bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nickel
Authors: Kerfoot Derek G. E. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction1.1.History1.2.Physical Properties1.3.Chemical Properties2.Occurrence2.1.Nickel Minerals2.2.Sulfide Ores2.3.Oxide Ores2.4.Economic Trends3.Beneficiation of Nickel Sulfide Ores4.Pyrometallurgy of Nickel Concentrates4.1.Roasting4.2.The Smelting Process4.2.1.Primary Smelting4.2.2.Matte Converting4.3.Environmental Aspects of Nickel Smelting4.4.Treatment of Converter Matte4.4.1.Inco Matte Separation Process4.4.2.Fluidized‐Bed Roasting of Nickel Sulfide5.Hydrometallurgy of Nickel Concentrates and Mattes5.1.Ammonia Pressure Leaching5.2.Atmospheric Acid Leaching5.3.Acid Pressure Leaching5.4.Chloride Leach Processes5.5.Treatment of Nickeliferous Pyrrhotite6.Nickel Refining6.1.Electrorefining6.1.1.Refining of Nickel Metal Anodes6.1.2.Refining of Nickel Matte Anodes6.1.3.Solution Purification6.1.4.Electrorefining Operations6.2.Electrowinning6.2.1.Electrowinning from Sulfate Electrolytes6.2.2.Electrowinning from Chloride Electrolytes6.3.Carbonyl Refining6.3.1.Atmospheric Pressure Carbonyl Process6.3.2.High‐Pressure Carbonyl Process (BASF)6.3.3.Inco Pressure Carbonyl Process6.4.Hydrogen Reduction to Nickel Powder7.Beneficiation of Oxide Ores7.1.The Nippon Yakin Oheyama Process7.2.Segregation Processes8.Pyrometallurgy of Oxide Ores8.1.Ore Pretreatment8.2.Smelting to Ferronickel8.2.1.The Rotary Kiln ‐ Electric Furnace Process8.2.2.The Ugine Ferronickel Process8.2.3.The Falcondo Ferronickel Process8.2.4.Refining of Ferronickel8.3.Smelting to Nickel Matte8.3.1.Blast Furnace Smelting8.3.2.Matte Production from Ferronickel8.3.3.The Inco Selective Reduction Smelting Process8.4.Energy Consumption in Laterite Smelting9.Hydrometallurgy of Oxide Ores9.1.The Caron Process9.2.Pressure Leaching with Sulfuric Acid9.2.1.The Moa Bay Process9.2.2.The Amax Acid Leach Process10.The Recovery of Byproduct Cobalt11.Nickel Recovery from Secondary Sources12.Market Products13.Uses14.Economic Aspects15.Toxicology
Nitrides
Authors: Ettmayer Peter , Lengauer Walter 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Ionic Nitrides2.1.Lithium Nitride2.2.Nitrides of Alkaline‐Earth Metals2.3.Rare‐Earth Nitrides, Earth Nitrides, and Actinide Nitrides3.Covalent Nitrides3.1.Boron Nitride3.2.Aluminum Nitride3.3.Gallium Nitride3.4.Silicon Nitride3.5.Miscellaneous Covalent Nitrides4.Transition‐Metal Nitrides4.1.Production4.2.General Properties4.3.Uses4.3.1.Wear‐Resistant Layers4.3.2.Cermets4.3.3.Other Uses4.4.Multicomponent Nitrides
Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Barclay J. Elaine , Leigh G. Jeffery 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Biological Nitrogen Fixation

2.1.

Microorganisms

2.2.

Nitrogenases

2.3.

Reaction Stoichiometry and Mechanism

2.4.

Genetic Control of Nitrogenases

3.

Reactions of Dinitrogen

3.1.

Reaction with Metals and Metal Complexes

3.2.

Activation of Dinitrogen for Ammonia Formation

3.3.

Structures of Dinitrogen Complexes

4.

Protonation and Alkylation of Dinitrogen Complexes

4.1.

