bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of high‐performance damping materials based on carboxylated nitrile rubber: Combination of organic hybridization and fiber reinforcement
Authors: Liu Qi‐Xia , Ding Xin‐Bo , Zhang Hui‐Ping , Yan Xiong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe dynamic mechanical properties denoted by storage modulus (E′) and loss factor (tan δ) of binary and ternary systems consisting of carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) filled with organic hindered phenol compound 2,2′‐methylenebis(6‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol) (AO‐2246) or/and short carbon fiber (SCF) were investigated. DMA results of binary XNBR/AO‐2246 system showed that by addition of AO‐2246, the tan δ peak maximum of XNBR was remarkably increased up to 3.5, and its peak position was also significantly shifted to room temperature, demonstrating that XNBR/AO‐2246 composite is a promising damping material. Nevertheless, application of such XNBR/AO‐2246 composite is limited due to its relatively low E′ value above glass transition temperature. Therefore, to develop a high‐performance damping material with high tan δ peak and high modulus as well as controllable tan δ peak position, the combination of organic hybridization and fiber reinforcement were adopted. DMA analysis of various ternary XNBR/AO‐2246/SCF systems revealed that by introduction of SCF, the E′ value of XNBR/AO‐2246 was increased remarkably while the tan δ peak maximum was still higher than 2.5. Thus, a new type of XNBR‐based high‐performance damping material was developed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Reactive extrusion for the synthesis of nylon 12 and maleated low‐density polyethylene blends via the anionic ring‐opening polymerization of lauryllactam
Authors: Du Libo , Yang Guisheng 
Published: July 2009

AbstractNylon 12 was successfully synthesized in a twin‐screw extruder via the anionic ring‐opening polymerization of lauryllactam (LL). Maleated low‐density polyethylene (LDPE–MAH) was added to improve the mechanical properties of nylon 12. The in situ blends of nylon 12 and LDPE–MAH were characterized by mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy. With increasing LDPE–MAH content, the tensile strength and flexural strength decreased, whereas the blend had improved impact strength and achieved supertoughness when the content of LDPE–MAH was 30 wt %. In the in situ formed low‐density polyethylene‐g‐PA12 copolymer, the domain of the LDPE–MAH phase was finely dispersed in the nylon 12 matrix. The good interface between the two phases demonstrated that LDPE–MAH could be used as a macromolecular activator to induce the polymerization of LL. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Important issues and current status of bioenergy crop policy for advanced biofuels
Authors: Gutterson Neal , Zhang James 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBiofuels produced from low‐carbon, dedicated energy crops can make an important contribution to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, there are many challenges that could prevent this from occurring. The potential for production of feedstocks for advanced biofuels to create more environmental damage than benefit is one of those challenges. Fortunately, there are a number of initiatives to address environmental impacts involving environmental groups and industry participants, along with academics and governmental agencies (e.g., Council for Sustainable Biomass Production; Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels). A second major challenge is that there is no advanced biofuels industry today, and the biofuel supply chain requires many participants working closely together. Thus, governments have an essential role to support both critical R&D as well as industry participants, to reduce their risk from early investment in this industry. Fortunately, many governments, as exemplified by analysis of Federal and state policies in the United States, have introduced mechanisms to ensure that this industry is successfully established (such as those mandates and incentives in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 in the United States). © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost calculators for growing and processing non‐food crops
Authors: Tomkinson Jeremy , Dommett Louise 
Published: July 2009

