bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can conservation biologists rely on established community structure rules to manage novel systems? … Not in salt marshes
Authors: Fariña JoséM. , Silliman Brian R. , Bertness Mark D. 
Published: February 2009

We experimentally examined plant zonation in a previously unstudied Chilean salt marsh system to test the generality of mechanisms generating zonation of plants across intertidal stress gradients. Vertical zonation in this system is striking. The low‐lying clonal succulent, Sarcocornia fruticosa, dominates the daily flooded low marsh, while intermediate elevations are dominated by the much taller Spartina densiflora. Irregularly flooded higher elevations are dominated by Schoenoplectus californicus, with the small forb, Selliera radicans, found associated with Schoenoplectus at its base. Transplant studies of all four species into each zone both with and without competition revealed the mechanisms driving these striking patterns in plant segregation.In the regularly flooded low marsh, Sarcocornia and Spartina grow in the zone that they normally dominate and are displaced when reciprocally transplanted between zones with neighbors, but without neighbors they grow well in each other's zone. Thus, interspecific competition alone generates low marsh zonation as in some mediterranean marshes, but differently than most of the Californian marshes where physical stress is the dominant factor. In contrast, mechanisms generating high marsh patterns are similar to New England marshes. Schoenoplectus dies when transplanted to lower elevations with or without neighbors and thus is limited from the low marsh by physical stress, while Selliera grows best associated with Schoenoplectus, which shades and ameliorates potentially limiting desiccation stress.These results reveal that mechanisms driving community organization across environmental stress gradients, while generally similar among systems, cannot be directly extrapolated to unstudied systems. This finding has important implications for ecosystem conservation because it suggests that the mechanistic understanding of pattern generation necessary to manage and restore specific communities in novel habitats cannot rely exclusively on results from similar systems, and it identifies a critical role for experimental ecology in the management and conservation of natural systems and the services they provide.
Cognitive Function Is Not Associated With Recurrent Foot Ulcers in Patients With Diabetes and Neuropathy
Authors: Kloos Christof , Hagen Franziska , Lindloh Claudia , Braun Anke , Leppert Karena , Müller Nicolle , Wolf Gunter , Müller Ulrich A. 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE
To study whether there is an association between cognitive impairment and the relapse rate of foot ulcers in diabetic patients and those with previous foot ulcers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This single-center prospective study assessed the association of cognitive function and risk for ulcer relapse in 59 patients with diabetes (mean age 65.1 years, diabetes duration 16.5 years, and A1C 7.4%), peripheral neuropathy, and a history of foot ulceration. Premorbid and current cognitive functions were measured (multiple-choice vocabulary test [Lehrl], number-symbol test, mosaic test [HAWIE-R], and trail-making tests A and B [Reitan]). Prevalence of depression was evaluated retrospectively (diagnoses in patient files or use of antidepressive medication). Patients were re-examined after 1 year.

RESULTS
Three patients (5%) died during follow-up (one of sepsis and two of heart problems). The remaining 56 patients (48%) developed 27 new foot ulcerations (78% superficial ulcerations [Wagner stage 1]). Characteristics of patients with and without ulcer relapse were not different. In a binary logistic regression analysis, cognitive function is not predictive of foot reulceration.

CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive function is not an important determinant of foot reulceration.
Metabolic Screening After the American Diabetes Association's Consensus Statement on Antipsychotic Drugs and Diabetes
Authors: Morrato Elaine H. , Newcomer John W. , Kamat Siddhesh , Baser Onur , Harnett James , Cuffel Brian 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE
Several second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drugs have been associated with weight gain, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. We evaluated whether glucose and lipid testing increased after the American Diabetes Association (ADA) consensus statement recommending metabolic monitoring for SGA-treated patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Laboratory claims for serum glucose and lipid testing were identified for an incident cohort of 18,876 adults initiating SGA drugs in a U.S. commercial health plan (2001–2006) and a control group of 56,522 adults with diabetes not receiving antipsychotics. Interrupted time-series models were used to estimate the effect of ADA recommendations on baseline and annual testing trends after adjusting for differences in age, sex, mental health diagnoses, and cardiovascular risk using propensity score matching.

