bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing a protocol for immunocytochemical staining and chromogenicin situhybridization of Giemsa and Diff-Quick prestained cytological smears
Authors: Beraki Elsa , Olsen Thale Kristin , Sauer Torill
Published: March 2012

Background:

Protocols for immunocytochemical staining (ICC) andin situhybridization (ISH) of air-dried Diff-Quick or May-Grünwald Giemsa (MGG)-stained smears have been difficult to establish. An increasing need to be able to use prestained slides for ICC and ISH in specific cases led to this study, aiming at finding a robust protocol for both methods.

Materials and Methods:

The material consisted of MGG- and Diff-Quick-stained smears. After diagnosis, one to two diagnostic smears were stored in the department. Any additional smear(s) containing diagnostic material were used for this study. The majority were fine needle aspirates (FNAC) from the breast, comprising materials from fibroadenomas, fibrocystic disease, and carcinomas. A few were metastatic lesions (carcinomas and malignant melanomas). There were 64 prestained smears. Ten smears were Diff-Quick stained, and 54 were MGG stained. The antibodies used for testing ICC were Ki-67, ER, and PgR, CK MNF116 (pancytokeratin) and E-cadherin. HER-2 Dual SISH was used to test ISH. Citrate, TRS, and TE buffers at pH6 and pH9 were tested, as well as, different heating times, microwave powers and antibody concentrations. The ICC was done on the Dako Autostainer (Dako®, Glostrup, Denmark), and HER-2 Dual SISH was done on the Ventana XT-machine (Ventana / Roche®, Strasbourg, France).

Results:

Optimal results were obtained with the TE buffer at pH 9, for both ICC and ISH. Antibody concentrations generally had to be higher than in the immunohistochemistry (IHC). The optimal microwave heat treatment included an initial high power boiling followed by low power boiling. No post fixation was necessary for ICC, whereas, 20 minutes post fixation in formalin (4%) was necessary for ISH.

Conclusions:

Microwave heat treatment, with initial boiling at high power followed by boiling at low power and TE buffer at pH 9 were the key steps in the procedure. Antibody concentrations has to be adapted for each ICC marker. Post fixation in formalin is necessary for ISH.
Dual color multiplex TTF-1 + Napsin A and p63 + CK5 immunostaining for subcategorizing of poorly differentiated pulmonary non-small carcinomas into adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in fine needle aspiration specimens
Authors: Sethi Seema , Geng Lili , Shidham Vinod B , Archuletta Pamela , Bandyophadhyay Sudeshna , Feng Jining , Madan Shashi , Shi Dongping , Tranchida Paul , Giorgadze Tamar
Published: March 2012

Background:

The distinction of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has important therapeutic implications. Napsin A is a recently developed marker, which has shown high specificity for lung tissue in the surgical pathology specimens. In this study, we have evaluated whether the use of a panel of novel multiplex cocktails of TTF-1 + Napsin A and p63 + CK5 for dual color immunostaining will improve the diagnostic accuracy of lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens, usually with relatively scant microfragments of diagnostic material.

Materials and Methods:

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, adequately cellular FNA cell blocks with a confirmed diagnosis of either ADC (n = 22), SCC (n = 20) or poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDC; n = 7), from a total of 49 consecutive cases, were studied. All these cases had subsequently confirmed diagnosis in biopsies or resection specimens. The sections were immunostained with two color methods of TTF-1 + Napsin A and p63 + CK5 multiplex cocktails. The presence of one or more unequivocal individual tumor cells with convincing brown nuclear TTF-1 and red cytoplasmic Napsin A staining, and cells with brown nuclear p63 and membranous / cytoplasmic CK5 staining were interpreted as ‘positive’.

Results:

All 20 FNA cell blocks from SCC cases were positive for dual stain p63 + CK5 and negative for dual stain TTF-1 + Napsin A. The sensitivity and specificity of the dual immunoexpressions of p63 + CK5 for SCC of lung FNAs were both 100%. All 22 ADC cases were positive with dual stain of TTF-1 + Napsin A and negative for dual stain of p63 + CK5. On follow-up of the surgical pathology specimens, 22 cases were confirmed as ADC. The sensitivity of the dual immunoexpression of TTF-1 + Napsin A for ADC of lung FNAs was 100% and the specificity was also 100%. Of the seven PDC cases, five cases that were positive for dual stain p63 + CK5 and negative for dual stain TTF-1 + Napsin A could be categorized as SCC. Two of the seven (2 / 7) PDC cases were positive for dual stain TTF-1 + Napsin A and negative for dual stain p63 + CK5, consistent with ADC.

