bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Putting on a Professional Performance’: Performativity, Subversion and Project Management
Authors: Hodgson Damian
Published: December 2004

In contrast to the traditional view of professionalism as a position of significant status and autonomy, hard-earned and jealously guarded by occupational groups, critical perspectives have emphasized how professions act as ‘the institutionalised form of the control of occupations’ (Johnson, 1972: 38), enacting the ‘responsibilization’ (Grey, 1997) of expert labour. In this paper, I examine the complexity of employee responses to professionalization initiatives in light of work that develops a broader understanding of non-conformity in the face of similar disciplinary practices in the contemporary workplace (Kondo, 1990; Kunda, 1992; Fleming and Sewell, 2002; Collinson, 2003). I do so by relating Judith Butler’s concept of ‘performativity’ to an analysis of the professionalization of a particular sub-discipline of management: project management. I argue that performativity provides insight into the simultaneous attraction, insecurity and antipathy that professionalization arouses in employees, and offers a persuasive account of the potential of parody to subvert professionalization initiatives.
The refugee crisis and fear
Authors: Gale Peter
Published: December 2004

Representations of asylum seekers, commonly referred to as ‘boat people’, became a central issue during the 2001 election campaign amidst claims that Australia was at risk of a flood of refugees. This article explores the intersection between populist politics and media discourse through analysis of media representations of refugees and asylum seekers.
Parental fear of crime
Authors: Tulloch Marian I.
Published: December 2004

This article explores an alternative way of conceptualizing the relation between quantitative data on fear of crime derived from closed questions and subsequent elaborated responses to open-ended prompts. Parents were asked to rate their worry about their children as victims of crime. In line with previous research on ‘altruistic fear of crime’, levels of worry reported by parents were generally high and a function of parental age, personal worry about victimization and perception of rising crime rates. In responding to general fear of crime questions, parents position themselves in relation to broad social issues. Subsequent analysis of the elaborations on these responses indicates more complex and contradictory positions as parents engage with discourses around competing goals of parenthood: child safety, nurturance and positive independence. It is thus concluded that closed responses to broad fear of crime questions are better understood as self positioning within a particular social and interactive context, rather than as measures of fixed underlying variables.
in terrorem
Authors: Asquith Nicole
Published: December 2004

While terrorism has become a major topic of discussion and analysis in the academy and in the policy making of Australian institutions, it rarely affects the everyday life of Australian citizens. Yet for some groups, in terroremis a way of life - particularly for those whose lives are performed under social and political spotlights. At the core of the limitations imposed on certain groups in Australia is the use of language to police the behaviours of these groups, and to create a social environment that makes hiding one’s identity the most effective mechanism to avoid terror. In this article, I analyse the linguistic themes and forms used in hate violence as a way to illustrate the impact of in terrorem on gay men, lesbians and Jews, and suggest alternative means by which to regulate the harm caused by vilification.
Is Higher Education Ready for Transformative Learning?
Authors: Moore Janet
Published: December 2004

As universities begin to consider sustainability as a core value in education, there is a need to contemplate the role of transformative learning in higher education. Are current models of university education capable of facilitating action to promote ecological literacy and social change? This article outlines three models of group learning (cooperative, collaborative, and transformative) for use in higher education learning environments. It also examines the possibility (the potential benefits, drawbacks, and implications) of shifting university education from the current model toward a model for transformative learning and sustainability. Ultimately, this article raises a number of questions for academics to consider, including the possible outcomes and implications for implementing transformative education in university curriculum.
Examining the Possibilities of School Transformation for Peace in Northern Ireland from a Narrative Perspective
Authors: Smith Ron , Neill June
Published: December 2004

Against a backdrop of slow progress toward a more peaceful and pluralist society in Northern Ireland, the research reported in this article addresses the transformative potential of narrative modes of professional learning. Phrases such as “the storied nature of human conduct” admirably embodied our narrative stance. Peace poems were elicited from children and young people, and a sample of these was then discussed interpretatively by groups of experienced teachers and educators supported by practices from the organisational development approach called Appreciative Inquiry. The story-based approach proved to be an empowering and sensitive way to develop a language of possibility for action. Narrative ideas and approaches were found to be extremely powerful tools for challenging that most obdurate of barriers to the transformation of schooling for peace—the “culture of silence” that discourages open discussion within schools on the causes and consequences of social division.
Processing Fluency and Aesthetic Pleasure: Is Beauty in the Perceiver's Processing Experience?
Authors: Reber Rolf , Schwarz Norbert , Winkielman Piotr
Published: December 2004

