bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High protein soybean as a source of protein and energy for starter pigs
Authors: McNiven M. A. , Castell A. G.
Published: March 2010

Two starter pig trials were conducted to evaluate a new type of soybean (SB), AC Proteus, containing higher levels of protein than conventional cultivars. In the first trial, AC Proteus was included at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20% of the isonitrogenous and isoenergetic soybean meal based diets and fed to starter pigs from 10 to 25 kg In the second trial, AC Proteus was included at 0, 3.5, 7, 10.5 or 14% of the diet, or a conventional soybean, Baron, was included at 0, 4.4, 8.8, 13.3 or 17.7% of the diet on an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous basis.Amino acid levels in AC Proteus on an air-dry basis were higher than those in the conventional soybean, Baron. In the first trial, inclusion of AC Proteus at higher levels appeared to decrease feed intake and rate of gain, although this appeared to be due to lower levels of amino acids in the diets and overheating of the roasted soybean. In the second trial, inclusion of either type of soybean had no effect on feed intake, rate of gain, or feed conversion efficiency. At higher levels of inclusion of AC Proteus, feed intake was reduced slightly.AC Proteus appears to be an excellent source of protein and energy in starter pig diets and gives equivalent growth responses compared with soybean meal or conventional soybean. Care must be taken to optimize heat processing of AC Proteus. Key words: High protein soybean, starter pigs, growth trial
Estimates and detection of the PSE problem in young turkey breast meat
Authors: Barbut Shai
Published: March 2010

Breast meat color from eight young turkey torn flocks was monitored during the summer. The average L value was 48.5 with a variance of 6 4. Samples with L > 50 showed the PSE problem. Correlations among color, pH, water-holding and texture indicated that a rapid color determination can be used to distinguish PSE meat. Key words: Turkey; meat; pale, soft, exudative; poultry; color
Comparison of bovine uterine horns for progesterone and oxytocin levels with bilateral corpus luteum
Authors: Cerbito W. A. , Wijayagunawardane M. P. B. , Takagi M. , Sato K. , Miyamoto A. , Ohtani M.
Published: March 2010

Bovine uterine horns with both ovaries containing a corpus luteum (CL) were compared for progesterone (P4) and oxytocin (OT) concentrations during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Uterine tissue samples from five Holstein cows with bilateral CL obtained from the slaughterhouse were used for this study. No significant difference was observed in P4 and OT levels in the right and left horns with corpora lutea in both ovaries. The data clearly indicate that both sides of the uterine horn having a functional CL are exposed to similar levels of P4 and OT, supporting the hypothesis that luteal products are delivered locally to the uterus. Key words: Progesterone, oxytocin, uterine horn, bilateral, corpus luteum, cow
Sow preference for types of flooring in farrowing crates
Authors: Phillips P. A. , Fraser D. , Thompson B. K.
Published: March 2010

A preference-testing apparatus was used to provide sows with continuous access to three identical farrowing crates, each with a different type of flooring. The crates radiated from a central hub area sufficiently large for sows to enter or leave any crate freely. In exp. 1, nine sows from a concrete-floored gestation room were offered crates over concrete, plastic-coated rod, and galvanized metal rod. In exp. 2, 18 sows were pre-exposed for a period of 1 wk to one of the three floors before entry into the preference testing apparatus. Video recording was used to determine sow position from 3 d before to 13 d after farrowing in exp. 1 and for a 3-d period before and 3-d period after farrowing in exp. 2. In exp. 1, sows showed a strong preference (P < 0.05) for the concrete floor before farrowing, but this preference had diminished by the final week in the apparatus (P ≈ 0.16). In exp. 2, sows pre-exposed to metal or plastic-coated flooring made more voluntary use of these products, but the metal floor was strongly avoided during and immediately after farrowing. Overall, concrete seemed to be a preferred floor material for sows at farrowing. Key words: Sow, farrowing crate, flooring, preference testing, animal welfare
The effect of genotype on feedlot performance, carcass composition, and lean meat quality from commercial pigs
Authors: Sather A. P. , Jones S. D. M.
Published: March 2010

A total of 60 female and 54 castrated male progeny of commercial Landrace × Large White F1 sows, backcrossed to Landrace or Large White boars, were slaughtered at an average liveweight of 102 kg. Four same-sex pigs were penned together. Large White sires were homozygous normal (NN) but Landrace sires were heterozygous carriers (Nn), at the halothane locus. Progeny genotypes at the halothane locus were determined by a DNA probe. Barrows grew 136 g d−1 faster (P < 0.0001), reaching market weight 13 d sooner (P < 0.0001) but with 3.2 mm more average back-fat (P < 0.0001) than gilts. Both sexes had similar feed requirements (P = 0.1221). Landrace and Large White-sired pigs had similar growth rate (P = 0.6458) and feed requirements (P = 0.9354), but Large White-sired pigs had 1.33 mm less grade fat thickness (P = 0.0131) and 1.72 more muscle depth (P = 0.0218) than Landrace-sired pigs. Nn pigs required 7 d longer (P < 0.0001) and 22 kg (P = 0.0393) more total feed to reach market weight than NN pigs, but they had 2.6 mm greater muscle depth (P = 0.0008) and had 1% greater commercial lean yield (P = 0.0291). However, meat quality of Nn pigs was reduced when compared with NN pigs. For example, colour reflectance and drip loss were higher (P < 0.0001) and soluble protein was lower (P < 0.0001) among the Nn pigs which also had less intrasmuscular fat (P = 0.0184). The results emphasize that the increased value of the carcass from Nn pigs may be offset by reduced feedlot performance and reduced meat quality, and questions the merit of the use of halothane gene to improve production efficiency in the commercial market. Key words: Swine production, halothane gene, breed effect, Landrace, Large White
Glycogen metabolites and meat quality in feed-restricted re-fed beef heifers
Authors: Yambayamba E. S. K. , Price M. A. , Aalhus J. L. , Jones S. D. M.
Published: March 2010