End‐on Dinitrogen Complexes

4.2.

Bridging Dinitrogen Complexes

5.

Mechanisms of Reactions of Coordinated Dinitrogen

6.

Fixing Systems Involving Chemical Reduction of Dinitrogen Before N−H Bond Formation

6.1.

Nitriding Systems

6.2.

Cyclopentadienyltitanium Systems

7.

Nitrogen Fixation in Protic Solvents

8.

Other Aqueous Fixation Systems

8.1.

Approaches to Models for Nitrogenases

8.2.

Mechanisms

9.

Fixation of Nitrogen Involving Metal Clusters

10.

Photochemical Fixation Processes

11.

Oxidative Fixation Processes
Oral Hygiene Products
Authors: Weinert Wolfgang 
Published: April 2004

Abstract

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Dentifrices

2.1.

Toothpaste

2.1.1.

Composition

2.1.2.

Production

2.1.3.

Quality Specifications, Analysis, and Testing

2.2.

Tooth Powder

3.

Mouthwashes

4.

Denture Cleansers
Peat
Authors: Grumpelt Heinrich 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction1.1.Fundamentals1.2.Formation and Varieties of Mires1.3.Composition and Properties1.4.History of Bog Utilization and Present Importance2.Occurrence3.Peat as a Raw Material, Carbon and Energy Source3.1.Dehydration of Peat3.2.Industrial Peat Production3.2.1.Development of Peat Bogs3.2.2.Mechanical Peat Production Methods3.2.3.Legal Regulations for Peat Production3.3.Uses of Peat and Peat Products3.3.1.Plant and Vegetable Production3.3.2.Chemical Raw Material3.3.2.1.Classification and Methods of Peat Processing3.3.2.2.Peat Processing Technologies3.3.3.Peat as an Energy Source3.3.3.1.Peat Power Stations3.3.3.2.Decentralized Energy Generation by Multistage Combustion3.3.3.3.Peat Briquetting3.3.4.Other Uses of Peat3.3.4.1.Peat as a Filter Medium3.3.4.2.Peat for Medical Purposes4.Worldwide Economic Importance4.1.Peat Industry and Availability of Raw Material Resources4.2.Possibilities for the Substitution of Peat and Peat Products5.Raw Material Production in Peat Bogs and Nature Conservation5.1.Peat Production and Nature Conservation5.2.Recultivation, Renaturation, and Regeneration
Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Zanowiak Paul 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Dosage Forms as Drug Delivery Systems2.Routes of Administration2.1.Parenteral Administration2.2.Oral Administration2.3.Dermal Administration2.4.Rectal Administration2.5.Other Routes of Administration3.Types of Dosage Forms3.1.Liquid Solution Dosage Forms3.1.1.Solutions3.1.2.Extractive Solutions3.1.3.Parenteral Solutions (Injections)3.1.4.Inhalations3.1.5.Ophthalmic and Nasal Solutions (Drops)3.1.6.Otic Solutions3.1.7.Liniments3.1.8.Enemas and Douches3.1.9.Mouthwashes and Gargles3.1.10.Collodions3.2.Liquid Dispersions3.3.Semisolid Dosage Forms3.4.Plastic Dosage Forms (Suppositories)3.5.Solid Dosage Forms3.6.Prolonged‐Action Dosage Forms3.7.Pressurized Aerosol Dosage Forms3.8.Nonpressurized Gaseous Dosage Forms (Inhalants)3.9.Radiopharmaceutical Dosage Forms4.Pharmaceutical Excipients5.Quality Assurance6.Pharmaceutical Containers7.Development of the Ideal Drug Delivery System7.1.Controlled‐Release Drug Delivery Systems7.2.Sustained‐ or Prolonged‐Release Technology7.2.1.Oral Sustained‐Release Dosage Forms7.2.2.Other Sustained‐ and Prolonged‐Release Drug Delivery Systems7.3.Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
Phthalocyanines
Authors: Löbbert Gerd 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Physical Properties2.1.General Data2.2.Particle Size2.3.Color Properties2.4.Crystal Structure and Polymorphism2.5.Surface and Interfacial Properties2.6.Other Physical Investigations3.Chemical Properties3.1.Oxidation3.2.Reduction3.3.Catalytic Properties4.Production4.1.General Synthetic Methods4.2.Reaction Mechanism4.3.Industrial Production4.3.1.Copper Phthalocyanine4.3.2.Phthalocyanine4.4.Pigment Finishing4.4.1.Finishing by Treatment with Acid4.4.2.Finishing by Grinding4.5.Stabilization of Phthalocyanines5.Phthalocyanine Derivatives5.1.Halogenated Phthalocyanines5.2.Phthalocyanine Sulfonic Acids and Sulfonyl Chlorides5.3.Chloromethylphthalocyanines5.4.Phthalocyanines with Other Substituents5.5.Polymeric Phthalocyanines5.6.Phthalocyanine Analogues6.Legal Aspects and Environmental Protection7.Quality Specifications and Analysis8.Uses8.1.Phthalocyanine Pigments8.2.Phthalocyanine Dyes9.Economic Aspects10.Toxicology and Occupational Health
