bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The single fiber composite test: A comparison of E‐glass fiber fragmentation data with statistical theories
Authors: Holmes Gale A. , Kim Jae Hyun , Leigh Stefan , McDonough Walter 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe exact theories advanced by Curtin6and Hui et al.7to describe the fiber break evolution process in single fiber composites are found to be incorrect when compared with experimental data. In contrast to theoretical predictions where the matrix is assumed to be elastic perfectly plastic, experimental data indicate that the sizes of the fragment lengths that survive to saturation decrease as the strain is increased. It is also shown that the break locations at saturation are uniform along the length of the fiber specimens, with the uniformity apparently being independent of interfacial shear strength, fiber type, matrix type, and fiber–fiber interactions. The theory of uniform spacings gives an explicit distribution function for the ordered fragment lengths. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic pluronic (F68)‐1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine copolymers and their micelles as a drug carrier
Authors: Wang Tiewei , Wu Yan , Zeng Ai Jun 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA new Pluronic (F68)‐1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DPPE) (Pluronic (F68)–DPPE) copolymer was synthesized with Pluronic (F68) and DPPE. The chemical structure and physical properties of copolymers were determined by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR, and TGA. Environmental scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering method confirmed the formation of copolymeric micelles of Pluronic (F68)‐DPPE. To estimate the feasibility as novel drug carriers, the copolymer micelles were prepared by the phase separation dialysis method. Amphotericin B as a lipophilic model drug was incorporated into copolymeric micelles and the drug release behavior was investigated. It was found that the chemical composition of the micelle was a key factor in controlling micelles size, drug‐loading content, and drug release behavior. As DPPE segment weight ratio increased, the micelle size and drug‐loading content increased, and the drug release rate decreased. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of dicarboxylic acids on the performance properties of polyurethane dispersions
Authors: Athawale Vilas D. , Kulkarni Mona A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA series of low molecular weight linear polyester polyols were synthesized by using various diacids, neopentyl glycol, as a diol, and a trimethylol propane, as a branching monomer. Polyurethane dispersions were prepared primarily from isophorone diisocyanate, polyester polyol, and dimethylol propionic acid, as potential ionic center for water dispersibility, and were subsequently chain extended with ethylene diamine. The effect of polyester polyols based on variable diacids, on the physico‐chemical and thermal properties of polyurethane dispersions were evaluated by hardness, flexibility, impact resistance, solvent resistance, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Particle size was evaluated by particle size analyzer. It was observed that the number of alkylene groups present in the polyester polyol soft segment in addition to its molecular weight had a pronounced effect on the particle size, physico‐chemical, and thermal properties. With a proper selection of the soft segment, it is possible to fine‐tune properties of aqueous polyurethane dispersion coatings with respect to the final application. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effects of solvent basicity on free radical polymerizations of N,N′‐bismaleimide‐4,4′‐diphenylmethane initiated by barbituric acid
Authors: Su Heng‐Lei , Hsu Jung‐Mu , Pan Jing‐Pin , Wang Tsung‐Hsiung , Chern Chorng‐Shyan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe polymerizations of N,N′‐bismaleimide‐4,4′‐diphenylmethane (BMI) initiated by barbituric acid (BTA) carried out in a variety of solvents at 130°C were studied. The nitrogen‐containing cyclic solvents such as N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone acted as a catalyst to promote the formation of the three‐dimensional crosslinked network structure. By contrast, the polymerization in a cyclic solvent that did not contain nitrogen such as γ‐butyrolactone resulted in nil gel content. The higher the solvent basicity, the larger the amount of insoluble polymer species formed. The molar ratio of BTA to BMI also played an important role in the polymerizations. The resultant polymers, presumably having a hyper‐branched structure, exhibited much narrower molecular weight distributions than those prepared by conventional free radical polymerizations. The BMI polymerizations using BTA as the initiator could not be adequately described by conventional free radical polymerization mechanisms. A polymerization mechanism that took into account the generation of a ketone radical pair between BTA and BMI and the subsequent initiation, propagation and termination reactions was proposed. It was concluded that the nitrogen‐containing cyclic solvents were capable of participating in the ketone radical pair formation process, thereby increasing the extent of polymer crosslinking reactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Viscoelastic and thermal properties of woven‐sisal‐fabric‐reinforced natural‐rubber biocomposites
