bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Unique Meta‐Form Structure in the Stereocomplex of Poly(D‐lactic acid) with Low‐Molecular‐Weight Poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Chang Ling , Woo Eamor M.
Published: December 2010

The crystalline structure and crystallization behavior of PLLA crystals in a 1:1 w/w mixture of low‐MW PLLA with high‐MW PDLA were analyzed using WAXD, DSC, and SAXS. Under cold crystallization, homopolymeric PLLA, appearing as a meta crystal, was discovered in the PDLA/LMW‐PLLA blend. The meta‐ and α′ crystal forms of PLLA were found to form on crystallization at a Tcc of 85–95 °C and the α crystal PLLA formed at 100 ≤ Tcc < 120 °C. The meta‐crystal PLLA may be incorporated in the stereocomplexed PDLA/LMW‐PLLA lamellar region. During heating, the meta‐crystal PLLA first partially melted and then repacked directly into the α crystal PLLA without going through the less‐stable α′ form.

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Improved Synthesis Strategy of Poly(amidoamine)s for Biomedical Applications: Catalysis by “Green” Biocompatible Earth Alkaline Metal Salts
Authors: Zintchenko Arkadi , van der Aa Leonardus J. , Engbersen Johan F. J.
Published: December 2010

Poly(amidoamine)s (PAAs) have received significant attention due to their good biocompatibility and fast biodegradation profile which gives these polymers high potential in biomedical applications. Conventional synthesis of PAAs via aza‐type Michael addition reaction of primary amines to bis‐acrylamides often proceeds slowly and takes several days, which does not allow fast and extensive screening of PAA libraries for their bioactivity. Current investigation was dedicated to the development of catalytic synthesis procedures in order to decrease the polymerization times. The salts of several transition metals, as well as earth alkali metals were studied for their catalytic activity in the polymerization reaction. It was found that the salts of earth alkali metals showed the highest potential in the catalysis of polymerization, whereas the salts of transition metals showed either no effect or even resulted in slowing down the reaction. In particular, the addition of CaCl2 to the reaction mixtures resulted in remarkable increase of the reaction rate as compared to the system without catalyst. PAAs synthesized by the conventional procedure and those obtained by using CaCl2 as a catalyst showed no difference in physico‐chemical properties as well as in biological activity. The novel synthetic method for PAAs, using catalysts based on earth alkali metals, represents an attractive alternative to currently applied methods. Characteristics of earth alkali metals such as low toxicity and good biocompatibility make them especially useful in the preparation of these polymers for biomedical applications.

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Precise Synthesis of Molecularly Defined Oligomers and Polymers by Orthogonal Iterative Divergent/Convergent Approaches
Authors: Binauld Sandra , Damiron Denis , Connal Luke A. , Hawker Craig J. , Drockenmuller Eric
Published: December 2010

The synthesis of perfectly defined (macro)molecules has been a constant challenge for polymer and organic chemists. This paper highlights the main applications of the iterative divergent/convergent approach for the synthesis of discrete mass oligomers and polymers. We will discuss the orthogonal deprotection and coupling strategies involved in this powerful strategy where chain length doubles at each iteration and which has been applied to the synthesis of conjugated rigid rods as well as amorphous and crystalline oligomers and polymers. The synthesis of perfectly defined oligomers in respect to emerging highly efficient and orthogonal chemistries will also be highlighted.

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Nucleobase‐Mediated Stereospecific Radical Polymerization and Combination with RAFT Polymerization for Simultaneous Control of Molecular Weight and Tacticity
Authors: Tao Youhua , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami
Published: December 2010

A highly soluble thymine‐based compound (1‐octyl thymine), having an array of hydrogen bonding sites with an ADA sequence (A and D: proton acceptor and donor sites, respectively), was used to mediate the stereospecific radical polymerization of an acrylamide monomer [N‐(6‐acetamidopyridin‐2‐yl)acrylamide] possessing the complementary DAD sequence. The thymine derivative interacted with the monomer via the selective 1:1 and strong triple hydrogen‐bonding interaction (K = 1.1 × 103 in CHCl3 at 20 °C) and mediated the syndiospecific radical polymerization of the monomer to give syndiotactic rich polymers up to r = 84% in CH2Cl2 at −78 °C. A combination with the RAFT polymerization enabled simultaneous control of the molecular weight ($\overline {M} _{{\rm w}} /\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ ≈ 1.5) and tacticity (r = 73% and 76% at 60 and 20 °C, respectively) of the resulting polymers. Furthermore, the stereoblock polymerization was achieved upon the addition of the thymine‐based mediator during the RAFT polymerization to give the atactic‐syndiotactic stereoblock polymers with controlled molecular weights.

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Nanoporous Network Channels from Self‐Assembled Triblock Copolymer Supramolecules
Authors: du Sart Gerrit Gobius , Vukovic Ivana , Vukovic Zorica , Polushkin Evgeny , Hiekkataipale Panu , Ruokolainen Janne , Loos Katja , ten Brinke Gerrit
Published: December 2010

Supramolecular complexes of a poly(tert‐butoxystyrene)‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) triblock copolymers and less than stoichiometric amounts of pentadecylphenol (PDP) are shown to self‐assemble into a core–shell gyroid morphology with the core channels formed by the hydrogen‐bonded P4VP(PDP)complexes. After structure formation, PDP was removed using a simple washing procedure, resulting in well‐ordered nanoporous films that were used as templates for nickel plating.

