bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Advanced Class of Bio‐Hybrid Materials: Bionanocomposites of Inorganic Clays and Organic Stereocomplex Polylactides
Authors: Purnama Purba , Jung Youngmee , Kim Soo Hyun 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBio‐stereo nanocomposite polylactides are prepared by polymerization followed by stereocomplexation in scCO2/dichloromethane through in situ polymerization and master batch processes. The bio‐stereo nanocomposite polylactides show intercalated‐exfoliated and fully exfoliated nanoscale clay distribution in a perfect stereocomplex polylactide matrix. In situ polymerization proves better strategy to produce well‐exfoliated silicate layers in the stereocomplex matrix compared to the MB route that increases the melting temperature by up to ≈64 °C. The thermal properties of these materials maintain both stereocomplex and nanocomposite features simultaneously. The results open a new and versatile way to develop polylactide‐based materials.magnified image
An Efficient Quantified Stereological Macrodispersion Analysis Approach for Determining Microscale Influences on Nanocomposite Material Properties
Authors: Lively Brooks , Zhong Wei‐Hong 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA quantified stereological characterization approach is used to study the macrodispersion of polycarbonate/carbon nanotube nanocomposites with visually similar microstructures and differing material properties. Through the use of this stereological macrodispersion tool, observed agglomeration states are quantified from optical images of the nanocomposite cross‐sections and resulting data processed with Wicksell's corpuscle problem to estimate the volume macrodispersion state. This characterization method provides an industry friendly tool for performance and quality assessment. Through mechanical and rheological property correlation, it is found that the size of agglomerates and frequency of large agglomerates are clear indicators of nanocomposite performance.magnified image
Brain perfusion anomalies in rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Vendette Mélanie , Montplaisir Jacques , Gosselin Nadia , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Postuma Ronald B. , Dang‐Vu Thien Thanh , Gagnon Jean‐François 
Published: July 2012

AbstractRapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder is an important risk factor for Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Approximately 50% of patients with REM sleep behavior disorder have mild cognitive impairment. Our objective was to investigate brain perfusion changes associated with mild cognitive impairment in REM sleep behavior disorder. Twenty patients with REM sleep behavior disorder, including 10 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 10 patients without mild cognitive impairment, and 20 healthy controls underwent a complete neuropsychological assessment and single‐photon emission computerized tomography using 99mcTc‐Ethylene Cysteinate Dimer. Compared with controls, both REM sleep behavior disorder groups had hypoperfusion in the frontal regions. In addition, patients with REM sleep behavior disorder and mild cognitive impairment showed cortical hypoperfusion in the occipital, temporal, and parietal regions compared with controls and patients with REM sleep behavior disorder without mild cognitive impairment. Both REM sleep behavior disorder groups had hyperperfusion in the right hippocampus and parahippocampal gyri. However, patients with REM sleep behavior disorder and mild cognitive impairment showed more pronounced anomalies in the right hippocampus and had increased perfusion in the putamen and the left paracentral gyrus. This study showed specific patterns of posterior cortical hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion in some brain areas in patients with REM sleep behavior disorder and mild cognitive impairment, similar to those found in Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. This suggests the presence of an identifiable neuroimaging marker of synucleinopathy in REM sleep behavior disorder with mild cognitive impairment. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Newborn brachial plexus palsy: Evaluation of severity using quantitative ultrasound of muscle
Authors: Zaidman Craig M. , Holland Mark R. , Noetzel Michael J. , Park Tae Sung , Pestronk Alan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroduction: We studied ultrasound features of muscle after nerve injury. Methods: We evaluated ultrasound measurements of muscle thickness and backscatter in injured and contralateral uninjured elbow flexors of 51 children with newborn brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) and compared the results to elbow flexor function (Active Movement Scale), defined as normal, moderate, or severe. Results: Compared with uninjured limbs, muscle in injured arms was 15% thinner with severe impairment, 17% thicker with moderate impairment, and no different with normal function. Relative to uninjured limbs, moderately impaired muscle was thicker than both severely impaired and normal strength muscle. Backscatter was higher in injured than in uninjured limbs regardless of function. In 17 patients with sequential measures, muscle thickness, but not backscatter, increased with function over time. Conclusions: Muscle thickness differentiates moderate from severe impairment after NBPP and increases with recovery over time. Muscle backscatter identifies prior injury regardless of function. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Liver transplantation and transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Benson Merrill D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractLiver transplantation as a specific treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis was first performed in 1990. The rationale for this treatment was that removal of the source (liver) of the amyloid precursor protein (mutated transthyretin) would stop progression of the disease. Indeed, after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), mutant transthyretin (TTR) is rapidly cleared from circulation. In the last 20 years, >2000 familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) patients have received liver transplants. For these patients, prospective monitoring has shown prolongation of life compared with FAP patients who have not undergone liver transplantation. The most favorable results have been for FAP patients with the Val30Met TTR mutation. Less favorable results have been seen for patients with other TTR mutations where progression of amyloid tissue deposition has been documented as the result of amyloid fibril formation from normal (wild‐type) TTR. Although it is obvious that OLT has benefited many FAP patients, there remains a need for further therapies. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Novel Uncatalyzed Synthesis and Characterization of Diacetone Diperoxide
Authors: Espinosa‐Fuentes Eduardo A. , Pacheco‐Londoño Leonardo C. , Barreto‐Cabán Marcos A. , Hernández‐Rivera Samuel P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA novel method used to synthesize diacetone diperoxide (DADP) from acetone and hydrogen peroxide without the presence of a catalytic agent is presented. Previously reported syntheses used toluenesulfonic and m‐sulfonic acid as catalyst. DADP was prepared with a purity of 99.99 %. The melting point range (128.5–134.5 °C) is consistent with reported values. The success of the reported procedure depends on controlling the ratio between acetone and hydrogen peroxide as well as the temperature of the reaction mixture. The purified crystalline DADP samples were characterized using NMR, Raman, and IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, gas chromatography and open atmosphere chemical ionization mass spectrometry (DART™). The structure was compared to the well‐known cyclic trimer triacetone triperoxide (TATP). The proposed synthetic scheme can be useful for preparing small amounts of the cyclic organic peroxide for characterization and fundamental studies and for formulation of gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry standards.
Analysis of the Solid Combustion Products of a Mg‐Based Fuel‐Rich Propellant used for Water Ramjet Engines
Authors: Huang Hai‐Tao , Zou Mei‐Shuai , Guo Xiao‐Yan , Yang Rong‐Jie , Zhang Peng 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA high‐pressure combustor and a metal/steam reactor were used to simulate the two‐stage combustion of a fuel‐rich propellant used for water ramjet engines. The solid combustion products from the two stages were collected and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the thermal properties of the solid products of the primary combustion were characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and simultaneous thermogravimetry (TG). The burning rates at different pressures were measured and the secondary combustion process in hot steam was monitored by high‐speed cinematography. The results showed that the propellant has a good combustion performance and a high burning rate. After primary combustion, the solid product mainly contained magnesium, magnesia, magnesium chloride, and carbon. During the secondary combustion, the ignition temperature was approximately 720 °C, and two burning stages were observed. The rest of magnesium hasn’t completely reacted with hot steam until the temperature reached a value higher than 800 °C for 30 min.
Tuning the Solid‐State Optical Properties of Tetracene Derivatives by Modification of the Alkyl Side‐Chains: Crystallochromy and the Highest Fluorescence Quantum Yield in Acenes Larger than Anthracene
Authors: Kitamura Chitoshi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn the solution state, there were no notable differences between the optical properties of a range of alkyl‐substituted tetracenes. However, in the solid state, their photophysical properties changed with respect to the length, shape, number, and substitution pattern of the alkyl side chains, as well as the distribution of two regioisomers. Remarkably, in the solid state, 1,4,7,10‐tetraisopropyltetracene exhibited the highest reported fluorescence quantum yield of any tetracene derivative (0.90). The changes in the optical characteristics of these tetracenes according to the arrangement of the tetracene rings and the color‐change mechanism in the solid state are discussed. Moreover, the world record in solid‐state fluorescence efficiency in acenes larger than anthracene is described. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201200003
Writing With Voice
Authors: Kesler Ted 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this Teaching Tips article, the author argues for a dialogic conception of voice, based in the work of Mikhail Bakhtin. He demonstrates a dialogic view of voice in action, using two writing examples about the same topic from his daughter, a fifth‐grade student. He then provides five practical tips for teaching a dialogic conception of voice in elementary and middle school classroom settings.
Reading Motivation: A Focus on English Learners
Authors: Protacio Maria Selena 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBecause of the numerous challenges that ELs face, such as having to concurrently learn the curriculum and the English language, it is critical to focus on motivation. However, little attention has been given to ELs' motivation to read in English. Based on an interview study, results indicate that ELs may be motivated to read in English to learn about their new culture and affiliate themselves with their American peers. They are also motivated to read in English since they realize the value of reading for their English development. Perceived competence, interesting reading materials, and the sociocultural environment are other reasons why ELs are motivated to read in English.
