bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular involvement in various types of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Voermans Nicol C. , van Alfen Nens , Pillen Sigrid , Lammens Martin , Schalkwijk Joost , Zwarts Machiel J. , van Rooij Iris A. , Hamel Ben C. J. , van Engelen Baziel G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectiveEhlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Muscle involvement is plausible based on recently discovered interactions between muscle cells and extracellular matrix molecules; however, muscle symptoms are only sporadically reported. We designed a cross‐sectional study to find out whether neuromuscular features are part of EDS.MethodsStandardized questionnaires, physical examination, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, muscle ultrasound, and muscle biopsy were performed in 40 EDS patients with the vascular, classic, tenascin‐X (TNX)–deficient type EDS, and hypermobility type of EDS caused by TNXB haploinsufficiency.ResultsMuscle weakness, myalgia, and easy fatigability were reported by the majority of patients. Mild‐to‐moderate muscle weakness (85%) and reduction of vibration sense (60%) were common. Nerve conduction studies demonstrated axonal polyneuropathy in five patients (13%). Needle electromyography myopathic features in nine patients (26%) and a mixed neurogenic‐myopathic pattern in most (60%). Muscle ultrasound showed increased echo‐intensity (48%) and atrophy (50%). Mild myopathic features were seen on muscle biopsy of five patients (28%). Overall, patients with the hypermobility type EDS caused by TNXB haploinsufficiency were least affected.InterpretationMild‐to‐moderate neuromuscular involvement is common in various types of EDS, with a remarkable relation between residual TNX level and degree of neuromuscular involvement, compatible with a dose–effect relation. The findings of this study should increase awareness of neuromuscular symptoms in EDS patients and improve clinical care. They also point to a role of the extracellular matrix in muscle and peripheral nerve function. This is an updated version of this article that originally published online on June 29, 2009. Ann Neurol 2009;65:687–697
A Microfluidic Approach to Chemically Driven Assembly of Colloidal Particles at Gas–Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Park Jai Il , Nie Zhihong , Kumachev Alexander , Abdelrahman Ahmed I. , Binks Bernard P. , Stone Howard A. , Kumacheva Eugenia 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDie Auflösung von CO2‐Blasen in einer Suspension von Kolloidpartikeln induziert auf chemischem Weg die Anlagerung von Partikeln auf der Oberfläche der geschrumpften Blasen. Dieser Ansatz führt schnell zu Blasen mit einem Kolloidüberzug und exakt festgelegter Größe.magnified image
Ordered Poly(p‐phenylene)/Layered Double Hydroxide Ultrathin Films with Blue Luminescence by Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly
Authors: Yan Dongpeng , Lu Jun , Wei Min , Han Jingbin , Ma Jing , Li Feng , Evans David G. , Duan Xue 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHimmelblau: Ein anionisches Poly(para‐phenylen) und Mg‐Al‐Hydroxid‐Schichten wurden zu sehr dünnen geordneten Filmen mit definierter blauer Fluoreszenz (siehe Bild; Nummer: Zahl der Doppelschichten) und hoher Photostabilität kombiniert. Die Filme wirken auf Valenzelektronen als Anordnungen von Quantentöpfen.magnified image
A Microfluidic Approach to Chemically Driven Assembly of Colloidal Particles at Gas–Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Park Jai Il , Nie Zhihong , Kumachev Alexander , Abdelrahman Ahmed I. , Binks Bernard P. , Stone Howard A. , Kumacheva Eugenia 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBubbling up: Dissolution of CO2 bubbles in a suspension of colloidal particles chemically induces the assembly of particles on the surface of shrunken bubbles, and thus yields rapid continuous formation of a colloidal armor. This approach maintains the high colloidal stability of particles in bulk, has increased productivity, and allows the formation of bubbles with precisely controlled dimensions.magnified image
Ablation and thermal properties of ethylene–propylene–diene elastomer composites reinforced with polysulfonamide short fibers
Authors: Jia Xiaolong , Li Gang , Yu Yunhua , Sui Gang , Liu Haiyang , Li Ya'nan , Li Peng , Yang Xiaoping 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPolysulfonamide (PSA) short fiber/ethylene–propylene–diene elastomer (EPDM) composites were prepared as high‐performance thermal insulators. The pyrolysis products and thermal stabilities of the PSA fiber and aramid fiber were analyzed. The ablation and thermal properties of the PSA/EPDM composites were compared with those of the aramid/EPDM composites. The degradation peak temperature of the PSA fiber was 100°C higher than that of the aramid fiber. With the fiber content increasing, the ablation rates of both composites decreased up to 10 phr and subsequently increased, whereas the thermal conductivities of both composites increased linearly. In comparison with the aramid/EPDM composites, the ablation rate and thermal conductivity of the PSA/EPDM composites were lower, whereas the thermal degradation temperature and limiting oxygen index of the PSA/EPDM composites were higher. Dynamic mechanical thermal testing and morphology observations revealed that strong interfacial bonding between the fiber and the matrix was developed in the PSA/EPDM composites, and it was beneficial for improving the ablation properties of the composites. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of PVA/PAN bicomponent nanofiber via electrospinning and selective dissolution