Twenty-four Hereford crossbred heifers weighing 222 kg (22 kg SD) and aged 226 d (13 d SD) on day 0 were used to investigate the effects of feed restriction (period 1) followed by realimentation (period 2) on hepatic and longissimus muscle glycogen metabolites and meat quality. The heifers were randomly assigned in equal numbers to either ad libitum feeding (ADLIB) or maintenance feeding for 92 d followed by realimentation (REST), and serially slaughtered over a wide range of liveweights (200–460 kg). The concentrations of glycogen, its metabolites, and the total glucidic potential (GP) were determined from portions of the caudate lobe of the liver and the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle. Meat quality assessment of the longissimus thoracis (LT) was done by objective means. Hepatic glycogen concentration was lower (P = 0.05) in REST than in ADLIB heifers, and GP tended to show a similar pattern (P = 0.07). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of glycogen or its metabolites in the LL of REST compared with ADLIB heifers. However, the heifers slaughtered during period 1 had lower muscle glycogen (P = 0.04) and higher lactate (P < 0.01) concentrations than those slaughtered during period 2. REST heifers had lighter slaughter weights resulting in smaller ribeye areas (P = 0.03), lower intramuscular fat concentration (P < 0.01) and higher moisture content (P < 0.01). Independent of slaughter weight, REST heifers had higher drip loss (P = 0.05) and lower L * (P = 0.01) than ADLIB heifers. These results suggest that feed restriction affects hepatic glycogen reserves and also has minor effects on meat quality traits in beef heifers. However, there was no indication that meat from REST heifers had severe quality defects such as DFD (dark, firm, dry) meat. Key words: Feed restriction, realimentation, longissimus muscle, liver, glucidic potential, meat quality
Influence of the photoperiod and a light reverse program on metabolically active hormones and food intake in domestic pigs compared with a wild boar
Authors: Weiler U. , Claus R. , Dehnhard M. , Hofäcker S.
Published: March 2010

The pattern of food intake, IGF-I and testosterone secretion were monitored in entire and castrated domestic boars (n = 4/group) either under a light program simulating changes of the natural photoperiod ("natural photoperiod") or a light program simulating the natural photoperiod with a shift of 6 mo ("light reverse program") over a 14-mo period. For comparison, a European wild boar was also investigated under a light reverse program for 23 mo. Under decreasing and short daylength, testosterone secretion increased in the wild and the domestic boars. During the testosterone maximum, the wild boar refused food for about 6 wk (25% weight loss). In parallel, IGF-I concentrations decreased by 50%, whereas under long daylength, IGF-I concentrations reached their seasonal maximum of about 200 ng mL−1. In domestic boars and barrows, lowest IGF-I concentrations (boars: 105 ng mL−1, barrows: 76 ng mL−1) were measured under early increasing daylength (natural photoperiod: February March; light reverse program: August/October). In boars, IGF-I concentrations started to increase under long daylength and reached a maximum of 155 ng mL−1 in October (photoperiod) or April (light reverse program). In barrows, maxima (105 ng mL−1) were measured m September (photoperiod) or March (light reverse program). In domestic boars, IGF-I secretion was stimulated by gonadal steroids even if the food intake was significantly reduced by testosterone. Key words: Pig, wild boar, food intake, photoperiod, testosterone, IGF-I
The effect of oxytocin on the time of ovulation, conception, and embryonic survival in swine
Authors: Dyck G. W.
Published: March 2010

Three experiments were undertaken to assess the effect of a subcutaneous injection of oxytocin (OT, 10 IU) on the time of ovulation in 25 sows, conception rate and embryo survival in these sows, and conception rate and embryo survival in 82 crossbred gilts. The OT was given after the sows were detected in estrus (exp. 1) and after the first artificial insemination (AI) in exps. 2 and 3. The effect of a single AI or a second AI 18 h later on embryo survival in the gilts also was assessed. The gilts were from either a control (C) line or a line selected (S) for minimum backfat at market weight. In sows, OT versus no injection (NI) had no effect on the time of ovulation, as determined by transrectal ultrasonography (TU) when the injection was given at the detection of estrus (OT, 43.4 ± 3.4 h; NI, 47.3 ± 4.1 h), or after the first AI (OT 43.6 ± 3.2 h; NI 40.5 ± 3.0 h). Oxytocin had no effect on embryo survival in sows (OT, 78.1 ± 4.0%; NI, 76.4 ± 4.0%) or gilts (OT, 79.4 ± 3.0%; NI, 83.2 ± 2.2%). The number of inseminations had no effect on embryo survival (single, 80.3 ± 2.6%; twice, 82.0 ± 2.7%). Embryo survival was lower in S gilts (77.1 ± 2.8% vs. C, 87.1 ± 1.5%, P = 0.0092). These results show that OT had no effect on the time of ovulation in sows or embryo survival in sows or gilts. In gilts embryo survival was not altered by a second AI. Embryo survival was reduced in gilts selected for minimum backfat. Key words: Oxytocin, artificial insemination, ovulation, embryo survival
Critical evaluation of diaminopimelic acid and ribonucleic acid as markers to estimate rumen pools and duodenal flows of bacterial and protozoal nitrogen
Authors: Robinson P. H. , Fadel J. G. , Ivan M.
Published: March 2010

