bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Running to Stand Still: Late Modernity's Acceleration Fixation
Authors: Kavanagh Donncha , Lightfoot Geoff , Lilley Simon
Published: February 2007

That we live in a time of unprecedented and ever-increasing change is both a shibboleth of our age and the more-or-less explicit justification for all manner of “strategic” actions. The seldom, if ever, questioned assumption is that our now is more ephemeral, more evanescent, than any that preceded it. In this essay, we subject this assumption to some critical scrutiny, utilizing a range of empirical detail. In the face of this assay we find the assumption to be considerably wanting. We suggest that what we are actually witnessing is mere acceleration, which we distinguish as intensification along a preexisting trajectory, parading as more substantive and radical movement away from a preexisting trajectory. Deploying Deleuze's (2004) terms we are, we suggest, in thrall to representation of the same at the expense of repetition of difference. Our consumption by acceleration, we argue, both occludes the lack of substantive change actually occurring while simultaneously delimiting possibilities of thinking of and enacting the truly radical. We also consider how this setup is maintained, thus attempting to shed some light on why we are seemingly running to stand still. As the Red Queen said, “it's necessary to run faster even to stay in the one place.”
Speed, War, and Traumatic Affect: Reading Ian McEwan'sAtonement
Authors: Crosthwaite Paul
Published: February 2007

Through an analysis of Ian McEwan's novel Atonement (2001), this essay considers the potentialities and limitations of narrative, and of representation more generally, as means of capturing and conveying the accelerated and intensely traumatic character of mechanized warfare. I show how the unflinchingly detailed depictions of mutilated bodies that feature in the novel's re-creation of the German Blitzkrieg go some way toward evoking a traumatic encounter with the realm of pure, volatile materiality that Jacques Lacan terms the “real.” I note, though, that for Lacan and other theorists it is a characteristic of the most overwhelming experiences that they are not experienced directly, but rather outstrip the capacity of the subject to apprehend and assimilate them as they occur. As Paul Virilio's analysis of twentieth-century warfare makes clear, such events were produced on an unprecedentedly massive scale during the Second World War. I argue that in Atonement these conditions are most effectively evoked when the text relinquishes its aspirations to pure, contemporaneous presence and instead employs tactics of evasion, elision, and belatedness. I conclude by suggesting that, under certain circumstances, McEwan's novel may not merely evoke a traumatic encounter but may also be productive of symptoms associated with this experience in their actuality.
Media Poll-Itics in Canadian Elections: A Report on Accelerated Public Opinion
Authors: Hanke Bob
Published: February 2007

This essay develops a technocultural studies approach to political elections and polling. First, I shift our attention from polling as a cultural form to developments in polling technology that are transfiguring this form. I then examine the production and circulation of political opinion during the 2004 and 2006 Canadian elections in order to expose the limits of the media's criticism of polling and to contend that published preelection polls contribute to the formation of suspicious subjects. I go on to argue that political campaign communication is open to information accidents so that politicians get elected not just because of what they say, or how they say it, but when they say it. Within the accelerated serial mix of public opinion, stories, commentary, and events, political support and momentum were articulated with the politicization of affect to shape the outcome. While preelection polls may not produce knowledge of public opinion, they are a political technology and a vector of power.
Determination of Protein Contacts by Chemical Cross‐Linking With EDC and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Marekov Lyuben N.
Published: February 2007

This unit describes a method for analyzing protein complexes by chemically cross‐linking closely positioned amino acids. The cross‐linked products are isolated by SDS‐PAGE and the bands of interest are excised. Proteins in the excised gel piece are digested with trypsin and the resulting peptides recovered. Chemically bonded peptides are distinct from the multitude of unmodified single peptides by the presence of two carboxy‐terminal ends. The protocol also describes incorporation of 18O at the carboxy‐terminal ends and purification and preparation of the peptide mixture for mass spectroscopy.
Incorporation of Isotopically Enriched Amino Acids
Authors: Samuel‐Landtiser Mini , Zachariah Cherian , Williams Chris R. , Edison Arthur S. , Long Joanna R.
Published: February 2007

The incorporation of isotope labels into proteins is extremely useful for the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray or neutron‐diffraction crystallography, and mass spectrometry (MS) methodologies to investigate the structure and dynamics of proteins. This unit presents methods for incorporating isotopic labels into proteins via expression in E. coli and baculovirus transfected Sf9 insect cells or through cell‐free means. The unit also presents methods for introducing isotopic labels by chemical means into synthetic peptides by solid phase peptide synthesis or into isolated proteins by chemical modification of labile protein groups.
Toxicology Testing in Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Dorato Michael A. , Buckley Lorrene A.
Published: February 2007

The primary objective of toxicology studies in the drug discovery process is to evaluate the safety of potential drug candidates. This is accomplished using relevant animal models and validated procedures. The ultimate goal is to translate the animal responses into an understanding of the risk for human subjects. To this end the toxicologist must be aware of the international guidelines for safety evaluation as well as traditional and nontraditional toxicology models. As described in this unit, the typical toxicology profile consists of safety pharmacology, genetic toxicology, acute and subchronic toxicology, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and an evaluation of carcinogenic potential.
Supported Planar Bilayers for Study of the Immunological Synapse
Authors: Dustin Michael L. , Starr Toby , Varma Rajat , Thomas V. Kaye
Published: February 2007

