bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemically Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan , Burghard Marko
Published: December 2004

Since their discovery, carbon nanotubes have attracted the attention of many a scientist around the world. This extraordinary interest stems from their outstanding structural, mechanical, and electronic properties. In fact, apart from being the best and most easily available one‐dimensional (1D) model system, carbon nanotubes show strong application potential in electronics, scanning probe microscopy, chemical and biological sensing, reinforced composite materials, and in many more areas. While some of the proposed applications remain still a far‐off dream, others are close to technical realization. Recent advances in the development of reliable methods for the chemical functionalization of the nanotubes provide an additional impetus towards extending the scope of their application spectrum. In particular, covalent modification schemes allow persistent alteration of the electronic properties of the tubes, as well as to chemically tailor their surface properties, whereby new functions can be implemented that cannot otherwise be acquired by pristine nanotubes.
Lead chemicals—compliance with environmental regulations
Authors: Hurley Daniel W.
Published: December 2004

Early recognition of certain hazards in the manufacture and use of lead chemicals resulted in industry programs to monitor and protect the worker. Unlike many other chemicals where problems have been identified only recently, experience has provided a good base for meeting the new, more stringent regulations affecting lead chemicals. Current, scheduled, and proposed OSHA and EPA regulations will be summarized, and engineering, product physical form and packaging solutions will be discussed. Problems to be addressed will include handling of raw materials and finished products during lead stabilizer manufacture, shipment and handling and use in plastic compounding and processing plants. Options currently available, technologies under development, and factors affecting option selection will be reviewed. Long‐term experience with lead chemicals supports the optimism regarding the feasibility of compliance.
Innovative products and techniques for minimizing exposure to cadmium during compounding and processing of PVC
Authors: Jennings Thomas C.
Published: December 2004

This article will deal with three distinct approaches to minimizing cadmium exposure. In the first approach, the pros and cons of eliminating cadmium completely will be discussed. In the second approach, the formulation of cadmium stabilizers in unique physical forms to reduce exposure will be discussed. Lastly, engineering aids to reduce the exposure to state‐of‐the‐art cadmium‐containing products will be discussed.
Effects of processing conditions and aging on the fracture toughness of rigid PVC pipe materials
Authors: Mandell J. F. , Darwish A. Y. , McGarry F. J.
Published: December 2004

Results for given for the fracture toughness of rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe materials over a range of test temperatures as a function of extrusion temperature. The fracture toughness is shown to be reduced as the extrusion temperature is reduced below standard conditions. The transition temperature for valid fracture toughness tests is increased by reducing the extrusion temperature. The results of a fractographic analysis are also presented, including quantitative data for the extent of drawn, fibrillated material at the crack tip. Although annealing above Tg reduces the fracture toughness relative to as‐received pipes, no significant effect of controlled physical aging could be identified.
Rigid PVC lubricants—an empirical viewpoint
Authors: Ditto Paul E.
Published: December 2004

Field observations of lubricant type and level control are presented with the intent of promoting laboratory routes to developing better rigid formulations. Calcium stearate is identified as a gelation promoter. PE wax is described as a very effective gelation retarder. POPE is an effective slip agent, ineffective retarder, and slight promoter. It is obvious that more understanding of the functions of lubricants is needed to permit on‐line formulation adjustment.
The effects of various levels of calcium carbonate upon certain physical properties of flexible PVC
Authors: Pederson J. A. , Irvine J. L.
Published: December 2004

The effect of various levels of calcium‐carbonate filler on the physical properties of flexible PVC ranges from no effect on volume resistivity to a dramatic effect on processability. The effects are dependent upon the mean particle size and coating of the filler. Processors need to recognize the quantitative relationship between levels of calcium carbonate in flexible PVC and the resin's physical properties.
Conductive PVC composites: Part 1. Physical and electrical properties
Authors: Kleiner L. W. , Pazur A. S.
Published: December 2004

Conductive‐plastic enclosures, to compete successfully in the electronics industry, must be easily and rapidly moldable into a low‐cost, lightweight, structurally sound, flame‐retardant, and electrically‐conductive rigid part. Such a material must combine the design flexibility and moldability of a plastic with the EMI shielding properties approaching those of a metal. PVC filled with aluminum flake makes an excellent conductive composite, provided it is correctly formulated and processed. A critical concentration of metallic filler must be used; it is a function of the plastic formulation; the uniformity of the filler's dispersion; the filler type, size, and morphology; and the method by which it was compounded into the resin.
Conductive PVC composites: Part 2. Processing performance
Authors: Pazur A. S. , Kleiner Lothar W.
Published: December 2004

PVC‐based plastics have a good record for injection‐molding processability, early deficiencies having been corrected with additives. Because metallic flakes have unusual aspect ratios compared with conventional fillers, it has been necessary to determine the general effects of flake on injection molding. Specific objectives of the investigation were to verify processing latitude, set guidelines for optimum processing, determine the effects of processing on physical and electrical properties, and look for unusual effects due to filler configuration. Flow properties of the PVC composite were shown to be adequate for the majority of applications, and mold‐filling ability of the PVC composite was found equal to that of flame‐retarded polycarbonate and close to that of flame‐retarded ABS.
Dynamic modelling of the continuous emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride
Authors: Penlidis A. , Hamielec A. E. , Macgregor J. F.
Published: December 2004

