bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personifications of Personal and Typical Death as Related to Death Attitudes
Authors: Bassett Jonathan F. , McCann Polly A. , Cate Kelly L.
Published: June 2008

The present article examined differences in personifications of personal and typical death as a function of attitudes about death. Ninety-eight students enrolled in psychology classes were randomly assigned to personify death as a character in a movie depicting either their own deathbed scene or the deathbed scene of the typical person prior to completing the Death Attitude Profile-Revised. The results supported the conceptual distinction between attitudes about personal death and death in general. Participants in the personal death condition personified death more frequently as a gentle-comforting image and less frequently as a cold-remote image than did participants in the typical death condition. The results also further validated the relation between personifications of death and death attitudes. Across both conditions, participants who selected the grim-terrifying image reported more fear of death and death avoidance; whereas, participants who selected the cold-remote or robot-like images reported more neutral acceptance.
Flat versus Curved Contact Surfaces Effect on Consumer P-Metric and LT Tire Operating Temperatures
Authors: Spadone L. , Bokar J.
Published: June 2008

Rolling stress and resultant operating temperature is critical to the endurance of a tire. There are fundamental differences between the tire stresses when operating on a flat surface, as experienced in normal highway use, and on a cylindrical laboratory test wheel. Even though there are substantially higher tire stresses and temperatures on a curved test wheel, nonetheless, cylindrical road wheels are widely used with the industry for tire endurance testing. Therefore, it is important to consider the severity of test conditions intended for a flat surface and the equivalent severity on the curved surface in order to avoid subjecting the tire to unrealistic stresses and temperatures. In this study, temperature measurements were made at the tire belt edge and centerline, for both flat and curved surfaces, under designed ranges of load, pressure, and speed conditions. Statistical regression models that predict the temperatures at the tire centerline and belt edge locations are developed and discussed. A simple yet consistent conversion from flat to curved conditions is provided so that equivalent tire temperatures are obtained. Flat highway conditions are derived that are temperature equivalent solutions to each of the FMVSS139 step test conditions.
ASTM Radial Medium Truck Tire Operating Temperatures—Curved versus Flat Surfaces
Authors: Ruip T. M.
Published: June 2008

This paper reports the results of an extensive design of experiment (DOE) conducted on radial medium truck tires by the ASTM Committee F09.30 Task Group on Truck/Bus Tire Test Development. These results are from Phase I of the task group’s work, operational (“real world”) tire temperature benchmarking. DOE variables were tire inflation, load, and speed. Response temperatures from embedded thermocouples were measured at apex/ply ending, no. 2/no. 3 belt ending, and shoulder and centerline ribs. Steady-state temperatures for steer, drive, and trailer tires from three different test venues are compared, i.e., flat belt lab machine, road/track, and 1.7 m diam laboratory roadwheel. Results from temperature regression modeling are discussed. Examples of the effects of a curved test surface on tire operating temperatures as well as on tire strain levels are provided. Model predictions are used to compare temperatures and strains of tires running at current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 119 test conditions versus a severe service long-haul truck operating condition. The concept of “highway speed equivalency” for laboratory endurance testing is proposed.
Damping Characterization Using Hysteresis on Static Nonrolling and Dynamic Rolling Behavior of Farm Tires
Authors: Song G. , Conard B. , Iyengar S. K. R.
Published: June 2008

This paper presents the characterization of damping behavior as characterized by hysteresis for farm equipment tires and time domain numerical simulation of off-road tire rolling using finite element techniques. The hysteretic behavior is characterized by the load-displacement curves from static nonrolling vertical loading tests. Using a highly simplified finite element model based solely on tire catalog information and general constructional information, a hysteresis material model is used to simulate the hysteretic load-displacement behavior of farm tires. By choosing appropriate parameters for the hysteresis model, the static nonrolling finite element analyses results correlate very well to the experimental results. The fitted hysteresis material model is then used to simulate the dynamic rolling of a tire dropping off a curb. The bouncing vertical acceleration is of great interest to off-road tires. First, implicit dynamics is used to simulate the rolling using the calibrated hysteresis model. Very good correlations between the simulation results and vehicle test results are obtained. For better off-road rolling performance, the hysteresis model is recalibrated to reduce the vertical acceleration of the tire after the first bounce following the drop-off. The hysteresis model is replicated in explicit dynamics using an Abaqus/Explicit VUMAT subroutine to simulate the dynamic tire rolling behavior. By introducing additional damping and creep dissipation, the vertical acceleration is attenuated in excess of 50% after the first bounce following the drop-off to improve riding comfort. This hysteresis characterization has been shown to give good agreement with test data on nonrolling tests and dynamic drop-off tests. All modeling and solutions were performed using commercially available Abaqus software.
Natural revegetation on forest topsoil and subsoil along roadsides in boreal forest
Authors: Skrindo A.B. , Halvorsen R.
Published: June 2008

Questions: Does natural revegetation from indigenous soil improve the restoration success of roadside areas? What are the effects of topsoil, subsoil and fertilization on natural revegetation?

