bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructurally Controlled Polyisoprene or Polystyrene Diblock Copolymers of rac‐Lactide
Authors: Amgoune Abderramane , Thomas Christophe M. , Balnois Eric , Grohens Yves , Lutz Pierre J. , Carpentier Jean‐François 
Published: July 2005

AbstractSummary: A series of new polyisoprene‐block‐polylactide and polystyrene‐block‐polylactide diblock copolymers was prepared by combining the living anionic polymerization of isoprene or styrene, and the stereoselective ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide. Aluminum and yttrium‐based polystyrene or polyisoprene macroinitiators yielded isotactic‐stereoblock and heterotactic‐enriched polylactide segments, respectively. A strong influence of the microstructure of the polylactide block on the aggregation properties in solution and morphological behavior of the solid materials in thin films has been observed.General strategy used for the preparation of the diblock copolymers, illustrated here for poly(isoprene‐block‐lactide). Poly(styrene‐block‐lactide) copolymers were prepared similarly.magnified imageGeneral strategy used for the preparation of the diblock copolymers, illustrated here for poly(isoprene‐block‐lactide). Poly(styrene‐block‐lactide) copolymers were prepared similarly.
Thermotropic main‐chain liquid‐crystalline photodimerizable poly(vanillylidenealkyloxy alkylphosphate ester)s containing a cyclopentanone moiety
Authors: Sakthivel P , Kannan P 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA new class of main‐chain liquid‐crystalline photodimerizable vanillylidene‐containing alkylpolyphosphate esters were synthesized from 2,5‐bis[m‐hydroxyalkyloxy(vanillylidene)] cyclopentanones with various alkylphosphoro‐ dichloridates by solution polycondensation in chloroform at ambient temperature. Their chemical structures were confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopic analysis. Dilute‐solution viscosity values were measured in order to obtain the intrinsic viscosities of the synthesized polymers. Mesogenic properties and phase behavior were investigated by the use of hot‐stage optical polarized microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that all of the polymers were stable up to 170–230 °C and decomposed with high char yields. The shorter methylene‐chain‐containing polymers did not show a liquid‐crystalline phase, while the longer methylene‐chain‐ containing polymers showed grainy and nematic textures. The Tg, Tm and Ti values of the polymers decreased with increasing flexible methylene chain length in the polymer backbones. The photocrosslinking properties of the polymers were studied by UV light/UV spectroscopy; the crosslinking proceeds via 2π–2π cycloaddition reactions of the vanillylidene exocyclic double bonds of the polymers. The rate of crosslinking was faster for the pendant ethoxy‐containing polymers than that of the pendant methoxy‐containing polymers. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of the cross‐linking mechanism of a copolymer containing an electrooptic chromophore
Authors: Monnereau Cyrille , Blart Errol , Illien Bertrand , Paris Michaël , Odobel Fabrice 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe mechanism of the cross‐linking reaction occuring between an NLO chromophore copolymerized with a glycidyl epoxide unit (polymer PIII) was rationalized using magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. A first study conducted on a system composed of a model chromophore and a simple epoxy molecule enabled us to attribute the NMR changes that accompany the epoxy ring opening. Further, the use of a guest–host system made of an azo chromophore dispersed in an MMA–GMA copolymer matrix indicated a quantitative yield of the carboxyl/epoxy anchorage reaction after 30 min of heating at 140°C. The 13C cross polarization (CP)/MAS NMR spectroscopic study showed unambiguously that the cross‐linking reaction in polymer PIII is due to a nucleophilic opening of the epoxy rings by the carboxylic groups of the chromophores resulting in carboxylic ester bond formation. Finally, the blue shift of the ca 500 nm absorption band was modeled with a computational study. It is concluded that the esterification of the acid carboxylic group of the chromophore causes the torsion of the azo molecule. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
About crosslinking of low molecular weight ethylene‐propylene(‐diene) copolymer‐based artificial latices
Authors: Tillier Delphine L. , Meuldijk Jan , Magusin Pieter C. M. M. , van Herk Alex M. , Koning Cor E. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractCrosslinking of artificial latices based on ethylene–propylene copolymers (EPM) and/or ethylene–propylene–diene copolymers (EPDM) has not thoroughly been studied yet. Moreover, crosslinking of EPM and/or EPDM particles is a prerequisite for the formation of a shell using seeded emulsion polymerization of, for example, methyl methacrylate (MMA), as described elsewhere. Therefore, the aim of this article is to improve the general understanding of the chemistry involved in the crosslinking process. This work especially emphasizes the influence of the initiation method, that is, a peroxide or a pulsed electron‐beam, on crosslinking efficiency. All crosslinking efficiencies were obtained after extraction of the soluble polymer by tetrahydrofuran. The incorporation of the coagent, that is, divinylbenzene, into the EPM/EPDM phase was studied on a microscopic level by solid‐state 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Crosslinking of a low molecular weight EPM/EPDM latex requires the presence of a coagent, for example, divinylbenzene, 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate, or poly(1,2‐butadiene). The efficiency of crosslinking initiated by a pulsed electron‐beam was improved to a great extent by the presence, in the aqueous phase, of potassium nitrosodisulfonate, also referred to as Fremy salt. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization–Time of Flight–Mass Spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) was used to determine the influence of electron‐beam irradiation on the chemical stability of surfactants. It was demonstrated that sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) is not degraded by the irradiation, and is therefore the surfactant of choice for the stabilization of EPM/EPDM‐based latices subjected to electron‐beam irradiation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3600–3615, 2005
