bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Profile of Multiple Myeloma in the Patients Visiting BPKIHS as Diagnosed by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Nepal AK , Shakya PR , Gelal B , Das BK Lal , Shrestha BP , Lamsal M , Baral N , Majhi S
Published: March 2011

Multiple myeloma is a proliferative disease of plasma cells. The incidence of the disease increases with age.Objectives : To study different biochemical parameters and serum agarose gel electrophoresis patterns of patients consistent with clinical symptoms of multiple myeloma.Subject and Methods : A retrospective study was carried out in Department of Biochemistry, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, from October 2008 to September 2009. Patients consistent with the symptoms of multiple myeloma were selected for the study. Alkaline phosphatase, total calcium, albumin and globulin levels were estimated. Bence Jones Protein, cell counts of bone marrow and x-ray of skull was carried out. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed at buffer pH 8.6, 5 mili ampere current and the constant voltage of 200 volts was applied.Results : Serum electrophoresis patterns in all the patients showed M-Protein band (M-band) at gamma-region. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were 216.0 ± 35.7 . Serum total calcium levels were 10.0± 1.5, serum albumin levels were 4.1 ± 0.5 and serum globulin levels were 3.7 ± 0.9 respectively. Bence Jones Protein was present in urine of the 7 patients out of 14. Plasma cell counts were more than 10% and lytic lesions on skull were present.Conclusion : Patients with multiple myeloma showed consistently increased total calcium, decreased serum albumin and normal alkalline phosphatase levels. Electrophoretic patterns showed M-band in all the patients, giving the confirmation of the diagnosis. Though a conventional technique, electrophoresis remains as the gold standard for the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.Health Renaissance, May-Aug 2010; Vol 8 (No.2):122-125
Highly Efficient Nitration of Phenolic Compounds using Some Nitrates and Oxalic Acid under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Ji Li , Qian Chao , Liu Mei-xin , Chen Xin-zhi
Published: March 2011

Nitrophenols can be obtained by direct nitration of phenols with some nitrates and oxalic acid at room temperature in moderate to high yields under solvent-free conditions. A small amount of water proved to be important in the initial period of the reaction.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Thermogravimetric Analyses of Mn(II) and Cu(II) Complexes Derived from 1,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-6-oxo-3-Pyridazinecarboxylic Acid
Authors: Sun Xiuling , Bao Xiaoge , Hao Hongmei , Zhang Xiuqing , Yu Qing , Bian Hedong , Liang Hong
Published: March 2011

Two Cu(II) complexes: [Cu(topca)2]·2H2O, [Cu(topca)2]·4H2O, and two Mn(II) complexes: {[Mn(topca)(H2O)3](topca)·2H2O}n and {[Mn(topca)(H2O)3](ClO4)}n (where Htocpa = 1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-6-oxo-3-pyridazinecarboxylic acid), have been synthesised and their structures determined. The Cu(II) centres are four-coordinated with two pyridazinyl N atoms and two carboxyl O atoms from two ligands, while the geometry of the Mn(II) atoms is distorted octahedral with O, N atoms of two ligands and O atoms of three water molecules. The two Mn complexes are assembled in a 1-D chain structure by bridging carboxyl-O atoms.
Microwave-Assisted Rapid and efficient Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds to Amines with Propan-2-ol over Nanosized Perovskite-type SmFeO3 powder as a New Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst
Authors: Farhadi Saeid , Siadatnasab Firouzeh , Kazem Maryam
Published: March 2011

Nanosized perovskite-type SmFeO3 powder, prepared through the thermal decomposition of Sm[Fe(CN)6].4H2O with an average particle diameter of 28 nm and a specific surface area of 42 m2 g−1, was used as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the efficient and selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds into the corresponding amines by using propan-2-ol as a hydrogen donor (reducing agent) and KOH as a promoter under microwave irradiation. This highly regio- and chemoselective catalytic method is fast, clean, inexpensive, high yielding and also compatible with the substrates containing easily reducible functional groups. In addition, the nanosized SmFeO3 catalyst can be reused without loss of activity.
Three-Component Synthesis of Dialkyl 2-(Cyclohexyliminomethylene)-3-Arylsulfonylamino Succinate
Authors: Anaraki-Ardakani Hossein , Mosslemin Mohammad Hossein , Sadoughi Hesamaddin , Makvandi Nima
Published: March 2011

The reactive 1:1 intermediate produced in the reaction between cyclohexyl isocyanide and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates was trapped by arylsulfonamides to yield highly functionalised stable ketenimines under mild reaction conditions in fairly good yields.
A New Sesquiterpenoid from a Fusarium Spp. an Endophytic Fungus in Agriminia pilosa
Authors: Wang Jian-Wei , Li Cheng-Ping
Published: March 2011

A new drimane sesquiterpenoid, named agripilolactone (1), and three known ergostane-type sterols (2-4) were obtained from the mycelium of an endophytic Fusarium species fungus isolated from the stems of Agriminia pilosa. The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic methods, especially 2D NMR techniques.
fan letter correspondence of Willa Cather: Challenging the divide between professional and common reader
Authors: Bates Courtney A.
Published: March 2011

