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Selected AbstractsUse of the venous flap for salvage of difficult ring avulsion injuries,MICROSURGERY, Issue 6 2008Darrell Brooks M.D. Ring avulsion can lead to soft tissue compromise resulting in eventual digit failure or restriction of motion. The authors present use of the venous flow through flap for simultaneous soft tissue and digital vessel reconstruction in severe ring avulsion injury. A retrospective review of ring avulsion injuries treated with transplantation of an arterialized (A-V-A) venous flap between 1999 and 2006 was conducted. Indications included digits which were debrided and required soft tissue and digital artery reconstruction. Eight venous flaps were transplanted for 3 Urbaniak class II and 5 Urbaniak class III ring avulsions. Average size of the venous flap was 6 cm2. All flaps and digits survived without partial necrosis. The soft tissue envelope was supple in all cases. Total active motion (TAM) ranged from 160 to 210°. The arterialized venous flow-through flap is a reliable solution for the complex ring avulsion injury which requires simultaneous soft tissue and digital vessel reconstruction. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008. [source] Morphology development during blending of immiscible polymers in screw extrudersPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 6 2002Sandeep Tyagi The present work reports evolution of morphology from initial (presence of striation) to final (droplet formation) stages in a single-screw extruder. Morphology development during the blending process controls the final size of the dispersed phase, which in turn significantly affects the properties of the blends. The experiments were carried out using a 70/30 wt% polypropylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (PP/EVA) blend; samples were collected along the length of the screw, by screw pullout experiment, to analyze the size and size distribution of the dispersed phase present both as striated layers and subsequently as droplets. Average size of the dispersed phase and standard deviation were taken into account to monitor the morphology evolution along the length of the screw. Pre-breakup morphology development was studied by analyzing the sample collected from the feed zone of the extruder in terms of upper and lower layers along the cross section of screw channel. Examination of micrographs revealed the existence of pattern of ordered striations along the length of the melting zone containing striations from average size of 1000 ,m down to 50 ,m decreasing rapidly along the length of the screw. The breakup process was captured at the start of compression zone where step-up in the shear as well as elongational flow was applied due to decrease in the channel depth along the compression zone. The observed droplet size formed by the breakup of filaments is found to be in accordance with theory. The final droplet size is found to be governed by the emulsification process occurring as a result of stretching, breakup and coalescence in the metering section of the screw and is in the order of 2 ,m. [source] Size- and Shape-Controlled Synthesis and Assembly of a Silver Nanocomplex in UV-Irradiated TSA SolutionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 22 2006Liangbao Yang Abstract In this paper we describe the size-controlled synthesis ofa silver nanocomplex based on the reduction of silvernitrate (AgNO3) by UV-irradiated tungstosilicate acid [H4(SiW12O40), TSA] solution. This method allows the synthesis of ellipsoidal particles with an average size that is tunable between 2.4 and 84 nm by varying the molar ratio of silver nitrate to TSA, the pH of the reaction solution, and the reaction temperature. Silver nanorods can be formed from the ellipsoidal nanoparticles by controlling the aging time. The formation mechanism of these nanorods is also discussed. The nanoparticles are characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, XPS, electron diffraction (ED), TEM, and with a Zetasizer instrument. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] A Complex-Based Soft Template Route to PbSe NanowiresEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2003Yuanfang Liu Abstract PbSe nanowires with an average size of 8 × 350 nm were synthesized by the reaction of Pb(NO3)2 and Se powder at 60 °C under ambient pressure. A mixture of arachidic acid (AA, n -C19H39COOH) and octadecylamine (ODA), which could form a complex with Pb2+, was employed as a soft template to control the morphology of the resultant PbSe nanowires. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the PbSe nanowires is presented. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003) [source] Cost-Affordable Technique Involving Equal Channel Angular Pressing for the Manufacturing of Ultrafine Grained Sheets of an Al,Li,Mg,Sc Alloy,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Rustam Kaibyshev A two-step process consisting of modified equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and subsequent isothermal rolling (IR) was developed to produce thin sheets of aluminum alloys with ultra-fine grained (UFG) structure. Significant increase in the efficiency of ECAP was attained by using flat billets and a back pressure system. The incorporation of final IR into technologic route provides a reduced strain which is necessary to impose for the fabrication of thin sheets with UFG structure. In addition, it allows producing relatively "long billets." In order to demonstrate the feasibility