Authors: Kim Mi Nae , Koh Joonseok , Lee Yujin , Kim Hyungsup 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBicomponent polymer solutions were prepared from two immiscible polymers, poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and then used to prepare films and electrospun fibers. The miscibility and the surface morphology of the bicomponent polymer systems were determined. There was a strong relationship between the diameter of the electrospun fibers and the blend ratio used. By applying selective dissolution, using solvents such as hot water, acetic acid, or N,N‐dimethylformamide, to the films and fibers, one polymer component was removed selectively without affecting the other component. This resulted in a decrease in the diameter of the electrospun fibers and the formation of grooves, pores, and craters on the fiber surface. The width of the grooves decreased as the bicomponent polymer content increased. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermosensitive phase transition kinetics of poly(N‐isopropylacryl amide‐co‐acrylamide) microgel aqueous dispersions
Authors: Wang Qin , Zhao Yanbing , Xu Huibi , Yang Xiangliang , Yang Yajiang 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) microgel particles were prepared through precipitation polymerization. The diameters of the microgel particles were in the range of 220–270 nm and showed a monodispersion. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) of the microgel dispersions were measured by dynamic light scattering and turbidimetric analysis. The results indicated that the LCST increased with an increase of acrylamide (AAm) content in the copolymer composition. The kinetics of the thermosensitive phase transitions of the microgel particles were investigated by time‐course UV–vis spectroscopy. The results indicated that the higher the content of AAm in copolymer composition, the more time is required for equilibrium deswelling and the less time required for equilibrium swelling. In addition, the time required for equilibrium deswelling decreased with an increase of the content of the microgel particles in dispersions. By contrast, the time required for equilibrium swelling increased slightly. Thus, a suitable LCST and time required for equilibrium of phase transition can be achieved by adjusting the molar ratio of the comonomers in the microgels and the content of the microgel particles in dispersions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Manipulation of polymer layer characteristics by electrochemical polymerization from mixtures of aniline and ortho‐phenylenediamine monomers
Authors: Roković M. Kraljić , Jurišić A. , Žic M. , Duić Lj. , Schauperl Z. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe influence of adding ortho‐phenylenediamine (OPDA) during the polymerization of aniline on the characteristics of the resulting polymer film was examined. When using a platinum electrode, the deposits were obtained from solutions containing 0.1 mol dm−3 aniline and 1, 5, or 10 mmol dm−3 OPDA. The deposits were also prepared from solutions containing 0.5 mol dm−3 aniline and 5, 10, or 50 mmol dm−3 OPDA. In both cases, 3 mol dm−3 phosphoric acid solution was used as a supporting electrolyte. The characteristics of the obtained layers were investigated through the catalytic effect of different polymer layers on hydroquinone/quinone (H2Q/Q) test redox system. The results obtained confirm the earlier established catalytic effect on the potential of the redox reaction by shifting it to more reversible values. However, as the concentration of OPDA was increased, the resulting limiting current decreased, thus indicating in the presence of OPDA a lower population of the available active centers necessary for the catalytic reaction to proceed. The influence of OPDA on polymer characteristics was also studied by using scanning electron microscopy as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The polymer was synthesized on a stainless steel electrode (13% Cr) from a solution containing 0.5 mol dm−3 aniline and 5, 10, or 50 mmol dm−3 OPDA. The layers were tested in chloride‐containing solutions by monitoring the open circuit potential. The results obtained suggest that, by increasing the concentration of OPDA, the time of OCP in the passive region of stainless steel is prolonged. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The enhanced mechanical properties of a covalently bound chitosan‐multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite
Authors: Cao Xiaodong , Dong Hua , Li Chang Ming , Lucia Lucian A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn the present work, chitosan (CS)‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared via covalently bonded CS onto MWCNTs that had weight fractions of MWCNTs ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 wt % by a simple method of solution casting. The structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of the films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, contact angle, and tensile testing. The results indicated that the CS chains were attached onto the MWCNTs successfully via covalent linkages. More interestingly, the MWCNTs provided a matrix that facilitated the crystallization of CS. Compared with the pure CS, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites were enhanced significantly from 39.6 to 105.6 MPa and from 2.01 to 4.22 GPa with an increase in the MWCNT loading level from 0 to 3.0 wt %, respectively. The improvement in the tensile strength and modulus were ascribed to the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs covalently linked to the CS matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Electrohydrodynamic liquid atomization of biodegradable polymer microparticles: Effect of electrohydrodynamic liquid atomization variables on microparticles