We propose that aesthetic pleasure is a funnction of the perceiver's processing dynamics: The more fluently perceivers can process an object, the more positive their aesthetic response. We review variables known to influence aesthetic judgments, such as figural goodness, figure-ground contrast, stimulus repetition, symmetry, and prototypicality, and trace their effects to changes in processing fluency. Other variables that influence processing fluency, like visual or semantic priming, similarly increase judgments of aesthetic pleasure. Our proposal provides an integrative framework for the study of aesthetic pleasure and sheds light on the interplay between early preferences versus cultural influences on taste, preferences for both prototypical and abstracted forms, and the relation between beauty and truth. In contrast to theories that trace aesthetic pleasure to objective stimulus features per se, we propose that beauty is grounded in the processing experiences of the perceiver, which are in part a function of stimulus properties.
A comparison of structural and mechanical properties in cancellous bone from the femoral head and acetabulum
Authors: Thompson M S , Flivik G , Juliusson R , Odgaard A , Ryd L
Published: December 2004

Mechanical interlock obtained by penetration of bone cement into cancellous bone is critical to the success of cemented total hip replacement (THR). Although acetabular component loosening is an important mode of THR failure, the properties of acetabular cancellous bone relevant to cement penetration are not well characterized. Bone biopsies (9mm diameter, 10mm long) were taken from the articular surfaces of the acetabulum and femoral head during total hip replacement. After mechanical and chemical defatting the two groups of bone specimens were characterized using flow measurement, mechanical testing and finally serial sectioning and three-dimensional computer reconstruction. The mean permeabilities of the acetabular group (1.064 × 10−10 m2) and femoral group (1.155x 10−10m2) were calculated from the flow measurements, which used saline solution and a static pressure of 9.8 kPa. The mean Young's modulus, measured non-destructively, was 47.4 MPa for the femoral group and 116.4MPa for the acetabular group. Three-dimensional computer reconstruction of the specimens showed no significant differences in connectivity and porosity between the groups. Results obtained using femoral head cancellous bone to investigate bone cement penetration and fixation are directly relevant to fixation in the acetabulum.
Prediction of elasticity constants in small biomaterial samples such as bone. A comparison between classical optimization techniques and identification with artificial neural networks
Authors: Lucchinetti E , Stüssi E
Published: December 2004

Measuring the elasticity constants of biological materials often sets important constraints, such as the limited size or the irregular geometry of the samples. In this paper, the identification approach as applied to the specific problem of accurately retrieving the material properties of small bone samples from a measured displacement field is discussed. The identification procedure can be formulated as an optimization problem with the goal of minimizing the difference between computed and measured displacements by searching for an appropriate set of material parameters using dedicated algorithms. Alternatively, the backcalculation of the material properties from displacement maps can be implemented using artificial neural networks. In a practical situation, however, measurement errors strongly affect the identification results, calling for robust optimization approaches in order accurately to retrieve the material properties from error-polluted sample deformation maps. Using a simple model problem, the performances of both classical and neural network driven optimization are compared. When performed before the collection of experimental data, this evaluation can be very helpful in pinpointing potential problems with the envisaged experiments such as the need for a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, particularly important when working with small tissue samples such as specimens cut from rodent bones or single bone trabeculae.
Effect of foot sole hardness, thickness and footwear on foot pressure distribution parameters in diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Charanya G , Patil K M , Narayanamurthy V B , Parivalavan R , Visvanathan K
Published: December 2004

This paper presents details of the study undertaken to find the effects of foot sole hardness, thickness and footwear on walking-foot pressure distribution parameters (power ratio (PR)) in diabetic neuropathy. The foot sole hardness is characterized by Shore level. PR represents the ratio of high-frequency power to the total power in the power spectrum of the walking-foot pressure image distribution obtained from the optical pedobarograph. Spatial frequency distributions in the walking-foot pressure images were analysed to calculate the PR in each of the foot sole areas at different levels of foot sole sensation loss and mechanical and geometrical properties. The results show that the increase in PR in the upper foot sole Shore ranges (30-40) is 1.2-2.5 times the corresponding increase in lower Shore ranges (20-30) for some foot sole areas, implying a higher possibility of development of plantar ulcers when combined with deterioration of foot sole sensation. Plantar ulcers are found in feet with foot sole Shore values of 30, a sensation level of 45 mN and PR of 35; for Shore values of 40, sensation levels of 100 mN, with PR 52; and for Shore values above 40, sensation level > 100 mN with PR 58. Providing microcellular rubber insole footwear based on optimum hardness and thickness was found to be helpful in healing plantar ulcers in three to four weeks. Wearing preventive footwear for six months reduced hardness of the foot sole and PR values to near-normal values.
A method for measuring vertical forces applied to the upper limb during sit-to-stand
Authors: Turner H C , Yate R M , Giddins G E B , Miles A W
Published: December 2004

The aim of this study was to develop a basic measurement system to estimate the vertical loading of the upper limb during the sit-to-stand activity, with a view to increasing the understanding of the loading of the wrist in daily living activities. A chair was adapted and instrumented with strain gauges and position sensors so that the force applied through the upper limbs to the arms of the chair could be calculated. Four aspects of the chair's geometry could be varied. A force plate was positioned on the floor between the legs of the chair to record the corresponding foot loading. Twenty normal subjects (22-56 years, mean 32.7 years) participated in a pilot study in which loading through the upper and lower limbs was recorded for a range of chair geometries. The vertical force transmitted through each upper limb was typically 20-30 per cent of bodyweight. The vertical upper limb load averaged across all subjects showed a small reduction when either the seat height or the height of the chair arms was increased.
Mechanical testing of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 regenerated bone in sheep mandibles
Authors: Kontaxis A , Abu-Serriah M , Ayoub A F , Barbenel J C
Published: December 2004

A new method was developed in this study for testing excised sheep mandibles as a cantilever. The method was used to determine the strength and stiffness of sheep hemi-mandibles including a 35 mm defect bridged by regenerated bone. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7) in a bovine collagen type-I carrier was used for the bone regeneration.

