bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foaming behavior of high‐melt strength polypropylene/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhendu , Gupta Rahul K. , Jollands Margaret , Bhattacharya Sati N. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe foaming behavior of high‐melt strength polypropylene (HMS‐PP) and HMS‐PP/Cloisite 20A nanocomposites (PPNC) was studied in a batch process. PPNCs with 2, 4, 8, and 10 wt% clay were prepared in a twin screw extruder. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied using XRD and TEM. Subsequently, foaming experiments were conducted using supercritical CO2 as the blowing agent in a batch process, and foams with cell sizes varying from the sub micrometer to the micro meter range were prepared. The effect of variation in saturation pressure and temperature, foaming temperature, foaming time, and quench temperature was determined experimentally. Dynamic rheological measurements were conducted to relate the influence of nanocomposites morphology with foam cell growth and nucleation. Extensional rheological measurements were also conducted to detect the presence of strain hardening effect at the foaming temperatures used in the experiment. It was found that the nucleation efficiency of clay reduces with increase in clay loading. Also, the optimum amount of filler for generation of fine celled foams was found to be around the percolation threshold of the polymer. The extended strain hardening effect shown by the polymer in presence of clay plays an important role in stabilizing foam cell sizes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Oriented and low‐density tin dioxide film by sol–gel mineralizing tin‐contained hydroxypropyl cellulose lyotropic liquid crystal for laser‐induced extreme ultraviolet emission
Authors: Nagai Keiji , Gu Qincui , Yasuda Yuzuri , Norimatsu Takayoshi , Fujioka Shinsuke , Nishimura Hiroaki , Miyanaga Noriaki , Izawa Yasukazu , Mima Kunioki 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA series of tin‐doped hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) lyotropic liquid crystal (LC) was synthesized using a simple process and their properties were characterized using selective reflection, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), and the band texture observed under polarized optical microscope. The present preparation is applicable for mass production using large substrate with low cost HPC. A cholesteric lyotropic LC phase was observed for the hybrid solution with higher than 40 wt % HPC. After sol–gel condensation, the HPC‐Sn hybrid LC films were calcined at 400 °C and the as‐prepared product was determined to obtain tin dioxide (SnO2) which was characterized using WAXD. The iridescent color and ∼2 nm structure seen after the condensation disappeared in the as‐prepared SnO2. Scanning electronic microscope images of the SnO2 showed that the HPC content in the HPC‐Sn hybrid played an important role in controlling the SnO2 morphology. A spectrum of relatively monochromatic extreme ultraviolet (13.5 nm) emission was measured in the as‐prepared SnO2 in comparison with bulk tin and inverse opal SnO2. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4566–4576, 2009
Mapping the characteristics of the radical ring‐opening polymerization of a cyclic ketene acetal towards the creation of a functionalized polyester
Authors: Plikk Peter , Tyson Therese , Finne‐Wistrand Anna , Albertsson Ann‐Christine 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRadical ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic ketene acetals is a means to achieve novel types of aliphatic polyesters. 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxe‐5‐pene is a seven‐membered cyclic ketene acetal containing an unsaturation in the 5‐position in the ring structure. The double bond functionality enables further reactions subsequent to polymerization. The monomer 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxe‐5‐pene was synthesized and polymerized in bulk by free radical polymerization at different temperatures, to determine the structure of the products and propose a reaction mechanism. The reaction mechanism is dependent on the reaction temperature. At higher temperatures, ring‐opening takes place to a great extent followed by a new cyclization process to form the stable five‐membered cyclic ester 3‐vinyl‐1,4‐butyrolactone as the main reaction product. Thereby, propagation is suppressed and only small amounts of other oligomeric products are formed. At lower temperatures, the cyclic ester formation is reduced and oligomeric products containing both ring‐opened and ring‐retained repeating units are produced at higher yield. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4587–4601, 2009
Synthesis of amphiphilic cationic copolymers poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethylammonium chloride‐co‐stearyl methacrylate] and their self‐assembly behavior in water and water‐ethanol mixtures