Authors: Meng Fanzheng , Jiang Yi , Sun Zhihui , Yin Yizi , Li Yanyan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe exploration of a method to tailor a biodegradable polymer into microparticles/nanoparticles with a desirable morphology and size may result in their enhanced performance as biomedical devices for drug delivery and simplify the preparation process. A modified electrohydrodynamic liquid atomization (EHDA) process is reported here for the preparation of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles. To understand systematically the EHDA method for the preparation of PLGA microparticles, PLGAs of four different molecular weights were electrosprayed under different conditions involving changes in the applied potential, liquid flow rate, polymer concentration, and solvent. The results show that the right concentration range of PLGA is key for electrospraying the spherical particles. A solution with a low‐molecular‐weight PLGA has a wider concentration range for electrospraying into spherical particles than a solution with a high‐molecular‐weight PLGA. At the concentration at which spherical particles are formed, the diameter of the as‐sprayed particles is not affected substantially by the applied potential and PLGA molecular weight, but it increases monotonically with the liquid flow rate and PLGA concentration. Experimentation further demonstrated that low electric conductivity, a low dielectric constant, and a high vapor pressure of chloroform are favorable for controlling the EHDA process to obtain quasi‐monodisperse particles. The addition of the solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide with opposite solvent properties extremely disturbs the stability of the EHDA process and, at the same time, produces smaller and polydisperse particles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of artificial perspiration and cleaning chemicals on the mechanical and chemical properties of ballistic materials
Authors: Chin Joannie , Petit Sylvain , Forster Amanda , Riley Michael , Rice Kirk 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDuring routine field use of soft body armor, the ballistic panels become saturated with perspiration. This condition motivates the user to clean and/or deodorize the armor, and anecdotal evidence is given for various methods used to accomplish this. Although the cleaning/deodorization is usually performed on the armor liners and coverings, there is concern that the chemicals could seep into the ballistic panels and damage the fibers. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of artificial perspiration and cleaning chemicals on the mechanical and chemical properties of aramid, poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole), and ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene yarns after controlled cycles of exposure to artificial perspiration and dilute solutions of common cleaning chemicals. It was observed that the effect of the artificial perspiration on the properties of all of the materials tested was the same as that of water alone. Of all of the cleaning chemicals used, only chlorine bleach had a detrimental effect on the yarn properties. All other cleaning chemicals had the same effect as water alone. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Wood particle/high‐density polyethylene composites: Thermal sensitivity and nucleating ability of wood particles
Authors: Bouafif Hassine , Koubaa Ahmed , Perré Patrick , Cloutier Alain , Riedl Bernard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe thermal sensitivity, nucleating ability, and nonisothermal crystallization of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) with different wood fillers during wood/HDPE melt processing were investigated with thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the wood degraded at a lower temperature than HDPE. The thermal decomposition behavior was similar across wood species. The most remarkable dissimilarities were observed between wood and bark in the decomposition rate around a processing temperature of 300°C and in the peak temperature location for cellulose degradation. The higher degradation rate for bark was explained by the devolatilization of extractives and the degradation of lignin, which were present in higher amounts in pine bark. The nucleating ability for various wood fillers was evaluated with the crystalline weight fraction, crystal conversion, crystallization half‐time, and crystallization temperature of the HDPE matrix. The nucleation activity improved with the addition of wood particles to the HDPE matrix. However, no effect of wood species on the crystal conversion was found. For composites based on semicrystalline matrix polymers, the crystal conversion may be an important factor in determining the stiffness and fracture behavior. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Characterization of cyanobacterial β‐carotene ketolase and hydroxylase genes in Escherichia coli, and their application for astaxanthin biosynthesis
Authors: Scaife Mark A. , Burja Adam M. , Wright Phillip C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCarotenoid biosynthesis is highly conserved and well characterized up to the synthesis of β‐carotene. Conversely, the synthesis of astaxanthin from β‐carotene is less well characterized. Regardless, astaxanthin is a highly sought natural product, due to its various industrial applications and elevated antioxidant capacity. In this article, 12 β‐carotene ketolase and 4 β‐carotene hydroxylase genes, isolated from 5 cyanobacterial species, are investigated for their function, and potential for microbial astaxanthin synthesis. Further, this in vivo comparison identifies and applies the most promising genetic elements within a dual expression vector, which is maintained in Escherichia coli. Here, combined overexpression of individual β‐carotene ketolase and β‐carotene hydroxylase genes, within a β‐carotene accumulating host, enables a 23.5‐fold improvement in total carotenoid yield (1.99 mg g−1), over the parental strain, with >90% astaxanthin. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 944–955. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A high efficient method of constructing recombinant Bombyx mori (silkworm) multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus based on zero‐background Tn7‐mediated transposition in Escherichia coli
