bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Structure and Dynamics of Microparticles at Pickering Emulsion Interfaces
Authors: Dai Lenore L. , Tarimala Sowmitri , Wu Chih‐yuan , Guttula Shashidhar , Wu Jian 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe have employed a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) to study the structure and dynamics of microparticles at Pickering emulsion interfaces. The microparticles can have rich morphology at the emulsion interfaces, ranging from an aggregated structure to colloidal lattices, with a possibility of involving heterogeneous particles. With a specific interest in colloidal lattices, we find that although the enhanced electrostatic repulsion explains the formation of colloidal lattices by sulfate‐treated polystyrene (S‐PS) particles, it fails to interpret the unsuccessfulness of assembling lattices containing single‐species carboxylate‐treated polystyrene (C‐PS) particles. A small percentage of C‐PS particles in the colloidal mixture does not disturb the formation of lattices made of S‐PS particles. The LSCM also provides a meaningful way to probe dynamic information. The diffusion of single particles at the emulsion interfaces depends strongly on the oil phase viscosity, particle size, and particle wettability. A highly curved emulsion interface slows the motion of microparticles at oil‐water interfaces but the interface curvature effect decreases with increasing oil phase viscosity. Although the confocal microscope was originally used as an imaging tool, we find that the thermodynamic equilibrium of colloidal lattices can be disturbed and even destroyed when increasing the output laser intensity. SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes on Heated Scanning Probes Using Dip Pen Techniques
Authors: Gargate Rohit V. , Banerjee Debjyoti 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNT) were synthesized on heated scanning probes and under ambient conditions without requiring Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus or process gases. In this study, dip pen nanolithography (DPN) techniques were utilized for deposition of catalyst precursors on the scanning probe tips in the form of aqueous solution of metal salts—prior to the synthesis of the CNT. A layer of fullerene (C60) of ∼200 nm thickness was vapor deposited on the scanning probe tip prior to the deposition of the metal catalyst. During the in situ synthesis of the CNT on the scanning probes, the temperature of the heated scanning probes reached 350–400 °C. Hence the scanning probes were heated in an inert atmosphere to prevent potential oxidation of the deposited fullerene layer. The synthesized CNTs were subsequently characterized using SEM and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy showed peaks in the Radial breathing mode (RBM), as well as the defect (D) and graphitic (G) bands. The RBM peaks indicate that the single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) ranged in diameter from 0.9–1.5 nm. The peaks in the Raman spectra are indicative of SWCNT mixtures (metallic and semconducting) and possibly multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Hence this process can be optimized to synthesize SWCNT of a specific chirality (metallic or semiconducting). This study differs from an earlier study reported in the literature involving synthesis of CNT on scanning probes where the process temperatures typically exceeded 700 °C, and resulted in synthesis of highly graphitic MWCNT (Sunden, et al., 2006). SCANNING 30: 000–000, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study in the effect of annealing on hydrogen retention properties of C‐90%SiC films