Authors: Sun Guixiang , Zhang Mingzu , He Jinlin , Ni Peihong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA series of amphiphilic cationic random copolymers, namely poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethylammonium chloride‐co‐stearyl methacrylate] or poly(MADQUAT‐co‐SMA), have been synthesized via conventional free‐radical copolymerization using 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator and n‐dodecanethiol as chain transfer agent. The resultant products were then characterized by FT‐IR, 1H NMR, MALDI‐TOF MS measurements. From the number‐average molecular weights of the copolymers, we can conclude that these copolymers have oligomeric structure with a limited number of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties in a short polymer chain. The reactivity ratios (rMADQUAT = 0.83, rSMA = 0.25) between the hydrophilic MADQUAT monomer and the hydrophobic SMA monomer were calculated by the Finemann and Ross method, which was based on the results of 1H NMR analysis. The surface activity of the random copolymers was studied by the combination of surface tension and contact angle measurement, and the results indicated that these copolymers possess relatively high surface activity. The critical aggregation concentrations (cac) of the copolymers in aqueous solution were determined by fluorescence probe method as well as surface tension measurement. The different nanoparticles of poly(MADQUAT‐co‐SMA) copolymers formed in pure water or ethanol‐water mixture were proved by the particle size and size distribution in the measurement of dynamic light scattering (DLS). Furthermore, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we could observe various self‐assembly morphologies of these random copolymer. All these results show that the amphiphilic cationic random copolymers have a good self‐assembly behavior, even if they are ill‐defined copolymers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4670–4684, 2009
Iodine transfer copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride and α‐trifluoromethacrylic acid in emulsion process without any surfactants
Authors: Boyer Cyrille , Améduri Bruno 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of poly(VDF‐co‐TFMA) copolymers (where VDF and TFMA stand for vinylidene fluoride and α‐trifluoromethacrylic acid, respectively) by iodine transfer polymerization without any surfactant is presented. First, the synthesis and the control of the copolymerization of VDF and TFMA were investigated in the presence of two chain transfer agents, 1‐perfluorohexyl iodide (C6F13I) and 1,4‐diodoperfluorobutane (IC4F8I). TFMA monomer was incorporated in the copolymer in good yields. Moreover, the molecular weights of the resulting poly(VDF‐co‐TFMA) copolymers were in good agreement with the theoretical values for feed of TFMA/VDF ratios that ranged from 50/50 to 0/100 mol %, showing that TFMA does not disturb the controlled radical polymerization of VDF. The microstructures of the produced copolymers were characterized by 1H and 19F NMR to assess the amount of each comonomer, and the molecular weights and the end‐groups of the copolymers. The results on the control of the copolymerization were compared to those obtained with and without the presences of TFMA and surfactant. The addition of a low amount of TFMA improved the control of the polymerization of VDF without using any surfactant. Also, the size of particles, assessed by light scattering, was smaller than 200 nm. The addition of TFMA in low proportions, that is, 5 to 10 mol %, enabled us to stabilize the particle size and to decrease the size by one order of magnitude. The emulsifying behavior of TFMA (in low amount in the copolymer, that is, <10 mol %) was similar to those achieved when a surfactant was added. Indeed, neither sedimentation nor destabilization was observed after several days. The reactivity ratios for rTFMA and rVDF were 0 and 1.6 at 80 °C, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 4710–4722, 2009
Feasibility study of a telehealth delivered, psychoeducational support group for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Lounsberry Joshua J. , MacRae Helen , Angen Maureen , Hoeber Michelle , Carlson Linda E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective: This study investigates the feasibility and efficacy of a telehealth delivered psychoeducational support group for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) survivors.Methods: All AHSCT survivors 0–3 years post‐transplant from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alta., Canada were contacted over a 4‐year period and invited to participate. Groups were led by trained facilitators and the didactic content included many of the concerns commonly reported by AHSCT survivors. Participants met with facilitators and other group members via videoconferencing equipment located at various community health centres across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.Results: Of the 19 AHSCT survivors who chose to participate, 74% attended five or more of the six sessions and 100% stated that they were satisfied with the program. The groups were found to be feasible and well liked by all participants. While participants appeared to have gained a greater appreciation of life, they did not demonstrate any significant improvements in quality of life, spirituality and meaning making, distress, or positive growth as measured by the questionnaires in the pre/post‐package.Conclusions: Attendance and satisfaction ratings suggest that participants gleaned some benefit from participation. Psychoeducational support groups via videoconferencing may provide a viable alternative for those with limited access to psychosocial support. Clearly, more rigorous research is required to determine the utility of these psychoeducational support groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unwanted effects of risk notification for breast cancer regarding intention toward mammography utilization