“I Know There Ain't no Pigs with Wigs”: Challenges of Tier 2 Intervention
Authors: Stephens Diane , Cox Robin , Downs Anne , Goforth Jennie , Jaeger Lisa , Matheny Ashley , Plyler Kristi , Ray Sandra , Riser Lee , Sawyer Beth , Thompson Tara , Vickio Kathy , Wilcox Cindy 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAs a part of Response to Intervention, for three years, ten reading interventionists provided supplemental support to readers. They formed a learning community, took an inquiry‐based approach to assessment and developed a theory of what students needed to know and be able to do as readers. They addressed and learned from several other challenges: constructing a theory of a child as a reader, providing focused instructional consistent with their beliefs, helping children develop a generative theory of reading and of themselves as readers, and ensuring consistent instructional focus across stakeholders. Students they served made an average of two months of growth for every month of support.
Ab initio nonorthogonal valence bond methods
Authors: Su Peifeng , Wu Wei 
Published: July 2012

AbstractModern classical valence bond (VB) methods provide clear interpretation and chemical insights by employing covalent and ionic VB structures explicitly. This review focuses on a methodical development of current modern classical VB methods. As a basic method of the classical VB theory, the VB self‐consistent field (VBSCF) method provides a compact wave function, mainly containing static correlation. On the basis of the VBSCF method, the development of classical VB methods can be divided into two aspects—one focuses on improvement of computational accuracy, such as the breathing orbital VB (BOVB), VB configuration interaction (VBCI), and VB second‐order perturbation theory (VBPT2) methods; the other focuses on extending VB approaches to molecules and reactions in solvated or biological environments, including the VB polarizable continuum model (VBPCM), VB solvation model (VBSM), VB effective fragment potential (VBEFP), and VB/molecular mechanics (VB/MM) methods. These improved methods have the advantage of VB theory and provide intuitive chemical insights into medium‐sized chemical problems. Finally, the further development of modern classical VB methods is briefly discussed.This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods
HIV Prevention Interventions to Reduce Racial Disparities in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hemmige Vagish , McFadden Rachel , Cook Scott , Tang Hui , Schneider John A. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT
Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States despite advances in prevention methodologies. The goal of this study was to systematically review the past 30 years of HIV prevention interventions addressing racial disparities. We conducted electronic searches of Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Review of Clinical Trials databases, supplemented by manual searches and expert review. Studies published before June 5, 2011 were eligible. Prevention interventions that included over 50 % racial/ethnic minority participants or sub-analysis by race/ethnicity, measured condom use only or condom use plus incident sexually transmitted infections or HIV as outcomes, and were affiliated with a health clinic were included in the review. We stratified the included articles by target population and intervention modality. Reviewers independently and systematically extracted all studies using the Downs and Black checklist for quality assessment; authors cross-checked 20 % of extractions. Seventy-six studies were included in the final analysis. The mean DB score was 22.44 – high compared to previously published means. Most of the studies were randomized controlled trials (87 %) and included a majority of African-American participants (83 %). No interventions were designed specifically to reduce disparities in HIV acquisition between populations. Additionally, few interventions targeted men who have sex with men or utilized HIV as a primary outcome. Interventions that combined skills training and cultural or interactive engagement of participants were superior to those depending on didactic messaging. The scope of this review was limited by the exclusion of non-clinic based interventions and intermediate risk endpoints. Interactive, skills-based sessions may be effective in preventing HIV acquisition in racial and ethnic minorities, but further research into interventions tailored to specific sub-populations, such as men who have sex with men, is warranted.
Interventions to Improve Outcomes for Minority Adults with Asthma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Press Valerie G. , Pappalardo Andrea A. , Conwell Walter D. , Pincavage Amber T. , Prochaska Meryl H. , Arora Vineet M. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the literature to characterize interventions with potential to improve outcomes for minority patients with asthma.

DATA SOURCES
Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Trial Databases, expert review, reference review, meeting abstracts.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTEVENTIONS
Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms related to asthma were combined with terms to identify intervention studies focused on minority populations. Inclusion criteria: adult population; intervention studies with majority of non-White participants.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS OF METHODS
Study quality was assessed using Downs and Black (DB) checklists. We examined heterogeneity of studies through comparing study population, study design, intervention characteristics, and outcomes.

RESULTS
Twenty-four articles met inclusion criteria. Mean quality score was 21.0. Study populations targeted primarily African American ( = 14), followed by Latino/a ( = 4), Asian Americans ( = 1), or a combination of the above ( = 5). The most commonly reported post-intervention outcome was use of health care resources, followed by symptom control and self-management skills. The most common intervention-type studied was patient education. Although less-than half were culturally tailored, language-appropriate education appeared particularly successful. Several system–level interventions focused on specialty clinics with promising findings, although health disparities collaboratives did not have similarly promising results.