Poly(Phenylene Oxides)
Authors: Bussink Jan , van de Grampel Hendrik T. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Production3.PPE Blends3.1.PPE ‐ PS Blends3.2.PA ‐ PPE Blends3.3.PPE ‐ Polyolefin Blends4.Processing5.Uses6.Acknowledgement
Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
Authors: Allsopp Michael W. , Vianello Giovanni 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction1.1.Morphology1.2.Versatility1.3.Molecular Structure2.Physical and Chemical Properties2.1.Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM)2.2.Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)3.Resources and Raw Materials4.Production4.1.Suspension Polymerization of Vinyl Chloride4.1.1.Introduction4.1.2.Additives4.1.3.Kinetics4.1.4.Morphology4.1.4.1.Control of Grain Size4.1.4.2.Control of Porosity and Bulk Density4.1.4.3.K‐Value (Molecular Mass)4.1.4.4.Problem Areas4.2.Bulk or Mass Polymerization of Vinyl Chloride4.3.Emulsion Polymerization of Vinyl Chloride4.3.1.Introduction4.3.2.Emulsion Polymerization Processes4.3.3.Description of the Batch Process4.3.4.Plastisols4.3.5.Polymer ‐ Plasticizer Interaction4.3.6.Gelation and Fusion4.3.7.Applications4.4.Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride), CPVC5.Environmental Protection6.Quality Specifications and Analysis7.Storage and Transportation8.Processing and End Uses9.Economic Aspects10.Toxicology and Occupational Health
Sulfides, Polysulfides, and Sulfanes
Authors: Lange Ludwig , Triebel Wolfgang 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Physical and Chemical Properties of Compounds of the System Na2S ‐ S2.1.Physical Properties2.2.Chemical Properties3.Production of Compounds of the System Na2S ‐ S3.1.Sodium Tetrasulfide3.2.Sodium Disulfide3.3.Sodium Monosulfide4.Sodium Hydrogensulfide4.1.Properties4.2.Production5.Sulfanes5.1.Properties5.2.Production6.Uses of Sulfides and Sulfanes7.Safety and Environmental Aspects8.Economic Aspects9.Transportation
Sulfur Dyes
Authors: Nagl Gert 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Chemical Properties3.Classification and Structure3.1.General3.2.Classification3.2.1.Sulfur Bake Dyes3.2.2.Polysulfide Bake Dyes3.2.3.Polysulfide Melt Dyes3.2.4.Water‐Soluble Sulfur Dyes3.2.5.Dyes Not Produced by Sulfurization4.Production4.1.Sulfur and Polysulfide Bake4.2.Polysulfide Melt5.Environmental Protection6.Commercial Forms7.Quality and Analysis8.Storage and Transportation9.Application10.Economic Aspects11.Toxicology and Occupational Health
Turpentines
Authors: Gscheidmeier Manfred , Fleig Helmut 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe article contains sections titled:1.Turpentine as a Natural Product2.History3.Definition and Classification4.Production4.1.Gum Turpentine4.2.Wood Turpentine4.3.Sulfate Turpentine4.4.Sulfite Turpentine4.5.Destructively Distilled Wood Turpentine5.Composition6.Physical Properties7.Chemical Properties8.Analysis9.Safety and Occupational Health10.Storage and Transportation11.Ecological Aspects12.Uses13.Economic Aspects14.Toxicology15.Turpentine Substitute16.Pine Oil16.1.Production16.2.Properties16.3.Storage and Transportation16.4.Uses16.5.Economic Aspects
Statistical mechanics of protein folding with separable energy functions