Supported planar bilayers have been used in immunology research for over 25 years, including in the initial demonstrations of MHC‐peptide complex functional activity and adhesion molecule activity. More recent modifications of the method have been used to measure two‐dimensional affinities and to study the formation of the immunological synapse. This unit covers the incorporation of glycolipid‐anchored membrane proteins, 6‐histidine‐tagged soluble proteins, and monobiotinylated soluble proteins into supported planar bilayers. Reagents developed for the MHC‐peptide tetramer staining method (UNIT 17.3) can readily be adapted to presentation on planar bilayers. The unique advantage of this approach is that the proteins presented on the surface of the supported bilayer are laterally mobile. This provides a more physiological presentation of cell‐surface molecules and supports visualization of protein rearrangement on the bilayer by live cells.
Tissue Culture Assays Used to Analyze Invasion by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Cheung Ambrose L. , Bayles Kenneth W.
Published: February 2007

Many successful pathogens have developed the ability to adhere to and invade animal tissues. Recent experimental evidence suggests that S. aureus, generally perceived as an extracellular pathogen, can also invade and, in some cases, multiply within host cells. As a proxy to infections in animal hosts, the study of S. aureus interactions with tissue culture cells has become an important research tool in many aspects of bacterial pathogenesis. In this unit, we describe two cell culture models, including bovine mammary epithelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, that investigators have used to study the interactions of S. aureus with host cells.
Laboratory Maintenance of Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Zückert Wolfram R.
Published: February 2007

This unit describes the propagation of Borrelia burgdorferi as well as other “cultivable” Borrelia species in Barbour‐Stoenner‐Kelly‐II (BSK‐II) medium. It supplies a detailed recipe for BSK‐II, as well as protocols for standard liquid culture, the generation of frozen Borrelia stocks, and the plating of B. burgdorferi cells in solid BSK‐II medium.
Rapid Full‐Length Cloning of Nonpolyadenylated RNA Virus Genomes
Authors: Beckett Randy , Miller W. Allen
Published: February 2007

Access to a full‐length infectious clone of a viral genome is a virtual necessity for research aimed at understanding virus replication and gene expression mechanisms. While construction of a full‐length clone may be straightforward, obtaining one that is infectious is by no means routine. Here the authors describe methods to maximize the likelihood of obtaining a full‐length infectious clone. These include protocols to (1) sequence the ends of nonpolyadenylated RNA genomes, (2) obtain a full‐length PCR product in a single reaction directly from viral RNA, and (3) efficiently clone the PCR product into a vector that allows in vitro transcription of viral RNA containing perfect or near‐perfect termini. Given the traditional difficulty of obtaining infectious clones of RNA genomes (especially of nonpolyadenylated RNA viruses), this unit should be valuable to all virologists working with nonpolyadenylated as well as polyadenylated viruses of plants and animals.
Cooxidation of ammonia and ethanol in supercritical water, part 1: Experimental results
Authors: Ploeger Jason M. , Mock Michael A. , Tester Jefferson W.
Published: February 2007

The cooxidative effect of ethanol on ammonia oxidation in supercritical water was studied for a range of temperatures (655–705°C), initial ammonia (1–3 mM), ethanol (0–1.0 mM), and oxygen concentrations (0.7–5.0 mM), corresponding to fuel equivalence ratios ranging from 0.9 to 2.2 for the complete combustion of both organic species. With a stoichiometric amount of oxygen available for complete oxidation, the addition of ethanol on an equivalent molar basis was found to increase ammonia conversion from 20 to 65% at initial concentrations of 1 mM for each reactant, T = 700°C, P = 246 bar, and τ = 2.5 s. Nitrous oxide was produced in much larger quantities for ammonia–ethanol cooxidation than for ammonia oxidation. Based on fractional yields of nitrogen product, this amounted to 40–75% for co‐oxidation with ethanol versus 4–13% without ethanol present. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Contiguous gene deletion involving L1CAM and AVPR2 causes X‐linked hydrocephalus with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: Tegay David H. , Lane Andrew H. , Roohi Jasmin , Hatchwell Eli
Published: February 2007

X‐linked hydrocephalus with aqueductal stenosis (HSAS) is caused by mutation or deletion of the L1 cell adhesion molecule gene (L1CAM) at Xq28. Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) can arise as a consequence of resultant hypothalamic dysfunction from hydrocephalus and must be distinguished from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) by exogenous vasopressin response. Causes of NDI are heterogeneous and include mutation or deletion of the arginine vasopressin receptor 2 gene (AVPR2), which is located ∼29 kb telomeric to L1CAM. We identified a patient with both HSAS and NDI where DNA sequencing failure suggested the possibility of a contiguous gene deletion. A 32.7 kb deletion mapping from L1CAM intron1 to AVPR2 exon2 was confirmed. A 90 bp junctional insertion fragment sharing short direct repeat homology with flanking sequences was identified. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of an Xq28 microdeletion involving both L1CAM and AVPR2, defining a new contiguous gene syndrome comprised of HSAS and NDI. Contiguous gene deletion should be considered as a mechanism for all patients presenting with hydrocephalus and NDI. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) contribute to human tooth agenesis
Authors: Vieira Alexandre R. , Modesto Adriana , Meira Raquel , Barbosa Anna Renata Schneider , Lidral Andrew C. , Murray Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2007