Location: Akershus county, SE Norway (10°25′ E, 59° 44′ N).

Methods: We used a recently constructed road through a boreal coniferous forest for a three year (2000–2002), fully replicated revegetation experiment (six replications). Treatments were soil type (two levels; one topsoil and one subsoil type) and fertilization (two levels; NPK and unfertilized control). Ordination methods, constrained ordination methods as well as univariate statistical methods, such as Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test and correlation analysis, were used to assess the relative importance and significance of treatments on the plant species composition.

Results: There was no fertilization effect on species composition. The species composition on both soil types was stabilised by the second year. The species dominating the topsoil were more in accordance with the indigenous vegetation than was the case on the subsoil. The significant difference in species composition among blocks, persisting for the entire study period, indicated that local factors are important determinants of the outcome of revegetation.

Conclusions: Unfertilized topsoil provides a revegetation result in better accordance with the indigenous vegetation than does subsoil.
Investing in an Event: The Case of a Sledge Dog Race in Norway "The Finnmarksløpet"
Authors: Prebensen Nina K.
Published: June 2008

The present article examines what investors do when they invest. Recent research and literature on investment are generally based on economic arguments: expectation of future return on investment. The present work is based on Holt's 1995 typology of consumption practices and the ideas
presented in a 2000 study of Allen and McGoun that investing and consumption may not be as different as traditional economic theory has understood them to be. This article explores the act of investment in an event, a sledge dog race in the northern part of Norway, in terms of the purpose
(why invest) and the structure (how) of the investment. Results and discussion confirm the suggestions that investment can be seen in perspectives other than purely economic.
Optically Active Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes with a Nanocrystalline Magnetic Core
Authors: Bakandritsos Aristides , Bouropoulos Nikos , Zboril Radek , Iliopoulos Kostas , Boukos Nikos , Chatzikyriakos George , Couris Stelios
Published: June 2008

The unique properties of magnetic nanocrystals have triggered intensive research towards their effective functionalization and application in many technological fields. Although synthesis of magnetic colloids is being thoroughly studied, there is limited knowledge on the synthesis, characterization, and properties of magnetic polyelectrolyte spherical brushes. In the present work, the preparation of such hybrids and the subsequent formation of stable aqueous colloids are described. The core of the spherical brush consists of a magnetic γ‐Fe2O3 nanocrystallite (faceted but mostly spherical‐like) with a mean diameter of 17 nm. The bioadhesive polyelectrolyte poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate), forming the surrounding brush layer, was proven to be an effective covalently modifying macromolecule for the iron oxide surface, as Fourier transform IR spectroscopy revealed. Several observations on colloidal aspects are discussed and are successfully explained by models and experiments describing polyelectrolyte brushes with a soft polymeric core. Finally, the hybrids exhibit their multifunctional character and their technological importance by combining in a single and soluble product with magnetic and nonlinear optical properties.
Evaluation of Encoded Layer‐By‐Layer Coated Microparticles As Protease Sensors
Authors: Stubbe Barbara G. , Gevaert Kevin , Derveaux Stefaan , Braeckmans Kevin , De Geest Bruno G. , Goethals Marc , Vandekerckhove Joel , Demeester Joseph , De Smedt Stefaan C.
Published: June 2008

Proteases are important pharmaceutical targets for new drugs because of their involvement in numerous disease processes. This study evaluates whether photophysically encoded microparticles carrying fluorescently labeled protease substrates (peptides) at their surface show potential for detecting proteases in a sample. Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte coatings, containing a red‐labeled peptidic trypsin substrate, are carefully designed and applied at the surface of the encoded microparticles. The peptide‐loaded LbL coatings lose their red fluorescence upon incubation in a trypsin solution, indicating that LbL‐coated microparticles show potential to screen for the presence of active proteases in biological samples.
Prolactin levels in Western Lowland gorillas
Authors: Laughlin Shannon , Meehan Thomas , Zinaman Michael J.
Published: June 2008

Hyperprolactinemia is known to cause menstrual irregularity and infertility in humans. However, little is known about the role of prolactin in menstruation and fertility in Western Lowland gorillas. To create a database of prolactin values in gorillas, we have performed immunoassays on serum specimens dating back to 1983 from nine female gorillas at the Brookfield Zoo. We matched these samples with documented behavioral data to correlate menstrual timing. In addition, we ran other reproductive hormones both to aid in determining the phase of the menstrual cycle and to evaluate the effect of the prolactin on suppression of these hormones during the premenarchal and postpartum phases. We found that values for luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, estradiol and progesterone cycle in very similar patterns to humans. Based on the 59 available samples, prolactin was found to be higher in gorillas than in humans in nearly every phase of the menstrual cycle (range 49.9–93.7 ng/mL) and such levels do not appear to alter the reproductive axis as it does in humans. Thus, prolactin may have a different impact on fertility in gorillas than it does in humans. Am. J. Primatol. 70: 897–900, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proximal femoral anatomy of a sivaladapid primate from the late middle Eocene Pondaung formation (central Myanmar)
Authors: Marivaux Laurent , Beard K. Christopher , Chaimanee Yaowalak , Jaeger Jean‐Jacques , Marandat Bernard , Soe Aung Naing , Tun Soe Thura , Kyaw Aung Aung
Published: June 2008