Whole animal mathematical models have become widely accepted as the only practical way to incorporate the vast amount of published data into conceptual models of animal metabolism. The ability to accurately predict dietary N requirements of dairy cows depends upon the ability to accurately measure digesta flow and identify the origins of its N. Four lactating Holstein cows were fed a low-protein (9.8% CP of DM) ration of 28.6% timothy silage, 27.2% whole crop barley silage, and 44.2% gram-based concentrate (DM basis). This was supplemented with 1.3 kg d−1 of ground barley mixed with either no protein supplement, 1.11 kg of soybean meal, 0.67 kg of blood meal or 0.20 kg of urea. Rumen bacteria and protozoa were isolated and assayed for components. Rumen ingesta were manually evacuated to estimate rumen pool sizes, and duodenal digesta were sampled to estimate intestinal flow. Use of diaminopimelic acid (DAPA) was judged to result in rumen bacterial N pool sizes that were quantitatively reasonable and reflective of expected changes due to treatments. Conversely, use of ribonucleic acid (RNA) was judged to underestimate the rumen microbial N pool size and result in biologically implausible differences due to treatments. Use of DAPA was judged to slightly underestimate duodenal flow of bacterial N and suggested changes due to treatments consistent with expectations. In contrast, RNA suggested biologically implausible differences in duodenal flow of bacterial N due to treatments. A novel mathematical procedure utilizing both DAPA and RNA to estimate rumen pool sizes and intestinal flows of bacterial and protozoal N did not provide biologically plausible estimates thereby demonstrating that at least some of the assumptions relative to use of DAPA and RNA are not correct. Key words: Rumen bacteria, protozoa, diaminopimelic acid, ribonucleic acid, phosphatidylcholine
Effect of dry matter content at baling on change in forage constituents during the storage of alfalfa hay
Authors: Undi M. , Wittenberg K. M.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of DM content at baling on the pattern of forage constituent change and on DM and nutrient losses during storage. Alfalfa forage, baled at 64.1–66.2, 71.9–73.2 and 75.4–77.4% DM, was designated Low, Medium, and High DM treatments, respectively. Hay generated from each treatment was stored in a pole structure as two 74-bale stacks per treatment, using a bale wagon. Core samples were collected from bales on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 60 of storage. Bale temperature was monitored for eight bales per treatment daily for the first 35 d of storage and then on days 45, 50, and 60. Peak storage temperature reached was influenced (P < 0.05) by forage DM at baling; the highest peak temperature being associated with Low DM hay. DM losses also were higher (P < 0.05) in Low DM hay relative to either Medium or High DM hays, averaging 10.1, 4.5, and 3.0%, respectively. Dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN), and glucosamine contents increased in all forage treatments during storage; the extent of increase was more (P < 0.05) in Low DM hay than in High DM hay. Cellulose, lignin and crude protein (CP) concentrations followed a similar pattern during storage for hay baled and stored at the three DM contents. Soluble carbohydrate content loss was higher (P < 0.05) in Low DM hay relative to High DM hay. Forage DM content at baling will influence stack temperatures and extent of nutrient change during storage. Most changes m constituents of low DM hay occurred within the first 14 d of storage, a period within which peak temperatures were recorded in all forages. The study also showed that alfalfa forage can be stored at a DM content of 76% with minimal nutrient change and loss, which is lower than normally recommended. Key words: Alfalfa hay, storage, nutrients, DM contents, temperature
In vitro and in situ evaluation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) hay and straw
Authors: Mustafa A. F. , Christensen D. A. , McKinnon J. J.
Published: March 2010

The in vitro and in situ nutrient degradabilities of fenugreek hay and straw relative to late-cut alfalfa hay and barley straw were determined. Results indicated that the nutritive value of fenugreek hay was comparable to late cut alfalfa hay while that of genugreek straw was lower than barley straw. Key words: Fenugreek, hay, straw
How anthropogenic darkening of Lake Apopka induced benthic light limitation and forced the shift from macrophyte to phytoplankton dominance
Authors: Schelske Claire L. , Lowe Edgar F. , Kenney William F. , Battoe Lawrence E. , Brenner Mark , Coveney Michael F.
Published: March 2010

