bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nut and kernel traits and chemical composition of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) cultivars
Authors: Cristofori Valerio , Ferramondo Simone , Bertazza Gianpaolo , Bignami Cristina 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Nut and kernel traits and chemical composition of 24 Italian and foreign hazelnut cultivars were analysed in 2002–2004 in order to study the effect of genotype and environment on nut quality. Nuts were sampled in a germplasm collection in the Italian province of Viterbo.RESULTS: Quantitative and qualitative determinations of sugars, organic acids and lipids revealed good nutritional and health potential of the nuts, with several differences among cultivars and years. The total contents of oil and sugars ranged from 563.69 to 656.36 g kg−1 dry weight (DW) and from 39.80 to 59.51 g kg−1 DW respectively. Fatty acid profile and sugar and total phenolic contents varied with the year. Significantly higher palmitic acid concentration (6.18%) was found in the hot summer year 2003; lower saturated fatty acid concentration (8.20%) and higher unsaturated/saturated acid ratio (11.27) were observed in the coolest year (2004). These differences among years were highlighted by discriminant analysis.CONCLUSION: The information relating to secondary components such as sugars, organic acids and phenolics was useful for discriminating among cultivars and years. Owing to the effect of these compounds on sensory attributes perceived by consumers, their concentration and the varietal differences can be considered primary determinants of nut quality and should be valued when planning the cultivar choice for new plantations. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Integrated analytical strategies for the study of phosphorylation and glycosylation in proteins
Authors: Temporini Caterina , Calleri Enrica , Massolini Gabriella , Caccialanza Gabriele 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe post‐translational modification (PTM) of proteins is a common biological mechanism for regulating protein localization, function, and turnover. The direct analysis of modifications is required because they are not coded by genes, and thus are not predictable. Different MS‐based proteomic strategies are used for the analysis of PTMs, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation, and are composed of a structural simplification step of the protein followed by specific isolation step to extract the classes of modified peptides (also called “sub‐proteomes”) before mass spectrometry. This specific isolation step is necessary because PTMs occur at a sub‐stoichiometric level and signal suppression of the modified fractions in the mass spectrometer occurs in the presence of the more‐abundant non‐modified counterpart. The request of innovative analytical strategies in PTM studies is the capability to localize the modification sites, give detailed structural information on the modification, and determine the isoform composition with increased selectivity, sensitivity, and throughput. This review focuses on the description of recent integrated analytical systems proposed for the analysis of PTMs in proteins, and their application to profile the glycoproteome and the phosphoproteome in biological samples. Comments on the difficulties and usefulness of the analytical strategies are given. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev. 27:207–236, 2008
A Rheological Approach to the Analysis of Plastication Influence on Fibers Breakage of LGF‐filled Polypropylene
Authors: Lucchetta Giovanni 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: Long glass fiber‐filled polypropylene composites are widely used in industry because of their low cost and high performance. To investigate the rheological properties of such composites in the molten state an in‐line slit‐die rheometer was developed and mounted on an injection molding machine. The shear viscosity of filled PP determined by the in‐line rheometer was found to strongly depend on the fiber length distribution. In particular, a linear correlation was determined between the viscosity at a constant temperature and shear rate and the average fiber length equation proposed by Huq and Azaiez. The developed model and the in‐line rheometer were then used to assess the effects of the main plastication parameters (i.e. screw rotation speed and backpressure) on fibers damage. The experiments were carried out according to a central composite design and optimal plastication conditions were determined by means of the response surface method.