of this technique an Al,5.1Mg,2.1Li,0.17Sc,0.08Zr (wt %) alloy was subjected to ECAP at 325,°C to a total strain of ,8 using processing route CX. The operation time of this processing did not exceed 15,min. Subsequent IR at the same temperature with a total reduction of 88% was applied to produce thin sheets with a 1.8,mm thickness and an average size of recrystallized grains of ,1.6,µm. These sheets exhibit extraordinary high superplastic ductilities. In addition, this material demonstrated almost isotropic mechanical behavior at room temperature. The maximum elongation-to-failure of ,2700% was attained at a temperature of 450,°C and an initial strain rate of 1.4,×,10,2 s,1. Thus it was demonstrated that the two-step processing consisting of ECAP with a back pressure followed by IR was a simple technique providing potential capability for the fabrication of superplastic sheets from an Al,Mg,Li,Sc alloy on a commercial scale. [source] Microstructure and Properties of an HfB2 -SiC Composite for Ultra High Temperature Applications,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2004F. Monteverde An ultra-high-temperature ceramic (UHTC) based on HfB2 was produced. The microstructure consisted of fine and regular diboride grains (2 ,m average size), with SiC particulate distributed intergranularly, not rarely in clustered formation, and low levels of secondary phases were identified. The resulting thermo-mechanical properties proved interesting results for microhardness and fracture toughness. The microstructural alteration experienced within the explored temperature range renders the material unsuitable for service in extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. [source] A Molecular Brush Approach to Enhance Quantum Yield and Suppress Nonspecific Interactions of Conjugated Polyelectrolyte for Targeted Far-Red/Near-Infrared Fluorescence Cell ImagingADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 17 2010Kan-Yi Pu Abstract A red-fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE, P2) is grafted with dense poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains via click chemistry and subsequently modified with folic acid to form a molecular brush based cellular probe (P4). P4 self-assembles into a core,shell nanostructure in aqueous medium with an average size of 130 nm measured by laser light scattering. As compared to P2, P4 possesses not only a substantially higher quantum yield (11%), but also reduced nonspecific interactions with biomolecules in aqueous medium due to the shielding effect of PEG. In conjunction with its high photostability and low cytotoxicity, utilization of P4 as a far-red/near-infrared cellular probe allows for effective visualization and discrimination of MCF-7 cancer cells from NIH-3T3 normal cells in a high contrast, selective, and nonviral manner. This study thus demonstrates a flexible molecular brush approach to overcome the intrinsic drawbacks of CPEs for advanced bioimaging applications. [source] A Molecular Brush Approach to Enhance Quantum Yield and Suppress Nonspecific Interactions of Conjugated Polyelectrolyte for Targeted Far-Red/Near-Infrared Fluorescence Cell ImagingADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 17 2010Kan-Yi Pu Abstract A red-fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE, P2) is grafted with dense poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains via click chemistry and subsequently modified with folic acid to form a molecular brush based cellular probe (P4). P4 self-assembles into a core,shell nanostructure in aqueous medium with an average size of 130 nm measured by laser light scattering. As compared to P2, P4 possesses not only a substantially higher quantum yield (11%), but also reduced nonspecific interactions with biomolecules in aqueous medium due to the shielding effect of PEG. In conjunction with its high photostability and low cytotoxicity, utilization of P4 as a far-red/near-infrared cellular probe allows for effective visualization and discrimination of MCF-7 cancer cells from NIH-3T3 normal cells in a high contrast, selective, and nonviral manner. This study thus demonstrates a flexible molecular brush approach to overcome the intrinsic drawbacks of CPEs for advanced bioimaging applications. [source] Fine-microstructure Mediated Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation in Ni/YSZ Anode Fabricated from Novel Co-precipitation Derived NanocompositesFUEL CELLS, Issue 2 2010K. Sato Abstract Fine-microstructure mediated efficient hydrogen oxidation was demonstrated on nickel/yttria-stabilised zirconia (Ni/YSZ) anode fabricated from NiO/YSZ nanocomposite particles, synthesised via a novel co-precipitation method using YSZ nanoparticles with the average size of 3,nm. Transmission electron microscopy image revealed that nanocomposite particles calcined at 600,°C consisted of homogeneously distributed NiO and YSZ nanocrystals, approximately 5,nm large. The Ni/YSZ anode was fabricated by sintering the screen-printed nanocomposites at 1,300,°C and their subsequent reduction. The anode had a uniform porous microstructure consisting of fine grains in the range of 200,300,nm, and exhibited quite low area-specific resistance (ASR) of 2.29, 0.43 and 0.15,,,cm2 at 600, 700 and 800,°C, respectively. [source] Near-Infrared Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Optical Imaging: Characterization and In Vivo BiodistributionADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 2 2009Chia-Hung Lee Abstract The characterization of near-infrared (NIR) mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) suitable for in vivo optical imaging with high efficiency is presented. Trimethylammonium groups modified MSN (MSN-TA) with the average size of 50,100,nm was synthesized with incorporation of the TA groups into the framework of MSN. It was further adsorbed with indocyanine green (ICG) by electrostatic attraction to render MSN-TA-ICG as an efficient NIR contrast agent for in vivo optical imaging. The studies in stability of MSN-TA-ICG against pH indicated the bonding is stable over the range from acidic to physiological pH. The in vivo biodistribution of MSN-TA-ICG in anesthetized rat demonstrated a rather strong and stable fluorescence of MSN-TA-ICG that prominent in the organ of liver. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and elemental analysis of silicon further manifested the physical and quantitative residences of MSN-TA-ICG in major organs. This is the first report of MSN functionalized with NIR-ICG capable of optical imaging in vivo. [source] The geography of body size , challenges of the interspecific approachGLOBAL ECOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Shai Meiri ABSTRACT Recent compilations of large-scale data bases on the geographical distributions and body sizes of animals, coupled with developments in spatial statistics, have led to renewed interest in the geographical distribution of animal body sizes and the interspecific version of Bergmann's rule. Standard practice seems to be an examination of mean body sizes within higher taxa on gridded maps, with little regard to species richness or phylogeny. However, because the frequency distribution of body sizes is typically highly skewed, average size within grid cells may differ significantly between species-rich and species-poor cells even when the median and modal sizes remain constant. Species richness influences body size patterns because species are not added to communities at random in relation to their size: areas of low diversity are characterized by a higher range of body sizes than is expected by chance. Finally, a consideration of phylogenetic structure within taxa is necessary to elucidate whether patterns in the geography of size result from turnover between or within intermediate taxonomic levels. We suggest that the highest and lowest quantiles of body size distribution be mapped in order to expose possible physiological or ecological limitations on body size. [source] Quantifying Ground Water Recharge at Multiple Scales Using PRMS and GISGROUND WATER, Issue 1 2004Douglas S. Cherkauer Management of ground water resources requires a method to calculate demonstrably accurate recharge rates at local to regional scales using readily available information bases. Many methods are available to calculate recharge, but most are unable to satisfy all these conditions. A distributed parameter model is shown to meet the stated needs. Such models are input intensive, however, so a procedure to define most inputs from GIS and hydrogeological sources is presented. It simplifies the PRMS calibration observed streamflow hydrographs by reducing degrees of freedom from dozens to four. For seven watersheds (60 to 500 km2), the GIS-aided calibrations have average errors of 5% on recharge and 2% on total streamflow, verifying the accuracy of the process. Recharge is also calculated for 63 local-scale subwater-sheds (average size 37 km2). For the study area, calculated recharges average 11 cm/yr. Soil and rock conductivity, porosity, and depth to the water table are shown to be the physical properties which dominate the spatial variability of recharge. The model has been extended to uncalibrated watersheds where GIS and climatic information are known. It reproduces total annual discharge and recharge to within 9% and 10%, respectively, indicating the process can also be used to calculate recharge in ungauged watersheds. It has not been tested outside the study area, however. [source] Spheres of Microporous Titanosilicate Umbite with Hierarchical Pore Systems,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 8 2008Víctor Sebastián Abstract Micrometric polycrystalline spheres of up to 1,mm diameter of microporous titanosilicate K2TiSi3O9·H2O with umbite structure have been prepared without the use of organic structuring agents. These spheres are organized as micro/macroporous hierarchical materials with macropores in the 0.2,1.4,µm range of average size, showing that intraparticular resistance to water transport is not limiting. Also, similar ion exchange performance can be observed in the Ti-umbite spheres and in the single crystals obtained under the same synthesis conditions. [source] Cover Picture: TiO2 Nanoparticle,Photopolymer Composites for Volume Holographic Recording (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2005Mater. Abstract TiO2 nanoparticle,photopolymer composites have been employed for volume holographic recording, as reported by Sánchez and co-workers on p.,1623. Photoinduced segregation of the high refractive index, grafted nanoparticles between polymer-rich areas leads to improved refractive-index modulation amplitudes with respect to the base material without nanoparticles. The cover schematically shows a holographic grating registered in this nanocomposite material. These nanocomposite materials should enable the production of holographic optical elements to efficiently control light with angle and wavelength selectivity. This could be used, for example, in liquid-crystal display technology. A new and