Phenotypic characteristics expressed in syndromes give clues to the factors involved in the cause of isolated forms of the same defects. We investigated two genes responsible for craniofacial syndromes,FGFR1andIRF6, in a collection of families with isolated tooth agenesis. Cheek swab samples were obtained for DNA analysis from 116 case/parent trios. Probands had at least one developmentally missing tooth, excluding third molars. In addition, we studied 89 cases and 50 controls from Ohio to replicate any positive findings. Genotyping was performed by kinetic polymerase chain‐reaction or TaqMan assays. Linkage disequilibrium analysis and transmission distortion of the marker alleles were performed. The same variants in theIRF6gene that are associated with isolated orofacial clefts are also associated with human tooth agenesis (rs861019,P = 0.058; rs17015215—V274I,P = 0.0006; rs7802,P = 0.004). Mutations inIRF6cause Van der Woude and popliteal pterygium syndromes. The craniofacial phenotypic characteristics of these syndromes include oral clefts and preferential tooth agenesis of incisors and premolars, besides pits on the lower lips. Also it appears that preferential premolar agenesis is associated withFGFR1(P = 0.014) andIRF6(P = 0.002) markers. There were statistically significant data suggesting thatIRF6interacts not only withMSX1(P = 0.001), but also withTGFA(P = 0.03). © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traumatic injuries and imperialism: The effects of Egyptian colonial strategies at Tombos in upper Nubia
Authors: Buzon Michele R. , Richman Rebecca
Published: February 2007

As circumstances of conquest change, leaders of empires must adapt their colonial strategies in order to be successful. One example of such modification in approach is the shift from Middle Kingdom to New Kingdom Egyptian colonial activities in Nubia. During the Middle Kingdom (2050–1650 BC) Egypt used aggressive military campaigns to subdue the strong Nubian polity at Kerma, resulting in the construction of fortresses and many victory stelae. In the subsequent New Kingdom period (1550–1050 BC) during which the Egyptian administration succeeded in occupying nearly all of Nubia, changes were necessary in conquest strategies. Diplomacy and cooperation may have replaced military action as mechanisms of control. This article investigates changes in imperial policy through the examination of traumatic injuries in human skeletal remains. Patterns of injuries in a sample from the site of Tombos, an Egyptian colonial cemetery in Nubia dating to the New Kingdom period, are compared with data on the patterns of injuries from Kerma, a cemetery dating to the Middle Kingdom period, published by Judd (2004). Analysis indicates a decrease in the level of traumatic injuries from Kerma to Tombos supporting the idea that through time the Egyptian administration modified their colonial strategy toward more nonviolent means. This article presents data on differences in the patterns of injury at Tombos and Kerma and explores possible explanations for this variation. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Definitionen von Grundbegriffen mit Bezug zu Polymerreaktionen und zu funktionellen polymeren Materialien
Authors: Jonas Ulrich , Theato Patrick
Published: February 2007

Hier werden die Ausdrücke definiert, die im Bereich von Polymerreaktionen und funktionellen Polymeren am geläufigsten sind. Dabei wurden nur Begriffe aufgenommen, die für Polymersysteme spezifisch sind. Die Zusammenstellung ist in drei Abschnitte unterteilt: Im ersten werden die Begriffe definiert, die sich auf Polymerreaktionen beziehen. Die Namen spezifischer chemischer Reaktionen wurden nicht aufgenommen, auch nicht in Fällen, in denen die Reaktionen wichtig für das Gebiet der Polymerreaktionen sind. Im zweiten Abschnitt werden Begriffe zu polymeren Reaktanten und reaktiven polymeren Materialien definiert, und im dritten Begriffe, die funktionelle polymere Materialien beschreiben.
Poly(m‐xylene adipamide)–kaolinite and poly(m‐xylene adipamide)–montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Ammala Anne , Hill Anita J. , Lawrence Kelly A. , Tran Thuy
Published: February 2007

Two clay compounds, montmorillonite (Cloisite 30B) and kaolinite, were dispersed in a poly(m‐xylene adipamide) resin at loading levels of 2 wt % clay. The samples were melt‐compounded and extruded. The extruded samples were injection‐molded into preforms and then blow‐molded into multilayer bottles. Rheology, calorimetry, electron microscopy, and gas‐transport measurements were performed. Both clays were nucleating agents, giving crystallite sizes that did not cause haze. Kaolinite was more difficult to exfoliate than montmorillonite, and under similar processing conditions, kaolinite resulted in a higher degree of crystallinity. Both nanocomposites exhibited improved gas‐barrier properties over the neat resin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1377–1381, 2007
Atom‐transfer radical polymerization of acrylonitrile under microwave irradiation
Authors: Hou Chen , Guo Zhenliang , Liu Junshen , Ying Liang , Geng Dongdong
Published: February 2007