Specific Interactions and Reactive Coupling Induced Dispersion of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in Co continuous Polyamide6/Ionomer Blends
Authors: Bose Suryasarathi , Bhattacharyya Arup R. , Khare Rupesh A. , Kulkarni Ajit R. , Pötschke Petra 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: An efficient strategy to achieve electrical conductivity in melt‐mixed co‐continuous blends is to restrict the conducting filler in a particular phase in the blends next to forming a percolated ‘network‐like’ structure in that particular phase. However, strong inter‐tube van der Waals' forces often lead to the aggregated structure leading to higher percolation threshold. In addition, the migration of the conducting filler during melt‐mixing and the blending sequence significantly affect the bulk conductivity of the blends. SEM observation showed fine co‐continuous structures associated with 50/50 blends of PA6/Surlyn with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT). MWNT were localized in the vicinity of the ionic domains in the ionomer corresponding to a specific blending sequence when unmodified MWNT were used, however, in presence of Na‐salt of 6‐amino hexanoic acid (Na‐AHA) modified MWNT, selective clustering was not observed may be due to the confinement of MWNT in the PA6 phase. To understand these complexities the electrical conductivity of melt‐mixed blends of polyamide6/ionomer with MWNT was studied. However, it was observed that the blends with even 3 wt% unmodified MWNT showed insulating behaviour irrespective of the blending sequence adopted. In addition, the key role of a reactive modifier (Na‐AHA) in facilitating uniform dispersion and subsequent ‘network‐like’ formation by establishing specific interactions with MWNT was studied. It was found that the MWNT are selectively localized in the PA6 phase in the NA‐AHA modified blends manifesting in higher electrical conductivity (∼10−5 S/cm at 3 wt% MWNT) when using a specific blending sequence, due to melt‐interfacial reaction between the ∼NH2 functionality of Na‐AHA and the ∼COOH end groups of PA6. FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analysis also supported the existence of the specific interactions.
Screening Electromagnetic Interference Effect using Nanocomposites
Authors: Bellucci S. , Balasubramanian C. , De Bellis G. , Micciulla F. , Rinaldi G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: We carried out a systematic study of the electrical properties of carbon nanotube‐based polymeric composite materials. Our purpose was the production and characterization of a light, thin and mechanically strong new composite material able to cover electric circuits against external electromagnetic interference. As polymeric matrix we used a commercial Shell product Epon 828 epoxy resin. Two types of curing agent were used along with the resin, namely A1 and PAP8 agent: the composite was obtained using the A1 curing agent, selected for the stability of the corresponding material over a wide range of pressure values. Setting the resistivity properties of carbon nanotube‐based composites against those containing micro‐sized graphite particles as constituent we showed the advantages of using carbon nanotubes. The change in the resistivity values for carbon nanotubes‐based composites turned out to be significant, even for small changes in the added carbon nanotubes percentage. We also plan to show the composite's behavior in controlled humidity environments and for different temperatures. These results might be important for determining the most suitable “recipe” for the realization of composite materials useful to high‐fidelity circuits applications, or even in devices exposed to predominantly electromagnetic noise.
Numerical Simulation of a PA66 Flow Behaviour in a Hot Runner Gate
Authors: Gava Alberto , Lucchetta Giovanni 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: In actual hot runner systems for the injection moulding process, the control of polymers in gate is passive, which means that the melt temperature distribution and associated flow conductance is governed by a balance of heat convection by the flowing melt with heat conduction from the hot melt to the cold mould. This paper examines the rheological and thermal behaviour of a PA66 during freeze‐off and melt flow activation. Numerical simulations were carried out according to the Finite Volume Method as implemented in the Ansys CFX® code. Rheological and thermal data were obtained from a careful material characterization conducted on a capillary rheometer and a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The analyses indicated that relatively small changes in melt temperature and injection pressure can substantially increase the flow conductance and dynamically control both the gate freezing and the onset of melt flow in the subsequent cycle. Therefore, simple gate thermal actuators were designed and numerically implemented to active control the plastic melt flow. This numerical approach can be used to design and optimize the active control of hot runners gate when the use of mechanical actuation (i.e. valve gates) is not suitable due to excessive cost, critical maintenance or miniaturization of the entire system.
