bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of genetic variants of human telomerase with colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Hofer Philipp , Baierl Andreas , Bernhart Kathrin , Leeb Gernot , Mach Karl , Micksche Michael , Gsur Andrea 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHuman telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase and is located on chromosome 5p15, a genomic region which was found to be associated with multiple cancer types. But no associations with colorectal cancer (CRC) have been reported until recently. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of seven single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TERT on susceptibility to colorectal polyps and CRC. The study population of our ongoing colorectal cancer study of Austria (CORSA) comprised 3,842 Caucasian participants. A total of 3,264 participants was genotyped including 142 CRC cases, 492 high‐risk polyps, 837 low‐risk polyps, and 1,793 polyp‐free controls verified by colonoscopy. Genotyping was performed by TaqMan assay using genomic DNA. The impact of each SNP was estimated by multiple logistic regression analyses performed with R Version 2.11.1. None of the investigated TERT SNPs (rs2736122, rs2853676, rs2735940, rs2736098, rs2075786, rs2736100, rs4975605) were found to be associated with risk of CRC nor colonic polyps. However, the haplotype CGTATGG was associated with a significantly increased risk of high‐risk polyps (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.01–2.17, P = 0.043). In accordance with other studies our results suggest no major influence of the investigated TERT SNPs on CRC and colorectal polyp risk. However, relevance of telomerase in tumorigenesis of multiple malignancies demands further investigations of the 5p15 locus concerning CRC susceptibility. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Civilian Response Corps Force Review: The Application of Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis to Prioritize Skills Required for Future Diplomatic Missions
Authors: Linkov Igor , Rosoff Heather , Valverde L James , Bates Matthew E. , Trump Benjamin , Friedman Daniel , Evans Jessie , Keisler Jeffrey 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTCreated by the State Department's Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, the Civilian Response Corps (CRC) contains a diverse pool of qualified and ready‐to‐deploy civilian professionals that support conflict prevention and response efforts in countries or regions that are at risk of, are currently in, or are transitioning from conflict or civil strife. As such, it is vital to optimize the CRC's skill groupings to maximize adaptability and responsiveness to highly uncertain and trying political conditions and crises across the globe. The nature of the CRC value proposition is such that determining which skill set compositions deliver the greatest benefit requires a multi‐faceted perspective that looks at a number of attributes and factors, both tangible and intangible. To meet these needs, an organizational decision‐making approach utilizing multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was applied to ensure that skill‐grouping allocations were determined in a logical and robust manner. The MCDA analysis allowed for a wide range of worldviews and perspectives, drawn from select members of academia and partner agencies of the CRC who provided their expert opinions on the expected demand for skill groupings commonly identified as most necessary in a civilian ‘surge’ capacity. These skills were assessed with reference to a values hierarchy of representative country scenarios, missions and sub‐missions identified by the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization. Of particular interest was the use of the MCDA method to prioritize CRC skill groupings and to help inform the Department of State's understanding of the ‘ideal’ proportion and types of civilian skills for inclusion in the CRC. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic entropy in homogenization of the periodic fiber‐reinforced composites with random elastic parameters
Authors: Kamiński Marcin 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe purpose of this elaboration is to develop an efficient method for a determination of the probabilistic entropy loss in the homogenization process of the periodic composites with random material characteristics. A definition of this entropy convenient for the Gaussian continuous distribution is adopted and implemented into the computer algebra system MAPLE. Homogenization of the fiber‐reinforced composite with randomly defined Young's moduli of the constituents is carried out in the FEM and homogenization‐oriented code based on the four‐noded plane strain elements. Probabilistic procedure has triple character and is alternatively based on the Monte Carlo simulation, on the generalized stochastic perturbation‐based analysis, and on the recently developed semi‐analytical determination of homogenized tensor using the response function method. Because of this triple usage of the probabilistic methods, it is possible to make a detailed comparison of all those techniques, especially in view of the entropy variation during the homogenization. This procedure may be linked with other homogenization techniques, also for various constitutive models and/or for the upper and lower bounds on the effective tensor components. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell‐based volume integration for boundary integral analysis
