bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the reaction parameters of epoxidation of rapeseed oil with peracetic acid
Authors: Milchert Eugeniusz , Smagowicz Anna , Lewandowski Grzegorz 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The epoxidation of vegetable oils has been a subject of interest for many years; epoxidized oils are frequently used as plasticizers and as renewable materials for the manufacture of alcohols, glycols and many other complex compounds with excellent antioxidant and antifriction properties. In this work the epoxidation process of rapeseed oil (RO) with peracetic acid generated in situ by the reaction of 30 wt% hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid has been studied. Optimization studies were performed by application of a statistical experimental design method utilizing a rotatable‐uniform design.RESULTS: The significant parameters for the RO epoxidation process were established as temperature, molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to rapeseed oil, molar ratio of acetic acid to rapeseed oil and reaction time. The process description was based on five response functions: iodine number, epoxy number, conversion, yield and selectivity. The highest values of all functions with the exception of selectivity were achieved for the same values of parameters: temperature 65 °C, molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to RO 11.1:1 mol mol−1, molar ratio of acetic acid to RO 1.89:1 mol mol−1 and reaction time 6 h.CONCLUSION: In summary, these optimum parameters allow one to obtain epoxidized rapeseed oil with a yield of 66.2 mol% at an oil conversion of 91.0 mol% in mild and relatively safe conditions. The epoxy number of the product was 0.207 mol per 100 g, whereas the iodine number was 0.027 mol per 100 g. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Alternative processing of scrambled genes generates protein diversity in the ciliate Chilodonella uncinata
Authors: Katz Laura A. , Kovner Alexandra M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn ciliates, chromosomal rearrangements occur during the development of the somatic macronuclear genome from the germline micronuclear genome. These rearrangements are extensive in three ciliate classes—Armophorea, Spirotrichea, and Phyllopharyngea—generating a macronucleus with up to 20,000,000 gene‐sized chromosomes. Earlier, we have shown that these three classes also share elevated rates of protein evolution relative to other ciliates. To assess the evolution of germline‐limited sequences in the class Phyllopharyngea, we used a combination of traditional and walking PCR to analyze micronuclear copies of multiple genes from two lines of the morphospecies Chilodonella uncinata for which we had previously characterized macronuclear sequences. Analyses of the resulting data yield three main results: (1) conserved macronuclear (somatic) regions are found within rapidly evolving micronuclear (germline) regions; (2) gene scrambling exists within this ciliate lineage; and (3) alternative processing of micronuclear regions yields diverse macronuclear β‐tubulin paralogs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate gene scrambling outside the nonsister class Spirotrichea, and to show that alternative processing of scrambled genes generates diversity in gene families. Intriguingly, the Spirotrichea and Phyllopharyngea are also united in having transient “giant” polytene chromosomes, gene‐sized somatic chromosomes, and elevated rates of protein evolution. We hypothesize that this suite of characters enables these ciliates to enjoy the benefits of asexuality while still maintaining the ability to go through sexual cycles. The data presented here add to the growing evidence of the dynamic nature of eukaryotic genomes within diverse lineages across the tree of life. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:480–488, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Palladium‐catalyzed hydroxycarbonylation as the key step in the synthesis of a carbon‐14 labeled Maxi‐K channel blocker
Authors: Simeone Joseph P. , Braun Matthew P. , Liu Luping , Natarajan Swaminathan R. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCarbon‐14 labeled sodium formate was utilized for the preparation of a radiolabeled tracer to support the development of a Maxi‐K channel blocker. Key to the process was a palladium‐catalyzed hydroxycarbonylation of a bromoarene for installation of the radiolabel. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information‐theoretic chemometric analyses of Raman data for chemical reaction studies