Authors: Jacob Maya , Jose Jesmy , Jose Seno , Varughese K. T. , Thomas Sabu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTextile–rubber biocomposites were prepared by the reinforcement of natural rubber with woven sisal fabric. The viscoelastic properties of the composites were analyzed at different frequencies. Sisal fabric was subjected to different chemical modifications, such as mercerization, silanation, and thermal treatment, and the influences of the modifications on the dynamic mechanical properties were analyzed. The storage modulus was found to increase with reinforcement of natural rubber with woven sisal fabric. The chemical modification of the sisal fabric resulted in a decrease in the storage modulus. The damping factor was found to decrease with chemical treatment, and the gum compound exhibited maximum damping characteristics. The thermal stabilities of the composites were also analyzed by thermogravimetric studies. Scanning electron microscopy studies were performed to evaluate the morphology of the fabric–matrix interface.© 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Genetic variability of Austropotamobius italicus in the Marches region: implications for conservation
Authors: Cataudella Rosaria , Paolucci Marina , Delaunay Carine , Ropiquet Anne , Hassanin Alexandre , Balsamo Maria , Grandjean Frédéric 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Ten populations of Austropotamobius italicus from the Marches region (Central Italy), two populations from the Appennines of Calabria and Basilicata (Southern Italy) and four populations from Friuli Venezia Giulia region were sampled to elucidate the geographical pattern of genetic variability in relation to recent and historical factors.
A total of nine COI haplotypes belonging to three separate lineages have been characterized. Both lineage A (Northern Marches region) and C (Friuli Venezia Giulia region) were represented by one haplotype and were related to the Istria 1 peninsula and SouthAlps/Western Balkans lineages respectively. The lineage B included seven haplotypes belonging to the Appenines lineage.
Two hypotheses on the origin of individuals belonging to the Istrian lineage in Marches are discussed: (i) a natural colonization from the Istria peninsula refugia by migrating westwards across the bridge between the Istria peninsula and Italy, (ii) an anthropogenic origin. Based on 16S rRNA sequences, the taxonomic status of lineage B and C, defined from COI mtDNA markers, belongs to A. i. meridionalis and that of lineage A belongs to A. i. carsicus. The existence of a complex geographic structure between Marches populations (Φst=0.66) of A. i. meridionalis should be further considered in conservation management. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ecosystem‐scale predictive model of coastal seagrass distribution
Authors: Grech A. , Coles R. G. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Maintaining ecological processes that underpin the functioning of marine ecosystems requires planning and management of marine resources at an appropriate spatial scale.
The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBR) is the world's largest World Heritage Area (approximately 348 000 km2) and second largest marine protected area. It is difficult to inform the planning and management of marine ecosystems at that scale because of the high cost associated with collecting data. To address this and to inform the management of coastal (approximately 15 m below mean sea level) habitats at the scale of the GBR, this study determined the presence and distribution of seagrass by generating a Geographic Information System (GIS)‐based habitat suitability model.
A Bayesian belief network was used to quantify the relationship (dependencies) between seagrass and eight environmental drivers: relative wave exposure, bathymetry, spatial extent of flood plumes, season, substrate, region, tidal range and sea surface temperature. The analysis showed at the scale of the entire coastal GBR that the main drivers of seagrass presence were tidal range and relative wave exposure. Outputs of the model include probabilistic GIS‐surfaces of seagrass habitat suitability in two seasons and at a planning unit of cell size 2 km×2 km.