Controversy exists about the historic shift of primary producer community structure (PPCS) in Lake Apopka, a shallow, 125‐km2 lake in central Florida, U.S.A. The controversial questions are: was a lake‐wide shift from macrophyte to phytoplankton dominance triggered by a 1947 hurricane or tornadoes spawned by the hurricane within a few weeks or months, or was the shift forced by progressive cultural eutrophication over several years? In 1947, fringing wetlands (35 km2) were being diked and drained for agricultural purposes changing their function from nutrient sinks to nutrient point sources to the lake. We examined whether anthropogenic darkening of the water column induced the PPCS shift during a 0.6‐m lake‐stage rise. Darkening was defined as lake‐bottom photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) ≤ 1.0% of incident PAR. We simulated darkening from changes in the light extinction coefficient (Kd) due to water color, chlorophyll ά, and rising lake stage. Simulations predicted that darkening was restricted to 80% of the lake deeper than 2.16 m, a finding consistent with persistence of shallow‐water submersed macrophytes after 1947. Anthropogenic wetland draining increased water color, lake stage, and phytoplankton blooms stimulated by phosphorus enrichment, causing a progressive shift to lake‐wide phytoplankton dominance over at least several years. The relationship between the 1947 hurricane and the PPCS shift was not causal, but only a temporal coincidence. Our darkening model can be applied to other systems with known bathymetry to predict submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) coverage from SAV light requirements and water‐column light attenuation.
Generation of micromonodispersed droplets and bubbles in the capillary embedded T‐junction microfluidic devices
Authors: Wang K. , Lu Y. C. , Xu J. H. , Tan J. , Luo G. S.
Published: March 2010

This work focuses on the dispersion of micromonodispersed droplets and bubbles in the capillary embedded T‐junction microfluidic devices. The effects of the microchannel structure, operating conditions, and physical properties on the dispersion rules were carefully investigated. It was found that the extended capillary could greatly affect the dispersion rules, which was favorable for reducing the dispersed size. The dispersed size was mainly dominated by the Ca number, and the effects of dispersed phase flow rate and viscosity ratio of the two phases were also very important. The dispersion mechanism and size rules in the capillary embedded microfluidic devices were discussed seriously by comparing the similarities and differences of the liquid/liquid and gas/liquid dispersion processes. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Microdeletion of the Down syndrome critical region at 21q22
Authors: Fujita Hideki , Torii Chiharu , Kosaki Rika , Yamaguchi Shinya , Kudoh Jun , Hayashi Kumiko , Takahashi Takao , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: March 2010

The concept of the Down syndrome critical region implies the existence of several dosage‐sensitive genes that result in an abnormal phenotype when duplicated. Among the genes in the presumed Down syndrome critical region, DYRK1A and SIM2 are thought to be particularly important because of their critical roles in the development of the central nervous system in model organisms. Considering that regulatory imbalances resulting in an altered amount of expression from crucial target genes tend to produce phenotypic effects in both monosomics and trisomics, haploinsufficiency for the Down syndrome critical region is expected to be associated with an abnormal phenotype. We report on a patient with severe microcephaly, a developmental delay, hypospadias, and corneal opacity who had a microdeletion spanning the Down syndrome critical region, including DYRK1A and SIM2. He presented with intrauterine growth retardation, hypospadias, corneal clouding, arched eyebrows, upslanting and narrow palpebral fissures, bifid uvula, prominent nasal root, short columella, prominent central incisors, pegged shaped teeth, retrognathia, hypoplastic nipples, and severe developmental delay. His G‐banded karyotype was normal, but array comparative genomic hybridization showed a de novo deletion of 3.97 Mb at chromosome 21q22. The extreme degree of microcephaly in this patient may be ascribed to the haploinsufficiency of DYRK1A, since brain size is severely reduced in heterozygotes for the Dyrk1a null mutation in mice. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The phenotype of Floating–Harbor syndrome in 10 patients
Authors: White Susan M. , Morgan Angela , Da Costa Annette , Lacombe Didier , Knight Samantha J.L. , Houlston Richard , Whiteford Margo L. , Newbury‐Ecob Ruth A. , Hurst Jane A.
Published: March 2010

Floating–Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare condition typified by short stature, speech impairment, delayed bone age, and characteristic facies. The diagnosis can be difficult as the facial changes are subtle in infancy, and the features of short stature, delayed speech, and delayed bone age are frequently encountered in clinical practice. We refine the phenotype in FHS by reporting clinical findings in 10 typically affected individuals ranging in age from 7 to 34 years and present a mother and daughter who display some features of FHS. Bone age measurements were delayed when measured from age 6 months to 6 years but in some patients were normal between 6 and 12 years. Dysmorphic features at different ages are characterized. The lateral profile of the face and the characteristic body habitus aided diagnosis. Significant behavioral problems of hyperactivity, short attention span and aggression during childhood were reported for most individuals. The children studied had a severe and incapacitating disorder of speech and language. Intellectual functioning ranged from borderline normal to moderate intellectual disability. Early puberty was noted. Adult heights were 140–155 cm. Microarray analysis in eight of the patients provided no evidence that FHS is caused by a large‐scale copy‐number genomic change. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal observation of a patient with Rieger syndrome and interstitial deletion 4 (q25–q31.1)
Authors: Moreira Lilia , Schinzel Albert , Baumer Alessandra , Pinto Paula , Góes Fátima , Falcão Maria de Lourdes , Barbosa Ana Luiza , Riegel Mariluce
Published: March 2010