A dynamic model for the continuous emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride (VCM) in a train of stirred tank reactors has been developed. This model can predict monomer conversion, polymer particle size distribution (PSD), molecular weight distribution and long and short chain branching frequencies under non‐steady reactor operation during startup, reactor switching and during unstable operation when conversion and polymer and polymer particle properties oscillate with time. The model has been used to design a flexible reactor train configuration which operates in a stable mode and can produce latexes with a wide range of properties including a bimodal polymer particle size distribution.
Interaction between polyvinylchloride resins and di‐2‐ethylhexylphthalate
Authors: Crose G. P. , Glatti F. , Pippa R. , Vidotto G.
Published: December 2004

The interaction of two polyvinylchloride (PVC) resins, having different morphology, with di‐2‐ethylhexylphthalate plasticizer has been studied in a Brabender plastograph. Isothermal interaction occurring as a function of time, has been followed by recording the mixing resistance (torque) and determining, by means of a differential calorimeter, the fraction of the plasticizer free and interacted with the resin, on samples drawn out of the Brabender cell at different times. The interaction between PVC resins and di‐2‐ethylhexylphthalate X plasticizer in the temperature range of 63.7 to 74.3°C and with resin/plasticizer ratios varying from 1.11 to 3.33, has been determined to be:

described formally by the first order kinetic law as it concerns the resin interacted as a function of time;

dependent, as far as speed is concerned, on the morphology of resins namely on the specific surface area of the resin and depending whether or not there is a skin on the surface of the particles;

independent of the resin/plasticizer ratio, at least in the examined range of ratios;

affected by temperature according to an activation energy of 73 Kcal/mole for both the examined resins.

The mixing torque recorded during the interaction kinetics of the plasticizer with the resins, has been found to be mainly affected by the outer surface state of the resin particles, namely by the concentration (which varies with the time) of the plasticizer in the surface layer of the particles.

Systems constituted by PVC resins and di‐2‐ethylhexylphthalate, with the same resin/plasticizer ratio, interacting at different temperatures, show mixing torques coincident when plotted versus the concentration of the plasticizer in the surface layer of the particles.
Interaction of plasticizers with PVC: Phase behavior and thermomechanical properties of plasticized PVC
Authors: Boo Hwee‐Khim , Shaw Montgomery T.
Published: December 2004

The hypothesis that plasticizer phase separation broadens glass transition temperatures when the temperature of a PVC/plasticizer formulation is raised was tested using dynamic mechanical analysis and NMR. NMR is a reasonable tool for detecting the phases. Phase separation in the vicinity of Tg is an explanation for the broadening of the transition region. But a variety of behavior is possible depending on the details of the measurement of Tg and on the thermal history of the sample. Phase separation broadening is in addition to the broadening caused by changes in the dimensionality of the damped Debye lattice described by Tobolsky.
The analysis of hydrogen chloride as a combustion product using a gas filter correlation analyzer
Authors: Smith Gregory F.
Published: December 2004

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a very difficult gas to measure, and its measurement is usually done by a batch procedure. The utility of a gas filter correlation analyzer (GFCA) for analysis of HCl as a combustion product in the cone calorimeter has been evaluated. The GFCA analyzer is a continuous on‐line method. Optimum components and operating conditions for the sample transfer line from the cone calorimeter to the GFCA were determined in experiments where constant boiling hydrochloric acid (HCl) was used. The sample transfer line should be designed to prevent water vapor condensation in the transfer line or in the measurement cell of the GFCA. HCl will condense into any condensed water resulting in analytical losses. To avoid this, the sample transfer line should be constructed out of PTFE and include a dryer. Also, any segment of the sample transfer line ahead of the dryer should be heat wrapped and maintained above the boiling point of water. The GFCA analyzer was also evaluated in the cone calorimeter with PVC combustion products. For combustion products, 20 to 30% losses of HCl occurred in the sample transfer line. These were a constant amount of 34 ppm of HCl in the constant boiling acid experiments and 53 ppm in the combustion experiments. A mathematical model relating the response of the GFCA to the concentration of HCl in the duct of the cone calorimeter was developed. Important factors are the delay time in the sample transfer line, the losses in the sample transfer line, and mixing in the detection cell, By integrating the GFCA concentration‐time profile and correcting for the losses in the sample transfer line the total yield of HCl can be accurately measured. The GFCA analyzer is an on‐line method, gives fast and accurate results, and is highly useful for the measurement of HCl as a combustion product.
Moisture absorption by PVC plastisol components
Authors: Marshall Richard A.
Published: December 2004

Moisture can be absorbed from the air by PVC plastisols and by the fused product. Water in plastisols can contribute to defects in films, sheet goods and foam products, usually in the form of depressions or craters. Water absorbed by thermoformable foam PVC sheets can result in defects in the molded product, often appearing as wrinkles. Correlation between the sum of the water absorbed by individual PVC plastisol components and the water absorbed by a fused thermoformable foam sheet suggests that moisture sensitivity of the product can be minimized by selecting plasticizers and PVC resins having low moisture absorption.
TPE and subambient behaviors of flexible PVC
Authors: Woo Lecon , Ling Michael T. K.
Published: December 2004

