bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular responses to novel, micropatterned biomaterials
Authors: Lensen Marga C. , Schulte Vera A. , Salber Jochen , Diez Mar , Menges Fabian , Möller Martin 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTwo UV-curable polymers, i.e., a star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and a linear perfluorinated polyether (PFPE), are investigated as novel biomaterials in a systematic study of the cellular responses to surface chemistry, topography, and elasticity. Based on the wettability it was expected that the two novel biomaterials were too hydrophilic or -phobic, respectively, to support cell adhesion. Indeed, no cell adhesion was observed on the smooth, unstructured elastomers, whereas the materials showed no cytotoxicity. However, when the materials bear defined, topographic patterns (prepared by UV-based imprinting), cells do react strongly to the surfaces; they adhere, spread, and change their shape depending on the geometry of the features. Typically, cells were found to align along line patterns and "float" on pillar structures. It should be noted that the chemistry of the surface is not altered by the imprinting process, hence, there are no biofunctional molecules present at the surface to aid the cell adhesion. Finally, a remarkable effect of elasticity on the cellular behavior was discovered. Thus, the three parameters of chemistry, topography, and elasticity were investigated in- and interdependently, and it was found that the biomaterials may lose their resistance to protein adsorption and cell adhesion depending on the surface topography.
B-site substituted lanthanum strontium ferrites as electrode materials for electrochemical applications
Authors: Vogt Ulrich F. , Sfeir Josef , Richter Joerg , Soltmann Christian , Holtappels Peter 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
For electrochemical systems such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) or solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs), perovskites are widely used as cathode material for the reduction of molecular oxygen. At present, strontium-substituted lanthanum manganite, La1-x
Sr
x
MnO3-δ (LSM), is used as standard SOFC cathode material for operation at high temperatures, whereas strontium-substituted lanthanum ferrite (LSF) is alternatively explored for medium-temperature SOFCs. Moreover, LSF is considered to be a potential candidate for oxygen separation membranes as the material reported interesting electrical properties. The design of new perovskite-type La transition-metal oxides is of significant technological importance in order to reduce the operating temperature to 600-800 °C and thus to reduce the SOFC system cost. For investigations on a new material class, (La1-x
Sr
x
)
y
Fe1-z
(Ni,Cu)
z
O3-δ was synthesized by a spray-pyrolysis process and modified on the A-site in both stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric configurations and on the B-site by substituting Fe with Ni and Cu.
Research on a gel polymer electrolyte for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Li Guangchao , Li Zhaohui , Zhang Peng , Zhang Hanping , Wu Yuping 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The preparation, physical, and electrochemical properties of Li-ion conducting membranes, poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF-HFP)]-based gel polymer electrolytes, are briefly reviewed in this paper. Phase separation or inversion method is mostly used to prepare microporous membranes because of the flexibility of its operation and controllable pore structure. The crystallinity of the polymer matrix and the pore structure of the membrane are the key issues to prepare P(VDF-HFP)-based gel polymer electrolytes with high Li+ conductivity and good mechanical strength. As to their further directions, they are also discussed.
Changes in wood-water relationship due to heat treatment assessed on micro-samples of three Eucalyptus species
Authors: Almeida Giana , Brito José Otávio , Perré Patrick 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Wood-water relationship of untreated and heat-treated wood was studied. Specimens of Eucalyptus
grandis, E. saligna, and E. citriodora were submitted to five conditions of heat treatment: 180°C and 220°C with air; 220°C, 250°C, and 280°C with N2. The wood-water relationships were accurately studied in a special device, in which the moisture content (MC) of the sample was measured with a highly sensitive electronic microbalance placed in a climatic chamber. The dimensions of the sample were collected continuously without contact by means of two high-speed laser scan micrometers. Sorption curves and shrinkage-MC relationships were observed. To study the effects of heat treatment, the following parameters were also determined: fiber saturation point (FPS), wood anisotropy (T/R ratio), shrinkage slope, reduction in hygroscopicity, and anti-shrink efficiency (ASE). The physical properties were significantly affected only at 220°C and above. At heat temperature levels higher than 220°C, the reduction in hygroscopicity and ASE are higher than 40% and continue to be reduced with increasing temperature level. This work also demonstrates that heat treatment does not change the slope of the curves “shrinkage vs. MC”, proving that heat treatment affects the domain of alterations in wood properties, but not the behavior within this domain.