The habitat suitability maps developed in this study extend along the entire GBR coast, and can inform the management of coastal seagrasses at an ecosystem scale. The predictive modelling approach addresses the problems associated with delineating habitats at the scale appropriate for the management of ecosystems and the cost of collecting field data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and in‐vitro Cytotoxicity of Poly‐functionalized 4‐(2‐Arylthiazol‐4‐yl)‐4H‐chromenes
Authors: Mahmoodi Majid , Aliabadi Alireza , Emami Saeed , Safavi Maliheh , Rajabalian Saeed , Mohagheghi Mohammad‐Ali , Khoshzaban Ahad , Samzadeh‐Kermani Alireza , Lamei Navid , Shafiee Abbas , Foroumadi Alireza 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA new series of 4‐aryl‐4H‐chromenes bearing a 2‐arylthiazol‐4‐yl moiety at the 4‐position were prepared as potential cytotoxic agents. The in‐vitro cytotoxic activity of the synthesized 4‐aryl‐4H‐chromenes was investigated in comparison with etoposide, a well‐known anticancer drug, using MTT colorimetric assay. Among them, the 2‐(2‐chlorophenyl)thiazol‐4‐yl analog 4b showed the most potent activity against nasopharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma KB, medulloblastoma DAOY, and astrocytoma 1321N1, and compound 4d bearing a 2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)thiazol‐4‐yl moiety at the 4‐position of the chromene ring exhibited the best inhibitory activity against breast cancer cells MCF‐7, lung cancer cells A549, and colon adenocarcinoma cells SW480 with IC50 values less than 5 μM. The ability of compound 4b to induce apoptosis was confirmed in a nuclear morphological assay by DAPI staining in the KB and MCF‐7 cells.
The histopathologic associates of neurometabolite abnormalities in fatal neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Brooks William M. , Sibbitt Wilmer L. , Kornfeld Mario , Jung Rex E. , Bankhurst Arthur D. , Roldan Carlos A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the histopathologic basis of altered brain neurometabolites in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).MethodsBrain neurometabolite concentrations in a 20‐voxel area of the brain were determined premortem by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in 7 individuals with NPSLE. Absolute concentrations of neurometabolite for N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), choline, creatine, and lactate were measured. After the death of the patients, histopathologic changes were determined at autopsy of the brain and were matched voxel‐by‐voxel with the neurometabolites.ResultsThe mean ± SD absolute concentrations of NAA (9.15 ± 1.78 mM in patients versus 12.2 ± 0.8 mM in controls; P < 0.01) and creatine (6.43 ± 0.16 mM in patients versus 6.90 ± 0.60 mM in controls; P < 0.003) were significantly reduced and the concentration of choline (2.51 ± 0.42 mM in patients versus 1.92 ± 0.32 mM in controls; P < 0.04) was significantly elevated in NPSLE patients as compared with controls. Widespread heterogeneous changes in the histologic features of the brain were present, including microinfarcts, microhemorrhages, bland angiopathy, thrombotic angiopathy with platelet and fibrin thrombi, neuronal necrosis in various states of resolution, reduced numbers of axons and neurons, vacuole and space formation among the fibers, reduced numbers of oligodendrocytes, reactive microglia and astrocytes, lipid‐laden macrophages, and cyst formation. Neurometabolite abnormalities were closely associated with underlying histopathologic changes in the brain: 1) elevated choline levels were independently associated with gliosis, vasculopathy, and edema (r = 0.75, P < 0.004 in the multivariate model); 2) reduced creatine levels with reduced neuronal–axonal density and gliosis (r = 0.72, P < 0.002 in the multivariate model); 3) reduced NAA levels with reduced neuronal–axonal density (r = 0.66, P < 0.001 in the multivariate model); and 4) the presence of lactate with necrosis, microhemorrhages, and edema (r = 0.996, P < 0.0001 in the multivariate model).ConclusionAltered neurometabolites in NPSLE patients, as determined by MRS, are a grave prognostic sign, indicating serious underlying histologic brain injury.
