bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Life History Traits in Lake Trout
Authors: McDermid Jenni L. , Ihssen Peter E. , Sloan William N. , Shuter Brian J.
Published: June 2007

Lake trout Salvelinus namaycush exhibit substantial life history variation associated with variation in climatic and biotic variables. To assess the environmental and genetic influences on lake trout life history traits, eggs were collected from two lakes in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Lake Opeongo and Louisa Lake, with contrasting ecotypes and forage bases. Eggs from both populations and interpopulation hybrids (Lake Opeongo females × Louisa Lake males) were raised to maturity in a common controlled environment. There was evidence of a genetic basis to life history variation between ecotypes. Hatchery‐reared lake trout from Louisa Lake were found to have a faster prematuration growth rate and earlier age and smaller size at maturation than Lake Opeongo lake trout, whereas Lake Opeongo lake trout had greater postmaturation growth rates. Most of the life history traits of hybrids were intermediate between those of the parent populations. These differences were also consistent with reported differences on these populations in the field. Despite differences in maturation and body size, reproductive investment did not differ significantly among the hatchery‐reared populations. There was also evidence of phenotypic plasticity in growth (juvenile and adult) and age at maturity. For fish originating from each lake, hatchery‐raised fish showed higher prematuration growth rates and younger ages at maturity than did wild fish. Hatchery‐reared fish from Louisa Lake were projected to attain asymptotic sizes nearly 50% larger than those of their wild counterparts. These data provide evidence that wild lake trout populations exhibit a plastic response to resource limitation. The combined results of this study indicate that lake trout life history characteristics are driven by both genetic and environmental influences, which should be incorporated into current life history models and used in making management decisions.
Real-time modelling of a major water supply system
Authors: Farmani R. , Ingeduld P. , Savic D. , Walters G. , Svitak Z. , Berka J.
Published: June 2007

Numerical modelling of water supply and distribution systems has become a standard and essential practice in any serious attempt to evaluate hydraulic, water quality and economic aspects of these complex systems. Well-suited models, including advanced technologies such as geographical information system and telemetry systems, accurate fire flow calculations, water quality analysis and leakage reduction have become indispensable tools for water network managers. Application of these advanced techniques in hydraulic and water quality modelling and optimum operation is considered to be a part of master planning for the south-west Moravian water supply system in the Czech Republic. The regional water supply system of south-west Moravia supplies water to two counties (Zdar and Trebic). Two regional control centres manage the whole water supply system. A hydraulic and water quality on-line computational module is installed on the central control system server. The mathematical model of the water supply system was calibrated and verified for both steady state and extended period simulations. Numerous hydraulic and water quality model scenarios were conducted for both existing and future operations of the system under normal and emergency conditions. Water quality analyses consisted of residual chlorine concentration simulation including detailed water age and source tracing simulations. The main objective in developing the on-line model was to decrease the operational cost of the system by optimising the operation of pumping stations by improving the rules used to control the inflow into the storage tanks, and by decreasing the time necessary to model required alternatives. The experience from developing the hydraulic and water quality models and optimum scheduling of pumps and valves for the master plan of south-west Moravia as well as the state of the art of the available solutions are discussed in this paper.
Peak residential water demand
Authors: Tricarico C. , de Marinis G. , Gargano R. , Leopardi A.
Published: June 2007

Residential water consumption has been analysed by monitoring a water distribution system in a small town of about 1200 inhabitants, Piedimonte San Germano, in southern Italy. The design of a water distribution system is usually undertaken with reference to the maximum water required by customers—one of the most onerous operating conditions to which an hydraulic network is exposed. The aim of the present work has been to contribute to the characterisation of the peak water demand through statistical inferences on a large data sample collected from the system under consideration. Specifically, the data have been analysed for the effect of resampling the raw data with respect to time interval on the estimate of peak demand factor. Formulae are suggested to estimate the maximum flow demand for small towns, in relation to the number of users. In addition, statistical inferences have shown that the stochastic, maximum flow demand is described by the log-normal and Gumbel models. With reference to small residential areas, the parameters of such statistical distributions have been estimated. These have shown that the coefficient of variation (CV) of the peak water demand is a function of the number of users. Although these results are only directly applicable to the specific context from which they have been obtained, the comparison with the sparse data available in the technical literature leads to the belief that the proposed relationships could be extended to other small residential areas.
Modelling the risk of contaminant intrusion in water mains
Authors: Vairavamoorthy K. , Yan J. , Gorantiwar S. D.
Published: June 2007