AbstractEnvironmental, economic and political drivers are forcing governments and industries to move toward a new, biomass‐based economy. But are current economic conditions such that we should encourage growers to turn to renewables? And if they are, how can this be demonstrated to farmers and growers? The National Non‐Food Crops Centre (NNFCC), UK has developed calculators to help answer these questions. Jeremy Tomkinson and Louise Dommett of the NNFCC report. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bluffing and betting behavior in a simplified poker game
Authors: Seale Darryl A. , Phelan Steven E. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA pure‐strategy, simplified poker (PSP) game is proposed, where two players draw from a small and discrete number of hands. Equilibrium strategies of the game are described and an experiment is conducted where 120 subjects played the PSP against a computer, which was programmed to play either the equilibrium solution or a fictitious play (FP) learning algorithm designed to take advantage of poor play. The results show that players did not adopt the cutoff‐type strategies predicted by the equilibrium solution; rather they made considerable “errors” by: Betting when they should have checked, checking when they should have bet, and calling when they should have folded. There is no evidence that aggregate performance improved over time in either condition although considerable individual differences were observed among subjects. Behavioral learning theory (BLT) cannot easily explain these individual differences and cognitive learning theory (CLT) is introduced to explain the apparent anomalies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perspectives of primary care clinicians on teratogenic risk counseling
Authors: Schwarz Eleanor Bimla , Santucci Aimee , Borrero Sonya , Akers Aletha Y. , Nikolajski Cara , Gold Melanie A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Women of childbearing age are commonly prescribed medications by primary care providers (PCPs) that may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. METHODS: To identify what PCPs perceive as barriers to and potential facilitators of providing counseling to women of childbearing age when teratogenic medications are prescribed, we conducted eight focus groups with 48 PCPs recruited from four clinical settings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We explored PCPs' experiences counseling women about teratogenic medications. Each focus group was audio‐recorded, transcribed, and coded using a grounded theory approach by three independent coders. RESULTS: PCPs feel responsible for counseling women when they prescribe medications that may cause birth defects, but note difficulties identifying clinically relevant sources of information on teratogenicity. Other barriers to providing counseling include limited visit times and lack of reimbursement for preconception or teratogenic risk counseling. PCPs find it challenging to identify patients who may become pregnant and who therefore need contraceptive and/or teratogenic risk counseling. PCPs expressed a desire for online resources that could be used when explaining medication risks to patients. PCPs feel that the development of patient information materials, electronic decision support tools, clinical care systems that routinely assess patients' pregnancy risk, and changes in the reimbursement structure may facilitate counseling patients about teratogenic risks. CONCLUSIONS: PCPs perceive themselves as playing an important role in providing their patients information on risk of medication‐induced birth defects. To ensure safe prescription of teratogenic medications, PCPs suggest interventions at both the clinic and healthcare system levels. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Highest Density Difference Region Estimation with Application to Flow Cytometric Data
Authors: Duong Tarn , Koch Inge , Wand M. P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractMotivated by the needs of scientists using flow cytometry, we study the problem of estimating the region where two multivariate samples differ in density. We call this problem highest density difference region estimation and recognise it as a two‐sample analogue of highest density region or excess set estimation. Flow cytometry samples are typically in the order of 10 000 and 100 000 and with dimension ranging from about 3 to 20. The industry standard for the problem being studied is called Frequency Difference Gating, due to Roederer and Hardy (2001). After couching the problem in a formal statistical framework we devise an alternative estimator that draws upon recent statistical developments such as patient rule induction methods. Improved performance is illustrated in simulations. While motivated by flow cytometry, the methodology is suitable for general multivariate random samples where density difference regions are of interest.
Labeling of BSA and imaging of mouse T‐lymphocyte as well as mouse spleen tissue by l‐glutathione capped CdTe quantum dots
Authors: Dong Wei , Ge Xin , Wang Meng , Xu Shukun 
Published: July 2009