Authors: Chew Wee 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA methodology of multivariate chemometric techniques based on the information‐theoretic approach was applied for elucidating chemical reaction information from a Raman data array Rm×ν that arises from in situ reaction monitoring. This reaction‐induced dynamic dataset Rm×ν can be contaminated by random cosmic ray spikes found in the midst of characteristic spectral variations associated with the disappearance or emergence of Raman active reactants, intermediates and products. Such spurious cosmic spikes were identified and removed using a novel and fast numerical approach based on maximum and minimum spectral entropy principles while preserving the genuine reaction‐induced spectral variations. Subsequently, the band‐target entropy minimization (BTEM) algorithm, a minimum spectral entropy based self‐modeling curve resolution technique, was applied to recover the pure component spectra of Raman active chemical species. Information gain through the chemometric analyses was calculated using information entropies with base 2 logarithm. This sequence of information‐theoretic chemometric analyses (or transinformations) was successfully tested on the reaction spectral data obtained from alcoholysis of acetic anhydride, which contains four Raman active chemical species. It is envisioned that this series of multivariate statistical analyses will be useful in chemical reaction studies and process analytical technology (PAT) applications that utilize in situ Raman spectroscopy to monitor transient dynamic changes in chemical concentrations, and also in Raman microscopy/imaging data containing spatial variations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vectorial descriptions of nonlinear Raman microscopy
Authors: Marrocco Michele 
Published: April 2010

AbstractTwo versions of nonlinear Raman microscopy have lately captured the attention of several experimental groups. They are based on two important spectroscopic techniques, namely, coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering and stimulated Raman scattering. Although experimental research progresses at a steady pace, conceptual investigations are hampered by heavy numerical calculations that are necessary to solve the vectorial problem of nonlinear interactions between electric fields and the matter being probed. Here, attempts at a simplified description of the vectorial structure of the nonlinear Raman response are examined in comparison with some examples conceived within the fully numerical treatment of the problem. The attempts are based on two different optical models. One is given by the three‐dimensional Gaussian approximation which reduces the spatial complexity of the interaction between electromagnetic fields and matter to a volume with Gaussian profiles. The other model, recently introduced in optical microscopy, preserves the diffracted structure of the focal volumes. This second strategy rests upon the breaking of the continuous character of diffraction in a way that only diffraction angles that are optically relevant are used in the theoretical treatment of the fields. The two different methods are discussed and compared on the basis of some instructive examples. Fast calculation is ensured by the simplified models without loss of the spectroscopic information. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tourist modernisation and social legitimation in Spain
Authors: Mantecón Alejandro 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSpain's modernisation has been based, to a large extent, on the so‐called ‘residential tourism’. Its two‐fold nature—as a production model and a type of lifestyle migration—has complex repercussions. The aim of this paper is to delve, with a qualitative approach, into the key factors that explain the current social legitimation of this process by the Spanish society. The research suggests that the process is legitimated by its definition as an essentially tourism phenomenon. The label ‘tourism’ acts as some sort of ‘funnel’ that would not allow to go through it the problems associated with lifestyle migration or urbanisation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parathyroid gland preservation and selective autotransplantation utilizing topical lidocaine in total thyroidectomy
Authors: Kuriloff Daniel B. , Kizhner Victor 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To review a new technique during total thyroidectomy that facilitates parathyroid gland preservation and selective autotransplantation utilizing topical 2% plain lidocaine as a spasmolytic/vasodilator agent.Study Design:Retrospective case series review at a university hospital.Methods:The study population comprised 100 consecutive patients (84 women and 16 men; mean age, 52 years) undergoing total thyroidectomy from January 2007 to December 2008. Interventions were: parathyroid glands (PGs) with signs of devascularization treated with a topical solution of 2% plain lidocaine in an attempt to restore blood flow before committing to autotransplantation.Results:The main outcome measure was the incidence of hypoparathyroidism. A total of 40 parathyroid glands were autotransplanted. None of the 100 patients developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. There were no adverse effects utilizing this technique.Conclusions:In our experience, the use of lidocaine spasmolysis is a useful technique in thyroid surgery for salvaging devascularized PGs. Its utility as a selection method for PG autotransplantation incurs minimal risk or cost and might further reduce the incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Further study is warranted. Laryngoscope, 2010