The contamination of water distribution systems is widely recognised in the case of intermittent water supplies, where pipes are empty for many hours each day and thus under negligible or zero pressure. This allows contaminants from pollution sources such as sewers, open drains and surface water bodies to enter into the water distribution pipes through leaks and cracks during non-supply hours. In developing countries, where water supply is intermittent, contamination frequently occurs to the distribution network at unacceptably high levels, posing a threat to public health. The urban poor suffer most from contaminated water supplies and also suffer a far greater health burden, related in part to the consumption of poor quality water. There are no tools currently available to assist engineers in identifying the risks associated with contaminant intrusion into intermittent water distribution systems. This paper introduces a new tool called integrated risk assessment of water distribution systems (IRA-WDS). It is anticipated that the application of such tools will enable engineers to manage water quality more effectively by developing appropriate control measures to minimise the risks of contaminant intrusion. This paper summarises details of the mathematical models that form the basis of IRA-WDS and also describes the application of the tool to a real case study in India. The outputs from IRA-WDS are risk maps showing the risk of contaminant intrusion into the various parts of the water distribution system and an understanding of the main factors that contribute to risk. These risk maps will be invaluable to decision makers in that they can provide a guide to prioritise the operation and maintenance strategy in order to improve water quality.
Assessing water mains condition using hydraulic transients
Authors: Misiunas D. , Lambert M. , Simpson A. , Olsson G.
Published: June 2007

This paper investigates the potential of using controlled hydraulic transients for non-intrusive assessment of the internal condition of water transmission pipelines. Deterioration of pipelines is a natural process. An effective tool for evaluating the state of pipeline interiors could be extremely useful for planning rehabilitation or identifying critical points in a system. A non-intrusive technique for evaluating the state of the internal surface of a pipeline is introduced. The total length of the pipeline was divided into a number of segments and the condition of each segment assessed based on the transient response corresponding to that interval. In addition to quantification of the deterioration level of different sections of the pipeline, critical points were identified where closer investigation was suggested. The proposed technique, although in an early stage of development, was tested on a real pipeline.
Lifespan Creativity in a Non-Western Artistic Tradition: A Study of Japanese Ukiyo-E Printmakers
Authors: Kozbelt Aaron , Durmysheva Yana
Published: June 2007

Western cultures' conceptions about creativity emphasize originality and final products; Eastern cultures, skill and process. Does this cultural difference impact how creativity unfolds over the lifespan? To examine this, we investigated Japanese “ukiyo-e” printmaking (c. 1670–1865). Almost 2,000 illustrations of datable prints by 44 artists were found in 36 art books. Career landmarks (earliest, most frequent, and latest illustrated print) and eminence ratings were estimated for each artist. Results are largely consistent with prior research on Western samples: artists' career peaks vary greatly, averaging around age 40, and the most prolific artists usually (but not always) created the most popular prints. However, ukiyo-e artists show a more positive relation between career peak and eminence than Western artists, peak slightly later than their French (but not American) counterparts, and older artists created the most famous prints, compared to the West. Trans-historically, early-peaking ukiyo-e artists are concentrated between 1780 and 1800.
Changes in Health Outcomes among Older Husband Caregivers: A One-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ducharme Francine , Lévesque Louise , Zarit Steven H. , Lachance Lise , Giroux Francine
Published: June 2007

This one-year longitudinal study carried out on a sample of 232 older husband caregivers sought to describe changes in psychological distress and self-perceived health, and to examine relationships between factors drawn primarily from Pearlin's model of caregiving and changes in these two health outcomes. Prediction analyses shows that nearly two thirds of the husbands have unsuccessful outcomes with respect to these two dimensions, that is, most husbands obtain either steadily poor scores at both times of the study or worse scores on one or both outcomes. Higher levels of education and informal instrumental support at time 1, as well as an increase in role overload, are predictive of unsuccessful outcome for psychological distress, whereas an increase in self-efficacy predicts successful outcome for self-perceived health. Overall, husband caregivers vary in their response to caregiving over time. The findings support previous study results showing subjective stressors, rather than objective stressors, and caregiver resources to be significant predictors of caregiving outcomes.
Disenfranchised Grief and Nonfinite Loss as Experienced by the Families of Death Row Inmates
Authors: Jones Sandra J. , Beck Elizabeth
Published: June 2007

The families of death row inmates experience grief and loss issues that have been neglected by scholars and clinicians alike. The issues found in this population are unique and require our understanding. The present study uses the concepts of disenfranchised grief and nonfinite loss to uncover the pain experienced by the children and other family members who have a loved one on death row. Kenneth Doka's (1989) concept of disenfranchised grief is utilized to bring attention to the ways in which the circumstances surrounding an execution leave the family members of those condemned to death outside of the “grieving rules” that exist in the United States. Family members are disenfranchised from their grief, as society does not socially validate their pain. The loss that they feel is also nonfinite (Bruce & Schultz, 2001) in that it is continuous and denies the families all of the hopes, dreams, and expectations that they had for their loved one who now sits on death row. The qualitative interview method was utilized by the authors of this study to gather data from 26 family members of death row inmates who are incarcerated along the East Coast of the United States. The reactions of this group of family members are varied and complex, yet they include the following common responses: social isolation due to stigma and their own feelings of criminalization, intensified family conflict between family members who grieve differently from one another, diminished self-esteem, shame, diffused and specific feelings of guilt, and a chronic state of despair. This study explores virtually untapped terrain. An examination of the microlevel effects of the death penalty on families provides insight in to the area of death and dying, especially as it is related to disenfranchised loss and nonfinite grief. In addition, this study provides insight into the death penalty and its effects.
An Interpersonal Neurobiological-Informed Treatment Model for Childhood Traumatic Grief
Authors: Crenshaw David A.
Published: June 2007

