bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoplastic silicone elastomer lubricant in extrusion of polypropylene wood flour composites
Authors: Hristov Velichko , Vlachopoulos John
Published: September 2007

A possibility of using a thermoplastic silicone elastomer (TPSE) for reduction of surface defects in the extrusion of wood‐filled metallocene polypropylene (mPP) has been investigated in this work. A capillary rheometer and a single‐screw extruder have been utilized to study the effect of the additive on the extrudate distortions. Maleated syndiotactic metallocene polypropylene was also used as an adhesion promoter in mPP/wood flour composites. At loadings of 50 wt% wood flour in the mPP, the extrudates come out of the die with significant tearing and surface roughness. The surface rupture mechanism is similar to that of sharkskin in neat polymers; however, the defect is much more exaggerated in the case of wood fiber‐filled composites. It was found that TPSE at low concentrations (1 wt%) was able to reduce or even completely eliminate extrudate surface tearing. Increasing the extrusion speed yielded better results. Addition of a coupling agent also provides improvement in the extrudate appearance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 26:100–108, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20090
Oxygen delignification kinetics: CSTR and batch reactor comparison
Authors: Ji Yun , Wheeler M. Clayton , van Heiningen Adriaan
Published: September 2007

In the past, oxygen delignification studies were mostly performed in batch reactors, whereby the caustic and dissolved oxygen concentrations are changing during the reaction. Also the lignin content and cellulose degradation of the pulp are only established at the end of an experiment when the sample is removed from the reactor. To overcome these deficiencies, a differential reactor system (called Berty reactor) has been adopted. In this continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR), the dissolved oxygen concentration and the alkali concentration in the feed are kept constant, and the rate of lignin removal is determined from the dissolved lignin concentration in the outflow stream measured by UV–vis spectroscopy. The delignification rate is found to be first‐order in HexA‐free residual lignin content. The delignification rate reaction order in [NaOH] and oxygen pressure are 0.412 ± 0.060 and 0.305 ± 0.260 respectively. The activation energy is 54.5 ± 6.8 kJ/mol. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Optimal design of simulated moving‐bed processes under flow rate uncertainty
Authors: Mota José P. B. , Araújo João M. M. , Rodrigues Rui. C. R.
Published: September 2007

A general procedure for robust design of simulated moving‐bed (SMB) processes under flow rate uncertainty is presented. The best solution is chosen only among candidate solutions that are robust feasible, that is, remain feasible for all flow rate perturbations from the uncertainty set. This gives rise to a robust approach to optimal SMB design in which the nominal problem is replaced by a worst case problem. Computational tractability is ensured by formulating the robust problem with only the vertices of the uncertainty region that most adversely affect the raffinate and extract purities. The nominal optimization problem and its robust counterpart are formulated with a single‐column analog model, and a full‐discretization approach for steady periodic dynamics. The resulting nonlinear programming problems are solved by an efficient interior‐point solver. The procedure is successfully employed to find robust operating conditions for the linear separation of two nucleosides by standard SMB, asynchronous port switching (Varicol), and cyclic flow rate modulation (PowerFeed). Our results show that PowerFeed is the most efficient operating scheme for the separation under study, although Varicol also clearly outperforms the standard SMB process. However, it is also shown that Varicol productivity is the least affected when the process is rendered robust, whereas that of PowerFeed is the most penalized. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Population analysis of the alpha hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) gene identifies sequence variants that alter expression and function
Authors: dos Santos Camila O. , Zhou Suiping , Secolin Rodrigo , Wang Xiaomei , Cunha Anderson F. , Higgs Douglas R. , Kwiatkowski Janet L. , Thein Swee Lay , Gallagher Patrick G. , Costa Fernando F. , Weiss Mitchell J.
Published: September 2007

α‐Hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) is a potential modifier of β‐thalassemia by virtue of its ability to detoxify excess free α‐globin. However, examination of patients with β‐thalassemia from a few geographic regions failed to identify obvious AHSP mutations. We extended these studies by analyzing AHSP gene sequences in 366 anonymous individuals from five different areas of the world. We detected numerous polymorphisms comprising 18 different haplotypes and two rare missense mutations. Two sequence variations produce functional effects in laboratory assays. First, a rare missense mutation in a Brazilian/Mediterranean cohort converts asparagine to isoleucine at position 75 of AHSP protein and impairs its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species production by α‐hemoglobin. Second, a high‐frequency polymorphism in intron 1 of the AHSP gene (12391 G>A) alters an Oct‐1 transcription factor binding site previously shown to be important for optimal gene expression. The 12391A polymorphism impairs Oct‐1 binding and inhibits the ability of AHSP regulatory sequences to activate expression of a linked luciferase reporter. Although structural mutations predicted to alter AHSP protein function or ablate its activity are rare, the 12391 G>A SNP is common and represents a potential mechanism through which genetically determined variations in AHSP expression could influence β‐thalassemia. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia purpura with concurrent intravenous immunoglobulin and platelet transfusion: A retrospective review of 40 patients
Authors: Spahr Joseph E. , Rodgers George M.
Published: September 2007