efficient photopolymer for the recording of volume holograms is presented. The material comprises a mixture of UV-sensitive acrylates and grafted titanium dioxide nanoparticles with an average size of 4,nm. We report the formation of holographic gratings with refractive-index modulation amplitudes of up to 15.5,×,10,3,an improvement of more than a factor of four over the base material without nanoparticles,while maintaining a low level of scattering and a high transparency in the visible-wavelength range. The influence of the composition of the acrylate system on the final properties of the holographic material is also investigated and discussed. The presence of multifunctional monomers favors the compositional segregation of the different components, while the addition of monofunctional acrylate, highly compatible with the grafting of the nanoparticles, favors the dilution of these nanoparticles. [source] CdS-Nanoparticle/Polymer Composite Shells Grown on Silica Nanospheres by Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2005T. Cui Abstract In this paper we describe the combined use of surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and a gas/solid reaction in the direct preparation of CdS-nanoparticle/block-copolymer composite shells on silica nanospheres. The block copolymer, consisting of poly(cadmium dimethacrylate) (PCDMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), is obtained by repeatedly performing the surface-initiated ATRP procedures in N,N -dimethylformamide (DMF) solution at room temperature, using cadmium dimethacrylate (CDMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the monomers. CdS nanoparticles with an average size of about 3,nm are generated in situ by exposing the silica nanospheres coated with block-copolymer shells to H2S gas. These synthetic core,shell nanospheres were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). These composite nanospheres exhibit strong red photoluminescence in the solid state at room temperature. [source] Preparation and fluorescence properties of poly(o -methyl-acrylamideyl-benzoic acid)-ZnS compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2010Qing-Feng Xu Abstract Poly(o -methyl-acrylamideyl-benzoic acid)-ZnS (P(o -MAABA)-ZnS) nanocomposites have been prepared and characterized. The resultant P(o -MAABA)-ZnS nanocomposites in solution show two emissions in the purple-light area (370 nm) and in the blue-light area (425 nm), which are assigned to the polymer and ZnS nanoparticles, respectively. The coordination between the polymer and Zn2+ and the surface chemical composition has been studied by Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The particle size of ZnS nanoparticles was homogeneous and the average size was 3.8 nm, which were characterized by UV absorption spectrum and X-ray Diffraction. The P(o -MAABA)-ZnS composites displays good film formability and the films also show two emissions in 370 and 425 nm. After doped with Tb3+, there was effective energy transfer from ZnS nanoparticles to Tb3+. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] A microwave-assisted process for coating polymer and glass surfaces with semiconducting ZnO submicron particlesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2009Alexander Irzh Abstract A new method for coating glass slides with ZnO particles with an average size of 200 nm is proposed in the current article. The coating was performed under microwave radiation. Two main morphologies are found for the ZnO crystals that are deposited on glass slides. The first morphology is that of a very dense coating of ZnO hexagonal rods growing perpendicular to the glass surface. The second is the growth of ZnO flower-like particles. In addition to coating the glass by ZnO particles, we also report on coating other polymers [poly(methyl methacrylate) plate, polycarbonate beads, Nylon 6,6 beads, and polypropylene beads) by ZnO. The morphology obtained for ZnO coated on polymers is different from that detected for coating ZnO on glass. The unorganized coating of ZnO rods on polymers has been observed. The coated glass slides were characterized by X-ray diffraction, volumetric titration, EDS, scanning electron microscope, and optical measurements (DRS and transmittance spectroscopy). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source] Effect of the origin of ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in polyimide films on their photoluminescence and thermal stabilityJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008Anongnat Somwangthanaroj Abstract Polyimide (PI) films containing dispersed ZnO nanoparticles were prepared from both zinc nitrate hexahydrate (designated as Zn(NO3)2/PI) and ZnO nanoparticles, 2-nm average primary size (ZnO/PI). This work shows how the origin of ZnO affects both the photoluminescence and thermal decomposition of the film. The presence of ZnO derived from Zn(NO3)2·6H2O was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The fluorescent intensities from Zn(NO3)2/PI and ZnO/PI were much higher than that from pure PI films. When the ZnO concentration exceeded a certain saturation level, the emission intensity decreased due to the undesirable aggregation of ZnO. At the same concentration, ZnO/PI exhibited higher emission intensity than Zn(NO3)2/PI. All samples prepared under nitrogen emitted higher intensity than their counterparts prepared under argon. The ZnO/PI film was thermally more stable than the Zn(NO3)2/PI one. From TEM images of 117.6 mol% ZnO/PI films, the ZnO aggregates, whose average size was 17,90 nm, were well distributed throughout the film but poorly dispersed in nanometer range. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Preparation and cytocompatibility of chitosan-modified polylactideJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Yumei Xiao Abstract Chitosan-modified PLA (CMPLA) was fabricated to improve cytocompatibility of polylactide (PLA). PMAA-grafted PLA (PMAA-PLA) was obtained through ,-methacrylic acid (MAA) grafted polymerization on PLA surface with photooxidization and UV irradiation. Steady PMAA-PLA microparticle suspension with an average size as 172.8 ± 3.6 nm and zeta potential as ,95.0 ± 0.6 mV was prepared through solvent volatilization. By static electricity interaction and other interactions between PMAA-PLA microsparticles and chitosan molecules, CMPLA was obtained. FTIR, XPS, SEM, and zeta potential analyses indicated that CMPLA was modified with chitosan molecules uniformly. Compared with the PLA control, CMPLA adapted to supporting the attachment and proliferation of L929 cells better. The obtained CMPLA was expected to be used as perfect biomaterial for tissue regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Expansion of human settlement in Kenya's Maasai Mara: what future for pastoralism and wildlife?JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 6 2004Richard H. Lamprey Abstract Aim, Wildlife and pastoral peoples have lived side-by-side in the Mara ecosystem of south-western Kenya for at least 2000 years. Recent changes in human population and landuse are jeopardizing this co-existence. The aim of the study is to determine the viability of pastoralism and wildlife conservation in Maasai ranches around the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). Location, A study area of 2250 km2 was selected in the northern part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, encompassing group ranches adjoining the MMNR. Emphasis is placed on Koyake Group Ranch, a rangeland area owned by Maasai pastoralists, and one of Kenya's major wildlife tourism areas. Methods, Maasai settlement patterns, vegetation, livestock numbers and wildlife numbers were analysed over a 50-year period. Settlement distributions and vegetation changes were determined from aerial photography and aerial surveys of 1950, 1961, 1967, 1974, 1983 and 1999. Livestock and wildlife numbers were determined from re-analysis of systematic reconnaissance flights conducted by the Kenya Government from 1977 to 2000, and from ground counts in 2002. Corroborating data on livestock numbers were obtained from aerial photography of Maasai settlements in 2001. Trends in livestock were related to rainfall, and to vegetation production as indicated by the seasonal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. With these data sets, per capita livestock holdings were determined for the period 1980,2000, a period of fluctuating rainfall and primary production. Results, For the first half of the twentieth century, the Mara was infested with tsetse-flies, and the Maasai were confined to the Lemek Valley area to the north of the MMNR. During the early 1960s, active tsetse-control measures by both government and the Maasai led to the destruction of woodlands across the Mara and the retreat of tsetse flies. The Maasai were then able to expand their settlement area south towards MMNR. Meanwhile, wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) from the increasing Serengeti population began to spill into the Mara rangelands each dry season, leading to direct competition between livestock and wildlife. Group ranches were established in the area in 1970 to formalize land tenure for the Maasai. By the late 1980s, with rapid population growth, new settlement areas had been established at Talek and other parts adjacent to the MMNR. Over the period 1983,99, the number of Maasai bomas in Koyake has increased at 6.4% per annum (pa), and the human population at 4.4% pa. Over the same period, cattle numbers on Koyake varied from 20,000 to 45,000 (average 25,000), in relation to total rainfall received over the previous 2 years. The rangelands of the Mara cannot support a greater cattle population under current pastoral practices. Conclusions, With the rapid increase in human settlement in the Mara, and with imminent land privatization, it is probable that wildlife populations on Koyake will decline significantly in the next 3,5 years. Per capita livestock holdings on the ranch have now fallen to three livestock units/reference adult, well below minimum pastoral subsistence requirements. During the 1980s and 90s the Maasai diversified their livelihoods to generate revenues from tourism, small-scale agriculture and land-leases for mechanized cultivation. However, there is a massive imbalance in tourism incomes in favour of a small elite. In 1999 the membership of Koyake voted to subdivide the ranch into individual holdings. In 2003 the subdivision survey allocated plots of 60 ha average size to 1020 ranch members. This land privatization may result in increased cultivation and fencing, the exclusion of wildlife, and the decline of tourism as a revenue generator. This unique pastoral/wildlife system will shortly be lost unless land holdings can be managed to maintain the free movement of livestock and wildlife. [source] Effect of particle size of an amorphous calcium phosphate filler on the mechanical strength and ion release of polymeric composites,JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2007Soo-Young Lee Abstract The random clustering of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) particles within resin matrices is thought to diminish the strength of their polymerized composites. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of ball-milling on the particle size distribution (PSD) of ACP fillers and assess if improved dispersion of milled ACP in methacrylate resin sufficiently enhanced filler/matrix interactions to result in improved biaxial flexure strength (BFS), without compromising the remineralizing potential of the composites. Unmilled and wet-milled zirconia-hybridized ACP (Zr-ACP) fillers were characterized by PSD analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Composite specimens made from a photoactivated, ternary methacrylate resin admixed with a mass fraction of 40% of un-milled or milled Zr-ACP were evaluated for the BFS (dry and wet) and for the release of calcium and phosphate ions into saline solutions. While having no apparent effect on the structure, composition, and morphology/topology of the fillers, milling significantly reduced the average size of Zr-ACP particulates (median diameter, dm = 0.9 ± 0.2 ,m) and the spread of their PSD. Better dispersion of milled Zr-ACP in the resins resulted in the improved BFS of the composites, even after aqueous soaking, and also gave a satisfactory ion release profile. The demonstrated improvement in the mechanical stability of anti-demineralizing/remineralizing ACP composites based on milled Zr-ACP filler may be beneficial in potentially extending their dental utility. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007 [source] Subcutaneous angioleiomyomas: Gray-scale and color Doppler sonographic appearancesJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 2 2006Vanesa Gomez-Dermit MD Abstract Purpose: To describe the gray-scale Doppler and sonographic features of a series of subcutaneous angioleiomyomas. Methods: The sonographic appearances of 10 pathologically proven angioleiomyomas were retrospectively reviewed; 4 in women and 6 in men, with an age range from 33 to 77 years. We evaluated size, shape, echo pattern, margins, location, relationships with adjacent structures, and vascularity. Examinations were performed using a multifrequency linear array transducer (9,11 MHz) connected to a Logiq 500 scanner (GE, Milwaukee, Wl). Results: All tumors were subcutaneous and located in the extremities (7 in the lower extremities, 3 in the upper extremities). The sizes ranged from 0.6 to 6.4 cm, with an average size of 2 cm. All of the lesions were hypoechoic with well-defined margins, and 9 were oval. Intratumoral calcifications were observed in two patients. Vascularity was easily detected in all of them, and 4 tumors had a clear vascular pedicle. The spectral Doppler analysis performed in 5 cases, revealing a low-resistance arterial waveform in 4 patients. Conclusions: Although angioleiomyomas are uncommon soft tissue tumors, the presence of a well-defined, hypoechoic, vascular subcutaneous tumor in the extremities should raise the possibility of such a diagnosis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:50,54, 2006 [source] Merkel cell carcinoma: a clinicopathologic study with prognostic implicationsJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Ryan T. Mott Background:, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a frequently aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy of the skin that presents in sun-exposed areas on elderly patients. Although originally described over 30 years ago, many aspects of MCC remain to be defined. Of particular importance is the need to identify prognostic factors capable of predicting the biological behavior of these tumors. Knowledge of these factors may help in determining which patients require more aggressive treatment regimens. In this study, we examined 25 cases of MCC with an attempt to identify clinical, histopathological, or immunohistochemical features capable of predicting disease outcome. Methods:, Features that we evaluated in each case included age, gender, race, tumor location, tumor size, depth of invasion, growth pattern, lymphocytic infiltration, mitotic activity, ulceration, necrosis, vascular invasion, and perineural invasion. In addition, we examined neural cell adhesion molecule and cytokeratin-20 expression using immunohistochemical methods. Results:, We found that most patients were males (84%) with an average age of 74 years. The tumors were located on the head and neck (68%) and upper extremities (32%). Overall, 64% of the patients developed metastatic disease to regional lymph nodes or distant sites (average follow-up time of 21 months). Local recurrence was also common, occurring in 29% of the patients. The overall 1- and 2-year survival rates were 80 and 53%, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed tumors with an average size of 7.2 mm. Common features included invasion into the subcutaneous adipose tissue, solid growth pattern, tumor necrosis, and vascular and perineural invasion. Findings that had a statistically significant correlation with poor outcome included tumor size ,5 mm (p = 0.047), invasion into the subcutaneous adipose tissue (p = 0.005), diffuse growth pattern (p = 0.040), and heavy lymphocytic infiltration (p = 0.017). The remaining findings, including the immunohistochemical results, did not correlate with disease outcome. Using logistic regression models, we show that depth of invasion and degree of lymphocytic infiltration are strong predictors of disease outcome. Conclusions:, The current