This article expands an earlier model of the tasks of grieving (1990, [1995], [2001]) by building on science based findings derived from research in attachment theory, neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and childhood traumatic grief (CTG). The proposed treatment model is a prescriptive approach that spells out specific tasks to be undertaken by children suffering traumatic grief under the direction of a therapist who is trained in trauma-informed therapy approaches and draws heavily on the empirically derived childhood traumatic grief treatment model developed by Cohen and Mannarino (2004; Cohen, Mannarino, & Deblinger, 2006). This model expands on their work by proposing specific tasks that are informed by attachment theory research and the interpersonal neurobiological research (Schore, 2003a, 2003b; Siegel, 1999). Particular emphasis is placed on developing a coherent and meaningful narrative since this has been found as a crucial factor in recovery from trauma in attachment research (Siegel, 1999; Siegel & Hartzell, 2003).
Reconsidering Change and Continuity in Later Life: Toward an Innovation Theory of Successful Aging
Authors: Nimrod Galit , Kleiber Douglas A.
Published: June 2007

This article examines the patterns and meanings of innovation in the activities of a group of retirees with an eye toward understanding the place and value of innovation in the aging process. Starting with a consideration of continuity theory, as a perspective that simply describes typical patterns of activity, and activity theory that prescribes expansion of activities as a key to well-being, this article highlights the characteristics, meanings and perceived benefits of a wide variety of innovative activities. The study utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 male and female retirees involved in a “Learning and Retirement” program. Innovations that both preserve a sense of self (internal continuity) as well as those that allow one to strike out in entirely new direction are described, and, using a process of constant comparison, their motivational dynamics are explored. Given previous arguments that activity can be indiscriminate and disintegrative in some circumstances, we nevertheless suggest that innovation can be growth producing and liberating, even in later life, while at the same time generally protecting a sense of internal continuity.
Bereavement, Gender, and Cyberspace: A Content Analysis of Parents' Memorials to Their Children
Authors: Musambira George W. , Hastings Sally O. , Hoover Judith D.
Published: June 2007

The study investigated how two distinct perspectives apply to the role of gender in parents' memorials on The Compassionate Friends (TCF) electronic bulletin board; cyberspace as merely a mirror of societal gendered patterns of bereavement, and cyberspace as a medium or context in which societal gendered patterns of bereavement are neutralized. Data were evaluated to determine to what extent gender differences exist concerning instrumental versus intuitive styles of bereavement. Analytic categories used in assessing gender differences in parental bereavement style included the following: invoking spirituality, directing messages to the deceased, artistic expressions, and special powers accorded to the deceased. With some exceptions, the findings supported the perspective emphasizing the gender neutralizing aspects of cyberspace parental bereavement for the population studied.
Dialogue with Donald Templer
Authors: Beshai J. A.
Published: June 2007

Dr. Donald Templer is retired Professor of Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University and a consultant on Death Anxiety and thanatology. He was recognized by APA for leading the movement for research on death anxiety which extends to many countries all over the world. His Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS) received acclaim since its publication in 1970. He authored five books and eleven assessment instruments. Dr. Templer's (1967) doctoral dissertation at the University of Kentucky was entitled: “Construction and Validation of a Death Anxiety Scale.” it was rated as a citation classic by Current Contents because it was way ahead of its time, and generated considerable research. He received the following awards: Diplomate in Clinical Psychology from the Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), Diplomate and Fellow of Prescribing Psychologists Register, Diplomate and Fellow in International College of Prescribing Psychologists, Fellow of American Association of Applied and Preventive Psychology, Fellow of American Academy of Clinical Psychology, Research Award given by Missouri Psychological Association in 1969, Distinguished Psychologist of the Year Award by Fresno Area Psychological Association in 1995.
Agrarische Waldnutzungen in der Schweiz 1800–1950. Waldfeldbau, Waldfrüchte und Harz | Agricultural use of forests in Switzerland 1800-1950. Field crops and forestry in alternation, forest fruits and resin
Authors: Bürgi Matthias , Stuber Martin
Published: June 2007

