bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental degradation and biofouling of ‘green’ plastics including short and medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Woolnough Catherine A , Yee Lachlan H , Charlton Tim , Foster L John R 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBiopolymers derived from natural resources are potential alternatives to recalcitrant synthetic plastics; however, studies investigating the degradability of these biopolymers in natural environments are relatively few. This study compares the environmental degradation of polymers described as ‘green plastics’ in garden soil in terms of weight loss, topographical changes and biofilm attachment. Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)] (P(HB‐co‐8HV)), (copolymer containing 8 mol% HV) films degraded rapidly, losing 50% of their initial weight in 50 days. In contrast, after burial for 380 days, the medium chain length polyhydroxyoctanoate (PHO) lost 60% of its weight, poly(D,L‐lactide) (PDLL) 18% and poly[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide] (PDLLG) 35%. Polystyrene (PS) and ethyl cellulose (EC) showed no significant degradation. Both weight loss and biofouling occurred in the following sequence: P(HB‐co‐8HV) = PHB > PHO > PDLLG > PDLL > PS = EC. The surface rugosity and surface areas of PHB and P(HB‐co‐8HV) increased three‐ and twofold, respectively, during degradation, indicating surface erosion. The surface rugosity of PHO increased twofold and the surface area increased by 25%. This in situ study demonstrates a quantifiable relationship between biofilm attachment, surface rugosity and polymer degradation. PHB and P(HB‐co‐8HV) showed greater biofouling and increased surface rugosity, and degraded significantly faster than the other polymers studied. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
A comparison between silicone and acrylic elastomers as dielectric materials in electroactive polymer actuators
Authors: Michel Silvain , Zhang Xuequn Q , Wissler Michael , Löwe Christiane , Kovacs Gabor 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSoft elastomers, mostly silicones and acrylics, are interesting candidates as dielectric materials in electroactive polymer actuator technology. Generally, characteristics like large strain, high stress, high energy density, good efficiency and high response speed are required for actuator applications. However, some of these material properties may be contradictory. For this reason a comparison between Dow Corning silicone and 3M acrylic elastomers was made based on a set of six electromechanical tests for actuator applications. The silicone elastomer shows a fast electromechanical response (3 s) with good reproducibility and the dissipated work is negligible and not frequency dependent. It also shows a stable mechanical behaviour over a wide temperature range. In contrast, the acrylic elastomer shows a slow electromechanical response with poor reproducibility. The dissipated work of the acrylic elastomer is significant: a strong frequency and temperature dependency of the dissipated work is observed for this material. The Dow Corning silicone (DC 3481) is a better material for many applications, where activation strains of less than 10% are sufficient. However, in applications where higher strains are required, it might be obligatory to use acrylic elastomers, because only these have the potential for use with activation strains beyond 10%. The electrical activation of a circular specimen is most useful in order to evaluate a material as a dielectric in electroactive polymer actuators. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and performance of proton conducting chitosan/NH4Cl electrolyte
Authors: Du J. F. , Bai Y. , Chu W. Y. , Qiao L. J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe polymer electrolytes based on chitosan and ammonium chloride were prepared by solution casting technique and the properties were studied. The addition of ammonium chloride results in: (1) the enhancement of the amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes; (2) the shift of the absorption bands of amino group at 1566 cm−1 and the carbonyl group at 1640 cm−1 towards lower wave number, and the appearance of a new absorption band at 1759 cm−1; (3) a decrease of the glass transition temperature. The 20 wt % ammonium chloride doped polymer electrolyte has the best room temperature electric property, the lowest activation energy and the highest ionic conductivity. Placing the as‐prepared polymer electrolyte in a dryer is adverse for the sample's moisture content, and results in higher activation energy and lower ionic conductivity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 260–266, 2010
NHLBI training workshop report: The vanishing pediatric pulmonary investigator and recommendations for recovery
Authors: Ferkol Thomas , Zeitlin Pamela , Abman Steven , Blaisdell Carol J. , O'Brodovich Hugh 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe adequacy of the pipeline of advanced pulmonary fellows to supply appropriately trained and committed researchers to enter academic careers was the major topic of a recently held National Heart Lung and Blood Institute NHLBI Workshop: Respiratory Medicine‐Related Research Training for Adult and Pediatric Fellows. The special challenges and opportunities for the academic pediatric pulmonary trainee were discussed as part of this workshop and are discussed as a companion paper to the report by the full workshop. Surveys were conducted of pediatric chairs of academic departments and pediatric pulmonary training directors in the United States to examine the current status and opportunities for the pediatric pulmonary trainee. Strategies for recruitment and retention of talented young trainees and junior faculty are proposed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:25–33. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reliability of knee joint range of motion and circumference measurements after total knee arthroplasty: does tester experience matter?