Authors: Wang Jianyong , Crippen Gordon M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe have initiated an entirely new approach to statistical mechanical models of strongly interacting systems where the configurational parameters and the potential energy function are both constructed so that the canonical partition function can be evaluated analytically. For a simplified model of proteins consisting of a single, fairly short polypeptide chain without cross‐links, we can adjust the energy parameters to favor the experimentally determined native state of seven proteins having diverse types of folds. Then 497 test proteins are predicted to have stable native folds, even though they are also structurally diverse, and 480 of them have no significant sequence similarity to any of the training proteins. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Chlorophyll Breakdown in Tobacco: On the Structure of Two Nonfluorescent Chlorophyll Catabolites
Authors: Berghold Joachim , Eichmüller Christian , Hörtensteiner Stefan , Kräutler Bernhard 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn extracts of senescent leaves of the tobacco plant Nicotiana rustica, two colorless compounds with UV/VIS characteristics of nonfluorescent chlorophyll catabolites (NCCs) were detected and tentatively identified as Nr‐NCCs. These two polar NCCs were found in similar amounts in the fresh extracts, and their constitutions could be determined by spectroscopic analysis. The data showed both of the two Nr‐NCCs to have the same tetrapyrrolic core structure, as reported previously for all other NCCs from senescent higher plants. In the less polar catabolite, named Nr‐NCC‐2, this core structure was conjugated with a glucopyranose unit, as similarly discovered earlier in Bn‐NCC‐2, an NCC from oilseed rape (Brassica napus). The more polar NCC from tobacco leaves, Nr‐NCC‐1, carried an additional malonyl substituent at the 6′‐OH group of the glucopyranosyl moiety. Partial (enzyme‐catalyzed) hydrolysis of Nr‐NCC‐1 gave Nr‐NCC‐2, while enzyme‐catalyzed malonylation of Nr‐NCC‐2 gave Nr‐NCC‐1, establishing the identity of their basic tetrapyrrole structure. In earlier work (on the polar NCCs from oilseed rape), only separate glucopyranosyl and malonyl functionalities were detected. Nr‐NCC‐1, thus, represents a further variant of the structures of NCCs from senescent higher plants and exhibits an unprecedented peripheral refunctionalization in chlorophyll catabolites.
Abnormal lymphatic development in trisomy 16 mouse embryos precedes nuchal edema
Authors: Gittenberger‐De Groot Adriana C. , Van Den Akker Nynke M.S. , Bartelings Margot M. , Webb Sandra , Van Vugt John M.G. , Haak Monique C. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractUltrasound measurement of increased nuchal translucency is a method of risk assessment for heart malformations and trisomy 21 in human pregnancy. The developmental background of this nuchal edema is still not sufficiently understood. We have studied the process in trisomy 16 mice that show nuchal edema and heart malformations. We used trisomy 16 and wild‐type (WT) embryos from embryonic day (E) 12.5 to E18.5. In WT embryos at E13, bilateral jugular lymphatic sacs are visible that share a lymphatic–venous membrane with the jugular vein. We could not in any case discern a valve between these vessels. At E14 in the TS16 embryos, the lymphatic sacs become enlarged showing abnormally thickened endothelium, specifically at the site of the membrane. In these embryos, severe edema develops in the nuchal region. There is a very close colocalisation of the nerves with the vascular structures. The start of reorganization of the jugular lymphatic sac to a lymph node is observed in both wild‐type and TS16 but is diminished in the latter. In conclusion, abnormal size and structure of the jugular lymphatic sacs coincides with the development of nuchal edema. A disturbance of lymphangiogenesis might be the basis for increased nuchal translucency that is often observed in diseased human fetuses. Developmental Dynamics 230:378–384, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Nice development: The first joint meeting of the British and French Societies for Developmental Biology, 13–16th September, 2003, Nice, France
Authors: Brown Jennifer , Chazaud Claire , Irving Carol 
Published: April 2004