Initial tests on ten intact sheep mandibles confirmed that the strength, stiffness and area beneath the load-deformation curves of the right and left hemi-mandibles were not significantly different, confirming the validity of using the contra-lateral hemi-mandible as a control side.

Complete bone regeneration occurred in six hemi-mandibles treated with rhBMP, but the quality and mechanical properties of the bone were very variable. The new bone in three samples contained fibrous tissue and was weaker and less stiff than the contra-lateral side (strength, 10-20 per cent; stiffness, 6-15 per cent). The other half had better-quality bone and was significantly stiffer and stronger ( p < 0.05), with strength 45-63 per cent and stiffness 35-46 per cent of the contra-lateral side.

Hemi-mandibles treated with collagen alone had no regenerated bone bridge suggesting that 35 mm is a critical-size bone defect.
Numerical analysis of bone adaptation around an oral implant due to overload stress
Authors: Crupi V , Guglielmino E , La Rosa G , Vander Sloten J , Van Oosterwyck H
Published: December 2004

A finite element (FE) numerical model of an oral implant was implemented with the theory of bone adaptation to predict the response over time of the bone tissue to the implant and to explain a phenomenon regarding the clinical situation: the bone loss due to an overload stress. An adaptation routine [1], based on Beaupré theory, was developed to interface with the FE packages. The value of the mechanical stimulus, corresponding to the overload stress, was evaluated by applying the Taylor crack propagation theory. The predictions obtained by the numerical analyses demonstrated that the overload resorption is blocked only with spongy bone of ‘good quality’.
Sentinel node biopsy to evaluate the metastatic dissemination of oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lamb P J , Griffin S M , Burt A D , Lloyd J , Karat D , Hayes N
Published: December 2004

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients with adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus (n = 40) or gastric cardia (n = 17) underwent endoscopic peritumoral injection of 99mTc-radiolabelled nanocolloid before en bloc resection with extended lymphadenectomy. SLNs were identified during surgery using a handheld γ probe and the pattern of radioactive uptake was quantified after operation. All 1667 resected lymph nodes were examined immunohistochemically for micrometastases.

Results

SLNs were identified in all 57 patients. They contained metastases (n = 32) or micrometastases (n = 3) in 35 of 37 node-positive patients and there were two false-negative studies. The overall accuracy of SLN biopsy was 96 per cent and SLNs were more likely to contain tumour than other lymph nodes (P < 0·001). Tumour-infiltrated nodal stations had a higher proportion of radioactive uptake (P < 0·001). Lower oesophageal tumours had a greater proportion of SLNs (P = 0·018), radioactive uptake (P < 0·001) and malignant nodes (P = 0·004) in the mediastinum than gastric cardia tumours.

Conclusion

The sentinel node concept is applicable to oesophageal adenocarcinoma and could be used to tailor the extent of lymphadenectomy. There is a close relationship between patterns of radioactive uptake and lymphatic tumour dissemination, which differ for lower oesophageal and gastric cardia tumours.
Determination of therapeutic threshold in sacral nerve modulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Koch S M P , van Gemert W G , Baeten C G M I
Published: December 2004

Background

The aim of the study was to determine the therapeutic stimulation threshold in patients with successful sacral nerve modulation for faecal incontinence.

Methods

Patients who had undergone successful permanent sacral nerve modulator implantation and had been followed up for a minimum of 3 months were included. The sensitivity threshold and motor threshold were determined and correlated with therapeutic response. Patients went home with the stimulator set at 0·6 V below the sensitivity threshold. Each week the voltage was increased by 0·2 V until the sensitivity threshold was reached. The effects on anorectal physiology and continence were recorded.

Results

Eight patients (seven women) with a median age of 58·5 years were included. The median follow-up was 6·3 months. The median sensibility threshold volume of rectal sensation was 50 ml, the median urge threshold volume was 140 ml and the median maximum tolerated rectal volume 240 ml. The median number of incontinence episodes and days per week affected by incontinence decreased from 5·0 and 3·8 before operation to 0·7 and 0·7 respectively after follow-up for 3 months. At anorectal manometry the median resting and stimulation anal canal pressures were 57 and 85 mmHg respectively, and remained constant over time. The therapeutic response threshold was significantly lower than the sensitivity threshold (median 1·6 versus 1·7 V; P = 0·042). The median motor threshold was 2·1 V, significantly higher than the sensitivity threshold (P = 0·009). The stimulation threshold for suboptimal therapeutic response was 1·4 V. In five of the eight patients the therapeutic response threshold was the same as the sensitivity threshold.