We performed a retrospective review of patients with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) treated with prolonged infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (1 g/kg by continuous infusion over 24 hr) and concurrent platelets (1 pheresis unit every 8 hr), to determine the response rate of this therapy. Patient inclusion criteria included clinically significant thrombocytopenia, with either active bleeding, need for anticoagulation, or a needed surgical procedure. The average pretreatment platelet count was 10,000/μl, which increased to 55,000/μl after 24 hr and 69,000/μl after 48 hr. After 24 hr, 62.7% of patients had a platelet count > 50,000/μl. Bleeding was controlled initially in all patients, and those requiring a procedure experienced no bleeding complications. Over half of the patients (52.5%) required additional treatments for recurrent or refractory ITP. Six of the 21 patients requiring retreatment (29%) received IVIg and platelets again in a similar fashion, with similar results. No side effects of the combined treatment were noted. There is limited literature on the optimal dose and schedule for administration of IVIg and platelets. Our approach for administration of IVIg and platelets concurrently was associated with minimal side effects, resolution of bleeding, ability to safely undergo procedures, and rapid restoration of adequate platelet counts. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CAG regimen enables relapsed or refractory T‐cell acute lymphocytic leukemia patients to achieve complete remission: A report of six cases
Authors: Xue Sheng‐Li , Wu De‐Pei , Sun Ai‐Ning , Tang Xiao‐Wen
Published: September 2007

Patients with either relapsed or refractory T‐cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T‐ALL) are candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Achieving complete remission (CR) in these patients is difficult but crucial for the success of allo‐HSCT. In this study, we examined 6 relapsed or refractory T‐ALL patients. In the patient group, 4 were male and 2 were female, with ages ranging from 15 to 57 years (median = 29 years). All 6 patients presented with the nonmature T‐ALL phenotype. Cytogenetically, only one had an i(7q) anomaly, whereas the remaining 5 cases had normal karyotypes. One of these patients had the MLL/AF9 fusion transcript, as shown by molecular study. After initial remission‐induction therapy, two patients achieved CR, one showed a partial remission, and all relapsed soon. The other 3 cases failed the therapy. The CAG regimen (cytosine arabinoside 10 mg/m2 subcutaneously every 12 hr, day 1–14; aclarubicin 5–7 mg/m2 intravenously daily, day 1–8; and concurrent use of G‐CSF 200 μg/m2/day subcutaneously) was devised originally for the treatment of relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia. After CAG therapy, all the T‐ALL patients in our study achieved CR, indicating that the CAG regimen is beneficial to the treatment of relapsed or refractory T‐ALL. The efficacy of CR‐induction in T‐ALL patients and the adverse effects of the CAG regimen need to be further studied. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypersplenism induced by splenic vein ligation
Authors: Garibaldi Brian , King Karen E. , Jaffe Julie M. , Moliterno Alison R.
Published: September 2007

Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare clinical entity. It is usually caused by an IgG autoantibody directed against the red blood cell membrane that causes extravascular hemolysis predominantly in the spleen. As a result, disease states or procedures that result in hypersplenism would be expected to increase red cell destruction in patients with an underlying warm AIHA. We present the case of a patient with a previously undiagnosed warm AIHA, who developed worsening hemolysis after undergoing splenic vein ligation during a pancreaticoduodenectomy to remove a neuroendocrine tumor. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality and cancer incidence in a cohort of registered nurses from British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Dimich‐Ward Helen , Lorenzi Maria , Teschke Kay , J. Spinelli John , Ratner Pamela A. , Le Nhu D. , Chow Yat , Shu Danhong , Gallagher Richard P.
Published: September 2007

Background

A retrospective cohort study of provincial registered nurses (RNs) from British Columbia, Canada was undertaken to determine risks of mortality and cancer incidence; in particular for breast cancer and leukemia.

Methods

Cohort records of RNs from 1974 to 2000 were linked to Canadian death and cancer registries. Analyses included standardized mortality (SMR) and incidence ratios (SIR) as well as relative risks for internal comparisons.

Results

There were 58,125 RNs in the cohort (96.7% females). The SMR for all causes of mortality for female RNs was low, at 0.61 (95% CI, 0.58–0.64). The only elevated SIR for female RNs was for malignant melanoma (1.27; 95% CI, 1.10–1.46). Ever working in a hospital, medical surgical specialties or maternal/pediatrics showed some elevated cancer risks.

