bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Polymerization of Tetrahydrofuran Initiated by Niobium(V) and Tantalum(V) Halides
Authors: Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido , Repo Timo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe halides MX5 (M = Nb, Ta, X = F, Cl, Br) (1) are effective in promoting the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (thf). The polymerization reactions promoted by MCl5 and MBr5 proceed via the ionic species 3, which forms from MX5(thf) (2) by attack of the incoming monomer to the metal‐bonded thf. The metal‐bonded thf of 3 is not involved in the immediately successive steps of the reaction. The [TaF6]– anion is not formed when the polymerization is initiated by TaF5. The activities of the promoters increase according to the series TaBr5 < NbCl5 < TaCl5 < TaF5. The latter possesses high activity and produces high molar mass poly(tetrahydrofuran) (67100 g/mol). (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Optimization of industrial‐scale deodorization of high‐oleic sunflower oil via response surface methodology
Authors: Martinčič Vito , Golob Janvit , de Greyt Wim , Verhé Roland , Knez Sergej , Van Hoed Vera , Žilnik Ljudmila Fele , Potočnik Klemen , Hraš Andreja Rižner , Ayala José Vila 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOptimization of industrial‐scale deodorization of high‐oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) via response surface methodology is presented in this study. The results of an experimental program conducted on an industrial‐scale deodorizer were analyzed statistically. Predictive models were derived for each of the oil quality indicators (QI) in dependence on the studied variable deodorization process parameters. The deodorization behavior of some minor components was analyzed on a pilot‐scale deodorizer. For comparison, a similar experimental program was also performed on the laboratory‐scale. The results of this study demonstrate that optimization of the deodorization process requires a suitable compromise between often mutually opposing demands dictated by different oil QI. The production of HOSO with top‐quality organoleptic and nutritional values (high tocopherol and phytosterol contents and low free and trans fatty acid contents) and high oxidative stability demands deodorization temperatures in the range between 220 and 235 °C and a total sparge steam above 2.0% (wt/wt in oil). The response surface methodology provides the tools needed to identify the optimum deodorization process conditions. However, the laboratory‐scale experiments, while showing similar response characteristics of QI in dependence on the process parameters and thus helpful as a guide, are of limited value in the optimization of an industrial‐scale operation.
Efficient stabilization of bulk fish oil rich in long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Drusch Stephan , Groß Nina , Schwarz Karin 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the possibilities of stabilizing a bulk oil rich in long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids under ambient conditions. Combinations of different antioxidants (α‐, γ‐ and/or δ‐tocopherol, rosmarinic acid and rosemary extract rich in carnosic acid) as well as lecithin and citric acid were systematically investigated. Efficient stabilization was achieved by choosing a combination of tocopherols rich in γ‐ or δ‐tocopherol and low in α‐tocopherol, by including tocopherol‐sparing synergists like ascorbyl palmitate and carnosic acid from rosemary extract and metal‐chelating agents. For carnosic acid, a concentration of 400 mg/kg oil provides sufficient protection; the concentration of the metal chelator should be adapted to the concentration of metal ions present in the oil. As an alternative ingredient with metal‐chelating and tocopherol‐sparing activity, lecithin may be included in the formulation, but its poor solubility in bulk oils limits its use.
Formation of oxidation compounds in sunflower and olive oils under oxidative stability index conditions
Authors: Márquez‐Ruiz Gloria , Martín‐Polvillo Manuel , Velasco Joaquín , Dobarganes Carmen 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe objective of this work was to study the evolution of oxidation under oxidative stability index (OSI) conditions using the Rancimat apparatus. Sunflower oils with different degrees of unsaturation (conventional high‐linoleic sunflower oil, genetically modified high‐oleic sunflower oil, and a 1 : 1 mixture of both of them) and virgin olive oil were used. The sunflower oils were tested at 100 °C, while the olive oil was assayed at 100, 110 and 120 °C. Samples were analyzed at different time points and conductivity values, until the induction period (IP) was overpassed. A combination of adsorption and size‐exclusion chromatography was used for the quantification of oxidized triacylglycerol (TG) monomers, dimers and polymers. Additionally, peroxide values (PV) and ultraviolet absorption at 270 nm (K270), as well as losses of tocopherols, were measured. The results showed that oxidized TG monomers were the only group of oxidation compounds that increased during the early oxidation stage. The end of the IP was marked by the initiation of polymerization after the exhaustion of tocopherols. In comparison with reported results obtained at room temperature, the main difference found was that the amounts of oxidation compounds at the end of the IP were much lower at OSI test temperatures. With the exception of the K270 values, the results also showed that the IP endpoints provided by the OSI test were slightly higher than those obtained by quantification of oxidized TG monomers or by PV determination.
