bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Octafunctional cubic silsesquioxane (CSSQ)/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites: Synthesis by atom transfer radical polymerization at mild conditions and the influence of CSSQ on nanocomposites
Authors: Hussain Hazrat , Mya Khine Yi , Xiao Yang , He Chaobin 
Published: December 2007

AbstractOrganic/inorganic hybrid star‐like nanocomposites from two different octafunctional cubic silsesquioxane (CSSQ) nano‐cage cores and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) at mild conditions, in which octafunctional octakis(3‐hydroxypropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (OHPS) and octa(aminophenyl)silsesquioxane (OAPS) nano‐cages were used as ATRP initiators. The polymerization was carried out at 50 °C in acetonitrile/water mixture. 1H‐NMR and GPC were employed to characterize the obtained nanocomposites. GPC data revealed that the resulting nanocomposites exhibit unimodal and narrow molecular weight distributions indicating well‐controlled synthesis and well‐defined hybrid nanocomposites with star architecture. The influence of CSSQ nano‐cages on the thermal property of nanocomposites was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was observed that the nanocomposites exhibit significantly higher glass transition temperature compared with its linear counterpart because of slow relaxation caused by the star‐like architecture. TGA study, however, did not reveal any significant improvement in thermal stability of nanocomposites as compared with linear PMMA. Finally, field emission scanning electron microscopy images of fractured surfaces of nanocomposite sample films showed well dispersed CSSQ nano‐cages in PMMA matrix without phase separation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 766–776, 2008
Poly(vinyltriethoxysilane) modified MWCNT/polyimide nanocomposites—Preparation, morphological, mechanical, and electrical properties
Authors: Yuen Siu‐Ming , Ma Chen‐Chi M. , Chiang Chin‐Lung , Teng Chih‐Chun , Yu Yi‐Hsiuan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMulti‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) modified by vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) via free radical reaction has been prepared (poly (vinyltriethoxysilane) modified MWCNTs, PVTES‐MWCNT). Precursor of polyimide, polyamic acid has been synthesized by reacting 4,4′‐oxydianiline with 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride. PVTES‐MWCNT were then mixed with polyamic acid and heated to 300 °C to form CNT/polyimide composite. During the imidization processes, the silanes on CNT surface reacted with each other and may be connected together by covalent bond (SiOSi). The PVTES‐MWCNT was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PVTES‐MWCNT/polyimide composites were analyzed by CP/MAS solid state 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Morphological properties of the PVTES‐MWCNT/polyimide composites were investigated by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Electrical conductivity increased dramatically comparing to the unmodified MWCNT/polyimide composites. Mechanical properties of nanocomposite were enhanced significantly by PVTES‐MWCNT. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 803–816, 2008
Synthesis, self‐assembly and recognition properties of biomimetic star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐glycopolymer block copolymers
Authors: Dai Xiao‐Hui , Dong Chang‐Ming 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBiomimetic star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(gluconamidoethyl methacrylate) block copolymers (SPCL‐PGAMA) were synthesized from the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of unprotected GAMA glycomonomer using a tetra(2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropionyl)‐terminated star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone) (SPCL‐Br) as a macroinitiator in NMP solution at room temperature. The block length of PGAMA glycopolymer within as‐synthesized SPCL‐PGAMA copolymers could be adjusted linearly by controlling the molar ratio of GAMA glycomonomer to SPCL‐Br macroinitiator, and the molecular weight distribution was reasonably narrow. The degree of crystallization of PCL block within copolymers decreased with the increasing block length ratio of outer PGAMA to inner PCL. Moreover, the self‐assembly properties of the SPCL‐PGAMA copolymers were investigated by NMR, UV‐vis, DLS, and TEM, respectively. The self‐assembled glucose‐installed aggregates changed from spherical micelles to worm‐like aggregates, then to vesicles with the decreasing weight fraction of hydrophilic PGAMA block. Furthermore, the biomolecular binding of SPCL‐PGAMA with Concanavalin A (Con A) was studied by means of UV‐vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and DLS, which demonstrated that these SPCL‐PGAMA copolymers had specific recognition with Con A. Consequently, this will not only provide biomimetic star‐shaped SPCL‐PGAMA block copolymers for targeted drug delivery, but also improve the compatibility and drug release properties of PCL‐based biomaterials for hydrophilic peptide drugs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 817–829, 2008