controversies regarding the treatment of early-stage MCC (i.e., localized disease) underscore the importance of identifying clinicopathological features capable of predicting tumor behavior. In this study, we have identified several prognostic features in MCC. Perhaps, these features may prove useful in identifying patients who require more aggressive treatment regimens. [source] Population structure, age and growth of macrourid fish from the upper slope of the Eastern-Central MediterraneanJOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2000G. D'Onghia Hymenocephalus italicus, Nezumia sclerorhynchus and Coelorhynchus coelorhynchus were found in 80, 75 and 69% of trawl hauls carried out between 250 and 750 m on the upper slope of the Ionian Sea. The abundance of H. italicus and N. sclerorhynchus increased with depth while in C. coelorhynchus the highest densities were observed in the uppermost 500 m. In all three grenadiers the average size increased with depth. The populations had a multimodal sizefrequency distribution. In H. italicus adults were generally more represented in the population and the abundance of juveniles varied with seasons. In N. sclerorhynchus and mostly in C. coelorhynchus the bulk of the population was generally made up of small individuals the year round. In N. sclerorhynchus a seasonal pattern was shown in the depth distribution of juveniles. The sex ratio was in favour of females in larger specimens and in each bathymetric stratum. Seasonal growth was detected in the otoliths of the three species. Maximum ages were around 9 years in H. italicus and N. sclerorhynchus; 8 years in C. coelorhynchus. Although some differences have been detected in the population ecology of the three species, they are characterized by a prolonged recruitment during the year, slow growth, longevity and delayed maturity. [source] Vaccine-associated granulomatous inflammation and melanin accumulation in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., white muscleJOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES, Issue 1 2005E O Koppang Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of variably sized pigmented foci encountered in fillets of farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. The material was sampled on the fillet production line and on salmon farms from fish with an average size of 3 kg from various producers. The fish had been routinely vaccinated by injection. Gross pathology, histology, immunohistochemistry using antisera against major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II , chain and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the changes. Macroscopically, melanized foci were seen penetrating from the peritoneum deep into the abdominal wall, sometimes right through to the skin, and also embedded in the caudal musculature. Histological investigation revealed muscle degeneration and necrosis, fibrosis and granulomatous inflammation containing varying numbers of melano-macrophages. Vacuoles, either empty or containing heterogeneous material, were frequently seen. The presence of abundant MHC class II+ cells indicated an active inflammatory condition. TEM showed large extracellular vacuoles and leucocytes containing homogeneous material of lipid-like appearance. The results showed that the melanized foci in Atlantic salmon fillet resulted from an inflammatory condition probably induced by vaccination. The described condition is not known in wild salmon and in farmed salmon where injection vaccination is not applied. [source] WHEN POSITIVELY CHARGED MILK PROTEINS CAN BIND TO DNAJOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2002MAHMOUD SITOHY ABSTRACT The binding of three esterified milk proteins (,-lactoglobutin, ,-lactalbumin and ,-casein) to plasmid DNAs at pH 7.1 was followed by agarose-gel electrophoresis. Highly esterified ,-lactoglobulin and ,-lactalbumin samples showed DNA-binding capacities comparable to those exhibited by native basic proteins such as lysozymes and histones. All the studied esterified ,-casein samples failed to bind to DNA at the applied pH. Complete retardation of DNA migration on agarose gel was observed at a 1:1 ratio of protein basic groups (Lys + Arg) to DNA phosphate add groups in the case of highly esterified ,-lactoglobulin, esterified ,-lactalbumin and native basic proteins (lysozyme and histone). Binding capacity was dependent on the degree of esterification of the milk proteins. Hydrolysis of esterified milk proteins either suppressed or reduced their DNA-binding capacities according to the degree of hydrolysis and consequently to the average size of the resulting peptides. A prolonged peptic hydrolysis (25% degree of hydrolysis) completely suppressed DNA-binding capacity probably because of the small sizes of the resulting peptic peptides (< 1 kDa). Treatment with trypsin, which hydrolyzed the esterified proteins into relatively large peptide fragments, reduced the DNA-binding capacity to levels inversely proportional to the degree of hydrolysis. In the range of 2.7,12.3 kb, there was no influence of the DNA size on the binding of esterified milk proteins. The interactions DNA-esterified milk proteins did not depend on the DNA shape (circular or linear). Circular dichroism spectra of DNA in complex with methylated ,-lactoglobulin were markedly altered as compared to those obtained when DNA was in complex with native ,-lactoghbutin. [source] Comparison of malignant potential between serrated adenomas and traditional adenomasJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Sang