LNG codes and process safety
Authors: Zinn C. Dale 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBecause of the potential wide area impact of an unplanned liquefied natural gas (LNG) release, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and later the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued standards and regulations that included specific methodologies for analyzing the consequences of an accidental LNG release.The concept of a “design spill” was defined to evaluate the consequences of an accidental LNG release, with particular attention to the influence of safety protective measures. In addition to specifying the magnitude of the unplanned release, the design spill also specified some of the parameters for estimation of the downwind LNG vapor dispersion and the extent of the radiant heat from an LNG pool fire. The “design spill” was an important concept because the LNG rules were the first (and still unique) to define “exclusion zones” for purposes of establishing the allowable sites for establishing LNG facilities.This paper identifies the hazards associated with LNG use, discusses the development and use of the “design spill” concept, and identifies problems with this approach. A detailed historical review of the regulations, codes, and standards applicable to LNG facilities is also provided. Changes and modifications in these codes in the past few years have caused considerable confusion. Thus, a complete review and revision of the “design spill” concept is required. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2005
Back on the balance sheet: The tax effects of contingent claims in commercial banking
Authors: Reagle Derrick 
Published: July 2005

AbstractContingent claims separate revenue and cost into two different time periods. Revenue comes in the initial origination process, while the cost comes upon completion of the contract in the event of default. With banks increasing contingent claims in recent years, a higher taxable income leads to a shift in a bank's balance sheet toward tax‐free income and tax‐shielding liabilities. This provides a valuable case‐study of corporate finance theories of tax management. This paper builds a model to illustrate the income features of contingent claims. Call Reports from 1990–1996 are examined, and show significant evidence of increases in leverage associated with contingent claims.
Up hill, down dale: quantitative genetics of curvaceous traits
Authors: Meyer Karin , Kirkpatrick Mark 
Published: July 2005

‘Repeated’ measurements for a trait and individual, taken along some continuous scale such as time, can be thought of as representing points on a curve, where both means and covariances along the trajectory can change, gradually and continually. Such traits are commonly referred to as ‘function-valued’ (FV) traits. This review shows that standard quantitative genetic concepts extend readily to FV traits, with individual statistics, such as estimated breeding values and selection response, replaced by corresponding curves, modelled by respective functions. Covariance functions are introduced as the FV equivalent to matrices of covariances.Considering the class of functions represented by a regression on the continuous covariable, FV traits can be analysed within the linear mixed model framework commonly employed in quantitative genetics, giving rise to the so-called random regression model. Estimation of covariance functions, either indirectly from estimated covariances or directly from the data using restricted maximum likelihood or Bayesian analysis, is considered. It is shown that direct estimation of the leading principal components of covariance functions is feasible and advantageous. Extensions to multi-dimensional analyses are discussed.
Novel and Mechanical Stress–Responsive MicroRNAs in Populus trichocarpa That Are Absent from Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Shanfa , Sun Ying-Hsuan , Shi Rui , Clark Catherine , Li Laigeng , Chiang Vincent L. 
Published: July 2005

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that can play crucial regulatory roles in eukaryotes by targeting mRNAs for silencing. To test whether miRNAs play roles in the regulation of wood development in tree species, we isolated small RNAs from the developing xylem of Populus trichocarpa stems and cloned 22 miRNAs. They are the founding members of 21 miRNA gene families for 48 miRNA sequences, represented by 98 loci in the Populus genome. A majority of these miRNAs were predicted to target developmental- and stress/defense-related genes and possible functions associated with the biosynthesis of cell wall metabolites. Of the 21 P. trichocarpa miRNA families, 11 have sequence conservation in Arabidopsis thaliana but exhibited species-specific developmental expression patterns, suggesting that even conserved miRNAs may have different regulatory roles in different species. Most unexpectedly, the remaining 10 miRNAs, for which 17 predicted targets were experimentally validated in vivo, are absent from the Arabidopsis genome, suggesting possible roles in tree-specific processes. In fact, the expression of a majority of the cloned miRNAs was upregulated or downregulated in woody stems in a manner consistent with tree-specific corrective growth against tension and compression stresses, two constant mechanical loads in trees. Our results show that plant miRNAs can be induced by mechanical stress and may function in one of the most critical defense systems for structural and mechanical fitness.
