bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible Logic Synthesis of Fault Tolerant Carry Skip BCD Adder
Authors: Islam Md Saiful , Begum Zerina
Published: May 2009

Reversible logic is emerging as an important research area having its application in diverse fields such as low power CMOS design, digital signal processing, cryptography, quantum computing and optical information processing. This paper presents a new 4*4 parity preserving reversible logic gate, IG. The proposed parity preserving reversible gate can be used to synthesize any arbitrary Boolean function. It allows any fault that affects no more than a single signal readily detectable at the circuit's primary outputs. It is shown that a fault tolerant reversible full adder circuit can be realized using only two IGs. The proposed fault tolerant full adder (FTFA) is used to design other arithmetic logic circuits for which it is used as the fundamental building block. It has also been demonstrated that the proposed design offers less hardware complexity and is efficient in terms of gate count, garbage outputs and constant inputs than the existing counterparts. Keywords: Reversible Logic, Parity Preserving Reversible Gate, IG Gate, FTFA and Carry Skip Logic. doi: 10.3329/jbas.v32i2.2431 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Vol.32(2) 2008 234-250
Separation Axioms in Mixed Fuzzy Topological Spaces
Authors: Rashid MH , Ali DM
Published: May 2009

We deal with fuzzy topology. In this paper, we introduce the concept of mixed fuzzy topology which is constructed from two fuzzy topologies on the same fuzzy set X and study several features of this mixed fuzzy topology. Keywords: Fuzzy Topological Spaces, Mixed fuzzy topology doi: 10.3329/jbas.v32i2.2433 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Vol.32(2) 2008 142-150
The Mitochondrial Protein Translocation Motor: Structural Conservation between the Human and Yeast Tim14/Pam18-Tim16/Pam16 co-Chaperones
Authors: Elsner Shira , Simian Dana , Iosefson Ohad , Marom Milit , Azem Abdussalam
Published: May 2009

Most of our knowledge regarding the process of protein import into mitochondria has come from research employing Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. Recently, several mammalian homologues of the mitochondrial motor proteins were identified. Of particular interest for us is the human Tim14/Pam18-Tim16/Pam16 complex. We chose a structural approach in order to examine the evolutionary conservation between yeast Tim14/Pam18-Tim16/Pam16 proteins and their human homologues. For this purpose, we examined the structural properties of the purified human proteins and their interaction with their yeast homologues, in vitro. Our results show that the soluble domains of the human Tim14/Pam18 and Tim16/Pam16 proteins interact with their yeast counterparts, forming heterodimeric complexes and that these complexes interact with yeast mtHsp70.
Cytotoxic Components of Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC. (Cactaceae) Leaves
Authors: Malek Sri Nurestri Abdul , Shin Sim Kae , Wahab Norhanom Abdul , Yaacob Hashim
Published: May 2009

Dihydroactinidiolide (1) and a mixture of sterols [campesterol (2), stigmasterol (3) and β-sitosterol (4)], together with the previously isolated individual compounds β-sitosterol (4), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (5), α-tocopherol (6), phytol (7) were isolated from the active ethyl acetate fraction of Pereskia bleo (Kunth) DC. (Cactaceae) leaves. Cytotoxic activities of the above mentioned compounds against five human carcinoma cell lines, namely the human nasopharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma cell line (KB), human cervical carcinoma cell line (CasKi), human colon carcinoma cell line (HCT 116), human hormone-dependent breast carcinoma cell line (MCF7) and human lung carcinoma cell line (A549); and non-cancer human fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) were investigated. Compound 5 possessed very remarkable cytotoxic activity against KB cells, with an IC50 value of 0.81µg/mL. This is the first report on the cytotoxic activities of the compounds isolated from Pereskia bleo.
A Miniature Probe for Ultrasonic Penetration of a Single Cell
Authors: Wu Ting , Zhou Zhaoying , Wang Qun , Yang Xing , Xiao Mingfei
Published: May 2009

Although ultrasound cavitation must be avoided for safe diagnostic applications, the ability of ultrasound to disrupt cell membranes has taken on increasing significance as a method to facilitate drug and gene delivery. A new ultrasonic resonance driving method is introduced to penetrate rigid wall plant cells or oocytes with springy cell membranes. When a reasonable design is created, ultrasound can gather energy and increase the amplitude factor. Ultrasonic penetration enables exogenous materials to enter cells without damaging them by utilizing instant acceleration. This paper seeks to develop a miniature ultrasonic probe experiment system for cell penetration. A miniature ultrasonic probe is designed and optimized using the Precise Four Terminal Network Method and Finite Element Method (FEM) and an ultrasonic generator to drive the probe is designed. The system was able to successfully puncture a single fish cell.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-Reactive Protein, or Rheumatoid Factor Are Normal at Presentation in 35%–45% of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Seen Between 1980 and 2004: Analyses from Finland and the United States
Authors: SOKKA TUULIKKI , PINCUS THEODORE
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To analyze erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) tests in 2 databases of consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 25 years between 1980 and 2004, in Finland and the USA.

Methods.

Databases of 1892 patients of 7 rheumatologists in Jyväskylä, Finland, and 478 of one author in Nashville, TN, USA, seen in usual care, were reviewed for the first recorded ESR and CRP, and all RF tests.