Development and initial validation of an instrument for human capital planning
Authors: Zula Kenneth J. , Chermack Thomas J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis article reports on development and validation of an instrument for use in human capital approaches for organizational planning. The article describes use of a team of subject matter experts in developing a measure of human capital planning, and use of exploratory factor analysis techniques to validate the resulting instrument. These data were obtained from a national survey of 494 human resource management and human resource development respondents. The article presents an instrument for assistance with human capital planning as a strategic human resource management tool and further reports on the initial validity and reliability measures resulting from the analysis. In addition, the usefulness of this instrument for human resource management and human resource development professionals is explored.
The effects of an ethics training program on attitude, knowledge, and transfer of training of office professionals: A treatment‐ and control‐group design
Authors: Frisque Deloise A. , Kolb Judith A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study examines the effects of ethics training on the attitudes, knowledgebased scores, and analysis of ethical dilemmas among office professionals. A treatment‐and control‐group design was used with variables of interest measured before, immediately after, and ninety days following completion of a six‐hour ethics training workshop. A Web‐based research randomizer was used with an electronic file to identify full‐time office professionals at a large university in the northeastern United States. Seventy‐one participants were assigned to the treatment (training) group, twenty to the control group. Results indicate significant differences in attitude and analysis of ethical dilemmas between the two groups.
Effectiveness and tolerability of mirtazapine and amitriptyline in alcoholic patients with co‐morbid depressive disorder: a randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Altintoprak A. Ender , Zorlu Nabi , Coskunol Hakan , Akdeniz Fisun , Kitapcioglu Gul 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectiveStudies indicate that serotoninergic and noradrenergic pathophysiological mechanisms may underlie both alcohol abuse/dependence and depressive disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and tolerability of two serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressant drugs‐mirtazapine and amitriptyline, for the treatment of patients with alcohol dependence co‐morbid with depressive disorder in a randomized, double‐blind treatment setting.MethodsForty‐four patients were included in the study. Twenty‐four patients were randomized to mirtazapine and twenty to amitriptyline groups. Thirty‐six of them completed the study. The 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and alcohol craving questionnaire were used at baseline and, at days 7, 14, 28, 42, and 56 to estimate the effectiveness of the antidepressant treatment. Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was used in the assessment of alcohol dependence. The tolerability was assessed with the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side Effect Rating Scale (UKU).ResultsThere was significant improvement in HDRS and alcohol craving scores with both the drugs. However there were no statistical differences between treatment groups. Mirtazapine was tolerated better than amitriptyline treatment.ConclusionsThe treatment with either mirtazapine or amitriptyline resulted with the reduction of HDRS and craving scores. The side‐effect profile of mirtazapine was relatively favorable in our study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectral decomposition of periodic ground water fluctuation in a coastal aquifer
Authors: Shih David Ching‐Fang , Lin Gwo‐Fong , Jia Yee‐Ping , Chen Yue‐Gau , Wu Yih‐Min 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis research accomplished by the descriptive statistics and spectral analysis of six kinds of time series data gives a complete assessment of periodic fluctuation in significant constituents for the Huakang Shan earthquake monitoring site. Spectral analysis and bandpass filtering techniques are demonstrated to accurately analyse the significant component. Variation in relative ground water heads with a period of 12·6 h is found to be highly related to seawater level fluctuation. Time lag is estimated about 3·78 h. Based on these phenomena, the coastal aquifer formed in an unconsolidated formation can be affected by the nearby seawater body for the semi‐diurnal component. Fluctuation in piezometric heads is found to correspond at a rate of 1000 m h−1. Atmospheric pressure presents the significant components at periods of 10·8 h and 7·2 h in a quite different type, compared to relative ground water head and seawater level. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correcting wind‐induced bias in solid precipitation measurements in case of limited and uncertain data
Authors: Fortin Vincent , Therrien Charles , Anctil François 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAutomatic precipitation gauges tend to underestimate solid precipitation in the presence of wind. Loss as a function of wind speed is typically evaluated by comparing the gauge with a more accurate measurement made using a double‐fence intercomparison reference gauge (DFIR). For small precipitation events, small errors in the observations can induce large errors in the ‘catch’ ratio, i.e. the ratio of the automatic gauge measurement to the DFIR observation. For this reason, precipitation events of less than 3 mm are typically discarded before performing the regression analysis. This can mean discarding more than 90% of the observations. This paper shows how the method of weighted least squares can be used to perform a regression analysis that can take into account the whole sample to provide a more accurate estimation of the relationship between the catch ratio and the wind speed. This methodology is then used to obtain an adjustment curve for a shielded Geonor T‐200B precipitation gauge in Northern Québec. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada.