Toughening of Poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) Bottle Wastes by Modified Styrene‐Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Elastomer
Authors: Jazani O. Moini , Azar A. Aref 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: Modified SBR was blended with dried PET bottle wastes in an internal mixer. During the process mechanical and morphological properties were studied. When PET bottle wastes were blended with unmodified SBR, the final blend had a rough morphology and low impact strength. In contrary, blending of PET with modified SBR lead to smooth and fine morphology. Utilizing grafted SBR in PET blends creates an enormous difference in particle size and morphology, which is a result of powerful interactions and effective chemical bonding between the components of the blend. The final product had high impact strength in comparison with PET and unmodified SBR blend. These results are mainly related to formation in situ of PET/SBR graft copolymer in interface, which is produced by chemical reaction among active maleic anhydride groups and active PET groups.
Physico‐Mechanical Characteristics of Some EPDM/Plasticized PVC Blends
Authors: Stelescu Maria‐Daniela 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: In this study were prepared blends based on ethylene propylene terpolymer rubber (EPDM) and plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC). These blends are immiscible and need to be compatibilized. The following compatibilization methods were used: (1) addition of a compatibilization agent; there were used: maleinized EPDM, maleinized polyethylene (PE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and maleinized polypropylene (PP); chlorinated polyethylene has proved to be the most efficient; the amount of the added CPE giving the best physico‐mechanical characteristics was of 7,5 parts to 100 polymer parts; (2) reactive compatibilization, using crosslinked copolymer formation strategy; three different crosslinking systems were used: (a) common method with sulphur and accelerators, (b) crosslinking with benzoyl peroxide and trimethylpropane trimethacrylate (TMPT DL 75), (c) vulcanization with phenol resin and tin chloride. The best physico‐mechanical characteristics were obtained with the EPDM/plasticized PVC blends crosslinked with 8 phr phenol resin. Such types of polymer blends can be processed by methods specific for plastics, removing thus vulcanization operation required in case of elastomers. These blends can be used in the manufacture of hoses, gaskets, footwear constituents etc.
Gamma Irradiation Effects on Mechanical and Thermal Properties and Biodegradation of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) Based Films
Authors: Hermida Élida B. , Mega Verónica I. , Yashchuk Oxana , Fernández Víctor , Eisenberg Patricia , Miyazaki Silvia S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSummary: Their biodegradable properties make polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) ideal candidates for innovative applications. Many studies have been primarily oriented to poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐valerate) (PHBV) and afterwards to blends of PHAs with synthetic biodegradable polymers, such as poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). Medical and pharmaceutical devices require sterilization and γ irradiation could provide a proper alternative since it assures storage stability and microbiological safety. This contribution presents the effect of γ irradiation on the mechanical and thermal properties and on the biodegradation of PHB, PHBV and a commercial PHB/PCL blend. Samples, prepared by compression moulding, were irradiated in air at a constant dose rate of 10 kGy/h, from 10 to 179 kGy. Polymer chain scission was assessed by changes in the molecular weight, thermal properties and tensile behaviour. The correlation between absorbed dose and changes in the mechanical properties and biodegradation is discussed in detail. The optimum dose to guarantee microbiological sterilization without damage of the structure or meaningful loss of the mechanical properties is also reported.