Formation of poly(ethylene phosphates) in polycondensation of H3PO4 with ethylene glycol. Kinetic and mechanistic study
Authors: Pretula Julia , Kaluzynski Krzysztof , Wisniewski Blazej , Szymanski Ryszard , Loontjens Ton , Penczek Stanislaw 
Published: December 2007

AbstractConditions of synthesis of poly(ethylene phosphates) in reaction of H3PO4 with HOCH2CH2OH (EG), the actual path of polycondensation, and structure of the obtained polymers (mostly oligomers) and kinetics of reaction are described. Preliminary kinetic information, based on the comparison of the MALDI‐TOF‐ms and 31P{1H} NMR spectra as a function of conversion is given as well. Because of the dealkylation process fragments derived from di‐ and triethylene glycols are also present in the repeating units. Structures of the end groups (CH2CH2OH or OP(O)(OH)2) depend on the starting ratio of [EG]0/[H3PO4]0, although even at the excess of EG the acidic end groups prevail because of the dealkylation process. In MALDI‐TOF‐ms products with Pn equal up to 21 have been observed. The average polymerization degrees (Pn) are lower and have been calculated from the proportion of the end groups. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 830–843, 2008
The effect of group cohesion on rehabilitation outcome in cancer survivors
Authors: May Anne M. , Duivenvoorden Hugo J. , Korstjens Irene , van Weert Ellen , Hoekstra‐Weebers Josette E. H. M. , van den Borne Bart , Mesters Ilse , van der Schans Cees P. , Ros Wynand J. G. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective: Group‐based physical training interventions have been shown to be effective in increasing quality of life in cancer survivors. Until now, however, the impact of cohesion within the group on intervention outcome has not been investigated.Methods: We examined self‐reported individual group cohesion ratings collected in the first half of a 12‐week rehabilitation programme for cancer survivors (N=132). Four dimensions of group cohesion were measured, i.e. the bond with the group as whole, the bond with other members, cooperation within the group and the instrumental value. Quality of life, physical functioning and fatigue were assessed before and after the intervention using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐C30. Linear multiple multivariate regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between group cohesion and intervention outcome.Results: The relationship between group cohesion and outcome was significantly modified by gender. Higher ratings of cooperation within the group predicted better post‐intervention quality of life and physical functioning and less fatigue in men, and better quality of life and physical functioning in women. Additionally, women who reported a stronger bond with other members showed a lower quality of life after the intervention. No relationship was found between the instrumental value and the outcome variables.Conclusion: Some dimensions of group cohesion seem to be associated with intervention outcome. The underlying mechanisms need to be unravelled. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using temperature and state transitions to forecast wind speed
Authors: Reikard Gordon 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA major issue in forecasting wind speed is non‐linear variability. The probability distribution of wind speed series shows heavy tails, while there are frequent state transitions, in which wind speed changes by large magnitudes, over relatively short time periods. These so‐called large ramp events are one of the critical issues currently facing the wind energy community. Two forecasting algorithms are analyzed here. The first is a regression on lags, including temperature as a causal factor, with time‐varying parameters. The second augments the first using state transition terms. The main innovation in state transition models is that the cumulative density function from regressions on the states is used as a right‐hand side variable in the regressions for wind speed. These two methods are tested against a persistence forecast and several non‐linear models, using eight hourly wind speed series. On average, these two models produce the best results. The state transition model improves slightly over the regression. However, the improvement achieved by both models relative to the persistence forecast is fairly small. These results argue that there are limits to the accuracy that can be achieved in forecasting wind speed data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GENDER INEQUALITY INCREASES WOMEN’S RISK OF HIV INFECTION IN MOSHI, TANZANIA
