more effective treatment. Future consensus regarding standardized flow cytometric antibody panels, with uniform definitions of positivity, is likely to further advance the early detection of NM by flow cytometry and permit broader clinical applicability. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Patient satisfaction and health‐related quality of life after autologous tissue breast reconstruction
Authors: Zhong Toni , McCarthy Colleen , Min Sandar , Zhang Jing , Beber Brett , Pusic Andrea L. , Hofer Stefan O. P.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND:

For this study, the authors evaluated early psychosocial adjustments and health‐related quality‐of‐life changes after breast reconstruction.

METHODS:

All consecutive patients who underwent breast reconstruction between June 2009 and November 2010 were asked to complete the BREAST‐Q, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Impact of Event Scale (IES) questionnaires before surgery and at 3 weeks and 3 months after surgery. A repeated‐measures design was used to compare scores between baseline and postoperative time points.

RESULTS:

Fifty‐one of 55 women completed the questionnaires (response rate, 93%). BREAST‐Q subscale scores (breast, sexual well being, and psychosocial well being) improved significantly (P < .05) postoperatively. The other subscale scores related to physical well being of the chest and abdomen dropped significantly 3 weeks after reconstruction; and, by 3 months after reconstruction, both scores improved significantly (P < .05). Large effect sizes for improvements in satisfaction, psychosocial well being, and sexual well being were observed (1.88, 1.2, and 1.31, respectively); whereas deterioration in the effect size for abdominal donor site was reported (−1.56). After adjusting for postoperative complications, there were statistically significant changes in BREAST‐Q subscale scores. Changes observed on the HADS and IES provided external validation of the findings obtained on the BREAST‐Q.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that the gains in breast satisfaction, psychosocial well being, and sexual well being after patients undergo either free muscle‐sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction or deep inferior epigastric artery flap reconstruction are statistically significant and clinically meaningful to the patient as early as 3 weeks after surgery. However, these gains are accompanied by significant deterioration in physical well being of the abdominal donor site. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Optical Modulation of Amplified Emission in a Polyfluorene–Diarylethene Blend
Authors: Perissinotto Stefano , Garbugli Michele , Fazzi Daniele , Bertarelli Chiara , Carvelli Marco , Srimath Kandada Ajay R. , Yue Zhounan , Wong Kam S. , Lanzani Guglielmo
Published: October 2011

A novel system for the modulation of amplified emission based on a polyfluorene/diarylethene (namely F8BT/DTP) blend is shown. The high sensitivity of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) is exploited to achieve efficient emission modulation with a low‐intensity control signal. Modulation is then characterized by photoluminescence (PL) lifetime measurements, photocurrent experiments, and density functional theory calculations. This system can also act as a photocurrent switch based on the same principle. This technique may represent a useful tool for fluorescence quenching and sensing as well as find application in organic photonics.
PCR‐based identification of eight lactobacillus species and 18 hr‐HPV genotypes in fixed cervical samples of south african women at risk of HIV and BV
Authors: Dols Joke A.M. , Reid Gregor , Kort Remco , Schuren Frank H.J. , Tempelman Hugo , Bontekoe Tj. Romke , Korporaal Hans , Van der Veer E.M. , Smit Pieter W. , Boon Mathilde E.
Published: October 2011

Vaginal lactobacilli assessed by PCR‐based microarray and PCR‐based genotyping of HPV in South African women at risk for HIV and BV.

Vaginal lactobacilli can be defined by microarray techniques in fixed cervical samples of South African women. Cervical brush samples suspended in the coagulant fixative BoonFix of one hundred women attending a health centre for HIV testing in South Africa were available for this study. In the Ndlovu Medical Centre in Elandsdoorn, South Africa, identification of 18 hr‐HPV genotypes was done using the INNO‐LiPA method. An inventory of lactobacilli organisms was performed using microarray technology.

On the basis of the Lactobacillus and Lactobacillus biofilm scoring, the cases were identified as Leiden bacterial vaginosis (BV) negative (BV‐; n = 41), Leiden BV intermediate (BV±; n = 25), and Leiden BV positive (BV+; n = 34).

