bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isothermal crystallization kinetics and melting behavior of modified high‐density polyethylene/barium sulfate nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Xiaolei , Shi Jiangao , Wang Lei , Shi Hang , Liu Yongli , Wang Lumin 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe melting/crystallization behavior and isothermal crystallization kinetics of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/barium sulfate (BaSO4) nanocomposites were studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The isothermal crystallization kinetics of the neat HDPE and nanocomposites was described with the Avrami equation. For neat HDPE and HDPE/BaSO4 nanocomposites, the values of n ranges from 1.7 to 2.0. Values of the Avrami exponent indicated that crystallization nucleation of the nanocomposites is two‐dimensional diffusion‐controlled crystal growth. The multiple melting behaviors were found on DSC scan after isothermal crystallization process. The multiple endotherms could be attributed to melting of the recrystallized materials or the secondary lamellae caused during different crystallization processes. Adding the BaSO4 nanoparticles increased the equilibrium melting temperature of HDPE in the nanocomposites. Surface free energy of HDPE chain folding for crystallization of HDPE/BaSO4 nanocomposites was lower than that of neat HDPE, confirming the heterogeneous nucleation effect of BaSO4. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Posterior brain in fetuses with open spina bifida at 11 to 13 weeks
Authors: Lachmann Robert , Chaoui Rabih , Moratalla Jose , Picciarelli Gemma , Nicolaides Kypros H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo measure the changes in the posterior fossa in first‐trimester fetuses with open spina bifida (OSB).MethodsThe brain stem diameter and brain stem to occipital bone (BSOB) diameter were measured in stored images of the mid‐sagittal view of the fetal face at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks from 30 fetuses with OSB and 1000 normal controls.ResultsIn the control group, the brain stem and BSOB diameter increased significantly with crown‐rump length (CRL) and the brain stem to BSOB ratio decreased. In the spina bifida group, the brain stem diameter was above the 95th percentile of the control group in 29 (96.7%) cases, the BSOB diameter was below the 5th percentile in 26 (86.7%) and the brain stem to BSOB ratio was above the 95th percentile in all cases.ConclusionsAt 11 to 13 weeks the majority of fetuses with OSB have measurable abnormalities in the posterior brain. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of carbon black properties on the Joule heating stimulated shape‐memory behavior of filledethylene‐1‐octene copolymer
Authors: Le Hai Hong , Osazuwa Osayuki , Kolesov Igor , Ilisch Sybill , Radusch Hans‐Joachim 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe shape‐memory (SM) behavior of ethylene‐1‐octene copolymer (EOC) reinforced by carbon black (CB) was investigated. Two CB types, N110 and EC600, with different structure and specific surface area were used as conductive fillers. The mechanical tests showed that on addition of CB into EOC, modulus and strength increased significantly for both CB types but the elastic behavior stands on. The electrical resistivity decreases drastically with increasing CB content. The thermally stimulated SM recovery is deteriorated significantly because of the rigid CB network formed in EOC. With increasing temperature, the CB network gradually loses its rigidity, as the glassy polymer layers connecting the CB aggregates become softened. As a result, the samples with high CB content could recover nearly 100%. In this work, a sample preparation and a corresponding arrangement of experiment were introduced, which allows to quantify the Joule heating stimulated recovery behavior. EOC containing 17 wt% CB EC600 reaches a low resistivity of 8 Ω cm and shows good Joule heating stimulated SM recovery of up to 97% at a voltage of 15 V. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
FTIR and thermal analyses of intermolecular interactions in poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/phenoxy blends
Authors: Farmahini‐Farahani Madjid , Jafari Seyed‐Hassan , Khonakdar Hosein Ali , Yavari Ahmad , Melati Amir 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIntermolecular interactions in the blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/phenoxy resin of bisphenol A prepared by melt mixing in a microcompounder were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The FTIR results revealed the characteristic bands of the blend constituents along with the bands showing interassociated, self‐associated, and nonassociated hydrogen bonding in the blends. It was found that the self‐associated hydrogen bonds in the blends were favorable over the interassociated bonds. On the other hand, using the melting point depression, the interaction parameter of the blends was calculated to be about 0.047. The positive value of the interaction parameter and low degree of interassociated hydrogen bonding in the blends suggest the immiscibility of the blends, which is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy observations as well as dynamic mechanical analysis. However, for chemically reacted compositions, the blends were changed to homogenous systems. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