Agricultural uses of forests in Switzerland, such as wood pasture,fodder production and litter harvesting were important for animal husbandry. Other uses resulted more directly in products for human consumption. Crops, such as potatoes and cereals, were produced in several systems with temporary fields in the forest. In the 19th century, a special agroforestry system was developed based on traditional forms of slash-andburn-cultivation, in which clear-cutting and artificial regeneration were combined with intermediate crop production. This system became widespread in Switzerland. Collecting berries did not only open up additional food resources, but also generated income for many farmers. Resin was another natural product which was in high demand owing to its unique characteristics. It was used for a wide variety of purposes and was often collected by farmers for their own use and to generate extra income. In this paper we discuss the development of these uses for the period 1800 until 1950 and the consequences for forests as ecosystems. Agricultural uses of the forest have long been neglected. Given their importance for cultural history,ecosystem development and the potential for carbon sequestration of forests, these agricultural uses deserve to be the subject of further study.
Coopération internationale pour le développement durable: résultats et perspectives du Sommet de Johannesburg | International co-operation for sustainable development: results and perspectives of the Johannesburg Summit
Authors: Pistocchini Francesco
Published: June 2007

Ten years after the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, a summit on sustainable development took place last year in Johannes burg. Apart from delegates from 191 countries, this event also included a remarkable number of multi-national companies and representatives from NGOs. The main issues addressed at the summit included water, energy, healthcare, agriculture and biodiversity. Partnership initiatives, bringing together the private and public sectors, were widely debated at the summit. Written by an independent author, this article critically examines the preparations and the unfolding of the event. He analyses the most important results arising from the summit from social and political perspectives, questions the actual possibilities of implementation and discusses future prospects for international co-operation.
Vergleichende Untersuchungen zum Brandverhalten der Borken von Föhre, Lärche und Robinie | Comparative studies on the firing behaviour of the bark of Scots pine, larch and black locust
Authors: Centonze Carlo , Baum Sebastian , Niemz Peter
Published: June 2007

During firing experiments on the bark of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), larch (Larix decidua) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) the temperature pattern was determined for the duration of the firing phase and the cooling-down phase in two measuring depths (8 mm and 12 mm). Additionally several wood physical (density, coefficient of thermal conductivity for varying temperatures) and anatomical (structure, cell wall / lumen ratio) properties were ascertained and the burning progress as well as the carbonisation documented. The temperature pattern showed a strong correlation between the burn-through-time and the density of the bark. Strong distinctions were apparent among the tree species. Black locust, with its very homogeneous and low density scale-fibre bark,showed a much steeper temperature pattern with a considerably higher temperature maximum than the scale bark of the conifers. The almost linear and slightly delayed temperature pattern in the pine bark might indicate a good opportunity for a possible industrial utilisation.
Consideration of aggressive therapeutic strategies for primary testicular lymphoma
Authors: Park Byeong‐Bae , Kim Jong Gwang , Sohn Sang Kyun , Kang Hye Jin , Lee Seung Sook , Eom Hyeon Seok , Kwon Hyuck Chan , Oh Sung Yong , Kang Jung Hun , Oh Suk Joong , Shin Ho‐Jin , Suh Cheolwon , Kim Jung Han , Kim Ho Young , Kim Kihyun , Ryoo Baek Yeol , Kim Won Seog
Published: June 2007

To evaluate the clinical features and treatment of primary testicular lymphoma, 45 cases were retrospectively evaluated. The median age of the patients was 59 years (range, 40–81) and most patients (76%) presented with Stages I–II. All patients underwent an orchiectomy, after which various treatments were given, chemotherapy alone in 37 patients (60%) and chemotherapy with involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) in 15 patients (33%). Prophylactic intrathecal chemotherapy was given to six patients; cranial irradiation was given in two patients. Eleven patients (24%) received prophylactic irradiation or surgery on the contralateral testis. In 40 patients able to be evaluated, complete response (CR) rate was 78%; 11 of 31 CR patients (36%) had relapsed. Relapse or disease progression was observed in 21 patients. The most frequent site (44%) was in the CNS. The median progression free survival and overall survival were 16 and 34 months, respectively. Ten patients who received prophylactic radiation to the contralateral testis had no relapse in this site. In six patients who received prophylactic intrathecal chemotherapy, there was no leptomeningeal progression, but brain parenchymal relapse occurred in two patients. In multivariate analysis, Stage I (P = 0.02) and additional IFRT after orchiectomy (P = 0.01) were found to be good prognostic factors. In conclusion, orchiectomy followed by intensive chemotherapy and IFRT including prophylaxis to the CNS and contralateral testis, should be considered as initial treatment in primary testicular lymphoma. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syntactic foam composites of epoxy‐allyl phenol‐bismaleimide ternary blend—Processing and properties
Authors: Ambika Devi K. , John Bibin , Reghunadhan Nair C. P. , Ninan K. N.
Published: June 2007