An experimental investigation was undertaken on the thermoplastic elastomer and subambient behaviors of flexible PVC. From cyclic mechanical testing, it was determined that adequate TPE performance can be obtained, especially at low frequencies. Combined with rheology data, a model consistent with crystallite tie points was reaffirmed. The subambient impact toughness was found to be a sigmoidal function of temperature. Very encouraging agreements were obtained between impact toughness and prediction on dissipations based on dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
Cofactor fingerprinting with STD NMR to characterize proteins of unknown function: identification of a rare cCMP cofactor preference
Authors: Yao Huili , Sem Daniel S.
Published: December 2004

Proteomics efforts have created a need for better strategies to functionally categorize newly discovered proteins. To this end, we have employed saturation transfer difference NMR with pools of closely related cofactors, to determine cofactor preferences. This approach works well for dehydrogenases and has also been applied to cyclic nucleotide‐binding proteins. In the latter application, a protein (radial spoke protein‐2, RSP2) that plays a central role in forming the radial spoke of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii flagella was shown to bind cCMP. cCMP‐binding proteins are rare, although previous reports of their presence in sperm and flagella suggest that cCMP may have a more general role in flagellar function. 31P NMR was used to monitor the preferential hydrolysis of ATP versus GTP, suggesting that RSP2 is a kinase.
THE PHOTON COLLIDER AT TESLA
Authors: BADELEK B. , BLÖCHINGER C. , BLÜMLEIN J. , BOOS E. , BRINKMANN R. , BURKHARDT H. , BUSSEY P. , CARIMALO C. , CHYLA J. , ÇIFTÇI A. K. , DECKING W. , DE ROECK A. , FADIN V. , FERRARIO M. , FINCH A. , FRAAS H. , FRANKE F. , GALYNSKII M. , GAMP A. , GINZBURG I. , GODBOLE R. , GORBUNOV D. S. , GOUNARIS G. , HAGIWARA K. , HAN L. , HEUER R.-D. , HEUSCH C. , ILLANA J. , ILYIN V. , JANKOWSKI P. , JIANG Y. , JIKIA G. , JÖNSSON L. , KALACHNIKOW M. , KAPUSTA F. , KLANNER R. , KLASSEN M. , KOBAYASHI K. , KON T. , KOTKIN G. , KRÄMER M. , KRAWCZYK M. , KUANG Y. P. , KURAEV E. , KWIECINSKI J. , LEENEN M. , LEVCHUK M. , MA W. F. , MARTYN H. , MAYER T. , MELLES M. , MILLER D. J. , MTINGWA S. , MÜHLLEITNER M. , MURYN B. , NICKLES P. V. , ORAVA R. , PANCHERI G. , PENIN A. , POTYLITSYN A. , POULOSE P. , QUAST T. , RAIMONDI P. , REDLIN H. , RICHARD F. , RINDANI S. D. , RIZZO T. , SALDIN E. , SANDNER W. , SCHÖNNAGEL H. , SCHNEIDMILLER E. , SCHREIBER H. J. , SCHREIBER S. , SCHÜLER K. P. , SERBO V. , SERYI A. , SHANIDZE R. , DA SILVA W. , SÖLDNER-REMBOLD S. , SPIRA M. , STASTO A. M. , SULTANSOY S. , TAKAHASHI T. , TELNOV V. , TKABLADZE A. , TRINES D. , UNDRUS A. , WAGNER A. , WALKER N. , WATANABE I. , WENGLER T. , WILL I. , WIPF S. , YAVAŞ Ö. , YOKOYA K. , YURKOV M. , ZARNECKI A. F. , ZERWAS P. , ZOMER F.
Published: December 2004

High energy photon colliders (γγ,γe) are based on e-e-linear colliders where high energy photons are produced using Compton scattering of laser light on high energy electrons just before the interaction point. This paper is a part of the Technical Design Report of the linear collider TESLA.1Physics program, possible parameters and some technical aspects of the photon collider at TESLA are discussed.
HOPF-ALGEBRA DESCRIPTION OF NONCOMMUTATIVE-SPACE–TIME SYMMETRIES
Authors: AGOSTINI ALESSANDRA , AMELINO-CAMELIA GIOVANNI , D'ANDREA FRANCESCO
Published: December 2004

In the study of certain noncommutative versions of Minkowski space–time a lot remains to be understood for a satisfactory characterization of their symmetries. Adopting as our case study the κ-Minkowski noncommutative space–time, on which a large literature is already available, we propose a line of analysis of noncommutative-space–time symmetries that relies on the introduction of a Weyl map (connecting a given function in the noncommutative Minkowski with a corresponding function in commutative Minkowski). We provide new elements in favor of the expectation that the commutative-space–time notion of Lie-algebra symmetries must be replaced, in the noncommutative-space–time context, by the one of Hopf-algebra symmetries. While previous studies appeared to establish a rather large ambiguity in the description of the Hopf-algebra symmetries of κ-Minkowski, the approach here adopted reduces the ambiguity to the description of the translation generators, and our results, independently of this ambiguity, are sufficient to clarify that some recent studies which argued for an operational indistinguishability between theories with and without a length-scale relativistic invariant, implicitly assumed that the underlying space–time would be classical. Moreover, while usually one describes theories in κ-Minkowski directly at the level of equations of motion, we explore the nature of Hopf-algebra symmetry transformations on an action.
TECHNIQUE FOR VERY HIGH ORDER NONLINEAR SIMULATION AND VALIDATION
Authors: DYSON RODGER W.
Published: December 2004

