bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced thoracic gene delivery by magnetic nanobead‐mediated vector
Authors: Li Wenzhong , Ma Nan , Ong Lee‐Lee , Kaminski Alexander , Skrabal Christian , Ugurlucan Murat , Lorenz Peter , Gatzen Hans‐Heinrich , Lützow Karola , Lendlein Andreas , Pützer Brigitte M. , Li Ren‐Ke , Steinhoff Gustav 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundSystemic gene delivery is limited by the adverse hydrodynamic conditions on the collection of gene carrier particles to the specific area. In the present study, a magnetic field was employed to guide magnetic nanobead (MNB)/polymer/DNA complexes after systemic administration to the left side of the mouse thorax in order to induce localized gene expression.MethodsNonviral polymer (poly ethyleneimine, PEI) vector‐gene complexes were conjugated to MNBs with the Sulfo‐NHS‐LC‐Biotin linker. In vitro transfection efficacy of MNB/PEI/DNA was compared with PEI/DNA in three different cell lines as well as primary endothelial cells under magnetic field stimulation. In vivo, MNB/PEI/DNA complexes were injected into the tail vein of mice and an epicardial magnet was employed to attract the circulating MNB/PEI/DNA complexes.ResultsEndocytotic uptake of MNB/PEI/DNA complexes and intracellular gene release with nuclear translocation were observed in vitro, whereas the residues of MNB/PEI complexes were localized at the perinuclear region. Compared with PEI/DNA complexes alone, MNB/PEI/DNA complexes had a 36‐ to 85‐fold higher transfection efficiency under the magnetic field. In vivo, the epicardial magnet effectively attracted MNB/PEI/DNA complexes in the left side of the thorax, resulting in strong reporter and therapeutic gene expression in the left lung and the heart. Gene expression in the heart was mainly within the endothelium.ConclusionsMNB‐mediated gene delivery could comprise a promising method for gene delivery to the lung and the heart. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cascade Reactions in Polymeric Nanoreactors: Mono (Rh)‐ and Bimetallic (Rh/Ir) Micellar Catalysis in the Hydroaminomethylation of 1‐Octene
Authors: Gall Barbara , Bortenschlager Martin , Nuyken Oskar , Weberskirch Ralf 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe concept of micellar catalysis was transferred to the hydroaminomethylation of 1‐octene with N,N‐dimethylamine. In the first series of experiments a rhodium(I) complex with amphiphilic triphenylphosphane functionalized poly(2‐oxazoline)s as macroligand was applied as catalyst. Results obtained under standard hydroformylation conditions (T = 100 °C, p = 50 bar) were not satisfying with regard to activities and selectivities of the hydroaminomethylation reaction. Rising the temperature to 150 °C increased the yield of amine to 22% with a corresponding n/iso selectivity of 7.5 and a TOF number of 461 h−1. Best results were obtained by applying a dual Rh/Ir catalyst within the polymeric micelles leading at lower temperature of 130 °C to an amine yield of 24% with a corresponding n/iso selectivity of 11 and TOF numbers of about 600 h−1.magnified image
On the well‐posedness of the Cauchy problem for an MHD system in Besov spaces
Authors: Miao Changxing , Yuan Baoquan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the study of the Cauchy problem of incompressible magneto‐hydrodynamics system in the framework of Besov spaces. In the case of spatial dimension n⩾3, we establish the global well‐posedness of the Cauchy problem of an incompressible magneto‐hydrodynamics system for small data and the local one for large data in the Besov space Ḃ (ℝn), 1⩽p<∞ and 1⩽r⩽∞. Meanwhile, we also prove the weak–strong uniqueness of solutions with data in Ḃ (ℝn)∩L2(ℝn) for n/2p+2/r>1. In the case of n=2, we establish the global well‐posedness of solutions for large initial data in homogeneous Besov space Ḃ (ℝ2) for 2<p<∞ and 1⩽r<∞. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A note on blow‐up for fast diffusive p‐Laplacian with sources
Authors: Liu Wenjun 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this note we improve the result of Theorem 3.1 in Yin and Jin (Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 2007; 30(10):1147–1167) and establish a blow‐up result for certain solution with positive initial energy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concerns of former breast cancer patients about disease recurrence: a validation and prevalence study
Authors: van den Beuken‐van Everdingen Marieke H. J. , Peters Madelon L. , de Rijke Janneke M. , Schouten Harry C. , van Kleef Maarten , Patijn Jacob 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: The present study has three aims: first, to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the CARS (CARS‐DLV). Second, to measure the prevalence of concerns about disease recurrence in former breast cancer patients and identify potential predictors and third, to establish how fear of recurrence was effecting quality of life.Methods: A prospective study was carried out on breast cancer patients (n=136) who had undergone curative treatment. Eligible patients completed an extensive questionnaire consisting of the CARS (fear of recurrence), HADS (anxiety and depression), BPI (pain), RAND (quality of life), LOT (optimism) and the PCS (catastrophzing).Results: This study confirmed the good internal consistency, test–retest stability and construct validity of the CARS (Dutch Language version). Moderate to high levels of fear of disease