Results.

Median ESR at presentation was 30 mm/h at both sites. Mean ESR was 36 mm/h in Jyväskylä and 35 mm/h in Nashville. ESR was < 28 mm/h in 45% and 47% of patients at the 2 sites, respectively. CRP was normal in 44% and 58%, and all RF tests were negative in 38% and 37%, respectively. Both ESR and CRP were normal in 33% and 42% of patients, and all 3 tests were normal in 15% and 14% of patients in whom they were assessed. All 3 tests were abnormal in only 28% in Jyväskylä and 23% in Nashville.

Conclusion.

A majority of patients with RA seen between 1980 and 2004 had abnormal ESR, CRP, or RF. However, more than 37% of patients had ESR < 28 mm/h, normal CRP, or all negative RF tests. Similarities of laboratory test data at 2 sites on different continents with different duration of disease suggest generalizability of the findings. Normal ESR, CRP, and RF are seen in a substantial proportion of patients with RA at this time.
Immunogenetic Risks of Anti-Cyclical Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies in a North American Native Population with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Their First-degree Relatives
Authors: El-GABALAWY HANI S. , ROBINSON DAVID B. , HART DONNA , ELIAS BRENDA , MARKLAND JANET , PESCHKEN CHRISTINE A. , SMOLIK IRENE , MONTES-ALDANA GABRIELA , SCHROEDER MARLIS , FRITZLER MARVIN J. , CHEANG MARY , OEN KIEM
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To determine the prevalence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in unaffected relatives of North American Native probands with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); and the associations of the shared epitope (SE) and HLA-DRB1*0901 with RA and anti-CCP antibodies.

Methods.

The subjects were RA probands, affected relatives, unaffected first-degree (FDR) and more distant relatives, and unaffected controls from the same population. HLA-DRB1 typing was determined by DNA sequencing and anti-CCP antibodies were determined by ELISA.

Results.

DRB1*0901, SE, and SE/DRB1*0901 genotypes were all associated with RA. SE/DRB1*0901, but not other SE genotypes, was associated with disease onset at age < 16 years. The frequency of anti-CCP antibodies was 82% in RA probands, 17% in FDR, 11% in more distant relatives, and 3% in controls. Among unaffected relatives, a significant increased risk of anti-CCP was associated with SE/DRB1*0901 genotype, but not with SE.

Conclusion.

An independent association of the non-SE allele DRB1*0901 with RA was confirmed in this population, and this allele in combination with a SE allele was associated with younger age at disease onset. FDR of RA probands have a higher prevalence of anti-CCP antibodies than more distant relatives and unrelated controls, suggesting a gradient of risk for disease development. Immunogenetic risks may act early in disease pathogenesis at the level of initiation of RA autoantibody formation; however, it is not clear what additional genetic and environmental risks are involved in progression to clinical disease.
Differences in Longitudinal Disease and Treatment Characteristics of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Replying and Not Replying to a Postal Questionnaire. Experience from a Biologics Register in Southern Sweden
Authors: SÖDERLIN MARIA K. , JACOBSSON LENNART T.H. , PETERSSON INGEMAR F. , ENGLUND MARTIN , SAXNE TORE , GEBOREK PIERRE
Published: May 2009

Objective.

Studies on patients not answering postal questionnaires are scarce. We assessed the demographics and longitudinal disease and treatment characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Swedish biologics register who replied and who did not reply to a postal questionnaire.

Methods.

In the South Swedish Arthritis Treatment Group register, we have detailed disease severity characteristics at baseline and at followup for rheumatology patients taking biologic drugs. In 2005 a questionnaire on smoking, comorbidities, education, and ethnicity was sent to 1234 RA patients who had started their first biologic drug.

Results.

In total, 989 subjects (80%) answered the questionnaire. The 245 (20%) who did not answer generally had more severe RA [higher Disease Activity Score, worse Health Assessment Questionnaire score, higher visual analog scale scores for general health and pain at baseline and at followup, and stopped the drug treatment more frequently (72% vs 53%; p = 0.0001)]. There were no statistically significant differences in gender and disease duration between those who replied and those who did not reply, but in general the patients who did not reply were younger.

Conclusion.

Patients with RA in a Swedish biologics register not replying to a postal questionnaire had more severe RA and stopped biological drug treatment more frequently. Thus a detailed analysis of prospectively collected data can clarify selection bias introduced by subjects who do not answer a postal questionnaire, which may influence the validity and interpretation of results from postal survey studies.
The Value of HLA-DRB1 Shared Epitope, −308 Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Gene Promoter Polymorphism, Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies, and Early Erosions for Predicting Radiological Outcome in Recent-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: RENESES SONSOLES , GONZÁLEZ-ESCRIBANO MARÍA F. , FERNÁNDEZ-SUÁREZ ANTONIO , PESTANA LUIS , DAVILA BERNABÉ , WICHMANN INGEBORG , GARCÍA ALICIA
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To study the value of HLA-DRB1 shared epitope (SE), −308 tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene promoter polymorphism, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and baseline erosions for predicting radiological outcome at 1 year in patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Radiological damage was assessed by radiographs at baseline and at 1 year in an inception cohort of 134 RA patients with disease duration ≤ 1 year at study entry. Radiographs were scored with the modified Sharp/van der Heijde (SvdH) erosion score for hands, wrists, and feet. The predictive value of the variables was studied by multiple linear regression analysis, using immunogenetic factors, baseline SvdH erosion score, and type of treatment during the followup period as independent variables, and SvdH erosion score at 1 year as the dependent variable.