A single‐pot atom‐transfer radical polymerization under microwave irradiation was first used to successfully synthesize polyacrylonitrile. This was achieved with FeBr2/isophthalic acid as the catalyst and 2‐bromopropionitrile as the initiator. With the same experimental conditions, the apparent rate constant under microwave irradiation was higher than that under conventional heating. An FeBr2/isophthalic acid ratio of 1:2 not only gave the best control of molecular weight and its distribution but also provided a rather rapid reaction rate. The polymers obtained were end‐functionalized by bromine atoms, and they were used as macroinitiators to proceed the chain extension polymerization. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1382–1385, 2007
Viscoelastic sol–gel state of the chitosan and alginate solution mixture
Authors: Shon Sung Ok , Ji Byung Chul , Han Young A , Park Dong‐Joon , Kim Ik Su , Choi Jin Hyun
Published: February 2007

The rheological behavior of chitosan/alginate solutions was investigated in relation to gelation and polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) formation. Before mixing, the chitosan and the alginate solutions were both homogeneous fluids. However, heterogeneity developed after mixing, accompanied by a serious increase of viscosity. To determine the sol–gel state of the solutions, the viscoelastic variables, such as the dynamic storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″), the loss tangent, and the viscoelastic exponents for G′ and G″, were obtained. Depending on the concentration, the chitosan/alginate solutions revealed unexpected rheological behavior. At a polymer concentration of 1.0 wt %, the chitosan/alginate solution was in a viscoelastic gel state, whereas, at higher concentrations, viscoelastic sol properties were dominant. A viscoelastic gel state for the chitosan/alginate solution was induced based on the weak formation of fiber‐shaped precipitates of a PEC at a low polymer concentration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1408–1414, 2007
“Smart” membrane materials: Preparation and characterization of PVDF‐g‐PNIPAAm graft copolymer
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Chen Li
Published: February 2007

In this research, a smart membrane material of graft copolymer of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PVDF‐g‐PNIPAAm) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as a macroinitiator and direct initiation of the secondary fluorinated site PVDF facilitates grafting the N‐isopropylacrylamide comonomer. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The temperature‐sensitive membrane was prepared from the PVDF‐g‐PNIPAAm graft copolymers by the phase inversion method. The effects of temperature on the flux of pure water of membrane was investigated. The results showed that alkyl fluorides were successfully applied as ATRP initiators in the synthetic condition and the flux of pure water through the PVDF‐g‐PNIPAAm membrane depended on the temperature change. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1482–1486, 2007
Rheological and electrical properties of Egyptian bentonite as a drilling mud
Authors: Mostafa Bassem A. , Assaad Faiz F. , Attia Mosaad
Published: February 2007

The flow properties of Egyptian bentonite as a drilling mud were studied using anionic polyacrylamide as an additive (MW 1,000,000 g/mol). The rheological properties (plastic viscosity, yield point, thixotropy) of bentonite–polyacrylamide mud were investigated at different concentrations (5–20 mg/L). It was found that, as polyacrylamide concentration increases, rheological properties increase after 24‐h aging time and up to 40°C. By increasing temperature, rheological properties become nearly constant. Electrical properties (electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential) of Na bentonite/PAM mud were measured using zeta meter. The results showed that zeta potential of Egyptian bentonite/PAM mud increased at low PAM concentrations up to 10 mg/L. At high polyacrylamide concentrations, these properties decreased. To investigate the relation between rheological and electrical properties, potential energy profiles were constructed. Potential energy profile at 10 mg/L polyacrylamide–clay showed a high repulsion potential energy between clay surfaces, i.e., suspension stability attained. The most reliable clay suspension to meet the desired properties could be reached using 6% clay suspension concentration, 10 mg/L polyacrylamide, and temperature 40°C up to 24‐h aging time. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1496–1503, 2007
Synthesis and characteristics of imprinted 17‐β‐estradiol microparticle and nanoparticle with TFMAA as functional monomer
Authors: Zhu Qiujin , Tang Jian , Dai Jun , Gu Xiaohong , Chen Shangwei
Published: February 2007

Submicron‐scaled molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles for 17‐β‐estradiol were prepared by precipitation polymerization method using 2‐(trifluoromethyl) acrylic acid as functional monomer and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate as cross‐linker in acetonitrile. The obtained submicron‐scaled MIP particles were subsequently packed into stainless steel columns and the chromatographic characteristics of the MIP stationary phase were investigated. Interestingly, it was found that tandem MIP columns of 17‐β‐estradiol‐based MIP with two different ratios of the template could achieve almost complete separation of isomers (17‐α‐estradiol and 17‐β‐estradiol) with a good separation factor (2.45). Morphological characteristics and adsorption kinetics of the submicron‐scaled MIP particles, effect of flow‐rate, injection amount, and column temperature on separation were also investigated in detail. Results indicated that the submicron‐scaled MIP particles had both good selectivity and high affinity to the template molecule 17‐β‐estradiol. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1551–1558, 2007
Effects of water on the preparation, morphology, and properties of polyimide/silica nanocomposite films prepared by sol–gel process
Authors: Jiang Lizhong , Wang Wencai , Wei Xiaowei , Wu Dezhen , Jin Riguang
Published: February 2007