Authors: Koehler Matthew , Yang Ruoke , Gray L.J. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe evaluation of volume integrals that arise in boundary integral formulations for non‐homogeneous problems was considered. Using the “Galerkin vector” to represent the Green's function, the volume integral was decomposed into a boundary integral, together with a volume integral wherein the source function was everywhere zero on the boundary. This new volume integral can be evaluated using a regular grid of cells covering the domain, with all cell integrals, including partial cells at the boundary, evaluated by simple linear interpolation of vertex values. For grid vertices that lie close to the boundary, the near‐singular integrals were handled by partial analytic integration. The method employed a Galerkin approximation and was presented in terms of the three‐dimensional Poisson problem. An axisymmetric formulation was also presented, and in this setting, the solution of a nonlinear problem was considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of five‐element gymnastics in glucose and lipid control in taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Huang Chiu‐Ling , Tai Yen‐Kuang , Yang Yi‐Hsin , Wang Ruey‐Hsia 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this quasi‐experimental study was to determine the efficacy of Five‐Element Gymnastics (FEG) in controlling glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and triglycerides (TG) at the 8th and the 16th weeks of intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan. FEG consolidates several traditional Chinese exercises including Qigong, Xiang Gong, and martial arts with gymnastics. The experimental group (n = 31) practiced FEG at home for 16 weeks. The control group (n = 35) maintained usual activities. FEG was associated with decrease of HbA1C, TG, and LDL‐C levels at the 8th week and continuous decrease of HbA1C through the 16th week. FEG could be an exercise choice for patients with type 2 diabetes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:419–429, 2012
Environmental Justice and Green‐Technology Adoption
Authors: Ong Paul 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of an environmental justice (EJ) program adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) as a part of its regulation to phase out a toxic chemical used by dry cleaners. SCAQMD provided financial incentives to switch early and gave establishments in EJ neighborhoods priority in applying for grants. Despite this pro‐EJ policy, available data show that dry cleaners in low‐income, predominantly minority, and EJ‐designated areas were less likely to be an early adopter of green technologies, and this finding holds even after accounting for firm and market characteristics. Dry cleaners in disadvantaged neighborhoods were also less likely to receive a grant to switch technology despite the district's effort to set aside half of the funding for applicants from EJ areas.
An alternative method for processing high viscosity polymers. I. Development and feasibility study
Authors: Rochman Arif , Frick Achim , Martin Peter 
Published: April 2012

AbstractUltrahigh molecular weight polymers generally exhibit very high melt viscosities. They are therefore very difficult to process and require heavy‐duty processing equipment. In some cases they cannot be processed at all using conventional melt processing techniques. In this study, a novel processing method called Thermoflow Forming (TFF) has been developed for manufacturing parts made from high viscosity polymers. The TFF process is based on the flow of polymer material in its thermoelastic state, between its glass transition and melting temperatures, by compressive flow thermoforming. The processing equipment consists of an upper and lower mold tool, which may be driven together, while its temperature is controlled through either induction heating or air cooling. Parts with both constant and varying wall thicknesses were successfully manufactured from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Despite the significantly different wall thicknesses molded, the parts showed minimal warpage and no voids. Those made from PTFE exhibited a fibrillated morphological structure whose size and orientation depended on the material flow direction. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Varying the wetting properties of polycarbonate substrate by varying the nanomolding temperature
Authors: Huang Long‐Biao , Xu Yan , Yung Kai‐Leung , Chen Wei , Xie Yunchuan , Kong Jie 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPolycarbonate (PC) nanofibers were produced using anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template assisted nanomolding. The effects of temperature on the nanoflow were investigated. It was found that higher temperature apparently enhanced the polycarbonate nanoflow and resulted in longer nanofibers in the same duration. The surface wettabilities of the polycarbonate nanofiber coated substrates showed apparent dependency on the morphology of the surface. It was found that larger honeycomb patterns would result in higher hydrophobicity than smaller honeycomb patterns. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on the thermomechanical and microbial properties of hyperbranched polyurethane‐urea hybrid composites
Authors: Jena Kishore K , Narayan Ramanuj , Raju Kothapalli V S N 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHybrid coatings of hyperbranched polyurethane‐urea (HBPUU) containing ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by mixing the hyperbranched polyurethane with the nanoparticles. The films were stored at room temperature and laboratory humidity conditions for one week to yield completely cured hybrid films. The ZnO nanoparticles were found to be well dispersed in the polymer up to 3 wt%. The structure–property relationship of various HBPUU–ZnO hybrid coatings was analysed using a Fourier transform infrared peak deconvolution technique with a Gaussian curve‐fitting procedure, while their viscoelastic, thermomechanical and surface morphology were studied using X‐ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, a universal testing machine, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and contact angle instruments. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the hybrid composite films improved with increasing ZnO content, which was believed to be due to thermal insulation in the presence of nanoparticles. Water contact angle data suggested that the hydrophobic character of the hybrid composites increased with increasing nanoparticle concentration. The antimicrobial property of the HBPUU–ZnO hybrid coatings was studied using the disc diffusion method. HBPUU–ZnO hybrid coatings showed good antimicrobial properties compared to HBPUU. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Facile synthesis of 5,8‐linked quinoline‐based copolymers