Biology of Thrypticus truncatus and Thrypticus sagittatus (Diptera: Dolichopodidae), Petiole Miners of Water Hyacinth, in Argentina, with Morphological Descriptions of Larvae and Pupae
Authors: Hernández M Cristina 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The mining flies Thrypticus truncatus Bickel & Hernández and Thrypticus sagittatus Bickel & Hernández (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) are being evaluated as biological control agents for the water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae). The behavior of adults and larvae of these species was studied in the laboratory and in several water courses of the Paraná River basin, Argentina. The larvae feed on sap from feeding points scraped in the vascular bundles in the petioles of E. crassipes. Pupation occurs in a chamber dug near one of the mine’s openings. External morphology of larvae and pupae, larval cephalic skeleton, and tracheal system are described. The pupae of both species have the ventrally flattened profile of the Medeterinae, with a transverse serrate ridge divided by a notch at the apex of the head. The mines, described herein in detail, constitute the microhabitat where the larvae live throughout their development, and obtain food and protection. Both species are active and reproduce on water hyacinth from spring to the end of fall, and overwinter as larvae inside the mines in the petioles. No morphological or behavioral differences were evident between the immature stages of these species, except in the apical ridges of the pupae. Both species seem to occupy the same niche on the plants.
Species Diversity of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Louisiana
Authors: Dash Shawn T , Hooper-Bùi Linda M 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMore than four decades have passed since the completion of the checklist by Moser and Blum (1960) of the ants of Louisiana. This research represents a significant contribution to and an update of their work. This report is the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the formicid fauna of Louisiana. One hundred thirty-two species from 40 genera and nine subfamilies were found. Information on how Louisiana ant fauna compares to that of adjacent states and Nearctic fauna are provided. Interesting results include the identity of exotic and pestiferous species, missing species, species lost, and previously unreported species.
Effect of Brood Type on Varroa-Sensitive Hygiene by Worker Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Harris Jeffrey W 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHoney bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) have been selectively bred for varroa-sensitive hygiene (VSH), which is the removal of pupae that are infested by Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman from capped brood cells. This hygienic behavior is a complex interaction of bees and brood in which brood cells are inspected, and then brood is either removed or recapped. Previous work has shown that VSH bees uncap and remove significantly more varroa-infested worker pupae than nonhygienic bees do, but nothing is known about the reactions of VSH bees to mite-infested drone brood. This study compared the reactions of VSH bees with mite-infested worker and drone brood in a laboratory test and a field test. VSH bees inspected brood cells containing mite-infested pupae of both types of brood, but they removed significantly fewer mite-infested drone pupae than mite-infested worker pupae after 1 wk. This result suggests that mite populations in VSH colonies could increase more rapidly when drone brood is available. Additionally, the percentages of uncapped pupae and uncapped mite-infested pupae were positively correlated to the natural infestation rate of brood after a 24-h exposure, but not after an exposure of 1 wk. This result suggests that the rate of uncapping brood by hygienic bees may depend on the infestation rate, which gradually decreases with longer exposures to bees that remove mite-infested pupae from capped brood.
Untangling the Interplay Among Navigational Strategies Used by the Ant Formica podzolica
Authors: Dias Caroline Marie , Breed Michael D 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Ants use a variety of navigational mechanisms in homing, including pheromone trails, landmarks, compasses, and visual “snapshots” of the landscape. In many cases, an ant has more than one of these information types available and may give priority to one mechanism over the others. We investigated how the ant Formica podzolica Francoeur makes use of polarized light during the initial stages of homing. When ants were displaced to an unfamiliar area, they spent significantly more time in the 90° arc centered on their perception of the direction to the nest. This preference was eliminated by modifying the ants’ view of the sky with a polarizing filter, suggesting that F. podzolica use polarized light information. However, the displacements also showed that the ants make use of nest-specific information (possibly landmarks or snapshot matching) to recalibrate their homeward paths. When confronted with incompatible orientation information from polarized light in the sky and landmarks, the ant seems to reorient using landmarks, overriding the information from polarized light.
Ceratophysella richardi sp. n. (Collembola: Hypogastruridae) from USA, with Synonymization of the Genus Mitchellania with Ceratophysella
Authors: Skarżyński Dariusz , Christiansen Kenneth 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Ceratophysella richardi sp. n. is described from South Carolina, USA. Unusual characteristics of a new species (post antennal organ with posterior lobes not surrounding accessory boss, macrochaetae p2 on thoracic terga II-III set nearly in line with setae p1, setae m2 on thoracic tergum II sometimes present, setae p1 and p2 on abdominal tergum IV microchaetae and macrochaetae, respectively, and all body sensilla long) are intermediate between two genera and led the authors to synonymize MitchellaniaWray, 1953 with CeratophysellaBörner, 1932.