Balloon dilatation eustachian tuboplasty: A clinical study
Authors: Ockermann Thorsten , Reineke Ulf , Upile Tahwinder , Ebmeyer Jörg , Sudhoff Holger H. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To assess the feasibility of balloon dilatation eustachian tuboplasty (BET) as an option for treatment of patients with eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction.Study Design:Ethics approved case controlled interventional study.Methods:Eight patients were identified with poor ET function using a ET score and were assigned to the study. The endoscopic procedure involved the dilatation of the cartilaginous and bony portion of 13 ETs with a balloon catheter. Pre‐ and postinterventional computed tomography was performed. All patients were reassessed 1, 2, and 8 weeks after BET.Results:BET was technically easy to perform. No damage to essential structures, particularly the carotid canal, was found in the human study. Patients revealed a significant improvement of the ET score comparing pre‐ and the 2‐month post‐treatment results. Improvement was found to be time dependent.Conclusions:This newly introduced method of BET was found to be a feasible and safe procedure to inflate the ET. It significantly helped to improve ET function in our study group. However, larger long‐term studies are necessary to fully evaluate the clinical value of BET. Laryngoscope, 2010
Carbon dioxide laser‐assisted cartilage reshaping otoplasty: A new technique for prominent ears
Authors: Ragab Ahmed 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Most otoplasty techniques are variations of suturing and sculpting concepts. Thick cartilage and its tricky everlasting reshaping is a difficult task in suture techniques. It is more difficult to predict and control the final result in cartilage sculpting techniques. Animal studies demonstrated temperature‐dependent cartilage stress relaxation during laser application resulting in stable shape changes. The aim of this study was to describe a novel surgical technique of carbon dioxide laser‐assisted cartilage reshaping (CO2 LACR) otoplasty and to show its outcome.Study Design:Prospective case series study.Methods:Sixteen patients with 32 prominent ears were involved prospectively. Carbon dioxide laser evaporation of the perichondrium and partial thickness of the medial surface of auricular cartilage and a pair of parallel laser incisions on scaphal and conchal lines were performed. The cartilage was fixed with absorbable Vicryl mattress sutures. Demographics, early and late postoperative outcomes, patients/parents and doctors satisfaction in the follow‐up were studied.Results:A total of 32 ears underwent repair. Patients ages ranged from 4 to 7 years (mean, 5.5 years). Average follow‐up was 2.4 years. No cases required revision surgery. In late assessment 14 patients were pleased, two were satisfied, and no patients were unsatisfied. All patients had four to six of the six criteria for surgical success as defined by the study without complications.Conclusions:The present technique of CO2 LACR otoplasty resulted in endurance of auricular appearance and symmetry, with good to satisfactory outcome to patient/parent. Laryngoscope, 2010
Endoscopic nasopharyngectomy for salvage in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A novel anatomic orientation
Authors: Wen Yi‐Hui , Wen Wei‐Ping , Chen He‐Xin , Li Jian , Zeng Yu‐Hui , Xu Geng 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Nasopharyngectomy for residual/recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) using an endoscopic technique is less invasive than traditional methods. Our objective was to identify the important anatomic landmarks so that the endoscopic surgeon can avoid injury to the internal carotid artery and perform a nasopharyngectomy safely.Study Design:Anatomical study.Methods:Transnasal endoscopic dissection was carried out on three fresh adult cadaver specimens (six sides) after arterial latex injection. Measurements were made in 50 adult skulls (100 sides), detailing the distances between orienting critical landmarks and the internal carotid canal (external aperture).Results:Adequate exposure for endoscopic nasopharyngectomy is available by removing portions of the inferior turbinate, nasal septum, and medial pterygoid plate. Anatomy of the operative field (endoscopic view) is described. Orientating topical landmarks include: posterior portions of the inferior turbinate and nasal septum, fossa of Rosenmuller, and the torus tubarius. The deep landmarks include: medial pterygoid plate–posterior margin at the skull base, eustachian tube isthmus, foramen lacerum, and the longus capitis. All topical and deep landmarks were identified from the endoscopic point of view and their distances to the internal carotid canal (external aperture) were measured.Conclusions:This anatomic study provides novel orienting landmarks for endoscopic nasopharyngectomy. Surgeons can efficiently and safely deal with residual and/or recurrent NPC endoscopically. Laryngoscope, 2010
Does thyroid gland examination by palpation alter serum hormone levels?