The unique flow of polypropylene at the weld line behind an obstacle in injection molding
Authors: Kobayashi Yutaka , Teramoto Gensei , Kanai Toshitaka 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn this article, a weld line placed behind an obstacle in an injection‐molded plaque made of metallic mold‐in‐color polypropylene (PP) was investigated. A broad uneven glossy section was visually observed along the weld line after the v‐notch weld disappeared. Although disk‐shaped metallic pigments were oriented parallel to the wall according to laminar flow, the pigment particles at the weld behind the obstacle were ordered vertically at the center of the depth direction. In PP molded without pigment, a black line was observed at the same position in the metallic weld. Based on a measurement of the crystal structure, the black line was caused by the rapid cooling of molten PP. Elongational flow occurred along the weld line after the diminishing v‐notch weld. The unique flow ordered the pigments obliquely at the advancing flow front and disturbed the subsequent flow of hot PP which transferred heat to the crystallizing mass. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Diffusion studies through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in hydrated polyamides
Authors: Hatzigrigoriou N.B. , Papaspyrides C.D. , Joly C. , Pinte J. , Dole P. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe effect of hydrogen bonding on the diffusivities of two almost identical fluorescent probes through polyamides was examined using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). The two molecules have the same geometry and a negligible difference in their molecular weight, the main difference confined is one characteristic group able to form a hydrogen bond with the polyamide matrices. Moreover, the effect of hydration on the diffusion coefficients and the plasticization activation energy is also studied as the experiments are repeated in various relative humidity environments. The differences in the diffusivities of the two molecules due to hydrogen bonding were as much as one order of magnitude regardless the matrix or the water content. In addition, it is shown that the plasticization activation energy of diffusion is also affected by matrix—diffusant interactions as the relevant values of the two examined diffusing molecules showed noticeable differences due to hydrogen bonding. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
In situ oxidative polymerization of polyaniline counter electrode on ITO conductive glass substrate
Authors: Qin Qi , Tao Jie , Yang Yan , Dong Xiang 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPolyaniline (PANI) electrode was synthesized on a conducting indium tin oxide glass by in situ oxidative polymerization to construct a low production cost counter electrode of dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The scanning electron microscopy image showed that PANI electrode was a porous state with the particles diameter in 20–30 nm. The cyclic voltammogram measurement revealed that PANI electrode had smaller charge transfer resistance and higher electrocatalytic activity for I/I− redox reaction. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of PANI was high to 53.114 m2/g, and the high surface area of PANI electrode benefited for the absorption of electrolyte. Finally, we compared the photoelectric properties of DSSC using the PANI counter electrode and platinized counter electrode. The results indicated the efficiency of DSSC with PANI electrode reached 2.64%, which was higher than that with platinized electrode (1.75%). Therefore, the PANI counter electrode with excellent catalytic performance is a potential substitute for platinized electrode to save cost of DSSC. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Development of a comprehensive mathematical model for free radical suspension polymerization of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Verros George D. , Achilias Dimitris S. , Giannoukos Georgios I. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn this work a detailed mathematical model for free radical suspension polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in water is developed. This model is based on sound principles such as the free volume theory to account for the diffusion limited reactions in suspension polymerization. Additionally, the complex polymerization kinetics process of the aqueous suspension polymerization of MMA is studied as a one‐dimensional numerical experiment. For this purpose, the polymerization process is modeled as a moving boundary mass transfer problem coupled with polymerization reactions. The Galerkin finite element method is used to simultaneously solve the nonlinear governing equations. The model predictions for conversion and average molecular weights vs. time were found to be in close agreement with laboratory data. It is believed that this work, as it provides fundamental understanding of the process, it might contribute to a more rational design of polymerization reactors. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ultradrawing properties of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene/functionalized carbon nanotube fibers
Authors: Yeh Jen‐Taut , Wu Tsong‐Wei , Lai Yu‐Ching , Zhou Huo‐Peng , Zhou Qin , Li Qi‐Cheng , Wen Sheng , Tsai Fang‐Chang , Huang Chi‐Yuan , Huang Kuo‐Shien , Chen Kan‐Nan 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSystemic investigation of the influence of the plain and functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) contents on the ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/carbon nanotubes (UHMWPE/CNTs, FCy) and UHMWPE/functionalized CNTs (FCfx‐y) as‐prepared fibers are reported. In a way similar to those found for the orientation factor values, the achievable draw ratios (Dra) of the FCy and FCfx‐y as‐prepared fibers approached a maximum value as their CNT and/or functionalized CNT contents reached their corresponding optimum values. The maximum Dra values obtained for FCfx‐0.001 as‐prepared fiber specimens prepared at varying maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE‐g‐MAH)/modified CNTs weight ratios were significantly higher that of the FC0.0015 as‐prepared fiber specimen prepared at the optimum plain CNT content. Tensile property analysis further suggested that excellent orientation and tensile properties of the drawn FCy and FCfx‐y fibers can be obtained by ultradrawing the fibers prepared at their optimum plain CNT and/or functionalized CNT contents. To understand the interesting orientation, ultradrawing and tensile properties of FCy and FCfx‐y fiber specimens, FTIR, specific surface area, and SEM morphology analysis of the plain and functionalized CNTs were performed in this study. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analysis of solution polybutadiene polymerizations performed with a neodymium catalyst
Authors: Ferreira Luis Carlos , de Santa Maria Luiz Claudio , Costa Marcos A.S. , Pires Neusa Maria Tochetto , Nele Marcio , Pinto José Carlos 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis article is regarding the polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene with a neodymium catalyst activated by diisobutylaluminum‐hydride and diethylaluminum chloride (DEAC). The effects of the polymerization conditions (ratio between DEAC and neodymium molar concentrations, polymerization temperature, catalyst concentration, and butadiene concentration) on the polymer yield and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of polybutadiene (PB) samples were evaluated. It is shown that the DEAC/Nd ratio and the polymerization temperature are the reaction variables that influence the MWD and the catalyst performance most significantly. PBs with broad and sometimes bimodal MWD were produced at the analyzed reaction conditions. For this reason, the MWD of the obtained polymer materials was deconvoluted with the help of the Flory most probable distribution, indicating that three or more catalyst sites are required to explain the final MWD of the polymer samples. Finally, it was observed that the analyzed neodymium catalyst is able to produce branched PBs at mild reaction conditions and that the branching frequency depends on the polymerization conditions, which may be useful for development of operation policies at plant site and production of materials with improved performances. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Inhalation aromatherapy in children and adolescents undergoing stem cell infusion: results of a placebo‐controlled double‐blind trial