Conclusions:

Simultaneous coordinate or individual immunostaining for Napsin A / TTF-1 in ADC and p63 / CK5 in SCC demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. The panel with multiplex Napsin A / TTF-1 and p63 / CK5 dual color immunostains could specifically subcategorize PDC into ADC and SCC in lung FNA specimens. Multiplex dual color Napsin A / TTF-1 and p63 / CK5 immunostaining is especially recommended for evaluation of FNA specimens with relatively scant cellularity.
Surgery of vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Samii Amir , Gerganov Venelin , Samii Madjid
Published: March 2012

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are the most common tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Their surgical management has reached high standards in the last decade. Treatment options for VS are microsurgical removal or Radiosurgery. The following three basic operative approaches are currently utilized: Retrosigmoid approach (RSA), translabyrinthine and middle fossa approach. The following article elaborates the operative technique by the senior author based on his vast experience of VS surgery formed over the last three decades; during which period he has operated more than 3500 of such patients
Scalp flora in Indian patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumors – Implications for pre-surgical site preparation and surgical site infection
Authors: Sumukhi Umesh , Shetty Prakash , Biswas Sanjay , Kelkar Rohini , Moiyadi Aliasgar
Published: March 2012

Causation of surgical site infection (SSI) following craniotomy is multifactorial. Most preventive strategies (including site preparation and antibiotic prophylaxis) revolve around reducing preoperative contamination of the local site. There is little evidence, however, linking site contamination with postoperative infections. This is important given the preference for performing non-shaved cranial surgery. We undertook a prospective study to document the scalp flora in neurosurgical patients in an Indian setting and to assess possible association with SSI.

A prospective study recruited 45 patients undergoing non-shaved clean craniotomies for various brain tumors. Standard perioperative procedures and antibiotic policy were employed. Prior to and immediately following the pre-surgical scrubbing, we collected swabs and evaluated their growth qualitatively. SSI was documented adhering to CDC guidelines. The association of swab-positivity with various parameters (including SSI) was evaluated.

Pre-scrub positivity was seen in 18 of 44 patients, three of them developed subsequent SSI. Most were known skin contaminants. Five patients had swab positivity after scrubbing, though none of these developed any SSI. Four of these five had pre-scrub positivity. In three the same organisms persisted (two being Staphylococcus aureus), and one had different growth post-scrub, whereas one patient developed new growth (contaminant mycelial fungus) in the post-scrub swab. We did not find any association between swab positivity and SSI. Swab positivity was also not related to hair-length or hygiene.

Scalp flora in Indian patients is similar to that described. Pre-surgical preparation does not always eliminate this contamination (especially staphylococcus). However, this does not necessarily translate into increased SSI. Moreover, the results also provide objective evidence to support the performance of non-shaved cranial surgery without an undue risk of SSI.
Cost and usage patterns of antibiotics in a tertiary care neurosurgical unit
Authors: Suri Ashish , Chandra Sarat , Kale Shashank , Kapil Arti , Sharma Bhawani , Mahapatra Ashok , Singh Sharma Manish
Published: March 2012

The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics in neurosurgery has been shown to significantly reduce surgical site infection rates. The documentation of non-surgical site, nosocomial infections in neurosurgical patients remains limited, despite this being a stimulus for prolific antibiotic usage. The actual quantum of antibiotic use in neurosurgery and its role in infection control remain both undocumented and controversial. The authors address this issue with a cost-effectiveness study using historical controls.

Bacteriologically positive body fluid samples were used to quantify infection rates in the year 2006 and compared with those in the year 1997. Itemized drug lists obtained from dedicated neurosurgical intensive care units and wards were used to quantify antibiotic usage and calculate their costs. Results were compared using both historical and internal controls. The monetary conversion factor used was INR 40=US$1.

A total of 3114 consecutive elective and emergency neurosurgical procedures were performed during the study period. 329 patients (10.6%) were recorded to have bacteriologically positive body fluid samples, and 100,250 units of antibiotics were consumed costing Rs. 14,378,227.5 ($359,455.7). On an average, an operated patient received 32.2 units of antibiotics valued at Rs. 4,617 ($115.4). The crude infection rates were recorded to have reduced significantly in comparison to 1997, but did not differ between mirror intra-departmental units with significantly different antibiotic usage.

Antibiotics accounted for 31% of the per capita cost of consumables for performing a craniotomy in the year 2006. This estimate should be factored into projecting future package costs.
Brainstem tumors: Current management and future directions
Authors: Recinos Pablo , Rahmathulla Gazanfar , Jallo George , Recinos Violette
Published: March 2012

Tumors arising in the brainstem comprise 10–20% of all pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors and account for a small percentage in adults. The prognosis for these tumors was considered uniformly poor prior to the era of modern neuroimaging and the location was fraught with disaster being considered a ‘no man’s land’ for neurosurgeons. Following the introduction of advanced imaging modalities and neurophysiological monitoring, striking progress has occurred in the management of these lesions. Brainstem tumors are presently classified based on their anatomic location, focality, and histopathology. This article reviews the current classification of brainstem tumors, current management options, and future directions in the treatment for these rare tumors.
Cranio-vertebral junction tuberculosis
Authors:   Rajkumar
Published: March 2012