Polyimide/silica (PI/SiO2) nanocomposite films with 10 wt % of silica content were prepared by sol–gel process under the conditions with and without additional water. The presence of additional water has great effect on the silica particle size and thus on the properties of the prepared PI/SiO2 films. The results indicated that with additional water, the silica particles formed before the imidization of poly(amic acid) (PAA) and aggregated with the increasing of temperature and degree of the proceeding imidization process. For the nonaqueous process, the hydrolysis condensation reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) did not occur until the imidization of PAA took place, and no silica particles were found in the unimidized PAA films. The hydrolysis–condensation reaction of TEOS was initiated simultaneously by the trace water released from the imidization reaction, the self‐catalysis mechanism of the approach provide a means of achieving uniformly dispersed silica particles formed in the PI matrix with particle size in the range of 30–70 nm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1579–1586, 2007
Preparation and solid‐state polyamidation of hexamethylenediammonium adipate: The effect of sodium 5‐sulfoisophthalic acid
Authors: Vouyiouka S. N. , Koumantarakis G. E. , Papaspyrides C. D.
Published: February 2007

The effect of sodium 5‐sulfoisophthalic acid (NaSIPA) on the solid‐state polymerization of hexamethylenediammonium adipate was studied. In particular, different polyamide salt grades, such as a model salt of hexamethylenediamine and NaSIPA and a polyamide 6,6 salt containing NaSIPA, were prepared through alternative procedures based on the solution–precipitation technique. Furthermore, selected salt grades were solid‐state‐polymerized in a thermogravimetric analysis chamber under static and flowing nitrogen. Critical reaction parameters, such as the reaction temperature, surrounding gas, and presence of NaSIPA, were investigated to determine the rate‐controlling mechanism of the process. More specifically, NaSIPA significantly influenced solid‐state polyamidation by reducing the reaction rate and changing the prevailing mechanism. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1609–1619, 2007
Influence of processing conditions on the rheological behavior of crumb tire rubber‐modified bitumen
Authors: Navarro F. J. , Partal P. , Martínez‐Boza F. J. , Gallegos C.
Published: February 2007

Traditional or technological studies about crumb tire rubber‐modified bitumens (CTRMBs) do not provide detailed rheological information. In that way, this article describes the influence of processing conditions on the linear viscoelastic and viscous behaviors of CTRMBs. The results of the study reveal an exponential increase in dissolved/dispersed rubber with processing temperature and, therefore, lower solid content that affect the rheological behavior in different ways. No influence of the processing device was observed, probably due to the fact that processing temperature (180°C) was not high enough to break up the crosslinked network of the rubber. The presence of rubber particles avoids the negative hardening effects observed for unmodified bitumens, resulting in a more flexible binder at low temperature. At high in‐service temperature, better rutting resistance would also be expected for CTRMBs. Flow results at 135°C indicates that modified bitumens can satisfy the AASHTO MP1 requirements if high‐enough shear rates are reached. All the CTRMBs studied present segregation, due to rubber settling during storage at high temperature, although an increase in processing temperature seems to enhance its stability. The results obtained seem to indicate that the optimum CTRMB processing temperature is 210°C. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1683–1691, 2007
Photodegradation of ethylene/propylene/polar monomers, co‐, and terpolymers. II. Prepared by Ni catalyst systems
Authors: Fernandes Susete , Correia Sandra , Matos Inês , Marques Maria M. , Rana Sravendra , Kumar Bijandra , Gupta M. K. , Singh R. P.
Published: February 2007

The copolymers of ethylene/propylene as well as their terpolymers with polar monomers were prepared by Ni‐catalyst systems and their photodegradation behavior was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The polar monomers used to synthesize co‐ and terpolymers of ethylene/propylene/polar monomer were 5‐hexen‐1‐ol, 10‐undecen‐1‐ol, acrylamide, methylmethacrylate, acrylonitrile, and methylvinyl ketone. The morphological changes of the irradiated samples were determined by scanning electron microscopy. The photodegradation kinetics has also been studied. The surface damage caused by polychromatic irradiation (λ ≥ 290 nm) at 55 °C in atmospheric air is presented in different micrographs. The rate of photo‐oxidative degradation is very fast in terpolymers containing polar monomers as compared with copolymers and homopolymers. The morphological study of the photodegraded samples showed a very good correlation with the photodegraded results. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1783–1791, 2007
Synthesis of hydrosoluble polymers of oxazoline using Maghnite‐H as catalyst
Authors: Yahiaoui Ahmed , Hachemaoui Aïcha , Belbachir Mohammed
Published: February 2007