Tetracycline‐regulated bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene expression in lentivirally transduced primary rabbit chondrocytes for treatment of cartilage defects
Authors: Wübbenhorst Daniela , Dumler Katja , Wagner Bettina , Wexel Gabriele , Imhoff Andreas , Gansbacher Bernd , Vogt Stephan , Anton Martina 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTreatment of cartilage defects is still challenging, primarily because of the poor self‐healing capacity of articular cartilage. Gene therapy approaches have gained considerable attention, but, depending on the vector system used, they can lead to either limited or unrestrained gene expression, and therefore regulation of gene expression is necessary. This study was undertaken to construct an efficient tetracycline (Tet)–regulated, lentivirally mediated system for the expression of growth factor bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) in primary rabbit chondrocytes that will allow for the induction and termination of growth factor gene expression once cartilage regeneration is complete.MethodsChondrogenic ATDC5 cells and primary rabbit chondrocytes were lentivirally transduced with different tetracycline‐on (Tet‐On)–regulated, self‐inactivating vectors for the induction of expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or BMP‐2, using either a 1‐vector system or a 2‐vector system.ResultsExpression of eGFP was induced on ATDC5 cells and chondrocytes. The highest induction rate and highest level of gene expression were reached when the spleen focus‐forming virus long terminal repeat promoter was used to drive the reverse transactivator expression, after the addition of doxycycline, in chondrocytes. An up to 20‐fold induction of Tet‐mediated BMP‐2 expression was observed on ATDC5 cells. The extent of induction and expression level of BMP‐2 in chondrocytes were similar between the 1‐vector system– and 2‐vector system–infected cells (mean ± SD 15.5 ± 1.1 ng/ml and 14.6 ± 0.4 ng/ml, respectively). In addition, prolonged induction and switching‐off of BMP‐2 expression, as well as repeated induction, were demonstrated. Production of proteoglycans, as shown by Alcian blue staining, demonstrated the functionality of the lentivirally expressed BMP‐2 under induced conditions.ConclusionThe lentivirally mediated Tet‐On system is an effective strategy for efficient, repeatedly inducible expression of BMP‐2 in primary rabbit chondrocytes. Therefore, use of this system in in vivo experiments may be a promising approach as a treatment strategy for cartilage defects.
Dihydrosphingosine 1‐phosphate has a potent antifibrotic effect in scleroderma fibroblasts via normalization of phosphatase and tensin homolog levels
Authors: Bu Shizhong , Asano Yoshihide , Bujor Andreea , Highland Kristin , Hant Faye , Trojanowska Maria 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have revealed a phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)–dependent interaction between the sphingolipid agonist dihydrosphingosine 1‐phosphate (dhS1P) and the transforming growth factor β/Smad3 signaling pathway. This study was undertaken to examine responses of systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts to sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) and dhS1P and to gain further insight into the regulation of the S1P/dhS1P/PTEN pathway in SSc fibrosis.MethodsFibroblast cultures were established from skin biopsy samples obtained from patients with SSc and matched healthy controls. Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to measure protein and messenger RNA levels, respectively. PTEN protein was examined in skin biopsy samples by immunohistochemistry.ResultsPTEN protein levels were low in SSc fibroblasts and correlated with elevated levels of collagen and phospho‐Smad3 and reduced levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1). Treatment with dhS1P restored PTEN levels and normalized collagen and MMP‐1 expression, as well as Smad3 phosphorylation status in SSc fibroblasts. S1P was strongly profibrotic in SSc and control fibroblasts. Distribution of S1P receptor isoforms was altered in SSc fibroblasts, which had reduced levels of S1P receptor 1 and S1P receptor 2 and elevated levels of S1P receptor 3. Only depletion of S1P receptor 1 abrogated the effects of dhS1P and S1P in control dermal fibroblasts. In contrast, depletion of either S1P receptor 1 or S1P receptor 2 prevented the effects of S1P and dhS1P in SSc fibroblasts.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PTEN deficiency is a critical determinant of the profibrotic phenotype of SSc fibroblasts. The antifibrotic effect of dhS1P is mediated through normalization of PTEN expression, suggesting that dhS1P or its derivatives may be effective as therapeutic antifibrotic agents. The distribution and function of S1P receptors differ in SSc and healthy fibroblasts, suggesting that alteration in the sphingolipid signaling pathway may contribute to SSc fibrosis.