Late free‐flap salvage with catheter‐directed thrombolysis
Authors: Trussler Andrew P. , Watson James P. , Crisera Christopher A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIntroduction: Despite high success rates with free‐tissue transfer, flap loss continues to be a devastating event. Flap salvage is often successful if vascular complications are recognized and treated early. However, delayed presentation of flap compromise is an ominous predictor of flap loss. Late free‐flap salvage has been described with poor long‐term results. Catheter‐directed thrombolysis (CDT) has only been described in context with free‐tissue transfer in a case of distal bypass salvage. Objectives: The authors examined the efficacy of highly selective CDT in late salvage of free‐flaps with vascular compromise. Methods: Two patients underwent highly selective CDT after delayed presentation (>5 days) of flap compromise. Patient 1 is a 59‐year‐old woman who underwent delayed breast reconstruction with a free TRAM flap and presented with arterial thrombosis 12 days postoperatively. Patient 2 is a 53‐year‐old man who underwent fibular osteocutaneous free‐flap reconstruction of a floor of mouth defect who developed venous thrombosis 6 days postoperatively. Patient 2 underwent two attempted operative anastamotic revisions with thrombectomies and local thrombolysis prior to CDT. Results: The average time of presentation was 9 days, with the average time to CDT being 9.5 days. Patient 1 had an arterial thrombosis, whereas Patient 2 had a venous thrombosis. Both patients underwent successful thrombolysis after super‐selective angiograms. Continuous infusions of thrombolytic agents were used in both patients for ∼24 h. Average length of stay postCDT was 7 days with no perioperative complications. Long‐term follow‐up demonstrated complete flap salvage with no soft tissue loss. Conclusion: Despite extremely delayed presentation, aggressive CDT was successful in both breast, and head and neck reconstructions with excellent long‐term flap results. CDT appears to be a useful modality in managing difficult cases of free‐flap salvage. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Myotilin overexpression enhances myopathology in the LGMD1A mouse model
Authors: Garvey Sean M. , Liu Yutao , Miller Sara E. , Hauser Michael A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMissense mutations in the myotilin gene cause limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 1A (LGMD1A). We set out to examine the effect of overexpression of wild‐type myotilin in an LGMD1A mouse model by crossing wild‐type and mutant transgenic mice. Compared to single‐transgenic mutant mice, double‐transgenic mice overexpressing myotilin showed more severe muscle degeneration, enhanced myofibrillar aggregation, and earlier onset of aggregation. These data suggest that strategies aimed at lowering total myotilin levels in LGMD1A patients may be an effective therapeutic approach. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Sensitive detection of phosphopeptides by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: use of alkylphosphonic acids as matrix additives
Authors: Kuyama Hiroki , Sonomura Kazuhiro , Nishimura Osamu 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMatrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) has been one of the most powerful tools for analyzing protein phosphorylation. However, it is frequently difficult to detect phosphopeptides with high sensitivity by MALDI‐MS. In our investigation of matrix/matrix‐additive substances for improving the phosphopeptide ion response in MALDI‐MS, we found that the addition of low‐concentration alkylphosphonic acid to the matrix/analyte solution significantly enhanced the signal of phosphopeptides. In this study, the combination of methanediphosphonic acid and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid gave the best results. In addition to enhancing the signal of the phosphopeptides, alkylphosphonic acid almost completely eliminated the signals of sodium and potassium ion adducts. We report herein sensitive detection of phosphopeptides by MALDI‐MS with the use of alkylphosphonic acids as matrix additives. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bewegliche Brücken für den Straßenverkehr in Deutschland
Authors: Fiedler Erich 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn Deutschland gibt es etwa 120000 feste Straßenbrücken – hingegen sind nur etwa 130 bewegliche Brücken für den Straßenverkehr in Nutzung. Im Rahmen der Veröffentlichung wird diese Brückengattung mit teilweise sehr interessanten technischen Lösungen vorgestellt. Es werden Klappbrücken mit Waagebalken, Klappbrücken mit tief liegendem Gegengewicht, Hubbrücken und Drehbrücken behandelt, wobei zu jeder Kategorie einige namhafte, ausgeführte Bauwerke beschrieben werden. Abschließend werden bestimmte technische Daten, die einen Überblick zum jeweiligen Bauwerk geben sollen, von fast allen in Deutschland bestehenden beweglichen Brücken tabellarisch erfasst.