Abstractl‐glutathione capped highly fluorescent CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by an aqueous approach and used as fluorescent labels to link albumin bovine serum (BSA) and rat anti‐mouse CD4, which was expressed on mouse T‐lymphocyte and mouse spleen tissue. The sharp and narrow emission peaks showed that the as‐prepared QDs have desirable dispersibility, uniformity and good fluorescence properties. Both CdTe–BSA and CdTe–CD4 conjugates showed an enhancement of fluorescence intensity over that of bare CdTe QDs. The experimental result of gel electrophoresis confirmed the successful conjugation of CdTe–BSA and CdTe–CD4. The fluorescent microscopic images of CdTe–CD4 labeled mouse T‐lymphocyte cells and mouse spleen tissue were compared with that obtained from fluorescein isothiocyanate labeling. It was demonstrated that the CdTe QDs‐based probe exhibited much better photostability and fluorescence intensity than fluorescein isothiocyanate, showing a good application potential in the immuno‐labeling of cells and tissues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic significance of the expression of MUC1 and collagen type IV in advanced gastric carcinoma
Authors: Ando H , Aihara R , Ohno T , Ogata K , Mochiki E , Kuwano H 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Scirrhous gastric carcinoma is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen in the stroma. However, the clinical significance of this fibrosis of the stomach has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the fibrotic mechanism in several histological types of gastric carcinoma, and the combination of MUC1 and collagen type IV as a possible predictor of patient survival.

Methods
One hundred and two paraffin-embedded specimens of gastric carcinoma were examined by immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies against collagen type IV and MUC1.

Results
Collagen type IV-positive expression was significantly associated with depth of wall penetration (P = 0·025) and stage (P = 0·023). There was a significant relationship between MUC1-positive expression and interstitial collagen type IV-positive expression (P = 0·035). Survival was shorter for patients with the combination of MUC1-positive expression and interstitial collagen type IV-negative expression than for those with other expression patterns.

Conclusion
In patients with differentiated-type advanced gastric carcinoma, the combination of MUC1-positive and interstitial collagen type IV-negative expression may be a marker of unfavourable prognosis.
Treatment of oesophageal anastomotic leaks by temporary stenting with self-expanding plastic stents
Authors: Dai Y Y , Gretschel S , Dudeck O , Rau B , Schlag P M , Hünerbein M 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Oesophageal anastomotic leakage is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of using temporary self-expanding plastic stents to treat postoperative oesophageal leaks.

Methods
Patients with anastomotic leakage after abdominothoracic oesophagectomy treated by endoscopic insertion of self-expanding plastic stents between 2001 and 2007 were studied. Clinical outcomes were analysed, including healing of the leak, morbidity and mortality.

Results
Stents were inserted successfully in all 22 patients without procedure-related complications. Ten patients also required computed tomography-guided drainage because surgical drains had been removed. Non-ventilated patients received oral nutrition a mean of 4 days after stent placement. Combined treatment with stenting and drainage resulted in resolution of the leak in 21 of 22 patients. The mean healing time (time to stent removal) was 23 days. Stent migration occurred in five of 22 patients, but endoscopic reintervention with placement of a new stent was successful in all patients. Repeat thoracotomy with intraoperative stent placement was necessary in one patient with an oesophagocolonic anastomosis. One patient died in hospital.