Histopathological review of sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid
Authors: Pereira Patricia Rusa , Odashiro Alexandre Nakao , Rodrigues‐Reyes Abelardo A , Correa Zelia Maria S , De Souza Filho João Pessoa , Burnier Miguel N 
Published: July 2005

Background:  Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid can clinically mimic benign conditions, such as recurrent chalazion and inflammation and histopathologically squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This retrospective study was undertaken as an attempt to improve the characterization and consequently the diagnosis of these tumors.Methods:  Retrospective analysis was performed on eyelid specimens diagnosed as sebaceous carcinoma retrieved from Henry C. Witelson Ophthalmic Pathology Registry, Canada and Hospital Luis S. Bulnes Pathology Registry, Mexico. Two independent, masked pathologists reviewed the H&E microslides.Results:  Forty‐four cases were retrieved, 31 from Canada and 13 from Mexico. Cytoplasmic vacuoles were observed in 48% of the cases. Eighty‐four percent of the cases were classified as poorly differentiated lesions. Of these, 75% had features similar to squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), some with dyskeratosis (30%) and 7% resembled BCC. Solid growth pattern was seen in 26.2% of the cases and lobular growth pattern in 26.2%. Superficial spread resembling Bowen‐like disease was observed in 33% of the cases, pagetoid features in 33% and comedocarcinoma in 31.8%.Conclusion:  Sebaceous carcinoma presented as a poorly differentiated lesion in most cases of this series, which suggests a possibility of misdiagnosis because of its similarities to SqCC.
Kinetics of pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and clearance in a natural and spontaneously resolving model of airway inflammation
Authors: Brazil T. J. , Dagleish M. P. , McGorum B. C. , Dixon P. M. , Haslett C. , Chilvers E. R. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackgroundNeutrophil apoptosis and phagocytic clearance have been proposed as key determinants affecting the resolution of airway inflammation.ObjectiveTo determine the kinetics of neutrophil priming, recruitment, activation and subsequent clearance in a naturally occurring equine disease model of neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation.Methods and ResultsA 5 h mouldy hay/straw challenge in hypersensitive horses induced transient pulmonary dysfunction lasting 4 days. At 24 h circulating neutrophils were primed and displayed delayed rates of spontaneous apoptosisin vitro. Neutrophil numbers in the airspaces peaked at 5 h and then fell abruptly, returning to pre‐challenge levels by 4 days. Airspace neutrophils demonstrated increased respiratory burst activity compared with circulating cells and equine neutrophil elastase 2A concentrations increased in parallel with neutrophil numbers indicatingin vivopriming and degranulation. The number of apoptotic neutrophils and proportion of alveolar macrophages containing phagocytosed apoptotic neutrophils increased significantly at 24 h and 4 days post‐challenge corresponding to the period of most rapid neutrophil clearance.ConclusionThis is the first demonstration of spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis and phagocytic removal in a natural disease model of airway inflammation and provides critical kinetic data to support the hypothesis that this clearance pathway plays a central role in the resolution of neutrophilic inflammation.
Effects of various anti‐asthmatic agents on mite allergen‐pulsed murine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Machida I. , Matsuse H. , Kondo Y. , Kawano T. , Saeki S. , Tomari S. , Obase Y. , Fukushima C. , Kohno S. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in the immune response and are critically involved in asthma. β2‐agonists could potentially exacerbate type 2 T helper (Th2) cell‐mediated immune response.Objectives
To determine the effects of various anti‐asthmatic agents on DCs function both in vitro and in vivo.Methods
Murine bone marrow‐derived DCs were pulsed with mite allergen in the presence of pranlukast, salbutamol, salmeterol or fluticasone. These DCs were then inoculated intranasally into naïve mice to induce allergic airway inflammation in vivo.Results
Pranlukast reduced IL‐10 and increased IL‐12, while fluticasone reduced both IL‐10 and IL‐12 production by mite allergen‐pulsed DCs. Allergic airway inflammation in pranlukast‐ and fluticasone‐treated and mite allergen pulsed DCs‐harbouring mice was attenuated and such response was associated with inhibition of Th2 response in the airway. Salbutamol did not alter cytokine production, while salmeterol reduced IL‐12 production by mite allergen‐pulsed DCs. Lung pathology in β2‐agonist‐harbouring mice was comparable with those of mite allergen‐pulsed DCs‐harbouring mice.Conclusions
Our results indicate that leukotriene receptor antagonists and corticosteroids inhibit DCs‐induced Th2 skewed immune response, and that short‐ and long‐acting β2‐agonists do not modify DCs‐induced allergic airway inflammation.
