bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
pH‐responsive poly(2‐ethylacrylic acid‐co‐alkyl methacrylate) copolymers as biomembrane switches
Authors: Jiang Guohua 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe intracellular delivery of active biomacromolecules from endosomes into the cytoplasm generally requires a membrane‐disrupting agent. Since endosomes have a slightly acidic pH, anionic carboxylated polymers could be potentially useful for this purpose because they can destabilize membrane bilayers by pH‐triggered conformational change. In this study, different pH‐sensitive 2‐ethylacrylic acid and alkyl methacrylate [butyl methacrylate and hexyl methacrylate] copolymers were synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization with high yields. pH‐dependent membrane disruptive activity was investigated with respect to their physicochemical and membrane lytic properties as a function of pH, concentration, and molecular weight. Hemolysis assays demonstrated that the presence of the hydrophobic monomer and sufficient protonation of the carboxylic acid groups were important parameters for efficient membrane destabilization. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
An investigation of the flocculation characteristics of polyacrylamide‐grafted chitosan
Authors: Ali S. K. Akbar , Singh Ram Prakash 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTo investigate the flocculation characteristics of polyacrylamide (PAM)‐grafted chitosan, a series of PAM‐grafted chitosan copolymer (Chito‐g‐PAM1 to Chito‐g‐PAM4) have been synthesized by ceric ammonium nitrate‐induced solution polymerization technique in nitrogen atmosphere. The flocculation characteristics of the polymer samples (PAM, grafted and ungrafted chitosan) were studied by settling test and jar test methods in the colloidal suspensions of kaolin, iron ore, silica, and bentonite powder. It was found that the settling performance of Chito‐g‐PAM3 is best among the polymer samples. The jar test results indicate that the ungrafted chitosan has better water clarifying performance than both the PAM and grafted chitosan. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Epoxy‐boehmite nanocomposites as new insulating materials
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Deorsola Fabio , Fabiani Davide , Montanari Giancarlo , Rizza Giancarlo 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe results of a comparative analysis performed on specimens of nanostructured epoxy resins obtained by different boehmite filler concentrations are reported in this paper. The specimens were prepared by dispersion of boehmite nanoparticles into a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin cross linked under UV. Photopolymerization process was followed by RT‐FTIR and the properties of uv‐cured films investigated. Dielectric properties, in particular space charge accumulation, are measured as a function of nanofiller content. Results indicate that space charge build up and charge mobility are affected largely by filler content. Concentrations of nanofiller of 5–7 wt % show significant decrease of the space charge with respect to the base‐epoxy resin and an increased mobility of negative carriers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of acrylamide‐based aluminum flocculant for turbidity reduction in wastewater
Authors: Noppakundilograt Supaporn , Nanakorn Praon , Sonjaipanich Kittichai , Seetapan Nispa , Kiatkamjornwong Suda 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPolymeric flocculants of aluminum hydroxide‐poly[acrylamide‐co‐(acrylic acid)], AHAMAA, were prepared by solution polymerization using aluminum hydroxide as a coagulant in the presence of acrylamide (AM) and acrylic acid (AA) as a comonomer pair with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking was initiated by ammonium persulfate with N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine as an initiator. The water absorbency of crosslinked poly[AM‐co‐AA] was always higher than that of AHAMAA and was found to be correlated to the storage modulus of the polymers, which was higher for AHAMAA than that of crosslinked poly[AM‐co‐AA]. The residual aluminum concentration of AHAMAA (0.09–0.2 mg L−1) indicated the stability of the polymer flocculant which was in good agreement with the observed tan δ and the higher G′′ and G′ values. Both the crosslinked poly[AM‐co‐AA] and AHAMAA satisfactorily reduced the turbidity of kaolin suspensions, but the latter gave a better reduction performance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
PA6/clay nanocomposites by continuous sonication process