Conclusion
In combination with effective drainage, self-expanding plastic stents are an option for the treatment of oesophageal anastomotic leaks, and may reduce leak-related morbidity and mortality.
Lower oesophageal sphincter dysfunction is part of the functional abnormality in epiphrenic diverticulum
Authors: D'Journo X B , Ferraro P , Martin J , Chen L-Q , Duranceau A 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe pathophysiology and management of epiphrenic diverticula remain controversial. This study investigated the underlying functional abnormalities and long-term results of surgical treatment.MethodsPatients with symptoms and epiphrenic diverticula who had undergone long myotomy and Belsey Mark IV fundoplication were reviewed retrospectively. They were assessed before and after surgery by radiology, functional testing and endoscopy, and compared with a group of 40 normal volunteers.ResultsThe study included 23 consecutive symptomatic patients who had surgery, 20 of whom had oesophageal spastic disorders. Lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) incoordination was considered the most constant functional abnormality (P &lt; 0·001). After operation oesophageal diameter increased, contraction pressures decreased and peristalsis was reduced. LOS resting and gradient pressures decreased (P = 0·001). Despite unchanged acid exposure values, endoscopy revealed increased mucosal damage after operation (P = 0·003). New columnar-lined metaplasia was documented in eight patients (P = 0·013). Symptoms had decreased after a median of 61 months (P = 0·001).ConclusionEpiphrenic diverticulum was associated with spastic dysfunction and LOS abnormalities. A long myotomy including the LOS relieved functional obstruction and symptoms, but partial fundoplication did not prevent reflux damage.
Ratio of metastatic to resected lymph nodes for prediction of survival in patients with inadequately staged gastric cancer
Authors: Kulig J , Sierzega M , Kolodziejczyk P , Popiela T 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundStaging is inadequate in up to 70 per cent of patients with gastric cancer in Western countries owing to the small number of lymph nodes dissected during surgery. The aim was to determine whether using the ratio of metastatic to resected lymph nodes (LNR) might improve accuracy.MethodsData were analysed from patients with gastric cancer who had gastrectomy in several centres between 1986 and 1998, with dissection of 15 or fewer lymph nodes. LNRs and other prognostic factors were evaluated.ResultsFrom a total of 738 patients, the median number of resected nodes was 8 (range 1–15) and median LNR was 42·8 per cent. The number of metastatic nodes significantly affected survival only in univariable analysis. In a Cox proportional hazards model, patient age, depth of tumour infiltration, tumour location, and LNR were identified as independent prognostic factors. Compared with node-negative patients, the hazard ratio for an LNR of 0·1–40·0 per cent was 1·85 (P &lt; 0·001), increasing to 2·93 (P &lt; 0·001) when the LNR exceeded 40·0 per cent.ConclusionThe LNR cannot be used as a substitute for staging with adequate lymphadenectomy. It may help to stratify patients in terms of prognosis when the number of resected lymph nodes is limited.
Lymph node ratio after curative surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Tamandl D , Kaczirek K , Gruenberger B , Koelblinger C , Maresch J , Jakesz R , Gruenberger T 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is rare but its incidence is rising worldwide. The value of lymph node dissection for ICC is under discussion; the current staging systems do not differentiate between numbers of involved nodes.

Methods
Ninety-three patients who underwent laparotomy for ICC between 1997 and 2007 were identified retrospectively; 46 who underwent curative resection and systematic lymphadenectomy around the hepatoduodenal ligament were analysed further. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors.

Results
Tumour size and advanced tumour stage were associated with worse overall and recurrence-free survival in univariable analysis. An increased ratio of positive to total harvested lymph nodes (LNR) was also prognostic for adverse outcome in lymph node-positive patients: crude hazard ratio 8·93 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1·52 to 32·50) for overall survival and 8·76 (1·96 to 39·22) for recurrence-free survival. Adjusted hazard ratios for LNR in multivariable regression analysis were 9·81 (1·52 to 43·44) and 10·63 (2·04 to 55·31) respectively. The total number of retrieved lymph nodes was not related to survival or recurrence.