Conclusions

Low SMRs for the female RN cohort suggest healthful lifestyles and a healthy worker effect. Length of employment as a nurse, in hospitals and in specific fields was associated with some increased risks of cancer. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:892–900, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trisomy of 19.4 Mb region of chromosome 22 and subtelomeric 17p identified in a male without clinical affectation
Authors: Morales Carme , Soler Anna , Margarit Ester , Madrigal Irene , Sánchez Aurora
Published: September 2007

Supernumerary marker chromosomes (SMCs) have a reported frequency in the prenatal and newborn population ranging from 0.04% to 0.08% and about 37% of diagnosed SMCs are associated with an abnormal phenotype. Around 7.5% of them are derived from chromosome 22. SMCs(22) that result in tri‐ or tetrasomy of band 22q11.2 are associated with Cat‐eye syndrome (CES), a syndrome of variable penetrance and affectation. CES‐like phenotype has been also related to 22q11.2 interstitial duplications and der(22) syndrome. The 22q11.2 region, also involved in the velocardiofacial microdeletional syndrome, presents high susceptibility to chromosomal rearrangements due to the presence of low‐copy repeats sequences (LCR22). Another region in the genome rich in LCR is 17p and five recurrent disorders have been mapped on the region 17p11‐p13. Some chromosomal imbalances affecting the 17p13.3 subtelomeric region have been reported, related to cryptic unbalanced translocations and associated, in most cases, to mental retardation and dysmorphic features. We report on a healthy male carrier of a SMC that was identified as a +der(22)t(17;22)(p13.3;q11.2) consequence of an abnormal 3:1 segregation of the paternal t(17;22) and we have determined the approximate size of the trisomic regions, comparing the obtained results with other reported imbalances involving 22q11.2 and 17pter. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
WT1 mutations in Meacham syndrome suggest a coelomic mesothelial origin of the cardiac and diaphragmatic malformations
Authors: Suri Mohnish , Kelehan Peter , O'Neill David , Vadeyar Shantala , Grant Judith , Ahmed S. Faisal , Tolmie John , McCann Emma , Lam Wayne , Smith Shirley , FitzPatrick David , Hastie Nicholas D. , Reardon William
Published: September 2007

Meacham syndrome is a rare sporadically occurring multiple malformation syndrome characterized by male pseudohermaphroditism with abnormal internal female genitalia comprising a uterus and double or septate vagina, complex congenital heart defect and diaphragmatic abnormalities. We report on eight new cases of this condition, two of whom were shown to have heterozygous missense mutations in the C‐terminal zinc finger domains of WT1: Arg366Cys and Arg394Trp. These data represent clinical and molecular evidence that the WT1 gene plays a central role in normal development of the diaphragm and the proepicardially derived tissues. Identification of WT1 expression in the region of coelomic mesothelium which will form the proepicardium and diaphragm provides a plausible unifying patterning defect in these cases. Interestingly, the Arg366Cys mutation has been previously reported in Denys–Drash syndrome and Arg394Trp mutation has been previously reported in both isolated Wilms tumor and Denys–Drash syndrome. This phenotypic diversity with a single mutation suggests there are other factors modulating all aspects of WT1 function during human development. If genetic modifiers of WT1 can be identified in animal models these become good candidate genes for the cases with Meacham syndrome we report on here where WT1 mutations cannot be identified. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Craniofacioskeletal syndrome: An X‐linked dominant disorder with early lethality in males
Authors: Stevenson Roger E. , Brasington Cam K. , Skinner Cindy , Simensen Richard J. , Spence J. Edward , Kesler Shelli , Reiss Allan L. , Schwartz Charles E.
Published: September 2007

A syndrome with multisystem manifestations has been observed in three generations of a Caucasian family. The findings in seven females provide a composite clinical picture of microcephaly, short stature, small retroverted ears, full tip of the nose overhanging the columella, short philtrum, thin upper lip, soft tissue excrescences at the angle of the mouth, small mandible, small hands and feet with brachydactyly, finger V clinodactyly, flat feet, an excessive number of fingerprint arches, and mild impairment of cognitive function. Two males were more severely affected and died in the initial months of life. They showed intrauterine growth retardation, broad cranium with wide sutures and fontanelles, cardiac defects, small hands and feet with abnormal digital creases and small nails, and genital abnormalities. The affected males had low serum calcium in the neonatal period. Serum calcium, phosphorous, and parathormone levels in the females were normal. Radiographs showed cortical thickening of the long bones, underdevelopment of the frontal sinuses, narrow pelvis and hypoplasia of the middle phalanx of finger five. MRI of the brain showed slightly reduced brain volumes and an extra gyrus of the superior temporal region. X‐inactivation studies showed near complete skewing in two affected females, but were not informative in three others. X‐linkage as the mode of inheritance is proposed on the basis of different severity in males/females, complete skewing of X‐inactivation in informative females, and a lod score (1.5) suggestive of linkage to markers in Xq26‐q27. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late‐onset combined homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria (cblC) and neuropsychiatric disturbance
Authors: Tsai Anne Chun‐Hui , Morel Chantal F. , Scharer Gunter , Yang Michael , Lerner‐Ellis Jordan P. , Rosenblatt David S. , Thomas Janet A.
Published: September 2007

