bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ synthesis and characterization of polypropylene/polyvinyl acetate‐organophilic montmorillonite nanocomposite
Authors: Liu Ling , Wei Shoulian , Lai Xuejun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA novel polymer‐nanoclay hybrid nanocomposite based on polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)‐organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) has been reported via an in situ intercalated polymerization technique. The hybrid material was synthesized by one‐step emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate in the presence of OMMT using polyvinyl alcohol as the stabilizing agent. The intercalated polymerization was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns show that the interlayer spacing of OMMT after polymerization increased from 2.64 to 3.78 nm, indicating that the large macromolecular chain of PVAc was formed in the OMMT interlayer space. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum showed the characteristic absorption of PVAc in the OMMT particles separated from the nanocomposite, and the position of peaks shifted to high wave numbers. This showed that there was an interaction between PVAc and OMMT nanoparticles. A two‐fold blend composed of PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP was prepared by the melt‐blending technique. XRD and transmission electron microscopy images of the PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP composite further confirmed the formation of a partially delaminated nanocomposite structure. Thermogravimetry results showed that the thermal stability of PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP was greater than that of either polypropylene (PP) or Nano‐OMMT/PP blend. PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP had better toughness, as the mass fraction of OMMT was 5 wt %. The flame retardancy of PP, Nano‐OMMT/PP, and PVAc‐nano‐OMMT/PP composites was also studied. According to the limiting oxygen index (LOI) data and Cone calorimeter test, the addition of PVAc‐OMMT resulted in higher LOI and lower heat release rate, effective heat of combustion, smoke release course, and better flame retardancy and barrier properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Controlled release of aspirin from pH‐sensitive chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel
Authors: Islam Atif , Yasin Tariq , Bano Ijaz , Riaz Muhammad 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop a cheap, pH‐sensitive enteric coating of aspirin with biocompatible polymers. A novel approach was used to develop enteric coating from chitosan (CS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Solutions of CS and PVA (5 : 1 mol ratio) were mixed and selectively crosslinked with tetraethoxysilane. IR analysis confirmed the presence of the incorporated components and the existence of siloxane linkages between CS and PVA. The crosslinking percentage and thermal stability increased with increasing amount of crosslinker. The response of the developed coating in different media, such as water, pH (nonbuffer and buffer), and ionic media showed hydrogel properties. All hydrogels showed low swelling in acidic and basic pH media, whereas maximum swelling was exhibited at neutral pH. This pH sensitivity of the hydrogel has been exploited as enteric coating for commercial aspirin tablets. The dissolution test of enteric‐coated aspirin tablet in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) showed 7.11% aspirin release over a period of 2 h, whereas a sustained release of remaining aspirin (83.25%) was observed in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
High‐throughput sequencing offers insight into mechanisms of resource partitioning in cryptic bat species
Authors: Razgour Orly , Clare Elizabeth L. , Zeale Matt R. K. , Hanmer Julia , Schnell Ida Bærholm , Rasmussen Morten , Gilbert Thomas P. , Jones Gareth 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSympatric cryptic species, characterized by low morphological differentiation, pose a challenge to understanding the role of interspecific competition in structuring ecological communities. We used traditional (morphological) and novel molecular methods of diet analysis to study the diet of two cryptic bat species that are sympatric in southern England (Plecotus austriacus and P. auritus) (Fig. 1). Using Roche FLX 454 (Roche, Basel, CH) high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) and uniquely tagged generic arthropod primers, we identified 142 prey Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) in the diet of the cryptic bats, 60% of which were assigned to a likely species or genus. The findings from the molecular study supported the results of microscopic analyses in showing that the diets of both species were dominated by lepidopterans. However, HTS provided a sufficiently high resolution of prey identification to determine fine‐scale differences in resource use. Although both bat species appeared to have a generalist diet, eared‐moths from the family Noctuidae were the main prey consumed. Interspecific niche overlap was greater than expected by chance (Ojk= 0.72, P < 0.001) due to overlap in the consumption of the