Conclusion

Sacral nerve modulation can produce a therapeutic effect below the sensitivity threshold. A lower stimulation voltage increases the lifespan of the pulse generator.
Circumferential removal of the adventitia for cystic degeneration of the popliteal artery
Authors: Stierli P , Mauch J , Koella C , Huber A , Eugster T , Gürke L
Published: December 2004

Did not result in aneurysmal degeneration
Transient transfection of epidermal growth factor receptor gene into MCF7 breast ductal carcinoma cell line
Authors: Alokail Majed S.
Published: December 2004

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is activated by autocrine growth factors in many types of tumours, including breast tumours. This receptor has been linked to a poor prognosis in breast cancer and may promote proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell survival as well as inhibition of apoptosis. Human breast ductal carcinoma MCF7 cells were transfected using FuGENE™ 6 with 1 μg of pcDNA3‐EGFR containing the full‐length human EGFR promoter or 1 μg of the vectors alone (pcDNA3). The transfected cells were transferred into a 25‐cm2 flask containing growth medium and G418. Confluent cultures were lysed, total protein levels measured and electrophoresed. The electrophoresed samples were transferred to nitrocellulose and incubated overnight at 4°C with either anti‐EGFR or anti‐phospho‐ERK and immunoreactive bands were visualized using HRP‐linked secondary antibody. We created a model system of EGFR overexpression in MCF7 clones with stably transfected pcDNA3/EGFR plasmid. These cells have been shown to promote substantial phosphorylation of both ERK1 and ERK2. The high level of EGFR and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was not seen in the pcDNA3 vector control cells or in non‐transfected cells. In this article we describe successful transient transfection experiments on MCF7 cells using the FuGENE™ 6 Transfection Reagent. The overexpression of EGFR could be a mediated stress response and a survival signal that involves ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: Electrodeposition of Metal Nanostructures by Galvanic Displacement Powered with Insoluble Crystals of a Ferrocene Derivative (ChemPhysChem 12/2004)
Authors: Dryfe Robert A. W. , Walter Erich C. , Penner Reginald M.
Published: December 2004

The cover picture shows the mechanism by which crystals of a ferrocene derivative power the deposition of metal nanowires on a graphite surface. In the background a colorized scanning electron microscope image is showing the graphite surface after crystallization of decamethyl ferrocene from a solution of 1,2‐dichloroethane. Such a surface served as the starting point for the deposition of nanowires, as described in the Article by Dryfe et al. on page 1879.
Cytological features of epithelioid mesenchymal neoplasms: A study of 21 cases
Authors: Lin Oscar , Olgac Semra , Zakowski Maureen
Published: December 2004

Epithelioid mesenchymal neoplasms (EMNs) are rare tumors that share cytological, histological, and immunohistochemical features with epithelial tumors. It is important to distinguish EMNs from epithelial tumors in cytology specimens due to their different clinical management and prognosis. The cytomorphological features of histologically confirmed EMN were reviewed. Twenty‐one cytological specimens of EMN were evaluated and characterized by polygonal cells with moderate to abundant dense cytoplasm, prominent nucleoli, and pleomorphism. Additional findings included the presence of a distinct population of spindle cells, hemosiderin‐containing cells, multinucleated cells, and granuloma‐like structures in selected cases. Cytokeratin immunoreactivity was seen in two cases and was negative in one case. This study shows that the cytological features of EMNs and epithelial tumors overlap; nonetheless, some features are more helpful in suggesting EMN. A panel of immunocytochemical studies must include specific mesenchymal markers to avoid a misdiagnosis of carcinoma in cases of cytokeratin‐positive EMN. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:5–10. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of intraductal papillary‐mucinous tumors: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Layfield Lester J. , Cramer Harvey
Published: December 2004

Intraductal papillary‐mucinous tumor (IPMT) of the pancreas has become the accepted terminology for a group of mucin‐producing epithelial proliferations lying within ectatic segments of the main pancreatic duct or its large branches. These neoplasms generally are associated with an indolent course, characteristic endoscopic ultrasonographic (EUS) findings, and a variable histo‐ and cytomorphology ranging from hyperplasia to carcinoma. Cytological specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided or percutaneous fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) are characterized by a background containing abundant mucin in which are entrapped single or loosely cohesive clusters of neoplastic cells characteristically showing a goblet‐cell morphology. The degree of nuclear atypia, cell crowding, and cell shape varies between smears within a single case and between cases. Cytomorphological examination, when coupled with EUS features, is accurate for the diagnosis of these lesions but often it underdiagnoses the grade of the neoplasm. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:16–20. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Secretory carcinoma of the male breast: Correlation of aspiration cytology and pathology
Authors: Alenda Cristina , Aranda F. Ignacio , Seguí F. Javier , Laforga Juan
Published: December 2004