Role for Limited Neck Exploration in Young Adults with Apparently Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Adam Laura A. , Smith Brian J. , Calva‐Cerqueira Daniel , Howe James R. , Lal Geeta 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of multiglandular disease (MGD) dictates the extent of exploration in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Historically, young patients with PHPT were more likely to have MGD, but the existing literature is sparse and conflicting. We hypothesized that young adults (ages 16–40 years) without familial PHPT have a disease process similar to that in older patients.MethodsA 22‐year retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent neck exploration for PHPT at our tertiary care center. Altogether, 708 charts were reviewed for demographics, family history, laboratory values, operative findings, pathology, and outcomes.ResultsAs a group, young adults comprised 14.0% of the total population and were more likely to have preexisting familial disorders of PHPT (p < 0.01), therapeutic failure (p < 0.01), failure to identify an abnormal parathyroid at operation (p < 0.01), and higher reoperative rates (p = 0.02); they were less likely to have single‐gland disease (p = 0.04). Young adults without a family history of the disease demonstrated no disease differences except for a higher rate of symptoms (p < 0.01). Additional analysis found that patients with a family history of hypercalcemia, a sole family member with PHPT, or nephrolithiasis (“possible” family history) were more likely to have MGD (relative risk 2.0).ConclusionsIn this largest single‐institution study of young adults with sporadic PHPT, we conclude that sporadic PHPT in young adults represents a disease entity similar to that in older patients, with no increased risk for MGD, and hence they can be managed with a similar surgical approach. Further studies are needed to assess the role of a “possible” family history as a risk factor for MGD.
Sphincter‐Preserving Operations Following Preoperative Chemoradiation: An Alternative to Abdominoperineal Resection for Lower Rectal Cancer?
Authors: Huh Jung Wook , Jung Eun Joo , Park Yoon Ah , Lee Kang Young , Sohn Seung‐Kook 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundSphincter‐preserving operations (SPO) for lower rectal cancer are on the rise. In the study reported here, we compared the oncologic outcomes of patients who underwent sphincter‐preserving operations following preoperative chemoradiation for lower rectal cancer with the outcome for patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR).MethodsThis prospective study included 87 patients who underwent proctectomy with curative intent for locally advanced rectal cancer that was located less than 6 cm from the anal verge. Forty‐four patients had APR with no preoperative treatment. Forty‐three patients underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) consisting of preoperative 5‐fluorouracil–based chemotherapy and pelvic radiation (4500–5040 cGy); this was followed 6 weeks later by surgery (SPO/CCRT). The oncologic outcomes between the two groups were compared, and factors affecting survival were evaluated.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 56.2 months. The overall postoperative complication rates did not significantly differ between SPO/CCRT and APR (32.6% versus 34.2%; p = 0.879). Also, there were no significant differences in the overall recurrence rate (20.9% versus 20.5%; p = 0.956) and 5‐year overall survival rate (70.8% versus 62.9%; p = 0.189) between the two groups. By multivariate analysis, only the pathologic N stage was significantly associated with overall survival (p < 0.001).ConclusionsSphincter‐preserving operation with CCRT could be another option for the treatment of locally advanced lower rectal cancer in patients who are clinically considered for APR, with no deterioration of oncologic outcomes. For patients undergoing curative resection for lower rectal cancer, the pathologic N stage can provide valuable prognostic information about survival.
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Metachronous Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bonnet Stéphane , Gaujoux Sébastien , Leconte Mahaut , Thillois Jean‐Marc , Tissier Frédérique , Dousset Bertrand 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundMetachronous adrenal metastases (AM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are rare. We report our experience of surgical resection in this setting, with particular respect to laparoscopic approach and long‐term outcome.MethodsA retrospective review of 11 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for metachronous AM from RCC was conducted between 2002 and 2005 in a tertiary referral center.ResultsCT scan findings were those of an adrenal mass ranging from 2 to 13 cm in diameter with a basal density of 12 to 28 Hounsfield Units and strong heterogeneous enhancement following contrast injection. The surgical procedure consisted of controlateral (n = 5), ipsilateral (n = 2), and bilateral (n = 1) laparoscopic adrenalectomy, whereas three patients underwent controlateral open adrenalectomy for adrenal mass >10 cm. Nine patients were recurrence‐free with a median follow‐up of 34 months. In the remaining two patients, lung metastases were discovered at postoperative months 28 and 11, respectively. The former patient is alive and free of disease recurrence 32 months after lung metastasis resection, whereas the latter is currently being treated with sunitinib.ConclusionsThis study confirms that prolonged overall and disease free‐survival can be achieved in selected patient after laparosocpic adrenalectomy for AM from RCC