There are variety of diseases which affect the region of craniovertebral junction, including congenital, malignant lesions, traumatic and infective/inflammatory lesions. CVJ tuberculosis is an extremely rare condition, accounting for 0.3 to 1% of all cases of spinal TB. Few case series have been reported in the literature about this rare condition, but there appears to be lack of consensus even on basic issues like whether to undertake surgical intervention or prefer a conservative approach in cases of CVJ TB. These cases can present with a myriad of symptoms and one needs to have a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important for a favorable outcome. In this article, we have tried to review the available literature and also share our experience about this condition so as to have a better understanding of the disease process and have a more rational treatment protocol.
What our colleagues says.... Basic anesthetic considerations in neurosurgery
Authors: Chaturvedi Arvind ,   Indu
Published: March 2012

Rapid development in neurosurgical practice poses new challenges for anaesthesiologists requiring search for newer and safer anaesthetic agents and modification in basic anaesthetic techniques. The present article describes the basic neuroanaesthetic considerations and some of the newer developments in anaesthetic drugs and techniques which are important during neurosurgical practice.
Delayed presentation of a thorn prick as an intramedullary abscess
Authors: Gandhi Ashok , Sharma Achal , Shekawath Jitender , Kaushal Ronyl , Mittal Radhey
Published: March 2012

Penetrating injury to the spine is the third most common cause of spinal injury. Injuries due to bullet, glass, nails and pencil injuries are well documented in literature. We report a rare case of delayed onset intramedullary abscess following thorn prick and have reviewed the literature for similar forms of injuries.
Giant intracranial hydatid cyst: A report of two cases and literature review
Authors: Kumar Anil , Sahay C.B. , Minj T.J. , Mallik Jeevesh
Published: March 2012

Hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused by Taenia echinococcus. The three main varieties Echinococcus granulosus, E. multilocularis and E. vogeli are primarily found in dogs and are transmitted to man by fecal–oral route. Commonly affected organs are liver, lungs and spleen. Brain is involved only in 2-5% cases. The authors herein present two cases of giant intracranial hydatid cysts managed at department of neurosurgery, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, India.
Osteoblastoma of the ethmoid
Authors: Venkatesh M.D. , Deb Prabal , Bhatoe Harjinder
Published: March 2012

Osteoblastoma is a rare, benign bony tumor of skull base. We report one such case. Clinical record. We reviewed the record of a 21-year-old-male, who presented with nasal obstruction and proptosis. The tumor had formed a large mass that displaced the frontal lobes, the orbits and projected into the nasal cavity. Imaging revealed a calcified nodular expansile lesion. The tumor could be excised near-total by bifrontal craniotomy combined with endonasal approach. Histopathology was confirmatory of osteoblastoma. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day and is now on follow-up. Osteoblastoma is a rare tumor of the frontoethmoid region. Surgery requires meticulous planning and team approach.
Evaluation of polysaccharides content in fruit bodies and their antimicrobial activity of four Ganoderma lucidum (W Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. strains cultivated on different wood type substrates
Authors: Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Szypowski Janusz , Łoś Renata , Siwulski Marek , Sobieralski Krzysztof , Głowniak Kazimierz , Malm Anna
Published: March 2012

Quantitative determination of polysaccharides in Ganoderma lucidum fruit bodies from different sawdust cultivation substrates and their antibacterial activity was done. Thirty six samples were analyzed. Four strains of Ganoderma lucidum (GL01, GL02, GL03 and GL04) were cultivated on the growth substrates of three different sawdust types: birch (Bo), maple (Kl) or alder (Ol) amended with wheat bran in three different concentrations: 10, 20 and 30% (w/w). Even though the richest in polysaccharides was GL01 strain, the highest yields of the polysaccharides were determined in GL04Kl3 sample and was 112.82 mg/g of dry weight. The antibacterial activity of polysaccharides was determined in vitro using micro-dilution broth method. The panel of eight reference bacterial strains was used. All the polysaccharide samples tested showed the broad spectrum and the moderate antibacterial activity. Micrococcus luteus ATCC 10240 strain was the most sensitive with MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) = 0.63 − 1.25 mg/mL.
Note on Caloplaca soralifera (Teloschistaceae, lichenized Ascomycetes) in Poland
Authors: Wilk Karina , Śliwa Lucyna
Published: March 2012

Caloplaca soralifera is reported for the first time from Poland. The species belongs to the group of sorediate representatives of Caloplaca lacking anthraquinones in the thallus. Detailed description of the species along with taxonomic comment is provided and its known distribution in the country is discussed and illustrated.
Tailored Silica Macrocellular Foams: Combining Limited Coalescence‐Based Pickering Emulsion and Sol–Gel Process
Authors: Destribats Mathieu , Faure Benjamin , Birot Marc , Babot Odile , Schmitt Véronique , Backov Rénal
Published: March 2012