We report on the case of a 36‐year‐old Hispanic woman with a spinal cord infarct, who was subsequently diagnosed with methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria, cblC type (cblC). Mutation analysis revealed c.271dupA and c.482G > A mutations in the MMACHC gene. The patient had a past medical history significant for joint hypermobility, arthritis, bilateral cataracts, unilateral hearing loss, anemia, frequent urinary tract infections, and mental illness. There was no significant past history of mental retardation, failure to thrive, or seizure disorder as reported in classic cases of cblC. Prior to the thrombotic incident, the patient experienced increased paresthesia in the lower extremities, myelopathy, and impaired gait. Given her previous psychiatric history, she was misdiagnosed with malingering until hemiplegia and incontinence became apparent. The authors would like to emphasize the recognition of a neuropsychiatric presentation in late onset cblC. Ten other reported late onset cases with similar presentations are also reviewed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A boy with severe craniodiaphyseal dysplasia and apparently normal mother
Authors: Bieganski Tadeusz , Baranska Dobromila , Miastkowska Irmina , Kobielski Artur , Gorska‐Chrzastek Magdalena , Kozlowski Kazimierz
Published: September 2007

We describe a boy and his mother affected with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia (CDD). The boy had a very severe form of the disease with extensive osteosclerosis already at birth. Facial diplegia, bilateral hearing loss and optic nerve atrophy were early, severe complications of the disease. At age 7 years progressive genu valgum and unusual epimetaphyseal radiographic appearances suggested hyperparathyroidism. This was confirmed by biochemical tests. Because of some facial similarity between the asymptomatic mother and the propositus, a limited skeletal survey of the mother was performed. It demonstrated cranial osteosclerosis and hyperostosis. It is possible that the mother has somatic mosaicism for a mutation of the genes causing CDD. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conorenal dysplasia: A syndrome of cone‐shaped epiphysis, renal disease in childhood, retinitis pigmentosa and abnormality of the proximal femur
Authors: Beals Rodney K. , Weleber Richard G.
Published: September 2007

Conorenal dysplasia is a rare sydrome which includes cone shaped epiphysis, renal disease in childhood, retinitis pigmentosa and abnormality of the proximal physis and metaphysis of the femur. A long term followup of one patient is presented along with a review of the reported cases. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of a commercially available focused aCGH platform for the detection of constitutional chromosome anomalies
Authors: Shearer Brandon M. , Thorland Erik C. , Gonzales Patrick R. , Ketterling Rhett P.
Published: September 2007

Microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) allows for simultaneous high‐resolution analysis of multiple genomic loci. Recently, focused aCGH platforms have emerged allowing for analysis of numerous clinically relevant chromosome loci. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the Spectral Genomics Constitutional Chip™ 1.0 (CC) for use in the clinical laboratory. The CC consisted of 429 BAC clones for 41 known genetic deletion/duplication syndromes, subtelomeric regions, and chromosomal backbone clones. We conducted a blinded study of 48 samples including 46 patients (one sample was run in triplicate) with previously determined constitutional chromosome anomalies and two negative controls. Patient samples included 31 microdeletions, four duplications, three derivative chromosomes, three trisomies, and five sex chromosome aneuploidies. Our results show that the CC identified the expected gains and/or losses in 46 of 48 samples. The two negative controls were considered to be normal and the three replicates of the same patient sample were concordant. Two samples yielded false‐negative results; however, repeat analysis produced acceptable results for one of them. One sample ultimately had an insufficient amount of DNA precluding aCGH analysis. While promising, the results suggest that further studies are needed to reduce protocol variability and to establish standard analysis and interpretation criteria. Further, this study verifies the importance of extensive validation studies prior to clinical implementation of new clinically available methodologies. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An innocuous duplication of 11.2 Mb at 13q21 is gene poor: Sub‐bands of gene paucity and pervasive CNV characterize the chromosome anomalies
Authors: Daniel Art , Darmanian Artur , Peters Greg , Goodwin Linda , Hort Jason R.
Published: September 2007

A boy with autistic spectrum disorder without dysmorphisms was found to have a chromosome duplication of part of band 13q21. His mother and grandfather both of normal intellect had the same chromosomal duplication. Comparison was made with the Chromosome anomaly database www.som.soton.ac.uk/research/geneticsdiv/anomaly%20register which revealed similar cases. Mapping on DNA microarray for the proband and mother showed the duplication to be of length 11.2 Mb, encompassing the 13q21.1–13q21.32 region. The duplicated region is profoundly gene poor, with a mean gene density of 0.45 genes/Mb. We estimate, that the mean gene density in the sub‐bands of the chromosome anomalies is 2.4–2.5 genes/Mb. In addition the percentages of the sub‐bands reported as copy number variants (CNV) was estimated from the Database of Chromosome Genomic Variants (http://projects.tcag.ca/variation/). It was found that for some of these sub‐bands, gene paucity was likely to be a major contributor to their innocuous phenotypic effect, for example, the gene densities were for: 1p31.2 (1.25 genes/Mb); 2p12 (1.7); 4p15.31 (1.3); 5p14.1 (0.22); 5p14.3 (0.8); 5q21.2 (0.6); 5q21.3 (1.2); 8p23.2 (0.25); 13q21.1 (0.9); 14q31.1 (1.4); 18q22.1 (1.4); 21q21.1 (1.2); and 21q21.2 (0.7). For other sub‐bands the percentage of the band in which CNV have been reported was found to be markedly increased, for example, 8p23.2 (94.7% of the band is defined by reported CNV); 3p26.3 (81.6); 5p14.3 (59.3); 8p22 (48.8); 2p12 (44.0); 5q21.1 (43.6); 6q24.2 (41.4); 9p23 (38.8); 10q21.1 (36.5); 5q21.2 (35.4), and 11q14.3 (33.8). We argue that both gene paucity and pervasive CNV are major indicators of bands conforming to the Chromosome Anomaly phenomenon. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Executive function and genetic predisposition to schizophrenia—the Maudsley family study
Authors: Birkett P. , Sigmundsson T. , Sharma T. , Toulopoulou T. , Griffiths T.D. , Reveley A. , Murray R.
Published: September 2007