Although literary scholars, including those who study American novelist Willa Cather, typically have drawn distinctions between real and professional readers, this article overturns the assumption that Cather's fan letters are merely the purview of common readers. Since both common and professional readers appear in her archive, I argue that the misplaced emphasis on who writes fan letters would be constructively replaced by treating fan letters as a genre used by many kinds of readers. Both professionals and nonprofessionals wrote fan letters to Cather and used its rhetorical methods, since it offered an attractive alternative to professional reading modes popularized by English departments of the 1890s and magazine discourse of the first quarter of the twentieth century. The fan letters create an author-reader relationship based on repeated readings and affective responses to the text as well as personal familiarity with its locations and characters. Moreover, I argue that the letters in Cather's archive are not a random sampling but are the letters that she preserved, enjoyed, and encouraged. Within the period's fraught debates about the purpose and nature of literature and the qualifications needed to interpret and judge it, the fan letter exchange creates a more detailed understanding of Cather's relationship with her audience—what reading methods she sought and preferred over others.
Interview with Robert DeSimone
Authors: Gunnels Jen
Published: March 2011

Interview with Robert DeSimone, conducted by Jen Gunnels.
Improving Pre-Service Teachers' Visual Literacy through Online Photo-Sharing Applications
Authors: Sadik Alaa
Published: March 2011

This study aims to investigate how pre-service teachers' visual literacy skills are affected by their use of online photo management and sharing applications like Flickr. Two approaches are used to develop the visual literacy skills of pre-service teachers through Flickr. The first is to help them decode visuals through practicing analysis techniques, and interpreting and creating meaning from visual stimuli. The second is to help them encode visuals as a tool for communication. Visual literacy tests, participants' logs, photograph evaluation instruments, and interviews are used to assess the improvement in the participants' visual literacy skills. The results of the analysis revealed that the pre-service teachers' skills in interpreting, understanding, and appreciating the meaning of visual messages were enhanced through online exchange and interaction by means of photo management and sharing applications. They were able to communicate more effectively through applying the basic principles and concepts of visual design.
Learning Survival Models with On-Line Simulation Activities in the Actuarial Science Degree
Authors: Fernandez-Morales Antonio
Published: March 2011

The aim of this paper is to describe an on-line survival laboratory designed to enhance teaching and learning in the Statistics courses of the Actuarial Science Degree of the Uni-versity of Málaga. The objective of the on-line survival lab is to help students through a guided program of simulation activities with the understanding of the most important statistical concepts of the stochastic modeling of human survival, from an Actuarial point of view. The graphical interactive simulator is implemented as Java applets for the web version, and as a Javascript animation for a lite iPhone/iPod touch version. Finally, the results of a survey carried out at the end of the course are discussed to have a preliminary assessment of the studentsâ?? satisfaction with the resources, and their perception about the usefulness for their learning process.
Is Virtual Reality a Memorable Experience in an Educational Context?
Authors: Nadan Teeroumanee , Alexandrov Vassil , Jamieson Ronan , Watson Kimberly Anne
Published: March 2011

Learning science concepts are very often challenging, especially when complex concepts are involved. Teachers have recourse to many different types of teaching methods which are however limited when it comes to explaining students about three dimensionality concepts. With these limitations, the teaching methods fall short in increasing the interest of students. It is therefore important to understand how the new generation learns and hence to teach them accordingly. Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology which can be used for teaching science concepts. VR is innovative and hence easily captures studentsâ?? interest. This paper presents the results of some preliminary studies conducted with a view to showing the extent to which VR is a memorable experience for students, in order to support its use for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts.
Cultural Challenges in Developing E-Learning Content
Authors: Azer Marianne Amir , El-Sherbini Ahmed Mostafa
Published: March 2011

Education is an important component of any nationâ??s development process. Society has been credited with creating technology, but technology is simultaneously creating society. One of the key benefits of such technology creation includes learning and curriculum development, which is otherwise referred to as e-leaning, and more appropriately referred to as global e-learning. Global e-learning raises some implications, which include communication, culture, and technology, that must be addressed before successful implementation and outcome can occur. In this paper, we discuss cultural related issues such as culture influence on e-learning and the dimensions of cultural variability. In addition, we present the main challenges to provide e-learning opportunities. Finally, a case study for facing the cultural challenges is presented; this will be followed by concluding remarks at the end of this paper.
Evaluate Stochastikon Magister by Questionnaire
Authors: Zhai Xiaomin , Von Collani Elart
Published: March 2011

This paper is the continuation of the work of articles â??Strategies for Teaching a Novel Approach to Handling Uncertainty Scientifically via Internet
A Chatbot as a Natural Web Interface to Arabic Web QA
Authors: Abu Shawar Bayan
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we describe a way to access Arabic Web Question Answering (QA) corpus using a chatbot, without the need for sophisticated natural language processing or logical inference. Any Natural Language (NL) interface to Question Answer (QA) system is constrained to reply with the given answers, so there is no need for NL generation to recreate well-formed answers, or for deep analysis or logical inference to map user input questions onto this logical ontology; simple (but large) set of pattern-template matching rules will suffice. In previous research, this approach works properly with English and other European languages. In this paper, we try to see how the same chatbot will react in terms of Arabic Web QA corpus. Initial results shows that 93% of answers were correct, but because of a lot of characteristics related to Arabic language, changing Arabic questions into other forms may lead to no answers.
Student Facilitated PBL – A Capstone Collaborative Learning Experience in the Griffith University MBBS Program.
Authors: Alexander Heather , Tedman Raymond , Wallace Barbara , Pountney Helen
Published: March 2011

We report on an innovation in teaching and learning designed to extend the collaborative learning of PBL, that occurs during the first two years of a four year graduate entry medical program, to a capstone learning experience to assist the transition to a hospital based year 3. During the last five weeks of Year 2 the PBL sessions consist of an initial student facilitated session early in the week followed by a large format session for the entire class convened by two clinicians. The new format PBL was perceived positively by the students and staff involved and may have advantages over traditional formats in developing studentsâ?? clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis skills.
Development of a Wiimote-based Gesture Recognizer in a Microprocessor Laboratory Course
Authors: Lorente Leal Alberto , Fernandez-Rodrigues Jose , Montero Juan M.
Published: March 2011

This gesture recognizer, developed by students in a third-year microprocessor-based laboratory course, takes Wii remote (Wiimote) as an input device to estimate the movements of the user and to compare the detected trajectory with the previously learnt movements, in order to carry out the associated actions. Such a cheap state-of-the-art wireless user interface is very attractive for the students and can be used in many interactive applications, from robotics to virtual reality and multimedia presentations. By combining commercially-available hardware, pattern-matching techniques and programming skills, we are able to foster students' interest on developing innovative potentially-marketable systems. This freeware project, implemented as a configurable publicly-available library, can be adapted to the needs of any course or student. In our laboratory this open-source DLL is used for remotely controlling a robot (based on an open-hardware Arduino platform), using a PC and the Wiimote, although the DLL can be integrated in any C, C++, Java or C# project. A GUI application (based on a Model-View-Presenter paradigm) is also provided and can be used as a template for new applications or just for debugging purposes. Although the developed application only uses data from the accelerometers, data from the infrared camera and buttons of the Wiimote is also available.
Game-based Learning in Technology Management Education: A Novel Business Simulation
Authors: Günther Markus , Kiesling Elmar , Stummer Christian
Published: March 2011

Management games allow students to obtain valuable first-hand experience that is of particular value in a field such as technology management, which usually involves substantial risk as well as significant time lags between a managerial decision and its effects. In drawing from more than fifteen years of experience with management games in higher education, we have developed a management simulation for teaching technology management, a field that is increasingly regarded an important area of study for engineering students. This paper outlines a blended-learning design for a course on technology management, describes the various didactical elements as well as their effects in class, and addresses the technical implementation of the management game as a service-oriented multi-tier application in Java.
Three Application Scenarios for Use in the myCourse Educational Environment
Authors: Giouvanakis Thanasis , Fragidis Garyfallos , Koumpis Adamantios
Published: March 2011

In order for a user to develop rich and valid knowledge structures, not only is considerable predefined content required, but other equally important types of knowledge as well. In other words, to display real understanding and to build and extend their knowledge structures, users have to call on several resources as well as representation, retrieval and construction mechanisms. Apart from the specific content, on which traditional educational environments focus on, a user depends heavily on general content knowledge and on systems of knowledge that is more abstract and elusive than typical content. In this article, we document our myCourse approach presenting three application scenarios. In these scenarios, knowledge creation is a process of emergence and co-evolution of the individual, the social group and the wider society.
Significance and relationship between DJ-1 gene and survivin gene expression in laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Shen Z. , Ren Y. , Ye D. , Guo J. , Kang C. , Ding H.
Published: March 2011

This study aimed at exploring the correlation between DJ-1 gene and survivin gene in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by analyzing their gene expression levels and their relationship with clinicopathologic parameters. The expression of DJ-1 gene and survivin gene in 82 laryngeal carcinoma tissues from patients and 82 negative surgical margin tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry, respectively. The correlation of their expression levels and patients’ clinical parameters were then analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. The positive detection rates of DJ-1 and survivin in laryngeal carcinoma tissues were 71.95% and 60.98%, which were higher than those of the normal control that were 29.27% and 0.00%, respectively (P<0.01). The positive detection rates of DJ-1 and survivin were found associated with tumor stages (P<0.05), but not with lymph node metastasis. The DJ-1 gene expression level was related to cell differentiation (P<0.05). Finally, a positive correlation between DJ-1 and survivin gene expression in laryngeal carcinoma was found. The overall survival rate of patients was 51.2%, and disease-free survival (DFS) was 39.0%. DFS in DJ-1 negative-expression group was 87.0%, and 20.3% in DJ-1 positive-expression group. The negative expression of DJ-1 was associated with a shorter mean patient DFS time (44.643±1.417 months), whereas positive expression of DJ-1 was associated with a longer mean DSF time (25.943±1.297 months). DJ-1 and survivin play a vital role in the occurrence and development of laryngeal carcinoma. DJ-1 may promote the carcinogenesis of laryngeal cells by up-regulating the survivin gene expression.
FORS-D Analysis in P. falciparum can Differentiate Classes of Genes Under Selection
Authors: Kathpal Atish , Patakottu Balakota Reddy , Patankar Swati
Published: March 2011

FORS-D is a measure of the contribution of base order to the stem loop potential of a nucleic acid sequence and can also give information on evolutionary pressures on sequences to move away from secondary structure. Negative FORS-D values in a gene are associated with exons and nucleotide substitutions such as SNPs. An analysis of P. falciparum genes under selection pressure shows a correlation between negative FORS-D values and SNP density for genes that drug targets but not for drug transporters or antigenic variation genes. Analysis of the dhfr gene shows that a majority of rare mutations that associate with drug resistance also fall into regions with negative FORS-D values. These data suggest that FORS-D values might be predictors for drug target genes and drug resistance mutations in these genes.
Vulnerability and globalisation: mediating impacts on society
Authors: Kirby Peadar
Published: March 2011

This article introduces the concept of vulnerability and discusses its utility for the identification of the impacts upon society, particularly upon human rights and the environment, of the multiple processes that we label ‘globalisation’. The author argues that vulnerability, an essentially two-sided concept, is intimately informed by the notion of ‘resilience’ – a principle well able to guide practical policy and political responses to vulnerability. The author contends that vulnerability impacts society, in significant part, through globalisation – or, in more precise terms – that globalisation deepens vulnerability while diminishing, in many cases, the resilience required to adapt to or mitigate vulnerability. These contentions are supported, in part, by reflections drawn from two case studies, one illustrative of the link between globalisation and vulnerability, the other revealing the ways in which vulnerability can be contested or mitigated. The author's examination suggests that the concept of vulnerability usefully focuses attention on the key ways in which globalisation impacts upon society, including human rights and the environment, while the concept of resilience has particular utility for the development of responses, offering a rich source of guidance for policies and actions aimed at responding to the complexities of vulnerability in a globalised world.
Trends in child subjective well‐being in the UK
Authors: Bradshaw Jonathan , Keung Antonia
Published: March 2011

This article exploits British Household Panel Survey data to explore trends in subjective well‐being of young people aged 11‐15 over the period 1994‐2008. Two dimensions of subjective well‐being are measured using multi‐dimensional scales representing ‘happiness’ and ‘selfesteem’. This 14‐year period has seen many changes in the environment of young people that may have had an impact on their well‐being, including economic growth, increases in parental employment and major efforts to improve social policy for children. Has all this activity had an impact on what young people say about their lives? The evidence from this analysis suggests that there has been an improvement in the average level of happiness of 11‐15 year‐olds over time, especially for girls. It is impossible to draw clear conclusions about the causes of this improvement in happiness but there is some evidence that it focused on relationships with friends and happiness with school.
Examining implementer fidelity: conceptualising and measuring adherence and competence
Authors: Cross Wendi , West Jennifer
Published: March 2011

The positive outcomes demonstrated in programme efficacy trials and the apparent ineffectiveness of programmes in community settings have prompted investigators and practitioners to examine implementation fidelity. Critically important, but often overlooked, are the implementers who deliver evidence‐based programmes. This article distinguishes fidelity at the programme level from implementer fidelity. Two components of implementer fidelity are defined. It is proposed that implementer adherence and competence are related but unique constructs that can be reliably measured for training, monitoring and outcomes research. Observational measures from a school‐based preventive intervention are used to illustrate the contributions of implementer adherence and competence. Distinguishing implementer adherence to the manual from competence in programme delivery is the next step in child mental health programme implementation research.
Intention to attend parenting programmes: does ethnicity make a difference?
Authors: Patel Asmita , Calam Rachel , Latham Angela
Published: March 2011

The research sought to assess perceived barriers to enrolment in parenting programmes by different ethnic groups in a deprived inner‐city community. In study one, parents of children attending pre‐school services targeted with outreach strategies were assessed using a Barriers Checklist to identify factors influencing uptake. In study two, a larger sample completed the checklist and SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) to test associations between intention and parent‐rated behavioural difficulties. Study one found no significant differences in individual perceived barriers or levels of behavioural difficulty between ethnic groups. In study two, Pakistani, Asian British and African families showed the highest levels of interest in attending groups, and White British and Black British the lowest. There was no significant correlation between interest and behavioural difficulties. Higher parent education was associated with interest. The research shows that barriers to attendance are diverse, and finding further ways of enhancing the uptake of community‐based group programmes across different ethnic groups would be valuable.
Maritime aerosol network as a component of AERONET – first results and comparison with global aerosol models and satellite retrievals
Authors: Smirnov A. , Holben B. N. , Giles D. M. , Slutsker I. , O'Neill N. T. , Eck T. F. , Macke A. , Croot P. , Courcoux Y. , Sakerin S. M. , Smyth T. J. , Zielinski T. , Zibordi G. , Goes J. I. , Harvey M. J. , Quinn P. K. , Nelson N. B. , Radionov V. F. , Duarte C. M. , Losno R. , Sciare J. , Voss K. J. , Kinne S. , Nalli N. R. , Joseph E. , Krishna Moorthy K. , Covert D. S. , Gulev S. K. , Milinevsky G. , Larouche P. , Belanger S. , Horne E. , Chin M. , Remer L. A. , Kahn R. A. , Reid J. S. , Schulz M. , Heald C. L. , Zhang J. , Lapina K. , Kleidman R. G. , Griesfeller J. , Gaitley B. J. , Tan Q. , Diehl T. L.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN) has been collecting data over the oceans since November 2006. Over 80 cruises were completed through early 2010 with deployments continuing. Measurement areas included various parts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Northern and Southern Pacific Ocean, the South Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and inland seas. MAN deploys Microtops hand-held sunphotometers and utilizes a calibration procedure and data processing traceable to AERONET. Data collection included areas that previously had no aerosol optical depth (AOD) coverage at all, particularly vast areas of the Southern Ocean. The MAN data archive provides a valuable resource for aerosol studies in maritime environments. In the current paper we present results of AOD measurements over the oceans, and make a comparison with satellite AOD retrievals and model simulations.
Estimating flooded area and mean water level using active and passive microwaves: the example of Paraná River Delta floodplain
Authors: Salvia M. , Grings F. , Ferrazzoli P. , Barraza V. , Douna V. , Perna P. , Karszenbaum H.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. This paper describes a procedure to estimate both the fraction of flooded area and the mean water level in vegetated river floodplains by using a synergy of active and passive microwave signatures. In particular, C Band Envisat ASAR in Wide Scan mode and AMSR-E at X, Ku and Ka Band, are used. The method, which is an extension of previously developed algorithms based on passive data, exploits also model simulations of vegetation emissivity. The procedure is applied to a long flood event which occurred in the Paraná River Delta from December 2009 to April 2010. Obtained results are consistent with in situ measurements of river water level.
Process intensification in particle technology: Characteristics of powder coatings produced by nonisothermal flow‐induced phase inversion
Authors: Dissanayake Bandara , Morgan Andy , Akay Galip
Published: March 2011

The characteristics of powder coatings manufactured through a novel processing technique based on nonisothermal Nlow‐induced phase inversion granulation enhanced by fluid injection to promote phase inversion and particle formation from melt state is summarized. Experiments were carried out in a purpose‐built granulator, which operates in a parallel disk rotor‐stator arrangement, so that the mechanism of granulation could be studied. The product of this intensive granulation was compared with that of the conventional powder coating manufacturing process. Understanding the mechanism of intensive granulation helped to redesign the equipment that resulted in smaller particles. Pigment dispersion characteristics were improved by intensive granulation. Also, the particle size span can be significantly reduced by dry granulation and gas‐phase granulation, and the flowability can be improved by wet granulation. Chemical analysis of particles by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis showed that the injection of coolant fluid had no effect on the chemical composition. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
A CFD study of gas–solid jet in a CFB riser flow
Authors: Li Tingwen , Guenther Chris
Published: March 2011

Three‐dimensional high‐resolution numerical simulations of a gas–solid jet in a high‐density riser flow were conducted. The impact of gas–solid injection on the riser flow hydrodynamics was investigated with respect to voidage, tracer mass fractions, and solids velocity distribution. The behaviors of a gas–solid jet in the riser crossflow were studied through the unsteady numerical simulations. Substantial separation of the jetting gas and solids in the riser crossflow was observed. Mixing of the injected gas and solids with the riser flow was investigated and backmixing of gas and solids was evaluated. In the current numerical study, both the overall hydrodynamics of riser flow and the characteristics of gas–solid jet were reasonably predicted compared with the experimental measurements made at NETL. Published 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Effects of surface shape on the geometry and surface topography of the melt pool in low‐power density laser melting
Authors: Kim Young‐Deuk , Kim Woo‐Seung
Published: March 2011

The quantitative correlations between workpiece volume and melt pool geometry, as well as the flow and thermal features of the melt pool are established. Thermocapillary convections in melt pool with a deformable free surface are investigated with respect to surface shape and laser intensity. When the contact angle between the tangent to the top surface and the vertical wall at the hot center is acute, the free surface flattens, compared with that of the initial free surface. Otherwise, the free surface forms a bowl‐like shape with a deep crater and a low peripheral rim when the contact angle at the hot center is obtuse. Increasing the workpiece volume at a fixed laser intensity and a negative radial height gradient cause linear decreases in the geometric size and magnitude of flow and temperature of the melt pool. Conversely, linear increases are observed with a positive radial height gradient. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Fluidization of micronic particles in a conical fluidized bed: Experimental and numerical study of static bed height effect
Authors: Bahramian Alireza , Olazar Martin
Published: March 2011

The numerical simulations and experimental data of bed hydrodynamics in a conical fluidized bed unit are compared. Experimental studies have been carried out in a bed containing TiO2 particles belonging to A/C boundary of Geldart's classification with a wide particle‐size distribution. Thus, pressure measurements and an optical fiber technique allowed determining the effect of static bed height on the fluidization characteristics of micronic particles. Numerical simulations have then been performed to evaluate the sensitivity of gas‐solids drag models. The Eulerian multiphase model has been used with different drag models and three boundary conditions (BC) consisting of no‐slip, partial‐slip, and free‐slip. The numerical predictions using the Gidaspow drag model and partial‐slip BC agreed reasonably well with the experimental bed pressure drop measurements. The simulation results obtained for bed expansion ratio show that the Gidaspow model with the free‐slip BC best fit with the experimental data. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Effects of water vapor on gas permeation and separation properties of MFI zeolite membranes at high temperatures
Authors: Wang Haibing , Lin Y. S.
Published: March 2011

Understanding the effects of water vapor on gas permeation and separation properties of MFI zeolite membranes, especially at high temperatures, is important to the applications of these zeolite membranes for chemical reactions and separation involving water vapor. The effects of water vapor on H2 and CO2 permeation and separation properties of ZSM‐5 (Si/Al ∼ 80) zeolite and aluminum‐free silicalite membranes were studied by comparing permeation properties of H2 and CO2 with the feed of equimolar H2/CO2 binary and H2/CO2/H2O ternary mixtures in 300–550°C. For both membranes, the presence of water vapor lowers H2 and CO2 permeance to the same extent, resulting in negligible effect on the H2/CO2 separation factor. The suppression effect of water vapor on H2 and CO2 permeation is larger for the less hydrophobic ZSM‐5 zeolite membrane than for the hydrophobic silicalite membrane, and, for both membranes, is stronger at lower temperatures and higher water vapor partial pressures. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Prediction model for mortality after intracranial hemorrhage in patients with leukemia
Authors: Dayyani Farshid , Mougalian Sarah Schellhorn , Naqvi Kiran , Shan Jianqin , Ravandi Farhad , Cortes Jorge , Weinberg Jeffrey , Jabbour Elias , Faderl Stefan , Wierda William , Thomas Deborah , O'Brien Susan , Pierce Sherry , Kantarjian Hagop , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo
Published: March 2011

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with great morbidity and mortality in patients with acute leukemia. We identified 118 patients with ICH from a total of 2,421 patient with leukemia who were treated at our institution between 2005–2009, and assessed the prognostic factors for mortality in the ICH cohort. Median age at time of ICH was 58 years, 49% were male, and 60% had acute myeloid leukemia. The relative incidence of ICH was highest in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (12.1%). Mental status changes were the most common symptom which prompted work‐up for ICH. Median survival for all patients after onset of ICH was 20 days. In multivariate analyses, four clinical characteristics were identified as independent adverse factors for mortality in patients with ICH: albumin <3.5 g/dL, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >835 U/L, age > 60 years, and relapsed disease status. Based on the number of risk factors, mortality after ICH was: 25% (0 risk factor), 47% (1), 78% (2), and >97% (3 or 4). In conclusion, patients with leukemia who develop ICH do not have universally poor outcomes, and a simple scoring system could serve to advise physicians and families of the prognosis and the potential benefit of aggressive treatment options. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current concepts and management of glioblastoma
Authors: Preusser Matthias , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Wöhrer Adelheid , Erridge Sara C. , Hegi Monika , Weller Michael , Stupp Roger
Published: March 2011

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Its often rapid clinical course, with many medical and psychosocial challenges, requires a multidisciplinary management. Modern multimodality treatment and care improve patients' life expectancy and quality of life. This review covers major aspects of care of glioblastoma patients with a focus on the management of common symptoms and complications. We aim to provide a guide for clinicians confronted with glioblastoma patients in their everyday practice. Ann Neurol 2011;
Acute ischemic stroke in children versus young adults
Authors: Bigi Sandra , Fischer Urs , Wehrli Edith , Mattle Heinrich P. , Boltshauser Eugen , Bürki Sarah , Jeannet Pierre‐Yves , Fluss Joel , Weber Peter , Nedeltchev Krassen , El‐Koussy Marwan , Steinlin Maja , Arnold Marcel
Published: March 2011

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare children and young adults with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in 2 large registries.

Methods:

We compared clinical characteristics, stroke etiology, workup, and outcome (modified Rankin scale score [mRS] at 3–6 months) in children (1 month–16 years) and young adults (16.1–45 years) with AIS. Data of children were collected prospectively in the nationwide Swiss NeuroPediatric Stroke Registry, young adults in the Bernese stroke database. Outcome (mRS) and stroke severity (pediatric adaptation of the National Institutes of Health stroke scale [PedNIHSS]) in children were calculated retrospectively.

Results:

From January 2000 to December 2008, 128 children and 199 young adults suffered from an AIS. Children were more likely to be male than young adults (62%/49%, p = 0.023) and less frequently had hypertension (p= 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (p= 0.003), and a family history of stroke (p= 0.048). Stroke severity was similar in children and young adults (median PedNIHSS/NIHSS 5/6;p= 0.102). Stroke etiology (original TOAST classification) was more likely to be “other determined cause” in children than in young adults (51%/29%;p< .001). Cervicocerebral artery dissections were less frequent in children than in young adults (10%/23%;p= 0.005). Outcome at 3 to 6 months did not differ between children and young adults (p= 0.907); 59% of children and 60% of young adults had a favorable outcome (mRS 0–1). Mortality was similar among children and young adults (4%/6%;p= 0.436). In multivariate analysis, low PedNIHSS/NIHSS was the most important predictor of favorable outcome (p< 0.001).

Interpretation:

Although stroke etiology and risk factors in children and young adults are different, stroke severity and clinical outcome were similar in both groups. ANN NEUROL 2011;
Detection of arsenic agents by polyhydroxamic acid
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Hossein
Published: March 2011

Arsenic agents are among the most destructive and fatal factors that exist in the environment, chemical agents, medicines, toxics, pesticides, etc., and working with these compounds is too limited and difficult due to their high toxicity. These deadly, dangerous, and weakening toxins are consumed for a large variety of purposes in the military industries. So measurement and identification of them are of great necessity. In this research work, acryl carbohydroxamic acid monomer was first prepared from acrylamide and then polymerized under radical conditions in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The produced polyhydroxamic acid (PHA) has antibacterial and anticancer properties as well as high complex‐forming properties with transition elements. By using the chelating properties of PHA, we took steps to identify arsenic agents such as trichloroarsine, dichloroethylarsine, and lewisites (I, II, III). This polymer, possessing unique properties, measures well the arsenic of low concentrations, lower than 10 ppm, existing in the samples within a very short time (a few seconds). We will also be able to perform qualitative assessments on it through instrumental methods or titration, if required. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
In situ grown titania composition for optimal performance and durability of Nafion® fuel cell membranes
Authors: Patil Yatin , Kulkarni Sunil , Mauritz Kenneth A.
Published: March 2011

Nafion® membranes were modified via in situ, catalyzed sol–gel reactions of titanium isopropoxide to form titania particles in the polar acid domains. FTIR spectroscopy showed successful intraparticle chemical bond formation with incomplete condensation of TiOH groups. Although such modification can lower membrane fuel cell performance, this study was aimed at reducing membrane degradation without significantly altering performance in the sense of material optimization. These incorporated particles did not change membrane equivalent weight and the water uptake was similar to that of the unmodified Nafion® membrane. Membrane dimensional stability, mechanical properties, and ability to withstand contractile stresses associated with humidity change at 80°C and 100% RH were improved. An open circuit voltage (OCV) accelerated degradation test showed the titania modification held voltage better than the unmodified membrane. Performance deterioration of Nafion® after the OCV test was much higher than that of the modified membrane and the fluoride emission of the latter was lower. The degraded Nafion® membrane failed when subjected to creep, whereas the modified membrane remained intact with significantly low deformation. This inorganic modification offers a simple way to enhance membrane durability by reducing both physical and chemical degradation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Optical characterization of plasma‐polymerized pyrrole‐N,N,3,5‐tetramethylaniline bilayer thin films
Authors: Kamal M. M. , Bhuiyan A. H.
Published: March 2011

A capacitively coupled parallel‐plate reactor has been used to deposit plasma‐polymerized pyrrole (PPPy), plasma‐polymerized N,N,3,5‐tetramethylaniline (PPTMA), and plasma‐polymerized pyrrole‐N,N,3,5‐tetramethylaniline (PPPy‐PPTMA) bilayer thin films on to glass substrates at room temperature. To deposit the bilayer films, pyrrole monomer has been used as the mother material and N,N,3,5‐tetramethylaniline monomer has been deposited in different deposition time ratios after the pyrrole films were formed. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy techniques have been used to characterize the as‐grown thin films of about 500‐nm thick. The structural analyses by FTIR spectroscopy have indicated that the monomer has undergone the reorganization and the ring structure is retained during the plasma polymerization. From the UV–vis absorption spectra, allowed direct transition (Eqd) and allowed indirect transition (Eqi) energy gaps were determined. The Eqd for PPPy, PPTMA, and PPPy‐PPTMA bilayer films are found to be 3.30, 2.85, and 3.65 eV respectively. On the other hand, the Eqi for the same series are 2.25, 1.80, and 2.35 eV, respectively. From these results, it is seen that the energy gaps of the PPPy‐PPTMA bilayer films have been increased compared with the PPPy and PPTMA films. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Comparative investigation of the formation of polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticles on different solid substrates through the adsorption of tetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Garshasbi Ashkan , Mahdi Doroodmand Mohammad , Pooladi Reza , Safavi Afsaneh , Hossein Sheikhi Mohammad
Published: March 2011

The effects of different solid substrates, including carbon nanofibers (CNFs), activated carbon, alumina, silica, molecular sieves, and poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidione) (PVP), were compared for the high‐pressure synthesis of polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE or (CF2)n] nanoparticles via the adsorption of thermally synthesized tetrafluoroethylene (C2F4) as the monomer. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used for the characterization of the PTFE nanoparticles on different solid substrates. The results demonstrate that the average diameters of the PTFE nanoparticles were about 90 nm for the CNFs, 130 nm for PVP, 150 nm for alumina, and about 200 nm for silica. Also, TGA showed that the amounts of PTFE nanoparticles synthesized on each solid substrate were 3.53 ± 0.09% for CNFs, 2.31 ± 0.10% for PVP, 2.11 ± 0.12% for silica, and 0.97 ± 0.16% for alumina. Depending on the active surface area and the morphology of nanomaterials, such as CNFs, different capacities were evaluated for each solid support in the formation of the PTFE nanoparticles. The quantities and the size of the synthesized PTFE nanoparticles relied on the characteristics of the solid substrate. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Interlaminar fracture toughness of woven fabric composite laminates with carbon nanotube/epoxy interleaf films
Authors: Sager Ryan J. , Klein Patrick J. , Davis Daniel C. , Lagoudas Dimitris C. , Warren Graham L. , Sue Hung‐Jue
Published: March 2011

The Mode I interlaminar fracture behavior of woven carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates incorporating partially cured carbon nanotube/epoxy composite films has been investigated. Laminates with films containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the as‐received state and functionalized with polyamidoamine were evaluated, as well as laminates with neat epoxy films. Double‐cantilever beam (DCB) specimens were used to measure GIc, the critical strain energy release rate (fracture toughness) versus crack length. Post‐fracture microscopic inspection of the fracture surfaces was performed. Results show that initial fracture toughness was improved with the amino‐functionalized CNT/epoxy interleaf films, but the important factor appears to be the polyamidoamine functionalization, not the CNTs. The initial fracture toughness remained relatively unaffected with the incorporation of neat epoxy and as‐received CNT/epoxy interleaf films. Plateau fracture toughness was unchanged with the use of functionalized CNT/epoxy interleaf films, and was reduced with the use of neat epoxy and as‐received CNT/epoxy interleaf films. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Taxol‐loaded nanoparticles with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) as a novel additive in the outer aqueous phase
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Hou Jingwen , Qian Changyun , Song Lei , Guo Shengrong
Published: March 2011

Taxol‐loaded nanoparticles were prepared by solvent‐evaporation technique with methoxy‐added methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (MPEG‐b‐PCL) (PEG wt % = 18.5%) as drug carrier and MPEG‐b‐PCL (PEG wt % = 86.8%) as the additive in the outer aqueous phase. The MPEG‐b‐PCL copolymers were synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone using Novozym 435 as biocatalyst. As a newly used additive in the outer aqueous phase, only 0.1% (w/v) MPEG‐b‐PCL with relatively high‐PEG content was needed. The effects of feed ratio of taxol to copolymer (w/w, 5–20%) on the characters of nanoparticles and in vitro drug release were investigated. The fabricated nanoparticles reached the highest encapsulation efficiency of 52.5% ± 3.9% when the feed ratio was 10%. The nanoparticles presented a core‐shell structure in aqueous solution, and their hydrodynamic diameter ranged from 75 to 105 nm. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscope investigations exhibited that the nanoparticles had fine spherical shape and narrow particle size distribution. The size of nanoparticles did not change distinctly after incubation in pH 7.4 phosphate‐buffered solution (PBS) and pH 7.4 PBS with 10% fetal bovine serum at 37°C for 24 h. The nanoparticles with drug loading around 5% could achieve a sustained drug release for 7 days. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Utilization of starch and montmorrilonite for the preparation of superabsorbent nanocomposite
Authors: Zhou Ming , Zhao Jinzhou , Zhou Lizhi
Published: March 2011

Starch and montmorrilonite (MMT) were used as raw materials for synthesizing starch‐graft‐poly[acrylamide (AM)–acrylic acid (AA)]/MMT superabsorbent nanocomposite by graft and intercalation copolymerization reaction of starch, AM, and AA in the presence of organic MMT micropowder in aqueous solution. Major factors affecting water absorbency such as weight ratio of monomers to starch, weight ratio of AM to AA, neutralization degree of AA, amount of crosslinker, initiator, and MMT were investigated. The superabsorbent nanocomposite synthesized under optimal synthesis conditions exhibits absorption of 1120 g H2O/g sample and 128 g H2O/g sample in deionized water and in 0.9 wt % NaCl solution, respectively. IR spectra showed that the graft copolymerization between OH groups on MMT and monomers took place during the reaction, and that crystal interlayer was pulled open in the superabsorbent nanocomposite. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the crystal interlayer of MMT was pulled open to 2.73 nm, and thus formed nanometer exfoliation composite material. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that starch‐graft‐poly (AM–AA) superabsorbent nanocomposite (8 wt % MMT) has good thermal stability. This superabsorbent nanocomposite with excellent water absorbency and water retention, being biodegradable in nature, economical and environment friendly, could be especially useful in industry, agricultural, and horticultural applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011