Results.

The SvdH erosion score increased from the baseline visit to the 1-year visit in 49 patients (36.6%). In multiple linear regression analysis, radiological outcome was significantly predicted by SE homozygosity (ß coefficient 1.75; 95% CI 1.54, 2.96; p = 0.005) and baseline SvdH erosion score (ß coefficient 1.56; 95% CI 1.4, 1.71; p < 0.001). This model explained 78% of the variability of the dependent variable (R2 = 0.779).

Conclusion.

Erosive damage at 1 year in patients with recent-onset RA is significantly influenced by SE homozygosity and the presence of baseline erosions, but not by RF status, anti-CCP status, or −308 TNF-α genotype.
Occupational Kneeling and Meniscal Tears: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Floor Layers
Authors: RYTTER SØREN , JENSEN LILLI KIRKESKOV , BONDE JENS PETER , JURIK ANNE GRETHE , EGUND NIELS
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To evaluate the association between occupational kneeling and degenerative meniscal tears.

Methods.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both knees was conducted in 92 male floor layers and 49 male graphic designers (referents), with a mean age of 55.6 years (range 42–70 yrs). The presence of grade 3 MRI signal intensities indicating degenerative tears of the anterior, middle, and posterior one-third of the lateral and medial menisci was assessed on 1.5-Tesla MRI scans. The odds ratio (OR) of meniscal tears was determined among floor layers compared to graphic designers. Using logistic regression, models were adjusted for age, body mass index, and knee-straining sports.

Results.

Degenerative tears were significantly more prevalent in the medial meniscus among floor layers than among graphic designers [OR 2.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–4.98] and significantly more floor layers had medial tears in both knees (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.41–8.48). Tears extending to the tibial aspect and localized in the middle and posterior one-third of the medial meniscus were most prevalent. Lateral meniscal tears were predominantly unilateral and the prevalence of lateral tears did not differ between the 2 study groups. Knee complaints occurred in about 50% of all floor layers, irrespective of the presence of meniscal tears.

Conclusion.

Occupational kneeling increases the risk of degenerative tears in the medial but not the lateral menisci in both knees.
Historical Jesus research and relevance in South Africa
Authors: Botha Pieter J.J.
Published: May 2009

A brief review of significant developments in South African historical Jesus research during the past three decades is given. Although historical Jesus investigations are not characteristic or even dominant in South African New Testament scholarship, some of the achievements of the scholars working in this field are not only significant contributions to the discipline but are also of considerable relevance to the challenges facing biblical scholarship in general in the South African context. South African historical Jesus publications show a distinct development from the almost unproblematic application of Jesus’ words and actions at the earlier stage to a sophisticated and nuanced juxtaposing and interrelating of modern and ancient settings at the present time. It is suggested that these developments can contribute to the exploration of alternative and appropriate theological discourses.
Monitor displays in radiology: Part 2
Authors: Indrajit IK , Verma BS
Published: May 2009

Monitor displays play an important role in modern radiology practice. Practicing radiologists need to be familiar with the various performance parameters of medical-grade displays. A certain amount of technical knowledge is useful when making purchasing decisions since the right choice of equipment can have a great impact on the accuracy, efficiency, and speed in the radiology department.
Eagle syndrome
Authors: Raina Deepika , Gothi Rajesh , Rajan Sriram
Published: May 2009

Eagle syndrome occurs due to elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, which then may produce a pain sensation due the pressure exerted on various structures in the head and neck. When suspected, imaging helps in identifying the abnormally elongated styloid process or the calcified ligament. In recent years, three-dimensional CT (3DCT) has proved to be valuable in these cases. We report the case of a 62-year-old man with this syndrome in whom imaging with 3DCT conclusively established the diagnosis.
Pachydermoperiostosis or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy: A rare clinicoradiologic case
Authors: Rastogi Rajul , Suma GN , Prakash Ravi , Rastogi Umesh Chandra , Bhargava Sumeet , Rastogi Vaibhav
Published: May 2009

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is a rare syndrome with diverse radiological and clinical features. Though the diagnosis can be made on the basis of the classic clinical and radiological features, it is often missed due to variable presentations. A case of PDP that presented with dental complaints and had almost all the clinical and radiological features described in literature is reported. We also discuss the differential diagnosis.
DISH of the cervical spine causing epiglottis impingement
Authors: Bartalena Tommaso , Buia Francesco , Borgonovi Alberto , Rinaldi Maria Francesca , Modolon Cecilia , Bassi Francesco
Published: May 2009

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a condition characterized by calcification and ossification of ligaments and entheses; it mainly affects the vertebral column. We report the case of a patient with pharyngeal dysphagia and episodic aspiration secondary to DISH involvement of the cervical spine, which had caused alteration in the epiglottic tilt mechanism during deglutition.
Psammomatoid and trabecular variants of juvenile ossifying fibroma-two case reports
Authors: Thankappan Simi , Nair Sherin , Thomas Valsa , Sharafudeen KP
Published: May 2009

Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is an uncommon fibro-osseous lesion occurring in the facial bones. It is highly aggressive and has a strong tendency to recur. It has been recognized as a separate histopathological entity among the fibro-osseous group of lesions. Surgical resection is the preferred line of treatment. Here we report two cases of JOF who reported to the oral medicine and radiology department; the two cases had different clinical features, history, radiological appearance, and aggressiveness. Under the recent classification system, both cases were recognized as histopathological variants of JOF: one psammomatoid and the other trabecular.
Lupus mastitis - peculiar radiological and pathological features
Authors: Wani Abdul Majid , Mohd Hussain Waleed Mohd , Fatani Mohamed I , Shakour Bothaina Abdul
Published: May 2009

Lupus mastitis is a form of lupus profundus that is seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. It usually presents as a swelling (or swellings) in the breasts, with or without pain. The condition is recurrent and progresses along with the underlying disease, with fat necrosis, calcification, fibrosis, scarring, and breast atrophy. Lupus mastitis is often confused with malignancy and lymphoma and, in our part of the world, with tuberculosis. Confusion is especially likely when it occurs in an unusual clinical setting. In this article, we present a case that presented with unique radiological, pathological, and clinical features. Awareness of the various manifestations of lupus mastitis is essential if unnecessary interventions such as biopsies and surgeries, and their consequences, are to be avoided.
Twenty classic signs in neuroradiology: A pictorial essay
Authors: Chavhan Govind B , Shroff Manohar M
Published: May 2009

In this article we describe 20 classic signs in neuroradiology and provide illustrations of each; we also discuss the causes for their appearance, their reliability and sensitivity, and the differential diagnoses to be considered when they are encountered on imaging.
Images - Extra (too many) carpal bones in Larsen′s syndrome
Authors: Rahalkar Mukund D , Rahalkar Anand M , Patwardhan Sandeep A
Published: May 2009

Multiple carpal bones may be seen in different syndromes, especially Larsen′s syndrome. A case of Larsen′s syndrome with many typical features and "too many" carpal bones, is described.
Unilateral cerebellar hypoplasia
Authors: Vagh JD , Gadekar Ajit , Agrawal Amit , Deshmukh Kirti
Published: May 2009

Unilateral cerebellar hypoplasia is a relatively rare malformation. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with a history of a fall, which was followed by cerebellar signs. Imaging findings suggested a diagnosis of unilateral cerebellar hypoplasia. The child recovered with conservative management, probably because the cerebellar signs were due to the trauma and not the hypoplasia itself.
Deferiprone-induced arthropathy in thalassemia: MRI findings in a case
Authors: Chand Gyan , Chowdhury Veena , Manchanda A , Singh Sapna
Published: May 2009

Arthropathy is a well known side effect of the iron chelator deferiprone (L1); however, the imaging findings in deferiprone-induced arthropathy are not well known. In this article, we describe the typical radiographic and MRI findings in a patient receiving regular blood transfusions who developed arthropathy after long-term therapy with the oral iron chelator deferiprone (L1). Deferiprone primarily affects the articular cartilage and the changes include synovial thickening, articular cartilage thickening, and subchondral bone erosions.
Long-segment intramedullary spinal dermoid
Authors: Sharma NC , Chandra Tushar , Sharma Anshu , Bajaj Manish , Kundu Ravinder
Published: May 2009

A 30-year-old man presented with a fairly large intramedullary mass lesion involving virtually the entire spinal cord. It was hyperintense on both T1W and T2W sequences, with signal suppression on fat-saturation images. Subsequent noncontrast CT scan of the spine confirmed the presence of fat and calcification within the lesion, thus leading to the diagnosis of an intramedullary dermoid.
Studies on structural and functional properties of sericin recovered from silk degumming liquor by membrane technology
Authors: Gulrajani M. L. , Purwar Roli , Prasad Raj Kamal , Joshi M.
Published: May 2009

This article describes the recovery of silk sericin from three different degumming liquors, that is, high temperature high pressure (HTHP), alkaline, and soap plus alkali (SPA), using membrane filtration technology. The recovery of sericin by membrane technology results in the reduction of about 78–85% chemical oxygen demand as well as biological oxygen demand values in the final discharge liquor. The sericin powders produced from the purified degumming liquors have been characterized in terms of color, nitrogen content, protein content, ash content, and thermogravimetric analysis and compared. It has been found that the sericin recovered from HTHP degumming liquor has about 98% protein content as compared to that recovered from alkaline (92%) and SPA (67%) degumming liquors. The molecular weight distribution and secondary structure of the recovered sericin powders have been determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, respectively. The molecular weight range of sericin recovered from HTHP, alkaline, and SPA degumming liquor was 20–>205 kDa, 20–97 kDa, and 20–43 kDa, respectively. The secondary structure of sericin recovered from HTHP degumming showed random coil conformation with some β sheet structure. The sericin recovered from alkaline and SPA degumming liquors showed denaturation with some random coil, β sheet, and α helix conformation. The functional properties of the three different recovered sericin powder samples in terms of moisture content and ultra protection factor (UPF) have also been evaluated and compared. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and kinetic analysis of PS‐b‐PBA block copolymer by 4‐oxo‐TEMPO capped polystyrene macroinitiators
Authors: Kuo Kuo‐Huai , Chiu Wen‐Yen , Cheng Kuo‐Chung
Published: May 2009