Syntactic foams based on a reactive polymer blend of Epoxy‐Allyl Phenol‐Bismaleimide were processed using hollow glass microballoons. The effect of microballoon concentration on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of the foam composites was investigated. The mechanical properties, specific strength, coefficient of linear expansion, and density of the foam composites showed decreasing trend with increase in microballoon concentration whereas the specific heat showed a marginal increase. The temperature dependence of the thermophysical properties revealed an increase in coefficient of linear expansion, whereas the specific heat was more or less insensitive to the test temperature. Syntactic foams of fixed filler loading (50% by weight) were processed using a blend of two types of microballoons of different shell thickness. The mechanical properties increased proportional to the concentration of the higher shell thickness microballoon. At moderate filler load microballoon breakage dominated the failure mode. The compositional dependency of the mechanical properties was corroborated by SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Adhesion properties of swollen hydrogels evaluated by a point‐contact method
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi , Sato Takaya , Sakasegawa Daisuke , Sawada Hidenori , Goto Motoaki
Published: June 2007

The adhesion of swollen hydrogels was studied with the use of a simple tack‐evaluation technique using a point contact in the air at room temperature. The hydrogels used here were poly(sodium acrylate) gel physically crosslinked by aluminum ions. The adhesion properties were examined under different experimental parameters, i.e., separation velocities, normal loads, and waiting periods prior to separation. The effects of the material parameters resulting from the different degrees of the crosslinking on the adhesive properties were also examined. As a result, the adhesion force and the separation energy showed a power‐law behavior with different powers, which depended on the experimental and material parameters. The adhesion properties were determined by the bulk viscoelasticity as well as the surface physical and chemical properties. The results were discussed in terms of the surface molecular interaction and the bulk viscoelastic and viscous properties on the basis of the measurements of the apparent contact area, the ATR FTIR spectrum, and the dynamic viscoelasticity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Development of flame retardancy properties of new halogen‐free phosphorous doped SiO2 thin films on fabrics
Authors: Cireli Aysun , Onar Nurhan , Ebeoglugil M. Faruk , Kayatekin Isil , Kutlu Bengi , Culha Osman , Celik Erdal
Published: June 2007

In this study, flame retardancy properties of fabrics treated with phosphorous (P) doped and undoped SiO2 thin films were developed by sol–gel technique. As to this aim, P‐doped and undoped SiO2 film were coated on cotton fabric from the solutions prepared from P, Si‐based precursors, solvent, and chelating agent at low temperature in air using sol–gel technique. To determine solution characteristics, which affect thin film structure, turbidity, pH values, and rheological properties of the prepared solutions were measured using a turbidimeter, a pH meter, and a rheometer machines before coating process. The thermal, structural, and microstructural characterization of the coating were done using differential thermal analysis/thermograviometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, tensile strength, wash fastness, flame retandancy, and lightness properties of the coated fabrics were determined. To compensate the slight loss of tensile strength of samples, which occurred at the treated fabrics with P‐doped Si‐based solutions, the cotton fabrics were coated with polyurethane films during second step. In conclusion, the flame retardant cotton fabric with durability of washing as halogen‐free without requiring after treatment with formaldehyde was fabricated using sol–gel processing for the first time. Moreover the cotton fabrics, which were treated with P‐doped Si‐based solutions and then coated with polyurethane at second step, still has got nonflammable property. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Morphological analysis of highly filled propylene/ethylene copolymers
Authors: Ionescu‐Vasii L. L. , Wood‐Adams Paula M. , Duchesne Eric , L'Espérance Gilles , Karjala Teresa , Ansems Patricia
Published: June 2007

A series of particulate composites based on a new family of propylene/ethylene (P/E) copolymers produced by Dow Chemical Co. were studied with microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). To understand the good processability exhibited by the composites, we studied the composite microstructure and the bulk rheological properties. Here we report the results of a study of the microstructure and thermal behavior. Electron micrographs of the composites showed a uniform dispersion of the particles in the copolymer matrices at all experimental concentrations with very little particle agglomeration. The images suggested low adhesion between the matrices and the particles. The copolymers were semicrystalline, and their morphologies changed with the ethylene content. An increase in the ethylene content led to a decrease in the crystallinity and changes in the shape and size of the crystallites. Tapping‐mode atomic force microcopy images of a 9 wt % ethylene copolymer contained spherulites, lamellae, and a crosshatched structure characteristic of α‐isotactic polypropylene. The crosshatched structure was not present at higher ethylene contents. A DSC study of the pure copolymers and their composites revealed that only very small modifications to the thermal behavior of the P/E copolymers were induced by calcium carbonate particles. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Effect of adding sulphur to the dope on properties of modified polyacrylonitrile fibers
Authors: Wang Yan‐Xiang , Wang Cheng‐Guo
Published: June 2007