Conclusion
LNR appears to be a good prognostic factor for survival or recurrence after curative resection for ICC.
An analytical method for cyclosporine using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Kanduru Srividya V. , Somayaji Vishwa , Lavasanifar Afsaneh , Brocks Dion R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA liquid chromatographic mass spectrometric (LC‐MS) assay has been developed for cyclosporine A (CyA) in rat plasma using amiodarone as internal standard (IS). Rat plasma (100 µL) containing drug and IS were extracted using liquid–liquid extraction with 4 mL of 95:5 ether:methanol. After evaporation of the organic layer the residue was reconstituted with 500 µL of water. Then the aqueous layer was transferred to LC‐MS sample vials. A 10 µL volume was injected. The analysis was performed on a C8column 3.5 µm (2.1 × 50 mm) heated to 60°C with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile:methanol:0.2% NH4OH (60:20:20) at an isocratic flow‐rate of 0.2 mL/min. The ions used for quantitation of CyA and IS werem/z1202.8 and 645.9, with retention times of 3.35 and 4.72 min, respectively. Linear relationships (r2 > 0.99) were achieved between plasma or blood concentration and peak height ratios (drug:IS) over the concentration range 50–5000 ng/mL. The CV% and mean error were <19%. Based on validation data, the lower limit of quantification for the assay was 50 ng/mL. The reported assay method displayed high measures of linearity, sensitivity, reliability and precision, allowing its applicability in pharmacokinetic studies in rat. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and rapid high‐performance liquid chromatography method for determination of alendronate sodium in beagle dog plasma with application to preclinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Meng Jian , Meng Qiang , Zheng Liangyuan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA simple and rapid high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for quantifying alendronate in beagle dog plasma was developed, validated and applied to a pharmacokinetic study. The sample preparation involved coprecipitation with CaCl2 and derivatization with o‐phthalaldehyde. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Diamonsil™ C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) using acetonitrile–0.4% EDTA‐Na2 (16:84, v/v) containing 0.034% of NaOH as mobile phase. The fluorimetric detector was operated at 339 nm (excitation) and 447 nm (emission). The linearity over the concentration range of 5.00–600 ng/mL for alendronate was obtained and the lower limit of quantification was 5.00 ng/mL. For each level of quality control samples, inter‐day and intra‐day precisions were less than 8.52 and 7.42% and accuracies were less than 9.07%. The assay was applied to the analysis of samples from a pharmacokinetic study. Following the oral administration of 70 mg alendronate sodium to beagle dogs, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and elimination half‐life were 152 ± 27.3 and 1.75 ± 0.267 h, respectively. The method was demonstrated to be highly feasible and reproducible for pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary antioxidant defences and protein damage during the ageing process of both sexes
Authors: Hackenhaar Fernanda Schäfer , Salomon Tiago Boeira , Alabarse Paulo V. Gil , Ehrenbrink Guilherme , Benfato Mara Silveira 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe free radical theory holds that the senescence is caused by oxidative damage that results from an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and antioxidant defences. Hence, it plays an important role in the field of gerontology. We evaluated, in male and female rats, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total superoxide dismutase (tSOD), as well as oxidative protein damage in pulmonary tissue at 3, 6, 12, and 20 months of age. The results show an increase in the activities of all antioxidant enzymes at 12 months of age in female rats, suggesting an association with the reproductive life cycle. Protein damage in female pulmonary tissues did not change significantly throughout the ageing process. In male rats, the activity of GPx in 20 months of age showed an inter‐gender increase, while the tSOD and GPx showed higher activities in 20 months of age in the intra‐gender analysis. The male lung showed higher protein damage at 6 months of age. These findings suggest that antioxidant enzymatic activity is connected to the reproductive life cycle. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CO2 Capture Behavior of Shell during Calcination/Carbonation Cycles
Authors: Li Y.‐J. , Zhao C.‐S. , Chen H.‐C. , Duan L.‐B. , Chen X.‐P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe cyclic carbonation performances of shells as CO2 sorbents were investigated during multiple calcination/carbonation cycles. The carbonation kinetics of the shell and limestone are similar since they both exhibit a fast kinetically controlled reaction regime and a diffusion controlled reaction regime, but their carbonation rates differ between these two regions. Shell achieves the maximum carbonation conversion for carbonation at 680–700 °C. The mactra veneriformis shell and mussel shell exhibit higher carbonation conversions than limestone after several cycles at the same reaction conditions. The carbonation conversion of scallop shell is slightly higher than that of limestone after a series of cycles. The calcined shell appears more porous than calcined limestone, and possesses more pores > 230 nm, which allow large CO2 diffusion‐carbonation reaction rates and higher conversion due to the increased surface area of the shell. The pores of the shell that are greater than 230 nm do not sinter significantly. The shell has more sodium ions than limestone, which probably leads to an improvement in the cyclic carbonation performance during the multiple calcination/carbonation cycles.