2,4,4‐Triméthyl‐2‐oxazoline was polymerized, using an acid exchanged montmorillonite clay as catalyst, with the aim to study the influence of the methyl group size in the initiation and propagation processes. The effect of amount of catalyst temperature, time, and solvent on the polymerization yield and viscosity of the polymers were studied. The polymers obtained were characterized by spectrometric methods and their average molecular weights were determined by viscosimetrie and GPC data. The polymers presented similar spectrometric results and narrow molecular weight distributions. The kinetics indicated that the polymerization rate is first order with respect to monomer concentration. The polymerization results showed that the methyl groups present in the monomer affected the initiation process. Mechanism studies showed that polymerization of TMOX involves nucleophilic ring opening by attack of nitrogen to cleave the CH2O bond of the oxazoline ring. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1792–1800, 2007
Mechanical properties of PBT/ABAS blends
Authors: Tomar Neetu , Maiti S. N.
Published: February 2007

The mechanical properties such as tensile behavior and impact strength of melt mixed poly(butylene terephthlate) (PBT)/acrylonitrile–butylacrylate–styrene (ABAS) terpolymer blends at ABAS contents up to 39 vol % were evaluated. Tensile properties decreased while impact strength was enhanced by the blending polymer. Morphological studies show good dispersion of ABAS into the PBT matrix. The strength properties were dependent on the crystallinity of PBT and interphase adhesion between the phases. The impact toughening was dependent on the blending rubber concentration and interparticle distance of the discrete phase. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1807–1817, 2007
Morphology and thermomechanical properties of recycled PET–organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Bizarria Maria T. M. , Giraldi André L. F. de M. , de Carvalho Cesar M. , Velasco Jose I. , d'Ávila Marcos A. , Mei Lucia H. I.
Published: February 2007

Recycled PET/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation process with several amounts (1, 3, and 5 wt %) of clay modified with quaternary ammonium salt (DELLITE 67G) dispersed in a recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) matrix. The resultant mechanical properties (modulus and yield strength) of the nanocomposites were found to be different from those of rPET. Wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) measurements have shown that although complete exfoliation was not achieved, delaminated clay platelets could be observed. Thermal analysis did not show significant changes in the thermal properties from those of recycled PET. Mechanical testing showed that nanocomposite properties were superior to the recycled PET in terms of strength and elasticity modulus. This improvement was attributed to nanoscale effects and strong interaction between the rPET matrix and the clay interface, as revealed by WAXS and TEM. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1839–1844, 2007
Rheology and transesterification between polycarbonate and polyesters
Authors: Nabar Sanket , Kale D. D.
Published: February 2007

Rheological behavior of polycarbonate (PC)–polyester blends is studied. The miscibility and rheological behavior are discussed. Effect of catalyst, tetra‐n‐butyl orthotitanate on the transesterification reactions for a [60 (PC):40 (PET or PBT)] blend is studied rheologically. The blends were mixed for different spans of time for rheological study. The blends are analyzed on the basis of the mechanism suggested by other researchers. As the mixing time is increased, the blends show decrease in viscosity. Random copolymers also are amorphous in nature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2039–2047, 2007
Effects of silane and the lowering of pH on the properties of phenol–formaldehyde resol resins and resin coatings
Authors: Monni Janne , Alvila Leila , Rainio Jouni , Pakkanen Tuula T.
Published: February 2007

Phenol–formaldehyde resol resins were modified by the addition of silane (3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and the lowering of pH (formic acid). The effects of the modifications on the properties of the resins during storage were studied through comparison with the parent resins and by viscosity measurements, NMR spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Resin coatings on paper were prepared to determine the influence of discoloration of the resin solution on the color of the cured resin. A decrease in the pH of the NaOH‐catalyzed resin solutions lightened the color of the solutions and corresponding coatings, whereas silane additions made the coatings slightly more yellow. The lowering of pH increased the viscosities and decreased the reactivities of the resin solutions compared with the unmodified reference resins during storage. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1933–1941, 2007
Studies on miscibility of polyacrylamide/polyethylene glycol blends
Authors: Swamy T. M. Mruthyunjaya , Siddaramaiah
Published: February 2007

Miscibility studies have been conducted on solutions of blends of polyacrylamide (PAAm) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) over an extended range of concentrations in water. The ultrasonic velocity, viscosity, density, and refractive index of the blends have been measured for different compositions viz., 0/100, 10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, 80/30, 90/10, and 100/0 of PAAm/PEG blends at 30°C. The interaction parameters such as μ and α have been evaluated using the viscosity data to probe the miscibility. The obtained results have been confirmed by the ultrasonic velocity, density, and refractive index. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2048–2053, 2007
Preparation and properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube/polycaprolactone nanocomposites
Authors: Saeed Khalid , Park Soo‐Young
Published: February 2007