Using satellite imagery to validate snow distribution simulated by a hydrological model in large northern basins
Authors: Brown Laura , Thorne Robin , Woo Ming‐Ko 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOwing to the scarcity of hydro‐climatic data in high latitudes, most hydrological models are validated using only discharge data from the basin outlets. In view of the important contribution of snowmelt to northern river flows, there is a need to evaluate model performance in terms of the ability to simulate the seasonal pattern of change in the basin snow cover. The paucity of ground observations renders satellite information a suitable alternative. The moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) global snow‐cover product provided by the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) offers one such tool to validate simulated snow coverage in rugged sub‐arctic and boreal terrain. This study examines the usefulness of applying MODIS data to validate the hydrological simulation for two test basins: the Liard (275 000 km2) and the Athabasca (133 000 km2) Basins in Canada. Changing extent of snow cover simulated by the Semi‐distributed Land Use‐based Runoff Processes (SLURP) macro‐hydrologic model was compared with MODIS imagery at four bi‐weekly intervals in 2000 and 2001. The simulated patterns of seasonal snow‐cover change are consistent with the remotely sensed information, with melt beginning from the lower elevations in the east where less snow was accumulated, to the higher elevations in the west bearing more snow. The overall results show the need and the usefulness of MODIS as a tool for validating snow distribution simulated by the hydrological model in large northern basins. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal‐on‐metal bearings in total hip arthroplasties: Influence of cobalt and chromium ions on bacterial growth and biofilm formation
Authors: Hosman Anton H. , van der Mei Henny C. , Bulstra Sjoerd K. , Busscher Henk J. , Neut Daniëlle 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMetal‐on‐metal (MOM) bearings involving cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) alloys in total hip arthroplasties are becoming more and more popular due to their low wear. Consequences of corrosion products of Co–Cr alloys are for the most part unclear, and the influence of cobalt and chromium ions on biofilm formation has never been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate how Co–Cr ions affect bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and architecture. A collection of clinically isolated and commercially available bacterial strains were exposed to Co–Cr concentrations as found in serum and above as found in adjacent tissue. Planktonic growth of bacteria was inhibited by concentrations of 200,000/93,000 μg/L Co–Cr. Co–Cr concentrations up to 20/9.3 μg/L as reported to occur in serum revealed no consistent influence on biofilm formation, but higher concentrations of 200,000/93,000 μg/L significantly reduced Staphylococcus aureus and CNS biofilm formation. As indicated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, no dead bacteria were encountered in the biofilms, and the metal ion concentrations used must be classified as growth‐inhibiting and not bactericidal. Long‐term clinical data on infection rates for Co–Cr MOM‐bearings are not yet available, but the current results suggest that Co–Cr ions may yield these prostheses less prone to biofilm formation and subsequent infection. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Fabrication and characteristic analysis of a poly(propylene fumarate) scaffold using micro‐stereolithography technology
Authors: Lee Jin Woo , Lan Phung Xuan , Kim Byung , Lim Geunbae , Cho Dong‐Woo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractScaffold fabrication for regenerating functional human tissues has an important role in tissue engineering, and there has been much progress in research on scaffold fabrication. However, current methods are limited by the mechanical properties of existing biodegradable materials and the irregular structures that they produce. Recently, several promising biodegradable materials have been introduced, including poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF). The development of micro‐stereolithography allows the fabrication of free‐form 3D microstructures as designed. Since this technology requires a low‐viscosity resin to fabricate fine structures, we reduced the viscosity of PPF by adding diethyl fumarate. Using our system, the curing characteristics and material properties of the resin were analyzed experimentally. Then, we fabricated waffle shape and 3D scaffolds containing several hundred regular micro pores. This method controlled the pore size, porosity, interconnectivity, and pore distribution. The results show that micro‐stereolithography has big advantages over conventional fabrication methods. In addition, the ultimate strength and elastic modulus of the fabricated scaffolds were measured, and cell adhesion to the fabricated scaffold was observed by growing seeded cells on it. These results showed that the PPF/DEF scaffold is a potential bone scaffold for tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Sustained liver‐specific transgene expression from the albumin promoter in mice following hydrodynamic plasmid DNA delivery
Authors: Wooddell Christine I. , Reppen Thomas , Wolff Jon A. , Herweijer Hans 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundTo properly study gene expression in vivo, often long‐term expression is desired. Previous studies using plasmid DNA (pDNA) vectors have typically resulted in short‐term expression. Here, we evaluated combinations of the albumin promoter with different enhancers and untranslated regions for liver‐specific expression in mice.MethodsA series of pDNA secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene expression vectors was constructed using the albumin promoter and various other expression cassette elements. Each was evaluated for level and duration of SEAP expression in mice following hydrodynamic tail vein delivery.ResultsSustained liver expression was obtained from vectors combining the albumin promoter with an albumin 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). The level of expression was increased by inclusion of enhancers and a 5′ intron. The optimal expression vector consisted of the albumin promoter combined with an α‐fetoprotein MERII enhancer, 5′ intron from the factor IX gene, and the 3′UTR from the albumin gene including intron 14. With this vector, SEAP reporter gene expression levels remained high for 1 year, at levels comparable to those obtained from the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter on day 1. Expression of human apolipoprotein E3 (hApoE) in ApoE knockout mice provided a dose‐dependent correction of their hypercholesterolemia.ConclusionsLiver‐specific sustained transgene expression can be obtained at very high levels from optimized pDNA vectors, without the use of integration systems. Such vectors will further facilitate biological studies of genes in vivo and may find application in gene therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern Formation in Thin Polymer Films Containing Conducting Polyaniline
Authors: Haberko Jakub , Raczkowska Joanna , Bernasik Andrzej , Łużny Wojciech , Rysz Jakub , Budkowski Andrzej 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: In the present work knowledge the authors tried to direct the phase separation process in a thin polymer composite film to manufacture a polymer pattern via self organisation of the blend components. The Au substrate was modified by applying with a PDMS stamp a pattern of alternating stripes of a self‐assembled monolayer. This in turn influenced the microstructure of the blend, allowing for the production of elongated domains repeating the pattern of the substrate. The blends studied in this work contained conducting polyaniline doped with camphorsulfonic acid or diphenyl phosphate and polystyrene. The role of the dopant was to induce electrical conductivity in polyaniline as well as to improve its solubility in common organic solvents. The microstructure of thin films was analysed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy (dSIMS) and optical microscopy.