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Upper and lower trapezius muscle transfer to restore shoulder abduction and external rotation in longstanding upper type palsies of the brachial plexus in adults
Authors: Bertelli Jayme Augusto
Published: December 2010

Lesions affecting the upper roots of the brachial plexus result in paralysis of shoulder abduction and external rotation. In longstanding lesions, neurological surgery is not recommended in which case muscle transfers become an option to improve shoulder function. We describe the surgical treatment of seven adult patients with longstanding lesions of the upper roots of the brachial plexus, in whom the upper trapezius muscle was transferred to the humeral head, whereas the lower trapezius muscle was sutured to the infraspinatous muscle tendon. Within an average of 11.7 months after surgery, patients had recovered 38° of abduction and 104° of external rotation, as measured from full internal rotation. The results of this preliminary series involving the combined transfer of both the upper and lower trapezius muscle seems promising for the treatment of chronic paralysis of abduction and external rotation following brachial plexus injury. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Long‐term administration of BAY 41‐2272 prevents bladder dysfunction in nitric oxide‐deficient rats
Authors: Mónica Fabíola Z. , Reges Ricardo , Cohen David , Silva Fabio H. , De Nucci Gilberto , D'Ancona Carlos A.L. , Antunes Edson
Published: December 2010

Aims

Chronic blockade of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis leads to detrusor smooth muscle overactivity. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of BAY 41‐2272, a soluble guanlylate cyclase activator, on changes in cystometric parameters in NO‐deficient rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into the following groups: (a) control, (b) DMSO, (c) Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochrolide (L‐NAME), (d) BAY 41‐2272 alone, and (e) L‐NAME + BAY 41‐2272. The NO synthase blocker L‐NAME (20 mg/rat/day) was giving in the drinking water concomitantly or not with BAY 41‐2272 (10 mg/kg/day, given by gavage).

Results

Chronic L‐NAME treatment markedly increased the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), and co‐treatment with BAY 41‐2272 nearly reversed L‐NAME‐induced rise on MABP. Non‐void contractions were significantly increased in L‐NAME group (0.90 ± 0.1 number/min) compared with either DMSO or control group (0.49 ± 0.1 number/min), which were prevented by co‐treatment with BAY 41‐2271 (0.56 ± 025 number/min; P < 0.05). The threshold pressure and peak pressure increased by 70% and 44% after chronic L‐NAME treatment, while co‐treatment with BAY 41‐2272 largely attenuated both of these effects (27% and 22% increase, respectively). The frequency of micturition cycles decreased by about of 50% in L‐NAME‐treated rats compared with control animals, and co‐treatment with BAY 41‐2272 normalized this parameter.

Conclusions

Our data show that long‐term oral administration of BAY 41‐2272 counteracts the bladder dysfunction seen in NO‐deficient rats, indicating that restoration of the NO‐cGMP pathway by this compound may be of beneficial value to treat bladder symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:456–460, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) total and extravascular signal changes and ΔR2* in human visual cortex at 1.5, 3.0 and 7.0 T
Authors: Donahue Manus J. , Hoogduin Hans , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Jezzard Peter , Luijten Peter R. , Hendrikse Jeroen
Published: December 2010

The characterisation of the extravascular (EV) contribution to the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) effect is important for understanding the spatial specificity of BOLD contrast and for modelling approaches that aim to extract quantitative metabolic parameters from the BOLD signal. Using bipolar crusher gradients, total (b = 0 s/mm2) and predominantly EV (b = 100 s/mm2) gradient echo BOLD ΔR2* and signal changes (ΔS/S) in response to visual stimulation (flashing checkerboard; f = 8 Hz) were investigated sequentially (within < 3 h) at 1.5, 3.0 and 7.0 T in the same subgroup of healthy volunteers (n = 7) and at identical spatial resolutions (3.5 × 3.5 × 3.5 mm3). Total ΔR2* (z‐score analysis) values were −0.61 ± 0.10 s−1 (1.5 T), −0.74 ± 0.05 s−1 (3.0 T) and −1.37 ± 0.12 s−1 (7.0 T), whereas EV ΔR2* values were −0.28 ± 0.07 s−1 (1.5 T), −0.52 ± 0.07 s−1 (3.0 T) and −1.25 ± 0.11 s−1 (7.0 T). Although EV ΔR2* increased linearly with field, as expected, it was found that EV ΔS/S increased less than linearly with field in a manner that varied with TE choice. Furthermore, unlike ΔR2*, total and EV ΔS/S did not converge at 7.0 T. These trends were similar whether a z‐score analysis or occipital lobe‐based region‐of‐interest approach was used for voxel selection. These findings suggest that calibrated BOLD approaches may benefit from an EV ΔR2* measurement as opposed to a ΔS/S measurement at a single TE. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time volumetric MRI thermometry of focused ultrasound ablationin vivo: a feasibility study in pig liver and kidney
Authors: Quesson Bruno , Laurent Christophe , Maclair Gregory , de Senneville Baudouin Denis , Mougenot Charles , Ries Mario , Carteret Thibault , Rullier Anne , Moonen Chrit T.W.
Published: December 2010