Fifty‐one women were HIV positive and 49 HIV negative. Out of the 51 HIV positive women, 35 were HPV infected. These 51 HIV positive women were frequently infected with HPV16 and HPV18. In addition, HPV35, HPV52, HPV33, and HPV66 were often detected in these samples. Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus iners were the most prevalent lactobacilli as established by the microarray technique. In women with HPV infection, the prevalence of Lactobacillus crispatus was significantly reduced. In both HIV and HPV infection, a similar (but not identical) shift in the composition of the lactobacillus flora was observed. We conclude that there is a shift in the composition of vaginal lactobacilli in HIV‐infected women. Because of the prominence of HPV35, HPV52, HPV33, and HPV66, vaccination for exclusively HPV16 and HPV18 might be insufficient in South African HIV+ women. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012;40:472–477. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The use of immunocytochemical study in the cytologic diagnosis of melanoma: Evaluation of three antibodies
Authors: Jing Xin , Michael Claire W. , Theoharis Constantine G.A.
Published: October 2011

There are limited studies on the utility of immunostaining in cytologic specimens suspected of melanoma. In this study, we examined the performance of the most commonly used antibodies including monoclonal antibodies against Melan‐A (A103), S‐100, and HMB‐45 antigens. Immunostains were performed on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded cell blocks prepared from 100 cytologic specimens. The specimens consisted of 57 melanomas and 43 nonmelanocytic neoplasms. Of 57 melanomas, 53 showed positive reaction to Melan‐A antibody while 51 and 41 revealed positive immunostaining for S‐100 and HMB‐45, respectively. Of 43 nonmelanocytic neoplasms, 10, 4, and 8 specimens stained positive with an antibody against S‐100, HMB‐45, and Melan‐A, respectively. However, the false‐positive immunostaining for Melan‐A was eliminated in seven of the eight specimens after applying the pretreatment with avidin/biotin blocking reagents. Overall, the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were achieved in Melan‐A antibody (93 and 90%) compared with antibodies to S‐100 (89 and 85%), and HMB‐45 (72 and 71%). Initially, an intermediate specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were obtained for Melan‐A antibody (81 and 87%) that were greater than S‐100 (77 and 84%), and lower than HMB‐45 (91 and 91%). However, the aforementioned treatment with avidin/biotin blocking reagents improved both specificity (98%) and PPV (98%) for Melan‐A antibody. In conclusion, by blocking endogenous biotin, Melan‐A antibody offers the greatest performance. In terms of cost‐effectiveness, we suggested that Melan‐A antibody should be used as the first‐line antibody for detecting melanoma in the cytologic specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy of intraparotid spindle cell lipoma: A case report
Authors: D'Antonio Antonio , Baldi Carlo , Memoli Domenico , Caleo Alessia , Rosamilio Rosa , Zeppa Pio
Published: October 2011

Intraparotid spindle cell lipoma (SCL) of the salivary gland is a rare entity. Review of the literature revealed only two previous reports describing its cytological features. We report a case of a 44‐year‐old man who complained for a slowly growing, asymptomatic mass in the left parotid gland that since 12 months. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) showed a loose collections of bland‐appearing spindle cells in a myxoid background admixed with capillary fragments and some mature fat cells suggesting a diagnosis of SCL. A cytological diagnosis of mesenchymal myxoid spindle cell tumor with lipomatous differentiation, possibly an intraparotideal SCL was performed. Histological examination of the mass and the positive immunostaining for CD34 and negativity for S‐100, CK‐cocktail, and actin confirmed the diagnosis of SCL. The diagnosis of intraparotid SCL can be made by examining cytologic material containing mature fat with bland spindle cells in a myxoid background. FNAB diagnosis on SCL also allows to rule out other primary salivary gland tumors that may be clinically and instrumentally indistinguishable and thereby permits an appropriate surgical procedure to ensue. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parental Literacy Predicts Children's Literacy: A Longitudinal Family‐Risk Study
Authors: Torppa Minna , Eklund Kenneth , van Bergen Elsje , Lyytinen Heikki
Published: October 2011

This family‐risk (FR) study examined whether the literacy skills of parents with dyslexia are predictive of the literacy skills of their offspring. We report data from 31 child–parent dyads where both had dyslexia (FR‐D) and 68 dyads where the child did not have dyslexia (FR‐ND). Findings supported the differences in liability of FR children with and without dyslexia: the parents of the FR‐D children had more severe difficulties in pseudoword reading and spelling accuracy, in rapid word recognition, and in text reading fluency than the parents of the FR‐ND children. Finally, parental skills were found to be significant predictors of children's Grade 3 reading and spelling. Parental skills predicted children's reading and spelling accuracy even after controlling for children's preschool skills. Our findings suggest that the literacy skills of a parent with dyslexia might be valuable in assessing early on their child's liability to dyslexia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.