Authors: Ren D. , Du J. F. , Zhang R. Q. , Yang S. Q. , Huang N. K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCarbon‐rich silicon carbide (C‐90%SiC) films as hydrogen barriers were deposited on the surface of stainless steel substrates with magnetron sputtering, and then bombarded by argon ion beam. In order to remove the argon atoms reserved during films preparation, some samples with the prepared C‐90%SiC films were thermally annealed for 30 min at 473, 673 and 873 K in vacuum, respectively. These samples together with the un‐annealed ones were then irradiated by a 5 keV hydrogen ion beam. SEM was used to investigate the surface micrograph of those films and SIMS was used to measure the mass spectra of positive species and the depth distribution of argon and hydrogen in the samples. A remarkable decrease in hydrogen intensity in the substrates with annealing indicates that annealing for removing argon can effectively improve hydrogen retention properties of the C‐90%SiC films. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast‐swelling Superabsorbent Hydrogels from Poly(2‐hydroxy ethyl acrylate‐co‐sodium acrylate) Grafted on Starch
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Samadi Morasae , Ghasemzadeh Hossein 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFast‐swelling highly porous superabsorbent hydrogels were synthesized through a rapid radical polymerization under normal atmospheric conditions. To synthesize a biopolymer‐based superabsorbent hydrogel, 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and sodium acrylate (AANa) were grafted on the starch backbone in an aqueous solution. The graft copolymerization reaction was carried out in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator and $\displaystyle N,N'$‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker in a homogeneous medium. The chemical structure of the hydrogels was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of the samples was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that with increasing the amount of sodium acrylate both swelling capacity and swelling under load (AUL) were increased. Preliminary swelling and deswelling behaviors of the hydrogels were also studied. The effects of pH and inorganic salt on the swelling behavior of the hydrogels were investigated as well.
Determination of acute and early life stage toxicity of fat‐plant effluent using zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Şişman Turgay , İncekara Ümit , Yıldız Yalçın Şevki 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe present study examines the effects of an effluent from a fat plant (FP) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and larvae using the whole effluent toxicity testing methods (WET). The method is based on acute toxicity using 96‐h larval mortality and chronic toxicity using endpoints such as the time to hatch, hatching success, deformity, growth rate, swim‐up failure, accumulative mortality, and sex ratio. On the basis of larval mortality the 96‐h LC50 (the concentration was lethal to 50% of newly hatching zebrafish larvae) was 68.9%. In chronic toxicity test, newly fertilized embryos (<5‐h old) were exposed to 1, 6, 12, 25, 50% effluent concentrations in a 24‐h static renewal system at (27 ± 0.5)°C until 15‐day posthatch. The results showed that all chronic endpoints were significantly different from the control at 50% dilution. Embryos began to show lesions on third day at higher concentrations (12, 25, 50% FP effluent concentrations). Treatment group of 25% dilution showed delayed time to hatch. Morphological abnormalities were observed in newly hatched larvae at 25 and 50% FP effluent concentrations. At 25% dilution, sex ratio of larvae was alternated and there was feminization phenomenon. On the basis of the study, the FP effluent tested here may cause increasing embryotoxicity in the zebrafish embryos. We conclude that the test using zebrafish is feasible to evaluate both acute and chronic toxicities of industrial effluents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Java medaka: A proposed new marine test fish for ecotoxicology
Authors: Koyama Jiro , Kawamata Miki , Imai Shoko , Fukunaga Miho , Uno Seiichi , Kakuno Akira 
Published: February 2008