Polystyrene‐block‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate) block copolymers were prepared from 4‐oxo‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinooxy (4‐oxo‐TEMPO) capped polystyrene macroinitiators at a high temperature, 165°C. It was found that the number‐average molecular weight of PBA chains in block copolymers could reach above 10,000 rapidly at early stage of polymerization with a narrow polydispersity index of 1.2–1.4, but after that, the polymerization seemed to be retarded. Furthermore, according to the kinetic analysis, the concentration of 4‐oxo‐TEMPO was increased mainly by the hydrogen transfer reaction of hydroxylamine (4‐oxo‐TEMPOH) to growing radicals during polymerization. This increase in 4‐oxo‐TEMPO concentration could retard the growth of polymer chains. The rate constant of the hydrogen transfer reaction of 4‐oxo‐TEMPOH to growing radicals, kH, estimated by the kinetic model is about 9.33 × 104M‐1s−1 at 165°C. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Relations between high‐temperature mastication and Mooney viscosity relaxation in natural rubber
Authors: Ehabe E. E. , Nkeng G. E. , Collet A. , Bonfils F.
Published: May 2009

Mastication of natural rubber (NR) is undertaken as a preliminary step towards the preparation of NR‐based vulcanizates, a process during which the elastomer is broken down to a homogeneous matrix of lower viscosity. Several tests and indicators are in use for characterizing the behavior of elastomers but these have mostly been adopted for the nonmasticated product. This study uses coefficients generated from modeled Mooney relaxation data, as indicators of elasticity, to examine the effect of high‐temperature mastication on the processability of the masticated rubber. Some derived coefficients such as the terminal relaxation time (τ) from Maxwell's triexponential model, the elastic component (a) from Wu‐Abbott model [Y = 1 + a* ln(t) − bt/(c + t)], and the constant (b) from the Power law model (Y = at−b), adequately characterized the effect of mastication on NR. Although the NR grades studied were quite different with respect to their initial molar mass distributions, they followed a similar response to the mechanical models before and after mastication, indicating therefore that mastication decomposes to a similar extent, the various components (long isoprene chains, densely crosslinked solvent‐insoluble gel, etc.) that account for the viscoelastic behavior of the raw elastomer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of polyols from hydrogenated terpinene–maleic ester type epoxy resin
Authors: Wu Guo‐Min , Kong Zhen‐Wu , Huang Huan , Chen Jian , Chu Fu‐Xiang
Published: May 2009

Three kinds of polyfunctional polyols with hydroxyl values of 180–320 mg/g were prepared by the reaction of hydrogenated terpinene–maleic ester type epoxy resin with secondary amines (diethylamine, N‐methylethanolamine, and diethanolamine), and the chemical structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy. These polyols were used in place of commonly used polyols to prepare two‐component polyurethanes when reacted with polyisocyanates. The crosslinking reactions of the polyols with polyisocyanate could be catalyzed by the tertiary amine groups included in the polyols, and the reaction rate was affected by hydrochloric acid and the polarity of the solvents. The mechanical, water‐resistance, and chemical‐resistance properties of the crosslinked products of the polyols were evaluated by standard tests, and the thermal properties were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that these epoxy–urethane polymers, with glass‐transition temperatures (Tg's) in the range −5 to 37°C, had good thermally resistant properties, and the temperatures at 5% weight loss were in the range 235–280°C. All of the polymers formed transparent, strong, flexible films, with good chemical‐resistance properties and excellent impact strengths of greater than 50 cm, a flexibility of 0.5 mm, adhesions of 1–2, and pencil hardnesses of HB–2H. The larger OH functionality and OH value of the polyol resulted in higher Tg and pencil hardness values and better alcohol resistance and thermal stability in the crosslinked product of the polyol. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Crystallinity development in cellular poly(lactic acid) in the presence of supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Mihai Mihaela , Huneault Michel A. , Favis Basil D.
Published: May 2009

This article investigates the crystallinity development in cellular poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the effect of the achieved crystalline content on its properties and microstructure. Carbon dioxide (CO2) in its supercritical state was used as the expansion agent for three different grades of PLA that differed in terms ofL‐lactic acid content. Cellular PLA was produced on a twin‐screw extrusion line using capillary dies of various diameters. The obtained crystalline contents were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The morphology of the cellular structures was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The crystallinity developed on expansion depended onL‐lactic acid content, on supercritical CO2concentration, polymer flow rate, and die diameter. Cellular PLA, with densities as low as 30 kg/m3, was obtained under the most favorable conditions. It was shown that the crystallinity development in PLA enhances its cellular structure formation and enables the fabrication of quality cellular materials at lower CO2concentration. The presence of PLA crystallites within expanded cell walls leads to a peculiar 2D‐cavitation phenomena observed only in the cell walls of semicrystalline foams. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermoforming starch‐graft‐polycaprolactone biocomposites via one‐pot microwave assisted ring opening polymerization
Authors: Chang Peter R. , Zhou Ziyan , Xu Peihu , Chen Yun , Zhou Shaofeng , Huang Jin
Published: May 2009