Authors: SA ZHIHONG , LARSEN ULLA 
Published: December 2007

SummaryThis study examined the hypothesis that multiple dimensions of gender inequality increase women’s risk for HIV infection using a population-based survey of 1418 women aged 20 to 44 in Moshi, Tanzania. Three forms of HIV exposures were assessed reflecting gender power imbalance: economic exposures (age difference between partners and partner’s contributions to children’s expenses), physical exposures (coerced first sex and intimate partner violence) and social exposures (ever had problems conceiving). Behavioural risk factors included number of sexual partners for women in the last three years, partner had other wives or girlfriends, non-use of condom and alcohol use at least once a week in the last 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a woman had a significantly elevated risk for HIV if she had a partner more than 10 years older (OR=2·5), her partner made low financial contributions to children’s expenses (OR=1·7), or she experienced coerced first sex before age 18 years (OR=2·0) even after taking into account the effects of risk behaviour factors. The association between ever had problem conceiving and HIV infection was explained away by risk behaviour factors. The findings lend support to the hypothesis that economic deprivation and experience of sexual violence increase women’s vulnerability to HIV, providing further evidence for extending the behavioural approach to HIV interventions to incorporate women’s economic empowerment, elimination of gender-based violence and promotion of changing attitudes and behaviours among men.
Caspase‐3‐truncated type 1 inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor enhances intracellular Ca2+ leak and disturbs Ca2+ signalling
Authors: Verbert Leen , Lee Bora , Kocks Sarah L. , Assefa Zerihun , Parys Jan B. , Missiaen Ludwig , Callewaert Geert , Fissore Rafael A. , De Smedt Humbert , Bultynck Geert 
Published: December 2007

Background information. The IP3R (inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor) is a tetrameric channel that accounts for a large part of the intracellular Ca2+ release in virtually all cell types. We have previously demonstrated that caspase‐3‐mediated cleavage of IP3R1 during cell death generates a C‐terminal fragment of 95 kDa comprising the complete channel domain. Expression of this truncated IP3R increases the cellular sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli, and it was postulated to be a constitutively active channel.Results. In the present study, we demonstrate that expression of the caspase‐3‐cleaved C‐terminus of IP3R1 increased the rate of thapsigargin‐mediated Ca2+ leak and decreased the rate of Ca2+ uptake into the ER (endoplasmic reticulum), although it was not sufficient by itself to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores. We detected the truncated IP3R1 in different cell types after a challenge with apoptotic stimuli, as well as in aged mouse oocytes. Injection of mRNA corresponding to the truncated IP3R1 blocked sperm factor‐induced Ca2+ oscillations and induced an apoptotic phenotype.Conclusions. In the present study, we show that caspase‐3‐mediated truncation of IP3R1 enhanced the Ca2+ leak from the ER. We suggest a model in which, in normal conditions, the increased Ca2+ leak is largely compensated by enhanced Ca2+‐uptake activity, whereas in situations where the cellular metabolism is compromised, as occurring in aging oocytes, the Ca2+ leak acts as a feed‐forward mechanism to divert the cell into apoptosis.
ZFIQ: a software package for zebrafish biology
Authors: Liu Tianming , Nie Jingxin , Li Gang , Guo Lei , Wong Stephen T. C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Summary: Rapid development, transparency and small size are the outstanding features of zebrafish that make it as an increasingly important vertebrate system for developmental biology, functional genomics, disease modeling and drug discovery. Zebrafish has been regarded as ideal animal specie for studying the relationship between genotype and phenotype, for pathway analysis and systems biology. However, the tremendous amount of data generated from large numbers of embryos has led to the bottleneck of data analysis and modeling. The zebrafish image quantitator (ZFIQ) software provides streamlined data processing and analysis capability for developmental biology and disease modeling using zebrafish model.