Authors: Ndao Deborah H. , Ladas Elena J. , Cheng Bin , Sands Stephen A. , Snyder Kathryn T. , Garvin James H. , Kelly Kara M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjective: Though often lifesaving, stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a period of great distress for both child and parent.Methods: We conducted a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized study evaluating the effect of the respiratory administration of bergamot essential oil on the anxiety, nausea, and pain of37pediatric patients with malignant and non‐malignant disorders undergoing stem cell infusion and their parents. Patients were assessed at the time of recruitment, prior to infusion, upon infusion completion, and one hour post‐infusion using the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for parents and the STAIC, Children's Behavioral Style Scale (CBSS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and nausea, and the Emotionality Activity Sociability and Impulsivity instrument (EASI) for children.Results: Children and adolescents in the treatment group experienced greater anxiety (p= 0.05) and nausea (p= 0.03) one hour post‐infusion. Reported pain in both groups was no longer significant one hour post‐infusion. Parental anxiety declined in both groups but did not reach statistical significance. Child's monitoring coping style was significantly predictive of transitory anxiety post‐infusion (p= 0.01).Conclusions: Although this trial did not report a benefit of inhalation aromatherapy for reducing anxiety, nausea, or pain when added to standard supportive care, it provides the first experimental rather than descriptive report on testing a single therapeutic essential oil among children and adolescents undergoing stem cell infusion. Future research may consider exploring the cutaneous application of essential oil through massage or other psychoeducational counseling interventions among parents with elevated anxiety and patients with greater information seeking coping styles during SCT. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of androgen receptor expression through angiotensin II type 1 receptor in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Hoshino Koji , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Teranishi Jun‐ichi , Yoshida Shin‐ichiro , Umemura Satoshi , Kubota Yoshinobu , Uemura Hiroji 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough the local renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) of the prostate gland is related to cell proliferation and angiogenesis, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. We examined the effects of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) on androgen receptor (AR) expression in prostate cancer cells.METHODSAR modulation by AT1R was examined by Western blot analysis, luciferase assay, and Immunocytochemical staining. The influence of AR expression by angiotensin II (Ang‐II) and AT1R inhibition using siRNA was determined. Furthermore, using angiotensinogen or AT1R knockout (KO) mice, we performed quantitative real‐time PCR to investigate the expression of AR.RESULTSAng‐II induced cell proliferation with enhancement of AR, prostate specific antigen (PSA), NF‐κB, and c‐myc, and the activity of AR and PSA promoter. Cell proliferation of LNCaP transfected with AT1R siRNA was decreased by 75% at 7 days by inhibition of AR, PSA, NF‐κB, and c‐myc. Immunocytochemical staining confirmed the suppression of AR translocation into the nucleus in AT1R siRNA cells. AT1R KO mice showed a decrease in AR expression in the prostate gland. We also found that the expression level of AT1R could modulate the transcriptional level of AR by affecting NF‐κB and c‐myc expression.CONCLUSIONSKnocking down of the AT1R protein resulted in significant inhibition of cell growth, associated with a marked decrease of AR protein. These results indicate that inhibition of AT1R has the potential to influence AR expression in prostate cells, and is anticipated to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic agents for prostate cancer. Prostate 71: 964–975, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Disparities at presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and survival in African American men, affected by prostate cancer
Authors: Chornokur Ganna , Dalton Kyle , Borysova Meghan E. , Kumar Nagi B. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDProstate cancer (PCa) remains the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. PCa exhibits the most striking racial disparity, as African American men are at 1.4 times higher risk of being diagnosed, and 2–3 times higher risk of dying of PCa, compared to Caucasian men. The etiology of the disparity has not been clearly elucidated. The objective of this article is to critically review the literature and summarize the most prominent PCa racial disparities accompanied by proposed explanations.METHODSThe present literature on disparities at presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and survival of African American men affected by PCa was systematically reviewed. Original research as well as relevant review articles were included.RESULTSAfrican American men persistently present with more advanced disease than Caucasian men, are administered different treatment regimens than Caucasian men, and have shorter progression‐free survival following treatment. In addition, African American men report more treatment‐related side‐effects that translates to the diminished quality of life (QOL).CONCLUSIONSPCa racial disparity exists at stages of presentation, diagnosis, treatment regimens, and subsequent survival, and the QOL. The disparities are complex involving biological, socio‐economic, and socio‐cultural determinants. These mounting results highlight an urgent need for future clinical, scientific, and socio‐cultural research involving transdisciplinary teams to elucidate the causes for PCa racial disparities. Prostate 71: 985–997, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5α‐reductase type 3 expression in human benign and malignant tissues: A comparative analysis during prostate cancer progression