MR thermometry offers the possibility to precisely guide high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the noninvasive treatment of kidney and liver tumours. The objectives of this study were to demonstrate therapy guidance by motion‐compensated, rapid and volumetric MR temperature monitoring and to evaluate the feasibility of MR‐guided HIFU ablation in these organs. Fourteen HIFU sonications were performed in the kidney and liver of five pigs under general anaesthesia using an MR‐compatible Philips HIFU platform prototype. HIFU sonication power and duration were varied. Volumetric MR thermometry was performed continuously at 1.5 T using the proton resonance frequency shift method employing a multi‐slice, single‐shot, echo‐planar imaging sequence with an update frequency of 2.5 Hz. Motion‐related suceptibility artefacts were compensated for using multi‐baseline reference images acquired prior to sonication. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed for macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the kidney, liver and skin. The standard deviation of the temperature measured prior to heating in the sonicated area was approximately 1°C in kidney and liver, and 2.5°C near the skin. The maximum temperature rise was 30°C for a sonication of 1.2 MHz in the liver over 15 s at 300 W. The thermal dose reached the lethal threshold (240CEM43) in two of six cases in the kidney and four of eight cases in the liver, but remained below this value in skin regions in the beam path. These findings were in agreement with histological analysis. Volumetric thermometry allows real‐time monitoring of the temperature at the target location in liver and kidney, as well as in surrounding tissues. Thermal ablation was more difficult to achieve in renal than in hepatic tissue even using higher acoustic energy, probably because of a more efficient heat evacuation in the kidney by perfusion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(dimethylsiloxane)/palygorskite composites: preparation, characterization, and properties
Authors: Cheng Lijun , Li Zongqi , Zhang Zhijie
Published: December 2010

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) composites were prepared by simple blending process using palygorskite (PG) or modified palygorskite (MP). This study has been designed to determine the influences of PG or MP on the thermal stability and the mechanical properties of PDMS composites. The thermal stability of PG and MP were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that MP had the similar thermal stability to PG, and PG or MP not only increased the thermal stability but also improved the mechanical properties of PDMS composites. Meanwhile, compared with PG/PDMS composites, MP/PDMS composites had better thermal stability and mechanical properties owing to the better dispersion of MP into the matrix, the stronger chemical interfacial interaction between MP and the matrix. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultra low field emission characteristics of chloride doped polypyrrole films
Authors: Patil Sandip S. , Jha Purushottam , Aswal D.K. , Gupta S.K. , Yakhmi J.V. , Joag Dilip S. , More Mahendra A.
Published: December 2010

Field emission characteristics of chloride doped polypyrrole (Cl‐PPy) films have been investigated. For this purpose, freestanding Cl‐PPy films have been synthesized by interfacial polymerization from two different monomer (pyrrole) concentrations (1 and 0.1 M), keeping the monomer to oxidant (FeCl3) concentration ratio equal to 1. The surface morphology of these Cl‐PPy films, as revealed from scanning electron microscopy, was found to be granular in nature. The average grain size of films prepared using 1 and 0.1 M pyrrole concentrations were ∼2.5 and ∼1 µm, respectively. The measured threshold field, that is, field required to draw an emission current density of 10 µA/cm2, for these two films were 0.27 and 0.15 V/µm, respectively. From these films, a maximum current density of 1 mA/cm2 could be drawn at an electric field of 0.42 and 0.29 V/µm, respectively. The field emission current (investigated at a preset value of 1 µA) was found to be very stable up to 3h, suggesting utility of Cl‐PPy films as a novel material for field emission based applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, properties, and application of polypropylene micro/nanofiber membranes
Authors: Zhu Mengjun , Xu Guanbiao , Yu Mingfei , Liu Yanbin , Xiao Ru
Published: December 2010

Nanofiber membranes have huge potential applications in many areas due to their unique properties. However, the thermoplastic micro/nanofiber membranes were rarely reported. In this paper, polypropylene (PP) nanofibers were prepared by melt extrusion of immiscible blends of PP, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and subsequent removal of the CAB matrix. The wet‐laid application was used to make PP nanofiber membranes and PP‐g‐MAH/nonwoven micro/nanofiber membrane. The properties of membranes including morphology, apparent density, porosity, contact‐angle, pore size distribution, and water flux were characterized. The results showed that the consequent membranes were provided with optimistic porosity and pore size distribution. Moreover, they were all with high pure water fluxes, which were superior to that of PP microporous membrane. They performed an excellent separation performance of TiO2 suspension and dyeing wastewater. The work revealed this method could be an efficient one to make thermoplastic polymer micro/nanofiber membranes, and they would have a brilliant potential application for water treatment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication, characterization and low‐velocity impact testing of hybrid sandwich composites with polyurethane/layered silicate foam cores
Authors: Njuguna James , Michałowski Sławomir , Pielichowski Krzysztof , Kayvantash Kambiz , Walton Andrew C.
Published: December 2010

