bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymer hydrogels of 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate and acrylic acid obtained by frontal polymerization
Authors: Sanna Roberta , Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Scognamillo Sergio , Marceddu Salvatore , Mariani Alberto 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this work, we report on the synthesis and characterization of homopolymers and copolymers of acrylic acid and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate prepared by the use of the frontal polymerization (FP) technique. Tetraethyleneglycoldiacrylate was used as a crosslinker and benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The maximum temperatures reached by the front were in the range between 214 °C and 296 °C. Besides, front velocities ranged between 3.9 and 10.8 cm/min, the latter being one of the highest values reported so far in the FP literature. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to estimate the conversion degree, which was always comprised between 90% and 96%, and to determine the glass transition temperatures, which were found to be dependent on the composition, with values ranging from 13 °C to 168 °C. Moreover, the obtained materials were allowed to swell in aqueous solutions at various pH. The samples exhibit a moderate increase of the swelling ratio percentage (SR%) at pH ≈ 5–6, and a sudden and larger SR% increase at pH ≈ 12–13 depending on the composition, thus indicating the obtainment of pH‐responsive polymer hydrogels. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Magnetite‐polylactic acid core–shell nanoparticles by ring‐opening polymerization under microwave irradiation
Authors: Nan Alexandrina , Turcu Rodica , Liebscher Jürgen 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe synthesis of magnetic core–shell nanoparticles consisting of magnetite cores surface‐functionalized by glycolic acid covered by polylactic acid was performed by applying the “grafting‐from” strategy, where the polymerization is initiated from the particle surface. The surface initiated ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide was initiated by tin (II) 2‐ethylhexanoate using microwave irradiation. Core–shell nanoparticles of high colloidal stability in water were obtained in this way. The morphology of the magnetic core–shell nanostructure was determined by transmission electron microscopy, and the chemical structure was elucidated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Magnetic measurements revealed superparamagnetic behavior and high magnetization values. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Synthesis of fluorine‐containing star‐shaped poly(vinyl ether)s via arm‐linking reactions in living cationic polymerization
Authors: Shimomoto Hiroaki , Fukami Dai , Irita Tomomi , Katsukawa Ken‐ichi , Nagai Takabumi , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito 
Published: January 2012

AbstractVarious types of fluorine‐containing star‐shaped poly(vinyl ether)s were successfully synthesized by crosslinking reactions of living polymers based on living cationic polymerization. Star polymers with fluorinated arm chains were prepared by the reaction between a divinyl ether and living poly(vinyl ether)s with fluorine groups (C4F9, C6F13, and C8F17) at the side chain using cationogen/Et1.5AlCl1.5 in a fluorinated solvent (dichloropentafluoropropanes), giving star‐shaped fluorinated polymers in high yields with a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution. The concentration of living polymers for the crosslinking reaction and the molar feed ratio of a bifunctional vinyl ether to living polymers affected the yield and molecular weight of the star polymers. Star polymers with block arms were prepared by a linking reaction of living block copolymers of a fluorinated segment and a nonfluorinated segment. Heteroarm star‐shaped polymers containing two‐ or three‐arm species were synthesized using a mixture of different living polymer species for the reaction with a bifunctional vinyl ether. The obtained polymers underwent temperature‐induced solubility transitions in various organic solvents, and their concentrated solutions underwent sol–gel transitions, based on the solubility transition of a thermoresponsive fluorinated segment. Furthermore, a slight amount of fluorine groups were shown to be effective for physical gelation when those were located at the arm ends of a star polymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Coil‐to‐helix transitions in intrinsically disordered methyl CpG binding protein 2 and its isolated domains
Authors: Hite Kristopher C. , Kalashnikova Anna A. , Hansen Jeffrey C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractMethyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a canonical intrinsically disordered protein (IDP), that is, it lacks stable secondary structure throughout its entire polypeptide chain. Because IDPs often have the propensity to become locally ordered, we tested whether full‐length MeCP2 and its constituent domains would gain secondary structure in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE), a cosolvent that stabilizes intramolecular hydrogen bonding in proteins. The α‐helix, β‐strand/turn, and unstructured content were determined as a function of TFE concentration by deconvolution of circular dichroism data. Results indicate that approximately two‐thirds of the unstructured residues present in full‐length MeCP2 were converted to α‐helix in 70% TFE without a change in β‐strand/turn. Thus, much of the MeCP2 polypeptide chain undergoes coil‐to‐helix transitions under conditions that favor intrachain hydrogen bond formation. The unstructured residues of the N‐terminal (NTD) and C‐terminal (CTD) domains were partially converted to α‐helix in 70% TFE. In contrast, the central transcription regulation domain (TRD) became almost completely α‐helical in 70% TFE. Unlike the NTD, CTD, and TRD, the unstructured content of the methyl DNA binding domain and the intervening domain did not change with increasing TFE concentration. These results indicate that the coil‐to‐helix transitions that occur in full‐length MeCP2 are localized to the NTD, CTD, and TRD, with the TRD showing the greatest tendency for helix formation. The potential relationships between intrinsic disorder, coil‐to‐helix transitions, and MeCP2 structure and function are discussed.