RESULTS
Mean baseline testing rates for SGA-treated patients during the study period were 23% (glucose) and 8% (lipids). Among persistent users of SGA medication, annual testing rates were 38% (glucose) and 23% (lipid). Before the ADA statement, screening rates for SGA-treated patients were increasing (glucose: baseline 3.6% per year, annual 7.2% per year; lipid: baseline 1.2% per year, annual 4.8% per year; P &lt; 0.001 for each trend). Increases were similar to background testing trends in control subjects. The ADA statement was not associated with an increase in screening rates.

CONCLUSIONS
In a commercially insured population, glucose and lipid testing for SGA-treated adults was infrequent. A gradual increase in screening rates occurred over the 6-year period, but the changes were not temporally associated with the ADA statement. More effort is needed to improve diabetes and dyslipidemia screening in these at-risk patients.
Effect of Drinking on Adiponectin in Healthy Men and Women
Authors: Imhof Armin , Plamper Ines , Maier Steffen , Trischler Gerlinde , Koenig Wolfgang 
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE
Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality and increases adiponectin concentrations, but effects might differ according to sex and beverage consumed.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 72 healthy individuals (22–56 years) were enrolled in this randomized controlled crossover trial. After washout, two interventions for 3 weeks followed: ethanol (concentration 12.5%), beer (5.6%), or red wine (12.5%) equivalent to 30 g ethanol/day for men and 20 g/day for women or the same de-alcoholized beverages or water. Adiponectin was measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS
Among women, adiponectin significantly increased after consuming red wine (29.8%, P &lt; 0.05) and increased among men after ethanol solution (17.4%, P &lt; 0.05) and consuming beer (16.1%, P &lt; 0.05). De-alcoholized beverages had no substantial effect on adiponectin concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS
Moderate amounts of ethanol-containing beverages increased adiponectin concentrations, but sex-specific effects might depend on type of beverage consumed.
Dynamics of Memory in Twenty-first Century Germany
Authors: Langenbacher Eric , Niven Bill , Wittlinger Ruth 
Published: February 2009

As the inestimable Harold Wilson once put it, “a week is a longtime in politics.” Certainly, the evolution of collective memory andscholarship devoted to it is much slower than the pace of day-to-daypolitics. Yet, there are periods of rapid change—of paradigm shiftseven—where the landscape shifts rapidly over a relatively shortperiod of time. This special issue, we think, captures one of theseperiods of rapid change. Compared to the last special thematic issueof German Politics and Society from 20051 and even compared tomany books published in the last few years, the state of collectivememory in Germany appears very different today. Most prominently,Holocaust-centered memory is foregrounded to a muchlesser extent than previously.
Nacre in Mollusk Shells as a Multilayered Structure with Strain Gradient
Authors: Pokroy Boaz , Demensky Vladislav , Zolotoyabko Emil 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHow do living organisms attain the complicated shapes of grown bio‐composites? This question is answered when studying the mechanics of the nacre layer in the bivalve mollusk shells. In this study, the internal strains/stresses across the shell thickness are profiled as a function of depth by strain gauge measurements during controlled etching in the selected areas. Measurements of stress release under etching provide clear evidence that the investigated shells, in fact, are strained multilayered structures, which are elastically bent due to the forces evolving at the organic/inorganic interfaces. The stresses are mostly concentrated in the “fresh” nacre sub‐layers near the inner surface of the shell adjacent to the mollusk mantle. This analysis unexpectedly shows that the elastic bending of the nacre layer is due to strain gradients which are originated in the gradual in‐depth changes of the thickness of ceramic lamellae. The changes mentioned were directly observed by scanning electron microscopy. By this sophisticated design of the ultra‐structure of the nacre layer, the bowed shape of the bivalve shells is apparently achieved.
Microscopical Investigations of PEDOT:PSS Thin Films
Authors: Lang Udo , Müller Elisabeth , Naujoks Nicola , Dual Jurg 
Published: February 2009