A series of nanophased hybrid sandwich composites based on polyurethane/montmorillonite (PU/MMT) has been fabricated and characterized. Polyaddition reaction of the polyol premix with 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate was applied to obtain nanophased PU foams, which were then used for fabrication of sandwich panels. It has been found that the incorporation of MMT resulted in higher number of PU cells with smaller dimensions and higher anisotropy index (cross sections RI and RII). The obtained materials exhibited improved parameters in terms of thermal insulation properties. The results also show that nanophased sandwich structures are capable of withstanding higher peak loads than those made of neat PU foam cores when subject to low‐velocity impact despite their lower density than that of neat PU foams. This is especially significant for multi‐impact recurrences within the threshold loads and energies studied. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical conductivity of urea–formaldehyde–cellulose composites loaded with copper
Authors: Pinto Gabriel , Maaroufi Abdel‐Karim , Benavente Rosario , Pereña José M.
Published: December 2010

This work is concerned with the preparation and characterization of composite materials prepared by compression molding of mixtures of copper powder and a commercial grade thermosetting resin of urea–formaldehyde filled with α‐cellulose in powder form. The electrical conductivity of the composites is <10−12 S/cm, unless the metal content reaches the percolation threshold of 24.0 vol %, beyond which the conductivity increases markedly by as much as 11 orders of magnitude, indicating an insulator–conductor phase transition. The homogeneity of these composites was checked by the morphologies of the constituents (filler and matrix) and the composites characterized by optical microscopy. The density of the composites was measured and compared with values calculated assuming different void levels within the samples to discuss the porosity effect. Finally, the obtained results on electrical conductivity have been well interpreted with the statistical percolation theory. The deduced critical parameters, such as the threshold of percolation, Vf*, the critical exponent, t, and the packing density coefficient, F, were in good accord with earlier studies. In addition, the hardness of samples remained almost constant with the increase of metal concentration. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Incorporation of titanium dioxide particles into polymer matrix using block copolymer micelles for fabrication of high refractive and transparent organic–inorganic hybrid materials
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Mouri Emiko , Yoshinaga Kohji
Published: December 2010

We report a novel strategy for incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to exploit high refractive and transparent organic–inorganic hybrid materials. Formation of TiO2 particles of around 20 nm was conducted within hydrophilic core of block copolymer micelles of poly(methyl methacrylate‐block‐acrylic acid) (PMMA‐b‐PAA) in toluene via sol–gel process from titanium isopropoxide and hydrochloric acid. Subsequently, incorporation of TiO2 particles into PMMA matrix was carried out by casting toluene solution of TiO2 precursor‐loaded copolymer micelles, prepared from PMMA350‐b‐PAA93 and the precursor of mole ratio Ti4+/carboxyl 4.0, and PMMA. Hybrid films of TiO2/PMMA exhibited high transparency to achieve transmission over 87% at 500 nm at 30 wt % of TiO2 content. The refractive index of resulting hybrid films at 633 nm linearly increased with TiO2 content to attain 1.579 at 30 wt % TiO2, which was 0.1 higher than that of PMMA. Cross‐sectional transmission electron microscope images of TiO2/PMMA hybrid films showed existence of TiO2 clusters less than 100 nm, which were probably formed by aggregation or agglutination of TiO2 particles during a drying process. It was also observed that decomposition temperature of the hybrid films elevated with increasing TiO2 content. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Copoly(arylene ether nitrile) and copoly(arylene ether sulfone) ionomers with pendant sulfobenzoyl groups for proton conducting fuel cell membranes
Authors: Jutemar Elin Persson , Jannasch Patric
Published: December 2010

Three series of fully aromatic ionomers with naphthalene moieties and pendant sulfobenzoyl side chains were prepared via K2CO3 mediated nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions. The first series consisted of poly(arylene ether)s prepared by polycondensations of 2,6‐difluoro‐2′‐sulfobenzophenone (DFSBP) and 2,6‐dihydroxynaphthalene or 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene (2,7‐DHN). In the second series, copoly(arylene ether nitrile)s with different ion‐exchange capacities (IECs) were prepared by polycondensations of DFSBP, 2,6‐difluorobenzonitrile (DFBN), and 2,7‐DHN. In the third series, bis(4‐fluorophenyl)sulfone was used instead of DFBN to prepare copoly(arylene ether sulfone)s. Thus, all the ionomers had sulfonic acid units placed in stable positions close to the electron withdrawing ketone link of the side chains. Mechanically strong proton‐exchange membranes with IECs between 1.1 and 2.3 meq g−1 were cast from dimethylsulfoxide solutions. High thermal stability was indicted by high degradation temperatures between 266 and 287 °C (1 °C min−1 under air) and high glass transition temperatures between 245 and 306 °C, depending on the IEC. The copolymer membranes reached proton conductivities of 0.3 S cm−1 under fully humidified conditions. At IECs above ∼1.6 meq g−1, the copolymer membranes reached higher proton conductivities than Nafion® in the range between −20 and 120 °C. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Syntheses of 3‐arm and 4‐arm star‐branched polystyrene Ru(II) complexes by the click‐to‐chelate approach
Authors: Zhang Chunhong , Shen Xiande , Sakai Ryosuke , Gottschaldt Michael , Schubert Ulrich S. , Hirohara Shiho , Tanihara Masao , Yano Shigenobu , Obata Makoto , Xiao Nao , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: December 2010