Assessing the integrated pest management practices of southeastern US ornamental nursery operations
Authors: LeBude Anthony V , White Sarah A , Fulcher Amy F , Frank Steve , Klingeman III William E , Chong Juang‐Horng , Chappell Matthew R , Windham Alan , Braman Kris , Hale Frank , Dunwell Winston , Williams‐Woodward Jean , Ivors Kelly , Adkins Craig , Neal Joe 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The Southern Nursery Integrated Pest Management (SNIPM) working group surveyed ornamental nursery crop growers in the southeastern United States to determine their pest management practices. Respondents answered questions about monitoring practices for insects, diseases and weeds, prevention techniques, intervention decisions, concerns about IPM and educational opportunities. Survey respondents were categorized into three groups based on IPM knowledge and pest management practices adopted.RESULTS: The three groups differed in the use of standardized sampling plans for scouting pests, in monitoring techniques, e.g. sticky cards, phenology and growing degree days, in record‐keeping, in the use of spot‐spraying and in the number of samples sent to a diagnostic clinic for identification and management recommendation.CONCLUSIONS: Stronger emphasis is needed on deliberate scouting techniques and tools to monitor pest populations to provide earlier pest detection and greater flexibility of management options. Most respondents thought that IPM was effective and beneficial for both the environment and employees, but had concerns about the ability of natural enemies to control insect pests, and about the availability and effectiveness of alternatives to chemical controls. Research and field demonstration is needed for selecting appropriate natural enemies for augmentative biological control. Two groups utilized cooperative extension almost exclusively, which would be an avenue for educating those respondents. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Parametrizing the horizontal inhomogeneity of ice water content using CloudSat data products
Authors: Hill Peter G. , Hogan Robin J. , Manners James , Petch Jon C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn order to calculate unbiased microphysical and radiative quantities in the presence of a cloud, it is necessary to know not only the mean water content but also the distribution of this water content. This article describes a study of the in‐cloud horizontal inhomogeneity of ice water content, based on CloudSat data. In particular, by focusing on the relations with variables that are already available in general circulation models (GCMs), a parametrization of inhomogeneity that is suitable for inclusion in GCM simulations is developed. Inhomogeneity is defined in terms of the fractional standard deviation (FSD), which is given by the standard deviation divided by the mean. The FSD of ice water content is found to increase with the horizontal scale over which it is calculated and also with the thickness of the layer. The connection to cloud fraction is more complicated; for small cloud fractions FSD increases as cloud fraction increases while FSD decreases sharply for overcast scenes. The relations to horizontal scale, layer thickness and cloud fraction are parametrized in a relatively simple equation. The performance of this parametrization is tested on an independent set of CloudSat data. The parametrization is shown to be a significant improvement on the assumption of a single‐valued global FSD. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Development of electric/electronic architectures for safety‐related vehicle functions
Authors: Hillenbrand M. , Heinz M. , Matheis J. , Müller‐Glaser K. D. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThe development of software‐based systems for vehicles in compliance with the new standard ISO 26262 – functional safety for road vehicles – requires a common understanding between the two domains. In this paper, we consider the impact of the ISO 26262 to the concept phase of the vehicle development, especially the model‐based development of electric/electronic architectures. To found a formal basis for the electric/electronic architecture modeling, located in the development process and addressed by ISO 26262, we introduce a meta‐model, combining the major concepts and relations of electric/electronic architectures and ISO 26262. Safety analysis can be supported by data available in the electric/electronic architecture model. In this paper, we present a methodology to facilitate and accumulate context‐based information from electric/electronic architecture models to use them as input information for safety analysis. We also demonstrate how to perform the safety analysis method, that is, failure mode and effect analysis, based on the same architecture description language as the electric/electronic architecture model and also within the same modeling tool. We also present a methodology for the modeling and consideration of safety aspects and requirements crossing different system perimeters. This facilitates the consistent description and analysis of systems of systems, such as contemporary vehicles. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in GABA and GABAB receptor expressions are involved in neuropathy in the rat cuneate nucleus following median nerve transection