Finding the sources of sound in large nonlinear fields via direct simulation currently requires excessive computational cost. This paper describes a simple technique for efficiently solving the multidimensional nonlinear Euler equations that significantly reduces this cost and demonstrates a useful approach for validating high order nonlinear methods. Up to 15th order accuracy in space and time methods were compared and it is shown that an algorithm with a fixed design accuracy approaches its maximal utility and then its usefulness exponentially decays unless higher accuracy is used. It is concluded that at least a 7th order method is required to efficiently propagate a harmonic wave using the nonlinear Euler equations to a distance of five wavelengths while maintaining an overall error tolerance that is low enough to capture both the mean flow and the acoustics.
PROPAGATION OF PRESSURE WAVES INSIDE A FLUID CHANNEL WITH AN IRREGULAR FLOOR
Authors: BRANCO FERNANDO J. F. G. , GODINHO LUÍS M. C. , TADEU ANTÓNIO J. B.
Published: December 2004

The BEM has been used to compute the variations in the pressure field caused when a dilatational point load is placed inside a confined fluid channel. The channel was assumed to be filled with a homogeneous fluid and the presence of irregularities in its floor was considered. The width of the channel was fixed, and the influence of the walls was analyzed. This paper extends previous work by the authors1,2 in which the fluid channel was considered to have infinite width. The Green's functions are defined in the frequency domain. They are obtained by superposing virtual acoustic sources, combined so as to generate the boundary conditions of both the free surface of the channel and the rigid surfaces of the floor and side walls. The responses in the time domain are obtained by means of Fourier transforms, making use of complex frequencies. The main features and spectral representation of the signals scattered by irregular floors are then described and used to elucidate some important aspects of wave acoustics, which may provide the basis for the development of non-destructive testing and imaging methods.
MODE AND WAVENUMBER INVERSION IN SHALLOW WATER USING AN ADJOINT METHOD
Authors: CHARPENTIER ISABELLE , ROUX PHILIPPE
Published: December 2004

Modes and wavenumbers are the principal ingredients that characterize the pressure field in an oceanic waveguide. However, wavenumber and mode inversions are well-known to be a difficult task in underwater acoustics. Moreover, this double inversion has never been performed simultaneously from the same configuration of emitters and receivers. We present a new approach to this problem in a shallow water environment between two vertical arrays of sources and receivers. Starting from a classical modal decomposition of the pressure field, our algorithm focuses on a specific treatment of phase and amplitude variables. The key idea is to run a three-stage optimization by working separately on the phase and amplitude of the acoustic field. The high number of variables of the problem is turned into an advantage by using an adjoint code generated by an Automatic Differentiation software. Numerical results in the presence of noise show that modes and wavenumbers are estimated with a high accuracy.
SURFACE FABRICATION OF BIOTINYLATED POLYPEPTIDE MULTI-LAYER DESIGNED FOR SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE SENSING
Authors: JEONG JAE HYUN , KIM BYOUNG YUN , CHO SUNG HO , KIM JONG-DUK
Published: December 2004

The novel modification of gold surfaces with a biotinylated polypeptide multilayer formed by nonspecific electrostatic adsorption was designed for the SPR sensing platform. The multilayer of polypeptides (poly-L-lysine and poly(aspartic acid)) was prepared onto a negatively charged self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) on gold film. The polypeptide multilayer was functionalized with biotin by directly grafting to poly(succinimide) (PSI). The specific binding of avidin to the biotinylated polypeptide multilayer (DS 2.7%) resulted in a shift in the refractive index of 0.003±9×10-4 with a surface density of 2.9 ng/mm2. This multilayer surface was found to provide a simple and effective method for the SPR sensing.
FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SPIN SELF-ASSEMBLED PPV/MONTMORILLONITE MULTILAYER THIN FILMS
Authors: KIM TAE-HO , PARK O OK
Published: December 2004

Multilayer nanostructural thin films through a layer-by-layer spin self-assembly method were prepared using poly(p-phenylene vinylene)/montmorillonite. Sodium montmorillonite particles exfoliated into single sheets and cationic PPV precursor and such anionic MMT plates were spin self-assembled by electrostatic attraction. Self-assembled MMT layers blocked the penetration of oxygen and moisture and they reduced the photo-oxidation of the emitting material. Spin self-assembled films showed higher environmental stability and luminescence, and their PL spectra were somewhat different from that of bulk PPV films.
NOVEL BLUE ORGANIC LIGHT-EMITTING MATERIAL
Authors: KIM YUN-HI , KIM HYUNG-SUN , AHN JUN-HWAN , KIM SUNG-HAN , KWON SOON-KI
Published: December 2004