Metal template synthesis is a useful methodology to make sophisticated macromolecular architectures because of the variety of metal ion coordination. To use metal template methodology, chelating functionalities should be introduced to macromolecules before complexation. In this article, we demonstrate the click‐to‐chelate approach to install chelating functionality to polystyrene (PS) and complexation with Ru(II) ions to form 3‐arm and 4‐arm star‐branched PS Ru(II) complexes. Azide‐terminated PS (PS‐N3) was readily prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization using 1‐bromoethylbenzene as an initiator followed by substitution of bromine by an azide group. The Cu(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of PS‐N3 with 2‐ethynylpyridine or 2,6‐diethynylpyridine affords 2‐(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine (PS‐tapy) or 2,6‐bis(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine (PS‐bitapy) ligands bearing one or two PS chains at the first‐position of the triazole rings. Ru(II) complexes of PS‐tapy and PS‐bitapy were prepared by conventional procedure. The number‐averaged molecular weights (Mns) of these complexes were determined to be 6740 and 10,400, respectively, by size exclusion chromatography using PS standards. These Mn values indicated the formation of 3‐arm and 4‐arm star‐branched PS Ru(II) complexes [Ru(PS‐tapy)3](PF6)2 and [Ru(PS‐bitapy)2](PF6)2 on the basis of the Mn values of PS‐tapy (2090) and PS‐bitapy (4970). The structures of these complexes were also confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography of the Ru(II) complexes [Ru(Bn‐tapy)3](PF6)2 and [Ru(Bn‐bitapy)2](PF6)2, which bear a benzyl group instead of a PS chain. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Exploring and comparing the experience and coping behaviour of men and women with colorectal cancer after chemotherapy treatment: a qualitative longitudinal study
Authors: McCaughan Eilis , Prue Gillian , Parahoo Kader , McIlfatrick Sonja , McKenna Hugh
Published: December 2010

Objectives: Men have higher incidence and mortality rates for nearly all cancers. They are less likely than women to utilise cancer information services and other social support services. The aim of this study was to explore and compare the experience and coping behaviour of men and women after treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted involving 38 individuals (24 men and 14 women) with CRC. Data were generated using semi‐structured interviews at four time points over an 18‐month period, post‐diagnosis. Interviews focused on participant's experience of CRC and on how gender affected their coping. This paper reports the findings of interviews 3 and 4 which examined the participant's experience after chemotherapy.

Results: Three themes emerged from the interviews (‘new normal’, living with uncertainty and support needs). Many men and women reacted similarly; however, there was some variation evident between and within sexes. The main difference was with regard to the long‐term physical side effects of the illness. Many women admitted to still experiencing side effects, whereas many men indicated that they had no problems. These men engaged in practices that aligned with their gender identity and view of masculinity. It must be noted that some men and women were still experiencing an impact.

Conclusions: Recovery from the physical and psychological effects of CRC does not occur simultaneously. Healthcare professionals should be aware that not all men (or women) conform to the social stereotypes of masculinity (or femininity). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The psychosocial impact of interrupted childbearing in long‐term female cancer survivors
Authors: Canada Andrea L. , Schover Leslie R.
Published: December 2010

Objective: To understand the influence of cancer‐related infertility on women's long‐term distress and quality of life. Women diagnosed at age 40 or less with invasive cervical cancer, breast cancer, Hodgkin disease, or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma were interviewed an average of 10 years later. We predicted that women whose desire for a child at diagnosis remained unfulfilled would be significantly more distressed.

Methods: Participants completed a semi‐structured phone interview, including the SF‐12®, Brief Symptom Inventory‐18, Impact of Events Scale (IES), Reproductive Concerns Scale (RCS), brief measures of marital satisfaction or comfort with dating, sexual satisfaction, and menopause symptoms.

Results: Of 455 women contacted by phone, 240 (53%) participated. Seventy‐seven women had wanted a child at diagnosis but did not conceive subsequently (38 remaining childless and 39 with secondary infertility). Even controlling for other psychosocial and health factors, this group had higher distress about infertility (RCS) (p<0.001), had more intrusive thoughts about infertility, and used more avoidance strategies when reminded of infertility (IES) (p<0.001). Childless women were the most distressed. Women with adopted or stepchildren were intermediate, and those with at least one biological child were least distressed. Infertility‐related distress did not differ significantly by cancer site.