Overcoming Immunologic Tolerance to Melanoma: Targeting CTLA-4 with Tremelimumab (CP-675,206)
Authors: Ribas Antoni 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blockade therapies have been evaluated in clinical trials and have shown promise as possible options for treating patients with cancer. One agent under investigation is tremelimumab (CP-675,206), a monoclonal antibody that has been demonstrated to be a safe and efficacious treatment in patients with malignant melanoma. Results of a phase I clinical trial suggested that a dose of 15 mg/kg of tremelimumab would be the maximum-tolerated dose, with the most common grade 3–4 toxicities being diarrhea and rash. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the postinfusion plasma concentration and area under the plasma disposition curve both increased in an approximately proportional manner with dose. Studies also showed that tremelimumab has a low clearance (0.132 ml/h·kg), a small volume of distribution (81.2 ml/kg), and a long terminal-phase half-life (22.1 days). A pivotal phase II clinical trial assessing single-agent tremelimumab as second-line therapy in metastatic melanoma has completed accrual, with response rate as the primary endpoint. A pivotal phase III trial has also completed accrual; that study compared the overall survival of previously untreated patients receiving single-agent tremelimumab versus dacarbazine or temozolomide.
Effects of sand and process water pH on toluene diluted heavy oil in water emulsions in turbulent flow
Authors: Angle Chandra W. , Hamza Hassan A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe presence of sand in heavy oil production is known to enhance oil recovery. Sand can also be detrimental depending on the properties of the sand–water interface. In this process, the water soluble material interacts with both sand and oil droplets and affects emulsion stability. The formation and stability of heavy oil‐in‐water emulsions during turbulent flow using batch process stirred‐tank mixing of oil, sand, and water were investigated at three pH. Size distributions were measured by laser diffraction. High‐speed video photomicrography was used to observe the process during mixing. Results showed that the presence of sand enhanced formation of stable, fine emulsion at basic pH 8.5. When the pH of the water was reduced below 6.5 both sand and droplets surface properties changed, the emulsions became less stable and coalescence was apparent. The sand grains acted as coalescers at low pH and enhanced breakage at high pH. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources, 2008 AIChE J, 2009
Physical maturation, life‐history classes and age estimates of free‐ranging western gorillas—insights from Mbeli Bai, Republic of Congo
Authors: Breuer Thomas , Hockemba Mireille Breuer‐Ndoundou , Olejniczak Claudia , Parnell Richard J. , Stokes Emma J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPhysical maturation and life‐history parameters are seen as evolutionary adaptations to different ecological and social conditions. Comparison of life‐history patterns of closely related species living in diverse environments helps to evaluate the validity of these assumptions but empirical data are lacking. The two gorilla species exhibit substantial differences in their environment, which allows investigation into the role of increased frugivory in shaping western gorilla life histories. We present behavioral and morphological data on western gorilla physical maturation and life‐history parameters from a 12.5‐year study at Mbeli Bai, a forest clearing in the Nouabalé‐Ndoki National Park in northern Congo. We assign photographs of known individuals to different life‐history classes and propose new age boundaries for life‐history classes in western gorillas, which can be used and tested at other western gorilla research sites. Our results show that western gorillas are weaned at a later age compared with mountain gorillas and indicate slower physical maturation of immatures. These findings support the risk‐aversion hypothesis for more frugivorous species. However, our methods need to be applied and tested with other gorilla populations. The slow life histories of western gorillas could have major consequences for social structure, mortality patterns and population growth rates that will affect recovery from population crashes of this critically endangered species. We emphasize that long‐term studies can provide crucial demographic and life‐history data that improve our understanding of life‐history evolution and adaptation and help to refine conservation strategies. Am. J. Primatol. 71:106–119, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GPC observations of branching effects in anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate: A preliminary study
Authors: Tsai Yuhsin , Wu Jyh‐Horng , Tsai Fuu‐Jen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate was performed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78°C, using sec‐butyllithium/1,1‐diphenylethylene (DPE) as the initiation system. The effects of polymerization time and initiator concentration on the branching reaction were studied. High vacuum was used to prevent contamination during the polymerization. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to characterize the branching effect qualitatively. Experimental results indicated that the monomer conversion reached more than 98% in a polymerization time of 10 min. The branching reaction occurred after high monomer conversion, resulting in a tail of high molecular weight in the GPC trace. This branching effect, observed by GPC, increased with polymerization time. Rapid termination was thus probably required immediately after all of the monomer was consumed in the preparation of a well‐defined PMMA without a high‐molecular‐weight tail in this diphenylbutylllithium/THF/−78°C system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Kinetics and particle nucleation mechanism of St/BA/qBVPBr emulsifier‐free cationic emulsion polymerization