Rieger syndrome (RS; OMIM 180500) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of morphogenesis, with ocular and systemic abnormalities and variability in phenotypic expression. Some patients with RS presented with a deletion of the band 4q25 to which the homeobox gene PIT X2 (former RIEG) was mapped. To study the natural history and perform a genotype–phenotype correlation, we followed a girl with RS from the age of 1 year to puberty. The study included physical examination, clinical and psychological evaluation, and cytogenetic analysis with GTG‐banded karyotype and array CGH. Additionally, molecular analysis using microsatellite markers for chromosome 4 (D4S427, D4S194 and D4S1615) was performed. Conventional chromosome analysis showed a 4q deletion, and aCGH confirmed the determination of the breakpoints at 4q25 and 4q31. With the exception of the typical features of RS is the patient, the clinical manifestations were relatively mild, despite the relatively large size of the deleted chromosome segment. The patient was periodically re‐evaluated for several years. The teeth are still abnormal, and she is still under orthodontic treatment. The facial features were attenuated with age. Currently, she is under constant monitoring of eye pressure. She benefited from early intervention program, and her tonus is normal. She attends a normal school with minor learning difficulties. In conclusion, this study offers a comprehensive phenotypic delineation of RS through almost two decades and may contribute to a more accurate genetic counseling in cases of this syndrome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RAB23 mutation in a large family from Comoros Islands with Carpenter syndrome
Authors: Alessandri Jean‐Luc , Dagoneau Nathalie , Laville Jean‐Marc , Baruteau Julien , Hébert Jean‐Christophe , Cormier‐Daire Valérie
Published: March 2010

We report here on a RAB23 mutation (c.86dupA) present in the homozygote state in four relatives of Comorian origin with Carpenter syndrome. All children presented with acrocephaly and polysyndactyly. However, intrafamilial variability was observed with variable severity of craniosynostosis ranging from cloverleaf skull to predominant involvement of the metopic ridge. All children also presented with a combination of brachydactyly with agenesis of the middle phalanges, syndactyly, broad thumbs, and postaxial polydactyly (2/4) in the hands, and preaxial polydactyly (3) and syndactyly (4) in the toes. Mental development was normal in all four children but the eldest one presented with impaired motor development as a result of orthopedic complications. Brain imaging showed hydrocephalus in 2/4 and additional features included genu valgum (2/4), abnormal genitalia (3/4), corneal anomaly (2/4), umbilical hernia (1/4), severe cyphoscoliosis (1), patent ductus arteriosus (1/4), and accessory spleen (1). In contrast to previous reports, growth was below average except for one patient and the eldest one became moderately overweight with time. We conclude from the report of this large unique family with four affected children that Carpenter syndrome is a genetically homogenous but a clinically variable condition. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interstitial deletion 1q42 in a patient with agenesis of corpus callosum: Phenotype–genotype comparison to the 1q41q42 microdeletion suggests a contiguous 1q4 syndrome
Authors: Filges Isabel , Röthlisberger Benno , Boesch Nemya , Weber Peter , Wenzel Friedel , Huber Andreas R. , Heinimann Karl , Miny Peter
Published: March 2010

Interstitial deletions of 1q4 are rare and present with different deletion breakpoints and variable phenotype. We report on the clinical and molecular cytogenetic findings in a girl with minor anomalies, midline defects including prenatally ascertained agenesis of the corpus callosum, epilepsy and developmental delay. A de novo 5.45 Mb deletion almost exclusively located within 1q42 was found to cause this phenotype, which shows significant overlap with the microdeletion 1q41q42 syndrome reported in a few patients except for the agenesis of the corpus callosum. However, deletions in patients with the 1q41q42 syndrome mainly extend into the 1q41 region with a region of overlap including the DISP1 gene involved in the SHH pathway, which is not part of the 1q42 deletion in our patient. We suggest that an interaction of genes involved in pathways of embryonic development rather than haploinsufficiency of single genes in the so‐called critical regions is causing complex malformation syndromes due to cytogenetic microaberrations in the 1q4 region. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A maternally inherited chromosome 18q22.1 deletion in a male with late‐presenting diaphragmatic hernia and microphthalmia–evaluation of DSEL as a candidate gene for the diaphragmatic defect
Authors: Zayed Hatem , Chao Ryan , Moshrefi Ali , LopezJimenez Nelson , Delaney Allen , Chen Justin , Shaw Gary M. , Slavotinek Anne M.
Published: March 2010

Using an Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Mapping 100K Set to study a patient with a late‐presenting, right‐sided diaphragmatic hernia and microphthalmia, we found a maternally inherited deletion that was 2.7 Mb in size at chromosome 18q22.1. Mapping of this deletion using fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed three deleted genes—CDH19, DSEL, and TXNDC10, and one gene that contained the deletion breakpoint, CCDC102B. We selected DSEL for further study in 125 patients with diaphragmatic hernias, as it is involved in the synthesis of decorin, a protein that is required for normal collagen formation and that is upregulated during myogenesis. We found p.Met14Ile in an unrelated patient with a late‐presenting, anterior diaphragmatic hernia. In the murine diaphragm, Dsel was only weakly expressed at the time of diaphragm closure and its expression in C2C12 myoblast cells did not change significantly during myoblast differentiation, thus reducing the likelihood that the gene is involved in myogenesis of the diaphragm. Although it is possible that the 18q22.1 deletion and haploinsufficiency for DSEL contributed to the diaphragmatic defect in the patient, a definite role for DSEL and decorin in the formation of the collagen‐containing, central tendon of the diaphragm has not yet been established. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Copper(II)–Girard's T complex as a promising anti‐tumor agent
Authors: El‐Sokkary A. M. A. , El‐Naggar M. M. , Abdel‐Aziz A. F. , Mostafa M. M.
Published: March 2010