Conclusions: Even at long‐term follow‐up, distress about interrupted childbearing persists, particularly in childless women. Social parenthood buffers distress somewhat, but not completely. Not only is it important to offer fertility preservation before cancer treatment, but interventions should be developed for survivors to alleviate unresolved grief about cancer‐related infertility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distortion of Single‐Particle Optical Sensing (SPOS) Particle Count by Sub‐Countable Particles
Authors: Tolla Bruno , Boldridge David
Published: December 2010

Single particle optical sensing (SPOS) is a highly sensitive particle characterization technique for the measurement of the large particle (> 0.5 μm) tail of a submicron particle size distribution. We have examined the SPOS technique for fumed silica dispersions which have a mass mean particle size of ~140 nm. The reported large particle population varies as a highly non‐linear function of sample concentration and is accompanied by the distortion of the particle size distribution. A similar response is also demonstrated for monodisperse polystyrene latex spheres. The source of spurious particle counts and the distortion of the particle size distribution is shown to be secondary coincidence. Model calculations indicate that the primary contributors to spurious counts are particles near the peak of the size distribution. These particles are substantially smaller than the nominal minimum 0.5 μm diameter. These findings establish the limited range of reliability for SPOS measurements when used to measure a small fraction of the total particle size distribution and establish the need for new particle characterization metrologies.
Mean Particle Diameters. Part VI: Fundamental Distinction between Statistics Based (ISO/DIN) and Physics Based (Moment‐Ratio) Definition Systems
Authors: Alderliesten Maarten
Published: December 2010

Two methods to define mean particle diameters exist, viz., the statistics based ISO/DIN method and the physics based Moment‐Ratio (M‐R) method. The ISO/DIN method characterizes a size distribution by an average particle diameter of that distribution. The M‐R method expresses mean diameters as ratios of two moments of a size distribution. The M‐R method enables the user to derive mathematically or select empirically the type of mean diameter from the physical product or process property to be described by that mean diameter, irrespective the shape of the size distribution. The application of both definition methods to theoretical derivation and to empirical selection of that type of mean diameter is evaluated. The statistical character of the ISO/DIN system hampers its application to theoretical derivation and empirical selection of mean particle diameter types describing product or process properties. Although the ways of defining mean particle diameters according to both methods differ mathematically, a clear mathematical relationship exists.
Bronchoscopic findings in a child with pandemic novel H1N1 influenza a and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sharp Jack K. , Hereth James , Fasanello Joseph
Published: December 2010

The spectrum of disease with pandemic novel H1N1 influenza A (2009) virus ranges from non‐febrile, mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe or fatal pneumonia. We report the bronchoscopic findings associated with a fatal case of H1N1 influenza A associated with co‐infection with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a previously healthy child, which were more severe than those previously described as associated with seasonal influenza infection alone. The severity of the airway pathology seen on bronchoscopy in this patient may be due to a unique effect of the H1N1 influenza A virus or may be as a result of a destructive synergism between this virus and bacteria such as MRSA. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration for proteomic study of tumour tissues
Authors: Giusti Laura , Iacconi Pietro , Lucacchini Antonio
Published: December 2010

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is a technique largely applied in the diagnosis of tumours. FNA is a safe diagnostic procedure that is widely employed in the examination of masses at relatively low cost and minimal risk to the patient. In this review, we report on the state‐of‐the‐art and the potential role of FNA to search for protein biomarkers by the proteomic approach.
On providing sink anonymity for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ngai Edith C.‐H.
Published: December 2010

Sinks usually broadcast their addresses for data collection in sensor networks. However, this common operation opens up vulnerability for adversary to attack the sinks and obstruct their normal functions. In this paper, we suggest sink anonymity as a novel approach for data collection, which protects the privacy of the sinks and avoids them from becoming the target of attacks. We provide sink anonymity by omitting the address of the sink in routing, so that the identity and location of the sink are kept private. Our proposed Randomized Routing with Hidden Address (RRHA) scheme prevents the attackers from obtaining the receiver address by capturing the destination field of the packets or predicting the location of the sinks by observing the flow of network traffic. We examined the successful delivery rate, packet travel delay, and protection strength of our proposed scheme by both analysis and simulations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KALwEN: a new practical and interoperable key management scheme for body sensor networks
Authors: Law Yee Wei , Moniava Giorgi , Gong Zheng , Hartel Pieter , Palaniswami Marimuthu
Published: December 2010

Key management is the pillar of a security architecture. Body sensor networks (BSNs) pose several challenges–some inherited from wireless sensor networks (WSNs), some unique to themselves–that require a new key management scheme to be tailor‐made. The challenge is taken on, and the result is KALwEN, a new parameterized key management scheme that combines the best‐suited cryptographic techniques in a seamless framework. KALwEN is user‐friendly in the sense that it requires no expert knowledge of a user, and instead only requires a user to follow a simple set of instructions when bootstrapping or extending a network. One of KALwEN's key features is that it allows sensor devices from different manufacturers, which expectedly do not have any pre‐shared secret, to establish secure communications with each other. KALwEN is decentralized, such that it does not rely on the availability of a local processing unit (LPU). KALwEN supports secure global broadcast, local broadcast, and local (neighbor‐to‐neighbor) unicast, while preserving past key secrecy and future key secrecy (FKS). The fact that the cryptographic protocols of KALwEN have been formally verified also makes a convincing case. With both formal verification and experimental evaluation, our results should appeal to theorists and practitioners alike. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape Transformation Mechanism of Silver Nanorods in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Damm Cornelia , Segets Doris , Yang Guang , Vieweg Benito F. , Spiecker Erdmann , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: December 2010