Authors: Swain Sarat K. , Isayev Avraam I. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPolyamide 6 (PA6)/clay nanocomposites were prepared using a single screw extruder with an ultrasonic die attachment. The die pressure and ultrasonic power consumption were measured at various clay concentrations. The structure and morphology of nanocomposites studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the clay (Cloisite® 30B) was exfoliated within PA6 matrix at all clay concentrations, while clays (Cloisite® 15A and 93A) only intercalated. The complex viscosities of the nanocomposites were increased with clay loading and after ultrasonic treatment at lower amplitudes. The Young's modulus, stress and elongation at break, toughness and yield stress and strain of ultrasonically treated nanocomposites were significantly affected by the level of intensity of ultrasound. In addition to XRD, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and 15N NMR techniques were used to investigate the structural changes in PA6/clay nanocomposites. The results indicated that the intercalated organoclay nanocomposites can induce generation of the γ‐form crystal of PA6 and substantially affect the arrangement of molecules in the α‐form crystal. It was found that the addition of clay in the PA6 matrix leads to a decrease of crystallinity. However, ultrasonic treatment of nanocomposites increased crystallinity. A substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was observed by increasing concentration of clay. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced natural rubbers using surface‐modified PET fibers under EB irradiation
Authors: Kondo Y. , Miyazaki K. , Takayanagi K. , Sakurai K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAiming to develop a high performance fiber‐reinforced natural rubber (NR), a special technique using electron beam (EB) irradiation‐induced graft‐polymerization was applied to high‐strength polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers. Although PET is chemically robust, allyl methacrylate (AMA) could be graft‐polymerized onto the PET fiber surface with this special technique. The composite of NR and grafted‐PET fibers indicated a linear increase in the initial modulus with the fiber content. At the fiber content of 10%, the initial modulus was improved about five times with respect to that of the pure NR, whereas the breaking strength increased by ca. 35% and the breaking strain decreased by ca. 45%. The fiber‐reinforced rubber with a good performance was obtained in the system of NR and grafted‐PET fibers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Engaging with plastination and the Body Worlds phenomenon: A cultural and intellectual challenge for anatomists
Authors: Jones D. Gareth , Whitaker Maja I. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBody Worlds, the international plastination phenomenon, has proved immensely popular with audiences worldwide. Never before has the human body been exposed to public gaze in such an accessible and intriguing manner. Dissected body parts feature alongside whole‐body plastinates with their life‐like poses ranging from those with Renaissance motifs to others with highly contemporary themes. However, the exhibitions and their creator, Gunther von Hagens, have astounded many, including anatomists, some of whom find the unconventional display of human bodies unethical and offensive. The voyeuristic nature of Body Worlds and the uneasy balance between entertainment and education have proved problematic for anatomists. Von Hagens himself is a polarizing figure, pursuing his dream of “democratizing anatomy” with little regard for the conventions of academia. While valid ethical objections can be raised against some aspects of the exhibitions, we argue that wholesale rejection of them is unwarranted. In arriving at this conclusion we assess the ethical and educational issues involved. We divide the whole‐body plastinates into four categories, ranging from those illustrating structural and functional relationships to those with artistic and humanistic aspirations rather than anatomical ones. We conclude that anatomists need to face up to the opportunities and challenges posed by the Body Worlds phenomenon, utilizing what is being presented to the general public and adapting this in teaching and research. Clin. Anat. 22:770–776, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UF6 and UF4 in Liquid Ammonia: [UF7(NH3)]3− and [UF4(NH3)4]
Authors: Kraus Florian , Baer Sebastian A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractFrom the reaction of uranium hexafluoride UF6 with dry liquid ammonia, the [UF7(NH3)]3− anion and the [UF4(NH3)4] molecule were isolated and identified for the first time. They are found in signal‐green crystals of trisammonium monoammine heptafluorouranate(IV) ammonia (1:1; [NH4]3[UF7(NH3)]⋅NH3) and emerald‐green crystals of tetraammine tetrafluorouranium(IV) ammonia (1:1; [UF4(NH3)4]⋅NH3). [NH4]3[UF7(NH3)]⋅NH3 features discrete [UF7(NH3)]3− anions with a coordination geometry similar to a bicapped trigonal prism, hitherto unknown for UIV compounds. The emerald‐green [UF4(NH3)4]⋅NH3 contains discrete tetraammine tetrafluorouranium(IV) [UF4(NH3)4] molecules. [UF4(NH3)4]⋅NH3 is not stable at room temperature and forms pastel‐green [UF4(NH3)4] as a powder that is surprisingly stable up to 147 °C. The compounds are the first structurally characterized ammonia complexes of uranium fluorides.