A copper(II) complex was evaluated for its anti‐tumor activity. Firstly, electrophoretic studies were applied on the complex. These studies revealed the binding of the complex to calf thymus DNA, leading to a delay in electrophoretic mobility of the DNA molecule. Secondly, spectroscopic data pointed out that the λmaxof DNA was shifted to a longer wavelength, which was accompanid by a hyperchromic shift. Moreover, the λmaxof copper(II) complex was shifted to a shorter wavelength. The favorable reaction conditions between the DNA molecule and the copper(II) complex were studied. Thirdly, The effects of the ligand and the Cu(II) ion were tested separately on the DNA molecule by electrophoresis technique. Furthermore, the fluorescence quenching of DNA bound ethidium ion by Cu(II)‐Girard's T complex was noticed. The IR spectral data of DNA before and after the reaction with the copper(II) complex indicated that the interaction takes place through the carbonyl group of DNA nucleobases. Finally, a significant increase in the mean survival of EAC (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma) tumor‐bearing mice was observed when treated with the copper(II) complex. The tumor volume was also significantly reduced (p< 0.0001). Electrophoretic studies showed that the DNA pattern extracted from EAC cells of tumor‐bearing mice was affected after treatment with the copper(II) complex. Flow cytometric studies showed that this complex may be taken into consideration in seeking novel anti‐tumor agents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient synthesis of ring‐fused indoles via copper‐catalyzed tandem reaction of N‐(o‐alkynylphenyl)imines
Authors: Fu Weijun , Zhu Mei , Zou Guanglong
Published: March 2010

A copper‐catalyzed tandem intramolecular cyclization‐addition reaction of N‐(o‐alkynylphenyl)imines is disclosed. This strategy offers a simple and promising method for accessing ring‐fused indoles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(vinyl chloride)–Acacia bark flour composite: Effect of particle size and filler content on mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics
Authors: Saini Gajender , Bhardwaj Rashmi , Choudhary Veena , Narula A. K.
Published: March 2010

This article describes the effect of filler [obtained from bark of Acacia (Babool)] content and its particle size (ranging from 100 to 150 μm and <50 μm) on the properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites. Bark of the fast‐growing species Acacia was used as powder for making PVC composites, which may find applications as a substitute to high‐cost wood and to avoid deforestation. A two‐roll mill was used for mixing varying amounts of bark flour with PVC formulation. Samples for testing were prepared by compression molding. Tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break decreased, whereas modulus increased with an increasing amount of bark flour. A significant increase in storage modulus (E′) was observed upon incorporation of filler. Improvement in properties was significant in the presence of filler, having a particle size <50 μm as compared to filler, having a particle size ranging from 100 to 150 μm. Morphological characterization was conducted by using scanning electron microscopy. A uniform dispersion of filler was observed in PVC matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Hydrophobically modified poly(ethylene glycol) as reactive clays inhibitor additive in water‐based drilling fluids
Authors: de Souza Carlos Eduardo Carvalhido , Lima Alexandre Souza , Nascimento Regina Sandra Veiga
Published: March 2010

Adsorption measurements and inhibition tests were used to investigate the mechanisms of shale stabilization by hydrophobically modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Commercially available PEG with a large range of molar masses and PEG diesters were adsorbed on smectite‐rich clay from saline solutions and the clay/polymer complexes obtained were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and x‐ray diffraction. The adsorption isotherms obtained for all unmodified PEG showed low affinity for the clay surface, however they all accessed the interlamellar spaces of the clay and reduced the clay water content of the complexes obtained. The PEG macromolecules had their affinity for the clay strongly enhanced by the hydrophobic modification especially with dodecanoic acid and were intercalated into the clay matrix, reducing, in a more efficient way, the water uptake by the clay. Conventional rolling tests were performed to evaluate the effect of polymers on the clay cuttings integrity. Results show that under conditions promoting the adsorption of polymers on both external and interlayer clay surfaces, displacement of the water from the clay was obtained and dispersion and disintegration of clay cuttings were inhibited. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of α‐butyl‐omega‐{3‐[2‐hydroxy‐3‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxy‐ ethylamino)propoxy]propyl}polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Sun Haifeng , Zhang Qingsi , Zhang Meng , Yu Yitao , Zong Jianping
Published: March 2010

A novel synthesis path for the monotelechelic polydimethylsiloxane with a diol‐end group, α‐butyl‐omega‐{3‐[2‐hydroxy‐3‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxyethylamino)propoxy]propyl}polydimethylsiloxane, is described in this article. The preparation included three steps, which were anionic ring‐opening polymerization, hydrosilylation, and epoxy addition. The structure and polydispersity index of the products were analyzed and confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HH, and CH. Correlated Spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The results demonstrated that each step was successfully carried out and the targeted products were accessed in all cases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Thermooxidative degradation behavior of poly(silphenylene–siloxane)s
Authors: Chen Xunjun , Cui Yingde , Yin Guoqiang , Liao Liewen
Published: March 2010