Authors: Park Keeho , Choi Kui Son , Kye Su Yeon , Park Su Ho , Yoon Nan He , Park Eun Cheol 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective: This study was conducted to explore the possible influence of risk notification regarding breast cancer on the intention of women to undergo mammography.Methods: This study employed an uncontrolled before–after design. A baseline survey was conducted in a random sample of 1000 women to examine the sociodemographic variables, breast cancer risk factors, and screening‐related variables. All subjects received the findings of a personalized health‐risk appraisal (HRA) following the baseline interview. After 2 months of the baseline survey, a survey was conducted in 855 women to assess whether the intention of undergoing mammography had changed. Thus, the modification in the intention by communicating the individual risk status was assessed.Results: There was an overall increase from baseline to post‐intervention in the number of subjects with the intention of undergoing mammography. Women in the contemplation and action stages who had intention toward mammography utilization at baseline showed decreased intention regarding mammography. After intervention in the form of HRA to promote mammography utilization, it was determined that young age, being married, being in neither the precontemplation nor the relapse stage, and having one or more risk factors of breast cancer were the predictors of intention to undergo mammography.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that communicating the risk status by HRA service can have a negative effect in the promotion of health‐conscious behavior. The selection of the appropriate type of intervention using HRA to promote mammography utilization in the target group will be enhanced by taking into account the risk status of each client. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Studies on Mo–Cr–N and Al–Cr–N Coatings Obtained by PVD Dual Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Benlatreche Yacine , Nouveau Corinne , Rahil Issan , Marchal Rèmy , Chekour Lounis 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRecently, several studies have shown that the addition of a secondary element likes Al, Si, etc. to nitride and carbide binary systems such as Ti–N and Cr–N improved their structural and mechanical properties and also their thermal stability. In this study, we realized a comparison between the effects of aluminium or molybdenum addition on the properties of the Cr–N system. The (Cr,Al)N and (Cr,Mo)N films were deposited by RF dual magnetron sputtering. To control the aluminium and molybdenum contents in (Cr,Al)N and in (Cr,Mo)N films, respectively, we modified the Cr, Al and Mo target bias. The structural, morphological and composition analyses of the deposited films were carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis. The variation of the residual stresses with the Al and Mo contents has been studied using the Newton's rings method. The obtained Al contents in (Cr,Al)N deposited films varied between 0 and 51 at.% while the Mo contents in (Cr,Mo)N layers varied between 0 and 42 at.%. A morphological change from amorphous to columnar films has been observed with the addition of Al in the case of (Cr,Al)N coatings, while all the (Cr,Mo)N films presented a columnar structure. The residual stresses of the (Cr,Mo)N coatings are higher than the (Cr,Al)N ones but they exhibited a similar behaviour for both coatings.
Surface Hardening of AISI H13 Steel Using Pulsed Plasma Electrolytic Carburizing (PPEC)
Authors: Yaghmazadeh Mina , Dehghanian Changiz 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this work, the feasibility of a plasma electrolytic carburizing (PEC) treatment on AISI H13 steel using an aqueous solution of C3H5(OH)3, and NaOH was investigated. The substrate samples were biased cathodically to a 20 kW pulsed DC power supply with a variable voltage. The formation of hard carbon‐rich layer on the surface of the treated samples was confirmed by XRD analysis. Metallographic and SEM studies revealed that a uniform and compact nanocrystalline carbon‐rich layer was firmly stuck to the surface of the samples, and no cracks were observed between the carburized layer and the substrate. The coating mechanical performances were evaluated using microhardness tests. The microhardness of the carbon‐rich layer on the substrate was 866 HV, while the hardness of the substrate was 210 HV. Pin‐on‐disk abrasion tests were conducted to evaluate the surface wear resistance. Although all treated samples manifested a magnificent increase in wear resistance, the results showed different resistance in the differently treated samples. The microscopical investigation of the surfaces also showed that the wear mechanism of the tested samples varied by different treatment parameters, especially by the applied frequency. The results also showed that the current pulse frequency significantly influenced both the layer growth kinetics and the coating morphologies.