Ammonium‐modified polyacrylonitrile (PAN) dope was prepared by free‐radical solution copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and ammonium itaconate (AIA), adding different weight percent amount of sulphur into quantitative dope and then the dope was spun into precursor fibers. Effects of sulphur on the characteristics of the copolymers and precursor fibers even the oxidated fibers or the resultant carbon fibers were studied. It has been found that the adding sulphur could obviously increase the hydrophilicity of the copolymer. But in the spinning processes, with the concentration of the adding sulphur increasing, the apparent minus jet stretch of as‐spun fibers varied from −21% to −66%, the crystallinty increased from 21.2% to 40.5%, the void volume, fineness, tenacity and elongation at‐break of the ammonium‐modified precursors all decreased, which could result in the increase of the comprehensive properties of the resultant precursors. It was testified that the precursors developed from the copolymer with the higher concentration of adding sulphur have higher degree of orientation. The resultant carbon fibers developed from precursors of the adding sulphur show an improvement in tensile strength of about 30%. The activation energy of cyclization can be reduced from the original 150 kJ mol−1 to about 110 kJ mol−1. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Effects of ion group content and polyol molecular weight on physical properties of HTPB‐based waterborne poly(urethane‐urea)s
Authors: Min Huang Shih , Ko Chen Teng
Published: June 2007

A series of waterborne poly(urethane‐urea)s, WPUUs, based on using nonpolar hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as the soft segment, were successfully synthesized in this article. The effects of the COOH group content and soft‐segment molecular weight (Mns) on the dispersion, morphology, and physical properties were investigated. Variations of the particle size, viscosity, and zeta potential were first governed by the hydrophilicity of the polymer chain, and then by the swelling derived from water. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the degree of phase separation decreased as the COOH group content increased or as Mns decreased. However, the hydrogen bonding between the soft and hard segments and the two‐phase mixing could not occur in this nonpolar HTPB‐based WPUU system, indicating that the hard segments tended to form smaller domains and to pack more loosely. It was attributed to the fact that the presence of bulky ionic salt groups destroyed the ordered arrangement of the hard segments. In this case, the increases of the interface area between the soft and hard phases resulted in that the present behaviors were similar to the phase mixing. In tensile properties, HTPB‐based WPUUs exhibited higher tensile stress, elongation at break, and modulus as the COOH group content decreased or as Mns decreased. In thermal degradation, the introduction of HTPB polyol improved the thermal stability of WPUU. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
In situ composites from blends of polycarbonate and a thermotropic liquid‐crystalline polymer: The influence of the processing temperature on the rheology, morphology, and mechanical properties of injection‐molded microcomposites
Authors: Kalkar A. K. , Deshpande A. A. , Kulkarni M. J.
Published: June 2007

This work was aimed at understanding how the injection‐molding temperature affected the final mechanical properties of in situ composite materials based on polycarbonate (PC) reinforced with a liquid‐crystalline polymer (LCP). To that end, the LCP was a copolyester, called Vectra A950 (VA), made of 73 mol % 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 27 mol % 6‐hydroxy‐2 naphthoic acid. The injection‐molded PC/VA composites were produced with loadings of 5, 10, and 20 wt % VA at three different processing barrel temperatures (280, 290, and 300°C). When the composite was processed at barrel temperatures of 280 and 290°C, VA provided reinforcement to PC. The resulting injection‐molded structure had a distinct skin–core morphology with unoriented VA in the core. At these barrel temperatures, the viscosity of VA was lower than that of PC. However, when they were processed at 300°C, the VA domains were dispersed mainly in spherical droplets in the PC/VA composites and thus were unable to reinforce the material. The rheological measurements showed that now the viscosity of VA was higher than that of PC at 300°C. This structure development during the injection molding of these composites was manifested in the mechanical properties. The tensile modulus and tensile strength of the PC/VA composites were dependent on the processing temperature and on the VA concentrations. The modulus was maximum in the PC/VA blend with 20 wt % VA processed at 290°C. The Izod impact strength of the composites tended to markedly decrease with increasing VA content. The magnitude of the loss modulus decreased with increasing VA content at a given processing temperature. This was attributed to the anisotropic reinforcement of VA. Similarly, as the VA content increased, the modulus and thus the reinforcing effect were improved comparatively with the processing temperature increasing from 280 to 290°C; this, however, dropped in the case of composites processed at 300°C, at which the modulus anisotropy was reduced. Dynamic oscillatory shear measurements revealed that the viscoelastic properties, that is, the shear storage modulus and shear loss modulus, improved with decreasing processing temperatures and increasing VA contents in the composites. Also, the viscoelastic melt behavior (shear storage modulus and shear loss modulus) indicated that the addition of VA changed the distribution of the longer relaxation times of PC in the PC/VA composites. Thus, the injection‐molding processing temperature played a vital role in optimizing the morphology‐dependent mechanical properties of the polymer/LCP composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Compatibility study of recycled poly(vinyl chloride)/styrene‐acrylonitrile blends
Authors: Garcia David , Balart Rafael , Parres Francisco , López Juan
Published: June 2007