Authors: Chen Seu‐Hwa , Tsai Yi‐Ju , Lin Chi‐Te , Wang Hsin‐Ying , Li Shin‐Fang , Lue June‐Horng 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis study examined the relationship between changes in GABA transmission and behavioral abnormalities after median nerve transection. Following unilateral median nerve transection, the percentage of GABA‐like immunoreactive neurons in the cuneate nucleus and that of GABAB receptor‐like immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal root ganglion in the injured side decreased and reached a nadir at 4 weeks after median nerve transection. Four weeks after bilateral median nerve transection and intraperitoneal application with saline, baclofen (2 mg kg−1), or phaclofen (2 mg kg−1) before unilateral electrical stimulation of the injured median nerve, we investigated the level of neuropeptide Y release and c‐Fos expression in the stimulated side of the cuneate nucleus. The neuropeptide Y release level and the number of c‐Fos‐like immunoreactive neurons in the baclofen group were significantly attenuated, whereas those in the phaclofen group had increased compared to the saline group. These findings indicate that median nerve transection reduces GABA transmission, promoting injury‐induced neuropeptide Y release and consequently evoking c‐Fos expression in cuneate nucleus neurons. Furthermore, this study used the CatWalk method to assess behavioral abnormalities in rats following median nerve transection. These abnormalities were reversed by baclofen treatment. Overall, the results suggest that baclofen treatment block neuropeptide Y release, subsequently lessening c‐Fos expression in cuneate neurons and consequently attenuating neuropathic signal transmission to the thalamus. Synapse, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative study of special and ordinary braced frames
Authors: Akbas Bulent , Sutchiewcharn Narathip , Cai Wenyu , Wen Rou , Shen Jay 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThe collapse probability of ductile and non‐ductile concentrically braced frames was investigated using nonlinear dynamic response analysis. Two buildings with three and nine stories located in Boston and Los Angeles, respectively, were designed and subjected to ground motions from the areas. In Boston area, three‐story and nine‐story buildings were designed as ordinary concentrically braced frame with response modification reduction factor R equal to 3 1/4 to be considered as non‐ductile structural systems; comparatively, in Los Angeles area, three‐story and nine‐story buildings were designed as special concentrically braced frame with response modification reduction factor R equal to 6 to be considered as ductile structural systems. In order to evaluate the performance of ductile and non‐ductile concentrically braced frames in moderate and severe seismic regions, ATC‐63 would be used as reference to assess the seismic behaviors. Evaluation approach recommended by ATC‐63 was adopted, and hundreds of nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed. Through alternating the scale factors of designated ground motions, median of structural collapse intensity was presented for each structure. By observing the results of statistical performance assessment, the seismic performance of the systems was evaluated, and some observations are made based on the study. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome Following Management of Dysphagia after Laparoscopic Anti‐reflux Surgery
Authors: Yang Huiqi , Meun Cindy , Sun Xiangyu , Watson David I. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundSome patients develop troublesome dysphagia after laparoscopic antireflux surgery, and a proportion require further intervention. The management of this problem was evaluated.MethodsPatients who underwent intervention for dysphagia after laparoscopic fundoplication were identified from a database. Outcomes were prospectively determined from a standardized questionnaire that evaluated symptoms scores for dysphagia for solids and liquids, as well as patient satisfaction with the overall outcome. Outcomes 1 year after reintervention, and at the most recent follow‐up were evaluated.ResultsFrom 1994 to 2009, 121 (6.6%) of 1,821 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux also underwent endoscopic or surgical reintervention for dysphagia. Of these 121 patients, 56 underwent endoscopic dilatation, and 24 were satisfied with the outcome of dilatation; 18 progressed to surgery, and dysphagia persisted in 14 of them. Overall, 83 patients underwent revisional surgery, and 47 (62.7%) were satisfied with the outcome. Compared to patients who did not undergo any intervention for dysphagia, patients who underwent reintervention had lower satisfaction scores and higher dysphagia scores.ConclusionsApproximately two thirds of patients with troublesome post‐fundoplication dysphagia have a satisfactory outcome following either endoscopic dilatation or revisional surgery. However, approximately one third continue to be troubled by symptoms, despite further intervention.