Physical and ecological changes associated with warming permafrost and thermokarst in Interior Alaska
Authors: Osterkamp T. E. , Jorgenson M. T. , Schuur E. A. G. , Shur Y. L. , Kanevskiy M. Z. , Vogel J. G. , Tumskoy V. E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObservations and measurements were made of physical and ecological changes that have occurred since 1985 at a tundra site near Healy, Alaska. Air temperatures decreased (1985 through 1999) while permafrost warmed and thawed creating thermokarst terrain, probably as a result of increased snow depths. Permafrost, active layer and ground‐ice conditions at the Healy site are the result of the interaction of climatic, ecologic and other factors. The slow accumulation of ground ice in an intermediate permafrost layer formed by upward freezing from the permafrost surface leads to long‐term differential frost heave and microrelief. When ground ice in the permafrost melts, the ground surface settles differentially resulting in thermokarst terrain (pits, gullies). Windblown snow fills the thermokarst depressions causing further warming and thawing of the underlying permafrost — a positive feedback effect that enhances permafrost degradation. Thermokarst‐induced changes in relief alter the near‐surface hydrology and ecological processes. Changes in vegetation included differential tussock growth and mortality and a shift in moss species abundance and relative productivity, depending on microtopographic position created by the thermokarst terrain. Water redistribution towards thermokarst depressions caused adjacent higher areas to become drier and resulted in increased moss mortality and shrub abundance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of new epidemiological molecular markers by comparative proteomics of serogroup A meningococcal isolates from three pandemic waves
Authors: Bernardini Giulia , Comanducci Maurizio , Bambini Stefania , Renzone Giovanni , Scaloni Andrea , Morelli Giovanna , Achtman Mark , Ratti Giulio , Santucci Annalisa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe previously described the first reference map for the proteome of one strain of serogroup A Neisseria meningitidis (MenA), a major cause of epidemic meningitis in humans. As a preliminary finding, in that work we noted that 2‐DE protein maps of closely related MenA isolates from different epidemics spreads could be easily compared to detect minor differences and that 2‐DE phenotypes attributable to the well‐known epidemiological marker tbpB agreed with the genoclouds model of MenA epidemiological variation during pandemic waves. We explored here the possibility that an extended comparative study of 2‐DE maps of isolates representative of the nine genoclouds described by Achtman and collaborators could be used to discriminate between strains otherwise undistinguishable. We showed the example of 14 proteins with different 2‐DE spot patterns in different genoclouds that could be considered as putative tracers for alike‐strains discrimination. We introduce the novel concept that comparative proteomics can be useful in identifying new epidemiological markers for N. meningitidis.