LIMITATIONS
Publication bias may limit our findings; we were unable to perform a meta-analysis limiting the review’s quantitative evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
Overall, education delivered by health care professionals appeared effective in improving outcomes for minority patients with asthma. Few were culturally tailored and one included a comparison group, limiting the conclusions that can be drawn from cultural tailoring. System-redesign showed great promise, particularly the use of team-based specialty clinics and long-term follow-up after acute care visits. Future research should evaluate the role of tailoring educational strategies, focus on patient-centered education, and incorporate outpatient follow-up and/or a team-based approach.
Pluronic Block Copolymers Inhibit Low Density Lipoprotein Self‐Association
Authors: Melnichenko Alexandra A. , Aksenov Denis V. , Myasoedova Veronika A. , Panasenko Oleg M. , Yaroslavov Alexander A. , Sobenin Igor A. , Bobryshev Yuri V. , Orekhov Alexander N. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractLittle is known about exogenous inhibitors of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) aggregation. The search for nontoxic and bioavailable inhibitors of LDL aggregation is of interest, especially considering that the suppression of the aggregation of LDL might represent a therapeutic approach. We hypothesized that amphiphilic copolymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, the so‐called Pluronic block copolymers, can be used to influence the aggregation of LDL. In this work we used Pluronic® P85, L61 and F68. A comparative study of the effects of Pluronic block copolymers with various hydrophilic–lipophilic properties on the aggregation process of LDL showed that Pluronic copolymers with strong hydrophobic properties (P85 and L61) at concentrations close to or greater than the respective critical concentration of micelle formation inhibited the aggregation process of LDL; however, the “hydrophilic” Pluronic F68 had no effect on the aggregation of LDL at any concentration. Thus, the study demonstrated for the first time that Pluronic® block copolymers inhibit LDL self‐association. The possibility of modulating the aggregation of LDL by various Pluronic copolymers can be regarded as a prerequisite in the creation of new types of anti‐atherosclerotic drugs.
Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis in the treatment of fixed knee flexion contracture in neuromuscular patients
Authors: Al-Aubaidi Zaid , Lundgaard Bjarne , Pedersen Niels Wisbech 
Published: July 2012

Aim Patients with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy (CP) and meningomyelocele (MMC) are prone to develop fixed knee flexion contracture. Distal femoral extension osteotomy allows acute correction of the deformity, but it is an extensive surgical procedure, and the complication rate is rather high. Immobilization can prolong the rehabilitation period, and may even result in deteriorated walking ability. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of using anterior hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal femur to treat fixed flexion contracture of the knee. Materials and methods We studied 21 patients in our department from 2003 to 2009. Mean age was 10 years (5–15). Twelve suffered from MMC, five from CP, two from arthrogryposis, one had an enzyme defect, and one had Down's syndrome. Thirteen patients had a bilateral and eight a unilateral procedure. None of the patients underwent any other procedures. Two staples or 8-plates were inserted using two parapatellar incisions. Nine were operated on with staples and 12 with 8-plates. The plates or staples were removed when the desired effect of full knee extension was achieved or the patient reached skeletal maturity. Results Mean fixed flexion contracture was 20° (10°–40°). Staples or 8-plates were removed after a mean of 24 (6–42) months. Mean fixed flexion contracture at removal was 10° (0°–30°). Two complications were seen: one infection and one supracondylar fracture. Conclusion Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis using 8-plates or staples seems to be effective for correcting fixed knee flexion deformity in skeletally immature individuals. The complication rate is low (10 %). Our results are comparable to those of Kramer, Klatt, and Stevens. This procedure should be the primary treatment for fixed knee flexion contractures in neuromuscular patients with sufficient remaining growth.
Attitudes towards the male contraceptive pill: psychosocial and cultural explanations for delaying a marketable product
Authors: van Wersch A. , Eberhardt J. , Stringer F. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Even though years of research on the male contraceptive pill have been conducted, a marketable product is still absent from the arsenal of male and female products of contraception. In this paper, the following psychosocial and cultural factors have been elicited from the literature in order to reveal explanations for this delay: acceptability, trust, fear of side-effects, perceptions of contraceptive responsibility and fear of losing connotations of masculinity. Regardless of cultural variation, overall there seems to be a positive attitude towards the acceptability of male contraceptive for both males and females, especially males in stable relationships. Some indication shows that the media have played an important role in distorting the results of research regarding male and female trust. Ongoing and future researches into several projects on psychosocial and cultural factors are described.