AbstractJava medaka (Oryzias javanicus), which is distributed in estuarine waters of East to Southeast Asia, is proposed here for consideration as a new marine test fish. Semi‐static acute toxicity tests were conducted at 26°C for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month old Java‐medaka exposed to 4‐chlorophenol and zinc, and 2 weeks olds exposed to potassium dichromate (hexavalent chromium) and sodium hypochlorite (residue chlorine). Ninety‐six hours LC50s of 4‐chlorophenol, zinc, hexavalent chromium, and residue chlorine were from 3.0 to 4.1, from 12.4 to 14.7, 7.4, and 0.05 mg/L, respectively. There were no large differences in sensitivity for 4‐chlorophenol and zinc among the three growth stages. Compared with other fish species, these LC50s were relatively low suggesting that Java medaka has relatively high sensitivity to chemicals. This fish is quite easy to keep in the laboratory, with low mortalities at early stages and it takes about 3 months to mature from hatching, suggesting that this fish can be used not only for short‐term toxicity tests but also for early life stage toxicity tests. From these results, Java‐medaka is highly recommended as a marine test fish for ecotoxicity tests. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008.
Tribologisches Verhalten von harten und superharten Kohlenstoffschichten
Authors: Schultrich Bernd , Weihnacht Volker 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDas Reibungsverhalten amorpher Kohlenstoffschichten wird durch die feste Anbindung monomolekularer Bedeckungen bestimmt. Sie bedingen die sehr geringe Reibung in normaler (feuchter) Luft, ihr Fehlen führt in trockener Luft bzw. im Vakuum zu hohen Reibungszahlen. Mit wässrigen oder öligen Schmierstoffen ergeben sich gewöhnlich keine wesentlichen Verbesserungen des tribologischen Verhaltens. Bei wasserstofffreien ta‐C‐Schichten gelingt jedoch durch Ankopplung speziell angepasster Schmierstoffgruppen eine weitere deutliche Reduzierung der Reibkräfte.
A comparative study of the X‐ray diffraction patterns and thermal transitions of metal soaps
Authors: Vold Marjorie J. , Vold Robert D. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryX‐ray diffraction patterns at room temperature for soaps of barium, calcium, and lithium were found to be characteristic for different soaps of the same cation. This is true not only for palmitates and stearates but also (with minor variations) for mixed soaps containing up to at least 50% oleate, for pure calcium oleate, and even for lithium 12‐hydroxystearate.Soaps of the same cation in mixtures approximating the composition of natural tallow fatty acids appear to form mixed crystals. The succession of phases formed on heating shows strongly the influence of the oleate in the mixture.Calcium resinates appear to crystallize imperfectly but definitely with a “head to head” arrangment of the abietate radicals in contrast to the acids which give evidence of a head to tail arrangement.
Studies on candelilla wax. I. its n‐acids and n‐alcohols
Authors: Schuette H. A. , Baldinus J. G. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryA method has been described for separating the constituents of candelilla wax into three fractions, viz., paraffins, acids, and alcohols. To the list of acids and alcohols reported by others as constituents of this wax may now be added the C28 individuals. The presence of the C30, C32, and C34 homologues of both compounds has been confirmed. All are of then‐type. Not confirmed however was the alleged presence of a lactone.
Solvent extraction of rice brain. Production of B‐vitamin concentrate and oil by isopropanol extraction
Authors: Meinke W. W. , Holland Bryant R. , Harris W. D. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFreshly milled rice brain was extracted with hot 91 and 95% isopropanol to obtain the oil, sugars, and a considerable pootion of the B‐complex vitamins. After concentration of the micella a sugar‐syrup phase reparated from the oil. This syrup phase contained most of the extracted vitamins. Yields of oil and syrup were observed and vitamin assays made on the syrup and on the brain before and after extraction. The vitamins measured were biotin, folic acid, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin, niacin, and inositol.
Reaction of tertiary butyl hypochlorite with vegetable oils and their derivatives. II. Methyl oleate
Authors: Teeter Howard M. , Jackson John E. 
Published: February 2008