The postcranial anatomy of the Asian sivaladapid adapiforms is still virtually undocumented, whereas dental remains of these primates have been known for several decades. Little is known about their positional behavior as a result. In this article, we describe a partial left femur of a medium‐sized primate preserving its entire proximal portion and a significant length of its shaft. This fossil was recently recovered from the fossiliferous locality of Thamingyauk in the late middle Eocene Pondaung Formation (central Myanmar). This femur is considered to pertain to the same individual as two tarsal elements (fragmentary talus and calcaneus) from the same locality (same location), and attributed to a medium‐sized sivaladapid adapiform primate (Kyitchaungia takaii). This new postcranial element provides the first documentation of femoral anatomy among Sivaladapidae from Asia. The mechanical implications deriving from the musculoskeletal interpretation of this bone indicate an animal that probably engaged in a kind of active arboreal quadrupedalism with some degree of proficiency in leaping. Even though many musculoskeletal aspects suggest that branch walking and running were important parts of its locomotor repertoire, in other details it appears that relatively complex movements at the hip joint were actually possible and probably associated with climbing or some hindlimb suspensory activities. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Efficient and rapid synthesis of optically active polyamides in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide as ionic liquids under microwave irradiation
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Taghavi Mehdi
Published: June 2008

There is increasing interest in using ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents for polymerization processes. The use of an inexpensive and readily available IL such as tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as a solvent for clean synthesis and catalytic processes is becoming widely recognized and accepted. This article reports an extension of a microwave method, describing the synthesis of optically active polyamides (PAs) in TBAB. Polycondensation reactions of diacid 5‐(3‐methyl‐2‐phthalimidylpentanoylamino) isophthalic acid with different diisocyanates such as 4, 4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), toluylene‐2,4‐diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate were carried out in the presence of TBAB as a molten salt under microwave irradiation and with a conventional heating method, and they were compared with polymerizations in a traditional solvent such as 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. A series of optically active PAs with high yields and inherent viscosities ranging from 0.20 to 0.60 dL/g were obtained. These PAs were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific rotation measurements, 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. All data agreed with the proposed structures. Some physical properties and structural characterizations of these PAs are reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation and characterization of novel hyperbranched poly(amine‐ester) films crosslinked by glutaraldehyde
Authors: Wei Xiu‐Zhen , Zhu Li‐Ping , Zhu Bao‐Ku , Xu You‐Yi
Published: June 2008

Novel films based on hydroxyl terminated hyperbranched poly (amine‐ester) (HPAE‐OH) of different generation were prepared by crosslinking the terminal hydroxyl groups of HPAE with glutaraldehyde (GA). The progress of crosslinking reaction was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and viscosity measurement. The surface morphology of the crosslinked HPAE films was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) and atomic force microscopy. The results suggested that the films have homogenously dense interior matrices and smooth surface. The hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the crosslinked HPAE films was characterized by the water contact angle measurement. Variable swelling behavior in different solvents was also studied. The in vitro biocompatibility of the film was investigated by the bovine hemoglobin (Hb) adsorption measurement. And these results showed that these crosslinked HPAE films had excellent hydrophilicity, variable swelling behavior in different solvents, and relative low protein absorption. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Inverse gas chromatography for the determination of the dispersive surface free energy and acid–base interactions of a sheet molding compound. I. Matrix material and glass
Authors: Mills Ryan H. , Tze William T. Y. , Gardner Douglas J. , van Heiningen Adriaan
Published: June 2008

Sheet molding compound is a material composed of a polyester thermosetting matrix with a thermoplastic, an inorganic filler, a metal oxide, reinforcement fibers, and material performance enhancers embedded in the crosslinked matrix. To achieve the optimum mechanical properties required for the composite material, the surface free energy of the polyester composite needs to be understood. In this study, the composite matrix and glass reinforcement fibers are compared with respect to their surface free energy and acid–base characteristics on the basis of inverse gas chromatography measurements. The inverse gas chromatography results for the matrix and glass are compared to previous results found for sized and unsized cellulosic fibers. The inverse gas chromatography data are used to assess chemical modifications performed on the biobased fibers to predict improvements in the fiber/matrix interaction, and this provides inferences on the overall composite cohesion. Our results show first that any fiber reinforcement system for the polyester composite material has to be acidic to promote good adhesion as the matrix system is very basic and second that the individual dispersive surface energies of the components of the matrix interact in a weighted average to determine the overall surface energy of the composite. Also, a commercial glass reinforcement sized for polyester has been found to have a lower interaction parameter than literature values for cellulosic fibers. This finding suggests that cellulosic fibers might have an advantage in competing with a conventional glass‐fiber reinforcement system in fiber/matrix bonding for sheet molding compound composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Characterization and microstructure study of low‐density polyethylene by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and temperature rising elution fractionation
Authors: Mahdavi Hossein , Nook Mojtaba Enayati
Published: June 2008

Infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique for studying the microstructure and determining the short‐chain branch distribution of polyethylene. In this work, the types and amounts of short‐chain branches in low‐density polyethylene were investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and a new and simple method for the determination of butyl short branches was discovered. The amount of each unsaturated species in low‐density polyethylene was also determined with Fourier transform infrared after the bromination of samples. Furthermore, the resin was fractionated by preparative temperature rising elution fractionation, and the branch distribution and melting endotherm of each fraction were analyzed with attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Levitation and movement of tripalmitin‐based cationic lipospheres on a dielectrophoresis‐based lab‐on‐a‐chip device
Authors: Fabbri Enrica , Borgatti Monica , Manaresi Nicolò , Medoro Gianni , Nastruzzi Claudio , Di Croce Silvia , Tosi Azzurra , Mazzitelli Stefania , Mancini Irene , Guerrieri Roberto , Gambari Roberto
Published: June 2008

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a very valuable approach for designing and developing laboratory‐on‐a‐chip (lab‐on‐a‐chip) devices that are able to manipulate microparticles and cells. Lab‐on‐a‐chip technology will enable laboratory testing to move from laboratories using complex equipment to nonlaboratory settings. We used a lab‐on‐a‐chip device, the SmartSlide, which carries 193 parallel electrodes and generates up to 50 cylinder‐shaped DEP cages able to entrap microparticles and cells within DEP cages and move them along the chip. For lab‐on‐a‐chip technology, the characterization of microparticles exhibiting a differential ability to be DEP‐caged, levitated, and moved is important for the development of both diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. We determined whether the SmartSlide could be used to levitate and move tripalmitin‐based lipospheres carrying increasing concentrations of dihexadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DHDAB) as a cationic surfactant. The data obtained with this DEP‐based platform showed that DEP caging, levitation, and movement of the cationic lipospheres depended on the percentage of DHDAB. Tripalmitin lipospheres containing 6% DHDAB could be DEP‐caged and manipulated. On the contrary, lipospheres containing 12% DHDAB did not exhibit an efficient ability to be DEP‐caged and moved throughout the chip. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the possible use of a DEP‐based lab‐on‐a‐chip device for guided manipulation of lipospheres. This information might be of interest in the fields of drug discovery, delivery, and diagnosis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Dispersion and noncovalent modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes by various polystyrene‐based polymers
Authors: Zhao Wei , Liu Yi‐Tao , Feng Qing‐Ping , Xie Xu‐Ming , Wang Xiao‐Hao , Ye Xiong‐Ying
Published: June 2008

This article investigated the dispersion and modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through solution mixing based on the noncovalent interactions between polystyrene (PS) and MWCNTs. It was found that the interactions were robust enough to stabilize the debundled MWCNTs in solution after vigorous sonication. The PS attached, which altered the surface properties of MWCNTs and made them easily soluble in organic solvents, can remain even after careful washing with solvents. Besides, many other PS‐based polymers were proved to retain the ability to disperse MWCNTs to form stable solutions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Architecture of rod consisting of hyperbranched pendant chains‐coil block copolymers by ATRP approach
Authors: Ishizu Koji , Takano Satoshi , Murakami Takuya , Uchida Satoshi , Ozawa Masaaki
Published: June 2008

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was applied to a novel synthesis of rod consisting of hyperbranched pendant chains‐coil block copolymers. The procedure included the following steps: (1) esterification reaction of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (PEO) with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide (BIBB) yielded a PEO‐Br macroinitiator, (2) ATRP method of 2‐hydroxylethyl methacrylate (HEMA) using PEO‐Br provided PEO‐block‐poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) block copolymers, (3) esterification of PEO‐block‐PHEMA with BIBB yielded block‐type polyinitiator, and (4) ATRP of HEMA‐Br inimer using block‐type polyinitiator provided coil‐rod (consisting of hyperbranched pendant chains) block copolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Dynamische Simulation des sommerlichen Temperaturverhaltens eines Büroraumes mit einer modifizierten CFD‐Technik
Authors: Pfrommer Peter , Zitzmann Tobias
Published: June 2008

Die im Rahmen des Forschungsprojektes “THERMEX Coburg” entwickelte adaptive Freeze‐Flow‐Technik FREEZECONT ermöglicht dynamische Langzeitsimulationen mit dem CFD‐Programm ANSYS CFX. Die neue Rechentechnik wird zunächst anhand von sechstägigen Simulationen des sommerlichen Temperaturverhaltens eines gängigen Büroraumes mit Nachtlüftungsstrategie mit und ohne Bauteilaktivierung demonstriert. Eine weitere Studie befasst sich mit dem Vergleich zwischen dynamischen CFD‐Berechnungen (mit FREEZECONT) und denjenigen zonaler Gebäudesimulationsprogramme am Beispiel TRNSYS. Schließlich erlaubt CFX/FREEZECONT erste praxisrelevante Aussagen über den Einfluss von abgehängten Akustikbaffeln auf das dynamisch thermische Verhalten eines Büroraumes.
Temperaturentwicklung und Beanspruchung von Tunnelschalen im Brandfall
Authors: Hörrle Dominik , Mayer Peter‐Michael
Published: June 2008