Direct‐to‐Consumer Personal Genomic Testing: A Case Study and Practical Recommendations for “Genomic Counseling”
Authors: Sturm Amy C. , Manickam Kandamurugu 
Published: January 2012

AbstractTechnological advances and information‐seeking consumers have pushed forward the movement of direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing. Just like with other types of testing, there are potential risks, benefits and limitations. A major limitation of DTC testing is the incomplete view it provides regarding lifetime risk for common, complex diseases, since most tests only analyze 1–2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and do not include evaluation of medical or family histories, which is necessary to risk assessment. Further, it is not currently well‐established whether personal genomic testing results will lead toward improved health behaviors, adverse psychological effects or potential overuse of the health care system. To display these and other issues, we present an in‐depth case study of an individual who ordered DTC genetic testing and subsequently sought genetic counseling. This case presents a unique learning experience for the field of genomic counseling, as the patient did not fit the typical assumptions regarding ‘early adopters’ of DTC testing. It also allowed the genetics health care providers involved in the case to identify gaps in current genetic counseling practice that need to be filled and approaches to employ for successful delivery of genomic counseling. Based on our experience, we developed practical recommendations for genomic counseling, which include novel approaches to case preparation, use of electronic tools during the counseling session, and focusing on education as the major component of the genomic counseling session, in order to provide patients with the knowledge necessary to independently interpret and understand large amounts of genomic testing information provided to them.
Anticorps antispermatozoïdes : indications, étiologies et applications en 2011, de l’exploration de l’infertilité au concept d’immunocontraception masculine
Authors: Tuech J. 
Published: January 2012

Résumé
La présente revue de la littérature a pour but de préciser en 2011 les techniques utilisées pour le dépistage des anticorps antispermatozoïdes (ACAS) et l’intérêt de ce dépistage dans diverses situations physiopathologiques mais aussi dans le choix du traitement des infertilités par les techniques d’assistance médicale à la procréation (AMP). De plus, l’étude des cibles et du rôle des ACAS dans l’infertilité a permis la mise au point d’un vaccin contraceptif masculin efficace dans certains modèles animaux et potentiellement utilisable chez l’homme.
Reasons for Switching Service Providers
Authors: East Robert , Grandcolas Ursula , Riley Francesca Dall'Olmo , Lomax Wendy 
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the reasons that people give for switching services. It is designed to test previous work and to extend knowledge by showing how the frequencies of different reasons vary by type of service. Unlike previous work using Critical Incident Technique (CIT), surveys are used to gather data on switching reasons. It is argued that CIT tends to select in favour of event-related reasons and against condition-related reasons. The research reveals a much lower frequency of event-related reasons for switching and more condition-related reasons compared with earlier work, particularly when services are delivered at a specific location. The research is extended to different types of switching. When customers have to switch, they often cited conditions; when they switch because of dissatisfaction with a supplier, they give more event-based reasons; when they discover a better supplier without previous dissatisfaction, they most often cite competition reasons. These findings have practical implications. First, previous work has claimed that service switching is preventable because event-related reasons can often be avoided by management; the present work, by showing that avoidable reasons are rarer, shifts the focus from customer retention to customer acquisition. Second, this work informs practitioners about the reasons that are likely to be given by defectors in their service category; this assists strategy decisions on retaining and acquiring customers.
Tumour multiplicity as a risk factor for the development of bladder tumours after primary upper urinary tract cancer
Authors: Ito Hideaki , Oyama Nobuyuki , Tsuchiyama Katsuki , Yokoyama Osamu 
Published: January 2012

Objective: To determine the independent risk factors for intravesical tumour recurrence in patients with primary urothelial cancer of the upper urinary tract. Patients and methods: Of the 60 patients who underwent nephroureterectomy for urothelial cancer of the upper urinary tract, the data from 49 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a previous history or concomitance of bladder cancer were excluded from the study. Multivariate analysis by Cox’s proportional hazards model was used to determine independent risk factors for intravesical tumour recurrence. Results: Of the 49 patients reviewed, 22 (44.9%) experienced subsequent intravesical tumour recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 26 months (range 3–103). On multivariate analysis, tumour multiplicity had a statistically significant impact on the risk of intravesical tumour recurrence ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Neither the pathology of the upper urinary tract cancers nor the method of treatment was associated with recurrent bladder cancers. Only tumour multiplicity had a significant impact on the incidence of intravesical tumour recurrence.