The blue light-emitting material was synthesized. With the non-doped, blue-emitting material in the multilayer device structure, it was possible to achieve the luminous efficiency of 3.38 cd/A at 110 mA/cm2. The EL spectrum of the ITO / CuPc / NPB / BDPSP / Alq 3/ Mg : Ag device showed a narrow emission band with full width at half maximum (FWHM) 70 nm and λ max =448.25 nm . The emitting color of the device showed the highly pure blue emission (x,y)=(0.158, 0.10) for ITO / CuPc / NPB / BDPSP / Alq 3/ Mg : Ag in CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) chromaticity coordinates.
Activation of PI3-kinase/PKB contributes to delay in neutrophil apoptosis after thermal injury
Authors: Hu Zhihong , Sayeed Mohammed M.
Published: December 2004

Neutrophil apoptosis is delayed under trauma and/or sepsis injury conditions. The molecular mechanism for the delay in apoptosis has not been well defined. We investigated whether activation of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/PKB signaling pathway contributes to the delay in neutrophil apoptosis with thermal injury. Rats were subjected to burns (30% total body surface area, 98°C for 10 s), and euthanized 24 h later. Blood neutrophils were isolated with the use of Ficoll gradient centrifugation and cultured for the indicated time periods. Apoptosis was determined using annexin V and PI labeling and flow cytometry. NF-κB activation was examined using gel mobility shift assay and confocal microscopy. Expression levels of inhibitory apoptosis proteins (IAPs), including cellular IAP1 (cIAP1), cIAP2, X-linked IAP (XIAP), and survivin, and Bcl-2 family members such as Bcl-xl and Bad, were determined by Western blot analysis and/or RT-PCR, real-time PCR. The results showed that in culture, the decrease in apoptosis of neutrophils from thermally injured rats was prevented in the presence of PI3-kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY-294002. There was upregulation of PKB and Bad phosphorylation and NF-κB activation in N-formyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine-stimulated neutrophils from thermally injured rats compared with the sham injured group. Increased Bad phosphorylation and NF-κB activation were also attenuated by wortmannin. Bcl-xl expression in neutrophils was upregulated with thermal injury and inhibited in the presence of wortmannin. However, the expression of IAP family members was neither affected by thermal injury nor inhibited by wortmannin. These data suggest that the delay in neutrophil apoptosis with thermal injury is partly caused by activation of PI3-kinase/PKB signaling and NF-κB, which appeared to be related to the increased Bcl-xl expression and phosphorylation of Bad, but not IAP expression.
Activation of p38 MAPKα by extracellular pressure mediates the stimulation of macrophage phagocytosis by pressure
Authors: Shiratsuchi Hiroe , Basson Marc D.
Published: December 2004

We have previously demonstrated that constant 20 mmHg extracellular pressure increases serum-opsonized latex bead phagocytosis by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- differentiated THP-1 macrophages in part by inhibiting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Because p38 MAPK is activated by physical forces in other cells, we hypothesized that modulation of p38 MAPK might also contribute to the stimulation of macrophage phagocytosis by pressure. We studied phagocytosis in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages, primary human monocytes, and human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). p38 MAPK activation was inhibited using SB-203580 or by p38 MAPKα small interfering RNA (siRNA). Pressure increased phagocytosis in primary monocytes and MDM as in THP-1 cells. Increased extracellular pressure for 30 min increased phosphorylated p38 MAPK by 46.4 ± 20.5% in DMSO-treated THP-1 macrophages and by 20.9 ± 9% in primary monocytes ( P < 0.05 each). SB-203580 (20 μM) reduced basal p38 MAPK phosphorylation by 34.7 ± 2.1% in THP-1 macrophages and prevented pressure activation of p38. p38 MAPKα siRNA reduced total p38 MAPK protein by 50–60%. Neither SB-203580 in THP-1 cells and peripheral monocytes nor p38 MAPK siRNA in THP-1 cells affected basal phagocytosis, but each abolished pressure-stimulated phagocytosis. SB-203580 did not affect basal or pressure-reduced FAK activation in THP-1 macrophages, but significantly attenuated the reduction in ERK phosphorylation associated with pressure. p38 MAPKα siRNA reduced total FAK protein by 40–50%, and total ERK by 10–15%, but increased phosphorylated ERK 1.4 ± 0.1-fold. p38 MAPKα siRNA transfection did not affect the inhibition of FAK-Y397 phosphorylation by pressure but prevented inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. Changes in extracellular pressure during infection or inflammation regulate macrophage phagocytosis by a FAK-dependent inverse effect on p38 MAPKα that might subsequently downregulate ERK.
CD14- and Toll-Like Receptor 4-Dependent Regulation of c-Fos, c-Jun and c-Jun Phosphorylation in the Adrenal Gland afterBurn Injury
Authors: Cho Kiho , Crivello Sicily D. , VanHook Tajia G. , Greenhalgh David G.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: Although the pathophysiology of the adrenocortical response after injury has been described, alterations in the molecular profile (e.g. transcription factors) of the adrenal gland itself are not well understood. The regulation of c-Fos, c-Jun, and c-Jun phosphorylation in the adrenal gland after burn injury was investigated in this study. In addition, since burn injury is often associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated sepsis, we examined the involvement of the LPS signaling pathway in the regulation of these transcription factors utilizing CD14 knockout and C3H/HeJ (encoding defective toll-like receptor 4) mice. Methods: Adrenal glands harvested after an 18% total body surface area burn were subjected to RT-PCR and Western blot analyses of c-Jun and c-Fos. Results: There was a rapid induction of c-Jun and c-Fos expression (mRNA and protein), and c-Jun serine phosphorylation. The induction of c-Jun and its phosphorylation after injury was greater in CD14 knockout and C3H/HeJ mice compared to their respective controls. A similar pattern was observed in the c-Fos regulation. Conclusions: These data suggest that c-Fos and c-Jun are activated in the adrenal gland in response to burn injury. In addition, an LPS-mediated signaling pathway may influence the regulation of these transcription factors after injury.
Deregulation of Collagen Metabolism in Human Stomach Cancer
Authors: Guszczyn Tomasz , Sobolewski Krzysztof
Published: December 2004