ChemInform Abstract: Solvent‐Free Chemoselective Synthesis of Some Novel Substituted 2‐Arylbenzimidazoles Using Amino Acid‐Based Prolinium Nitrate Ionic Liquid as Catalyst.
Authors: Rostamizadeh Shahnaz , Aryan Reza , Ghaieni Hamid Reza , Amani Ali Mohammad 
Published: July 2009

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Stereoselective asymmetric synthesis of (+)‐sedamine and (+)‐allosedamine
Authors: Lebrun Stéphane , Couture Axel , Deniau Eric , Grandclaudon Pierre 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA convenient method for the generation of (+)‐sedamine and (+)‐allosedamine in high optical purity has been elaborated. The key steps are the highly stereoselective 1,2‐nucleophilic addition to SAMP hydrazones allowing the installation of the stereogenic center at C2 and ring closing metathesis. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An In‐Depth Characterization of Urban Aerosols Using Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Analysis
Authors: Khwaja Haider A. , Parekh Pravin P. , Khan Adil R. , Hershey Daniel L. , Naqvi Ronaq R. , Malik Abdul , Khan Khalid 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe physical and chemical characterization of aerosols from three large cities, Karachi and Islamabad, Pakistan, and New York City (NYC), USA, was investigated. A scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) was used to determine particle morphology and elemental composition of the samples. A Bruker Spirit system in combination with a Sahara detector provided both computer controlled Automated Chemical Classification (ACC) and digital mapping features for analysis purposes. The use of these two features to characterize the elemental composition, particle size, and to determine specific classes or source types is described in this paper. Filters were analyzed for the following elements; Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Ba, La, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, and U. The EDS work was qualitative not quantitative. Seven source types (mobile, cement, soil, steel mill, fossil fuel, sea salt and biological) contributed to particulate matter in the ambient air of both cities in Pakistan, whereas there were eight source types (diesel, road dust, automobile, iron, residual fuel oil, sea salt, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate) for NYC. For all three urban centers, vehicular traffic emissions were the main contributor to particle number. Diesel emissions from trucks and buses were relatively more prominent in NYC aerosols, while gasoline emission from automotive exhaust was dominant in the two cities of Pakistan. The cement/limestone component from local cement industries was very evident in both particle surface characteristics and number for both Karachi and Islamabad, but not in NYC air. Sea salt aerosols were seen in the two coastal cities, Karachi and NYC. It was also witnessed in Islamabad aerosols and was attributable to the mining of rock salt at the world's richest salt mine, Khewra, situated upwind from the city.
How our worldviews shape our practice
Authors: Goldberg Rachel M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis article reviews research on the effect of a conflict resolution practitioner's worldview on practice. The results revealed patterns connecting worldview frames with differing uses of power. Forty‐three environmental and intercultural practitioners were interviewed, and narrative and metaphor analysis was used to reveal key worldview orientations in their practice stories. The results are correlated in continuums and “profiles” of the worldview orientation. The findings strengthen previous work questioning the effects of the traditional neutrality stance, deepen fieldwide arguments for the embedded nature of worldview and culture, and describe new methods that reveal some of the dynamics between worldview and practice.