Secretory carcinoma (SC) is a rare variant of breast carcinoma, which was first described in children and adolescents but it can occur at all ages. Very few cases have been reported in male patients. We describe the cytological and histopathological features of SC in a 79‐yr‐old man. Cytological findings demonstrated cohesive sheets of monotonous cells with round nuclei and small nucleoli. Most cells contained intracytoplasmic vacuoles, which are the key feature of an accurate diagnosis. Differential diagnosis with other tumors is discussed briefly. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:47–50. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Metal‐Complexation Properties of a New Hydroxypyrimidinone‐Functionalized Sepharose
Authors: Esteves M. Alexandra , Cachudo Anabela , Chaves Sílvia , Santos M. Amélia
Published: December 2004

The 1‐hydroxy‐2‐(1H)‐pyrimidinone derivative 4‐(3‐aminopropylamino)‐1‐hydroxy‐2‐(1H)‐pyrimidinone (HOPY‐PrN) was synthesized and its acid‐base and complexation properties towards a set of metal ions (FeIII, AlIII, and ThIV) were studied by potentiometry and spectrophotometry. The ligand was further immobilized in an epoxy‐activated sepharose by chemical coupling through the aminoalkyl pendent group with the aim of improving its sequestering capacity for residual amounts of metals. The new hydroxypyrimidinone‐functionalized sepharose shows a high chelating capacity for metal ions in the pH range 3−8, thus suggesting good perspectives for potential environmental applications. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Structural Diversity of Low‐Dimensional Compounds in [M(en)2]2+/[Re6Q8(CN)6]4− Systems (M = Mn, Ni, Cu)
Authors: Brylev Konstantin A. , Pilet Guillaume , Naumov Nikolai G. , Perrin Andre , Fedorov Vladimir E.
Published: December 2004

Five new octahedral chalcocyanide cluster compounds [{Mn(H2O)(en)2}{Mn(en)2}Re6Te8(CN)6]·3H2O (1), [Ni(NH3)2(en)2]2[{Ni(NH3)4}Re6Se8(CN)6]Cl2·2H2O (2), [Ni(NH3)2(en)2]2[{Ni(NH3)4}Re6Te8(CN)6]Cl2·H2O (3), (NH4)2[{Ni(en)2}3{Re6Te8(CN)6}2]·6H2O (4) and (Et4N)2[Cu(NH3)(en)2]2[{Cu(en)2}{Re6Te8(CN)6}2]·2H2O (5) (en = ethylenediamine), have been synthesised. All five compounds have been characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1−3 have chain‐like polymeric structures, whereas compound 4 exhibits a two‐dimensional polymeric structure, with negatively charged [{Ni(en)2}3{Re6Te8(CN)6}2]2−∞∞ layers, and compound 5 has an ionic structure where anionic [{Cu(en)2}{Re6Te8(CN)6}2]6− dimers are packed with cationic [Cu(NH3)(en)2]2+ complexes and Et4N+ cations. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Ionic Liquids as Reaction Media for Palladium‐Catalysed Cross‐Coupling of Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates with Potassium Organotrifluoroborates
Authors: Gallo Vito , Mastrorilli Piero , Nobile Cosimo F. , Paolillo Rossella , Taccardi Nicola
Published: December 2004

The system comprising a palladium complex in a 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate/methanol mixture efficiently catalyses the cross‐coupling reaction between p‐tolyldiazonium tetrafluoroborate and potassium phenyltrifluoroborate at room temperature. The presence of methanol (or water) in the reaction mixture is necessary in order to achieve quantitative conversions, due to its scavenging behaviour towards the BF3 formed during the reaction. Yields higher than 90% were obtained using Pd2(dba)3 or the azapalladacycle 10 as the palladium source. With the latter complex a turnover frequency of about 6000 h−1 was attained in the coupling of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates with potassium vinyltrifluoroborate. Recycling of the catalytic solution could be performed provided that a slight excess of diazonium salt was used in the first run. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Using eco‐efficiency analysis to assess renewable‐resource–based technologies
Authors: Wall‐Markowski Charlene A. , Kicherer Andreas , Saling Peter
Published: December 2004

Products derived from renewable resources are most liekly to succeed in the marketplace if they demonstrate comparable or better product quality and price versus the synthetically produced alternatives. There is significant opportunity for growth as consumers become more aware of the environmental impacts of products. However, a key factor is educating both the public and industry as to which products are in fact better: bio‐based or traditionally synthesized chemical‐based. The answer is not obvious, and must be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis.

In order to determine the benefits of bio‐based materials, BASF utilizes its Eco‐efficiency method to assess the environmental, economic and social impact of products over their entire life‐cycle. Eco‐efficiency has demonstrated in some cases that bio‐based materials have advantages, but in other cases that materials produced by traditional chemical synthesis are better. Case studies involving product of Vitamin B2 and cradle‐to‐gate production of polymers are presented.