Solid‐sate monolithic macrocellular foams are synthesized by mineralizing the continuous phase of oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsions, used as templates, with the sol–gel process. For the first time, taking advantage of the limited coalescence phenomenon occurring in emulsions stabilized by solid particles, concentrated emulsions with calibrated drop size are produced, leading to the synthesis of monolithic foams with nearly monodisperse macroscopic voids. Such a strategy allows independent tuning of the macrocellular void diameters from 20 to 800 μm and the diameter of the windows connecting adjacent cells. The obtained macrocellular foams also bear micro‐ and mesoporosity, leading to Brunauer, Emmet and Teller (BET) surface area values between 700 and 900 m2 g−1 with a good mesopores monodispersity.
Iridium‐Complex‐Modified Upconversion Nanophosphors for Effective LRET Detection of Cyanide Anions in Pure Water
Authors: Yao Liming , Zhou Jing , Liu Jinliang , Feng Wei , Li Fuyou
Published: March 2012

Because of the extreme toxicity of cyanide anions, a great deal of effort has been invested in developing probes that use colorimetric and fluorometric methods to detect them. To date, most of the current optical probes require the use of organic solvents or a mixture of organic solvents and water. Upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) can serve as excellent emitters as a result of their sharp emission peaks and simple control of the emission wavelength. Here, the fabrication of hybrid material composed of iridium complex and UCNPs to detect cyanide anions selectively in pure water is described. In addition to the colorimetric detection, the upconversion luminescence emission can serve as a detection signal based on an effective luminescent resonance energy transfer (LRET) process within the hybrid nanoparticles.
Revisiting the Structure of Graphene Oxide for Preparing New‐Style Graphene‐Based Ultraviolet Absorbers
Authors: He Wenhui , Lu Lehui
Published: March 2012

Despite sustained effort over the years, the exploration of an effective strategy toward understanding the structure and properties of graphene oxide (GO) is still highly desirable. Herein, a facile route to revisit the structure of GO is demonstrated by elucidating its chemical‐conversion process solely in the presence of ammonia. Such a strategy can contribute to settling some arguments in recent models of GO, and also offers a prerequisite to identify critical components that can act as ultraviolet absorbers (UVAs) in resulting dispersions of nitrogen‐doped graphene sheets (NGSs). Inspired by this, for the first time, the performance of NGSs, serving as new‐style UVAs, is investigated through directly assessing the effect of NGSs on the photofastness of azo dyes (Food Black). These studies reveal that, distinct from the common understanding, the as‐prepared NGSs can dramatically enhance the photostability of Food Black under UV irradiation and exhibit greatly applied potential as a multifunctional UVA for new‐generation inkjet inks that can simultaneously integrate the advantages of dye‐based and pigment‐based inks.
Enhancement of Thermal Energy Transport Across Graphene/Graphite and Polymer Interfaces: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Luo Tengfei , Lloyd John R.
Published: March 2012

Understanding thermal energy transport in polymeric nanocomposite materials is important to the engineering of polymer composites with better engineered heat transfer properties. Interfacial thermal resistance between the filling particles and the polymer matrices is a major bottleneck for the thermal conductivity improvement of polymer composite materials. Here, thermal energy transport in graphene/graphite‐polymer (paraffin wax‐C30H62) composite systems are systematically studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The influences of graphene size, interfacial bonding strength, and polymer density on the interfacial thermal transport are studied. According to the simulation results, approaches to improve interfacial thermal transport are proposed. Spectral analysis is performed to explore the mechanism of thermal transport. It is found that thermal energy transport across graphene/graphite‐polymer interfaces can be enhanced by increasing the polymer density and graphene size or forming covalent bonds between the graphite edges and polymer molecules. The results offer valuable guidance on improving thermal transport properties of polymeric nanocomposite.
Investigation of Optical and Structural Stability of Localized Surface Plasmon Mediated Light‐Emitting Diodes by Ag and Ag/SiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Jang Lee‐Woon , Jeon Dae‐Woo , Kim Myoung , Jeon Ju‐Won , Polyakov Alexander Y. , Ju Jin‐Woo , Lee Seung‐Jae , Baek Jong‐Hyeob , Yang Jin‐Kyu , Lee In‐Hwan
Published: March 2012

Localized surface plasmon (LSP) effects due to Ag and Ag/SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on GaN/InGaN multiquantum well (MQW) light‐emitting diode (LED) structures are studied. The colloidal NPs are synthesized by a sol‐gel method and drop‐cased on the LED structures. The surface density of NPs its controlled by the concentration of the NP solution. Theoretical modeling is performed for the emission spectrum and the electric field distribution of LSP resonance for Ag/SiO2 NPs. Enhanced photoluminescence (PL) efficiency is observed in the LED structures and the amount of PL enhancement increases with increasing the surface density of Ag and Ag/SiO2 NPs. These effects are attributed to resonance coupling between the MQW and LSP in the NPs. It is also shown that the PL enhancement attainable with Ag NPs and Ag/SiO2 NPs is comparable, but the latter displays a much higher stability with respect to long‐term storage and annealing due to a barrier for NP agglomeration, Ag oxidation, and impurity diffusion provided by the SiO2 shell.
High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Cells Fabricated With Silicon Electrodes
Authors: Phan Viet Phong , Pecquenard Brigitte , Le Cras Frédéric
Published: March 2012