Objective: The defects of collagen metabolism are responsible for the disorganization of extracellular matrix in stomach cancer. Collagen through interaction with integrin receptors regulates the cellular growth, differentiation, gene expression, prolidase and gelatinase activity and plays an important role in tumorigenesis and invasiveness. Although extracellular metalloproteinases initiate the breakdown of collagen in tissues, the final step of its degradation is mediated by prolidase. Therefore, we decided to compare the degradation of collagen in control tissues to gastric cancer tissues. Methods: We investigated the collagen content (hydroxyproline assay), expressions of β1 integrin, prolidase and gelatinases A and B (Western immunoblot) as well activities of prolidase (colorimetric assay) and gelatinases (zymography) in stomach cancer tissue (n = 10). The results were compared with corresponding data obtained for control tissues (n = 10). Results: No differences in the collagen content were found between the studied tissue samples. However, an increase in free proline pool, enhanced gelatinase expression and elevated gelatinolytic activity were found in the tumor tissue. These phenomena were accompanied by a significant elevation in prolidase activity and an increase in β1 integrin expression in stomach cancer, compared to control tissue. Conclusion: The data presented suggest an enhancement of collagen turnover in stomach cancer. It may be suggested that the increased degradation of collagen by gelatinase in cancer tissue is balanced by an increased biosynthesis of this protein.
Effect of Pregnancy on Intraobserver and Intertechnique Agreement in Intraocular Pressure Measurements
Authors: Akar Yusuf , Yucel Iclal , Akar Munire Erman , Zorlu Gurkan , Ari Eylem Seker
Published: December 2004

Aim: To evaluate the effect of pregnancy on intraobserver and intertechnique agreement for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements. Material and Methods: Right eyes of 88 healthy women who were likely to become pregnant and of 94 healthy age-matched females were included in the study. Complete ocular examinations were performed on each eye. IOP measurements were obtained by Goldmann, Schiötz and non-contact tonometers (NCT) during 3-week exam periods before (within 6 weeks of conception) and during pregnancy (first, second and third trimesters) for pregnant cases, and in similar time intervals for control subjects. In each exam period, three readings with each of three separate tonometers were obtained, at least 1 day apart. Intraobserver and intertechnique agreements for IOP measurements were assessed. Results: The mean visual acuity, keratometry and refractive error of both control and pregnant subjects did not change significantly during the study (all p values >0.01). In late pregnancy, pregnant cases demonstrated significant decreases in IOP measurements obtained with each of the three tonometers, and in intraobserver agreement with Goldmann and Schiötz tonometers (all p values <0.01). Intertechnique agreement of both Goldmann and Schiötz tonometers with NCT decreased significantly in the third trimester. Both intraobserver and intertechnique agreement in IOP measurements of control subjects were not found to change significantly during the study (all p values >0.01). Conclusion: IOP significantly decreased in the third trimester of pregnancy. Perfect intraobserver agreement in IOP readings of pregnant subjects was obtained with NCT. This may suggest that NCT is a viable option for IOP measurements during the follow-up of pregnant patients at risk for glaucoma.
Intraocular Levels of Methotrexate after Oral Low-Dose Treatment in Chronic Uveitis
Authors: Puchta Joachim , Hattenbach Lars-Olof , Baatz Holger
Published: December 2004

Purpose: To determine the intraocular levels of methotrexate in low-dose treatment of noninfectious uveitis. Methods: One day after oral administration, the methotrexate level was measured in the aqueous humor and serum of a patient with noninfectious uveitis, who underwent cataract surgery. A fluorescence polarization immunoassay was used for determination. Results: After oral administration, methotrexate was only measurable in aqueous humor but not in serum. Conclusion: In uveitis, orally administered low-dose methotrexate reaches detectable levels in aqueous humor, even in the absence of detectable levels in serum.
Saving Infected Catheters: Why and How
Authors: Allon Michael
Published: December 2004

Conventional management of dialysis catheter-related bacteremia involves administration of systemic antibiotics, as well as removal of the infected catheter. This approach adds burdensome and expensive procedures, and creates short-term problems for dialysis access. Recent research has shown that bacterial biofilms form routinely in the catheter lumen, and act as the nidus for bacteremic episodes. Instillation of a concentrated antibiotic-anticoagulant solution into the catheter lumen (‘antibiotic lock’) may permit successful treatment of the infection, while salvaging the patient’s catheter. A number of recent studies have reported the success of an antibiotic lock protocol in about two thirds of cases of catheter-related bacteremia. Catheter replacement is only performed in those patients with protocol failures (persistent fever or positive surveillance blood cultures). In conclusion, routine application of an antibiotic lock protocol may reduce substantially the need for routine catheter replacement in hemodialysis patients with catheter-related bacteremia.
Reverse Epidemiology: A Spurious Hypothesis or a Hardcore Reality?
Authors: Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kilpatrick Ryan D. , Kuwae Noriko , Wu Dennis Y.
Published: December 2004

In maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, associations between demographic, clinical and laboratory values and mortality, including cardiovascular death, are significantly different and, in some cases, in the opposite direction of those derived from the general population. This phenomenon, termed ‘reverse epidemiology’, is not limited to MHD patients but is also observed in populations that encompass an estimated 20 million Americans including those with an advanced age, heart failure, malignancies, and AIDS. A significant portion of this reversal may be due to the overwhelming effect of the malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome (MICS). Since two thirds of MHD patients die within 5 years of initiation of dialysis treatment, traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension cannot exert a long-term deleterious impact, and instead, their short-term beneficial effects on MICS provides a survival advantage. In order to improve survival and quality of life in MHD patients, extrapolated ideal norms derived from the general population should be substituted with novel norms obtained from outcome-oriented epidemiologic analyses while accounting for the differential effect of MICS in different case-mix subgroups.
Comparison between the Role of Intraoperative Mitomycin C and Doxorubicin in Preventing the Recurrence of Primary Pterygium
Authors: Sodhi Punita Kumari , Verma Lalit , Pandey Ravindra M. , Ratan Simmi
Published: December 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the role of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) and doxorubicin in preventing the recurrence of primary pterygium. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six patients including 22 males and 34 females in the age range of 22–55 years (mean age 38.1 years ± 10.7) having primary pterygium of progressive type were randomly divided into two groups. The first group of patients was treated with intraoperative MMC (0.02% for 3 min) and in the second group intraoperative doxorubicin (0.02% for 3 min) was used. The patients were regularly followed until 1 year postoperatively for examining visual acuity, wound condition, adverse events and recurrence of pterygium. Results: The mean age of patients of MMC group was 37.4 ± 11.0 years and of doxorubicin group was 38.8 ± 10.8 years (difference statistically not significant). All these patients had pterygium on the medial side of cornea. The side effects experienced by our patients from the use of these agents were conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival necrosis, corneal epithelial defect, subconjunctival hemorrhage, episcleritis, increased pain, foreign body sensation, lacrimation, irritation, diminution of vision and photophobia. Recurrence was seen in 4 patients of MMC group (14.3%) and 3 patients of doxorubicin group (10.7%) (difference statistically not significant; χ2 = 0.16, p = 0.68). The recurrence of pterygium was not associated with age of patients, laterality of eye involved, amount of encroachment of pterygium over cornea, width of pterygium, preoperative complaints and postoperative adverse events. Conclusions: The two antimitotic agents, MMC and doxorubicin, when used intraoperatively along with primary pterygium excision, had a comparable role both in terms of adverse events and prevention of recurrence of pterygium.
The Tau Gene Haplotype H1 Confers a Susceptibility to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Jun , Song Yiqing , Chen Honglei , Fan Dongsheng
Published: December 2004

Background: Polymorphisms in the tau gene may be associated with increased risk for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, most of previous association studies have been underpowered to detect a potentially modest contribution of the tau variants to PD risk. Objective: To clarify the relationship between genetic variation in tau gene and PD risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of all published association studies. We identified 14 independent case-control studies including 2,093 PD cases and 2,258 controls. After excluding two studies contributing to most of between-study heterogeneity, the pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of PD were 1.42 (95% CI, 1.23–1.65) for those with H1/H1 genotype compared with all others and 1.52 (95% CI, 1.12–2.04) for all individuals carrying H1 haplotype versus all others. Based on the data available, the results were not significantly different according to sex, family history of PD, age at onset and dementia status. Conclusions: Our results support the notion that tau gene H1 haplotype may be an important risk factor of PD.
Systematic Review of Early Recurrent Stenosis After Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting
Authors: Gröschel Klaus , Riecker Axel , Schulz Jörg B. , Ernemann Ulrike , Kastrup Andreas
Published: December 2004

Background and Purpose—

Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has emerged as a potential alternative to endarterectomy (CEA) for the treatment of carotid artery disease. Aside from the periprocedural complication rates, the benefits of CAS will be affected by the incidence of recurrent carotid stenosis.

Methods—

We conducted a systematic analysis of all peer-reviewed studies reporting on the rate of restenosis (≥50%) after CAS based on duplex ultrasound or angiography that were published between January 1990 and July 2004. We identified 34 studies that reported on a total of 4185 patients with a follow-up of 3814 arteries over a median of 13 months (range, 6 to 31 months). The ultrasound criteria and the lower thresholds for defining a recurrent stenosis were very heterogeneous.

Results—

The cumulative restenosis rates after 1 and 2 years were ≈6% and 7.5% in those studies, which used a lower restenosis threshold ≥50% to 70% and ≈4% in the first 2 years after CAS in those studies, which used a lower restenosis threshold >70% to 80%.