Products derived from renewable resources present an exciting new development in the chemical industry with many potential opportunities. Industry should pursue these products where it makes sense from an environmental, economic and social perspective. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004
Removal of boron from wastewater by precipitation of a sparingly soluble salt
Authors: Remy Patricia , Muhr Hervé , Plasari Edouard , Ouerdiane Imen
Published: December 2004

The removal of boron from wastewater has to be considered on a case‐by‐case basis because no boron compound is known to be precipitated quantitatively. Based on an industrial case, many methods were tested for the treatment of wastewater containing 50 g L−1 of sulfuric acid and 0.7 g L−1 of boron, and a well‐adapted precipitation process consisting of the neutralization of boric and sulfuric acids by powdered calcium hydroxide is proposed. Experimental results show that under optimal conditions (50 g L−1 of powdered calcium hydroxide, a temperature of 90° C, and process time of 2 h), the residual boron concentration in solution was reduced from 700 to less than 50 mg L−1, a value never reached before by a precipitation process. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004
Cytogenetic and phylogenetic studies in the genus VernoniaSchreb.
Authors: Adegbite A. E. , Ayodele M. S.
Published: December 2004

Chromosome studies were carried out on some Nigerian species of Vernonia. Chromosome counts of n = 9 (2n = 18) and n = 10 (2n = 20) were recorded for the species considered. Hybridization, polyploidy and aneuploid decrease have been implicated as major mechanisms of evolution in the genus. Evidence from this work and previous studies have been invoked to suggest the evolution of the Vernonia species from closely related ancient species with basic chromosome number of x = 4 and x = 5. A phylogenetic chart of chromosome number evolution is proposed. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
DommiMOE: An implementation of ligand field molecular mechanics in the molecular operating environment
Authors: Deeth Robert J. , Fey Natalie , Williams–Hubbard Benjamin
Published: December 2004

The ligand field molecular mechanics (LFMM) model, which incorporates the ligand field stabilization energy (LFSE) directly into the potential energy expression of molecular mechanics (MM), has been implemented in the “chemically aware” molecular operating environment (MOE) software package. The new program, christened DommiMOE, is derived from our original in‐house code that has been linked to MOE via its applications programming interface and a number of other routines written in MOE's native scientific vector language (SVL). DommiMOE automates the assignment of atom types and their associated parameters and popular force fields available in MOE such as MMFF94, AMBER, and CHARMM can be easily extended to provide a transition metal simulation capability. Some of the unique features of the LFMM are illustrated using MMFF94 and some simple [MCl4]2− and [Ni(NH3)n]2+ species. These studies also demonstrate how density functional theory calculations, especially on experimentally inaccessible systems, provide important data for designing improved LFMM parameters. DommiMOE treats Jahn–Teller distortions automatically, and can compute the relative energies of different spin states for Ni(II) complexes using a single set of LFMM parameters. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 123–130, 2005
Evolutionary method for the assembly of rigid protein fragments
Authors: De Sancho David , Prieto Lidia , Rubio Ana M. , Rey Antonio
Published: December 2004

Genetic algorithms constitute a powerful optimization method that has already been used in the study of the protein folding problem. However, they often suffer from a lack of convergence in a reasonably short time for complex fitness functions. Here, we propose an evolutionary strategy that can reproducibly find structures close to the minimum of a potential function for a simplified protein model in an efficient way. The model reduces the number of degrees of freedom of the system by treating the protein structure as composed of rigid fragments. The search incorporates a double encoding procedure and a merging operation from subpopulations that evolve independently of one another, both contributing to the good performance of the full algorithm. We have tested it with protein structures of different degrees of complexity, and present our conclusions related to its possible application as an efficient tool for the analysis of folding potentials. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 131–141, 2005
Development of a membrane‐assisted hybrid bioreactor for ammonia and COD removal in wastewaters
Authors: Oyanedel Vinka , Campos Jose Luis , Garrido Juan Manuel , Lazarova Valentina , Méndez Ramón
Published: December 2004

A new membrane‐assisted hybrid bioreactor was developed to remove ammonia and organic matter. This system was composed of a hybrid circulating bed reactor (CBR) coupled in series to an ultrafiltration membrane module for biomass separation. The growth of biomass both in suspension and biofilms was promoted in the hybrid reactor. The system was operated for 103 days, during which a constant ammonia loading rate (ALR) was fed to the system. The COD/N‐NH4+ ratio was manipulated between 0 and 4, in order to study the effects of different organic matter concentrations on the nitrification capacity of the system. Experimental results have shown that it was feasible to operate with a membrane hybrid system attaining 99% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and ammonia conversion. The ALR was 0.92 kg N‐NH4+ m−3 d−1 and the organic loading rate (OLR) achieved up to 3.6 kg COD m−3 d−1. Also, the concentration of ammonia in the effluent was low, 1 mg N‐NH4+ dm−3. Specific activity determinations have shown that there was a certain degree of segregation of nitrifiers and heterotrophs between the two biomass phases in the system. Growth of the slow‐growing nitrifiers took place preferentially in the biofilm and the fast‐growing heterotrophs grew in suspension. This fact allowed the nitrifying activity in the biofilm be maintained around 0.8 g N g−1 protein d−1, regardless of the addition of organic matter in the influent. The specific nitrifying activity of suspended biomass varied between 0.3 and 0.4 g N g−1 VSS d−1. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Transcriptional tumor‐selective promoter targeting of E. coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase for pancreatic cancer suicide gene therapy
Authors: Deharvengt Sophie , Wack Séverine , Aprahamian Marc , Hajri Amor
Published: December 2004