more common prey species. Yet, habitat associations of nongeneralist prey species found in the diets corresponded to those of their respective bat predator (grasslands for P. austriacus, and woodland for P. auritus). Overlap in common dietary resource use combined with differential specialist prey habitat associations suggests that habitat partitioning is the primary mechanism of coexistence. The performance of HTS is discussed in relation to previous methods of molecular and morphological diet analysis. By enabling species‐level identification of dietary components, the application of DNA sequencing to diet analysis allows a more comprehensive comparison of the diet of sympatric cryptic species, and therefore can be an important tool for determining fine‐scale mechanisms of coexistence.(a) The grey long‐eared bat, Plecotus austriacus, and (b) the brown long‐eared bat, Plecotus auritus.image
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate: Incidence and a report of four cases with an examination of KIT and PDGFRA
Authors: Terada Tadashi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBecause there have been no reports on the incidence and expressions and mutations of KIT and PDGFRA in small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) of the prostate, the author surveyed archival specimens of 2,642 prostatic specimens (biopsy, 1,503 cases; transurethral resection, 1,009 cases; prostatectomy, 130 cases). Of these, 706 cases were malignant tumors. In equivocal cases (n = 16) of Gleason 5 adenocarcinoma resembling SCNEC, several neuroendocrine markers were immunohistochemically examined. As the results, four cases of SCNEC were identified; therefore the incidence of SCNEC was 0.5% of all prostatic malignancies. All the four cases were biopsies. The remaining 686 cases were adenocarcinomas. In case 1 (50 years of age), the SCNEC tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, P504S, synaptophysin, KIT, and PDGFRA, but negative for PSA, neuron specific enolase, CD56, and TTF‐1. In case 2 (70 years of age), the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, PSA, P504S, chromogranin, and synaptophysin, but negative for neuron‐specific enolase, CD56, TTF‐1, KIT, and PDGFRA. In case 3 (72 years of age), the SCNEC tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, PSA, P504S, synaptophysin, CD56, KIT, and PDGFRA, but negative for neuron‐specific enolase, chromogranin, and TTF‐1. In case 4 (81 years of age), the SCNEC tumor cell were positive for cytokeratin, PSA, P504S, chromogranin, synaptophysin, neuron‐specific enolase, KIT, and PDGFRA, but negative for CD56 and TTF‐1. A molecular genetic analysis using PCR‐direct sequencing showed no mutations of KIT (exons 9, 11, 13, and 17) and PDGFRA (exons 12 and 18) genes in three informative cases of SCNEC. The present cases were the first of prostatic SCNEC with an examination of KIT and PDGFRA expression and KIT and PDFGRA gene mutations. Prostate 72:1150–1156, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The structure of an N11A mutant of the G-protein domain of FeoB
Authors: Ash Miriam-Rose , Maher Megan J. , Guss J. Mitchell , Jormakka Mika 
Published: December 2011

The uptake of ferrous iron in prokaryotes is mediated by the G-protein-coupled membrane protein FeoB. The protein contains two N-terminal soluble domains that are together called `NFeoB'. One of these is a G-protein domain, and GTP hydrolysis by this domain is essential for iron transport. The GTPase activity of NFeoB is accelerated in the presence of potassium ions, which bind at a site adjacent to the nucleotide. One of the ligands at the potassium-binding site is a conserved asparagine residue, which corresponds to Asn11 in Streptococcus thermophilus NFeoB. The structure of an N11A S. thermophilus NFeoB mutant has been determined and refined to a resolution of 1.85 Å; the crystals contained a mixture of mant-GDP-bound and mant-GMP-bound protein. The structure demonstrates how the use of a derivatized nucleotide in cocrystallization experiments can facilitate the growth of diffraction-quality crystals.
Structure of the fucose mutarotase fromStreptococcus pneumoniaein complex withL-fucose
Authors: Higgins Melanie A. , Boraston Alisdair B. 
Published: December 2011

Streptococcus pneumoniaerelies on a variety of carbohydrate-utilization pathways for both colonization of its human host and full virulence during the development of invasive disease. One such pathway is the fucose-utilization pathway, a component of which is fucose mutarotase (SpFcsU), an enzyme that performs the interconversion between α-L-fucose and β-L-fucose. This protein was crystallized and its three-dimensional structure was solved in complex with L-fucose. The structure shows a complex decameric quaternary structure with a high overall degree of structural identity toEscherichia coliFcsU (EcFcsU). Furthermore, the active-site architecture ofSpFcsU is highly similar to that ofEcFcsU. When considered in the context of the fucose-utilization pathway found inS. pneumoniae,SpFcsU appears to link the two halves of the pathway by enhancing the rate of conversion of the product of the final glycoside hydrolysis step, β-fucose, into the substrate for the fucose isomerase, α-fucose.