Authors: Jakobsen Thomas Linding , Christensen Malene , Christensen Stine Sommer , Olsen Marie , Bandholm Thomas 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Two of the most utilized outcome measures to assess knee joint range of motion (ROM) and intra‐articular effusion are goniometry and circumference, respectively. Neither goniometry nor circumference of the knee joint have been examined for both intra‐tester and inter‐tester in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the intra‐tester and inter‐tester reliability of active and passive knee joint ROM and circumference in patients with TKA when administered by physiotherapists (testers) with different clinical experience. Method. The design was an intra‐tester, inter‐tester and intra‐day reliability study. Nineteen outpatients (10 females) having received a TKA were examined by an inexperienced and an experienced physiotherapist. Following a standardized protocol, active and passive knee joint ROM and circumference measurements were obtained using a universal goniometer and a tape measure, respectively. To establish reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) and smallest real difference (SRD) were calculated. Results. The knee joint ROM and circumference measurements were generally reliable (ICC > 0.8) within and between physiotherapists (except passive knee extension). Changes in knee joint ROM of more than 6.6° and 10° (except active knee flexion) and knee joint circumference of more than 1.0 cm and 1.63 cm represent a real clinical improvement (SRD) or deterioration for a single individual within and between physiotherapists, respectively. Generally, the experienced tester recorded larger knee joint ROM and lower circumference values than that of the inexperienced tester. Conclusions. In clinical practice, we suggest that repeated knee goniometric and circumferential measurements should be recorded by the same physiotherapist in individual patients with TKA. Tester experience appears not to influence the degree of reliability. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing earthworm casts (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) in turfgrass using a natural byproduct of tea oil (Camellia sp.) manufacture
Authors: Potter Daniel A , Redmond Carl T , Meepagala Kumudini M , Williams David W 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Earthworm casts are a worldwide problem on golf courses and sports fields when they disrupt the playability, aesthetics and maintenance of closely mowed playing surfaces. Currently, no pesticides are labeled for earthworms in the United States. Tea seed pellets (TSPs), a saponin‐rich byproduct of Camellia oleifera Abel oil manufacture, were tested for expelling earthworms and reducing casts on creeping bentgrass turf. The fate of expelled worms, methods for removing them and impacts on pest and beneficial arthropods were also evaluated.RESULTS: Application of TSPs at 2.93 kg 100 m−2, followed by irrigation, quickly expelled earthworms from the soil. A single application reduced casts by 80–95% for at least 5 weeks. Mowing or sweeping removed expelled earthworms from putting green surfaces. Most expelled earthworms burrowed down when transferred to untreated turf, but few survived. Bioassay‐guided fractionation confirmed the vermicidal activity results from a mix of saponins. TSPs did not reduce the abundance of beneficial soil arthropods, nor did they control black cutworms or white grubs in treated turf.CONCLUSION: TSPs are an effective botanical vermicide that could be useful for selectively managing earthworm casts on closely mowed turfgrass. They might also be used to suppress earthworms in grassy strips alongside runways to reduce bird strike hazard at airports. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Platycodin D inhibits adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 cells by modulating kruppel‐like factor 2 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ
Authors: Lee Haeyong , Kang Ryunhwa , Kim Yeong Shik , Chung Sang‐In , Yoon Yoosik 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this study, platycodin D was found to inhibit intracellular triglyceride accumulation in 3T3‐L1 cells with an IC50 of 7.1 μM. The expression levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism such as fatty‐acid‐binding protein 4 and lipoprotein lipase were significantly downregulated following treatment with platycodin D. Treatment with platycodin D also resulted in a reduction of Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor(PPAR)γ expression and its binding to target DNA sequence. Among the various upstream regulators of PPARγ, the expression of Kruppel‐like factor(KLF)2, an anti‐adipogenic factor, was significantly upregulated following platycodin D treatment. When the upregulation of KLF2 was inhibited by KLF2 siRNA, the expression and binding of PPARγ to its target sequence were significantly recovered under these conditions. The results of this study suggested that anti‐adipogenic effect of platycodin D involves the upregulation of KLF2 and subsequent downregulation of PPARγ. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why some firms never invest in formal R&D
Authors: Cuervo‐Cazurra Alvaro , Annique Un C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn this paper we study the frequency of formal R&D investments. We link real options theory to the knowledge‐based view to explain how a firm's knowledge resources influence its frequency of investing in R&D to establish technological options. Specifically, we propose that a firm that lacks internal knowledge resources is more likely to never invest in R&D, a firm that has both internal and external knowledge resources is more likely to sometimes invest in R&D, while a firm that has internal knowledge resources but lacks external knowledge resources is more likely to always invest in R&D. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A service‐based runtime environment for native applications