Brand ist im Tunnelbau einer der maßgebenden Lastfälle. Nachweisverfahren und Rechenmodelle sind derzeit noch in der Entwicklung. In diesem Aufsatz soll auf analytische Weise gezeigt werden, zu welchen Temperaturen es beim Brand an der Innenseite der Tunnelschale kommen kann und wie diese abschätzbar sind. Erlangt man so Kenntnis über eine zutreffende Temperaturzeitkurve, kann, unter bestimmten Randbedingungen, die instationäre Wärmeleitungsgleichung gelöst werden. Dadurch ist der Temperaturverlauf im Querschnitt zu jeder Zeit in jeder Tiefe analytisch gegeben und wird für einige Beispiele berechnet. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Messergebnissen realer Brandversuche verglichen und die Gültigkeit der dem analytischen Lösungsweg geschuldeten Vereinfachungen verifiziert. Anschließend wird das Lösungsmodell verwendet, um zeitabhängige Dehnungen und Krümmungen in Beispielquerschnitten (Schichtenmodell aus [1]) zu ermitteln und dort den Einfluss etwa der Temperaturleitfähigkeit aufzuzeigen.
Correlation between symmetry breaker position and the preferences of conformationally constrained homopeptides: A molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Torras Juan , Zanuy David , Crisma Marco , Toniolo Claudio , Betran Oscar , Alemán Carlos
Published: June 2008

The conformational tendencies of Cα,α‐diethylglycine (Deg)‐based peptides have been studied in solution using all atom molecular dynamics simulations. Specifically, the conformational effects of breaking the symmetry of the host Tfa‐(Deg)5‐OtBu (Tfa, trifluoroacetyl; OtBu, tert‐butoxy) pentapeptide with punctual replacements at different sequence positions of one Deg residue by its corresponding guest chiral analogue, L‐α‐aminobutyric acid (L‐Abu), have been examined by simulating the following peptides: Tfa‐(Deg)5‐OtBu, Tfa‐(Deg)2‐L‐Abu‐(Deg)2‐OtBu, Tfa‐(Deg)3‐L‐Abu‐Deg‐OtBu, and Tfa‐(Deg)4‐L‐Abu‐OtBu. Simulations show that only the Deg homopeptide is able to stabilize a 2.05 helix, even though a kinked arrangement with all the Deg residues adopting a fully‐extended conformation was found to be stable when the L‐Abu residue is introduced in the middle of the sequence. On the other hand, when the L‐Abu residue is closer to the C‐end of the sequence, the peptide chain prefers a partially folded 310‐helix. Additional simulations on Tfa‐(Deg)3‐L‐Abu‐(Deg)3‐OtBu highlighted that, when the size of the Deg segments increases, their tendency to adopt a 2.05 helix predominates over the preferred folded conformation of L‐Abu. The overall picture extracted after more than 300 ns of molecular dynamics simulation is that breaking the α‐carbon symmetry of achiral Cα‐tetrasubstituted amino acids is a promising strategy to build up polypeptides with modulated conformational tendencies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 695–706, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Rapid cloning and purification of proteins: Gateway vectors for protein purification by self‐cleaving tags
Authors: Gillies Alison R. , Hsii Judy F. , Oak Seachol , Wood David W.
Published: June 2008

We have combined Invitrogen's Gateway® cloning technology with self‐cleaving purification tags to generate a new system for rapid production of recombinant protein products. To accomplish this, we engineered our previously reported ΔI‐CM cleaving intein to include a Gateway cloning recognition sequence, and demonstrated that the resulting Gateway‐competent intein is unaffected. This intein can therefore be used in several previously reported purification methods, while at the same time being compatible with Gateway cloning. We have incorporated this intein into a set of Gateway vectors, which include self‐cleaving elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP), chitin binding domain (CBD), phasin (polyhydroxybutyrate‐binding), or maltose binding domain (MBD) tags. These vectors were verified by Gateway cloning of TEM‐1 β‐lactamase and Escherichia coli catalase genes, and the expressed target proteins were purified using the four methods encoded on the vectors. The purification methods were unaffected by replacing the ΔI‐CM intein with the Gateway intein. It was observed that some purification methods were more appropriate for each target than others, suggesting utility of this technology for rapid process identification and optimization. The modular design of the Gateway system and intein purification method suggests that any tag and promoter can be trivially added to this system for the development of additional expression vectors. This technology could greatly facilitate process optimization, allowing several targets and methods to be tested in a high‐throughput manner. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 229–240. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenomenological model of fungal biofilters for the abatement of hydrophobic VOCs
Authors: Vergara‐Fernández Alberto , Hernández Sergio , Revah Sergio
Published: June 2008