All solid‐state thin‐film lithium microbatteries are a promising component able to fulfill most of the specific requirements to power autonomous microsystems. Nevertheless, metallic lithium, which is commonly used as the negative electrode in microbatteries, has a very low melting temperature (Tm = 181 °C) that appears to be incompatible with the solder‐reflow operation (maximum temperature Tmax ≈ 260 °C) usually used to connect electronic components. Silicon is a promising candidate to replace lithium in solder‐reflowable lithium‐ion cells due to its high volumetric capacity (834 μAh cm−2 μm−1 for Li15Si4) and its ability to reversibly insert lithium at a low potential. Nevertheless, it suffers from a large volumetric expansion during lithium insertion (280%), which is partly responsible for a rapid capacity fading when cycled in liquid electrolyte. In this study, all‐solid‐state Li/LiPONB/Si cells are prepared using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques. The cycle life and the coulombic efficiency are found to be excellent in these solid‐state cells with almost no loss during 1500 cycles. Despite the large volume expansion due to lithium insertion confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, no evidence of cracks is found in the film or at the electrode/electrolyte interface, even after 1500 cycles.
Highly Conductive Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly (styrenesulfonate) Films Using 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium Tetracyanoborate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Badre Chantal , Marquant Ludovic , Alsayed Ahmed M. , Hough Lawrence A.
Published: March 2012

Highly conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films are obtained using ionic liquids as additives. Upon adding 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate (EMIM TCB) to the conducting polymer, the conductivity increases to 2084 S cm−1; this is attributed to the phase separation of PSS leading to a structural change in the film. A comparative study with 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM BF4) shows that EMIM TCB gives higher conductivity and transmittance and can be regarded as one of the most promising additives for the preparation of indium tin oxide (ITO)‐free organic devices using PEDOT:PSS/EMIM TCB as electrodes.
Reaction mechanisms and kinetics of xylo‐oligosaccharide hydrolysis by dicarboxylic acids
Authors: Kim Youngmi , Kreke Thomas , Ladisch Michael R.
Published: March 2012

Hydrothermal pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials generates a liquid stream rich in pentose sugar oligomers. Cost‐effective hydrolysis and utilization of these soluble sugar oligomers is an integral process of biofuel production. We report integrated rate equations for hydrolysis of xylo‐oligomers derived from pretreated hardwood by dicarboxylic maleic and oxalic acids. The highest xylose yield observed with dicarboxylic acids was 96%, and compared to sulfuric acid, was 5–15% higher with less xylose degradation. Dicarboxylic acids showed an inverse correlation between xylose degradation rates and acid loadings unlike sulfuric acid for which less acid results in less xylose degradation to aldehydes and humic substances. A combination of high acid and low‐temperature leads to xylose yield improvement. Hydrolysis time course data at three different acid concentrations and three temperatures between 140 and 180°C were used to develop a reaction model for the hydrolysis of xylo‐oligosaccharides to xylose by dicarboxylic acids. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 188–199, 2013
Spatial reaction engineering approach as an alternative for nonequilibrium multiphase mass‐transfer model for drying of food and biological materials
Authors: Putranto Aditya , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: March 2012

Drying is a complex process which involves simultaneous heat and mass transfer. Complicated structure and heterogeneity of food and biological materials add to the complexity of drying. Drying models are important for improving dryer design and for evaluating dryer performance. The lumped reaction engineering approach (L‐REA) has been shown to be an accurate and robust alternative for cost‐effective simulations of challenging drying systems. However, more insightful physics has to be shown spatially. In this study, the REA is coupled with the standard mechanistic drying models to yield the spatial‐REA (S‐REA) as nonequilibrium multiphase mass‐transfer model. The S‐REA consists of a system of equations of conservation with the REA representing the local evaporation and wetting rate. Results of the modeling using the S‐REA match well with the experimental data reported previously. This is the first comprehensive REA approach to model the profiles of water vapor concentration during drying of food and biological materials. This study indicates that the S‐REA can be an accurate nonequilibrium multiphase mass‐transfer model with appropriate account of the local evaporation rate. The overall REA concept is expected to contribute substantially for better and cost‐effective representation of transport phenomena of drying process. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 55–67, 2013
Modeling analysis of membrane reactor for biodiesel production
Authors: Chong Mei Fong , Chen Junghui , Oh Pin Pin , Chen Zong‐Sheng
Published: March 2012