Graphical explanation of the damping torque analysis method and its applications in multi‐machine power systems
Authors: Du W. , Wang H. F. , Ju P. , Dunn R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractDamping torque analysis (DTA) is a well‐developed technique for understanding and studying power system oscillations. It is established on the basis of physical explanation of damping torque contribution of power system control to the rotor motion of generator. Hence when it is applied in a multi‐machine power system, the DTA becomes complicated due to the involvement of large number of generators. In this paper, a graphical explanation of the DTA method is presented by using the small‐signal equal‐area criterion of power system stability analysis. The graphical explanation presented turns out to be completely independent of the physical concept of damping torque, indicating the significant potential to develop the graphical explanation into a general and simple approach for understanding and studying multi‐machine power system oscillations. In the paper, an example of a multi‐machine power system installed with a STATCOM (static synchronous compensator) is given to demonstrate how the potential of applying graphical explanation can be explored. Based on the conclusion drawn from the graphical explanation, it is shown why the STATCOM voltage control contributes little damping to power system oscillations and a simple method of designing a STATCOM stabilizer is proposed. Confirmation from simulation results of an example four‐machine power system is presented in the paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving fMRI sensitivity by normalization of basal physiologic state
Authors: Lu Hanzhang , Yezhuvath Uma S. , Xiao Guanghua 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe power of fMRI in assessing neural activities is hampered by inter‐subject variations in basal physiologic parameters, which may not be related to neural activation but has a modulatory effect on fMRI signals. Therefore, normalization of fMRI signals with these parameters is useful in reducing variations and improving sensitivity of this important technique. Recently, we have shown that basal venous oxygenation is a significant modulator of fMRI signals and individuals with higher venous oxygenation tend to have lower fMRI signals. In this study, we aim to test the utility of venous oxygenation normalization in distinguishing subject groups. A “model” condition was used in which two visual stimuli with different flashing frequencies were used to stimulate two subject groups, respectively, thereby simulating the situation of control and patient groups. It was found that visual‐evoked BOLD signal is significantly correlated with baseline venous T2 (P = 0.0003) and inclusion of physiologic modulator in the regression analysis can substantially reduce P values of group‐level statistical tests. When applied to voxel‐wise analysis, the normalization process can allow the detection of more significant voxels. The utility of other basal parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygenation, and end‐tidal CO2, in BOLD normalization was also assessed and it was found that the improvement was less significant. Time‐to‐peak of the BOLD responses was also studied and it was found that subjects with higher basal venous oxygenation tend to slower BOLD responses. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CD4 T cells promote tissue inflammation via CD40 signaling without de novo activation in a murine model of liver ischemia/reperfusion injury #
Authors: Shen Xiuda , Wang Yue , Gao Feng , Ren Feng , Busuttil Ronald W. , Kupiec-Weglinski Jerzy W. , Zhai Yuan 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Although the role of CD4 T cells in tissue inflammation and organ injury resulting from ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) has been well documented, it remains unclear how CD4 T cells are activated and function in the absence of a specific antigen (Ag). We used a murine liver warm IRI model to determine first whether de novo Ag-specific CD4 T cell activation was required and then what its functional mechanism was. The critical role of CD4 T cells in liver immune activation against ischemia and reperfusion (IR) was confirmed in CD4 knockout mice and CD4 depleted wild-type mice. Interestingly, the inhibition of CD4 T cell activation without target cell depletion failed to protect livers against IRI, and this suggested that T cells function in liver IRI without Ag-specific de novo activation. To dissect the T cell functional mechanism, we found that CD154 blockade, but not interferon γ (IFN-γ) neutralization, inhibited local immune activation and protected livers from IRI. Furthermore, agonist anti-CD40 antibodies restored liver IRI in otherwise protected CD4-deficient hosts. Finally, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of liver CD4 T cells revealed the selective infiltration of effector cells, which constitutively expressed a higher level of CD154 in comparison with their peripheral counterparts. IR triggered a significant liver increase in CD40 expression but not CD154 expression, and macrophages responded to toll-like receptor 4 and type I IFN stimulation to up-regulate CD40 expression. Conclusion: These novel findings provide evidence that CD4 T cells function in liver IRI via CD154 without de novo Ag-specific activation, and innate immunity–induced CD40 up-regulation may trigger the engagement of CD154-CD40 to facilitate tissue inflammation and injury. (Hepatology 2009.)
