bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation, swelling, and stimuli‐responsive characteristics of superabsorbent nanocomposites based on carboxymethyl cellulose and rectorite
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Wang Aiqin 
Published: January 2010

AbstractUtilization of naturally available raw materials for the fabrication of eco‐friendly functional materials has long been desired. In this work, a series of superabsorbent nanocomposites were prepared by radical solution copolymerization of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), partially neutralized acrylic acid (NaA), and rectorite (REC) in the presence of initiator ammonium persulfate (APS) and crosslinker N,N'‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBA). The optimal reaction variables including the mass ratio of acrylic acid (AA) to CMC, MBA concentration, and REC content were explored. FTIR spectra confirmed that NaA had been grafted onto CMC and REC participated in polymerization. REC was exfoliated and uniformly dispersed in the CMC‐g‐PNaA matrix without agglomeration as shown by XRD, TEM, and SEM analysis. The thermal stability, swelling capabilities, and rate of the nanocomposites were improved after introducing REC, and the gel strength greatly depended on the concentration of crosslinker MBA. The nanocomposite showed excellent responsive properties and reversible On–Off switching characteristics in various saline, pH, and hydrophilic organic solvent/water solutions, which provided great possibility to extend the application domain of the superabsorbent nanocomposites such as drug delivery system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of low multi‐walled carbon nanotubes loadings on the crystallization behavior of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites
Authors: Song Liang , Qiu Zhaobin 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBiodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBSU)/carboxyl‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWNTs) nanocomposites were prepared via solution casting method at low f‐MWNTs loadings of 0.5 and 1 wt%, respectively, in this work. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations reveal a fine dispersion of f‐MWNTs throughout the PBSU matrix. Non‐isothermal melt crystallization at different cooling rates, isothermal melt crystallization at different crystallization temperatures, spherulitic morphology, and crystal structure of neat PBSU and its nanocomposites were investigated with various techniques in detail. The addition of f‐MWNTs is found to enhance the crystallization of PBSU, apparently in the nanocomposites during both nonisothermal and isothermal melt crystallization, due to the heterogeneous nucleation effect; however, the crystallization mechanism and crystal structure of PBSU remain almost unchanged. Effect of the presence of f‐MWNTs and their loadings on the thermodynamic driving force for nucleation and nucleation activity of PBSU was evaluated quantitatively through two methods. Moreover, it is found that incorporating with 1 wt% f‐MWNTs significantly improves the storage modulus of PBSU in the nanocomposites by about 147% at room temperature as compared with that of neat PBSU. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oncogenic KRAS is not necessary for Wnt signalling activation in APC‐associated FAP adenomas
Authors: Obrador‐Hevia Antònia , Chin Suet‐Feung , González Sara , Rees Jonathan , Vilardell Felip , Greenson Joel K , Cordero David , Moreno Víctor , Caldas Carlos , Capellá Gabriel 
Published: January 2010

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that APC loss alone may be insufficient to promote aberrant Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. Our aim was to comprehensively characterize Wnt signalling components in a set of APC‐associated familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) tumours. Sixty adenomas from six FAP patients with known pathogenic APC mutations were included. Somatic APC and KRAS mutations, β‐catenin immunostaining, and qRT‐PCR of APC, MYC, AXIN2 and SFRP1 were analysed. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was also assessed in 26 FAP adenomas and 24 paired adenoma–carcinoma samples. A somatic APC alteration was present in 15 adenomas (LOH in 11 and four point mutations). KRAS mutations were detected in 10% of the cases. APC mRNA was overexpressed in adenomas. MYC and AXIN2 were also overexpressed, with significant intra‐case heterogeneity. Increased cytoplasmic and/or nuclear β‐catenin staining was seen in 94% and 80% of the adenomas. β‐Catenin nuclear staining was strongly associated with MYC levels (p value 0.03) but not with KRAS mutations. Copy number aberrations were rare. However, the recurrent chromosome changes observed more frequently contained Wnt pathway genes (p value 0.012). Based on β‐catenin staining and Wnt pathway target genes alterations the Wnt pathway appears to be constitutively activated in all APC‐FAP tumours, with alterations occurring both upstream and downstream of APC. Wnt aberrations are present at both the DNA and the RNA level. Somatic profiling of APC‐FAP tumours provides new insights into the role of APC in tumourigenesis. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed administration of filgrastim (G‐CSF) following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) in pediatric patients does not change time to neutrophil engraftment and reduces use of G‐CSF