Recently, membrane reactor technology was used to produce high‐quality biodiesel because of its advantage of simultaneous transesterification and separation. As the transesterification reaction involves two immiscible phases of methanol (MeOH) and oil (TG), a thorough investigation on the membrane reactor for biodiesel production with the consideration of chemical phase equilibrium (CPE) via modeling analysis, was conducted in this study. A mathematical model was developed based on the modified Maxwell‐Stefan model with the incorporation of CPE. The formation of TG rich micelles dispersed in the continuous phase of MeOH was the most important hypothesis in the model development. The preliminary experiment results show that the permeate compositions from the membrane reactor were closely related to CPE of the system, which was highly depending on the MeOH to TG molar ratio. TG free permeate can only be obtained if the continuous phase of MeOH was free from TG and the TG rich micelles were retained by the membrane. The model verification further confirmed the formation of micelles dispersed in the continuous MeOH phase within the feed side of the membrane reactor and the model was able to predict the performance of the membrane reactor for biodiesel production at an acceptable accuracy. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 258–271, 2013
Determining a definite diagnosis of primary immune thrombocytopenia by medical record review
Authors: Terrell Deirdra R. , Beebe Laura A. , Vesely Sara K. , Neas Barbara R. , Segal Jodi B. , George James N.
Published: April 2012

The objective of this study is to establish a method to identify patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) utilizing administrative data from diverse data sources that would be appropriate for epidemiologic studies of ITP, regardless of patients' age and source of health care. Medical records of the Oklahoma University Medical Center, 1995–2004, were reviewed to document the accuracy of the administrative code ICD‐9‐CM 287.3 for identifying children and adults with ITP, using novel, explicit levels of evidence to identify patients with a definite diagnosis. The proportion of patients diagnosed by hematologists compared to non‐hematologists and the proportion of patients diagnosed as outpatients compared to inpatients were determined. For children, age <16 years, 323 outpatient medical records were reviewed; 225 adult outpatient medical records were reviewed. The positive predictive value for the administrative code for identifying patients with a definite diagnosis of ITP by a hematologist was 0.72 in children and 0.69 in adults. In 98% of children and 92% of adults seen as outpatients, the definite diagnosis of ITP was established by a hematologist. One hundred eighteen child and 141 adult inpatient medical records were reviewed. In 95% of children and 83% of adults, the definite diagnosis of ITP by a hematologist was established as an outpatient. This study confirmed the previously reported positive predictive value for the administrative code for identifying patients with ITP. Additionally, it was determined that analysis of hematologists' outpatient administrative codes identified most children and adults with ITP. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Die Chemie der polycyclischen polyprenylierten Acylphloroglucine
Authors: Richard Jean‐Alexandre , Pouwer Rebecca H. , Chen David Y.‐K.
Published: March 2012

Mit ihren faszinierenden biologischen Profilen und erstaunlich komplexen Architekturen waren die polycyclischen polyprenylierten Acylphloroglucine (PPAPs) seit langem ein ertragreiches Gebiet für Organiker. Besonders das jüngste Aufkommen innovativer Synthesemethoden und ‐strategien, in Verbindung mit C‐C‐Bindungsbildungsreaktionen und der asymmetrischen Katalyse, hat dieses Gebiet stark wiederbelebt. Infolgedessen konnte nun Synthesen von PPAP‐Zielstrukturen realisiert werden, die früher unmöglich erschienen. Ziel dieses Aufsatzes ist die Darstellung kürzlich komplettierter Totalsynthesen von PPAPs und der bemerkenswerten Methoden, die für die Konstruktion des Bicyclo[3.3.1]‐Kernes dieser chemisch und biologisch faszinierenden Moleküle entwickelt wurden.
The Chemistry of the Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols
Authors: Richard Jean‐Alexandre , Pouwer Rebecca H. , Chen David Y.‐K.
Published: March 2012

With their fascinating biological profiles and stunningly complex molecular architectures, the polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) have long provided a fertile playing field for synthetic organic chemists. In particular, the recent advent of innovative synthetic methods and strategies together with CC bond‐forming reactions and asymmetric catalysis have revitalized this field tremendously. Consequently, PPAP targets which once seemed beyond reach have now been synthesized. This Review aims to highlight the recent achievements in the total synthesis of PPAPs, as well as notable methods developed for the construction of the bicyclo[3.3.1] core of these chemically and biologically intriguing molecules.
The interaction between poly(vinyl alcohol) and low‐molar‐mass poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Li Yangbo , Wu Wenqian , Lin Feng , Xiang Aiming
Published: March 2012

The interaction between poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and low‐molar‐weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG) was studied. The thermal stability, glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization, and melting behaviors were characterized as functions of content and molar mass of PEG. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis revealed that PEG was compatible with PVA and provided plasticization effect to the latter. However, the plasticization was countered by the formation of hydrogen bonds between PEG molecules and PVA segments, which depressed the movement of PVA segments. At moderate contents of PEG, the hydrogen bonds were responsible for the increase in Tg, increase in crystallization heat, and decrease in crystallization rate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Kinetic study of the aqueous free‐radical polymerization of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid via an online proton nuclear magnetic resonance technique
Authors: Nadim E. , Bouhendi H. , Ziaee F. , Nouri A.
Published: March 2012