recurrence were found in 56% of 136 breast cancer survivors. Worries about health and death were the most prominent. Pain was a strong predictor of overall fear and of fear on the four sub domains of the CARS. The prevalence of fear decreased significantly with age. Education level, living arrangements and time since the last treatment did not predict the prevalence of overall fear. Fear of recurrence was negatively correlated with quality of life.Conclusion: The CARS‐DLV proved to be a valuable instrument to measure women's' concerns about breast cancer recurrence. More than half of former breast cancer patients indicated moderate to severe concerns about disease recurrence. Health and death worries were the most prominent. The levels of worry were independent of the time since diagnosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial factors and survival after diagnosis of inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Akechi Tatsuo , Okamura Hitoshi , Okuyama Toru , Furukawa Toshiaki A. , Nishiwaki Yutaka , Uchitomi Yosuke 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: Although several previous studies have investigated the association between psychosocial factors and the survival of lung cancer patients, most previous studies were flawed by severe methodological limitations. The purpose of the present study was to use a rigorous study design to investigate the association between relevant psychosocial factors and survival after a diagnosis of inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: The subjects were 122 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with inoperable NSCLC. Patients coping with cancer, psychological distress, clinical depression, and social support were evaluated after diagnosis but before treatment and 2 months later. After a 2‐year follow‐up period, 108 patients had died. The survival data were censored for the remaining 14 patients. The influence of psychosocial factors after diagnosis but before treatment on survival time was analyzed using a Cox regression, with adjustments for well‐established (definite and/or possible) prognostic factors. The stability of the investigated psychosocial factors was also examined.Results: None of the examined psychosocial factors significantly predicted survival time among the patients with inoperable NSCLC. Among the biomedical factors that were examined, advanced clinical stage, a high serum lactate dehydrogenase level, and not receiving chemotherapy were independently associated with shorter survival periods. Most of the psychosocial factors exhibited a moderate to high stability.Conclusions: We found little convincing evidence that psychosocial factors after cancer diagnosis had a clinically relevant effect on the survival of inoperable patients with NSCLC. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satisfaction of early breast cancer patients with discussions during initial oncology consultations with a medical oncologist
Authors: Brown R. F. , Hill C. , Burant C. J. , Siminoff L. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this report is to extend the current understanding of patient satisfaction by examining expectations of a sample of breast cancer patients and concordance with their medical oncologists about the content of consultations and the importance of consultation items.Methods: Three hundred and ninety‐five female early stage breast cancer patients of 56 oncologists participated. Patients and oncologists completed a matched questionnaire measuring (a) met expectations, (b) concordance over content and item importance, and (c) satisfaction.Results: Overall patient satisfaction was extremely high (x=91/100%) although expectations were not met at the stated level desired. Patients and physicians disagreed over what was conveyed and received. Higher overall satisfaction was predicted by levels of met expectations (unstandardized beta=0.69, p=0.008, SE=0.26) and concordance over (a) content (unstandardized beta=1.09, p=0.002, SE=0.34) and (b) importance (unstandardized beta=−0.78, p=0.006, SE 0.28).Conclusion: Although patient expectations were not well met and physician–patient discord was high about the content of consultations and the importance of consultation items, patients reported high levels of satisfaction. Expectation fulfillment and levels of concordance predicted satisfaction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The prevalence and clinical impact of pulmonary artery sling on school‐aged children: A large‐scale screening study
Authors: Yu Jung‐Min , Liao Chung‐Pin , Ge Shuping , Weng Zen‐Chung , Hsiung Ming‐Chon , Chang Jia‐Kan , Chen Fong Lin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundAirway obstruction is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with pulmonary artery sling (PAS). Early identification of PAS is imperative for prompt initiation of appropriate treatments.ObjectiveOur aim was to investigate the prevalence and clinical impact of PAS on school‐aged children through a large‐scale pre‐sports participation cardiovascular screening (PPCVS) study.MethodsA total of 186,213 school‐aged children underwent portable two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE) study in a PPCVS study between 2001 and 2004 in Taichung City, Taiwan. We prospectively collected data on the prevalence of PSA, demographics, clinical features, tracheo‐bronchial anomalies (TBA), on computed tomography (CT), pulmonary function test (PFT), follow‐up data in 1 