This work describes the growth of filamentous fungi in biofilters for the degradation of hydrophobic VOCs. The study system was n‐hexane and Fusarium solani B1. The system is mathematically described and the main physical, kinetic data and morphological parameters were obtained by independent experiments and validated with data from laboratory experiments. The model describes the increase in the transport area by the growth of the filamentous cylindrical mycelia and its relation with n‐hexane elimination in quasi‐stationary state in a biofilter. The model describing fungal growth includes Monod–Haldane kinetic and hyphal elongation and ramification. A specific surface area of transport (SSAT) of 1.91 × 105 m2 m−3 and a maximum elimination capacity (EC) of 248 g m−3 h−1 were obtained by the mathematical model simulation, with a 10% of error with respect to the experimental EC. Biotechnol. Bioeng. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immobilization of cellulose fibrils on solid substrates for cellulase‐binding studies through quantitative fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Moran‐Mirabal Jose M. , Santhanam Navaneetha , Corgie Stephane C. , Craighead Harold G. , Walker Larry P.
Published: June 2008

Cellulases, enzymes capable of depolymerizing cellulose polymers into fermentable sugars, are essential components in the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials. Given the importance of these enzymes to the evolving biofuel industry considerable research effort is focused on understanding the interaction between cellulases and cellulose fibrils. This manuscript presents a method that addresses challenges that must be overcome in order to study such interactions through high‐resolution fluorescence microscopy. First, it is shown that cellulose can be immobilized on solid substrates through a polymer lift‐off technique. The immobilized cellulose aggregates present characteristic morphologies influenced by the patterned feature size used to immobilize it. Thus, through a variety of pattern sizes, cellulose can be immobilized in the form of cellulose particles, cellulose mats or individual cellulose fibrils. Second, it is shown that both cellulose and Thermobifida fusca cellulases Cel5A, Cel6B, and Cel9A can be fluorescently tagged and that the labeling does not inhibit the capability of these cellulases to depolymerize cellulose. The combination of the immobilization technique together with fluorescence labeling yields a system that can be used to study cellulose–cellulase interactions with spatial and temporal resolution not available through more conventional techniques which measure ensemble averages. It is shown that with such a system, the kinetics of cellulase binding onto cellulose fibrils and mats can be followed through sequences of fluorescence images. The intensity from the images can then be used to reconstruct binding curves for the cellulases studied. It was found that the complexity of cellulose morphology has a large impact on the binding curve characteristics, with binding curves for individual cellulose fibrils closely following a binding saturation model and binding curves for cellulose mats and particles deviating from it. The behavior observed is interpreted as the effect pore and interstice penetration play in cellulase binding to the accessible surface of cellulose aggregates. These results validate our method for immobilizing nanoscale cellulose fibrils and fibril aggregates on solid supports and lay the foundation for future studies on cellulase–cellulose interactions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a stable dual cell‐line GFP expression system to study estrogenic endocrine disruptors
Authors: Xu Hui , Kraus W. Lee , Shuler Michael L.
Published: June 2008

Environmental estrogenic endocrine disruptors are a health concern. Here we constructed a dual cell‐line green fluorescence protein (GFP) expression system to identify and study endocrine disrupting compounds with activities of estrogen receptor agonists or antagonists. Human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells and endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells were infected with a two tandem estrogen response elements—E4 promoter‐GFP reporter gene construct. The use of GFP reporter enabled direct and simple evaluations of cell responses. GFP intensity in stably transfected MCF7‐GFP and Ishikawa‐GFP cells was dose‐responsive to 17‐beta‐estradiol, diethylstilbestrol, 2‐hydroxyestradiol, and environmental toxins bisphenol A, genistein and o–p′‐DDT. Raloxifene and tamoxifen were effective antiestrogens in MCF7‐GFP cells, but acted as partial estrogen receptor agonists in Ishikawa‐GFP cells at concentrations of 0.1 nM and above. No synergistic effect was observed in chemical combinations between organochlorine pesticides methoxychlor, o–p′‐DDT, p–p′‐DDT, nor between estradiol and estrone. In summary, for the first time the effects of estrogen receptor agonists or antagonists were compared between mammary and endometrial cancer cells both stably expressing identical plasmids with GFP reporter genes under the control of tandem estrogen response elements. This dual cell‐line system provides a rapid method and sensitive assay to identify environmental estrogens, antiestrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators and to study their tissue specific effects and chemical interactions. Such a system is especially useful for direct and parallel toxicity assessments with a microfluidic cell culture device. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 1276–1287. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of benzophenone‐3, retinol and retinyl acetate in pig ear skin layers by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Padula C. , Campana N. , Santi P.
Published: June 2008