AbstractElectron microscopy studies are used to explore the morphology of thin poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate acid (PEDOT:PSS) films. The figures show that the films are composed of grains with diameters in the range of about 50 nm. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis reveals that individual grains have a PEDOT‐rich core and a PSS‐rich shell with a thickness of about 5–10 nm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is then used to analyze the topography of fracture surfaces of ruptured PEDOT:PSS tensile specimens. These AFM scans also show that the films are composed of grains dispersed in a matrix. The investigations presented herein yield a picture of PEDOT:PSS morphology with unprecedented clarity.
Analysis of Nanostructuring in High Figure‐of‐Merit Ag1–xPbmSbTe2+m Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Cook Bruce A. , Kramer Matthew J. , Harringa Joel L. , Han Mi‐Kyung , Chung Duck‐Young , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThermoelectric materials based on quaternary compounds Ag1−xPbmSbTe2+m exhibit high dimensionless figure‐of‐merit values, ranging from 1.5 to 1.7 at 700 K. The primary factor contributing to the high figure of merit is a low lattice thermal conductivity, achieved through nanostructuring during melt solidification. As a consequence of nucleation and growth of a second phase, coherent nanoscale inclusions form throughout the material, which are believed to result in scattering of acoustic phonons while causing only minimal scattering of charge carriers. Here, characterization of the nanosized inclusions in Ag0.53Pb18Sb1.2Te20 that shows a strong tendency for crystallographic orientation along the {001} planes, with a high degree of lattice strain at the interface, consistent with a coherent interfacial boundary is reported. The inclusions are enriched in Ag relative to the matrix, and seem to adopt a cubic, 96 atom per unit cell Ag2Te phase based on the Ti2Ni type structure. In‐situ high‐temperature synchrotron radiation diffraction studies indicated that the inclusions remain thermally stable to at least 800 K.
Polymerization of 2,2′‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate by lutetium complexes bearing amino‐phosphine ligands
Authors: Liu Bo , Cui Dongmei 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA series of lutetium alkyl, amino, and guanidinato complexes based upon an amino‐phosphine ligand framework had been prepared. These complexes were applied to initiate ring‐opening polymerization of 2,2′‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC). The type of the initiator significantly influenced the catalytic activity of these complexes in a trend as follows: alkyl ≈ guanidinate > amide, whereas the complexes with flexible backbone between P and N atoms within the ligand exhibited higher activity than those with rigid backbone. The isolated PDTC had bimodal‐mode molecular weight distribution. The molecular weights of each fraction increased linearly with the conversion, indicating that there might be two active species. This had been confirmed by analyses of oligomeric DTC living species and oligomer with NMR technique as the metal‐alkoxide and the four‐membered metallocyclic lactate. Kinetic investigation displayed that the polymerization rate was the first order with the monomer concentration. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effect of dopant type on the properties of polyaniline
Authors: Sinha Surajit , Bhadra Sambhu , Khastgir Dipak 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe comparative study on the effect of different type of dopants on the properties of polyaniline (PANI) is relative less although dopant has profound effect of the properties of PANI. So, the aim of the present work is to study the effect of different type of dopant, namely strong inorganic hydrochloric acid (HCl), organic and aromatic acids containing different aromatic substitution, namely p‐toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA), dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), organic and aliphatic acids having long hydrocarbon chain, namely lauric acid (LA), on the properties of PANI. The PANI was prepared through oxidative polymerization methods and doped with HCl, PTSA, DBSA, and LA and then characterized through different methods like conductivity measurement, UV, X‐ray, DSC, TGA, and SEM. It was found that the properties of doped PANI depend on the type and molecular size of the dopant. With the increase in dopant chain length, the crystallinity is decreased, whereas the d‐spacing, interchain separation, and solubility are increased. The bond formation of water molecules with the backbone nitrogen of the polymers is much less in presence of aromatic dopants when compared with those of inorganic or aliphatic dopants. All the doped polyanilines under investigation do not decompose up to 500°C. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The effect and analysis on Cr3+ gel improving profile control in alkalescent alkaline/surfactant/polymer flooding
Authors: Lu Xiangguo , Zhao Lanlan , Zhang Ke 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe emulsification of produced fluid and the scaling along production system have always been one of the most difficult problems in NaOH/surfactant/polymer flooding. To decrease those influences on production, the pilot test of Na2CO3/surfactant/polymer flooding was developed in Daqing Oilfield. The results show fluid emulsification and scaling of production system were prevented effectively, but scaling along the injection system appeared and reservoir heterogeneity was aggravated. This is becoming a new technical problem. By analyzing scaling mechanism and the property of profile control agent, the author presents a technical solution that using Cr3+ polymer gel is improving fluid entry profile of injection well in Na2CO3/surfactant/polymer flooding. Optimization of formula and evaluation of its property and its compatibility with Na2CO3/surfactant/polymer flooding system were investigated and a pilot test was conducted in well B2‐1‐P56 of Daqing Oilfield. The results shows polymer gel has dual function, i.e., removing scale and plugging off high permeability zone. The scale in the instrument of injection, pipes and wellside of wellbore is thoroughly cleared up. The fluid entry into high permeability layer is decreased from 100 to 64.9%, and fluid entry in low and intermediate permeability layer is increased from 0 to 35.1%. The profile control of injection well is effectively improved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Surface modification and preparation of nanofiltration membrane from polyethersulfone/polyimide blend—Use of a new material (polyethyleneglycol‐triazine)
Authors: Mansourpanah Yaghoub , Madaeni Sayed Siavash , Adeli Mohsen , Rahimpour Ahmad , Farhadian Arman 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBlends of polyethersulfone/polyimide (PES/PI) were prepared by dissolving in dimethylformamide/dioxane (DMF/DO) to manufacture nanofiltration membranes by using polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP) as a pore former. The membrane modification was carried out by adding ethylenediamine (EDA) to open the imide group ring of PI and by using polyethyleneglycol (PEG)‐triazine, as a new modifier material, that was produced in the laboratory. This modification involves the formation of a covalence ‐C‐N‐ bound between PEG‐triazine and amine groups (according to addition‐elimination reactions) at different temperatures. After functionalizing the membranes, diethanolamine (DA) was utilized as a hydrophilic modifier to change the membranes properties. SEM, AFM, FTIR‐ATR, EDS (X‐ray analysis) and contact angle tests were carried out to characterize modified membranes. The hydrophilicity of PES/PI membranes was improved by modification. An increase in pure water flux (up to 195 kg/m2 h) and a decline in NaCl rejection (from 25 to 16%) are largely influenced by diminishing the PES/PI ratio in L1‐L5 membranes (Category 1). In L6, L7, and L8 membranes (Category 2), by introducing PEG‐triazine into the membrane recipe, salt rejection increased from 75 to 80%. Addition of DA further enhances the salt rejection up to 93%. Fluxes were approximately similar for membranes in Category 2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Application of photo initiation copolymerization during the preparation of polymethacrylimide copolymer foam
Authors: Liu Tie‐Min , Zheng Yuan‐Suo , Zhang Guang‐Cheng , Chen Ting 
Published: February 2009