A thermoformable starch‐graft‐polycaprolactone biocomposite was prepared by initiating ring‐open polymerization of caprolactone monomer onto starch under microwave irradiation. In this case, the thermoplastic and hydrophobic modification of starch could be realized by one‐pot grafting PCL, where the grafted PCL chains acted as the “plasticizing” tails of thermoforming and as the hydrophobic species of water‐resistance. The resultant biocomposites were injection‐molded as the sheets and their structure and properties were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, contact angle measurement, and tensile testing. In this case, the grafted PCL chains entangled each other, and hence contributed to the strength and elongation of biocomposites. This work provided a simple strategy of one‐pot thermoplastic and hydrophobic modification of starch, and may be applied in a continuous process of modification, compounding, and molding. Meanwhile, the resultant biocomposites containing starch are believed to have a great potential application as an environment‐friendly and/or biomedical material. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility of a family of novel MeO‐PEG‐poly (D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐PEG‐OMe triblock copolymer nanoparticles
Authors: He Lili , Yang Likai , Duan Yourong , Deng Li , Sun Xun , Gu Zhongwei , Zhang Zhi‐Rong
Published: May 2009

A family of newly synthesized monomethoxy (polyethylene glycol)‐poly (D,L‐lactic glycolic acid)‐ monomethoxy(polyethylene glycol) (MeO‐PEG‐poly (D,L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐PEG‐OMe, PELGE) biodegradable polymers are candidates for intravenous nanoparticle drug, because of their merits of biocompatibility and blood compatibility, and their capability of escaping from the endothelium system (RES) and adsorbing proteins. In the current research, relationships between composition, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility of a series of blank PELGE nanoparticles were investigated. Cytotoxicity on Chang cell lines was investigated using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Human and rabbit blood were used in studies of red blood cell hemolysis, whole blood clotting time, plasma recalcification profiles, and red blood cell form and appearance in whole blood. The results suggested that the molecular weight of PEG used in the synthesis of polymers influenced their characteristics. Generally, as the molecular weight of PEG increased, increased cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility were observed. The RGR (relative growth rate) of PELGE nanoparticles synthesized with PEG 550 was above 70%, while that of PELGE nanoparticles synthesized with PEG 750 and PEG 2000 was in the range of 55–105% and 36–87% respectively. For PELGE nanoparticles synthesized with PEG 550, most hemolysis values were in the range of 1–3%, while for PELGE nanoparticles synthesized with PEG 750 and PEG 2000 hemolysis values were 1–2% and below 2%, respectively. None of the nanoparticles caused changes in red blood cell form or appearance. Based on the results, 12 kinds of PELGE were chosen for further studies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 2933–2944, 2009
Developing Guidelines and Maintaining Quality in Antenatal Care
Authors: Tillett Jackie
Published: May 2009

Clinical practice guidelines are mandated by American College of Nurse‐Midwives Standards for the Practice of Midwifery. Guidelines should be evidence‐based and pertinent to the population served. Guidelines assist midwifery practices in the evaluation and maintenance of quality care. The development of clinical practice guidelines should be rigorous and scientific. There are several sources available to midwives to aid in the development of practice guidelines.
Women's Perceptions of Access to Prenatal Care in the United States: A Literature Review
Authors: Phillippi Julia C.
Published: May 2009

Women report many barriers to accessing prenatal care. This article reviews the literature from 1990 to the present on women's perceptions of access to prenatal care within the United States. Barriers can be classified into societal, maternal, and structural dimensions. Women may not be motivated to seek care, especially for unintended pregnancies. Societal and maternal reasons cited for poor motivation include a fear of medical procedures or disclosing the pregnancy to others, depression, and a belief that prenatal care is unnecessary. Structural barriers include long wait times, the location and hours of the clinic, language and attitude of the clinic staff and provider, the cost of services, and a lack of child‐friendly facilities. Knowledge of women's views of access can help in development of policies to decrease barriers. Structural barriers could be reduced through changes in clinic policy and prenatal care format, and the creation of child‐friendly waiting and examination rooms. Maternal and societal barriers can be addressed through community education. A focus in future research on facilitators of access can assist in creating open pathways to perinatal care for all women.
Leg Cramps and Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy
Authors: Hensley Jennifer G.
Published: May 2009

Sleep disturbance during pregnancy can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, diminished daytime performance, inability to concentrate, irritability, and the potential for an increased length of labor and increased risk of operative birth. Sleep disturbance may be the result of a sleep disorder, such as leg cramps, a common yet benign disorder, or restless legs syndrome, a sensorimotor disorder. Both disrupt sleep, are distressing to the pregnant woman, and mimic one another and other serious disorders. During pregnancy, up to 30% of women can be affected by leg cramps, and up to 26% can be affected by restless legs syndrome.
Caring for Women With Abnormal Papanicolaou Tests During Pregnancy
Authors: Bond Sharon
Published: May 2009