Expression of toll‐like receptor 3 and toll‐like receptor 7 in muscle is characteristic of inflammatory myopathy and is differentially regulated by Th1 and Th17 cytokines
Authors: Tournadre A. , Lenief V. , Miossec P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the expression of Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR‐3) and TLR‐7 in muscle tissue from patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) and to investigate the function and regulation of TLR‐3 in cultured muscle cells.MethodsThe expression of TLR‐3, TLR‐7, HLA class I, and CD56, a marker of immature myoblast precursors, was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. TLR‐3 regulation and signaling were assessed in myoblasts and in differentiated myotubes with the TLR‐3 agonist poly(I‐C), necrotic myoblasts, and Th1 and Th17 cytokines, in the presence or absence of neutralizing anti–TLR‐3 antibody. Levels of TLR‐3 messenger RNA (mRNA) were quantified by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), CCL20, and IL‐8 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsTLR‐3 and TLR‐7 were expressed in PM/DM tissues, but not in noninflammatory muscle tissues, and were primarily detected in inflammatory infiltrates, although a few muscle cells were also positive. These TLR‐3– and TLR‐7–positive fibers expressed high levels of CD56 and HLA class I antigens. A synergy between poly(I‐C) and IL‐17 was observed for the production of IL‐6 and CCL20. Similarly, stimulation with necrotic myoblasts increased IL‐6 production, and stimulation with necrotic myoblasts in combination with IL‐17 further increased the induction of IL‐6. TLR‐3 blockade decreased the inducing effect of necrotic myoblasts and IL‐17 on IL‐6 production. Stimulation with interferon‐γ (IFNγ) increased TLR‐3 mRNA levels, but IL‐17 down‐regulated the inducing effect of IFNγ.ConclusionOur findings indicate that TLR‐3 and TLR‐7 are expressed in inflammatory myopathic tissues, particularly in immature myoblast precursors. Necrotic muscle cells activate cytokine production, in part, through the TLR‐3 pathway, with a differential regulatory effect of Th1 and Th17 cytokines.
Copulæ: Some mathematical aspects
Authors: Sempi Carlo 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper starts with a few critical considerations about the use of copulas in applications, mainly in the field of Mathematical Finance. Two points will be stressed: (i) the construction of asymmetric copulas and (ii) the construction of multivariate copulas. Also, it briefly touches on the long‐standing problem of compatibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Training and testing music skills in a boy with autism using a matching‐to‐sample format
Authors: Arntzen Erik , Halstadtro Lill‐Beathe , Bjerke Eli , Halstadtro Monica 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA 16‐year old boy with autism was taught music skills using a matching to sample procedure. He was trained and subsequently tested for the formation of four 4‐member classes, including different visual music stimuli, and Norwegian and Vietnamese labels for different major and minor chords. Four different stimuli sets were trained both in one‐to‐many (OTM) and many‐to‐one (MTO) training structures. Further, we explored if the reaction times to comparison stimuli increased from training to testing. Results showed that the participant formed equivalence classes with music relations. Furthermore, there were small differences only between OTM and MTO with respect to stimulus equivalence responding. The reaction times to comparison stimuli increased from training to testing, and were most pronounced for the equivalence trials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel method for sensing of methimazole using gold nanoparticle‐catalyzed chemiluminescent reaction
Authors: Sheng Zonghai , Han Heyou , Yang Gaodong 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBased on the inhibition effect of methimazole (MMI) on the reaction of luminol–H2O2 catalyzed by gold nanoparticles, a novel chemiluminescence (CL) method was developed for the determination of MMI. Under the optimum conditions, the relative CL intensity was linearly related to MMI concentration in the range from 5.0 × 10−8 to 5.0 × 10−5 mol L−1. The detection limit was 1.6 × 10−8 mol L−1 (S/N = 3), and the RSD for 6.0 × 10−6 mol L−1 MMI was 4.83 (n = 11). This method has high sensitivity, wide linear range, inexpensive instrumentation and has been applied to detect MMI in pharmaceutical tablets and pig serum samples. Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism is discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.