Executive cognitive impairment has been found in families affected by schizophrenia and is a putative endophenotype. We wished to explore its genetic basis further by studying the association between impairment and genetic loading for schizophrenia. We studied 30 schizophrenia patients with a family history of schizophrenia, 53 of their nonpsychotic first‐degree relatives (familial), 32 patients with schizophrenia but no known family history of psychosis, 52 of their first‐degree relatives (nonfamilial), and 47 normal controls. They were tested using the National Adult Reading Test (NART), Trails A and B, Verbal fluency tasks, and a computerized version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Familial, but not nonfamilial, relatives were impaired on NART, letter fluency, Trails B, and WCST total errors. They were inferior to nonfamilial relatives on letter fluency and Trails A. Both sets of relatives were impaired on Trails B controlling for Trails A, and on WCST categories achieved. There were no significant differences between schizophrenia patients with and without a family history. Our results suggest that executive deficits qualitatively similar to those seen in those with schizophrenia reflect familial susceptibility, even taking early IQ and education into consideration, consistent with a genetic mechanism. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colorless polyimide nanocomposite films: Thermomechanical properties, morphology, and optical transparency
Authors: Jin Hyo‐Seong , Chang Jin‐Hae
Published: September 2007

Polyimide (PI)/organoclay hybrid films were prepared by the solution intercalation method, using dodecyltriphenylphosphonium‐mica (C12PPh‐Mica) as the organoclay. The variations with organoclay content of the thermomechanical properties, morphology, and optical transparency of the hybrids were examined for concentrations from 0 to 1.0 wt %. For low clay contents (≤ 0.5 wt %), the clay particles are better dispersed in the matrix polymer, without the formation of large agglomerates of particles, than they are for high clay contents. However, agglomerated structures form and become denser in the PI matrix for clay contents ≥ 0.75 wt %. This is in agreement with the observed trends in the thermomechanical properties and the optical transparency, which worsen drastically when the clay content of the C12PPh‐Mica/PI hybrids reaches 0.75 wt %. However, when the amount of organoclay in the hybrid is 0.75 wt %, the initial modulus of the hybrid film is at its maximum value. The PI hybrid films were found to exhibit excellent optical transparencies and to be almost colorless. It was found, however, that the transparency decreases slightly with increases in the organoclay content because of agglomeration of the clay particles. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Restraining the associations of anthracene fluorophore by chemically linking to poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Su Fu‐Kun , Hong Jin‐Long , Lin Lieh‐Li
Published: September 2007

Associations (dimer or aggregate) of anthracene (An) fluorophores tend to interrupt the monomer emission and reduce the quantum yield (ΦPL); therefore, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chain was used in this study to chemically link to anthracene and to block the mutual associations among the anthracene fluorophores. With this aim, the target polymers were prepared by anionic polymerizations with 9,10‐dibromoanthracene/s‐butyllithium as initiating system to proceed polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) directly or in the presence of 1,1‐diphenylethylene (DPE). Use of DPE before addition of MMA produces stable initiating anionic species and avoids potential side reactions during polymerization; however, it also introduces four β‐phenylene rings around the central anthracene ring, which interfere with the corresponding emission pattern and reduce the ΦPL (32%) value due to potential interactions between phenylene rings and anthracene. On the contrast, polymerization without participation of DPE results in polymer with central anthracene ring directly connected to two PMMA chains, which gives clean vibronic emission pattern with limited association emissions and enhanced ΦPL (52%) value. Physical blending of anthracene by PMMA is less efficient to restrain the associations and results in a film of lower ΦPL (20%). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Amphiphilic styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer grafted with polyoxyethylene
Authors: Xie Hong‐Quan , Zhao Wei , Xie Dong
Published: September 2007

A styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer (SBS) was grafted with polyoxyethylene via a ring‐opening reaction of an epoxidized styrene–butadiene– styrene triblock copolymer (ESBS) with monocarboxylic‐group‐terminated methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (CMPEG). The latter was prepared through the esterification of methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) with maleic anhydride. The optimum conditions for the preparation of the graft copolymer were studied. The graft copolymer was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. Its water absorbency, oil absorbency, emulsifying property, phase‐transfer catalysis property in the Williamson solid–liquid reaction, and use as a compatibilizer in the blending of SBS with oil‐resistant chlorohydrin rubber (CHR) were also studied. The optimum conditions were a CMPEG/epoxy group molar ratio of 1.5, an N,N‐dimethyl aniline/ESBS concentration of 5 wt %, and an ESBS concentration of 12–14 g/100 mL at 75–80°C for 10 h. The polyoxyethylene content could reach 0.27 mmol/g. The graft copolymer absorbed a certain amount of water, fairly resisted kerosene, and possessed good emulsifying and phase‐transfer catalysis properties, both of which were enhanced with increasing polyoxyethylene graft content. The graft copolymer could be used as a compatibilizer for a blend of SBS and CHR. A 3 wt % concentration of the graft copolymer based on a 50/50 blend could increase both the tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the blend about 1.7 times. The blend behaved like an oil‐resistant thermoplastic elastomer. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the improved compatibility of the two components by the graft copolymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Processability modifications of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) by plasticizing, blending, and stabilizing
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhu Wenfu , Wang Xiaojuan , Chen Xianyu , Chen Guo‐Qiang , Xu Kaitian
Published: September 2007

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was plasticized with dioctyl (o‐)phthalate, dioctyl sebacate, and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC). The thermal properties, mechanical properties, and melt flow ability were studied with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, a universal material testing machine, and a melt flow indexer. ATBC was revealed to be an efficient plasticizer, reducing the glass‐transition temperature and increasing the thermoplasticization ability of PHB. We also blended poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(3/4HB)] with PHB, ATBC, and antioxidant 1010 to overcome the brittleness of PHB and improve the melt flow stability of the materials. PHBHHx did little to improve the thermal processing but increased the fluidity of PHB, and P(3/4HB) toned the toughness of PHB. The addition of antioxidant 1010 enhanced the thermal stabilization of PHB. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Evaluation of the light polymerization efficiency of copolymers used in dental formulations by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Rigoli Isabel C. , Riga Alan T. , Cavalheiro Carla C. S. , Neumann Miguel G. , Cavalheiro Éder T. G.
Published: September 2007

Different compositions of visible‐light‐curable triethylene glycol dimethacrylate/bisglycidyl methacrylate copolymers used in dental resin formulations were prepared through copolymerization photoinitiated by a camphorquinone/ethyl 4‐dimethylaminobenzoate system irradiated with an Ultrablue IS light‐emitting diode. The obtained copolymers were evaluated with differential scanning calorimetry. From the data for the heat of polymerization, before and after light exposure, obtained from exothermic differential scanning calorimetry curves, the light polymerization efficiency or degree of conversion of double bonds was calculated. The glass‐transition temperature also was determined before and after photopolymerization. After the photopolymerization, the glass‐transition temperature was not well defined because of the breadth of the transition region associated with the properties of the photocured dimethacrylate. The glass‐transition temperature after photopolymerization was determined experimentally and compared with the values determined with the Fox equation. In all mixtures, the experimental value was lower than the calculated value. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphological differences in the prepared copolymer structures. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Utilization of bowstring hemp fiber as a filler in natural rubber compounds
Authors: Osabohien E. , Egboh S. H. O.
Published: September 2007

The cure characteristics and physicomechanical properties of natural rubber (standard Nigerian rubber) vulcanizates filled with the fiber of bowstring hemp (Sansevieria liberica) and carbon black were investigated. The results showed that the scorch and cure times decreased, whereas the maximum torques increased, with increasing filler loadings for both bowstring hemp fiber and carbon black filled vulcanizates. The tensile strength of both bowstring hemp fiber and carbon black filled vulcanizates increased to a maximum at a 40 phr filler concentration before decreasing. The elongation at break and rebound resilience decreased, whereas the modulus, specific gravity, abrasion resistance, and hardness increased, with increasing filler contents. The carbon black/natural rubber vulcanizates had higher tensile strength, which was about 1.5 times that of bowstring hemp fiber/natural rubber vulcanizates. This superiority in the tensile strength was probably due to the higher moisture content and larger particle size of the bowstring hemp fiber. However, the bowstring hemp fiber/natural rubber vulcanizates showed superior hardness. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Water‐borne melamine–formaldehyde‐cured epoxy–acrylate corrosion resistant coatings
Authors: Zafar Sarvat , Riaz Uffana , Ahmad Sharif
Published: September 2007

Organic protective coatings are widely used in corrosion control. However, environmental standards establish that the volatile organic compounds either must be removed or controlled at the lowest possible levels. The carcinogenic environmental impact of volatile organic compounds has led to the substitution of solvent‐borne coatings by water‐borne coating systems. Among recently developed water‐borne coatings, epoxy‐ and acrylic‐based coatings have a special significance over other reported water‐borne systems. Keeping in mind, the importance of water‐borne coatings in the present work, we report the synthesis of water‐borne epoxy–acrylate (EpAc) and melamine–formaldehyde (MF) as well as formulation of their anticorrosive coatings. The structural elucidation of MF‐cured EpAc was carried out by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The coatings of EpAc‐MF were applied on mild steel strips and were evaluated for physicochemical, physicomechanical characterization, and the anticorrosive performance under different environmental conditions. The present coating system EpAc coatings exhibited superior performance as compared to the reported water‐borne epoxy–acrylatecoatings. The presence of melamine–formaldehyde in the resin increases the scratch hardness, impact resistance, alkali resistance, and thermal stability of these coatings. EpAc‐MF‐1 was found to cure at ambient temperature and exhibit good physicomechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Claudin‐7 Expressed on Lateral Membrane of Rat Epididymal Epithelium does not Form Aberrant Tight Junction Strands
Authors: Inai Tetsuichiro , Sengoku Akihito , Hirose Eiji , Iida Hiroshi , Shibata Yosaburo
Published: September 2007