Aberrant protein expression in plasma and kidney tissue during experimental obstructive nephropathy
Authors: Giannakis Eleni , Samuel Chrishan S. , Hewitson Tim D. , Boon Wee‐Ming , Macris Mary , Reeve Shane , Lawrence Josie , Ian Smith A. , Tregear Geoffrey W. , Wade John D. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractKidney failure is a major health problem worldwide. Patients with end‐stage renal disease require intensive medical support by dialysis or kidney transplantation. Current methods for diagnosis of kidney disease are either invasive or insensitive, and renal function may decline by as much as 50% before it can be detected using current techniques. The goal of this study was, therefore, to identify biomarkers of kidney disease (associated with renal fibrosis) that can be used for the development of a non‐invasive clinical test for early disease detection. We utilized two protein‐profiling technologies (SELDI‐TOF MS and 2‐D) to screen the plasma and kidney proteome for aberrantly expressed proteins in an experimental mouse model of unilateral uretric obstruction, which mimics the pathology of human renal disease. Several differentially regulated proteins were detected at the plasma level of day‐3‐obstructed animals, which included serum amyloid A1, fibrinogen α, haptoglobin precursor protein, haptoglobin and major urinary proteins 11 and 8. Differentially expressed proteins detected at the tissue level included ras‐like activator protein 2, haptoglobin precursor protein, malate dehydrogenase, α enolase and murine urinary protein (all p<0.05 versus controls). Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the up‐regulation of fibrinogen. Interestingly, these proteins are largely separated into four major classes: (i) acute‐phase reactants (ii) cell‐signaling molecules (iii) molecules involved in cell growth and metabolism and (iv) urinary proteins. These results provide new insights into the pathology of obstructive nephropathy and may facilitate the development of specific assay(s) to detect and monitor renal fibrosis.
Identification of anti‐α‐enolase autoantibody as a novel serum marker for endometriosis
Authors: Nabeta Motowo , Abe Yasuhito , Kagawa Lisa , Haraguchi Ryuma , Kito Katsumi , Ueda Norifumi , Sugita Atsuro , Yokoyama Motofumi , Kusanagi Yasuki , Ito Masaharu 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDiagnosis of endometriosis needs invasive maneuvers. New serum marker that possesses both high sensitivity and high specificity has long been desired. To establish novel serum marker for endometriosis, serum autoantibodies (autoAbs) were investigated using proteomic approach. AutoAbs in sera of endometriotic patients and healthy controls were analyzed using a mesothelial cell line, 2‐DE and Western blotting. Proteins in reacted spots were identified using MALDI TOF‐MS with MASCOT analysis. ELISAs were established using recombinant proteins and autoAb‐titers were estimated in sera of endometriotic patients, disease and healthy controls. Several autoAbs were identified. Anti‐α‐enolase (Eno1)‐autoAb levels in endometriotic patients were significantly elevated compared with both healthy and disease controls. Sensitivity and specificity of serum anti‐Eno1‐autoAb was nearly comparable to serum CA125. When anti‐Eno1‐autoAb and CA125 assays were combined, diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy improved. Serum anti‐Eno1‐autoAb can be a new serum endometriotic marker and it is useful as a supplement assay for CA125. This study validates further clinical evaluation of this novel marker.
2nd Combined Working Group and Management Committee Meeting of Urine and Kidney Proteomics COST Action 29–30 March 2009, Nafplio, Greece
Authors: Vlahou Antonia , Allmaier Guenter , Attwood Teresa , Bongcam‐Rudloff Erik , Charonis Aris , Frokiaer Jorgen , Mischak Harald , Schanstra Joost , Spasovski Goce ,   EuroKUP
Published: August 2009

AbstractEuroKUP (Urine and Kidney Proteomics; www.eurokup.org) is a COST (European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical research: www.cost.esf.org Action fostering a multi‐disciplinary network of investigators from 25 countries and focusing on facilitating translational proteomic research in kidney diseases. Four Working Groups focusing respectively on defining clinically important research questions in kidney diseases, kidney tissue proteomics, urine proteomics and bioinformatics have been generated. The EuroKUP members had their second combined Working Group and Management Committee (MC) meeting in Nafplio, Greece from March 29 to 30, 2009. This report summarizes the main presentations, discussions and agreed action points during this meeting. These refer to the design of collaborative projects and clinical center networks for specific kidney diseases; establishment of guidelines for kidney tissue proteomics analysis by laser‐based imaging‐ and laser capture microdissection‐MS; development and characterization of a “standard” urine specimen to be used for assessment of platform capability and data comparability in clinical proteomics applications; definition of statistical requirements in biomarker discovery studies; and development of a specialized kidney and urine ontology. Various training activities are planned involving training schools on laser capture microdissection‐ and imaging‐MS, workshops on ontologies as well as short‐term travel grants for junior investigators.