Differential effects of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 and benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 mutations on canalicular localization of ATP8B1 #
Authors: Folmer Dineke E. , van der Mark Vincent A. , Ho-Mok Kam S. , Oude Elferink Ronald P.J. , Paulusma Coen C. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Mutations in ATP8B1 cause progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (PFIC1) and benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 (BRIC1), forming a spectrum of cholestatic disease. Whereas PFIC1 is a progressive, endstage liver disease, BRIC1 patients suffer from episodic periods of cholestasis that resolve spontaneously. At present it is not clear how the type and location of the mutations relate to the clinical manifestations of PFIC1 and BRIC1. ATP8B1 localizes to the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes where it mediates the inward translocation of phosphatidylserine. ATP8B1 interacts with CDC50A, which is required for endoplasmic reticulum exit and plasma membrane localization. In this study we analyzed a panel of missense mutations causing PFIC1 (G308V, D554N, G1040R) or BRIC1 (D70N, I661T). In addition, we included two mutations that have been associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) (D70N, R867C). We examined the effect of these mutations on protein stability and interaction with CDC50A in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and studied the subcellular localization in WIF-B9 cells. Protein stability was reduced for three out of six mutations studied. Two out of three PFIC1 mutant proteins did not interact with CDC50A, whereas BRIC1/ICP mutants displayed reduced interaction. Importantly, none of the PFIC1 mutants were detectable in the canalicular membrane of WIF-B9 cells, whereas all BRIC1/ICP mutants displayed the same cellular staining pattern as wild-type ATP8B1. Our data indicate that PFIC1 mutations lead to the complete absence of canalicular expression, whereas in BRIC1/ICP residual protein is expressed in the canalicular membrane. Conclusion: These data provide an explanation for the difference in severity between the phenotypes of PFIC1 and BRIC1. (Hepatology 2009.)
Impact of pegylated interferon and ribavirin on morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis C and normal aminotransferases in France #
Authors: Deuffic-Burban Sylvie , Babany Gérard , Lonjon-Domanec Isabelle , Deltenre Pierre , Canva-Delcambre Valérie , Dharancy Sébastien , Louvet Alexandre , Roudot-Thoraval Françoise , Mathurin Philippe 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Clinicians continue to raise questions concerning the necessity of treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (N-ALT), in light of their slower progression to cirrhosis than patients with elevated alanine aminotraferase (E-ALT). This study was undertaken to predict the impact of pegylated interferon (IFN) and ribavirin on HCV-related morbidity and mortality in patients with N-ALT. A previous Markov model was adapted to separately simulate patients with N-ALT (30%) and those with E-ALT (70%). The model estimates fibrosis progression rates according to age, sex, and whether ALT levels are normal or elevated, assuming that patients with E-ALT have a 2.6 times higher progression than those with N-ALT. It takes into account improvement in HCV screening and treatment and competitive mortality. We assumed that N-ALT patients were treated 80% less frequently between 2002 and 2004 and 70% less frequently from 2005 on, as obtained in real life from three multicentric cohorts (Hepatys, Adequation, Persee). Antiviral treatment of HCV-infected populations might reduce 2008-2025 HCV-related morbidity and mortality by 34,200 cases of cirrhosis (36%, 33,000-35,000), 22,400 complications (28%, 21,000-23,000) and 17,500 deaths (25%, 17,000-18,000), including 3000 cases of cirrhosis (22%, 2000-5000), 1200 complications (15%, 1000-1700), and 1000 deaths (14%, 900-1300) in the N-ALT population, despite a probability of receiving treatment that is three to five times less in this population. If N-ALT patients are treated at the same proportions as those with E-ALT, morbidity and mortality could be further reduced by 1400 cases of cirrhosis (13%, 1200-2200), 600 complications (9%, 600-1000), and 500 deaths (9%, 500-800). Conclusion: Treatment of N-ALT patients would decrease HCV morbidity and mortality. These patients should be considered candidates for treatment just as others are. (Hepatology 2009.)