Claudins are integral membrane proteins at tight junctions (TJs) and form TJ strands. In the present study, we found that claudin‐7 was localized along the entire lateral membranes of epididymal epithelium, including the apical junctional region throughout the epididymis, but claudin‐8 was restricted to the apical junctional region. This finding raises the possibility that aberrant TJ strands may be formed on lateral membranes. Thus, we focused on examining whether TJ strands exist on lateral membranes of epididymal epithelium. Freeze‐fracture electron microscopy showed that aberrant TJ strands were observed in only a few principal cells in all segments of the epididymis except for the initial segment, indicating that the occurrence of aberrant strands is very rare. Aberrant TJ strands were smooth and not subdivided into individual particles in the protoplasmic face, and complementary grooves in the extracellular face were almost free of particles. Aberrant TJ strands in the distal caput and corpus epididymis were accompanied by many vesicle‐like structures but those in the proximal caput and cauda epididymis were not. These results suggest that most of claudin‐7 in lateral membranes may exist in a nonpolymerized form and may play some different roles other than the formation of TJ strands, for example, in the formation of a pool of claudin proteins or in the reinforcement of cell adhesion. Anat Rec, 1431‐1438, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of spacing and titles on judgments of the effectiveness of structured abstracts
Authors: Hartley James , Betts Lucy
Published: September 2007

Previous research assessing the effectiveness of structured abstracts has been limited in two respects. First, when comparing structured abstracts with traditional ones, investigators usually have rewritten the original abstracts, and thus confounded changes in the layout with changes in both the wording and the content of the text. Second, investigators have not always included the title of the article together with the abstract when asking participants to judge the quality of the abstracts, yet titles alert readers to the meaning of the materials that follow. The aim of this research was to redress these limitations. Three studies were carried out. Four versions of each of four abstracts were prepared. These versions consisted of structured/traditional abstracts matched in content, with and without titles. In Study 1, 64 undergraduates each rated one of these abstracts on six separate rating scales. In Study 2, 225 academics and research workers rated the abstracts electronically, and in Study 3, 252 information scientists did likewise. In Studies 1 and 3, the respondents rated the structured abstracts significantly more favorably than they did the traditional ones, but the presence or absence of titles had no effect on their judgments. In Study 2, no main effects were observed for structure or for titles. The layout of the text, together with the subheadings, contributed to the higher ratings of effectiveness for structured abstracts, but the presence or absence of titles had no clear effects in these experimental studies. It is likely that this spatial organization, together with the greater amount of information normally provided in structured abstracts, explains why structured abstracts are generally judged to be superior to traditional ones.
Developmental toxicity and uterotrophic studies with di‐2‐ethylhexyl terephthalate
Authors: Faber Willem D. , Deyo James A. , Stump Donald G. , Navarro Lisa , Ruble Karen , Knapp John
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: These studies were conducted to evaluate the potential adverse effects of di‐2‐ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT) exposure on in utero development in mice and rats. In addition, a uterotrophic assay for estrogenic activity was conducted in sexually immature rats. METHODS: In the developmental toxicity studies, diet containing DEHT was fed to four groups of mated female Crl:CD(SD)IGS BR rats (25/group) from gestation day (GD) 0–20 or Crl:CD1(ICR) mice (25/group) from GD 0–18. Concentrations within the feed were 0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.0% for the rats and 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.7% for the mice. Laparohysterectomies were carried out on the last day of exposure and the numbers of fetuses, early and late resorptions, total implantations, and corpora lutea were recorded. The fetuses were weighed, sexed, and examined for external, visceral and skeletal malformations, and developmental variations. The dose rate from dietary DEHT exposure was 0, 226, 458, and 747 mg/kg/day in the rats and 197, 592, and 1382 mg/kg/day in the mice for the control, low, mid, and high‐exposure groups, respectively. RESULTS: DEHT exposure did not affect clinical observations. A slight reduction in body weight gain was noted in the high‐dose level rat group; the remaining groups were unaffected. At necropsy, increased liver weights were noted in the high‐dose rat group and the mid‐ and high‐dose mouse groups. Mean numbers of implantation sites and viable fetuses, mean fetal weights, and mean litter proportions of preimplantation loss, early resorptions, late resorptions, and fetal sex ratios were unaffected by DEHT exposures. No test article‐related malformations or variations were observed at any concentration level in the rat and mouse developmental toxicity studies. In the uterotrophic assay for estrogenic activity, sexually immature female rats received oral gavage doses 20, 200, or 2000 mg DEHT/kg bw/day from postnatal day (PND) 19–21. A slight reduction in rate of body weight gain was noted on the first day of dosing in the high dose group, but no other indications of toxicity were evident. DEHT exposure did not affect wet or blotted uterine weight parameters in any of these dose groups. The NOEL for developmental toxicity in rats was 747 mg/kg/day and 1382 mg/kg/day in mice. The NOEL for estrogenic activity was 2000 mg/kg/day. The NOEL for maternal toxicity was 458 mg/kg/day in rats and 197 mg/kg/day in mice. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of adverse developmental effects with DEHT exposure are in contrast to the adverse developmental effects noted after di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) exposure. The difference between the effects noted with the ortho‐constituent (DEHP) and the lack of effects reported with the para‐constituent (DEHT) is due most likely to differences in metabolism and the formation of the stable monoester, mono‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) from the DEHP moiety. Birth Defects Res (Part B). © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity of short segments of Type I antifreeze protein
Authors: Kun Hagit , Mastai Yitzhak
Published: September 2007