Summary

The chlorination of methyl oleate witht‐butyl hypochlorite under varied conditions of reaction has been investigated.

Chlorinated methyl oleate obtained by this reaction appears to consist of mixture of an allylic mono chloroderivative, a non‐allylic monochloroderivative, and a saturated dichloroderivative.

Methyl 9,10‐dichlorostearate, chlorinated ethyl stearate, and chlorides from methyl ricinoleate and methyl 12‐hydroxystearate were prepared, and their behavior towards thermal dehydrochlorination and towards hot and cold alcoholic silver nitrate was studied.

A saturated dichloro derivative, possibly methyl 9,10‐dichlorostearate, has been isolated from chlorinated methyl oleate.
Practice-oriented courses in formal methods using VDM
++
Authors: Larsen Peter Gorm , Fitzgerald John S. , Riddle Steve 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

We describe the design and delivery of two courses that aim to develop skills of use to students in their subsequent professional practice, whether or not they apply formal methods directly. Both courses emphasise skills in model construction and analysis by testing rather than formal verification. The accessibility of the formalism is enhanced by the use of established notations (VDM-SL and VDM
++
). Motivation is improved by using credible examples drawn from industrial projects, and by using an industrial-strength tool set. We present examples from the courses and discuss student evaluation and examination performance. We stress the need for exercises and tests to support the development of abstraction skills.
Adenosine and kidney function: Potential implications in patients with heart failure
Authors: Vallon Volker , Miracle Cindy , Thomson Scott 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTherapy of heart failure is more difficult when renal function is impaired. Here, we outline the effects on kidney function of the autacoid, adenosine, which forms the basis for adenosine A1receptor (A1R) antagonists as treatment for decompensated heart failure. A1R antagonists induce a eukaliuretic natriuresis and diuresis by blocking A1R‐mediated NaCl reabsorption in the proximal tubule and the collecting duct. Normally, suppressing proximal reabsorption will lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism (TGF). But the TGF response, itself, is mediated by A1R in the preglomerular arteriole, so blocking A1R allows natriuresis to proceed while GFR remains constant or increases. The influence of A1R over vascular resistance in the kidney is augmented by angiotensin II while A1R activation directly suppresses renin secretion. These interactions could modulate the overall impact of A1R blockade on kidney function in patients taking angiotensin II blockers. A1R blockers may increase the energy utilized for transport in the semi‐hypoxic medullary thick ascending limb, an effect that could be prevented with loop diuretics. Finally, while the vasodilatory effect of A1R blockade could protect against renal ischaemia, A1R blockade may act on non‐resident cells to exacerbate reperfusion injury, where ischaemia to occur. Despite these uncertainties, the available data on A1R antagonist therapy in patients with decompensated heart failure are promising and warrant confirmation in further studies.
Shaping Taxation: Economic Elites and Fiscal Decision-Making in Argentina, 1920–1945
Authors: ROMÁN JOSÉ ANTONIO SÁNCHEZ 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis article deals with the process of decision-making in the sphere of taxation in Argentina between 1920 and 1945, focusing on the possible influence of the economic elites in that process. Given the central role of decisions over taxation in any fiscal policy and the momentous transformations that occurred in the Argentine system during this period, analysis of this subject can provide a better understanding of the political role that economic elites in Argentina played between the first presidency of Hipólito Yrigoyen (1916–22) and the ascent of Juan Domingo Perón to the presidency in 1946. Drawing on three key episodes in Argentina policy-making – the attempt to introduce an income tax in 1923, the response to the Depression in 1931–32, and the crisis of 1942–43, this article suggests that parliamentary institutions had stronger resilience in Argentina than is usually believed, and corporatist arrangements became rooted in Argentina only with difficulties.
Studies on Eschatogonia (Ramalinaceae) in Peru
Authors: TIMDAL Einar 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:Four species of Eschatogonia are recognized in Peru: E. angustiloba Timdal sp. nov., E. dissecta Timdal & R. Sant. sp. nov., E. minuta Timdal & R. Sant. sp. nov., and E. prolifera (Mont.) R. Sant. African and South American material of E. prolifera are shown to belong in two different chemical strains. Eschatogonia prolifera is new to Guinea, Peru and Suriname. A key to all six known species of the genus is given.
Beneficial role of allicin from garlic in cervical cancer
Authors: Ansari Irfan Ahmad , Islam Najmul 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroduction: Cervical cancer remains a global health concern for females. Thus, in order to control cervical cancer, attempts are being made by researchers globally to somehow induce programmed cell death in the said cancerous cells. Wide spectrums of molecules are being probed for its ability to induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. Focus has now shifted in exploring natural compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules that may induce apoptosis in cancerous cells. Thus, we have employed allicin from garlic- a natural antioxidant, to probe the above in the present study.
Objective:
To probe whether or not allicin from garlic, a natural antioxidant, induces apoptosis in monocytes from patients with cervical cancer.

Results:
Allicin (500 ng/ml) reduced cell viability to 27% after 24 hours of treatment. Moreover, allicin-induced apoptosis was ascertained by measuring the activity of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9-like proteases in allicin treated and untreated monocytes from cervical cancer patients. Monocyte co-cultured with allicin for 24 hrs exhibited higher activity of caspase-3 followed by caspase-8 and caspase-9 like proteases, thereby indicating that the activation of caspase-3 like proteases was associated with reduced cell survival and apoptotic death of allicin-treated cervical cancer monocytes. This was ascertained by pre-treatment of cancer cells with cell permeable inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK (caspase-3 inhibitor), Z-IETD-FMK (caspase-8 inhibitor) and Z-LEHD-FMK (caspase-9 inhibitor) followed by allicin for 24 hrs (p<0.001). In this case, the cell viability assay showed that the presence of Z-VAD-FMK inhibitor blocked the effect of allicin on the viability of cancer monocytes (p<0.001).