Availability: ZFIQ is available for download at http://www.cbi-platform.net
Contact: STWong@tmhs.org
Supplementary information: Additional documentation for this software package is referred to http://www.cbi-platform.net/document.htm. Application examples of this software are referred to http://www.cbi-platform.net/download.htm
Aspects of the reproductive biology of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei) from southern Africa
Authors: Ebert David A. , Compagno Leonard J. V. , Cowley Paul D. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractEbert, D. A., Compagno, L. J. V., and Cowley, P. D. 2008. Aspects of the reproductive biology of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajiformes: Rajoidei) from southern Africa. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 81–102. New information is presented on the reproductive biology of 22 southern African skate species. Sex ratios for most species were relatively even. Sexual dimorphic differences in disc shape were evident in all species, but the total length (LT) to disc width (D) relationship was significantly different in only three species, and the LT to weight (W) relationship significant in just five species. Sexual dimorphism relative to maximum total length (LTmax) was absent in all but the two largest species. Males and females of the same species grow to a similar LTmax except those whose LTmax is >1.5 m LT. Size at first and 50% (LT50) sexual maturity was approximately the same for both sexes in all but the two largest species. First maturity occurred at >60% of LTmax for all species for which sufficient data were available, and most (n = 18) matured at >75% LTmax. The large size at maturity relative to LTmax suggests that growth slows or is partially suspended following sexual maturity. The egg cases of 15 species are described, and a key to their identification is presented. Egg cases in utero were observed throughout the year suggesting that most species reproduce year-round.
A Drosophila metallothionein promoter is inducible in mosquito cells
Authors: Kovach M. J. , Carlson J. O. , Beaty B. J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractExpression from a Drosophila metallothionein promoter (Mtn) was investigated in mosquito cells. Recombinant plasmids carrying a transcription unit comprised of the Escherichia coliβ‐galactosidase gene (lacZ) fused to the metallothionein promoter were stably introduced into Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells. A low copy transformant containing approximately 60 copies of plasmid per cell, and a high copy transformant (1–2 times 104 copies/cell) were characterized. The expression of β‐galactosidase from the metallothionein promoter could be induced and controlled in this heterologous system, even when the copy number of introduced plasmid was several thousand.
Codon usage patterns in chromosomal and retrotransposon genes of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Besansky N. J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractCodon usage was compiled for fourteen chromosomal genes and four retrotransposons from the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Variation exists among chromosomal genes in the degree of bias. The genes showing the highest bias are probably most highly expressed. In these genes, the base composition at the third codon position is much richer in G + C than is the overall coding sequence. Thus, codon usage is biased toward G‐ or C‐ending codons. Codon usage in each retrotransposon is quite different, not only from chromosomal genes but also from the other retrotransposons. Codon usage comparisons among homologous genes from An. gambiae and two other Dipterans, the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster, show that while there are similarities, particularly between An. gambiae and D. melanogaster in the preference for G‐and C‐ending codons, each species has evolved a distinct pattern of codon usage.
TTAA serves as the target site for TFP3 lepidopteran transposon insertions in both nuclear polyhedrosis virus and Trichoplusia ni genomes
Authors: Wang Hwei‐gene Heidi , Fraser M. J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe have analysed TFP3 transposable elements from five independently isolated FP mutants of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV). We also analysed genomic copies of TFP3 elements amplified from the DNAs of the Trichoplusia ni cell line (TN‐368) and T. ni larvae using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequences of all the newly isolated TFP3 elements closely resemble the previously described TFP3/1 element. Each of the transposons isolated from the virus mutants duplicated a TTAA tetranucleotide target site upon insertion into the viral genome. Four of these TFP3 elements transposed into three different ‘TTAA’ target sites within the 25 K gene (FP locus, map units 36–37 of AcMNPV). The fifth TFP3 element inserted at a ’TTAA’ site within the AcMNPV Hin dlll‐E fragment. One genomic TFP3 element, amplified from the TN‐368 cell line DNA by an inverse PCR method, duplicated a ‘TTAA’ tetranucleotide target site that is present only once in the homologous larval DNA sequence. These data suggest that mobilization of TFP3 into both viral and cellular sites is identical in specificity and mechanism.