Clinical aspects of paediatric mastocytosis: a review of 101 cases
Authors: Lange M. , Niedoszytko M. , Renke J. , Gleń J. , Nedoszytko B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  Cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is a typical presentation of mastocytosis in children. However, systemic mastocytosis may also occur in children.Objective  We tried to characterize the clinical features of childhood‐onset mastocytosis and estimate the value of the SCORMA (SCORing Mastocytosis) Index and serum tryptase levels as disease severity parameters.Methods  In a survey of 101 children mastocytosis was diagnosed and classified according to World Health Organization criteria. In all the cases serum tryptase levels and the SCORMA Index were done to assess the extent and intensity of the disease.Results  Cutaneous mastocytosis was diagnosed in 100 children; 84% of them presented maculopapular CM, 10% mastocytoma and 6% diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis. Moreover, systemic mastocytosis with bone marrow infiltration and associated with maculopapular CM was found in one case. There was a positive correlation of serum tryptase level to the SCORMA Index. Both the mean tryptase level and the mean SCORMA Index were elevated in diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis children when compared with other forms CM. A significantly higher mean tryptase level was found in children with flushing, hypotension, diarrhoea, extensive bullous lesions and osteoporosis or osteopenia.Conclusion  Mastocytosis in children usually has a benign course. Nevertheless, severe mediator‐related symptoms and systemic involvement may appear. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach involving careful monitoring of the serum tryptase level, SCORMA Index and the organ function is recommended. Both tryptase levels and the SCORMA Index are of a great value as disease severity parameters and they should be assessed simultaneously in all mastocytosis patients.
Endothelial follicle stimulating hormone receptor in primary kidney cancer correlates with subsequent response to sunitinib
Authors: Siraj Muhammad A. , Pichon Christophe , Radu Aurelian , Ghinea Nicolae 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSunitinib is an anti‐angiogenic receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma and other types of cancer. Sutent is effective in only approximately 70% of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) patients, has significant adverse side effects and no method is available to predict which patients will not respond. Our purpose was to explore the possibility of introducing an effective prediction method based on a marker of the tumour vasculature, the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). Fifty patients diagnosed with advanced metastatic CCRCC have been subjected to surgery for removal of the primary tumour and were subsequently treated with sunitinib. After three months of therapy the patients were categorized as ‘responsive’, ‘stable’ or ‘non‐responsive’ based on the RECIST guidelines. The blood vessel density and the percentage of FSHR‐positive vessels were determined by immunofluorescence on sections from the primary tumours removed by surgery, prior to the sunitinib treatment. The percentage of FSHR‐stained vessels was on average fivefold higher for the patients who responded to the treatment in comparison with the stable group and almost eightfold higher than in the non‐responsive group. The percentage allowed the detection of responders with 87–100% sensitivity and specificity. No significant differences were detected in the total density of vessels among the three groups. The data suggest that FSHR expression levels in the blood vessels of CCRCC primary tumours can be used to predict, with high sensitivity and specificity, the patients who will respond to sunitinib therapy.
A novel surgical technique for treating bilateral nasal paralysis in a mare
Authors: Kol A. , Kelmer G. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryParalysis of a nostril is uncommon in horses and is reported to occur secondary to trauma to the facial nerve. This report of a mare who presented with bilateral nostril paralysis includes descriptions of the clinical presentation, surgical and post operative results and discusses the features unique to this case. The technique involves surgically elevating and stabilising the lateral alae dorsally to enlarge the nostril opening.
Distichiasis causing recurrent corneal ulceration in two Friesian horses
Authors: Utter M. E. , Wotman K. L. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryTwo cases of distichiasis with subsequent recurrent superficial corneal ulceration are described in Friesian horses. Case 1 was a 9‐year‐old Friesian stallion with distichiae on the superior and inferior eyelids of both eyes corresponding to areas of recurrent superficial corneal ulceration. Case 2 was a 5‐year‐old Friesian gelding with a single distichia on the inferior lid associated with recurrent superficial corneal ulceration in the right eye. Case 1 underwent cryotherapy and epilation twice under standing sedation without resolution of distichiasis. A partial tarsal plate excision was then performed on the inferior left lid, which was the most severely affected. Cryotherapy was repeated one and 4 months post operatively due to recurrence. Cryotherapy was associated with skin depigmentation and repigmentation several months following the procedure. No recurrence has been reported up to 3 years following the fourth cryotherapy procedure. Case 2 was treated with epilation. Distichiasis should be included as a differential diagnosis when presented with a horse experiencing recurrent superficial corneal ulcerations. There has been no established breed association for Friesian horses and distichiasis but, due to the inherited nature of this condition in some human patients and dogs, this possibility should be investigated.