In this work, we present a study on the antifreeze activity of short segments of a Type I antifreeze protein, instead of the whole protein. This approach simplifies the correlation between antifreeze protein characteristics, such as hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, and the effect of these characteristics on the antifreeze mechanism. Three short polypeptides of Type I AFP have been synthesized. Their antifreeze activity and interactions with water and ice crystals have been analyzed by various techniques such as circular dichroism spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and osmometry. It is shown that one short segment of Type I AFP has an antifreeze activity of about 60% of the native protein activity. In this work, we demonstrate that short segments of Type I AFPs possess nonzero thermal hysteresis and result in modifications in the growth habits and growth rates of ice. This approach enables the preparation of large quantities of short AFP segments at low cost with high antifreeze activity, and opens the possibility of developing the commercial potential of AFPs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 807–814, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Back to the future: Ribonuclease A
Authors: Marshall Garland R. , Feng Jiawen A. , Kuster Daniel J.
Published: September 2007

Pancreatic ribonuclease A (EC 3.1.27.5, RNase) is, perhaps, the best‐studied enzyme of the 20th century. It was isolated by René Dubos, crystallized by Moses Kunitz, sequenced by Stanford Moore and William Stein, and synthesized in the laboratory of Bruce Merrifield, all at the Rockefeller Institute/University. It has proven to be an excellent model system for many different types of experiments, both as an enzyme and as a well‐characterized protein for biophysical studies. Of major significance was the demonstration by Chris Anfinsen at NIH that the primary sequence of RNase encoded the three‐dimensional structure of the enzyme. Many other prominent protein chemists/enzymologists have utilized RNase as a dominant theme in their research. In this review, the history of RNase and its offspring, RNase S (S‐protein/S‐peptide), will be considered, especially the work in the Merrifield group, as a preface to preliminary data and proposed experiments addressing topics of current interest. These include entropy–enthalpy compensation, entropy of ligand binding, the impact of protein modification on thermal stability, and the role of protein dynamics in enzyme action. In continuing to use RNase as a prototypical enzyme, we stand on the shoulders of the giants of protein chemistry to survey the future. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 259–277, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Cardiac risk in non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Schouten O , Poldermans D
Published: September 2007

Beta blocker, statin and aspirin advocated
Real‐time rendering of sky scene considering scattering and refraction
Authors: Wang Changbo , Wang Zhangye , Peng Qunsheng
Published: September 2007

Realistic rendering of sky scene is important in game development and virtual reality. Traditional methods did not consider both the affect of atmospheric scattering and refraction, thus failing to realistically simulate the change of shape, color, and light ring of sky scene. In this paper, a new sky light model considering atmospheric scattering and refraction is proposed. We first calculate the refractional track of light through the atmosphere according to the refraction index. Then we adopt the scattered volume model to simplify the calculation of scattering light intensity. By adapting a path tracing algorithm considering refraction, the intensity distribution of sky light is calculated. Finally, various sky scenes in sunny day, foggy day, and that with rainbow and mirage under different conditions are realistically rendered in real time. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lessons learned from a dual‐enrollment partnership
Authors: Farrell Patricia L. , Seifert Kim Allan
Published: September 2007

This chapter presents lessons learned from a community college in Arizona in implementing dual‐enrollment partnership programs.
A partnership in flux: The demise of a program
Authors: Reed Gay Garland , Cooper Joanne E. , Young Llewellyn
Published: September 2007

This chapter explores issues surrounding the demise of the Interdisciplinary Master's in Education (IMED) program, which was delivered on the neighbor islands in the state of Hawai'i. The innovative program brought educational opportunities to remote areas of the state and was a partnership between the main campus in Honolulu and several community colleges.
Strategies for the future
Authors: Ozaki C. Casey , Amey Marilyn J. , Watson Jesse S.
Published: September 2007

This chapter revisits the partnerships described in this volume using the model outlined in Chapter One and introducing social and organizational capital as a largely ignored factor in the development and sustainability of partnerships.