Multiwalled carbon nanotube/polycaprolactone nanocomposites (MWNT/PCL) were prepared by in situ polymerization, whereby as‐received MWNTs (P‐MWNTs) and purified MWNTs (A‐MWNTs) were used as reinforcing materials. The A‐MWNTs were purified by nitric acid treatment, which introduced the carboxyl groups (COOH) on the MWNT. The micrographs of the fractured surfaces of the nanocomposites showed that the A‐MWNTs in A‐MWNT/PCL were better dispersed than P‐MWNTs in PCL matrix (P‐MWNT/PCL). Percolation thresholds of the P‐MWNT/PCL and A‐MWNT/PCL, which were studied by rheological properties, were found at ∼2 wt % of the MWNT. The conductivity of the P‐MWNT/PCL was between 10−1 and 10−2 S/cm by loading of 2 wt % of MWNT although that of the A‐MWNT/PCL reached ∼10−2 S/cm by loading of 7 wt % of MWNT. The conductivity of the P‐MWNT/PCL was higher than that of the A‐MWNT/PCL at the entire range of the studied MWNT loading, which might be due to the destruction of π‐network of the MWNT by acid treatment, although the A‐MWNT/PCL was better dispersed than the P‐MWNT/PCL. The amount of the MWNT at which the conductivity of the nanocomposite started to increase was strongly correlated with the percolation threshold. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1957–1963, 2007
Free‐radical copolymerization of 2‐[3‐(6‐tetralino)‐3‐methylcyclobutyl]‐2‐ketoethyl methacrylate with acrylonitrile and styrene: Synthesis, characterization, and monomer reactivity ratios
Authors: Erol Ibrahim , Ahmedzade Mısır
Published: February 2007

The copolymerization of the monomer 2‐[3‐(6‐tetralino)‐3‐methylcyclobutyl]‐2‐ketoethyl methacrylate with acrylonitrile and styrene was carried out in a 1,4‐dioxane solution at 60°C with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The copolymers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy techniques. The thermal properties of the polymers were also studied with thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The copolymer compositions were determined with elemental analysis and 1H‐NMR techniques. The monomer reactivity ratios were calculated by the application of conventional linearization methods (Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös) to be less than 1 for both monomers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1979–1986, 2007
Preparation of cardanol–formaldehyde resins from cashew nut shell liquid for the reinforcement of natural rubber
Authors: Chuayjuljit S. , Rattanametangkool P. , Potiyaraj P.
Published: February 2007

Natural rubber was reinforced with a high loading of a cardanol–formaldehyde resin prepared from cashew nut shell liquid. Cardanol–formaldehyde resins, both resoles and novolaks, were synthesized from cardanol, which was extracted from cashew nut shells. This was done by the condensation polymerization of cardanol and formaldehyde in the presence of base and acid catalysts. The cardanol–formaldehyde resole with the highest yield (ca. 75%) was prepared with a formaldehyde/cardanol molar ratio of 2.0 at pH 8.0 and 90°C for 8 h. The cardanol–formaldehyde novolak with the highest yield (ca. 80%) was prepared with a formaldehyde/cardanol molar ratio of 0.8 at pH 2.2 and 100°C for 7 h. Fourier transform infrared and 13C‐NMR were employed to characterize the chemical structures of the obtained cardanol–formaldehyde resins. The resins were compatible with natural rubber in various formulations. The cured behaviors of natural rubber blended with the cardanol–formaldehyde resole and novolak resins were investigated. The cured behaviors of cardanol–formaldehyde resole and cardanol–formaldehyde novolak samples were different, reflecting differences in their chemical reactivities. Furthermore, the incorporation of cardanol–formaldehyde resins into natural rubber provided significant improvements in mechanical properties such as the hardness, tensile strength, modulus at 100 and 300% elongation, and abrasion resistance. However, the elongation at break and compression set of the blends decreased as expected. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1997–2002, 2007
Mixed method approaches to the investigation and mapping of buried Quaternary deposits: examples from southern England
Authors: Bates Martin R. , Bates C. Richard , Whittaker John E.
Published: February 2007

The lower reaches of major river valleys usually present archaeologists with considerable problems where thick sequences of stratified alluvium bury archaeology. These situations are typical of the lower reaches of major river systems that are currently under intense pressure from urban development where the archaeological resource is consequently at risk. Here we demonstrate how mixed method approaches, utilizing a range of borehole methods, cone penetration testing and surface and subsurface geophysics coupled with microfossil assessment (Foraminifera/Ostracoda), can be used to model these deposits and predict locations and depths at which important archaeological remains may be located. The novelty of this approach is not in the application of individual techniques to the problem but in the combined methodology, which enables a structured and cost effective programme of works to be formulated and provides the best chance to understand the subsurface. Although this approach has been developed to facilitate the location of archaeological sites buried at depth within the route corridor of development projects it is also suitable for locating fossil‐bearing sequences and mapping stratigraphical units in Quaternary science. We demonstrate the approach using two examples from southern England. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: An Improved Ruthenium Catalyst for the Environmentally Benign Amination of Primary and Secondary Alcohols (Chem. Asian J. 3/2007)
Authors: Hollmann Dirk , Tillack Annegret , Michalik Dirk , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: February 2007