Yong Song Abstract Background:, Serrated adenoma is a discrete colorectal epithelial neoplastic lesion that can evolve into colorectal cancer. However, the degree of malignant potential has not been firmly established as yet. The purpose of the present paper was to compare the malignant potential and clinicopathological features between serrated and traditional adenomas. Methods:, A total of 124 serrated adenomas from 116 patients were assessed, and 419 traditional adenomas from 200 were randomly selected. The combination of nuclear dysplasia and serration of ,20% of crypts was regarded as serrated adenoma. The clinicopathological features of serrated and traditional adenomas were compared, and multivariate analysis performed to confirm whether the malignant potential of serrated adenoma was similar to that of traditional adenoma. Results:, The differences in age, sex, total number of adenomas, and synchronous lesions including adenoma with high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma between subjects with and without serrated adenoma were not significant. Serrated adenomas were more frequently located in the rectum and sigmoid colon (P < 0.001), and the average size of serrated adenomas was greater than that of traditional adenomas (P < 0.05). The incidence of malignant lesions including high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma in serrated adenomas was found to be lower than in traditional adenomas (3.2% vs 9.3%, P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, adenoma type and polyp size constituted the risk factors for the incidence of high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma. Conclusions:, Serrated adenoma is a premalignant lesion, but it has a lower potential for the development of malignancy than traditional adenomas. [source] Construction and Characterization of a cDNA Library from the Pulp of Cara Cara Navel Orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck)JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Neng-Guo Tao Abstract A cDNA library was constructed and characterized from the pulp of Cara Cara navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) at different stages of ripening. Tittering results revealed that approximately 5.086 × 105 independent clones were included in this library. Electrophoresis gel results of 15 randomly selected clones revealed that the size of the insertion fragments ranged from 400 bp to 2 kb, with an average size of 900 bp. Sequencing results of 150 randomly picked clones showed that the recombination rate was 94%. During subsequent sequence analysis, 41 of 139 clones failed to be identified and the amino sequence of 71 clones shared less than 30% identity with related plants in GenBank. Of 27 clones whose amino sequences shared more than 60% identity with other related plants in GenBank, 17 clones showed an 80% identity with the corresponding candidate genes of citrus. The clone recognized as the type III metallothionein-like (MT) gene was observed to occur 13 times, indicating that the protein may play an important role in fruit development and ripening. (Managing editor: Li-Hui Zhao) [source] Effect of pH and generation of dendron on single-step synthesis of gold nanoparticles using PEGylated polyamidoamine dendron in aqueous mediumJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 6 2010Atsushi Harada Abstract Three types of PEGylated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrons were synthesized through PEGylation of primary amines at the periphery of second, third, and fourth generation dendrons. Au(III) precursors and the synthesized PEGylated PAMAM dendrons were mixed at various pHs to evaluate the effect of pH on gold nanoparticle (Au NP) synthesis by monitoring the change in surface plasmon resonance. The Au NP synthesis reaction was controlled by pH through the balance between protonated and deprotonated tertiary amines and the reactivity of Au(III) precursors. By using PEGylated PAMAM dendrons with higher generation, the obtained Au NPs had narrow size distribution with small average size because of the limitation of intermolecular space among PEGylated PAMAM dendrons for the growth to Au NP. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1391,1398, 2010 [source] Sedimentation field-flow fractionation and granulometric analysis of PLGA microspheresJOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, JSS, Issue 15-16 2003Nathalie Faisant Abstract Sedimentation field flow fractionation operated in the steric hyperlayer mode was used to obtain fractions of defined characteristics from crude samples of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres which were polydisperse in size. In less than ten minutes, Sedimentation Field Flow Fractionation (SdFFF) separation yielded three analytical fractions of very different size and particle size distribution (PSD) characteristics, as determined by granulometric analyses (Coulter Counter® and image analysis of SEM). A crude sample (average size = 45 ,m, 105% size polydispersity index) was separated into fractions of 73 ,m, 56 ,m, 8 ,m average diameters which showed a PSD of 39%, 33%, 30%, respectively. Our results demonstrated that SdFFF used in conjunction with particle size analysis offers a new approach to laboratory scale production of drug vectors of a specified average size and reduced size dispersity. In the future, this could be used to select the most convenient particles for drug loading and release. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||