Copolymers of poly(silphenylene–siloxane) with dimethylsiloxane and diphenylsiloxane with various end groups were synthesized through an SiH/SiOR polycondensation process. The thermooxidative degradation behaviors of the copolymers were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and IR spectrometry techniques. All of the polymers were characterized by a two‐step mass loss. The first one, which peaked at 510–545°C in differential thermogravimetric curves, was mostly caused by the main‐chain depolymerization, whereas the second one, which reached its maximum around 650°C, was caused by side‐group oxidation and SiC bond scission. The main‐chain depolymerization occurred over a temperature range of some 470–580°C, whereas SiC bond scission and side‐group oxidation occurred over a temperature range of about 585°C to above 720°C. The incorporation of phenyl groups in the end groups greatly retarded the temperature for the degradation onset of the main chain to 120°C higher. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Electropolymerization of p‐phenylenediamine on Pt‐electrode from aqueous acidic solution: Kinetics, mechanism, electrochemical studies, and characterization of the polymer obtained
Authors: Sayyah S. M. , Abd El‐Rehim S. S. , El‐Deeb M. M. , Kamal S. M. , Azooz R. E.
Published: March 2010

Electropolymerization of p‐phenylenediamine (pPD) on Pt‐electrode from a deoxygenated aqueous acid medium was carried out using cyclic voltammetry technique. The kinetic parameters were calculated by means of electrochemical data. The experimentally obtained kinetic equation was RP,E = kE [monomer]1.23 [acid] 1.24 [electrolyte]0.94 from the value of the anodic current density. The apparent activation energy (Ea) is found to be 65.1 kJ mol−1. The obtained polymer films have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, UV–vis, and IR spectroscopy. The conductivity of the polymer pellets is 6.3 × 10−7 S cm−1. The mechanism of the electrochemical polymerization reaction has been discussed. TGA is used to confirm the proposed structure and determination of the number of water molecules in the polymeric chain unit. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and metal ion adsorption studies of chelating resins derived from macroporous glycidyl methacrylate‐divinylbenzene copolymer beads anchored schiff bases
Authors: Yan Xin , Sun Weihong
Published: March 2010

Two novel chelating resins are prepared by anchoring diethylenetriamine bis‐ and mono‐furaldehyde Schiff bases onto the macroporous GMA‐DVB copolymer beads and utilized for the adsorption towards Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II). FTIR spectra show that Schiff base groups have been successfully introduced into the polymer matrix and the chelating resins can form complexes with the metal ions. The chelating resins show a higher adsorption capacity toward Cu(II). The conductivity method can be used for determining the adsorption kinetics of the resins towards metal ions. The results show that the adsorption rates towards Cu(II) are much higher than those towards other ions and pseudo second‐order and intraparticle diffusion models can be applied to treat the adsorption amount‐time data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Modified chitosan as a polymeric nanoreactor for fabrication of pure ZnO nano particles
Authors: Jajarmi Pedram , Barzegar Shahram , Pourjavadi Ali
Published: March 2010

ZnO nanoparticles have been prepared successfully by hydrogel decomposition method (HDM). Synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transition electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Narrow distribution of sizes with a 20–30 nm diameter and regular distribution of ZnO nanoparticles are attributed to the application of poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) grafted chitosan hydrogel as coating agent. The results show that the polymer thermal decomposition technique is a perfect method for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A new approach to soluble polyaniline and its copolymers with toluidines
Authors: Swaruparani H. , Basavaraja S. , Basavaraja C. , Huh Do Sung , Venkataraman A.
Published: March 2010

Homopolymers of aniline, toluidines and their copolymers were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization using different ratios of monomers in the feed in H2SO4 medium. The synthesized polymers were characterized by employing Fourier transform infrared, UV‐visible, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, X‐ray diffraction techniques for understanding the details of the structure of the synthesized polymers. Morphological, thermal, and electrical conductivity of the as synthesized polymers were also studied by employing scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dc electrical conductivity, respectively. From the SEM images rod shaped nanoparticles were observed in PANI and spherical shaped nanoparticles were observed for copolymers. A three‐step thermal degradation was observed for all the polymers. The electrical conductivities of the copolymers were less compared with PANI, and at higher temperature the conductivities of all the polymers were more or less same. It was observed that yield and intrinsic viscosity of copolymers are not regularly dependant on monomer concentration in the feed. The copolymers show better solubility but lower conductivity than PANI. Properties of homopolymers and copolymers are also pointed out. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Analysis of the moisture sorption behavior of amorphous drug–polymer blends
Authors: Rumondor Alfred C. F. , Konno Hajime , Marsac Patrick J. , Taylor Lynne S.
Published: March 2010

Hydrophobic drugs are often formulated with hydrophilic polymers to form miscible blends called amorphous solid dispersions. The interaction of moisture with these blends is an important topic, both from stability as well as processing perspectives. In this study, the moisture sorption profiles of four different drug–polymer blends, [felodipine–poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), indomethacin–PVP, felodipine–hypromellose (HPMC), and felodipine–hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)] were experimentally determined at 25°C, and analyzed using various mathematical models. It was found that the moisture sorption profiles of the drug–polymer blends could not be reconstructed using the weight‐averaged sum of the moisture sorbed by each of the components. Application of the Flory–Huggins model for ternary systems to extract drug–polymer interaction parameter (χ23) values using known values of water–drug and water–polymer interaction parameters led to ambiguous conclusions about the systems' thermodynamics. χ23 values extracted for felodipine–PVP and indomethacin–PVP using this model ranged from −9.6 to 26.9 and −20.4 to 22.0, respectively. It is thought that the presence of specific drug–polymer interactions changed the water–drug and the water–polymer interactions in the system. Combined with the mathematically small contribution from the term encompassing χ23 to the predicted amount of moisture sorbed by the drug–polymer blends, it was concluded that this method cannot be used to unambiguously determine drug–polymer interaction parameters in solid dispersions. Instead, a model with a mean interaction parameter (χ1,23) that considers the drug and the polymer in the blend as a single unit was found to better describe the changing affinity of water for the solid matrix with a change in composition or polymer type. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) by tungsten blues (WB) and evaluation of a conducting PNVC‐WB nanocomposite isolated from the system
Authors: Ghosh Debanjana , Biswas Mukul
Published: March 2010