The spontaneous shape transformation of silver nanorods with an initial length of several hundred nanometers towards spherical particle shapes in aqueous solution is investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, anodic stripping voltammetry, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The consolidation of the results reveals an increase in the particle number density with time. Moreover, HRTEM image analysis along the cross section of the rods evidences the presence of fivefold twinning defects which extend along the whole rod length. According to the analytical model of Monk et al. this kind of rod structure is only thermodynamically stable if the rod length is below a critical value at a given diameter. The rods investigated in the present work do not fulfill the stability criterion as they exceed the critical length. Thus, the rods decay into smaller “nanobuns” and defective as well as defect‐free spheres. A mechanism based on findings from the literature, HRTEM image analysis of former rods, transition states, and the final particle structures is proposed. The defects along the surface are seen as starting points for the dissolution of material, which is reintegrated into the solid phase by homogeneous as well as heterogeneous nucleation and growth.
Biodegradability of polyethylene–starch blends prepared by extrusion and molded by injection: Evaluated by response surface methodology
Authors: Vieyra Ruiz Horacio , Martínez Eduardo San Martín , Méndez Miguel Ángel Aguilar
Published: December 2010

Low density polyethylene (LDPE)–starch blends were prepared by extrusion. Starch content ranged between 0 and 50% under different conditions of temperature and extrusion speed. Each blend was injected into a commercial mold of a 250 mL cup. Cups were cut into 5 cm × 5 cm coupons. Biodegradability was assessed placing the coupons in the middle of a 50 cm pile of compost. Samples were recovered, washed, dried, and weighed after 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 days under compost. Weight loss was determined and structural modifications were evaluated by SEM. Mechanical properties as tensile strength, elongation to break, and yield point were assessed before and after compost treatment. Experimental design and characterization were performed using a central composite design (CCD) and results were modeled with surface response methodology. SEM analysis revealed fractures and pores as a consequence of microorganism degradation. Pure LDPE samples remained unchanged. Mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of LDPE–starch blends are slightly different from that of pure LDPE. Environmental exposure, measured by accelerated intemperism, does not modify blend properties; consequently, they are suitable for the same industrial applications of LDPE.
Numerical simulations of wind drags on straight and twisted polygonal buildings
Authors: Tang J. W. , Xie Y. M. , Felicetti P. , Tu J. Y. , Li J. D.
Published: December 2010

This paper presents a systematic study of wind drags on high‐rise buildings of various shapes using computational fluid dynamics. By increasing the side number of a polygon, the drag coefficient of the extruded tower decreases and eventually converges to that of a circular tower. The results also show consistent reduction of wind drag when round corners are applied to the polygonal cross section and when the radius of the round corner is gradually increased. This paper also investigates the effect of twisting the building on reducing the wind drag. Design of Experiments shows that the wind drag can be reduced if the building is twisted appropriately. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic response of R/C structures subjected to simulated ground motions compatible with design spectrum
Authors: Jun Dae‐Han
Published: December 2010

In seismic response analysis of building structures, the input ground motions have considerable effect on the nonlinear seismic response characteristics of structures. The characteristics of soil and the locality of the site where those ground motions were recorded affect the contents of ground motion time histories. This study describes a generation of synthetic ground motion time histories compatible with seismic design spectrum, and also evaluates the seismic response results of multi‐story reinforced concrete structures by the simulated ground motions. The simulated ground motion time histories have identical phase angles to the recorded ground motions, and their overall response spectra are compatible with seismic design spectrum with 5% critical viscous damping. The input ground motions applied to this study have identical elastic acceleration response spectra, but have different phase angles. The purpose of this study was to investigate their validity as input ground motion for nonlinear seismic response analysis of building structures. As expected, the response quantities by simulated ground motions presented better stability than those by real recorded ground motions. It was concluded that the simulated earthquake waves generated in this paper are applicable as input ground motions for a seismic response analysis of building structures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Male circumcision: cutting into the HIV epidemic in Africa
Authors: Hargreave Tim
Published: December 2010

Male circumcision was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007 to help reduce the spread of HIV in Africa. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
NICE guideline on lower urinary tract symptoms in men
Authors: Rees Jonathan
Published: December 2010

The author summarises the recommendations of the NICE clinical guideline on ‘Lower urinary tract symptoms in men’ – the first national guideline to address this umbrella concept rather than focusing on benign prostatic hyperplasia alone. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Introducing a new charity: Prostate Action
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: December 2010

A new ‘Prostate Action’ charity has been created by the merger of Prostate UK and the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation, to provide a more holistic approach to fundraising and research into prostate disease. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Direct Determination of Antioxidants in Whole Olive Oil Using the SIFT‐MS‐TOSC Assay
Authors: Davis Brett M. , Senthilmohan Senti T. , McEwan Murray J.
Published: December 2010