The aim of the present study is to analyze the compatibility between recycled Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and styrene‐acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). With this objective recycled PVC coming from credit cards have been blended with both virgin and recycled SAN with the aim of increase the benefits of recycled PVC. The compatibility of the components will be crucial for the final properties of the material. Furthermore, the recycled nature of some of the components will determine the compatibilization capability of the blend. The degradation level in the recycled materials was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The compatibility between the PVC and the SAN was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. A greater compatibility was observed in mixtures of PVC and virgin SAN than in mixtures of PVC and recycled SAN. Finally, a morphological study of the fracture surface under cryogenic conditions was carried out using scanning electron microscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Transparent antifouling coatings via nanoencapsulation of a biocide
Authors: Zhang M. , Cabane E. , Claverie J.
Published: June 2007

Transparent coatings releasing an antifouling agent (AF) can be used to reduce the marine fouling of optical lenses. A variety of water‐borne coatings based on poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) (PMMA‐co‐PBA) were synthesized using a two‐stage miniemulsion process. During this process, the AF, SeaNine 211, was nanoencapsulated in domains small enough not to scatter light. The release rate of SeaNine 211 was studied for the polymers of different Tg, and found to be sufficient to impart AF properties. However, over time, the coatings were found to develop a whitish aspect (blushing) due to water retrodiffusion. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Mechanical properties and microstructure of acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber vulcanizates reinforced by in situ polymerized phenolic resin
Authors: Ye Linzhong , Zhang Yongheng , Wang Zhaobo
Published: June 2007

The phenolic resin (PF) was incorporated into acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) vulcanizates by in situ polymerization during the vulcanization process. It was found that the tensile strength, tearing strength, and tensile strength (300% elongation) could be considerably enhanced 59.4, 80.2, and 126.4%, respectively, at an optimum PF content of only 15 phr, but the elongation at break and shore A hardness were only slightly affected on the basis of silica‐reinforced NBR vulcanizates. A systematic study of the PF structure formed within the NBR matrix using various experimental schemes and procedures has revealed that the PF resin would form the localized discontinuous three‐dimensional interconnected network structures in the NBR matrix. The substantial reinforcement of PF on the mechanical properties of vulcanized NBR were attributed to the morphology, high flexibility, and moderate stiffness of the PF phases and their excellent bonding with rubbers through “rubber to rubber” and interface layer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Measurement of the Vertebral Canal Dimensions of the Neck of the Rat with a Comparison to the Human
Authors: Flynn Jamie R. , Bolton Philip S.
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to determine the dimensions of the vertebral canal in the neck of the rat, because little is known about the morphology of the rat's cervical spine. A comparison then was made to the vertebral canal in the neck of the human. In part 1 of this study, we determined the precision of three different methods to measure the vertebral canal. The error (coefficient of variation) in these methods was found to range from 1 to 8%. In part 2, we used a computer‐based system to measure digital images of the vertebra and determined the anterior to posterior and the transverse vertebral canal dimensions in the neck of 19 young adult Sprague‐Dawley rats. The anterior to posterior dimension of the vertebral canal was greatest at the upper cervical (C1–C2) level and progressively decreased in the more caudal segments (C3–T1). The transverse dimension was greatest at the atlas (C1) vertebra and smallest at the axis (C2) vertebra with a steady increase in the transverse dimension with more caudal segments and a maximum transverse dimension at the level of the C6 and C7 vertebra. This study has demonstrated that the vertebral canal in the neck of young adult rats is similar in some regards to that of human. However, there are clear differences between the rat and human. These may be associated with differences in the morphology of the spinal cord or postural differences such as the cervicothoracic lordosis in bipeds compared with that in quadrupeds. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acetylcholine Receptor Organization at the Dystrophic Extraocular Muscle Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Marques Maria Julia , Pertille Adriana , Carvalho Candida Luiza T. , Santo Neto Humberto
Published: June 2007