Authors: Pai Vinita , Fernandez Soledad A. , Laudick Melissa , Rosselet Robin , Termuhlen Amanda 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundDelayed initiation of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) after high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell (APBSCT) in adult patients does not affect time to neutrophil or platelet engraftment, duration of fever, incidence of bacteremia, duration of non‐prophylactic antibiotic therapy, and length of hospitalization when compared to early initiation. This study compares the effect of delayed (day +6) versus early (day +1) administration of G‐CSF in pediatric patients on time to neutrophil engraftment (TNE), duration and cost of G‐CSF therapy, incidence of blood stream infections, duration of febrile–neutropenia, duration of non‐prophylactic antibiotic therapy, and duration of hospitalization due to febrile–neutropenia.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 65 patients who engrafted after receiving APBSCT and G‐CSF between 1993 and 2006. They were divided into the delayed group (day +6) (n = 46) and the early group (day +1) (n = 19).ResultsThe median ages were 4.7 and 5.3 years in the early and delayed groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in TNE (P = 0.06) between the two groups. The duration of G‐CSF administration was significantly less in the delayed group (P = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in the duration of neutropenia, time to platelet engraftment, the incidence of blood stream infections, and duration of fevers. Duration of hospitalization due to febrile–neutropenia was significantly lower in the delayed group (P = 0.01). Significant cost savings were observed by delaying G‐CSF administration.ConclusionDelayed administration of G‐CSF after APBSCT in children has no adverse effect on TNE or other clinical outcomes when compared to early administration and may incur substantial cost savings. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:728–733. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Irinotecan as maintenance therapy in high‐risk hepatoblastoma
Authors: Qayed Muna , Powell Christie , Morgan Elaine R. , Haugen Maureen , Katzenstein Howard M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractChildren with high‐risk hepatoblastoma (metastatic disease or a low alpha‐fetoprotein at presentation) and those with recurrent disease have an extremely poor prognosis and are in need of novel therapeutic agents and strategies. We describe three patients who were treated with irinotecan (two in combination with vincristine). In two patients, this contributed to a clinical remission. All three patients received a 1‐ to 2‐year course of irinotecan as maintenance therapy and all remain disease free. Treatment was well tolerated with minimal toxicity. Further evaluation of the use of irinotecan as maintenance therapy in high‐risk and recurrent HB patients is warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:761–763. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A feasibility trial of a video intervention to improve informed consent for parents of children with leukemia
Authors: Hazen Rebecca A. , Eder Michelle , Drotar Dennis , Zyzanski Steve , Reynolds Amy E. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Kodish Eric , Noll Robert B. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundResearch on parental understanding of informed consent for pediatric randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has highlighted weaknesses in understanding of key aspects of informed consent. The goals of the current study were to assess the feasibility of and parental satisfaction with a video intervention to improve informed consent for pediatric leukemia RCTs and to compare parental question asking during informed consent conferences (ICCs) for parents in the current study with historical control data.ProcedureA 20‐min video was produced. Utilizing the principles of anticipatory guidance, it included information delivered by nurses and physicians about leukemia and key aspects of informed consent. Parents were encouraged to be active participants in ICCs. Participants included 12 parents of children newly diagnosed with pediatric leukemia. The video was viewed by local pediatric oncologists prior to utilization with families.ResultsNinety‐two percent of parents reported that the video made it easier to understand information that their child's physician later provided; 83% of parents reported that it helped them to think of questions to ask the physician; and 67% of parents indicated that the video made them feel more comfortable with asking questions of the physician. Results of a t‐test comparing question asking during ICCs revealed that parents who participated in the intervention asked a higher rate of questions than parents from a historical control sample (t = 1.95, P = 0.05).DiscussionOur study supports the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief video intervention employing anticipatory guidance to prepare parents for future discussions about RCTs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;55:113–118. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparing pediatric deaths with and without hospice support
Authors: Dickens David S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundAlthough pediatric hospice care is commonly accepted as a beneficial intervention, the incremental advantage over end‐of‐life care delivered without engaging hospice remains unknown. The primary objective of this study was to describe differences in pediatric end‐of‐life care when delivered with and without hospice support, as perceived by the medical provider.ProcedureA retrospective survey of medical providers was conducted in 2005 over a 2‐month period at a single institution, the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (HDVCH). Medical providers with self‐determined experience in pediatric end‐of‐life care were asked to separately provide positive and negative comments about their experience with hospice. Additionally they were asked to describe differences between children under their supervision who died with and without hospice care. Medical provider comments and comparisons of experiences in caring for children dying with and without hospice involvement are described.ResultsOut of 157 responders, 43 reported positive comments about the hospice intervention. Non‐medical support and location of death were the most frequently cited benefits. Nineteen responders provided negative comments about hospice; all involving feelings of lost hope, intrusion, or distrust. When asked to directly compare deaths with and without hospice support, 44 of 51 (86%) responders favored hospice. The most cited reason for preferring hospice involvement was better provision of non‐medical services.ConclusionsThe majority of pediatric providers in this survey observed an advantage to utilizing hospice care for dying children as compared to providing end‐of‐life care without hospice involvement. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:746–750. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in prenatal screening and diagnostic testing among women referred for advanced maternal age
Authors: Nakata Naomi , Wang Yuemei , Bhatt Sucheta 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveWe evaluated the trends in uptake of amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling (CVS) for prenatal diagnosis compared with uptake of first and second trimester prenatal serum screening for Down syndrome among patients referred for genetic counseling for advanced maternal age (AMA).MethodsPatients referred for AMA genetic counseling from 2001 through 2008 were informed of both prenatal serum screening and invasive diagnostic testing options. Testing offered and testing decisions were entered in a computer database and uptake rates calculated for each year with trends compared using logistic regression analysis.ResultsFrom 2001 through 2007, we observed a decline in amniocentesis and CVS uptake (p = 0.0001). This trend reversed in 2008 for both invasive procedures (p = 0.0001). Uptake of prenatal serum screening increased over the study period with uptake of first trimester screening increasing 1.7 fold in 2008.ConclusionImproved prenatal screening tests and increased availability of screening for AMA patients has led to a steady decline in uptake of invasive testing from 2001 through 2007. This trend reversed from 2007 through 2008. Possible reasons for this reversal are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel diol spiro orthocarbonates derived from glycerol as anti‐shrinkage additives for the cationic photopolymerization of epoxy monomers
Authors: Acosta Ortiz Ricardo , Duarte María Lydia Berlanga , Gómez Amy Grace Savage , Sangermano Marco , García Valdez Aída E 
Published: January 2010