Authors: Tomar Manisha , Lucas Nigel T , Kim Hun , Laquai Frédéric , Müllen Klaus , Jacob Josemon 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCoupling quinoline at its 5,8‐positions provides a facile way to copolymerize quinoline with other conjugated moieties without breaking conjugation. Model compounds containing quinoline units, either at the periphery or in the core, were synthesized and one of them was characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Copolymers of quinoline and 9,9‐dialkylfluorene (R = n‐octyl or 2‐ethylhexyl) were synthesized in good yield by palladium‐catalysed Suzuki cross‐coupling. The copolymers are highly soluble in common organic solvents and gel permeation chromatography measurements against polystyrene standards showed the number‐average molecular weight to be in the range (1.02–2.06) × 104 g mol−1. Both copolymers emit in the blue region with an emission maximum centred at 435 nm. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Glass transition and cooperative rearranging regions in amorphous thermoplastic nanocomposites
Authors: Greco Antonio , Gennaro Riccardo , Rizzo Michele 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the effect of nanofillers on the structural relaxation phenomena occurring in amorphous poly(ethylene‐terephthalate)/poly(cyclohexane‐dimethanol terephthalate) copolymer (PET/PCHDMT) nanocomposites in correspondence with the glass transition temperature. PET/PCHDMT nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing with an organic modified montmorillonite at different processing temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed that addition of the organic modifier alone causes a decrease of the glass transition temperature and an increase of the specific heat discontinuity. Nanocomposites showed a higher glass transition temperature and a lower specific heat discontinuity compared with samples obtained by adding organic modifier to PET/PCHDMT. Both effects were more relevant for samples processed at lower temperatures. Therefore, the glass transition temperature was studied by introducing the concept of fictive temperature and relaxation time. It was found that nanocomposites have a higher apparent activation energy and an increased size of cooperatively rearranging regions compared with neat PET/PCHDMT. Both effects are more relevant for nanocomposites processed at lower temperatures. All the discussed effects are explained by considering the enhanced confinement of PET/PCHDMT macromolecules, due to the presence of intercalated lamellae of organofiller. The efficiency of intercalation is increased by decreased processing temperature, which involves an increase of the nano‐confinement area of the polymer. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphology and mechanical property changes in compatibilized high density polyethylene/polyamide 6 nanocomposites induced by carbon nanotubes
Authors: Xiang Fangming , Wang Yonghong , Shi Yunyun , Huang Ting , Chen Chen , Peng Ya , Wang Yong 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAddition of carbon nanotubes to immiscible polymer blends with co‐continuous morphology features to improve the electrical conductivity has attracted much attention in recent years; however, less attention has been paid to the effect of carbon nanotubes on the morphology and corresponding physical properties of immiscible polymer blends with typical sea‐island morphology. In this work, therefore, functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) were introduced into an immiscible high density polyethylene/polyamide 6 (HDPE/PA6) blend which was compatibilized by maleic anhydride grafted HDPE (HDPE‐MA). The distribution of FMWCNTs and the phase morphologies of the nanocomposites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The crystallization and melting behaviors of the components were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, which is thought to be favorable for an understanding of the distribution of FMWCNTs. It is interesting to observe that the morphology of PA6 particles is very dependent on the method of preparation of the nanocomposites. Correspondingly, FMWCNTs exhibit an apparent reinforcement effect and/or an excellent toughening effect for the compatibilized HDPE/PA6 blend, depending upon their distribution state and the variation of PA6 morphology. This work proves that FMWCNTs have a potential application in further improving the mechanical properties of compatibilized immiscible polymer blends. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and optical properties of a crosslinkable polymer system containing tricyanofuran‐based chromophores with excellent electro‐optic activity and thermal stability
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Bo Shuhui , Qiu Ling , Zhen Zhen , Liu Xinhou 
Published: April 2012

AbstractCrosslinkable polymers with side‐chain systems were investigated in order to increase the content of nonlinear optical chromophores and improve the stability of oriented chromophores. A series of crosslinkable copolymers having varying concentrations of chromophores with tricyanofuran as an acceptor were successfully synthesized and characterized. The crosslinked electro‐optic (EO) polymers revealed the highest EO coefficient (r33) of 47.0 pm V−1 at 1310 nm, which was similar to r33 of uncrosslinked systems. Compared to the uncrosslinked EO polymer systems, the crosslinked ones exhibited significantly enhanced temporal stability. The results of the EO coefficients and thermal properties indicated that the crosslinking effectively improved the stability and did not influence the r33 values. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Poly(arylene ether)s carrying pendant (3‐sulfonated) phenylsulfonyl groups