Authors: Godoy Alejandro , Kawinski Elzbieta , Li Yun , Oka Daizo , Alexiev Borislav , Azzouni Faris , Titus Mark A. , Mohler James L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDA third isozyme of human 5α‐steroid reductase, 5α‐reductase‐3, was identified in prostate tissue at the mRNA level. However, the levels of 5α‐reductase‐3 protein expression and its cellular localization in human tissues remain unknown.METHODSA specific monoclonal antibody was developed, validated, and used to characterize for the first time the expression of 5α‐reductase‐3 protein in 18 benign and 26 malignant human tissue types using immunostaining analyses.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSIn benign tissues, 5α‐reductase‐3 immunostaining was high in conventional androgen‐regulated human tissues, such as skeletal muscle and prostate. However, high levels of expression also were observed in non‐conventional androgen‐regulated tissues, which suggest either multiples target tissues for androgens or different functions of 5α‐reductase‐3 among human tissues. In malignant tissues, 5α‐reductase‐3 immunostaining was ubiquitous but particularly over‐expressed in some cancers compared to their benign counterparts, which suggests a potential role for 5α‐reductase‐3 as a biomarker of malignancy. In benign prostate, 5α‐reductase‐3 immunostaining was localized to basal epithelial cells, with no immunostaining observed in secretory/luminal epithelial cells. In high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), 5α‐reductase‐3 immunostaining was localized in both basal epithelial cells and neoplastic epithelial cells characteristic of HGPIN. In androgen‐stimulated and castration‐recurrent prostate cancer (CaP), 5α‐reductase‐3 immunostaining was present in most epithelial cells and at similar levels, and at levels higher than observed in benign prostate. Analyses of expression and functionality of 5α‐reductase‐3 in human tissues may prove useful for development of treatment for benign prostatic enlargement and prevention and treatment of CaP. Prostate 71:1033–1046, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of semenogelins I and II and its prognostic significance in human prostate cancer
Authors: Canacci Anastasia M. , Izumi Koji , Zheng Yichun , Gordetsky Jennifer , Yao Jorge L. , Miyamoto Hiroshi 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDLittle is known about the role of semenogelins, seminal plasma proteins that play critical roles in semen clotting and subsequent liquefaction in the presence of zinc and prostate‐specific antigen, in human malignancies.METHODSWe investigated the expression of semenogelins in four human prostate cancer lines by RT‐PCR and Western blotting as well as in 70 radical prostatectomy specimens by immunohistochemistry. Effects of semenogelin overexpression on prostate cancer cell proliferation were also assessed.RESULTSmRNA/protein signals for semenogelins I (SgI) and II (SgII) were detected only in androgen‐sensitive LNCaP cells cultured with zinc. Transfection of SgI/SgII increased/decreased cell growth of androgen receptor (AR)‐positive/semenogelin‐negative CWR22Rv1 in the presence of zinc, whereas it showed marginal effects in AR‐negative/semenogelin‐negative PC‐3 and DU145. Immunohistochemical studies showed that SgI and SgII stain positively in 55 (79%) and 31 (44%) cancer tissues, respectively, which was significantly higher than in corresponding benign tissues [SgI‐positive in 13 (19%) cases (P < 0.0001) and SgII‐positive in 15 (21%) cases (P = 0.0066)]. Among the histopathological parameters available for our patient cohort, there was an inverse association only between Gleason score (GS) and SgII expression (GS ≤ 7 vs. GS ≥ 8: P = 0.0150; GS7 vs. GS ≥ 8: P = 0.0111). Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank tests further revealed that patients with SgI‐positive/SgII‐negative tumor have the highest risk for biochemical recurrence (P = 0.0242).CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest the involvement of semenogelins in prostate cancer and their prognostic values in predicting cancer progression after radical prostatectomy. Additional functional analyses of semenogelins are necessary to determine their biological significance in prostate cancer. Prostate 71:1108–1114, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.