AbstractShrinkage that takes place during polymerizations induces internal stress in polymeric materials generating a series of problems like poor adhesion to substrates and delamination in coatings or microcracks and microvoids in composites. Some additives like spiro orthocarbonates can reduce or eliminate this shrinkage. This paper deals with the synthesis of novel diol spiro orthocarbonates (DIOL SOCs) and their effect as anti‐shrinkage additives in the photopolymerization of the monomer 3,4‐epoxycyclohexyl‐3′, 4′‐epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate. It was found that increasing the concentration of the DIOL SOCs resulted in higher conversion of the monomer due to the presence of hydroxyl groups. The viscoelastic properties of the polymer products were also measured. It was observed that at 5 mol% of the mixture of DIOL SOCs there was an increase in the storage modulus due to the crosslinking produced by the bifunctional SOCs. However, at higher concentrations, a decrease in the storage modulus was observed. The level of shrinkage using the DIOL SOCs at 20 mol% was reduced by 45% when compared to the case without any additive. DIOL SOCs can be easily prepared by reacting glycerol with tetraethylorthocarbonate. These additives reduced significantly the level of shrinkage of the polyether derived from the diepoxycyclohexane monomer. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
A fluorescent chemosensor based on optically active 2,2′‐binaphtho‐20‐crown‐6 for metal ions
Authors: Miao Qian , Huang Hui , Huang Xiaobo , Xu Ying , Zong LiLi , Cheng Yixiang 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA chiral conjugated polymer can be obtained by the polymerization of (S)‐6,6′‐dibromo‐2,2′‐binaphtho‐20‐crown‐6 and 1,4‐divinyl‐2,5‐dibutoxybenzene via a palladium‐catalyzed Heck cross‐coupling reaction. The chiral conjugated polymer shows strong green‐blue fluorescence. The responsive properties of the chiral polymer to metal ions were investigated using fluorescence and UV‐visible absorption spectra. K+, Pb2+, Cd2+and Ba2+enhance the fluorescence of the polymer; in contrast, Hg2+causes effective quenching of the fluorescence of the polymer. The obvious influences on the fluorescence indicate that the 2,2′‐binaphtho‐20‐crown‐6 moiety plays an important role in fluorescence recognition for Hg2+due to the effective photo‐induced electron transfer or charge transfer between the conjugated polymer backbone and the receptor ions. The responsive properties of the polymer to metal ions show that the chiral conjugated polymer incorporating 2,2′‐binaphtho‐20‐crown‐6 moieties in the main‐chain backbone as recognition sites can act as an excellent fluorescent probe for the sensitive detection of Hg2+. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid vacuolar sequestration: the horseweed glyphosate resistance mechanism
Authors: Ge Xia , d'Avignon D André , Ackerman Joseph JH , Sammons R Douglas 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Glyphosate‐resistant (GR) weed species are now found with increasing frequency and threaten the critically important GR weed management system.RESULTS: The reported 31P NMR experiments on glyphosate‐sensitive (S) and glyphosate‐resistant (R) horseweed, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq., show significantly more accumulation of glyphosate within the R biotype vacuole.CONCLUSIONS: Selective sequestration of glyphosate into the vacuole confers the observed horseweed resistance to glyphosate. This observation represents the first clear evidence for the glyphosate resistance mechanism in C. canadensis. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Liraglutide: new GLP‐1 analogue for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Ahmad Aftab 
Published: January 2010

AbstractLiraglutide (Victoza) is a new GLP‐1 analogue given by once‐daily injection for the treatment of type 2 diabetes not controlled by mono‐ or dual therapy with oral agents. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Dr Aftab Ahmad considers its potential place in therapy. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Interaction of a β‐sheet breaker peptide with lipid membranes
Authors: Vitiello Giuseppe , Grimaldi Manuela , Ramunno Anna , Ortona Ornella , De Martino Giovanni , D'Ursi Anna Maria , D'Errico Gerardino 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAggregation of β‐amyloid peptides into senile plaques has been identified as one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. An attractive therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease is the inhibition of the soluble β‐amyloid aggregation using synthetic β‐sheet breaker peptides that are capable of binding Aβ but are unable to become part of a β‐sheet structure. As the early stages of the Aβ aggregation process are supposed to occur close to the neuronal membrane, it is strategic to define the β‐sheet breaker peptide positioning with respect to lipid bilayers. In this work, we have focused on the interaction between the β‐sheet breaker peptide acetyl‐LPFFD‐amide, iAβ5p, and lipid membranes, studied by ESR spectroscopy, using either peptides alternatively labeled at the C‐ and at the N‐terminus or phospholipids spin‐labeled in different positions of the acyl chain. Our results show that iAβ5p interacts directly with membranes formed by the zwitterionic phospholipid dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine and this interaction is modulated by inclusion of cholesterol in the lipid bilayer formulation, in terms of both peptide partition coefficient and the solubilization site. In particular, cholesterol decreases the peptide partition coefficient between the membrane and the aqueous medium. Moreover, in the absence of cholesterol, iAβ5p is located between the outer part of the hydrophobic core and the external hydrophilic layer of the membrane, while in the presence of cholesterol it penetrates more deeply into the lipid bilayer. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transformation of photoluminescence spectra at the bioconjugation of core‐shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Macotela L. G. Vega , Douda J. , Torchynska T. V. , Sierra R. Peña , Shcherbyna L. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe photoluminescence (PL) of nonconjugated and bioconjugated core‐shell CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) has been discussed in this paper. Commercial CdSe/ZnS QDs with the size of 3.6‐4.0 nm covered by polymer with emission at 560‐565 nm (2.19‐2.22 eV) have been used. The QD bioconjugation is performed with the mouse anti PSA (Prostate‐Specific Antigen) antibody (mab). PL spectra of nonconjugated QDs are characterized by a superposition of PL bands related to exciton emission in the CdSe core (2.19‐2.22 eV) and to hot electron‐hole emission via surface states (2.37, 2.73 and 3.06 eV) at the CdSe/ZnS or ZnS/polymer interfaces. The PL spectrum of bioconjugated QDs has changed dramatically, with essential decreasing of the hot electron‐hole recombination flow via interface states. This effect is explained on the base of re‐charging of QD interface states at the bioconjugation. It is shown that the CdSe/ZnS QDs with interface states are very promising for the study of bioconjugation effects to antibodies (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of metal‐oxide‐semiconductor capacitors with r.f. magnetron sputtering TiOxNy films dielectric layer
Authors: Albertin Katia Franklin , Pereyra Inés 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA set of MOS capacitors with TiOxNy films as gate dielectric layer was fabricated and characterized. The TiOxNy films were deposited by reactive r.f. magnetron sputtering varying the nitrogen and oxygen partial pressure in a Ar/N2/O2 gaseous mixture.The TiOxNy films were characterized by, Rutherford Backscattering (RBS), X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) in oxygen K‐edge (O‐K), optical absorption and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Capacitance‐voltage (1MHz) and current‐voltage measurements were performed to obtain the effective dielectric constant, the effective oxide thickness (EOT), the leakage current density, and the interface quality. MOS capacitors results show that the TiOxNyfilms dielectric constant varies from 28 to 80, present a good interface quality with silicon, and the leakage current density values are in the order of 0.25 mA/cm2 for VG = –2V, which is acceptable for high performance logic circuits and low power circuits fabrication. The leakage current density is reduced in 2 orders of magnitude for increasing nitrogen concentration (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dominant ion species in VHF SiH4/H2 plasma
Authors: Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Baba Tomoyoshi , Yamane Tsukasa , Takeuchi Yoshiaki , Takatsuka Hiromu , Muta Hiroshi , Uchino Kiichiro , Kawai Yoshinobu 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDominant ion species in VHF SiH4/H2 plasma (frequency 60 MHz) were estimated from the sheath potential and the electron temperature measured with the Langmuir probe. As the concentration of SiH4/H2 was increased, the transition of dominant ion species from H+ to SiH3+ was observed. When the discharge gap was shorter than 10 mm, measured sheath potentials were anomalously low compared with the calculated ones (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoinduced volume changes in obliquely deposited a‐Se
Authors: Lukács R. , Kugler S. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe structures and the photoinduced volume changes of obliquely deposited amorphous selenium were studied using Molecular Dynamics computer simulation. Obliquely deposited a‐Se thin films contain larger voids than the flatly deposited ones. Our computer simulations confirmed that the preparation method strongly determines the photoinduced changes of the chalcogenide glasses. We described in detail for the first time the complex atomic rearrangements occurring on photo‐excitation in porous samples, which are reversible and irreversible photo contraction/expansion, bond breakings and formations (both inter‐ and intrachain). A model for the kinetics of the photoinduced volume changes of flatly and obliquely deposited chalcogenide thin films is presented. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)