Genetic transformation and phylogeny of bacterial symbionts from tsetse
Authors: Beard C. B. , O'Neill S. L. , Mason P. , Mandelco L. , Woese C. R. , Tesh R. B. , Richards F. F. , Aksoy S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTwo isolates of bacterial endosymbionts, GP01 and GM02, were established in cell free medium from haemolymph of the tsetse, Glossina pallidipes and G. morsitans. These microorganisms appear similar to rickettsia‐like organisms reported previously from various tsetse species. The 16s rRNA sequence analysis, however, placed them within the gamma subdivision of the Proteobacteria, phylogenetically distinct from most members of the Rickettsiaceae which align with the alpha subdivision. Distinct multiple endogenous plasmids are harboured by GP01 and GM02, suggesting that the two isolates are different. Restriction mapping analysis showed that one of the conserved plasmids is present in high copy number and is at least 80 kb in size. A heterologous plasmid pSUP204, which contains the broad host range oriV replication origin, was used to transfect bacterial cultures. The symbiont GM02 was transformed, and it expressed plasmid encoded resistance to the antibiotics ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Transformation of these symbionts may provide a novel means for expressing anti‐parasitic genes within tsetse populations.
A comparison of three methods for isolating RNA from mosquitoes
Authors: Noriega F. G. , Wells M. A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe two most common protocols for RNA isolation, Chirgwin et al., 1979, and Chomczynski & Sacchi, 1987, were compared with a protocol using glass powder. The quality of the recovered RNA was tested using agarose gels and Northern hybridization. With the glass powder protocol, we consistently obtained intact RNA, whereas with the other protocols we often obtained degraded RNA. Using specific radioactive probes, we measured ribosomal RNA and trypsin mRNA recovered from fed adult Aedes aegypti females. Our protocol gave a 40‐ and a 3‐fold increase in recovery when compared with the Chirgwin and Chomczynski protocol, respectively. The method using glass powder is simple, fast, reproducible and gives a high yield of intact RNA.
An improved primer for PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA in a variety of insect species
Authors: Roehrdanz R. L. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA PCR primer from the mitochondrial COi gene is described that enhances the amplification of the COI‐COJI region of insect mtDNA. When used in conjunction with a primer from the COII gene identified by R. Crozier, a 1600–1700 bp segment is amplified in nine species of insects representing the orders Lepidop‐tera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera.
Conservation of cyclodiene insecticide resistance‐associated mutations in insects
Authors: Thompson M. , Steichen J. C. , Ffrench‐Constant R. H. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractCyclodiene insecticide resistance has accounted for over 60% of reported cases of insecticide resistance. in Drosophila melanogaster resistance is associated with a single base pair substitution in the GABA receptor/chloride ion channel gene Rdl. This substitution predicts the replacement of an alanine with a serine in the second membrane spanning domain, the region thought to line the chloride ion channel pore. Here we report, via the use of degenerate primers in the polymerase chain reaction, that precisely the same substitution is present in three pests from three different insect orders: the house fiy (Diptera), red flour beetle (Coleoptera) and American cockroach (Dicty‐optera). This finding suggests that there are a limited number of mutations that can confer resistance to cyclodienes, putative channel blockers, while still maintaining adequate chloride ion channel function. The conservation of the resistance‐associated mutation between Drosophila and pest insects directly validates the approach of using this insect as a model system for isolating and studying resistance genes. The importance of single base pair substitutions in the evolution of pesticide resistance and in the design of molecular monitoring techniques is discussed.