Uncertainty in gas turbine thermo-fluid modelling and its impact on performance calculations and emissions predictions at aircraft system level
Authors: Kyprianidis K G , Sethi V , Ogaji S O T , Pilidis P , Singh R , Kalfas A I 
Published: December 2011

In this article, various aspects of thermo-fluid modelling for gas turbines are described and the impact on performance calculations and emissions predictions at aircraft system level is assessed. Accurate and reliable fluid modelling is essential for any gas turbine performance simulation software as it provides a robust foundation for building advanced multi-disciplinary modelling capabilities. Caloric properties for generic and semi-generic gas turbine performance simulation codes can be calculated at various levels of fidelity; selection of the fidelity level is dependent upon the objectives of the simulation and execution time constraints. However, rigorous fluid modelling may not necessarily improve performance simulation accuracy unless all modelling assumptions and sources of uncertainty are aligned to the same level. A comprehensive analysis of thermo-fluid modelling for gas turbines is presented, and the fluid models developed are discussed in detail. Common technical models, used for calculating caloric properties, are compared while typical assumptions made in fluid modelling, and the uncertainties induced, are examined. Several analyses, which demonstrate the effects of composition, temperature, and pressure on caloric properties of working media for gas turbines, are presented. The working media examined include dry air and combustion products for various fuels and H/C ratios. The uncertainty induced in calculations by (a) using common technical models for evaluating fluid caloric properties and (b) ignoring dissociation effects is examined at three different levels: (i) component level, (ii) engine level, and (iii) aircraft system level. An attempt is made to shed light on the trade-off between improving the accuracy of a fluid model and the accuracy of a multi-disciplinary simulation at aircraft system level, against computational time penalties. The validity of the ideal gas assumption for future turbofan engines and novel propulsion cycles is discussed. The results obtained demonstrate that accurate modelling of the working fluid is essential, especially for assessing novel and/or aggressive cycles at aircraft system level. Where radical design space exploration is concerned, improving the accuracy of the fluid model will need to be carefully balanced with the computational time penalties involved.
Exploring the breast cancer patient journey: do breast cancer survivors need menopause management support?
Authors: Tanna Nuttan , Buijs Helene , Pitkin Joan 
Published: December 2011

Background Breast cancer survivors can be expected to suffer from menopause symptoms with estrogen deprivation due to cancer treatments, in addition to natural menopause-related estrogen loss. Objective To gain an understanding of what support breast cancer patients have when they suffer from menopausal symptoms, and utilize findings to further inform National Health Service (NHS) care provision for breast cancer survivors. Study design Qualitative study with focus group sessions targeting Caucasian and Asian women with breast cancer. Methods Patient stories, with women describing their breast cancer journey and speaking about support received for any menopausal symptoms. Thematic data analysis of transcription. Results Breast cancer patients were not sure if they had menopausal symptoms or whether this was due to their breast cancer condition or treatment. Patients had an attitude of acceptance of menopausal symptoms and reported trying to cope with these by themselves. Conclusions This research identifies a need for more information that is culturally sensitive on managing menopause symptoms, both as side-effects of breast cancer treatments as well as for affect on quality of life during the survivorship phase. Our work also gives insight into cultural remedies used for hot flushes by Asian patients, which they consider as ‘cooling’ foods. Breast cancer patients want to know whether side-effects of cancer treatment persist long term and how these can be managed. There is a need for improved patient support within any new NHS service models that are developed along breast cancer patient pathways, and inclusion of personalized advice for menopause symptoms.
Teaching Transfer Skills to Older Adults: Identification of Strategies Used by Occupational Therapists
Authors: Carrier Annie , Levasseur Mélanie , Bédard Denis , Desrosiers Johanne 
Published: December 2011

Introduction: Community occupational therapists frequently teach transfer skills to older adults. The teaching strategies used should be documented because they can affect the outcomes of interventions. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify the strategies used by community occupational therapists when teaching transfer skills to older adults. Method: Eleven community occupational therapists were recruited from six health and social services centres in Québec, Canada. Data were collected through observations of transfer interventions (n = 31), followed by in-depth interviews (n = 12). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and grounded theory methods. Findings: Strategies consisted of nine methods, eight tools and nine intensity adjustments. The methods were explaining, demonstrating, having the client try, giving feedback on performance, involving the client, seeking and obtaining client's feedback, questioning, and involving a teaching assistant. Tools varied according to the teaching method. These tools were gestures, equipment, visual aids, written, verbal and somatosensory instructions, assistant as client and occupational therapist as client. Finally, intensity adjustments were related to the scope, directedness, duration, frequency and pace of teaching. Conclusion: A range of teaching strategies used by community occupational therapists were identified. Three methods, five tools and nine intensity adjustments were identified for the first time.
Influence of polymer polarity on photochromic behavior of naphthodipyran doped in different polymeric matrixes
Authors: Zhao Xiancai , Wang Guang , Zhang Kuo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPhotochromic polymer films were prepared by doping the naphthodipyran into different polymers such as Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at different concentrations. The kinetics of the photochromism/decoloration in the thin films was quantified by fitting biexponential equations to their photochromic decay curves after UV irradiation. The results show that the fastest decoloration process was in SBS, and the slowest one was in PVP. The DSC results indicate that Tg of polymeric matrix has no obvious effect on the decoloration rate of naphthodipyran. The decreasing order of the decoloration constant of naphthodipyran was consistent with increasing polarity of polymer matrixes as PVP > PMMA > SBS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012