Authors: Kern Kimberly E , Abdellatif Mohamed , Fossum Eric 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA series of poly(arylene ether)s with biphenyl units and pendant sulfonated phenylsulfonyl groups was prepared via nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions of varying ratios of 3,5‐difluoro‐3′‐sulfonated diphenylsulfone and 4,4′‐difluorodiphenylsulfone with 4,4′‐biphenol. As such, the sulfonic acid moieties reside in the meta position of a pendant, electron‐poor phenylsulfonyl group. Mechanically robust proton‐exchange membranes with ion‐exchange capacities (IEC) ranging from 0.91 to 2.05 meq g−1 were cast from dimethylacetamide. The thermal stability of the membranes was evaluated via thermogravimetric analysis and the 5% weight losses were found to be in excess of 330 °C in air. The glass transition temperatures were determined, via differential scanning calorimetry, to range from a low of 148 to a high of 209 °C at IEC values of 0.91 and 1.79 meq g−1, respectively. The copolymer membranes reached proton conductivities as high as 142 mS cm−1 under 100% relative humidity, with relatively low water uptake values (8–32 wt%). Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Conducting Plasma Polymerized Polypyrrole Thin Films as Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensors
Authors: Yagüe Jose Luis , Borrós Salvador 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis paper describes the production of conducting polypyrrole (PPy) thin films by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and its posterior use for sensing applications of carbon dioxide (CO2). Since PECVD yields the non‐conducting form of PPy, a doping process consisting of exposure to iodine vapor is required to obtain electrically conducting samples. Differences in the chemical state and topography between the doped and undoped systems are studied and characterized to demonstrate the doping effect on the polymer. Furthermore, changes in conductivity after exposure to CO2 gas are measured to evaluate the use of these thin films as chemical sensors. The results suggest that plasma polymerized films show a good sensitivity and reproducibility in the analyte detection. magnified image
Decontamination of Prions by the Flowing Afterglow of a Reduced‐pressure N2O2 Cold‐plasma
Authors: Elmoualij Benaïssa , Thellin Olivier , Gofflot Stéphanie , Heinen Ernst , Levif Pierre , Séguin Jacynthe , Moisan Michel , Leduc Annie , Barbeau Jean , Zorzi Willy 
Published: April 2012

AbstractTransmissible spongiform encephalopathies, also called prion diseases, represent a family of neurodegenerative disorders that affect various animal species. Since the infectious forms of prions are transmissible and highly resistant to chemical and physical decontamination methods routinely used in healthcare, they represent a challenge for science, medicine, and public health/food systems. Suitable decontamination procedures have been proposed, but they are generally incompatible with the materials from which medical devices are made. In this study, we evaluate a cold gaseous‐plasma treatment, based on the outflow from a N2O2 microwave discharge, as an alternative decontamination tool against both the non‐infectious (PrPC) and infectious (PrPSc) forms of prion proteins. The efficiency of the plasma treatment on these proteins is assessed using an in vitro assay as well as an in vivo bioassay. We showed by Enzyme‐Linked Immuno‐Sorbent Assay (ELISA) that the N2O2 discharge afterglow reduces the immunoreactivity of both non‐infectious recombinant and pathogenic prion proteins deposited on polystyrene substrates. Tests done in vivo demonstrate that exposure to the cold‐plasma flowing afterglow achieves significant decontamination of stainless steel sutures inoculated with infectious forms of prions to be implanted in mice.magnified image
Clearance of initial mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Troxler Robert Bradley , Hoover Wynton C. , Britton LaCrecia J. , Gerwin Andrea M. , Rowe Steven M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundAccelerated lung function decline in cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Recent data suggest that mucoid P. aeruginosa may amenable to elimination from the airway. We aim to determine whether the initiation of an aggressive antibiotic eradication regimen upon initial discovery of mucoid P. aeruginosa in the CF airway could be successful in clearing the organism from the CF lung.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients with CF who demonstrated new growth of mucoid P. aeruginosa in an airway culture between January 2003 and December 2008. The primary endpoint was clearance of mucoid P. aeruginosa, based upon the Leeds criteria, with no further growth of mucoid P. aeruginosa cultures within 12 months of the initial discovery and treatment. Factors associated with successful clearance were also evaluated.ResultsForty‐eight of 355 patients with CF had a new diagnosis of mucoid P. aeruginosa during the study period; 15 patients underwent an eradication attempt, while 33 patients received no increase in therapy. We observed clearance of mucoid P. aeruginosa in 73.3% of patients undergoing an eradication attempt, whereas 36.6% of those that did not undergo attempted eradication cleared the organism at 1 year (P < 0.05). Prolonged mucoid P. aeruginosa airway clearance (>24 months) for mucoid P. aeruginosa was seen in 60.0% in subjects undergoing eradication compared to 21.2% (P = 0.02) in control patients. At the study conclusion, lung function was greater in subjects who underwent an eradication attempt than in patients who did not undergo an eradication attempt (FEV1%: 91.7% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.04).ConclusionsClearance of initial mucoid P. aeruginosa from the airways of select patients with CF is possible with current antibiotic regimens, and the attempt may be associated with improved lung function. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1113–1122. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.