AbstractHeld this autumn on the beautiful Cote d'Azur, the first joint meeting of the BSDB and SFBD provided delegates with the perfect informal setting for discussion spanning a broad cross‐section of Developmental Biology. Participants' interests were diverse, ranging from the implementation of genome‐wide approaches aimed at identifying all the molecular components of cell proliferation, signalling, patterning, and morphogenesis, to those engaged in capturing mesmerising glimpses of the minute and intricate workings of the cell. The meeting considered a wide spectrum of model organisms, including the simple plant Arabidopsis, the invertebrates Dictyostelium, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster, the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, and the vertebrates Xenopus, zebrafish, chick, and mouse. Such a diverse approach served to highlight both similarities and differences in the molecular mechanisms that govern embryonic development among different species. Here, we highlight a few aspects of the meeting that illustrate this point. Developmental Dynamics 230:385‐388, © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative genomics of the Mill family: a rapidly evolving MHC class I gene family
Authors: Watanabe Yutaka , Maruoka Takako , Walter Lutz , Kasahara Masanori 
Published: April 2004

AbstractMill (MHC class I‐like located near the leukocyte receptor complex) is a novel family of class I genes identified in mice that is most closely related to the human MICA/B family. In the present study, we isolated Mill cDNA from rats and carried out a comparative genomic analysis. Rats have two Mill genes orthologous to mouse Mill1 and Mill2 near the leukocyte receptor complex, with expression patterns similar to those of their mouse counterparts. Interspecies sequence comparison indicates that Mill is one of the most rapidly evolving class I gene families and that non‐synonymous substitutions occur more frequently than synonymous substitutions in its α 1 domain, implicating the involvement of Mill in immune defenses. Interestingly, the α 2 domain of rat Mill2 contains a premature stop codon in many inbred strains, indicating that Mill2 is not essential for survival. A computer search of the database identified a horse Mill‐like expressed sequence tag, indicating that Mill emerged before the radiation of mammals. Hence, the failure to find Mill in human indicates strongly that it was lost from the human lineage. Our present work provides convincing evidence that Mill is akin to the MICA/B family, yet constitutes a distinctgene family.
A Closely‐Coupled Pyrene Dimer Having Unusually Intense Fluorescence
Authors: Benniston Andrew C. , Harriman Anthony , Lawrie Donald J. , Rostron Sarah A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractA synthetic route is described for the preparation of 1,4‐di(1‐pyrenyl)butadiyne. The target compound, after purification by extensive column chromatography, has been characterized by NMR and exact‐mass spectrometry. This material is highly‐fluorescent in solution and, relative to pyrene, strongly absorbing in the near‐UV region. Phosphorescence is observed at 77 K and formation of the metastable triplet state has been confirmed by laser flash photolysis. In marked contrast to pyrene, fluorescence from the target compound is not susceptible to self‐quenching nor to the presence of dissolved oxygen. The average conformation of the molecule has been established by molecular modeling. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Comorbidities and the willingness to pay for reducing the risk of a targeted disease: introducing endogenous effort for risk reduction
Authors: Liu Liqun 
Published: April 2004