year, and clinical outcomes.ResultsPAS was identified in 11 children (8 males/3 females) with a median age of 13 years (range: 7.2–13.7 years). The prevalence of PAS was 1 in 17,000 school‐aged children. The majority of children with PAS had recurrent broncho‐pulmonary infections (90.9%) and asthmatic cough (81.8%), which had a low positive predictive value of PAS (<1%). Seven patients had diffused complete cartilaginous rings. The other four patients were found to have prominent localized external compression of the trachea or bronchus. No coexisting intracardiac anomalies were found. Two patients had mental retardation. Seven patients underwent surgical correction without mortality or major complications. After surgery, significant improvement in PFT was shown in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and functional vital capacity (FVC).ConclusionsThis is the first study to determine the prevalence of PAS as 59 per million school‐aged children by a large‐scale screening using 2DE. Although the majority of children with PAS have associated TBA and impaired pulmonary function, all patients with PAS were unrecognized due to non‐specific symptoms. Early identification of PAS and surgery result in significant improvement in pulmonary function. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:656–661. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel route for preparation of tubular TiO2 microstructures
Authors: Reedo V. , Järvekülg M. , Lõhmus A. , Mäeorg U. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn the present work we report a novel phenomenon and mechanism of tubular oxide structure formation. Microtubes of titanium oxide were obtained by deposition of solvent‐free metal butoxide polymer layer on glass substrate and following exposure to humid atmosphere. Dissolving the formed layered system in hexane led to the formation of microtubular oxide structures. The obtained tubes were characterized by SEM and optical microscopy, and a rolled‐up nanosheet morphology was shown. Rolling of oxide gel sheet is proposed as the formation mechanism for this novel microtubular material. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simultaneous synthesis of gold nanoparticles and conducting poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) towards optoelectronic nanocomposites
Authors: Salsamendi M. , Marcilla R. , Döbbelin M. , Mecerreyes D. , Pozo‐Gonzalo C. , Pomposo J. A. , Pacios R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this paper, a new method for obtaining poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT/PSS)/gold nanocomposites is described. In a first step, PEDOT/PSS gold nanoparticle aqueous dispersions were obtained by simultaneous chemical synthesis of PEDOT and gold nanoparticles in the presence of PSS that acts as a stabilizer. In a second step, these PEDOT/PSS gold nanoparticle dispersions were used to formulate nanocomposites by mixing the initial dispersion with commercially available PEDOT/PSS aqueous dispersion. Nanocomposite thin films, obtained by casting these dispersions, present an intimate contact between the inorganic and organic components. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Osseous and vascular anatomical variations within the C1–C2 complex: a radiographical study using computed tomography angiography
Authors: Moftakhar Parham , Gonzalez Nestor R. , Khoo Larry T. , Holly Langston T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundOne of the limiting factors of C1–C2 fixation is the location of the vertebral artery (VA). The authors sought to assess the potential variations in atlanto–axial VA anatomy using computed tomography angiography (CTA).MethodsDetailed measurements were made on digital images of 106 patients undergoing CTA at our institution (54 males, 52 females; mean age 56, range 20–86). Distances, diameters and angles of osseous and vascular elements of the atlanto–axial complex were measured.ResultsOptimal C1 and C2 screw trajectories demonstrated wide variations among patients. The size of the VA groove or foramen was not predictive of exact arterial location or size.ConclusionsThe size, location and path of the VA cannot be precisely predicted by the appearance of osseous structures such as the transverse foramina and/or the VA groove. CTA provides additional information regarding the atlanto–axial complex, and should be considered as a useful adjunct in the preoperative evaluation of select patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Equation‐based policy optimization for agent‐oriented system dynamics models
Authors: Duggan Jim 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWithin system dynamics, optimization has played an important role in identifying the best range of parameter values for policies in any given model. Optimal solutions focus on discovering the best combination of model parameters, within a fixed policy equation structure, that maximize or minimize a payoff function. This paper presents a new optimization approach for system dynamics. It enables decision makers to vary policy equation structures during the optimization process. The resulting optimization approach—based on genetic algorithms—can explore the search space in order to discover the best combination of parameters and equation‐based strategies for a given system dynamics problem. The approach is best suited to the class of system dynamics problems that are agent‐based, and the work is evaluated using a case study based on the four‐agent beer game. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of the surface analysis of some water‐soluble polymers by inverse gas chromatography