Authors: Sun Jing Chen , Zhang Er Hui , Yao Lun Guang , Zhang Hong Ling , Jin Peng Fei 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA high efficient way for generation of recombinant Bombyx mori (silkworm) multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus by Tn7‐mediated transposition in Escherichia coli was performed. The new system consists of a conditional replication donor vector pRCDM and an attTn7 site blocked E. coli containing BmNPV‐Bacmid. The donor vector contains a replication origin derived from R6Kγ, which propagated only in host cells with pir gene expression decreased in the transposition background greatly. Compared with original vector derived from pUC, the transposition efficiency increased from 5.7 to 66% (≈10 fold) when using conditional replication vector pRCDM transposition into original BmDH10Bac. A further effort to decrease the transposition background was made by blocking the attTn7 site in host E. coli genome. The resulting attTn7 occupied BmDH10BacΔTn7 resulted in a significant increase from 5.7 to 23% (≈4 fold) in the efficacy of generate recombinant BmNPV Bacmid by transposition. Furthermore, the transposition of BmDH10BacΔTn7 with pRCDM resulted typically in 100% white colonies, and it indicated that a zero transposition background was accomplished. This high efficient and zero background transposition system provides a new simple and rapid method for construction of recombinant BmNPV used to express target genes or produce gene‐delivery virus particles in silkworm. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
A digital simulation of the vibration of a two‐mass two‐spring system
Authors: Lee Wei‐Pin , Lu Ming‐Shiun 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this study, we developed a computer program to simulate the vibration of a two‐mass two‐spring system by using Visual BASIC. Users can enter data for the two‐mass two‐spring system. The software will derive the eigenvalue problem from the input data. Then the software solves the eigenvalue problem and illustrates the results numerically and graphically on the screen. In addition, the program uses animation to demonstrate the motions of the two masses. The displacements, velocities, and accelerations of the two bodies can be shown if the corresponding checkboxes are selected. This program can be used in teaching courses, such as Linear Algebra, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Vibrations, and Dynamics. Use of the software may help students to understand the applications of eigenvalue problems and related topics such as modes of vibration, natural frequencies, and systems of differential equations. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 563–573, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com; DOI 10.1002/cae.20241
Fine‐Tuning of Catalytic Properties of Catechol 1,2‐Dioxygenase by Active Site Tailoring
Authors: Caglio Raffaella , Valetti Francesca , Caposio Patrizia , Gribaudo Giorgio , Pessione Enrica , Giunta Carlo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractChoosing chloro: By reshaping the catalytic pocket of a catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase through a structural route alternative to evolution, novel engineered chlorocatechol dioxygenase‐like enzymes were obtained. Variants show an inversion of specificity with a preference for 4‐chlorocatechol and activity on the rarely recognised substrate 4,5‐dichlorocatechol.magnified imageCatechol 1,2‐dioxygenases and chlorocatechol dioxygenases are FeIII‐dependent enzymes that do not require a reductant to perform the ortho cleavage of the aromatic ring. The reaction mechanism is common to the two enzymes, and active‐site residues must play a key role in the fine‐tuning of specificity. Protein engineering was applied for the first time to the catalytic pocket of a catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase by site‐specific and site‐saturation mutagenesis with the purpose of redesigning the pocket shape for improved catalysis on bulky derivatives. Mutants were analysed for changes in kinetic parameters: variants for residue 69 show an inversion of specificity with a preference towards 4‐chlorocatechol (decrease of KM by a factor of 20) and activity on the rarely recognised substrate 4,5‐dichlorocatechol, thus creating a novel, engineered chlorocatechol dioxygenase. A L69A substitution conveys gain‐of‐function activity towards 4‐tert‐butylcatechol. Mutations of position 72 enhance kcat towards chlorinated substrates. The biphasic Arrhenius plot observed in A72S suggests the involvement of a dynamic switch in the fine regulation of the enzyme.
Recent Advances in Production of Bioethanol from Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Kumar S. , Singh S. P. , Mishra I. M. , Adhikari D. K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEthanol is considered the most potential next generation automotive fuel because it is carbon‐neutral and could be produced from renewable resources like lignocellulosic biomass. There are some technological barriers such as pretreatment, saccharification of cellulose and hemicellulose matrix, and simultaneous fermentation of hexose and pentose sugars which needs to be addressed for efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol. This paper reviews the various process options and kinetic models adopted towards resolving the technological challenges to develop a low‐cost commercial process.