AbstractPrevious studies demonstrated that the willingness to pay (WTP) for reducing the risk of a targeted disease increases with the severity of a comorbidity condition. They evaluated the WTPs at positions where otherwise identical individuals who have unequal comorbidity conditions all have the same consumption of wealth and the same probability of getting a targeted disease. This paper endogenizes the individual effort to reduce the risk of the targeted disease. It finds that individuals with more severe comorbidity will spend more on reducing the risk of the targeted disease and, therefore, have a lower probability of getting the targeted disease and a lower net consumption of wealth at equilibrium. Nonetheless, we find that the previous conclusion concerning the relationship between the WTP for the targeted risk reduction and the comorbidity is robust. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myoepithelioma of the soft tissue of the head and neck: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Neto Antonio Galvao , Pineda‐Daboin Keyla , Luna Mario A. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBackground.Extraglandular myoepitheliomas are neoplasms that seldom occur in the soft tissue of the head and neck region. Misdiagnosis of these neoplasms as more aggressive tumors can lead to unnecessary treatment.Methods.We describe a myoepithelioma of cervical soft tissue. The histopathology of the tumor, its immunophenotype, its differential diagnosis, and a review of the literature are presented.Results.Histopathologically, the tumor was composed of epithelioid cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei arranged in cords and files. On immunohistochemical analysis, the cells expressed cytokeratin 14, calponin, glial fibrillary acid protein, and p63 and showed focal positivity for S‐100 protein. Together, these markers identified the cells as myoepithelial type. A literature review identified only five cases of myoepithelioma in the soft tissue of the head and neck region in which detailed clinical information was provided.Conclusions.Myoepitheliomas can have cells with variable morphology arranged in different histologic patterns. Immunohistochemical analysis is crucial for unequivocal diagnosis when myoepitheliomas occur in extraglandular locations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 470–473, 2004
Vascular response to titanium dioxide: A study on the rat carotid artery
Authors: Çehreli Murat Cavit , Onur Mehmet Ali , Taş Zeynep , Şahin Saime 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on vascular smooth muscle contractility with the use of the rat carotid‐artery model. TiO2 powder was implanted on right carotid arteries of five albino rats, the left arteries of which were left intact and served as controls. Fourteen days after placement, bilateral carotid arteries were removed and contraction/relaxation of isolated vessel rings were measured for dose‐dependent epinephrine and acetylcholine administrations by a force displacement transducer. The data of each tissue specimen were collected with the use of a computerized system and corresponding software at a sample rate of 1000 kHz, and were expressed as contraction force. Contraction forces of control and TiO2‐implanted vessel rings were similar (P > 0.05). TiO2 does not appear to have adverse effects on vascular contractility. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 348–353, 2004
Mechanical characterization of self‐curing acrylic cements formulated with poly(methylmethacrylate)/poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) beads
Authors: Abraham G. A. , Vallo C. I. , Román J. San , Cuadrado T. R. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractNew acrylic‐based cements were formulated by replacing a mass fraction of 20% of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) powder by PMMA/poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) beads (throughout this article all compositions are given as mass fractions, unless specified otherwise). PMMA/PCL beads containing 10 and 30% PCL were synthesized by suspension polymerization. Cements were prepared by replacing part of the PMMA powder of the formulation by an equivalent mass of PMMA/PCL particles. The influence of the PCL content in the beads on the mechanical behavior was assessed by testing the cements in flexure and compression. The addition of PMMA/PCL particles with 10% PCL content resulted in a marked increase in both flexural modulus and flexural strength related to the plain PMMA beads formulation. This improvement was attributed to a decrease in the cured material porosity. Conversely, by the incorporation of beads with 30% PCL content the flexural properties decreased. This behavior was attributed to the debonding of the particles from the matrix, which was revealed by SEM images. The observed compressive yield strength decrease with the increase of PCL content in the beads was attributed to a low degree of adhesion between the heterogeneous particles and the matrix as well as to the plasticizing effect of the PCL. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 340–347, 2004