Conclusions—

In reviewing the current literature, the early restenosis rates after CAS compare well with those reported for CEA. However, this analysis of the peer-reviewed literature also indicates that the early restenosis rates after CAS might be higher than previously suggested in observational surveys. Therefore, an active follow-up of all stented arteries seems to be warranted. Moreover, the bulk of endovascular data are derived from small studies with short follow-up periods so that the long-term durability of CAS still needs to be established in large trials. Ideally, these studies should use a clear and uniform definition of restenosis and identical follow-up schedules.
An Ensemble Study of Wet Season Convection in Southwest Amazonia: Kinematics and Implications for Diabatic Heating
Authors: Cifelli Robert , Carey Lawrence , Petersen Walter A. , Rutledge Steven A.
Published: December 2004

Dual-Doppler radar data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Large Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (TRMM-LBA) field campaign are used to determine characteristic kinematic and reflectivity vertical structures associated with precipitation features observed during the wet season in the southwest region of Amazonia. Case studies of precipitating systems during TRMM-LBA as well as overarching satellite studies have shown large differences in convective intensity associated with changes that develop in low-level easterly flow [east regime (ER)] and westerly flow [west regime (WR)]. This study attempts to examine the vertical kinematic and heating structure of convection across the spectrum of precipitation features that occurred in each regime.

Results show that convection in the ER is characterized by more intense updrafts and larger radar reflectivities above the melting level, in agreement with results from lightning detection networks. These regime differences are consistent with contrasts in composite thermal buoyancy between the regimes: above the boundary layer, the environment in the ER is characterized by a greater virtual temperature excess for near-surface rising parcels. Both regimes showed a peak in intensity during the late afternoon hours, as evidenced by radar reflectivity and kinematic characteristics, consistent with previous studies of rainfall and lightning in the Rondônia (TRMM-LBA) region. After sunset, however, convective intensity in the WR decreases much more abruptly compared to the ER. In the stratiform–weak convective region, the ER showed both reflectivity and kinematic characteristics of classic stratiform structure after sunset through the early morning hours, consistent with the life cycle of mesoscale conjective systems (MCSs). Apparent heating (Q1) profiles were constructed for each regime assuming the vertical advection of dry static energy was the dominant forcing term. The resulting profiles show a peak centered near 8 km in the convective regions of both regimes, although the ER has a broader maximum compared to the WR. The breadth of the ER diabatic heating peak is consistent with the more dominant role of ice processes in ER convection.
School Finance Court Cases and Disparate Racial Impact
Authors: Stiefel Leanna , Schwartz Amy Ellen , Berne Robert , Chellman Colin C.
Published: December 2004

Although analyses of state school finance systems rarely focus on the distribution of funds to students of different races, the advent of racial discrimination as an issue in school finance court cases may change that situation. In this article, we describe the background, analyses, and results of plaintiffs’ testimony regarding racial discrimination in Campaign for Fiscal Equity Inc. v. State of New York. Plaintiffs employed multiple regression and public finance literature to show that New York State’s school finance system had a disparate racial impact on New York City students. We review the legal basis for disparate racial impact claims, with particular emphasis on the role of quantitative statistical work, and then describe the model we developed and estimated for the court case. Finally, we discuss the defendants’rebuttal, the Court’s decision, and conclude with observations about the role of analysis in judicial decision making in school finance.
Cunning Pedagogics: The Encounter between the Jesuit Missionaries and Amerindians in 17th-century New France
Authors: Welton Michael
Published: December 2004

The Jesuit encounter with the Amerindians of the St. Lawrence Valley in 17th-century New France provides us with incalculable insights into the inner workings of the “colonial imagination” that believes the objects of instruction have everything to learn and nothing of value to teach. This article explicates how the Jesuits got to know their learners, how they tried to displace indigenous adult educational leaders and gradually produced Euro-Catholic subjectivities in their learners, and the pedagogical methods and techniques they used to undermine the indigenous belief and action system.
Riding the Bus
Authors: Christian Johnna
Published: December 2004

Geographic separation from family is one consequence of imprisonment. Depending on the state, prisons are often located in remote, rural areas that are far from the urban cores many prisoners come from. Although scholars frequently cite the distance of prison facilities from prisoners’ families’ residences, scant research has addressed whether this is in fact an impediment to visiting or how families who do visit manage this process. It is an exhausting, resource intensive process for a family member to make one visit at a prison. Understanding how families decide how much of their resources to devote to maintaining their relationship with the prisoner is important. Using data collected through ethnographic observation and interviews, this article explores family management of prison visiting as one of the collateral consequences of incarceration.
The Effect of Megan’s Law on Sex Offender Reintegration
Authors: Levenson Jill S. , Cotter Leo P.
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study is to better understand the positive and negative, intended and unintended, consequences of community notification on sex offenders’ rehabilitation and reintegration. A sample of 183 convicted male sex offenders from Florida completed the survey. Overall, about one third of participants had experienced dire events, such as the loss of a job or home, threats or harassment, or property damage. Physical assaultwas a relatively rare occurrence. The majority identified negative effects, such as stress, isolation, loss of relationships, fear, shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness. Some participants noted positive effects of Megan’s Law, including motivation to prevent reoffense and increased honesty with friends and family. Fewsex offenders believed that communities are safer because of Megan’s Law, and more than half reported that the information posted about them on Florida’s Internet registry was incorrect. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.