Authors: Al‐Gahmi Abdulmalik , Cook Jonathan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractUnlike interpreted application programs that run within the rich runtime environment of their own interpreters, natively compiled application programs are typically thought of as executing on the barebones runtime environment provided by their own operating systems and dynamic linkers. This article presents the notion of a service‐based runtime (SBRT) environment for natively compiled application programs, in which the current dynamic linker is only a core service and other extensive middleware‐type services are available to the running application program. It then describes a dynamic‐linker‐based implementation of such an environment, calleddlSBRT.dlSBRTimplements a unified interface that allows it to be extensible by means of extension dynamic services. Implemented examples of such services are presented and the performance ofdlSBRT, when such example services are deployed, is evaluated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruption of Bis Leads to the Deterioration of the Vascular Niche for Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Kwon Kyung-rim , Ahn Ji-Yeon , Kim Myung-Shin , Jung Joo-Young , Lee Jeong-Hwa , Oh Il-Hoan 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The stem cell niche plays an important role in the microenvironmental regulation of hematopoietic stem cells, but the integration of niche activity remains poorly understood. In this study, we show that a functional deficiency of Bis/BAG-3/CAIR-1, a protein related to apoptosis and the response to cellular stress, results in perturbation of the vascular stem cell niche, causing a series of hematopoietic derangements. Mice with a targeted disruption of bis (bis−/−) exhibited a loss of hematopoietic stem cells and defective B-cell development. However, this hematological defect of bis−/− mice was not reproduced when bis−/− bone marrow cells were transplanted into bis+/+ recipients. Moreover, bis+/+ bone marrow cells, when transplanted into bis−/− mice, reproduced the same defect as bis−/− cells, pointing to the microenvironmental origin of the phenotypes. Subsequent analysis of bis−/− mice bone marrow revealed a characteristic defect in the vascular stem cell niche that included the defective growth of stromal progenitor cells in colony forming unit-fibroblasts, the defect in sinusoidal endothelium, and the loss of stromal cells expressing CXCL-12 or IL-7 in the bone marrow. In contrast, no abnormalities were observed in the growth and hematopoietic supporting activities of osteoblasts from bis−/− mice bone marrows. Collectively, these results indicate that Bis functions to mediate cellular regulation of the stem cell niche on the vascular compartment and suggest that the vascular and osteoblastic compartments of the stem cell niche can be independently regulated during the in vivo orchestration of hematopoiesis.
Use of rotational friction dampers to enhance seismic and progressive collapse resisting capacity of structures
Authors: Kim J. , Choi H. , Min K‐W. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPassive energy dissipation devices are generally used to reduce structural responses caused by earthquake or wind loads. This study presents combined system of rotational friction dampers connected to high strength tendons to enhance both seismic and progressive collapse‐resisting capacity of existing structures. Friction dampers were designed using the capacity spectrum method to satisfy given performance objectives against seismic load, and their seismic‐ and progressive collapse‐resisting capacities were investigated. According to the nonlinear dynamic analysis results, the structures retrofitted with rotational friction dampers generally satisfied the given performance objectives against seismic load. Both the nonlinear static and dynamic analysis results showed that the progressive collapse potential of the model structures was significantly enhanced as a result of the seismic retrofit. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social neuroscience
Authors: Norman Greg J. , Cacioppo John T. , Berntson Gary G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractSocial species, by definition, create emergent organizations beyond the individual that range in humans from dyads, families, and groups to cities, civilizations, and cultures. These emergent structures evolved hand‐in‐hand with neural, hormonal, and genetic mechanisms to support them because the consequent social behaviors helped these organisms survive, reproduce, and care for offspring sufficiently long that they too survived to reproduce. Social neuroscience is concerned with investigating these emergent structures and the underlying neural, hormonal, and genetic mechanisms that make them possible. As such, it represents an interdisciplinary approach devoted to understanding how biological systems implement social processes and behavior, and to using biological concepts and methods to inform and refine theories of social processes and behavior. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Behavior
Risk attitude and preference
Authors: Weber Elke U. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCitizens of Western countries are asked to make an increasing number of decisions that involve risk, from decisions about how much and how to save for their old age to choices among medical treatments and medical insurance plans. At the same time, uncertainty about choice outcomes has gone up as the result of ever faster social, environmental, and technological change. Accuracy in predicting what choices people will make, at least in the aggregate, is an important determinant for the success of public policy interventions. In addition, corporate and public policy often tries to influence and modify people's choices in the face of risk and uncertainty, for example, getting people to save more of their income or getting women to invest in less conservative instruments. Understanding the processes that underlie risky decisions and the drivers of risk taking is critical to both agendas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:Economics > Individual Decision-MakingPsychology > Reasoning and Decision Making