Transgenic mice expressing the T cell antigen receptor specific for an immunodominant epitope of a major allergen of house dust mite develop an asthmatic phenotype on exposure of the airways to allergen
Authors: Jarman E. R. , Tan K. A. L. , Lamb J. R. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Current studies on mechanisms underlying allergen‐induced pulmonary inflammation and asthma are hampered by the lack of appropriate physiological in vivo models that reflect the natural route of allergen exposure and sensitization.Objective
To generate and phenotype a transgenic mouse strain expressing the T cell receptor (TCR) specific for an immunodominant domain of the major inhalant allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus species of house dust mite (Der p 1), for the development of an in vivo model of allergic asthma.Methods
Der p 1 transgenic mice were generated using TCR‐αβ derived from a CD4+ T cell hybridoma reactive with Der p 1 residues p 110–131. The frequency and functional activity of peripheral T cells were determined and parameters of airway inflammation assessed following allergen challenge of the airways with Der p 1.Results
CD4+ T cells are functionally active, exhibiting dose‐dependent proliferation and IL‐4 production on primary stimulation with Der p 1 or Der p 1, p 110–131 in vitro, independent of in vivo antigen priming. On sensitization of the airways with allergen, in the absence of systemic priming or the application of adjuvants, the TCR transgenic mice develop airway inflammation characterized by a marked lymphocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate with goblet cell hyperplasia and enhanced mucin production.Conclusion
The Der p 1 TCR transgenic mice provide a model for investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of pulmonary inflammation following sensitization by exposure of the airways to allergen and for investigating the mode of action and efficacy of novel immunotherapeutics.
Suppression of inflammatory and fibrotic responses in allergic inflammation by the amniotic membrane stromal matrix
Authors: Solomon A. , Wajngarten M. , Alviano F. , Anteby I. , Elchalal U. , Pe'er J. , Levi‐Schaffer F. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
The amniotic membrane (AM), which is the innermost layer of the placenta, was shown to possess anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic properties in various in vitro and clinical studies.Purpose
To evaluate the anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory effects of the AM matrix (AMM) on human conjunctival and lung fibroblasts in an in vitro system that tests fibrotic and inflammatory responses at the effector stages of allergic inflammation.Methods
Human conjunctival or lung fibroblasts were seeded on plastic or on the stromal aspect of the AM, which was mounted on plastic inserts. Sonicates of human peripheral blood eosinophils activated with lipopolysacharide (LPS), or human mast cell (HMC‐1) leukaemia cell sonicates, were added to sub‐confluent fibroblast monolayers. Proliferation of the sub‐confluent fibroblasts was assessed using the [3H]‐thymidine incorporation assay. The production of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and IL‐8 in conjunctival or lung fibroblasts was measured in conditioned media from these cultures by ELISA.Results
After 4 days in culture, the [3H]‐thymidine incorporation assay indicated a reduced proliferation of activated conjunctival and lung fibroblasts when cultured directly on the AMM. The production of both TGF‐β1 and IL‐8 was significantly suppressed in activated conjunctival fibroblasts cultured on the AMM compared with those cultured on plastic, while the production of both TGF‐β1 and GM‐CSF was decreased in human lung fibroblast cultured on the AMM.Conclusions
The AMM is capable of suppressing fibrotic responses in an in vitro system of effector stages of ocular allergic inflammation. These data may provide a basis for exploring matrix components in the AM for the treatment of allergic eye disease.
Pharmacokinetics of radiolabelled Par j 1 administered intranasally to allergic and healthy subjects
Authors: Passalacqua G. , Altrinetti V. , Mariani G. , Falagiani P. , Mistrello G. , Brizzolara R. , Canonica G. W. , Bagnasco M. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryBackground
Local nasal immunotherapy is accepted as an alternative to the injection route for allergic rhinitis. Despite this, little is known about the kinetics of the allergen after nasal delivery in allergic subjects.Objective
We aimed at assessing the biodistribution of 123I‐radiolabelled Par j 1 in Parietaria‐allergic subjects, in comparison with healthy volunteers.Methods
Purified Par j 1 was radiolabelled with 123I and sprayed into the nostrils of three control subjects and three Parietaria‐allergic volunteers. Dynamic and static scintigraphic images of the head were recorded at serial times and blood samples were obtained to measure the plasma radioactivity, and to assess the presence of circulating radiolabelled species by gel chromatography.Results
In Parietaria‐sensitized subjects, the radiolabelled allergen was rapidly cleared from the nasal cavity and transported to pharynx, and little local persistence was seen. This differed from healthy subjects where nasal clearance of the tracer was slower and nasal radioactivity persisted up to 24 h. The increase in plasma radioactivity paralleled swallowing of the allergen in both groups, and plasma chromatographic profile did not differ between allergic and healthy volunteers.Conclusions
Sensitization to the allergen affects its local biodistribution. Gastrointestinal absorption is relevant also for the intranasal route.