Authors: Zhang Jinzhi , Cheng Shiyuan , Lu Guohong , Chai Shigan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractStable functional cationic latices were prepared by emulsifier‐free emulsion copolymerization of styrene (St) and butyl‐acrylate (BA) with 1‐butyl‐4‐vinylpyridinium bromide (qBVPBr) as functional comonomer and azobis(isobutyramidine hydrochloride) (AIBA) as initiator at (70 ± 1)°C. The influences of the reaction temperature, the initiator concentration, and comonomer concentration on the polymerization conversion (x %), polymerization rate (Rp) of poly(St/BA/qBVPBr) emulsions were investigated. The results indicated that x % and Rp increase with increasing qBVPBr or AIBA concentration and temperature, and Rp can be expressed as Rp = Kp[AIBA]0.73[qBVPBr]0.08 (rAIBA = 0.9968; rqBVPBr = 0.9946, both rAIBA and rqBVPBr are linear correlation coefficient) and the apparent activation energy (Ea) is 47.89 kJ mol−1. In the absence of emulsifier condition, curves of Rp versus reaction time obeyed the typical behavior characterized by Intervals I, II, and III as similar conventional emulsion polymerization. The formation and growth of poly(St/BA/qBVPBr) latex particles has been studied at different reaction times. The results indicate that Np decrease gradually with time at the early polymerization stages and then reach a constant value after about 20% conversion, but Dp by photon correlation spectroscopy grow continuously as all polymerization proceed. Both the particle size distribution and molecular weight distribution curves are of bimodal size distribution and indicate the participation of at least two mechanisms of particle formation, namely, homogeneous nucleation in the aqueous phase and micellar nucleation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Thermodynamically controlled supramolecular polymerization of cytochrome b562
Authors: Kitagishi Hiroaki , Oohora Koji , Hayashi Takashi 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA hemoprotein‐based supramolecular polymer that has a covalently linked heme moiety on the protein surface has been constructed based on interprotein heme–heme pocket interactions of the chemically modified apocytochrome b562 (1‐H63C). The thermodynamic properties of the polymer have been investigated by means of size exclusion chromatography, UV–vis spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The results indicate that, as with other synthetic systems reported so far, the 1‐H63C hemoprotein assembly is thermodynamically controlled in aqueous solution: the degree of polymerization is dependent on the 1‐H63C concentration and is modulated by the addition of the end‐capping units, native heme, and/or apocytochrome b562 mutant (apoH63C). These properties suggest a potential use for the hemoprotein self‐assembly in preparation of stimuli‐responsive functional nanobiomaterials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 91: 194–200, 2009.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The Structure‐Controlling Solventless Synthesis and Optical Properties of Uniform Cu2S Nanodisks
Authors: Chen Yu‐Biao , Chen Ling , Wu Li‐Ming 
Published: November 2008

AbstractUniform Cu2S nanodisks have been synthesized from a well‐characterized layered copper thiolate precursor by structure‐controlling solventless thermolysis at 200–220 °C under a N2 atmosphere. The development from small Cu2S nanoparticles (diameter ≈3 nm) to nanodisks (diameter 8.3 nm) and then to faceted nanodisks (diameter 27.5 nm, thickness 12.7 nm) is accompanied by a continuous phase transition from metastable orthorhombic to monoclinic Cu2S, the ripening of small particles by aggregation, and finally the crystallization process. The growth of the nanoproduct is constrained by the crystal structure of the precursor and the in situ‐generated thiol molecules. Such controlled anisotropic growth leads to a nearly constant thickness of faceted nanodisks with different diameters, which has been confirmed by TEM observations and optical absorption measurements.
Regularity of the free boundary of an American option on several assets
Authors: Laurence Peter , Salsa Sandro 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe establish the C∞ regularity of the free boundary for an American option on several assets in the case where the payoff is convex and the assets follow correlated geometric Brownian motions. Our work builds on results concerning the qualitative properties and initial regularity of the free boundary by Broadie and Detemple; Jaillet, Lamberton, and Lapeyre; and Villeneuve. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A system for Web browsing by eye‐gaze input
Authors: Abe Kiyohiko , Owada Kosuke , Ohi Shoichi , Ohyama Minoru 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe have developed an eye‐gaze input system for people with severe physical disabilities, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. This system utilizes a personal computer and a home video camera to detect eye‐gaze under natural light. The system detects both vertical and horizontal eye‐gaze by simple image analysis, and does not require special image processing units or sensors. We also developed the platform for eye‐gaze input based on our system.In this paper, we propose a new Web browsing system for physically disabled computer users as an application of the platform for eye‐gaze input. The proposed Web browsing system uses a method of direct indicator selection. The method categorizes indicators by their function. These indicators are hierarchized relations; users can select the felicitous function by switching indicators group. This system also analyzes the location of selectable objects on Web pages, such as hyperlink, radio button, edit box, etc. This system stores the locations of these objects, in other words, the mouse cursor skips to the object of candidate input. Therefore, it enables Web browsing at a faster pace. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(5): 11– 18, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10110