Like a mountain pass novel ruthenium catalysts allow direct access to secondary amines from alcohols. The dehydrogenation–condensation–hydrogenation reaction sequence proceeds smoothly with an [Ru3(CO)12] and N‐phenyl‐2‐(dicyclohexylphosphanyl)pyrrole combination catalyst generated in situ. This highly atom‐economical reaction is an environmentally attractive method for the synthesis of secondary amines. In their Full Paper on page 403 ff., M. Beller and co‐workers present a comprehensive study of the ruthenium‐catalyzed amination reaction. (Picture: “Valley of the Winds—Kata Tjuta” © Dirk Hollmann, 2005.)
The expectation of aggregate discounted dividends for a Sparre Anderson risk process perturbed by diffusion
Authors: Meng Hui , Zhang Chunsheng , Wu Rong
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we study the expectation of aggregate dividends until ruin for a Sparre Andersen risk process perturbed by diffusion under a threshold strategy, in which claim waiting times have a common generalized Erlang(n) distribution. For this strategy, we assume that if the surplus is above certain threshold level before ruin, dividends are continuously paid at a constant rate that does not exceed the premium rate, and if not, no dividends are paid. We obtain some integro‐differential equations satisfied by the expected discounted dividends, and further its renewal equations. Finally, applying these results to the Erlang(2) risk model perturbed by diffusion, where claims have a common exponential distributions, we give some explicit expressions and numerical analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do electrostatic interactions destabilize protein–nucleic acid binding?
Authors: Qin Sanbo , Zhou Huan‐Xiang
Published: February 2007

The negatively charged phosphates of nucleic acids are often paired with positively charged residues upon binding proteins. It was thus counter‐intuitive when previous Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) calculations gave positive energies from electrostatic interactions, meaning that they destabilize protein–nucleic acid binding. Our own PB calculations on protein–protein binding have shown that the sign and the magnitude of the electrostatic component are sensitive to the specification of the dielectric boundary in PB calculations. A popular choice for the boundary between the solute low dielectric and the solvent high dielectric is the molecular surface; an alternative is the van der Waals (vdW) surface. In line with results for protein–protein binding, in this article, we found that PB calculations with the molecular surface gave positive electrostatic interaction energies for two protein–RNA complexes, but the signs are reversed when the vdW surface was used. Therefore, whether destabilizing or stabilizing effects are predicted depends on the choice of the dielectric boundary. The two calculation protocols, however, yielded similar salt effects on the binding affinity. Effects of charge mutations differentiated the two calculation protocols; PB calculations with the vdW surface had smaller deviations overall from experimental data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 112–118, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Letter 1: Randomized clinical trial of the effect of postoperative intravenous fluid restriction on recovery after elective colorectal surgery (Br J Surg 2006; 93: 1469–1474)
Authors: Tornero-Campello G
Published: February 2007

The Editors welcome topical correspondence from readers relating to articles published in the Journal. Responses should be sent electronically via the BJS website (www.bjs.co.uk). All letters will be reviewed and, if approved, appear on the website. A selection of these will be edited and published in the Journal. Letters must be no more than 250 words in length.
Neural Networks as a Tool To Classify Compounds According to Aromaticity Criteria
Authors: Alonso Mercedes , Herradón Bernardo
Published: February 2007

Aromaticity is a fundamental concept in chemistry, with many theoretical and practical implications. Although most organic compounds can be categorized as aromatic, non‐aromatic, or antiaromatic, it is often difficult to classify borderline compounds as well as to quantify this property. Many aromaticity criteria have been proposed, although none of them gives an entirely satisfactory solution. The inability to fully arrange organic compounds according to a single criterion arises from the fact that aromaticity is a multidimensional phenomenon. Neural networks are computational techniques that allow one to treat a large amount of data, thereby reducing the dimensionality of the input set to a bidimensional output. We present the successful applications of Kohonen's self‐organizing maps to classify organic compounds according to aromaticity criteria, showing a good correlation between the aromaticity of a compound and its placement in a particular neuron. Although the input data for the training of the network were different aromaticity criteria (stabilization energy, diamagnetic susceptibility, NICS, NICS(1), and HOMA) for five‐membered heterocycles, the method can be extended to other organic compounds. Some useful features of this method are: 1) it is very fast, requiring less than one minute of computational time to place a new compound in the map; 2) the placement of the different compounds in the map is conveniently visualized; 3) the position of a compound in the map depends on its aromatic character, thus allowing us to establish a quantitative scale of aromaticity, based on Euclidean distances between neurons, 4) it has predictive power. Overall, the results reported herein constitute a significant contribution to the longstanding debate on the quantitative treatment of aromaticity.
Use of Anions To Allow Translational Isomerism of a [2]Rotaxane
Authors: Lin Chi‐Feng , Lai Chien‐Chen , Liu Yi‐Hung , Peng Shie‐Ming , Chiu Sheng‐Hsien
Published: February 2007

We report a molecular [2]rotaxane which comprises a molecular cage and a dumbbell‐shaped component, in which translational isomerism can be performed reversibly through an in situ anion exchange process, that is, sequential addition of Bu4NCl/AgPF6 reagent pairs. The [2]rotaxane incorporates two pyridinium and two dialkylammonium centers and functions as a triply operable molecular switch, which can be controlled through altering the polarity of the solvent, adding acidic and basic reagents (TFA/Et3N), and the varying the nature of the counteranions (Cl− vs PF6−).