A new and simple HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of benzophenone‐3, retinol and retinyl acetate in pig ear skin layers and percutaneous penetration samples after in vitro permeation experiments. HPLC analysis was performed utilizing a NovaPak® C18 column with acetonitrile–water–acetic acid as mobile phase. UV detection was at 325 nm and the run time was 25 min. The detector response was found to be accurate, precise and linear across the analytical range. Analyte extraction from skin layers was done with methanol from the stratum corneum and epidermis, and with acetone from the dermis. Recovery was in all cases better than 90%. The HPLC assay and extraction procedure proposed are simple, rapid, sensitive and accurate. The method was then applied for the determination of benzophenone‐3, retinol and retinyl acetate in pig ear skin layers after topical application. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mend of the bend—Flexor pollicis longus tendon has an additional pulley distal to its point of angulation
Authors: Chin Kuen Foo , Khalid Mohamed , Gogi Nitish , Fussey Jonathan , Shanahan Donal , Deshmukh Subodh
Published: June 2008

The tendon of flexor pollicis longus angulates at the trapezio‐metacarpal joint level. The degree of angulation varies with extent of radial/ulnar deviation (Rack and Ross [1984] J. Physiol. 351:99–110). We report a fibrous pulley at this level that helps stabilize the tendon and facilitates its action. The morphology of the pulley is described. We believe that it has an important role to play in the unique function of the tendon facilitating the movement of the thumb perpendicular to the plane of the thumbnail. Clin. Anat. 21:427–432, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Palatal asymmetry during development: An anatomical study
Authors: Moreira R.S. , Sgrott E.A. , Stuker H. , Alonso L.G. , Smith R.L.
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate hard palate asymmetry during development. The palates of 248 dry skulls were photographed and evaluated digitally. The skulls were divided into seven groups: fetus, newborn, infant, child, adolescent, adult, and aged. Linear measures were obtained from great palatine foramen (GPF) to incisive fossa (INC) and to posterior nasal spine (PNS). Angular measures were obtained from the former landmarks plus the point on sutures intersection between maxillary and palatine bones. Asymmetry was evaluated intra and intergroups. All skulls showed some degree of right–left asymmetry in the hard palate. Regardless of hard palate asymmetry, none of the right–left side differences was statistically significant. For the intergroups assessment, none of the asymmetry index means were statistically different. The posterior part of palate (PNS × GPF) measures was more asymmetric than the anterior part (INC × GPF), showing, respectively, 4.6% and 2.8% of mean asymmetry index. Angular measures showed a more symmetric behavior than the linear ones. Hard palate asymmetry occurs even in the absence of masticatory function, showing that this feature begins early in fetal life and persists through development. Clin. Anat. 21:398–404, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Boundaries between subsegments IVa and IVb in the human liver
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Fei , Yu Sheng‐Bo , Liu Jie , Liu Xue‐Jing , Sui Hong‐Jin
Published: June 2008

Until now there has been no definitive anatomical study of the boundary between hepatic subsegments IVa and IVb. In this study, we used a multicolor segmental corrosion cast technique and a multicolor segmental technique on plastinated slices, in combination with helical CT three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction on 15 donated fresh isolated human liver specimens. The corrosion cast technique was carried out on eight of these specimens, and the remaining seven livers were used to make horizontal plastinated slices. Examination of these specimens and observation of 20 additional liver corrosion cast specimens showed that all boundaries between hepatic segments were complex, undulating scissures rather than simple, flat planes. We also found that there was an obvious boundary between subsegments IVa and IVb, such that subsegment IVa laid posterosuperior to subsegment IVb. A tributary of a hepatic vein passed through the boundary between subsegments IVa and IVb, and could serve as an anatomical landmark of this boundary. Clin. Anat. 21:439–446, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The supraodontoid space or “apical cave” at the craniocervical junction: A microdissection study
Authors: Haffajee M.R. , Thompson C. , Govender S.
Published: June 2008

The extradural supraodontoid space lies anteriorly at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) between the alar ligaments and foramen magnum. It occupies the space between the tectorial and atlanto‐occipital membranes. A variety of benign and traumatic lesions may result in neurological compression here with harmful effects. Decompression by the transoral surgical approach often provides relief from these effects. Knowledge of the detailed microanatomy of this space is fragmentary. The purpose of this study was to identify the boundaries and contents of this space by microdissection. Twenty‐three en bloc preserved adult cadaveric specimens of the CCJ were dissected to identify the boundaries and contents of the supraodontoid space. The posterior bony elements of the CCJ were removed to enable microdissection (Zeiss DXE Microscope 4–40×) from the tectorial membrane (TM) forwards. The cave‐like space faced posteriorly. It had a roof which extended into a wall (anterior atlanto‐occipital membrane), a floor (superior surface of the alar ligament), and a mouth covered by the TM. The apical ligament and a thin lining membranous fatty layer divided the cave into a pair of symmetrical halves. The contents, from dorsal to ventral, lay deep to a thin subtectorial membrane. These were the superior fasciculus of the cruciate ligament, a fat‐ensheathed knot of plexiform veins (which communicated with the surrounding CCJ vertebral venous plexuses), an arterial arcade between the veins, a pair of fat pads, and branches of the sinuvertebral nerves of the CCJ (lying on the floor). No synovial membrane was found. Knowledge of the anatomy of the apical cave may be of some assistance in transoral (extra‐ and transdural) surgical approaches to the anterior CCJ region. Clin. Anat. 21:405–415, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proximal great saphenous vein cut down: An evaluation of techniques and anatomical considerations
Authors: Briers N. , Morris I. , Boon J.M. , Meiring J.H. , Franz R.C.
Published: June 2008