AbstractUsing methacrylic acid (MAA), acrylonitrile (AN), and acryl amide (AM) as monomers, a new high‐performance PMI copolymer foam was prepared via radical bulk copolymerization and free heat foaming; afterward, the effects of photo initiation polymerization technology on the foam mechanical and craft performances were further researched. The results showed that photo initiation technology was only fit to be used as the prepolymerization reaction during the preparation of PMI copolymer foam, and it was faster and more easily controlled than thermal initiation prepolymerization. Photo initiation prepolymerization could eliminate not only the foam inner flaws, but also the size nonuniformity of the foam cells effectively. Accordingly, photo initiation prepolymerization is able to make the foam uniform, transparent, stable, and isotropy, and moreover improve the foam tensile strength. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation and characterization of the latexes with different particle sizes by semibatch emulsion polymerization and the influence on properties of waterborne pressure‐sensitive adhesives
Authors: Qu Xiongwei , Wang Nongyue , Lovell Peter A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIncreasing environmental concerns and regulations are the major driving forces for the development of waterborne pressure‐sensitive adhesives. This article reported the synthesis of a series of poly[(n‐butyl acrylate)‐co‐(acrylic acid)] latexes with different particle sizes using a semibatch emulsion polymerization process. By changing the levels of surfactant (Aerosol Series) at the seed stage, the z‐average particle diameters (dzs) measured with dynamic light scattering varied from 124 to 366 nm. The polymerizations proceeded under monomer‐starved conditions, and the values of dz measured for samples removed during the polymerizations were consistent with theoretical prediction for particle growth spherically without the secondary nucleation. The gel contents of the polymers were determined by Soxhlet extraction, and the molecular parameters were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The adhesive properties, loop tack, peel force, and shear resistance were measured according to the Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d′Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papiers et Autres Supports (FINAT) test methods. The results were reported and correlated with the latex particle size and molecular parameters. The spatial architecture of gel domains in the dry film and the molecular connectivity between those gel domains play an important role in controlling its adhesive properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
An assessment of the developmental, reproductive, and neurotoxicity of endosulfan
Authors: Silva Marilyn H. , Gammon Derek 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Endosulfan has been used for over 50 years. Although most analogs have been discontinued, endosulfan has less environmental persistence. Nevertheless, pressure groups are lobbying for a worldwide ban. The reasons are: possible rodent male reproductive toxicity, other endocrine effects and cancer; human epidemiology, and exposure studies; residues appearing in remote areas of the world, e.g., the Arctic.METHODS: The endosulfan toxicology database is described and risks of its use assessed.RESULTS: Endosulfan is an antagonist at the GABAAreceptor Cl−ionophore in mammalian CNS. Rat acute toxicity is moderate, LD50=48 (M) or 10 mg/kg/d (F), oral gavage; 130 (M), 70 mg/kg/d (F) dermal; LC50=34.5 µg/L (M), 12.6 µg/L (F), inhalation. Critical NOELs for risk assessment: acute oral (gavage)=0.7 mg/kg/d (rabbit developmental); Subchronic oral (diet)=1.2 mg/kg/d (rat reproduction); Chronic oral (diet)=0.6 mg/kg/d. There were no acceptable dermal toxicity studies. The critical acute and subchronic inhalation NOELs=0.001 mg/L, chronic inhalation=0.0001 mg/L (estimated). Toxicity to rat sperm occurred at doses causing neurotoxicity. Endocrine effects, resulting from P450 oxygenase(s) induction, were reversible. Increased cancer, genotoxicity, or histopathology in rodents was not observed in any organ. Possible effects on brain biogenic amine levels were probably secondary.CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiology and rodent studies suggesting autism and male reproductive toxicity are open to other interpretations. Developmental/ reproductive toxicity or endocrine disruption occurs only at doses causing neurotoxicity. Toxicity to the fetus or young animals is not more severe than that shown by adults.Birth Defects Res (Part B)86:1‐28, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connective tissue growth factor: Context‐dependent functions and mechanisms of regulation
Authors: Cicha Iwona , Goppelt‐Struebe Margarete 
Published: February 2009

AbstractConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is a secreted matricellular protein, the functions of which depend on the interactions with other molecules in the microcellular environment. As an example of context‐dependent activity of CTGF, this review will outline different aspects of CTGF function in relation to angiogenesis. CTGF is barely expressed in normal adult tissue, but is strongly upregulated in fibrotic tissue and is also increased during development, in wound healing, or in certain types of cancer. Accordingly, gene expression of CTGF is tightly regulated. To highlight the complexity of the regulation of CTGF gene expression, we discuss here the mechanisms involved in CTGF regulation by TGFbeta in different cell types, and the mechanisms related to CTGF gene expression in cells exposed to mechanical forces. Finally, we will touch upon novel aspects of epigenetic regulation of CTGF gene expression. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.