The Papanicolaou (Pap) test is one of the best screening tests available for cancer detection and has achieved widespread acceptance among women. Pregnancy provides a valuable opportunity to educate and screen women for cervical cancer when receiving prenatal care. However, evolving knowledge about the course of human papillomavirus infection (HPV) in women, new technologies, and the advent of vaccines are driving radical changes in practice and new ways to consider cervical cancer screening. Modifications in the 2006 Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Women with Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Tests are most evident among adolescents. Because of high rates of HPV regression, pregnant adolescents with minor Pap abnormalities may now be followed rather than referred for immediate colposcopy. Postponing colposcopy in pregnant, reproductive‐age women with minor Pap changes until after delivery is now acceptable. Pregnant immunocompromised women with abnormal Pap tests are followed similarly to pregnant women in the general population. While a strong evidence base is gradually emerging to support guideline revisions, the highest quality evidence may not yet be available for all recommendations. Midwives can keep abreast of the science while using clinical judgment to provide safe and expert cancer screening care to women.
Prenatal Massage: A Textbook of Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum Bodywork. (45 minute color DVD included)
Authors: Cohen Susanna Rose
Published: May 2009

By Elaine Stillerman. New York: Mosby Elsevier, 2008. 461 pages. $47.95, paperback.
A Nurse's Guide to Presenting and Publishing: Dare to Share
Authors: Collins Michelle
Published: May 2009

By Kathleen T. Heinrich. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2008. 472 pages. $46.95, paperback.
RIGOROUSLY DESIGNED STUDIES SHOW NEUTRAL MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES FOLLOWING ELECTIVE ABORTION WHILE FLAWED STUDIES FIND NEGATIVE OUTCOMES
Authors: Bond Sharon
Published: May 2009

Charles VE, Polis CB, Sridhara SK, Blum RW. Abortion and long‐term mental health outcomes: A systematic review of the evidence. Contraception 2008;78:436–50.
Elective Repeat Cesareans Before 39 Weeks Associated With Adverse Respiratory and Other Complications for Newborns
Authors: Bond Sharon
Published: May 2009

Tita ATN, Landon MB, Spong CY, Lai Y, Leveno KJ, Varner MW, et al. Timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes. New Engl J Med 2009;360:111–20.
ITCZ rather than ENSO signature for abrupt climate changes across the tropical Pacific?
Authors: Leduc Guillaume , Vidal Laurence , Tachikawa Kazuyo , Bard Edouard
Published: May 2009

Latitudinal movements of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), analogous to its present-day seasonal shifts, and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-type variability both potentially impacted rainfall changes at the millennial timescale during the last glacial period. In this study we compare tropical Pacific sedimentary records of paleoprecipitation to decipher which climate mechanism was responsible for the past rainfall changes. We find that latitudinal movements of the ITCZ are consistent with the observed rainfall patterns, challenging the ENSO hypothesis for explaining the rapid rainfall changes at low latitudes. The ITCZ-related mechanism appears to reflect large-scale atmospheric rearrangements over the tropical belt, with a pronounced Heinrich–Dansgaard/Oeschger signature. This observation is coherent with the simulated tropical rainfall anomalies induced by a weakening of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation in modeling experiments.
Reactome - a knowledgebase of human biological pathways
Authors: Jassal Bijay , Schmidt Esther , Wu Guanming , Vastrik Imre , Croft David , de Bono Bernard , Gopinath Gopal , Gillespie Marc , Jupe Steven , O'Kelly Gavin , Matthews Lisa , Garapati Phani , Caudy Michael , Kanapin Alexander , May Bruce , Mahajan Shahana , Birney Ewan , D'Eustachio Peter , Stein Lincoln
Published: May 2009

Reactome ("http://www.reactome.org":http://www.reactome.org) is an expert-authored, peer-reviewed knowledgebase of human reactions and pathways that functions as a data mining resource and electronic textbook. Its current release includes 2921 human proteins, 2871 reactions and 4167 literature citations. This curated dataset is integrated with a functional interaction network assembled computationally from non-curated sources of information including protein-protein interactions, gene co-expression, and gene ontology annotations, providing access. A new entity-level pathway viewer and improved search and data mining tools facilitate searching and visualizing pathway data and the analysis of user-supplied high-throughput data sets. Reactome has increased its utility to the model organism communities with improved orthology prediction methods allowing pathway inference for 22 species and through collaborations to create manually curated Reactome pathway datasets for species including Arabidopsis, Oryza sativa (rice), Drosophila and Gallus gallus (chicken). Reactome's data content and software can all be freely used and redistributed under open source terms. Reactome instances are cross-referenced to corresponding ones in databases including EntrezGene, OMIM, Ensembl, UniProt, the UCSC Genome Browser, KEGG, ChEBI, and Gene Ontology.
Structures of metal nanoparticles adsorbed on MgO(001). I. Ag and Au
Authors: Ferrando Riccardo , Rossi Giulia , Levi Andrea C. , Kuntová Zdenka , Nita Florin , Jelea Andrei , Mottet Christine , Barcaro Giovanni , Fortunelli Alessandro , Goniakowski Jacek
Published: May 2009