Cut‐down techniques by which emergency venous access can be achieved are important, particularly, in the resuscitation of haemodynamically depleted patients where percutaneous access to collapsed veins is a problem. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of different methods that are used to locate the proximal great saphenous vein in the thigh and to describe the vein's immediate course. A further component was to identify the position of the valves in the proximal great saphenous vein. Needles were placed in 42 cadaver thighs as defined by the techniques identified from the literature and surgical practice. After a detailed dissection, the vein's relation to these needles was measured and the course of the vein and number of valves noted in relation to easily identifiable landmarks. Landmarks in 2.5‐cm intervals on a line from the pubic tubercle to the adductor tubercle of the femur were used. The rule of two's, an experimental method by one of the authors, along with Dronen's second method localized the vein most successfully. The course of the vein was scrutinized and found to have a rather direct course as it proceeded medially toward the saphenous hiatus. The largest population of valves could be found in the proximal 5 cm (76%) with a valve in the confluence of the great saphenous vein and the femoral vein being the most common. Valve populations were found to decrease in number from proximal to distal, which would have implications with the placement of catheters into the vein for fluid resuscitation. Clin. Anat. 21:453–460, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Left ventricular anatomy: Its nomenclature, segmentation, and planes of imaging
Authors: Partridge John B. , Anderson Robert H.
Published: June 2008

The American Heart Association recommends a model of the left ventricular myocardium based on 17 segments. The model is accepted and used by imagers in nuclear medicine, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and, more recently, in computed tomography. Some problems persist with the orientation and presentation of the planar imaging views between the modalities and with their registration with the segmental model. These problems would be eased if the “anterior” wall were to be called the superior wall, which is attitudinally correct. It would follow that the “anterior descending” and “posterior descending” arteries would be known as the superior and inferior interventricular arteries. This is also more correct anatomically, as is the need to describe the papillary muscles of the mitral valve as being positioned superiorly and inferiorly. In this review, we discuss these currently existing problems and make a plea for more stringent description and display of the planes used in imaging. Clin. Anat. 22:77–84, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Callosal branches of the anterior cerebral artery: An anatomical report
Authors: Kahilogullari G. , Comert A. , Arslan M. , Esmer A.F. , Tuccar E. , Elhan A. , Tubbs R.S. , Ugur H.C.
Published: June 2008

Although the morphology of the corpus callosum is well defined, the arterial supply of this structure has not been comprehensively studied. To elucidate this further, 40 cerebral hemispheres from 30 adult cadaveric brains were obtained. The anterior cerebral arteries were cannulated and injected with red latex. The following were observed and documented: (1) the number, diameter, and course of the arteries supplying the corpus callosum; (2) the territories vascularized by these arteries; (3) any variations of the callosal arteries. Short callosal arteries were present in 58 hemispheres (96.6%) and supplied the superficial surface of the corpus callosum along its midline and were a primary arterial source to this structure. Long callosal arteries were found in 28 hemispheres (46.6%) and contributed to the pial plexus. The cingulocallosal arteries were present in all hemispheres and supplied the corpus callosum, cingulate gyrus, and also contributed to the pericallosal pial plexus. The recurrent cingulocallosal arteries were present in 17 hemispheres (28.3%) and also contributed to the pericallosal pial plexus. The median callosal artery, an anatomical variation, was present in 10 brains (33.3%). This vessel supplied the corpus callosum and the cingulate gyrus. The aim of the present study was to provide a detailed description of the arteries supplying the corpus callosum for those who encounter these vessels radiologically or surgically. Clin. Anat. 21:383–388, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural Control of the Horizontal Double Fixation of Oligothiophenes on Gold
Authors: Tran Truong Khoa , Oçafrain Maïténa , Karpe Sandrine , Blanchard Philippe , Roncali Jean , Lenfant Stéphane , Godey Sylvie , Vuillaume Dominique
Published: June 2008

Quaterthiophenes bearing one (1) or two (2) alkanethiol chains attached at the internal β‐position of the outermost thiophene ring through a sulfide linkage have been synthesized. Cyclic voltammetric analysis of their electrochemical behavior in solution suggests that electrooxidation of the doubly substituted oligomer 2 leads to electrodeposition of a poly(disulfide) on the anode surface. Monolayers of 1 or 2 on gold surfaces have been investigated and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, ellipsometry, contact angle measurement, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results of these investigations indicate that introduction of two thiol groups in the structure leads to double fixation of the oligothiophene chain with the main axis of the conjugated system oriented parallel to the surface. The effects of single versus double fixation of the quaterthiophene chain on the electrochemical properties and stability of the corresponding monolayers are discussed.