Background

Pancreatic cancer remains a rapidly fatal disease. Suicide gene therapy has been shown to be an effective tool for pancreatic tumor cell destruction, but a cell‐specific gene delivery is required to limit host toxicity. The objective of this study was both to design recombinant vectors in which the suicide gene E. coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase (ePNP) is under the control of either CEA or MUC1 promoter sequences and to investigate on experimental pancreatic carcinomas the selective killing effects of the conditional ePNP/prodrug (MePdR) system.

Methods

Transcriptional activities of CEA and MUC1 promoter sequences were analyzed using luciferase reporter gene constructions. Thereafter, recombinant vectors expressing ePNP under control of the most promising pCEA and pMUC1 sequences were designed and used to establish stable tumor cell transfectants from two human pancreatic cell lines, respectively tumor‐marker positive (BxPc3) or negative (Panc‐1), then applied for in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

Transient experiments indicated that CEA and MUC1 promoter sequences confer specificity while preserving high transcriptional activities. The MePdR treatment induced a high in vitro cytotoxicity on the sole CEA‐ and MUC1‐producing cell lines (i.e. BxPc3‐CEA and ‐MUC1/ePNP). In the same way, prodrug treatment induced a significant tumor regression on the sole tumor‐marker‐positive BxPc3 xenografts, whilst the Panc1‐CEA and ‐MUC1/ePNP tumors were not affected.

Conclusions

These data confirm and extend the antitumor efficacy of the ePNP/MePdR killing system and demonstrate the feasibility of the transcriptional targeting strategy under tumor marker promoter control and thereby a preferential killing of CEA‐ and MUC1‐producing pancreatic tumor cells. Thus, efficient in vivo gene delivery and transcriptional targeting constitute the major future clinical challenge for a selective pancreatic cancer suicide gene strategy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) in Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Bisphenol A Polycarbonate Block Copolymers: Influence of Block Length and Role of the Rubbery Amorphous Component
Authors: Celli Annamaria , Marchese Paola
Published: December 2004

Summary: Analysis was made of the crystallization of the PET blocks in PET/PC copolymers as a function of the block length, varying from $\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 5300 to 17100 g · mol−1 (Xn PET = 28–89, PET monomeric sequences). Analysis was also made of a series of PET homopolymers with the same $\overline M _{\rm n}$ values. The copolymers were found to crystallize at a slower rate, with lower crystallinity and lower crystal perfection, than the homopolymers and secondary crystallization does not take place, unlike with PET homopolymers. However the crystallization mechanism is the same. The plot of the crystallization rate versus Xn PET shows that the homopolymers have a maximum crystallization rate at Xn PET ≅ 50 ($\overline M _{\rm n}$ ≅ 10000 g · mol−1), whereas the crystallization rate for copolymers continuously increases with the increment of Xn PET (see Figure). The decrement of the crystallization rate for homopolymers with $\overline M _{\rm n}$ higher than 10000 g · mol−1 has been interpreted as due to the effect of the high melt viscosity. For copolymers with long PET blocks, instead, a phase separation is likely and improves the PET reptation and fold, causing an increment in crystallization rate. Block size and miscibility between the components are therefore the key parameters in understanding the crystallization process in PET/PC block copolymers.

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Effects of Pressure and Nanoparticle Functionality on CO2‐Selective Nanocomposites Derived from Crosslinked Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Patel Nikunj P. , Zielinski John M. , Samseth Jon , Spontak Richard J.
Published: December 2004

Summary: Purification of H2 generated from industrial gasification processes requires removal of CO2 as the permeate from mixed CO2/H2 streams to avoid costly H2 repressurization. Such gas separation can be achieved through the use of reverse‐selective polymer membranes that exhibit high CO2 affinity. In this work, the physical properties of CO2‐selective membranes composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGda), as well as PEGda nanocomposites with 10 wt.‐% fumed silica (FS), are reported. Two PEGda oligomers differing in chain length and FS nanoparticles varying in surface functionality are exposed to CO2 at low and high pressures to elucidate the roles of CO2 pressure, network topology and nanoparticle aggregation on molecular transport and solubility. Results from swelling and sorption kinetics confirm that both penetrant diffusivity and solubility increase with increasing PEGda chain length and decreasing network density. Methacrylate‐terminated FS nanoparticles are more effective in improving rheological properties and retaining high CO2 selectivity than hydroxyl‐terminated nanoparticles of comparable size.

TGA profiles obtained from crosslinked PEGda membranes and their corresponding nanocomposites: PEGda575 (•), PEGda575 with 10 wt.‐% FSma (▴), PEGda700 (○), and PEGda700 with 10 wt.‐% FSma (▵).