Nutritional composition and digestibility by ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) of whole animals and a commercial diet
Authors: Bennett Cynthia L. , Booth‐Binczik Susan D. , Steele Suzy R. E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFelids are adapted to eat whole prey, but in North American zoos are usually fed processed diets based on muscle meat. We analyzed proximate nutrient composition and digestibility by ocelots of a commercial processed diet and whole animals of five species. The processed diet did not differ significantly from the whole animals in proximate composition, although it was at one end of the range of results for all nutrients. Domestic chicks were significantly lower than all other dietary items tested in digestibility of energy and fat, and lower than rabbits and quail in digestibility of dry matter. There were no other significant differences. These results suggest that the commercial diet tested provides an appropriate nutritional environment for ocelots with respect to proximate constituents. Studies of vitamin and mineral composition and digestibility and comparisons to wild prey species should be conducted to permit a full evaluation. Zoo Biol 29:753–759, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effectiveness of an instructional DVD on third‐ and fourth‐degree laceration repair for obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate trainees
Authors: Chao Tamara T. , Wendel George D. , McIntire Donald D. , Corton Marlene M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of an instructional DVD on the anatomy and repair of anal sphincter lacerations to improve postgraduate trainees’ understanding.MethodsA total of 71 obstetrics and gynecology trainees completed a pretest of third‐ and fourth‐degree lacerations to assess baseline knowledge and perceptions. Question categories included anatomy, antibiotics, anesthesia, repair methods, complications, postoperative care, and risk factors. After 1 year of clinical experience, 67 trainees (94%) were randomly assigned into DVD (intervention) and non‐DVD (control) groups. A post‐test was administered 4 weeks later.ResultsIn the DVD group (n = 34), mean scores on the pretest versus the post‐test were 65% vs 74% for postgraduate year (PGY)‐1 (P = 0.09); 72% vs 83% for PGY‐2 (P = 0.06); 67% vs 83% for PGY‐3 (P = 0.01); and 75% vs 87% for PGY‐4 (P < 0.001). In the non‐DVD group (n = 33), mean scores did not change significantly for any year level. The increase in score from pretest to post‐test was significantly different between the 2 groups, independent of year (P < 0.001). DVD group scores improved significantly over non‐DVD group scores in anatomy (P = 0.005) and repair methods (P = 0.042) subscales.ConclusionAn educational video is an effective tool for improving understanding of third‐ and fourth‐degree lacerations for physicians‐in‐training.
Perioperative and long‐term complications among obese women undergoing vaginal surgery
Authors: Nam Ka‐Hyun , Jeon Myung‐Jae , Hur Hye‐Won , Kim Sei‐Kwang , Bai Sang‐Wook 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether obesity influenced the risk of perioperative and long‐term complications in patients undergoing vaginal surgery.MethodsWomen diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse who underwent vaginal surgery between March 1999 and May 2007 were classified into 3 groups: normal weight (body mass index [BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters] 18.5–23.0); overweight (BMI 23.0–27.5); and obese (BMI ≥ 27.5). Complications were subdivided into perioperative (< 1 month) and long‐term (≥ 1 month). Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance, χ2 test, and logistic regression.ResultsDemographic information showed no differences among the groups, except for the presence of comorbidity (P = 0.03). Blood loss and transfusion as a perioperative complication and urinary retention as a long‐term complication were significantly different among the groups: odds ratio (OR) 2.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–4.39; P < 0.01); and OR 2.20 (95% CI, 1.21–4.03; P = 0.03), respectively.ConclusionMajor complications were rare, and most were not significantly different among the groups. However, obesity was a protective factor against blood loss and transfusion, and long‐term urinary retention.
The role of the media in electoral behaviour: A Canadian perspective
Authors: Nesbitt-Larking Paul W 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis work, divided in four sections, is a critical assessment of Canadian perspectives on the role of the media in electoral behaviour, notably on the roles media play in setting or responding to the agenda in the heat of election campaigns. The first section of the article highlights important Canadian methodological and empirical contributions to behaviouralism. The second section of the article, on culture, ideology, and discourse, illustrates general patterns of contrast between the Canadian and American political cultures through an exploration of the comparative role of negative and attack advertisements in election campaigns. The third section of the article illustrates how facets of the Political Economy of Canada exert an impact on media/campaign interactions. The fourth and final section of the article undertakes the task of situating media/campaign interactions within the legal-institutional regulatory context of the Canadian state. Here, while the potential impact on media content is apparent, the critical approach to the role of the media incorporates both the unacknowledged conditions and the unanticipated outcomes of the regulatory apparatus.