Authors: Toros Sema Zer , Ozel Leyla , Yekrek Mehmet Murat , Toros Ahmet Burak , Naiboglu Barıs , Kara Melih , Erdoğdu Erdal , Egeli Erol , Titiz İzzet 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels.Study Design:Prospective study at Haydarpaşa Numune Research and Education Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.Methods:This study was carried out in two groups with a total of 50 consecutive adults. Group I consisted of 20 patients (12 female and 8 male, aged 20–48 years) with a diagnosis of nodular thyroid disease confirmed by ultrasound imaging techniques. The second group consisted of 30 otherwise healthy subjects (17 female and 13 male, aged 18–50 years) referred for neck and thyroid ultrasound and with no thyroid pathology detected. Thyroid gland palpations were performed by the same physician. Blood samples were obtained before and 2 hours after thyroid gland palpation. Serum total T3 (TT3), total T4 (TT4), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin (TG) measurements were made.Results:We found that routine palpation in the first group caused a significant increase in serum TT3 (P < .05), FT3 (P < .01), FT4 (P < .05), and TG (P < .05) levels. In the second group, TT3 (P < .01), FT3 (P < .05), FT4 (P < .05), and TG (P < .05) levels also increased significantly after palpation. Differences in TSH and TT4 levels were not significant in any of the groups (P > .05).Conclusions:Preliminary data proposing a possible effect of routine thyroid gland palpation on serum thyroid hormone levels suggest that serum thyroid hormone measurements should be performed before any manipulation of the gland, including palpation, to avoid misdiagnosis. Laryngoscope, 2010
Statistical wind forecast for Reus airport
Authors: Traveria Miquel , Escribano Alejandro , Palomo Pablo 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCrosswinds are usually a limiting factor for the normal operation of small size aircraft near an airport, and one of the first causes of weather related accidents. This paper presents a statistical downscaling model that provides a 24 h wind forecast at Reus airport (Spain).The model is trained with 6 years historic data (1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005). The predictors are variables from two numeric weather prediction (NWP) model outputs: a mesoscale (MASS) and a global model reanalysis (GFS), at grid points near Reus airport. The predictands are the wind measured at the airport runway (METARs).The downscaling model processes the historic data, making use of several data mining tools to optimize the forecasting accuracy. Primarily, examples are separated into four clusters. Following this, a selection of the predictor variables is made with every cluster. Finally, neural networks are developed to produce a wind forecast.The downscaling model is relatively complicated, due to the different statistical techniques used, but has better forecasting accuracy than the NWP models used and other simpler statistical downscaling models. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Tracking of myelin‐reactive T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animals using small particles of iron oxide and MRI
Authors: Baeten Kurt , Adriaensens Peter , Hendriks Jerome , Theunissen Evi , Gelan Jan , Hellings Niels , Stinissen Piet 
Published: April 2010

AbstractMyelin‐reactive T cells are responsible for initiating the cascade of autoreactive immune responses leading to the development of multiple sclerosis. For better insights into the disease mechanism, it is of major importance to have knowledge on the sites at which these cells are active during disease progression. Herein, we investigated the feasibility of tracking myelin‐reactive T cells, upon labelled with SPIO particles, in the central nervous system (CNS) of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animals by MRI. First, we determined the optimal labelling condition leading to a high particle uptake and minimal SPIO–Poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) aggregate formation using Prussian blue staining and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy measurements. Results from labelling of myelin reactive T cells with low concentrations of SPIO particles (i.e. 25 µg/ml) combined with different concentrations of PLL (0–1.5 µg/ml) showed that increasing amounts of PLL led to augmented levels of free remnant SPIO‐PLL aggregates. In contrast, a low PLL concentration (i.e. 0.5 µg/ml) combined with high concentrations of SPIO (i.e. 400 µg Fe/ml) led to a high labelling efficiency with minimal amounts of aggregates. Second, the labelled myelin‐reactive T cells were transferred to control rats to induce EAE. At the occurrence of hindlimb paralysis, the SPIO labelled myelin‐reactive T cells were detected in the sacral part of the spinal cord and shown to be highly confined to this region. However, upon transfer in already primed rats, T cells were more widely distributed in the CNS and shown present in the spinal cord as well as in the brain. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of tracking SPIO labelled myelin‐reactive T cells in the spinal cord as well as the brain of EAE rats upon systemic administration. Furthermore, we provide data on the optimal labelling conditions for T cells leading to a high particle uptake and minimal aggregate formation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new optimal portfolio selection strategy based on a quadratic form mean–variance model with transaction costs
Authors: Peng Hui , Kitagawa Genshiro , Gan Min , Chen Xiaohong 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA new optimal portfolio selection method within the Markowitz mean–variance framework is presented in this paper. The model proposed in the paper includes expected return, trading risk, and in particular, a quadratic form in the transaction costs of the portfolio. Using this model yields an optimal portfolio solution that maximizes return and minimizes risk as well as the transaction costs by moderating the transaction volume and smoothing the volume of traded securities in the trading process. A set of first‐order autoregressive (AR) models is utilized to estimate the future returns of the securities in the portfolio, and the AR parameters are estimated by the least‐squares method with a moving window. The optimization problem that results from this approach is convex and can thus be solved by quadratic programming (QP). A case study demonstrates the effectiveness and the significant performance improvements of the proposed optimal portfolio selection strategy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel fluorinated polyimides derived from an unsymmetrical diamine containing trifluoromethyl and methyl pendant groups
Authors: Wang Chen‐Yi , Zhao Hui‐Peng , Li Guang , Jiang Jian‐Ming 
Published: April 2010

AbstractNovel fluorinated polyimides were prepared from an unsymmetrical diamine, 3‐methyl‐4‐(4‐amino‐2‐trifluoromethylphenoxy)‐4'‐aminobenzophenone (3), with four aromatic dianhydrides via a one‐step high‐temperature polycondensation procedure. All the obtained polyimides were soluble in some polar solvents such as NMP, DMAc, and DMF. Flexible and tough films were prepared by casting from polymer solution. These polyimide films exhibited high optical transparency, good mechanical and thermal properties. Moreover, they possessed low dielectric constants and low‐moisture absorption. Due to their properties, these fluorinated polyimides could be considered as photoelectric and microelectronic materials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fire performance of flame retardant polypropylene and polystyrene composites screened with microscale combustion calorimetry
Authors: Lu Hongdian , Wilkie Charles A. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractFlame retardant polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) materials were prepared by the incorporation of decabromodiphenyl oxide and Sb2O3 in addition to nanoparticles, montmorillonite clay, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Their fire performance was screened with microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) as well as evaluated by cone calorimetry. The decabromodiphenyl oxide–Sb2O3 system exhibited better efficiency in reducing the peak heat release rate (PHRR) of PP compared to PS in the MCC, whereas the trend was the opposite in cone calorimetry. Introduction of clay or CNTs to the decabromodiphenyl oxide–Sb2O3 system was beneficial in reducing the PHRR of both composites in cone calorimetry; however, a reduction in the PHRR in the MCC was only observed in the PS composites. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) studies revealed that the fire results from the MCC for the two types of composites were strongly correlated with their thermal degradation traces. There were poor relationships between the parameters of MCC and cone calorimetry, but good correlation between the temperature difference of the first and second peak of mass loss rate in the TGA, temperature at the PHRR in the MCC, and fire performance index in the cone calorimetry. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.