Tungsten oxide and tungsten blues (WB) prepared by reducing the former with stannous chloride were capable of initiating the bulk polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) at the melting temperature of the latter (65°C). The polymerizations were initiated by a η2‐type of complex formation involving π‐clouds of vinyl group and the available d‐orbitals of W6+ ions. A composite of PNVC with WB was isolated and characterized. Formation of PNVC and its incorporation in the composite was confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and UV absorption spectroscopic studies. Scanning electron micrographic analyses of PNVC‐WB composite revealed the presence of close packed aggregates comprising particles of average sizes between 100–200nm range. TGA revealed the thermogravimmetric stability trend as WB > PNVC‐WB > PNVC. Dc conductivities of PNVC‐WB nanocomposite were found to depend on the WB : PNVC weight ratio in the composite and varied from 3.5 × 10−4 (weight ratio 26) to 3 × 10−2 S/cm (weight ratio 100) at room temperature. The threshold WB : PNVC weight ratio for the manifestation of conductivity in the composite was around 25 under the experimental condition of this study. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Polymeric blend microspheres for controlled release of theophylline
Authors: Sullad Anita G. , Manjeshwar Lata S. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M.
Published: March 2010

Microspheres of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) were prepared as semi‐interpenetrating networks (IPNs), crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and used in controlled release of theophylline (THP), an anti‐asthmatic drug. Formulations were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to understand uniform distribution of THP, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to understand chemical interactions, universal testing machine (UTM) for mechanical stability, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for investigating the morphology of the microspheres produced. SEM indicated smooth surfaces of the microparticles and sizes of around 10–15 μm giving high encapsulation efficiency up to 69%. Equilibrium uptake performed in double distilled water and in vitro release studies performed in 1.2 and 7.4 pH buffer media indicated the effect of extent of crosslinking and HEC content of the semi‐IPN matrix on the release of THP that was extended up to 12 h. Analysis of in vitro results using empirical equation suggested a deviation from the Fickian transport. Drug diffusion was estimated from the Fick's diffusion equation for spherical geometry. Kinetics of drug release followed the Higuchi square root equation, indicating that release is diffusion‐controlled. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Studies of different kinds of fiber pretreating on the properties of PLA/sweet sorghum fiber composites
Authors: Zhong Jing , Zhang Liye , Yu Jianliang , Tan Tianwei , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2010

In this article, truly degradable composites were prepared using sweet sorghum fibers which are residue of ethanol fermentation industry as reinforcement and renewable resource‐based biodegradable polyester, poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) as matrix, they were fabricated by melt‐blending. The effect of different kinds of pretreatments (dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment, mild alkaline/oxidative pretreatment, steam explosion pretreatment) on mechanical properties of composites were investigated. Besides the composition of untreated and treated fibers as determined by Van soest method, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) were also used to study the change of sweet sorghum fibers before and after pretreatments. Mechanical properties testing indicated that tensile strength and impact strength of PLLA/treated fibers were improved except the dilute sulfuric acid pretreated fibers reinforced PLA composite. The mild alkaline/oxidative pretreated fiber reinforced PLA composite showed highest tensile strength of 46.12 MPa and impact strength of 8.02 kJ/m2 which was 15.5 and 33% higher than that of the control. The SEM of impact fracture surface and DMTA test were carried out to investigate the interfacial morphology and interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and curing behavior of a novel benzoxazine‐based bisphthalonitrile monomer
Authors: Zuo Fang , Liu Xiaobo
Published: March 2010

A novel bisphthalonitrile containing benzoxazine units (BZ‐BPH) was synthesized via a solventless method from 4,4′‐dihydroxybiphenyl, paraformaldehyde, and 4‐aminophenoxylphthalonitrile. The chemical structure of BZ‐BPH was confirmed by 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR analyses. The curing behavior was investigated with DSC, FTIR, TGA, and rheology techniques. The monomer manifested a two‐stage thermal polymerization pattern. The first stage was attributed to the ring‐opening polymerization of benzoxazine moiety, and the second to the polymerization of phthalonitriles. Study about the effect of the catalysts including 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone and FeCl3 on the polymerization of BZ‐BPH was performed, and the result indicated that the addition of these agents could increase the curing rate and lower the curing temperature. Additionally, the cured product showed excellent thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability, the high char yield was 76.0% by weight at 800°C in nitrogen atmosphere and 81.2% by weight at 600°C in air, and temperature at 5% weight loss (T5%) in nitrogen and air was 477.9°C and 481.7°C, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010