Miscibility and Thermal Behaviour of Poly(styrene‐co‐itaconic acid)/Poly(butyl methacrylate‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) Mixtures. Accessibility and Self‐Association Effects
Authors: Bouyahia Radhia , Metref Farid , Djadoun Said 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: The miscibility and thermal behaviour of binary mixtures of poly(styrene‐co‐itaconic acid) containing 11 or 27 mol % of itaconic acid (PSIA‐11 or PSIA27) with poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA)or poly(butyl methacrylate‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) containing 10 or 26 mol% of 4‐vinylpyridine (PBM4VP‐10, PBM4V‐P26) were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The results showed that 11 mol % of itaconic acid and 10 mol % of 4‐vinylpyridine respectively introduced within the polystyrene and poly(butyl methacrylate) matrices induced the miscibility of this pair of polymers due to specific interactions of hydrogen bonding type with partial pyridine protonation that occurred between the two copolymers as evidenced by FTIR from the appearance of two new bands at 1607 cm−1 and 1640 cm−1. Increasing itaconic acid content from 11 to 27 mol % led to a decrease of the intensity of the specific interactions within PSIA‐27/PBM4VP blends and is attributed to both accessibility and self association effects as evidenced by DSC from the change of the shape of the Tg‐ composition curves and by FTIR spectroscopy. As shown from the thermogravimetric study, the presence of these specific interactions delayed the anhydride formation and improved the thermal stability of the blends.
Rheological Study on Polypropylene/Cycloolefin Copolymer Blends
Authors: Fambri Luca , Kolarik Jan , Pasqualini Emanuele , Penati Amabile , Pegoretti Alessandro 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: Polypropylene, cycloolefin copolymer and their blends were characterized by means of melt flow analysis and capillary rheometry at temperatures between 190 and 230 °C in order to shed more light on COC fiber formation obtained in injection molding process. Melt viscosity and its activation energy as functions of blend composition show negative deviation from the expected additivity (Negative Deviating Blends). The COC/PP viscosity ratio increases with shear rate, but decreases with temperature. High temperature, low viscosity ratio and high shear rate seem to be favorable for fiber formation. Glass transition (from the reversible heat flow curve of modulated DSC) of dumbbell specimens produced by injection molding at 230 °C with COC minor component was 2–4 °C higher than that of grinded pellets obtained from mixing at 190 °C.
Anisotropic and hydrogen bonding effects in phenylglyoxamides and mandelamides: theoretical and NMR conformational evaluation
Authors: Gonçalves Biank T. , Esteves Pierre M. , Pinto Angelo C. , Kaiser Carlos R. , da Silva Fernanda L. , Miguez Eduardo , da Silva Joaquim F. M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractInteresting anisotropic effects were observed for phenylglyoxamides and their respective mandelamides. Such effects were observed in experimental 1H and 13C NMR (in CDCl3, CD3OD, and DMSO‐d6 solvents) and in some cases with good correlation to theoretical 1H and 13C NMR DFT–GIAO (B3LYP/6‐311 + + G**//B3LYP/6‐31G*) calculations. A systematic conformational analysis of these compounds was performed in a two‐step methodology, using PM3 and DFT (B3LYP/6‐31G*) calculations; with good accomplishment and computational time economy. It was observed that intramolecular hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in the conformation of such compounds. Finally, a geminal nonequivalence of an NCH2 moiety, in one of the alkyl side chain (R1 = R2), was found for the tertiary mandelamides studied. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.