The free‐radical polymerization of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) in aqueous media and in the presence of potassium persulfate (KPS) as a thermal initiator was studied. The 1H‐NMR method was applied to record the reaction data in online gain. The effects of the monomer and initiator concentrations and also the reaction temperature were studied. The order of reaction with respect to the monomer was much greater than unity (1.94). None of the three theories describing an order of reaction higher than unity could predict the AMPS polymerization mechanism in this study. So, a new mechanism is presented. It is suggested that initiation took place through the formation of a complex between the initiator and monomer, and termination occurred not only by a bimolecular reaction but also by a monomolecular reaction. The order with respect to KPS was 0.49; this was consistent with classical kinetic theory. The determined activation energy at the overall rate of reaction was 92.7 kJ mol−1 K−1. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Production of amorphous starch powders by solution spray drying
Authors: Niazi Muhammad B. K. , Broekhuis Antonius A.
Published: March 2012

The spray drying of starch/maltodextrin formulations was evaluated as a potential technology for the manufacturing of amorphous thermoplastic starches. Mixtures of starches with high to low amylose (Am)–amylopectin (Ap) ratios were spray‐dried from water‐based solutions and granular dispersions. The effects of the feed composition on the morphology and physical properties of the end product were investigated with the spray‐drying conditions kept constant. Powders obtained from the starch solutions were totally amorphous, and the particle size characteristics were not affected by the applied variations in composition. The particles obtained from the solution‐dried formulations were small, highly irregular, and shriveled, and the bulk densities were low. Independent of the Am/Ap ratio, the particles could easily be redissolved and showed low viscosities. The spray‐dried powders obtained from the starch–water dispersions very much retained the granular structure present in the native components. All showed viscosities, crystallinity patterns, gelatinization, and powder flow characteristics in line with expectations for Am/Ap‐based granular mixtures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synergetic effect of sodium citrate and starch in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Kakkar Rita , Sherly E. D. , Madgula Kalpana , Devi D. Keerthi , Sreedhar B.
Published: March 2012

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared under mild conditions by exploiting a combination of naturally abundant polymer starch and trisodium citrate as reducing agent and stabilizing agent. Optimization of the concentration of starch, citrate, pH, and reaction time showed significant influence on the size of the NPs. The obtained NPs were well characterized by UV–Vis, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of varying proportions of citrate and starch and the order of their addition to the reaction mixture with respect to their role as reducing or, and stabilizing agents was also studied. The antibacterial activity of thus prepared NPs is being reported. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of di‐polyester diamides
Authors: Stern Theodor
Published: March 2012

A series of di‐polyester diamides was synthesized via a nucleophilic ring opening polymerization process. FTIR investigations revealed the spectral characteristics evidencing the newly formed chemical bonds as well as the changes in the relative intensity of the characteristic peaks, due to the increasing side‐block lengths of the different members of the series. 1H‐NMR analysis of the described materials confirmed the chemical structures seen by FTIR analysis. The side segment length of the different di‐polyester diamides was calculated from the integration ratios in the NMR spectra. The molecular weight results exhibited relatively small deviations from the stoichiometrically calculated values. All the members of the triblock series, with side blocks of up to 120 lactoyl units, were essentially amorphous and glassy at room temperature. The presence of two separate glass transitions indicated a segmented and microphase separated morphology. It was deducted that the amorphous nature of the relatively long poly(lactic acid) side blocks occurs due to the dominance of the hydrogen‐bonded central segment. Synthesis of a di‐polyester diamide containing a reduced number of hydrogen‐bond‐forming groups in the central segment yielded a partial side‐block crystallization. The di‐polyester diamide with 120 lactoyl unit‐long side blocks was eventually able to crystallize in solid state, following thermal treatment during thermal analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Air permeability of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanoweb
Authors: Abuzade Ramazan Ali , Zadhoush Ali , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar
Published: March 2012

Ultrafine fibers were spun from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution inN,N‐dimethylformamide using a homemade electrospinning setup. Fibers with diameter ranging from 80 to 340 nm were obtained. Fiber size and fiber size distribution were investigated for various concentration, applied voltage, and tip‐to‐collector distance using image analysis. The diameters of the electrospun fibers increase when increasing the solution concentration and decrease slightly when increasing the voltage and needle tip‐to‐collector distance. Porosity and air permeability are vital properties in applications of electrospun nanofibrous structures. In this study, effects of process parameters on the porosity and air permeability of electrospun nanoweb were investigated as well. Results of statistical analysis showed that solution concentration and applied voltage have significant influences on pore diameters. It was concluded that nanofiber diameter played an important role on the diameter of pores formed by the intersections of nanofibers. A more realistic understanding of porosity was obtained and a quantitative relationship between nanoweb parameters and its air permeability was established by regression analysis. Two separate models were constructed for predicting air permeability in relation to process parameters. Optimization of electrospinning process for producing nanoweb with desirable air permeability is well achieved by these models. The models presented in this study are of high importance for their ability to predict the air permeability of PAN nanoweb both by process or structure parameters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Comparing styrene butadiene rubber–clay nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation and latex‐coagulation methods
Authors: Salehi M. , Razzaghi‐Kashani M.
Published: March 2012