A modified Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry Total Oxyradical Scavenging (SIFT‐MS‐TOSC) assay has been used to assess the antioxidants present in olive oil samples. The assay compares antioxidants in emulsified olive oil competing with added 2‐keto‐4‐methylthiobutanoic acid (KMBA) for peroxyl radicals formed from thermal decomposition of 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidinopropane) hydrochloride. No solvent extraction from the oil is required. The assay reaction is monitored by analysis of ethene, a break down product of KMBA, from attack by peroxyl radicals. A new simpler modification to the TOSC assay was found to produce reliable results requiring measurements of just a single concentration of emulsion. The results of the SIFT‐MS‐TOSC assay show correlation with results from the Folin Ciocalteu assay of total phenol content and HPLC analysis of several standard antioxidants. The use of hydroxyl radicals generated by the Fenton reaction of Fe3+ with ascorbic acid was also investigated, but with less repeatable results. A wide range of antioxidant levels differing by more than a factor of 10 were found in 20 different olive oils examined.
Important Sensory Properties Differentiating Premium Rice Varieties
Authors: Champagne Elaine T. , Bett-Garber Karen L. , Fitzgerald Melissa A. , Grimm Casey C. , Lea Jeanne , Ohtsubo Ken’ichi , Jongdee Supanee , Xie Lihong , Bassinello Priscila Zaczuk , Resurreccion Adoracion , Ahmad Rauf , Habibi Fatemah , Reinke Russell
Published: December 2010

In rice-consuming countries, specific varieties are recognized as premium, “gold standard” varieties, while others are recognized as being superior but second best, despite being identical using the current suite of tools to evaluate quality. The objectives of this study were to determine if there are distinguishable differences in sensory properties of premium and second best varieties and whether these differences are common to premium varieties. Color, an important sensory property, was determined on the raw and cooked rice using a colorimeter. As raw rice, some of the premium varieties were whiter than their second best counterparts while others were not. However, when cooked, with two exceptions, the premium varieties were of the same or greater whiteness than their counterparts. A trained sensory panel employed descriptive sensory analysis, an objective tool, to characterize and analytically measure the flavor (aromatics, taste, mouthfeel) and texture of premium and second best varieties collected from nine rice-consuming countries. Sweet taste, popcorn aroma/flavor, and water-like metallic mouthfeel showed significant differences in intensity between the premium–second best variety pairs. Slickness, roughness, and springiness were the major traits that distinguished the texture of varieties. Quality evaluation programs do not routinely measure these texture and flavor traits, but the fact that they distinguished the varieties in most pairs indicates that their measurement should be added to the suite of grain quality tests in the development of new higher-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties. The incorporation of premium quality will ensure that quality is no impediment to widespread adoption leading to enhanced productivity and food security.
Taking Steps to Control Costs in the OR
Authors: Hoeksema Janice
Published: December 2010

Hospitals continue to be challenged by rising expenses in an environment of moderate reimbursements. Health care costs have increasingly come under scrutiny and, with the advent of health care reform, will continue to be scrutinized. Perioperative nurses play a key role in evaluating product safety, effectiveness and efficiency, environmental concerns, and cost and how these factors affect patient care. Cost‐saving opportunities that a hospital product evaluation committee can consider include choosing less expensive but equivalent supplies, comparing the expenses associated with disposable versus reusable products, limiting the use of custom supplies, determining ways to reduce linen use, and changing practices to eliminate products that are found to have little clinical value. Adopting effective product evaluation and purchasing practices can lead to reduced costs without affecting the quality of patient care.
I Need to Know! Timely Accessing of Perioperative User Manuals
Authors: Landreneau Raphael
Published: December 2010

Ready access to equipment or product information is essential for the safe operation of the many items that a perioperative nurse is asked to use, troubleshoot, or maintain. One institution's solution for making manufacturer information available in the practice setting was to create a facility intranet site dedicated to OR equipment manuals. This site provides information access to perioperative nurses and support staff members and, ultimately, helps improve patient care.
Results of the 2010 AORN Salary and Compensation Survey
Authors: Bacon Donald
Published: December 2010

AORN conducted its eighth annual compensation survey for perioperative nurses in June and July 2010. A multiple regression model was used to examine how a number of variables, including job title, education level, certification, experience, and geographic region, affect nurse compensation. Comparisons between the 2010 data and data from previous years are presented. The effects of other forms of compensation, such as on‐call compensation, overtime, bonuses, and shift differentials, on base compensation rates are also examined. Additional analyses explore the effect of the current economic downturn on the perioperative work environment.
Flow decomposition and aerodynamic sound generation
Authors: SINAYOKO SAMUEL , AGARWAL A. , HU Z.
Published: December 2010

An approximate decomposition of fluid-flow variables satisfying unbounded compressible Navier–Stokes equations into acoustically radiating and non-radiating components leads to well-defined source terms that can be identified as the physical sources of aerodynamic noise. We show that, by filtering the flow field by means of a linear convolution filter, it is possible to decompose the flow into non-radiating and radiating components. This is demonstrated on two different flows: one satisfying the linearised Euler equations and the other the Navier–Stokes equations. In the latter case, the corresponding sound sources are computed. They are found to be more physical than those computed through classical acoustic analogies in which the flow field is decomposed into a steady mean and fluctuating component.