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TGA profiles obtained from crosslinked PEGda membranes and their corresponding nanocomposites: PEGda575 (•), PEGda575 with 10 wt.‐% FSma (▴), PEGda700 (○), and PEGda700 with 10 wt.‐% FSma (▵).
Incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes into Hollow Microcapsules Using a Removable Template Assembly
Authors: Zhao Qinghe , Gao Changyou , Shen Jiacong , Li Yu , Zhang Xiaobin
Published: December 2004

Summary: Carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were assembled with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) onto decomposable colloidal particles, to subsequently yield hollow microcapsules after core removal. A sandwich structure with MWNTs layer embedded in poly(styrenesulfonate sodium salt) (PSS)/PAH multilayers was designed and constructed on melamine formaldehyde particles. Transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy revealed the hollow structure and good dispersity of the resultant microcapsules. The MWNTs were uniformly distributed on the capsule walls.

TEM images of (PSS/PAH)5/MWNT/(PAH/PSS)2 microcapsules templated on MF microparticles, after core decomposition (main). They still preserve their continuous and intact structure with no signs of rupture. Inset: magnified surface.

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TEM images of (PSS/PAH)5/MWNT/(PAH/PSS)2 microcapsules templated on MF microparticles, after core decomposition (main). They still preserve their continuous and intact structure with no signs of rupture. Inset: magnified surface.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Theory Simul. 9/2004
Authors: Negadi Amina , Dua Arti , Vilgis Thomas A.
Published: December 2004

Cover: The picture on the cover represents a polymer chain immersed in a critical fluid confined in a nanopore. The size of the polymer, which depends on the proximity to the critical point τ and the pore diameter D, varies according to the effective potential. Far above the critical point the chain is stretched. At solvent criticality (τ = 0), its size is determined by the pore diameter and its excluded volume ν. For larger D the potential becomes negative. The chain collapses inside the blobs.

Further details can be found in the Full Paper by A. Negadi, A. Dua, and T. A. Vilgis* on page 743.
A note on backward errors for structured linear systems
Authors: Sun Ji‐Guang
Published: December 2004

Let x̃ be a computed solution to a linear system Ax=b with , where is a proper subclass of matrices in . A structured backward error (SBE) of x̃ is defined by a measure of the minimal perturbations and such that
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and that the SBE can be used to distinguish the structured backward stability of the computed solution x̃. For simplicity, we may define a partial SBE of x̃ by a measure of the minimal perturbation such that
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Can one use the partial SBE to distinguish the structured backward stability of x̃? In this note we show that the partial SBE may be much larger than the SBE for certain structured linear systems such as symmetric Toeplitz systems, KKT systems, and dual Vandermonde systems. Besides, certain backward errors for linear least squares are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innovative approaches to reforming public services in Tanzania
Authors: Rugumyamheto J. A.
Published: December 2004

Against the background of growing convergence amongst countries with regard to the focus on their public service reforms, the forces driving the same and communalities amongst approaches being adopted, the article assesses the various phases of Tanzania's public service reforms over 20 years. It concludes by posing two questions: first, how are the reforms contributing to improvements in poverty reduction and in service delivery? Second, why should ‘reform’ be treated as a priority in the allocation of budgetary resources by development partners? The answer is that direct links between Public Service Reform Programme (PSRP) interventions and poverty reduction remains elusive, and the challenge is how best to manage that situation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood protein adsorption onto a polymeric biomaterial of polyethylene glycol and poly[(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐co‐acrylonitrile] and evaluation of in vitro blood compatibility
Authors: Bajpai AK
Published: December 2004

A semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and crosslinked poly[(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐co‐acrylonitrile] was prepared and adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the IPN surfaces was investigated. The dynamic nature of the adsorption process was studied, and the effects of various experimental factors such as pH and ionic strength on the adsorption isotherms of BSA were investigated. Various kinetic parameters, such as the adsorption coefficient, rate constant for adsorption and penetration rate constants, were calculated. For assessment of in vitro blood compatibility of the IPN surfaces, water sorption, blood clot formation tests and percent hemolysis measurements were performed. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
A study of γ‐radiation‐crosslinked HDPE/EPDM composites as flame retardants
Authors: Jia Shaojin , Zhang Zhicheng , Wang Zhengzhou , Zhang Xianfeng , Du Zhiwen
Published: December 2004

The dynamic flammability of flame‐retardant composites that consist of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) and other additives, and can be used as wire‐ and cable‐insulation materials, was studied before and after irradiation. The data for the heat‐release rate (HRR), the time to ignition, the specific extinction area and the concentrations of CO and CO2 from the burning process of cone colorimeter tests were assessed. By blending HDPE with EPDM, the HRR of HDPE was reduced and the residue char of the composite increased. The HRR of HDPE/EPDM was further reduced and the residue char of HDPE/EPDM was further increased after irradiation. The oxygen index, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the composites, and the morphology of the char formed in the cone calorimeter test, were also investigated. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry