bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/PVA with hydroxyapatite biocomposite nanoscaffolds
Authors: Yang Dongzhi , Jin Yu , Ma Guiping , Chen Xiangmei , Lu Fengmin , Nie Jun
Published: September 2008

Nanofibrous biocomposite scaffolds of chitosan (CS), PVA, and hydroxyapatite (HA) were prepared by electrospinning. The scaffolds were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques. Tensile testing was used for the characterization of mechanical properties. Mouse fibroblasts (L929) attachment and proliferation on the nanofibrous scaffold were investigated by MTT assay and SEM observation. FTIR, TEM, and XRD results showed the presence of nanoHA in the scaffolds. The scaffolds have porous nanofibrous morphology with random fibers in the range of 100–700 nm diameters. The CS/PVA (90/10) fibrous matrix (without HA) showed a tensile strength of 3.1 ± 0.2 MPa and a tensile modulus 10 ± 1 MPa with a strain at failure of 21.1 ± 0.6%. Increase the content of HA up to 2% increased the ultimate tensile strength and tensile modulus, but further increase HA up to 5–10% caused the decrease of tensile strength and tensile modulus. The attachment and growth of mouse fibroblast was on the surface of nanofibrous structure, and cells' morphology characteristics and viability were unaffected. A combination of nanofibrous CS/PVA and HA that mimics the nanoscale features of the extra cellular matrix could be promising for application as scaffolds for tissue regeneration, especially in low or nonload bearing areas. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Polymerization of itaconic acid initiated by a potassium persulfate/N,N‐dimethylethanolamine system
Authors: Veličković S. J. , Džunuzović E. S. , Griffiths P. C. , Lacik I. , Filipović J. , Popović I. G.
Published: September 2008

The synthesis and characterization of poly(itaconic acid) (PIA) with a novel initiator/activator system is presented. The initiator in this system was potassium persulfate, whereas the activator was N,N‐dimethylethanolamine (DMEA). PIA was synthesized in distilled water and in 0.1M HCl at 40°C with reaction times of 72 and 96 h. PIA was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, and pulse gradient spin echo‐NMR and compared to the same polymer synthesized in dioxane with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator. It was shown that, despite the fact that some residual DMEA remained in the system, the properties of the PIA polymerized in the aqueous phase were very similar to the dioxane‐synthesized polymer, which will enable a faster, cheaper, and environmentally more acceptable polymerization of itaconic acid. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of the zeolite type on the mechanical–thermal properties and volatile organic compound emissions of natural‐flour‐filled polypropylene hybrid composites
Authors: Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Hyun‐Joong
Published: September 2008

The physicomechanical properties, thermal properties, odor, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of natural‐flour‐filled polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated as a function of the zeolite type and content. The surface area and pore structure of the natural and synthetic zeolites were determined by surface area analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. With increasing natural and synthetic zeolite content, the tensile and flexural strengths of the hybrid composites were not significantly changed, whereas the water absorption was slightly increased. The thermal stability and degradation temperature of the hybrid composites were slightly increased with increasing natural and synthetic zeolite content. At natural and synthetic zeolite contents of 3%, the various odors and VOC emissions of the polypropylene/rice husk flour and polypropylene/wood flour hybrid composites were significantly reduced because of the absorption of the odor and VOC materials in the pore structures of the natural and synthetic zeolites. These results suggest that the addition of natural and synthetic zeolites to natural‐flour‐filled thermoplastic polymer composites is an effective method of reducing their odor and VOC emissions without any degradation of their mechanical and thermal properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Wettability investigations on the cellulosic surface of alfa fibers
Authors: Bohli N. , Perwuelz A. , Cheikh R. Ben , Baklouti M.
Published: September 2008

A wettability study was performed on samples of alfa fibers with the Wilhelmy plate technique. The set of test liquids employed in the measurement of the contact angles was composed of water, heptane, diiodomethane, α‐bromonaphthalene, and formamide. During their first immersion in high‐surface‐energy test liquids, the alfa fibers showed anisotropic behavior: they had an advancing contact angle of 67 ± 6° in one orientation of immersion and an angle of 112 ± 9.5° in the opposite one. Optical microscopy revealed the existence of fibrils on the alfa‐fiber surface. They kept almost the same orientation and were responsible for the interesting hydrophobic/hydrophilic behavior of the fibers. Contact angle measurements and investigations of the hysteresis were also performed. The various results were examined according to the heterogeneities of the fibers. The surface energy of the alfa fibers was determined with three theoretical models: the geometric model, the Good–Van Oss–Chaudhury model, and the Chang model. A comparative study of these models was undertaken. The study of the wetting properties of alfa fibers will provide essential information for optimized composites and so will help us in choosing the right chemical treatment necessary to enhance adhesion in alfa‐fiber‐based composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Supramolecular structure of crosslinked polyurethane elastomers based on well‐defined prepolymers
Authors: Pilch‐Pitera Barbara , Król Piotr , Pikus Stanistaw
Published: September 2008

This article provides both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of supermolecular structures present in segmented polyurethane elastomers. This work presents our recent results from investigation of the microdomain morphology of poly‐(ether‐urethanes) based on polyethylene glycol and poly‐(ester‐urethanes) based on poly‐ε‐caprolactone diol with different molecular weight as soft segments and hard segments based on the combination of TDI and triethanolamine or 4,4′,4″‐triphenylmethane triisocyanate (Desmodur RE). Those PU elastomers were obtained not only in a typical one‐step method but also in the prepolymer method with the use of urethane oligomers with controlled molecular weight distribution (MWD). Prepolymers with well‐defined chain structures and narrow distributions of their molecular weights (MWD) $ \overline {M}_w / \overline {M}_n $ = 1.1–1.6 were produced in a multistage method, i.e., in step‐by‐step polyaddition of 2,4‐ and 2,6‐TDI with polyoxyethylenediols or polycaprolactonediols of different molecular weights. Isocyanate oligomers obtained at individual stages were then crosslinked with triethanolamine, whereas hydroxyl‐terminated oligomers were crosslinked with Desmodur RE. Microdomain morphology of the soft and hard‐segments structure was characterized by means of wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and scanning electron microscope. The phase morphology and microdomain crystallinity were investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Aligned electrospun nanofibers induced by magnetic field
Authors: Yang Dongzhi , Zhang Jianfeng , Zhang Jing , Nie Jun
Published: September 2008

Electrospinning has been extensively explored as a simple and versatile method for drawing fibers. The nanofibers are usually collected as nonwoven mats. The results presented in this article show that the electrospun nanofibers can be uniaxially aligned by introducing two nonconductive ferrite magnets collector, and polymer chains parallel to the fiber axis for the aligned nanofibers. The alignment of the nanofibers was characterized by use of digital cameras and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Alignment on the molecular level was investigated by polarized Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, polarized Raman spectroscopy, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Such uniaxially oriented nanofibers exhibit a variety of potential applications in the areas of biomaterials, microelectronics, and photonics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A study on solution properties of poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)
Authors: Fang Jian , Bian Fengling , Shen Weiguo
Published: September 2008

Poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (PDEA), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and a series of (N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (DEA‐AA) random copolymers were synthesized by the method of radical polymerization. The measurement of turbidity showed that the phase behaviors of the brine solutions of the copolymers changed dramatically with the mole fraction of DEA (x) in these copolymers. Copolymers cop6 (x = 0.06) and cop11 (x = 0.11) in which acrylic acid content was higher presented the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) phase behaviors similar to PAA. Copolymer cop27 (x = 0.27) presented the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior similar to PDEA. While copolymer cop18 (x = 0.18) in which acrylic acid content was moderate presented both UCST and LCST behaviors. The solution properties of the polymers were investigated by measurements of viscosity, fluorescence, and pH. It is reasonable to suggest that the sharp change of the phase behavior may be attributed to the interaction between acrylamide group and carboxylic group in the (DEA‐AA) copolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Thermal properties of PCL/gluten bioblends characterized by TGA, DSC, SEM, and infrared‐PAS
Authors: Mohamed Abdellatif , Finkenstadt V. L. , Gordon Sherald H. , Biresaw Girma , Palmquist Debra E. , Rayas‐Duarte P.
Published: September 2008

Composites of polycaprolactone (PCL) and vital wheat gluten (VG) were extruded, injection‐molded, and analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR). Neat PCL sample was cooled down to −70°C and heated to 150°C, where a glass transition (Tg) emerged at −67.0°C [0.20 J/(g °C)] followed by a melting transition at 56.6°C. At the end of the heating cycle, a cooling cycle started, where the same sample exhibited crystallization transition at 30.1°C. VG exhibited a Tg at 63.0°C [0.45 J/(g °C)]. Data analysis of TGA showed a one‐step degradation mechanism of neat PCL versus multiple steps for the composites, indicating similar molecular structure and physical properties of neat PCL unlike the composites. In nitrogen environment versus air, the degradation activation energy (Ea) of the composites has increased at higher VG levels. From the DSC and TGA data, it is apparent that some physical interaction between PCL and VG was present. The FTIR analysis verified the physical nature of this interaction as opposed to chemical interaction. Proteinase degradation activity on the extruded composites was much higher than the injection‐molded as indicated by higher weight loss in the extruded samples. Published 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Accelerated ageing of polypropylene stabilized by phenolic antioxidants under high oxygen pressure
Authors: Richaud Emmanuel , Farcas Fabienne , Fayolle Bruno , Audouin Ludmila , Verdu Jacques
Published: September 2008

Polypropylene (PP) samples stabilized by a hindered phenol (Irganox 1010) were submitted to thermal ageing at 80°C in air at atmospheric pressure or in pure oxygen at 5.0 MPa pressure. Both the polymer oxidation and the stabilizer consumption were monitored by Infrared spectrometry and thermal analysis. The stabilizer efficiency, as assessed by the ratio induction time/stabilizer concentration is almost constant at atmospheric pressure even when the stabilizer concentration is higher than its solubility limit in PP (0.4% or 24 × 10−3 mol L−1). In contrast, at high pressure, the efficiency decreases almost hyperbolically with the stabilizer concentration when this latter is higher than 6.0 × 10−3 mol L−1. The results indicate the existence of a direct phenol‐oxygen reaction negligible at low oxygen pressure but significant at 5.0 MPa pressure. The reality of this reaction has been proved on the basis of a study of the thermal oxidation of a phenol solution in a nonoxidizable solvent. A kinetic model of PP oxidation in which stabilization involves three reactions has been proposed. It simulates correctly the effect of oxygen pressure and stabilizer concentration on carbonyl build‐up and stabilizer consumption. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Grafting and phosphonic acid functionalization of hyperbranched polyamidoamine polymer onto ultrafine silica
Authors: Punyacharoennon Phairat , Charuchinda Sireerat , Srikulkit Kawee
Published: September 2008

In this study, grafting of hyperbranched polyamidoamine (PAMAM) polymer onto ultrafine silica followed by functionalization via the introduction of phosphonic acid groups into the branch ends was performed. First, an initiating site was incorporated into the silica surface by reacting the silica silanol group with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane, producing amino‐functionalized silica. The free amine group content was altered by varying the ratio of methanol to water in the hydrolysis step of the silanization reaction. Grafting of PAMAM was attained by three rounds of sequential Michael addition of silica amino groups to methyl acrylate and amidation of the resulting terminal methyl ester groups with ethylenediamine. Completion of the grafting reaction in each step was clearly confirmed using FTIR analysis. Excessive ethylenediamine and unattached hyperbranched PAMAM present in the reaction product were removed by dialysis with a molecular weight cutoff of 6000–7000 Daltons. However, the amino group content determined in each step was found to be significantly lower than theoretically expected, perhaps indicative of side reactions and, in later stages, steric hindrance. The resultant hyperbranched PAMAM‐grafted onto silica was functionalized by phosphorylation of the terminal amino groups by a Mannich type reaction, producing the phosphorylated hyperbranched PAMAM‐grafted silica. Then its application on cotton fabric to produce fire‐retardant cellulose was tentatively investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of polarity on the preferential intercalation behavior of clay in immiscible polypropylene/polystyrene blend
Authors: Zhu Yan , Xu Yuzhen , Tong Lifang , Xu Zhongbin , Fang Zhengping
Published: September 2008

The immiscible polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) blend was prepared via melt compounding and the preferential intercalation behavior of clay was investigated by wide angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). It was found that the clay platelets initially located in the PS phase in PP/PS/Clay composites and PS chains intercalated into the clay layers. However, all clay migrated from the PS phase to the modified PP phase after introducing polar maleic anhydride group (MAH) to PP chains. Interestingly, most of clay migrated from the modified PP phase to the modified PS phase again when PS matrix was modified with sulfonic group, and some enriched in the interphase region. The interaction energy density (B) of the blends was determined by combining the melting point variation with the ternary interaction model for heat of mixing. It was found that the value of B decreased with the introduction of polar group (MAH or sulfonic group), indicating that the polarization of PP and PS can enhance interaction between clay platelet and polymer component. Different interaction between clay platelet and polymer component leads to the preferential intercalation behavior. The higher polarity of the polymer generates higher interaction between clay and polymer component as well as results in stronger preferential intercalating ability. Moreover, the results of FTIR spectra after extraction of all samples gave additional explanation of the preferential intercalation behavior of clay in the immiscible PP/PS blends. On the basis of the results of the measurement mentioned above, a possible mechanism was proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Properties of copolymers of aspartic acid and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids prepared by reactive extrusion
Authors: Shogren Randal L. , Willett J. L. , Westmoreland David , Gonzalez Sergio O. , Doll Kenneth M. , Swift Graham
Published: September 2008

Aspartic acid is prepared chemically or by the fermentation of carbohydrates. Currently, low molecular weight polyaspartic acids are prepared commercially by heating aspartic acid at high temperatures (>220°C) for several hours in the solid state. In an effort to develop a more rapid, continuous, melt polymerization scheme, aspartic acid was copolymerized with adipic, azelaic, sebacic, and dodecanedioic acids using a vented twin‐screw extruder. Copolymers having ratios of aspartic/diacid ≤16 andMwup to 9100 were prepared at temperatures of 240–260°C and residence times of only about 5 min.Mwgenerally increased with aspartic/diacid ratio but melt viscosities became very high and processing became difficult at ratios >16. Most of the copolymers exhibited inhibition of calcium carbonate precipitation at concentrations similar to that of pure polyaspartic acid and thus may find application as antiscalants. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Modeling of the propylene polymerization catalyzed by single‐/multi‐active site catalyst: A Monte Carlo study
Authors: Luo Zheng‐Hong , Wang Wei , Su Pei‐Lin
Published: September 2008

In the present study, a model is established to describe the propylene polymerization kinetics catalyzed by the typical catalysts with single‐/multi‐active site type in a liquid phase stirred‐tank reactor using the Monte Carlo simulation method, regardless of the mass and heat diffusion effects within the polymer particles. Many kinetic data, including polypropylene yield, concentration transformation of catalyst active sites, number–average molecular weight, etc., are obtained by the model. The simulated kinetic results are found to be in agreement with the reference ones obtained in a population balance model. Furthermore, the comparisons of the kinetic data between the polymerization catalyzed by the catalyst with single‐active site type (typically silica‐supported metallocene) and the catalyst with multi‐active site type (typically MgCl2‐supported Ziegler‐Natta catalyst) have been studied using the model. Especially, the effects of hydrogen on the polymerization are studied using the model. The studied results show that the theory of catalyst active site can be used to explain the different propylene polymerization kinetics catalyzed by the typical catalyst with single‐/multi‐active site type. In addition, the role of hydrogen in the propylene polymerization needs to be emphasized. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A Δ9 Desaturase from Bombus lucorum Males: Investigation of the Biosynthetic Pathway of Marking Pheromones
Authors: Matoušková Petra , Luxová Anna , Matoušková Jana , Jiroš Pavel , Svatoš Aleš , Valterová Irena , Pichová Iva
Published: September 2008

The knowledge of the molecular basis of communication in bumblebee communities is limited. None of the enzymes that participate in pheromone production have been characterized. Here, we cloned the gene encoding the Δ9 desaturase from cDNA prepared from the total RNA of the pheromone gland and fat bodies of Bombus lucorum male. Functional expression of BlucNPVE desaturase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and GC‐MS analyses revealed its preference for C18 saturated fatty acids. This suggests that Δ9 desaturase is involved in the desaturation of metabolic fatty acids stored in triacylglyceroles (TAGs), because oleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid bound in TAG in B. lucorum and it is present in low concentration in the pheromone blend. The incubation of pheromone precursors with a dissected labial gland as well as direct injection of labelled pheromone substrates into B. lucorum males revealed that esterification of pheromone products occurs in the labial gland. These results support both the biosynthesis of pheromones from common lipids and the de novo synthesis of unsaturated pheromones in the labial gland.
Synthesis of Anti‐Microtubule Biaryls and Preliminary Evaluation as Vascular‐Disrupting Agents
Authors: Joncour Agnès , Liu Jian‐Miao , Décor Anne , Thoret Sylviane , Wdzieczak‐Bakala Joanna , Bignon Jérôme , Baudoin Olivier
Published: September 2008

A series of new dibenzoxepines were synthesized in a straightforward and efficient manner through diastereoselective biaryl Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and Brønsted‐acid‐mediated cyclodehydration as key steps. The vascular‐disrupting potential of these molecules was evaluated with various in vitro assays: inhibition of microtubule assembly, antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines and normal endothelial cells, modification of endothelial cell morphology, and disruption of endothelial cell cords. Two of these compounds showed promising activities in these assays, with profiles similar to that of the reference drug NAC and markedly different from that of colchicine. Altogether, these results show that dibenzoxepines represent promising new leads for the development of more selective vascular‐disrupting agents.
Reconstruction‐oriented multigrid finite element algorithm on bioluminescence tomography incorporating priori information
Authors: Shi Jin , Tian Jie , Xu Min
Published: September 2008

Bioluminescence tomography (BLT) is employed to reconstruct internal bioluminescent source to reveal the molecular and cellular information. However, BLT faces many challenges such as quantitative reconstruction. In this paper, a reconstruction–oriented multigrid finite element algorithm is proposed to fully reconstruct the source density. A source permissible region is utilized to raise the numerical stability. The proposed algorithm transfers diffuse equation into liner relationship between the inner source and boundary information on a mesh. A tolerant algorithm for linearly constrained optimization algorithm can solve the box‐constrained quadratic optimization problem. By setting a threshold as the average reconstruction densities, we can refine every possible source element and form next mesh until the reconstructed densities are accepted. Numerical simulation of homogeneous and heterogeneous phantom demonstrates the feasibility and potential of the proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous evaluation of viability and Bcl‐2 in small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Santos A. , Sarmento‐Ribeiro A. B. , de Lima M. C. Pedroso , Simões S. , Moreira J. N.
Published: September 2008

When designing molecular targeted therapeutic strategies against cancer, it is important to correlate protein expression and cell viability. However, such goal can be difficult if performed in separate assays, especially when only a fraction of cells has been efficiently transfected. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish a flow cytometry procedure to assess simultaneously Bcl‐2 protein level and viability in small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. Viability assessment was performed by staining cells with Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and 7‐aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD). Intracellular detection of Bcl‐2 was carried out by immunodetection with monoclonal antibodies. Regarding viability determination, the FSC/7‐AAD plot identifies the same percentage of viable cells as the FSC/Annexin V‐FITC plot, although with greater sensitivity. The procedures involving cells' fixation with 1% paraformaldehyde and permeabilization with digitonin, required for intracellular Bcl‐2 immunostaining did not compromise the association of 7‐ADD (nor Annexin V‐FITC) previously incubated with SCLC cells. It was therefore possible to simultaneously assess cell viability and Bcl‐2 protein in SCLC cells. A simple, sensitive, and versatile procedure was established for the first time for the simultaneous evaluation of cell viability and intracellular detection of Bcl‐2 in SCLC. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Selection of human antibody fragments directed against tumor T‐cell epitopes for adoptive T‐cell therapy
Authors: Willemsen Ralph , Chames Patrick , Schooten Erik , Gratama Jan Willem , Debets Reno
Published: September 2008

Adoptive transfer of antigen‐specific T‐cells has shown therapeutic successes in the treatment of tumors in patients with metastatic melanoma. Tumor antigen‐specific T‐lymphocytes, however, occur only at low frequencies in a small proportion of patients. This low T‐lymphocyte frequency together with the difficulties associated with in vitro generation of T‐lymphocytes specific for cancers other than melanoma hampers adoptive T cell therapy. To make adoptive T‐cell therapy more uniformly applicable, strategies were developed at transferring tumor‐specificity to primary human T‐lymphocytes via antibody (Ig) or T‐cell receptor (TCR) molecules. We exploited the selection power of phage display that allows for the testing of tens of billions of individual clones with a high‐throughput selection of Fabs with peptide/MHC complex binding capacity. Following in vitro selection, human “TCR‐like” Fab fragments have been functionally expressed on human T‐lymphocytes, resulting in MHC‐restricted, tumor‐specific lysis and cytokine production. Currently, we have extended our selections to a panel of class I and II MHC‐restricted MAGE and other tumor‐specific epitopes, and would like to propose that phage display represents a technology able to expand T‐cell therapy to numerous tumor types. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Duplex high‐throughput flow cytometry screen identifies two novel formylpeptide receptor family probes
Authors: Young Susan M. , Bologa Cristian M. , Fara Dan , Bryant Bj K. , Strouse Juan Jacob , Arterburn Jeffrey B. , Ye Richard D. , Oprea Tudor I. , Prossnitz Eric R. , Sklar Larry A. , Edwards Bruce S.
Published: September 2008

Of recent, clinical interest have been two related human G‐protein coupled receptors: formylpeptide receptor (FPR), linked to antibacterial inflammation and malignant glioma cell metastasis; and FPR like‐1 (FPRL1), linked to chronic inflammation in systemic amyloidosis, Alzheimer's disease, and prion diseases. In association with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Molecular Library Screening Network, we implemented a flow‐cytometry‐based high‐throughput screening (HTS) approach for identifying selective small molecule FPR and FPRL1 ligands. The screening assay measured the ability of test compounds to competitively displace a high‐affinity, fluorescein‐ labeled peptide ligand from FPR, FPRL1, or both. U937 cells expressing FPR and rat basophil leukemia (RBL) cells expressing FPRL1 were tested together in a “duplex” format. The U937 cells were color coded with red‐fluorescent dye allowing their distinction during analysis. Compounds, cells, and fluorescent ligand were sequentially combined (no wash) in 15 μl assay volumes in 384‐well plates. Throughput averaged ∼11 min per plate to analyze ∼4,000 cells (∼2,000/receptor) in a 2 μl aspirate from each well. In primary single concentration HTS of 24,304 NIH Small Molecule Repository compounds, 253 resulted in inhibition >30% (181 for FPR, 72 for FPRL1) of which 40 had selective binding inhibition constants (Ki) ≤ 4 μM (34 for FPR and 6 for FPRL1). An additional 1,446 candidate compounds were selected by structure–activity‐relationship analysis of the hits and screened to identify novel ligands for FPR (3570‐0208, Ki = 95 ± 10 nM) and FPRL1 (BB‐V‐115, Ki = 270 ± 51 nM). Each was a selective antagonist in calcium response assays and the most potent small molecule antagonist reported for its respective receptor to date. The duplex assay format reduced assay time, minimized reagent requirements, and provided selectivity information at every screening stage, thus proving to be an efficient means to screen for selective receptor ligand probes. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Cup feeding versus other forms of supplemental enteral feeding for newborn infants unable to fully breastfeed’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Kremer L. C. M.
Published: September 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Flint A, New K, Davies NW. Cup feeding versus other forms of supplemental enteral feeding for newborn infants unable to fully breastfeed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD005092. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD005092.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Summary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Kremer L. C. M.
Published: September 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Douglas RM, Hemilä H, Chalker E, Treacy B. Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD000980. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub3.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Summary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Elective high frequency oscillatory ventilation versus conventional ventilation for acute pulmonary dysfunction in preterm infants’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Kremer L. C. M.
Published: September 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Henderson‐Smart DJ, Cools F, Bhuta T, Offringa M. Elective high frequency oscillatory ventilation versus conventional ventilation for acute pulmonary dysfunction in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Review 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.2. CD000104.DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000104.pub2

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Summary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Characteristics and key findings for ‘Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depressive disorders in children and adolescents’
Authors: van Dalen E. C. , Offringa M.
Published: September 2008

These are the characteristics and key findings for a Cochrane review published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Hetrick SE, Merry S, McKenzie J, Sindahl R, Protctor M. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004851. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004851.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Summary articles. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Commentary on ‘School‐based education programmes for the prevention of child sexual abuse’
Authors: Gallagher Bernard
Published: September 2008

This is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Zwi KJ, Woolfenden SR, Wheeler DM, O'Brein TA, Tait P, Williams KW. School‐based education programmes for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004380. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004380.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘School‐based education programmes for the prevention of child sexual abuse’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: September 2008

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Zwi KJ, Woolfenden SR, Wheeler DM, O'Brein TA, Tait P, Williams KW. School‐based education programmes for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004380. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004380.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Cup feeding versus other forms of supplemental enteral feeding for newborn infants unable to fully breastfeed’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: September 2008

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Flint A, New K, Davies NW. Cup feeding versus other forms of supplemental enteral feeding for newborn infants unable to fully breastfeed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD005092. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD005092.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depressive disorders in children and adolescents’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: September 2008

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Hetrick SE, Merry S, McKenzie J, Sindahl R, Protctor M. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004851. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004851.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Elective high frequency oscillatory ventilation versus conventional ventilation for acute pulmonary dysfunction in preterm infants’
Authors: Milne Andrea
Published: September 2008

This is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Henderson‐Smart DJ, Cools F, Bhuta T, Offringa M. Elective high frequency oscillatory ventilation versus conventional ventilation for acute pulmonary dysfunction in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Review 2007, Issue 3. Art. No. 2. CD000104.DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000104.pub2.

Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables. Copyright © 2008 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
The First Example of the Tetraselenidostannate Anion [SnSe4]4– as a Chelating Ligand to a Lanthanide Complex Ion: Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Lanthanoid Selenidostannates [Hdien][Ln(dien)2(μ‐SnSe4)] (Ln = Sm, Eu) and [Eu2(dien)4(μ‐OH)2]Sn2Se6
Authors: Zhu Ai‐Mei , Jin Qin‐Yan , Jia Ding‐Xian , Gu Jian‐Sheng , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2008

New lanthanoid selenidostannates [Hdien][Ln(dien)2(μ‐SnSe4)] [Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2); dien = diethylenetriamine] were solvothermally prepared by reaction of Ln2O3 (Ln = Sm, Eu) with Sn and Se in dien. The structures of 1 and 2 consist of the tetraselenidostannate anion [SnSe4]4– coordinating to a [Ln(dien)2]3+ fragment as a bidentate chelating ligand. The reaction of Ln2O3 and Se with SnCl4·5H2O under the same solvothermal conditions produces the selenidostannate [Eu2(dien)4(μ‐OH)2]Sn2Se6 (3), which is constructed from the two dinuclear ions [Eu2(dien)4(μ‐OH)2]4+ and [Sn2Se6]4–. The water molecule prevents the [SnSe4]4– anion from coordinating to the lanthanide center. As far as we know, compounds 1 and 2 are the first selenidostannates integrated within lanthanoid complexes prepared under mild solvothermal conditions. Upon heating, compounds 1 and 2 decompose in three steps, whereas compound 3 undergoes a one‐step decomposition procedure. The band gaps of 2.52, 2.08, and 2.43 eV were derived from optical absorption spectra for compounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Metallocenium Salts of Nickel Bis(α‐thiophenedithiolate) [M(Cp*)2][Ni(α‐tpdt)2] (M = Fe, Mn, Cr) – Metamagnetism and Magnetic Frustration
Authors: Belo Dulce , Mendonça Joana , Santos Isabel C. , Pereira Laura Cristina Jesus , Almeida Manuel , Novoa Juan J. , Rovira Concepció , Veciana Jaume , Gama Vasco
Published: September 2008

The family of charge‐transfer (CT) salts [M(Cp*)2][Ni(α‐tpdt)2] [α‐tpdt = 2,3‐thiophenedithiolate; M = Fe (1), Mn (2), Cr (3)] were prepared. The crystal structure of 3 is similar to that previously reported for 1 and is composed of alternatinglayers each consisting of parallel mixed donor–acceptorD+A–D+A–D+A– chains, and the chains in adjacent layers are perpendicular. A similar crystal structure is expected to occur in 2. The McConnell I model was used to analyze the intermolecular magnetic coupling in this family of compounds. The predicted ferromagnetic (FM) intrachain coupling and the antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling in the interchain coupling (both intra and interlayer) are in good agreement with the experimental results. The magnetic behavior of these compounds is dominated by FM interactions, which are ascribed to the intrachain FM DA interactions. The low‐temperature magnetic behavior of the new CT salts contrasts that previously reported for metamagnetic compound 1. Whereas CT salt 3 remains paramagnetic down to 1.6 K, 2 shows magnetic behavior that is typical of a frustrated magnet and has a blocking temperature of ca. 4 K. For this compound, the magnetic frustration results from a degenerate ground state in the interlayer spin arrangements. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Luminescent Triazine‐Containing Bridged Polysilsesquioxanes Activated by Lanthanide Ions
Authors: Lin Nana , Li Huanrong , Wang Yige , Feng Yu , Qin Dashan , Gan Quanying , Chen Shudong
Published: September 2008

Luminescent lanthanide‐complex‐bridged polysilsesquioxanes were prepared by sol–gel processing of a monomer with a large heterocyclic bridging group in the presence of lanthanide ions under acidic conditions. SEM, XRD, FTIR, luminescence spectra and luminescence decay analysis were used to characterize the obtained materials. The 5D0 quantum efficiency and the number of the water molecules coordinated to the Eu3+ ion were theoretically estimated on the basis of emission spectra and the lifetime of the 5D0 state.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Rhodium and Iridium Amino, Amido, and Aminyl Radical Complexes
Authors: Donati Nicola , Stein Daniel , Büttner Torsten , Schönberg Hartmut , Harmer Jeffrey , Anadaram Sreekanth , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: September 2008

The chlorido‐bridged dimeric complex [Rh2(μ‐Cl)2(trop2NH)2] [trop2NH = bis(benzo[a,d]cycloheptenyl)amine] or the acetonitrile complexes [Rh(trop2NH)(MeCN)2]+(CF3SO3–) and [IrCl(MeCN)(trop2NH)] are well‐suited precursor complexes for phenanthroline‐type complexes [M(trop2NH)(R,R‐phen)]+A–(M = Rh, Ir; R = H, Me, Ph substituents in the 4,7‐ or 5,6‐positions of the phen ligand, A–= CF3SO3–, PF6–). These complexes contain 18‐valence‐electron configured metal centers in a trigonal–bipyramidal coordination sphere with the amino (NH) group in an axial position and each of the olefinic C=Ctropunits is in an equatorial position. The cationic amino complexes [M(trop2NH)(R,R‐phen)]+are sufficiently acidic (pKain dmso: 18.2–19.0) to be quantitatively deprotonated by one equivalent of KOtBu to give neutral amido complexes [M(trop2N)(R,R‐phen)] (M = Rh, Ir). These can be easily oxidized to give aminyl radical complexes [M(trop2N·)(R,R‐phen)]+A–, which for M = Rh can be isolated as green crystals. The iridium complex [Ir(trop2N·)(phen)]+is unstable. High‐resolution pulse EPR spectroscopy was used to gain insight into the electronic structure of the aminyl radical complexes. Remarkably, the rhodium and iridium complexes have a very similar electronic structure, as revealed by their EPR parameters {[Rh(trop2N·)(phen)]+:g1,2,3= 2.084(2), 2.049(2), 2.027(2);|Aiso| = 45.4 (N1), 10.4 (N2), 3.1 (N3) 27.0 (Rh) MHz; [Ir(trop2N·)(phen)]+:g1,2,3= 2.140(2), 2.107(2), 2.015(2);|Aiso| = 47 (N1), 7.9 (N2), 3.5 (N3), 26.8 (Ir) MHz} and these show that about 60 % of the spin population is localized on the nitrogen center (N1) of the trop2N ligand. In reactions with stannanes (R3SnH) and thiols (RSH), H‐atom transfer to the trop2N nitrogen atom is observed, [M(trop2N·)(phen)]++ EH → [M(trop2NH)(phen)]++ 1/2HE–EH.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Nonheme “FeIVO” Models: Ab Initio Analysis of the Low‐Energy Spin State Electronic Structures
Authors: Banse Frédéric , Girerd Jean‐Jacques , Robert Vincent
Published: September 2008

The spin‐dependent geometries, energetics, and electronic structures of the [FeO]2+ motif are investigated on the basis of DFT and perturbative CASPT2 ab initio calculations. The synthetic complex [(L52)FeO]2+ exhibits an S = 1 ground state with a low‐lying (≈2000 cm–1) competing quintet and an open‐shell singlet as the second excited state (≈11000 cm–1 above the ground state). By using the geometry optimization information, it was shown from a valence bond reading of the variational wavefunctions that a FeIII–O· picture dominates and that the number of d electrons is almost five in the model system [Fe(NH3)5O]2+. Analogy with the spin‐crossover transition phenomenon is suggested, as the ground and low‐lying quintet states can be seen as resulting from a doublet → quartet transition of a Fe d5 ion. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis of Chiral Amines Using α‐Amino Aldehydes
Authors: Hili Ryan , Baktharaman Sivaraj , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: September 2008

If one were to rank chemical reagents on the basis of their “synthetic content”, loosely defined as the density of functional groups per arbitrary unit of molecular space, the α‐amino aldehydes will find themselves close to the very top of that list. The presence of synthetically ubiquitous amine and aldehyde functionalities predisposes α‐amino aldehydes towards highly convergent bond‐forming operations. Such juxtaposition does not come without a price: incompatibility of these functional groups calls for protecting groups. We discuss challenges and recently identified opportunities in this field.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A parallel computational method for simulating two‐phase gel dynamics on a staggered grid
Authors: Du Jian , Fogelson Aaron L. , Wright Grady B.
Published: September 2008

We develop a parallel computational algorithm for simulating models of gel dynamics where the gel is described by two phases, a networked polymer and a fluid solvent. The models consist of transport equations for the two phases, two coupled momentum equations, and a volume‐averaged incompressibility constraint. Multigrid with Vanka‐type box‐relaxation scheme is used as preconditioner for the Krylov subspace solver (GMRES) to solve the momentum and incompressibility equations. Through numerical experiments of a model problem, the efficiency, robustness and scalability of the algorithm are illustrated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying local model approach for tidal prediction in a deterministic model
Authors: Sun Yabin , Sisomphon Piyamarn , Babovic Vladan , Chan Eng Soon
Published: September 2008

In recent years, a practice of tidal prediction based on a deterministic model or by a time series forecasting model has been established. A deterministic model can predict tidal movement and capture the dynamics of the flow pattern over the entire domain. However, due to the simplification of model settings and near shore effects, the accuracy of the numerical model can diminish. Time series forecasting is capable of capturing the underlying mechanism that may not be revealed in the deterministic model simulation. However, such data‐driven forecast fails to maintain accuracy with the progress of forecast horizon. In this paper, a scheme that combines the advantages of these two methods is introduced. The model errors are forecasted to different time horizons using a data‐driven approach, and are then superimposed on the simulation results in order to correct the model output. Based on the proposed method, it is found that the accuracy is significantly improved with more than 50% of the errors removed on the average. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling regime transition in stock index futures markets and forecasting implications
Authors: Kanas Angelos
Published: September 2008

Using a time‐varying regime‐switching vector error correction approach, this paper seeks to address which factors explain the transition across regimes of the US and the UK stock index futures markets. The findings suggest that the basis exercises a significant effect in regime transition. The basis effect is driven by a dividend yield effect in the UK, and by a dividend yield effect and an interest rate effect in the USA. The volatility of the underlying index is another significant factor, which is consistent with the significance of the basis in conjunction with Chen et al. (1995). Furthermore, there is evidence of an international regime transition effect from the UK to the USA. In most cases, forecasts based on time‐varying regime transition models are more accurate than forecasts based on models with constant transition probabilities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ARFIMA approximation and forecasting of the limiting aggregate structure of long‐memory process
Authors: Man K. S. , Tiao G. C.
Published: September 2008

This article studies Man and Tiao's (2006) low‐order autoregressive fractionally integrated moving‐average (ARFIMA) approximation to Tsai and Chan's (2005b) limiting aggregate structure of the long‐memory process. In matching the autocorrelations, we demonstrate that the approximation works well, especially for larger d values. In computing autocorrelations over long lags for larger d value, using the exact formula one might encounter numerical problems. The use of the ARFIMA(0, d, d̄1) model provides a useful alternative to compute the autocorrelations as a really close approximation. In forecasting future aggregates, we demonstrate the close performance of using the ARFIMA(0, d, d̄1) model and the exact aggregate structure. In practice, this provides a justification for the use of a low‐order ARFIMA model in predicting future aggregates of long‐memory process. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.