Spared extraocular muscles of dystrophic mice are not subjected to regeneration process and can be used to verify whether the lack of dystrophin per se could cause changes in acetylcholine receptor (AChR) distribution. In the present study, rectus and oblique (spared) and retractor bulbi (nonspared) muscles were dissected from adult control (C57Bl/10) and mdx mice. AChRs and nerve terminals were labeled with rhodamine–α‐bungarotoxin and anti–NF200‐IgG‐FITC, respectively, and visualized by confocal microscopy. Rectus and oblique muscles presented 0.5% central nucleation, while retractor bulbi had central nucleation in 45% of muscle fibers. In mdx rectus, AChRs were distributed in branches in 99% of the junctions examined (n = 200), similar to that observed for controls. Nerve terminals covered the AChR branches in 100% of the junctions examined. In control retractor bulbi, AChRs were distributed in regular branches. In mdx retractor bulbi, multiple fragmented islands of receptors were seen in 56% of the endplates examined (n = 200). These results suggest that the lack of dystrophin per se does not influence the distribution of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction of spared extraocular muscles. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution to the Knowledge of Anatomy of Species of Genus Mobula Rafinesque 1810 (Chondricthyes: Mobulinae)
Authors: Montes Domínguez Héctor Marcos , González‐isáis Mónica
Published: June 2007

A comparative anatomical study was conducted among four mobulid species (Mobula japanica, M. munkiana, M. tarapacana, and M. thurstoni), from the coasts of the Gulf of California. Characters of the skeleton (neurocranium, mandibles, scapular girdle, pelvic girdle, and synarcual) were described. Mobula species had a wide structural variation. In the skeleton, M. tarapacana displayed the most plesiomorphic characters, mainly at the cranial level (cranium longer than wide, reduced internasal width, fontanelle longer than wide), while M. japanica had the most derived characters (cranium wider than longer, fontanelle wider than longer). Based on the observations, the dorsal cephalic musculature were similar in all species; however, oppositely to other batoid species, the epiaxilis is strongly developed, as it extends toward the cephalic part of the neurocranium, at level of the postorbital processes. In the ventral musculature, ventral constrictor muscles are quite reduced, whereas complex mandibular muscles are very developed. Muscles showing the highest variation are the coracohioideus and the coracoarcual. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiogenesis in the Caprine Caruncles in Non‐Pregnant and Pregnant Normal and Swainsonine‐Treated Does
Authors: Hafez S.A. , Caceci T. , Freeman L.E. , Panter K.E.
Published: June 2007

Microvascular corrosion casts of caruncles from non‐pregnant and pregnant doe goats at 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 18 weeks were examined with scanning electron microscopy. The internal convex surface of the caruncles of non‐pregnant does was covered with capillary meshes of regular diameter and form, without crypts. As pregnancy advanced the complexity of the vasculature increased: at 4 weeks the surface showed a pattern of ridges separated by troughs. At later stages, branches of radial arteries penetrated the periphery forming an extensive mesh of capillaries on the concave surface. Capillary diameters increased significantly during pregnancy, especially after 4 weeks, when large flattened sinusoids formed. These sinusoids had a great deal of surface area for potential contact with the fetal component. The caprine placenta is usually considered to have increased interhemal distance compared with endotheliochorial and hemochorial types: our results suggest that the very extensive development of sinusoids and crypts may compensate for any negative consequences of the placental architecture. Placental angiogenesis, which is physiologically normal, may serve as a general model of this process in other circumstances, such as tumor. The effect of swainsonine (active compound of locoweed and a potential anticancer drug) on vascular development showed no differences in sinusoidal diameters at 7 weeks, but a decrease in capillary density was noted. Swainsonine caused a great distortion to the vasculature at 18 weeks. The effects of this compound on the vascular development lend credibility to its potential as an anticancer agent. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Description of a Cranial Endocast from the Fossil Mammal Vincelestes neuquenianus (Theriiformes) and its Relevance to the Evolution of Endocranial Characters in Therians
Authors: Macrini Thomas E. , Rougier Guillermo W. , Rowe Timothy
Published: June 2007

We generated a digital cranial endocast (infilling of the braincase) of Vincelestes neuquenianus, a Cretaceous theriiform mammal from Argentina, to achieve two goals. First, we described this endocast of Vincelestes to reconstruct the brain, associated soft‐tissue structures, and internal osteological features. This report represents the first description of an endocast from a stem therian that is near crown group Theria (marsupials, placentals, and all descendants of that ancestor). Second, we examined 21 morphological characters related to the morphology of endocasts and endocranial osteology across 19 taxa (including Vincelestes) in the context of a current hypothesis about mammal phylogeny to identify potential synapomorphies for Theria. The digital endocast of Vincelestes is mostly complete, facilitating description in all views and allowing collection of accurate linear and volumetric measurements. However, it is unclear if the midbrain is exposed on the dorsal surface of the brain because of damage to this region of the endocast. Other portions of this specimen are extraordinarily well preserved, allowing identification of the accessory olfactory bulbs on the endocast, an ossified falx cerebri, and an osseous tentorium. The encephalization quotient (EQ) calculated for Vincelestes falls within the range of EQs of crown therians. Comparison of the endocranial characters across different mammalian taxa did not reveal any new synapomorphies for the clade Theria. Anat Rec, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.