The structure of metal clusters supported on a MgO(001) substrate is investigated by a computational approach, with the aim to locate stable structural motifs and possible transition sizes between different epitaxies. Metal-metal interactions are modeled by a second-moment approximation tight-binding potential, while metal-oxide interactions are modeled by an analytic function fitted to first-principles calculations. Global optimization techniques are used to search for the most stable structural motifs at small sizes (N≤200), while at larger sizes different structural motifs are compared at geometric magic numbers for clusters up to several thousand atoms. Metals studied are Ag, Au, Pd, and Pt. They are grouped according to their mismatch to the oxide substrate (lattice constant of the metal versus oxygen-oxygen distance on the surface). Ag and Au, which have a smaller mismatch with MgO, are studied in Paper I, while Pd and Pt, with a larger mismatch, are investigated in Paper II. For Ag the cube-on-cube (001) epitaxy is favored in the whole size range studied, while for Au a transition from the (001) to the (111) epitaxy is located at N=1200. The reliability of the model is discussed in the light of the available experimental data.
Implementation and application of two synthetic diagnostics for validating simulations of core tokamak turbulence
Authors: Holland C. , White A. E. , McKee G. R. , Shafer M. W. , Candy J. , Waltz R. E. , Schmitz L. , Tynan G. R.
Published: May 2009

The deployment of multiple high-resolution, spatially localized fluctuation diagnostics on the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] opens the door to a new level of core turbulence model validation. Toward this end, the implementation of synthetic diagnostics that model physical beam emission spectroscopy and correlation electron cyclotron emission diagnostics is presented. Initial results from their applications to local gyrokinetic simulations of two locations in a DIII-D L-mode discharge performed with the GYRO code [J. Candy and R. E. Waltz, J. Comput. Phys. 186, 545 (2003)] are also discussed. At normalized toroidal flux ρ=0.5, we find very good agreement between experiment and simulation in both the energy flows and fluctuation levels measured by both diagnostics. However, at ρ=0.75, GYRO underpredicts the observed energy flows by roughly a factor of 7, with rms fluctuation levels underpredicted by a factor of 3. Interestingly, at both locations we find good agreement in the shapes of the radial and vertical density correlation functions and in the shapes of the frequency power spectra. At both locations, the attenuation of the GYRO-predicted fluctuations due to the spatial averaging imposed by the diagnostics’ spot sizes is significant, and its incorporation via the use of synthetic diagnostics is shown to be essential for quantitative comparisons such as these.
Low temperature transport in undoped mesoscopic structures
Authors: Sarkozy S. , Das Gupta K. , Siegert C. , Ghosh A. , Pepper M. , Farrer I. , Beere H. E. , Ritchie D. A. , Jones G. A. C.
Published: May 2009

Undoped GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures in which carriers are attracted from the Ohmic contacts by a voltage bias on an insulated top gate allows higher mobilities to be obtained at lower electron densities than is possible with modulation doped heterostructures. However a two level gating scheme and an Ohmic contacting process that maximizes lateral diffusion are necessary to fully exploit the advantages of the undoped system for fabricating lower dimensional mesoscopic structures. Ionized background impurities (at low densities) and interface roughness (at high densities) are found to be the dominant sources of scattering. An approximate length scale set by the number of impurities the interfacial wave function intersects is observed in the magnetoconductance of two-dimensional mesoscopic regions.
The structure of liquid carbon dioxide and carbon disulfide
Authors: Neuefeind J. , Fischer H. E. , Simonson J. M. , Idrissi A. , Schöps A. , Honkimäki V.
Published: May 2009

We present neutron and x-ray scattering data (a 2N+X experiment) of liquid CO2 and CS2 at a density of about 10 molecules/nm3. Because the scattering length contrast of the carbon isotope is very small and, in fact, smaller than anticipated from standard scattering length tables, a direct partial structure factor determination via matrix inversion gives unconvincing results. Instead we search for the best representation of the three independent scattering data sets by a simulation of rigid molecules interacting via a 12-6-1 potential, furthermore restricting the pressure p, the density ρ, and the temperature T to the experimental values. We show that a 12-6-1 potential is completely adequate to describe the structure of CO2; for CS2 we find that the best 12-6-1 potential still slightly overestimates the height of the sulfur-sulfur pair-distribution function gSS. Orientational correlations reflect the similarities much more than the differences of the two molecular systems. The distinct differences in the atom-atom pair distribution functions of CO2 and CS2 do not mean that their structures are radically different and the comparison with the crystalline structures is somewhat deceptive. A linear transformation, wherein all the parameters describing the interaction and the geometry of CS2 are changed to those of CO2, allows us to point out the physical parameters which may be responsible for the differences or similarities in thermodynamic behavior (pressure) and structures (orientations) between the two liquids.
The need for a flat higher gauge structure to describe a Berry phase associated with some resonance phenomena
Authors: Viennot David
Published: May 2009

In the presence of a resonance crossing producing splitting of the base manifold (for example, a circle crossing in a plane), we show that the rigorous geometrical structure within which the Berry phase arises may be a 2-bundle (a structure related to gerbes and to category theory) rather than a fiber bundle. The Bloch wave operator plays an important role in the associated theory.
Density-functional studies of plasmons in small metal clusters
Authors: Lian Ke-Yan , Sałek Paweł , Jin Mingxing , Ding Dajun
Published: May 2009

We study the formation of plasmon modes of small gold clusters by modeling the excitation spectra. The shape change of the longitudinal mode as a function of cluster size is studied using time-dependent Kohn–Sham theory and Gaussian basis sets. The presence of d electrons in gold atoms affect the plasmon formation process, resulting in a high excitation energy for transverse mode and a complicated spectra profile in general. The transverse mode can still be identified with the help of a frozen-orbital approximation.