Among different methods for preparation of rubber–clay nanocomposites, melt intercalation and latex‐coagulation methods are more practiced. In this study, dispersion of pristine nanoclay by the latex‐coagulation method and organically modified nanoclay by the melt‐intercalation method in styrene butadiene rubber were compared, based on the same amount of mineral clay in the composites. Dispersion of nanoclay was examined by X‐ray diffraction before and after vulcanization, and by atomic force microscopy after vulcanization. It was shown that final structure of nanoclay in the composites was intercalated by both methods, with better dispersion resulting from coagulation of latex over mixing in the melt state. Dynamic–mechanical–thermal analysis and tension tests were used to further assess dispersion and polymer–filler interactions. These tests confirmed better dispersion and larger interfacial area for pristine nanoclay in the latex‐coagulated rubber through observing lower peak loss factor, higher growth of stress in stretching, and lower elongation at break when compared with those for the nanocomposite prepared by the melt mixing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF TWO CHITINASE GENES DURING THE PUPATION AND ECLOSION STAGES OF THE BEET ARMYWORM Spodoptera exigua BY RNA INTERFERENCE
Authors: Zhang Daowei , Chen Jing , Yao Qiong , Pan Zhanqing , Chen Jie , Zhang Wenqing
Published: March 2012

Insect chitinases are a multigene family that is encoded by a rather large and diverse group of genes. The main function of chitinases is to digest the chitin contained in tissues such as the cuticles and gut lining during molting. In this study, we examined the role of a chitinase (SeChi) and a bacterial type chitinase (SeChi‐h) during the pupation and eclosion stages of Spodoptera exigua. First, efficient silencing of the SeChi and SeChi‐h genes through specific double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection led to a significant reduction in the mRNA levels of SeChi and SeChi‐h. Additionally, different phenotypic defects were observed at the pupal and adult stages after injection of the SeChi and SeChi‐h dsRNAs. After injecting SeChi dsRNA in the pupal stage, the cuticle of the head split open and the pupal cuticle was visible under the old larval cuticle. However, after injecting the SeChi‐h dsRNA, animals died without exhibiting any special phenotypes. At the adult death stage, animals injected with dsSeChi could not shed their pupal shell completely, and their old cuticles remained attached to their head or chest. However, the main lethal phenotype was that insects did not emerge after dsSeChi‐h injection. Additionally, the average survival rates of S. exigua were 52.02% and 40.38% at the pupal and adult stages, respectively, after injection with SeChi dsRNA. For the insects injected with SeChi‐h dsRNA, the survival rates were 72.38% and 48.52%, respectively. These results suggest that SeChi and SeChi‐h may have different biologic functions during the pupal–adult molting.
The Hirsch index of a shifted Lotka function and its relation with the impact factor
Authors: Egghe Leo , Rousseau Ronald
Published: March 2012

Based on earlier results about the shifted Lotka function, we prove an implicit functional relation between the Hirsch index (h‐index) and the total number of sources (T). It is shown that the corresponding function, h(T), is concavely increasing. Next, we construct an implicit relation between the h‐index and the impact factor IF (an average number of items per source). The corresponding function h(IF) is increasing and we show that if the parameter C in the numerator of the shifted Lotka function is high, then the relation between the h‐index and the impact factor is almost linear.
Editorial responsiveness, journal quality, and total review time: An empirical analysis
Authors: Zhang Zili , Zhang Ziqiong , Law Rob
Published: March 2012

This study examined the relationships among perceived editorial responsiveness, perceived journal quality, and review time of submissions for authors in mainland China. Online review data generated by authors who have experienced the submission process in 10 Chinese academic journals were collected. The results of Spearman correlation analysis show that Chinese authors' perceived responsiveness of an editorial office is positively correlated with perceived quality of the journal, and the total review time does not affect perceptions of the quality of a journal and its editorial responsiveness.
Supporting content curation communities: The case of the Encyclopedia of Life
Authors: Rotman Dana , Procita Kezia , Hansen Derek , Sims Parr Cynthia , Preece Jennifer
Published: March 2012

This article explores the opportunities and challenges of creating and sustaining large‐scale “content curation communities” through an in‐depth case study of the Encyclopedia of Life (EOL). Content curation communities are large‐scale crowdsourcing endeavors that aim to curate existing content into a single repository, making these communities different from content creation communities such as Wikipedia. In this article, we define content curation communities and provide examples of this increasingly important genre. We then follow by presenting EOL, a compelling example of a content curation community, and describe a case study of EOL based on analysis of interviews, online discussions, and survey data. Our findings are characterized into two broad categories: information integration and social integration. Information integration challenges at EOL include the need to (a) accommodate and validate multiple sources and (b) integrate traditional peer reviewed sources with user‐generated, nonpeer‐reviewed content. Social integration challenges at EOL include the need to (a) establish the credibility of open‐access resources within the scientific community and (b) facilitate collaboration between experts and novices. After identifying the challenges, we discuss the potential strategies EOL and other content curation communities can use to address them, and provide technical, content, and social design recommendations for overcoming them.