Conclusion:
Allicin from garlic may act as an adjunct in the chemotherapy of cervical cancer.
Variability in Rates of Use of Antibacterials Among 130 US Hospitals and Risk-Adjustment Models for Interhospital Comparison
Authors: MacDougall Conan , Polk Ronald E. 
Published: February 2008

Objective.To describe variability in rates of antibacterial use in a large sample of US hospitals and to create risk-adjusted models for interhospital comparison.Methods.We retrospectively surveyed the use of 87 antibacterial agents on the basis of electronic claims data from 130 medical-surgical hospitals in the United States for the period August 2002 to July 2003; these records represented 1,798,084 adult inpatients. Hospitals were assigned randomly to the derivation data set (65 hospitals) or the validation data set (65 hospitals). Multivariable models predicting rates of antibacterial use were created using the derivation data set. These models were then used to predict rates of antibacterial use in the validation data set, which was compared with observed rates of antibacterial use. Rates of antibacterial use was measured in days of therapy per 1,000 patient-days.Results.Across the surveyed hospitals, a mean of 59.3% of patients received at least 1 dose of an antimicrobial agent during hospitalization (range for individual hospitals, 44.4%-73.6%). The mean total rate of antibacterial use was 789.8 days of therapy per 1,000 patient-days (range, 454.4-1,153.4). The best model for the total rate of antibacterial use explained 31% of the variance in rates of antibacterial use and included the number of hospital beds, the number of days in the intensive care unit per 1,000 patient-days, the number of surgeries per 1,000 discharges, and the number of cases of pneumonia, bacteremia, and urinary tract infection per 1,000 discharges. Five hospitals in the validation data set were identified as having outlier rates on the basis of observed antibacterial use greater than the upper bound of the 90% prediction interval for predicted antibacterial use in that hospital.Conclusion.Most adult inpatients receive antimicrobial agents during their hospitalization, but there is substantial variability between hospitals in the volume of antibacterials used. Risk-adjusted models can explain a significant proportion of this variation and allow for comparisons between hospitals for benchmarking purposes.
Assessment of Clostridium difficile–Associated Disease Surveillance Definitions, North Carolina, 2005
Authors: Kutty Preeta K. , Benoit Stephen R. , Woods Christopher W. , Sena Arlene C. , Naggie Susanna , Frederick Joyce , Engemann John , Evans Sharon , Pien Brian C. , Banerjee Shailendra N. , Engel Jeffery , McDonald L. Clifford 
Published: February 2008

Objective.To determine the timing of community-onset Clostridium difficile–associated disease (CDAD) relative to the patient's last healthcare facility discharge, the association of postdischarge cases with healthcare facility–onset cases, and the influence of postdischarge cases on overall rates and interhospital comparison of rates of CDAD.Design.Retrospective cohort study for the period January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2005.Setting.Catchment areas of 6 acute care hospitals in North Carolina.Methods.We reviewed medical and laboratory records to determine the date of symptom onset, the dates of hospitalization, and stool C. difficile toxin assay results for patients with CDAD who had diarrhea and positive toxin–assay results. Cases were classified as healthcare facility–onset if they were diagnosed more than 48 hours after admission. Cases were defined as community-onset if they were diagnosed in the community or within 48 hours after admission, and were also classified on the basis of the time since the last discharge: if within 4 weeks, community-onset, healthcare facility–associated (CO-HCFA); if 4-12 weeks, indeterminate exposure; and if more than 12 weeks, community-associated. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between monthly rates of healthcare facility–onset, healthcare facility–associated (HO-HCFA) cases and CO-HCFA cases. We performed interhospital rate comparisons using HO-HCFA cases only and using both HO-HCFA and CO-HCFA cases.Results.Of 1046 CDAD cases, 442 (42%) were HO-HCFA cases and 604 (58%) were community-onset cases. Of the 604 community-onset cases, 94 (15%) were CO-HCFA, 40 (7%) were of indeterminate exposure, and 208 (34%) community-associated. A modest correlation was found between monthly rates of HO-HCFA cases and CO-HCFA cases across the 6 hospitals (r = 0.63, P<.001). Interhospital rankings changed for 6 of 11 months if CO-HCFA cases were included.Conclusions.A substantial proportion of community-onset cases of CDAD occur less than 4 weeks after discharge from a healthcare facility, and inclusion of CO-HCFA cases influences interhospital comparisons. Our findings support the use of a proposed definition of healthcare facility–associated CDAD that includes cases that occur within 4 weeks after discharge.