Authors: Aşkın Ayşegül , Yazıcı Demet Topaloğlu 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe surface characterization of 2‐(dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate (DMA) and 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethylmethacrylate (MEMA) homopolymers and DMA–MEMA diblock copolymer was studied using inverse‐gas chromatography (IGC).The analyzed surface properties of (co)polymers were the dispersive component of the surface energy ($\gamma_{s}^{d}$) and the acid–base characters of (co)polymer surfaces. The specific free energy (ΔGsp), enthalpy (ΔHsp), and entropy (ΔSsp) of adsorption of polar probes on (co)polymers were calculated. The values of ΔHsp were correlated with both the donor and the modified acceptor numbers (AN) of the probes to quantify the acidic KA and the basic KD parameters of (co)polymer surfaces. The values obtained for the KA and KD parameters indicated basic characters for the surface of (co)polymers. The dispersive component values of the surface energy and the acid–base surface parameters of the DMA–MEMA diblock copolymer surface were found to be between those homopolymers as expected. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pigment layers and precious metal sheets by energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Cesareo Roberto , Brunetti Antonio , Ridolfi Stefano 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA portable energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) equipment was used to measure pigments and precious metal composition. From the x‐ray spectra it was also possible to assign each pigment to the correct pigment layer, and in the case of metal sheets (e.g. gildings) to identify the correct layer distribution. Several methods have also been developed to determine the thickness of pigment layers and metal sheets. They were specifically applied to measure gold thickness in Giotto's halos in the Chapel of the Scrovegni in Padua, and in gilded copper objects from the Royal Tombs of Sipán and from the Museum of Sicán. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SEMI‐empirical and empirical formulas for calculation of K‐shell ionization cross sections by proton impact: a comparison
Authors: Kahoul A. , Nekkab M. , Deghfel B. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAccording to the plane wave Born approximation (PWBA) and the binary encounter approximation (BEA) models, it is possible to fit the cross sections obtained with any atomic element at any particle energy using a scaling law for a K‐shell. The semi‐empirical K‐shell ionization cross sections are then deduced by fitting the available experimental data normalized to their corresponding theoretical values. For the empirical K‐shell ionization cross sections, a third‐order polynomial was used to fit the same experimental data for protons. Our results are compared with the predictions of the ECPSSR theory and with other earlier works. Good agreement is obtained, but it is emphasized that the ultimate solution is to deduce the cross sections by fitting the available experimental data for each element separately. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defining a Learning Curve for Laparoscopic Cardiomyotomy
Authors: Grotenhuis Brechtje A. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , Jamieson Glyn G. , Devitt Peter G. , Bessell Justin R. , Watson David I. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to determine whether there is a learning curve for laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for the treatment of achalasia.MethodsAll patients who underwent a primary laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia between 1992 and 2006 in our hospitals were identified from a prospective database. The institutional and the individual surgeon’s learning experiences were assessed based on operative and clinical outcome parameters. The outcomes of cardiomyotomies performed by consultant surgeons versus supervised trainees also were compared.ResultsA total of 186 patients met the inclusion criteria; 144 procedures were undertaken by consultant surgeons and 42 by a surgical trainee. The length of operation decreased after the first ten cases in both the institutional and each individual experience. The rate of conversion to open surgery also was significantly higher in the first 20 cases performed. Intraoperative complications, overall satisfaction with the outcome, reoperation rate, and postoperative dysphagia were not associated with the institutional or the surgeon’s operative experience. Although the length of the operation was greater for surgical trainees (93 versus 79 minutes; p < 0.01), no differences in outcome between the operations performed by consultant surgeons and surgical trainees were detected.ConclusionAn institutional (20 cases) and an individual (10 cases) learning curve for laparoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia can be defined. The clinical outcome for laparoscopic cardiomyotomy does not differ between supervised surgical trainees and consultant surgeons.
Promotion of Cancer Family History Awareness: Jameslink Cancer Risk Assessment Tool at Community Health Fairs
Authors: Kelly Kimberly M. , Porter Kyle , Remy Amber , Westman Judith A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis article examines the impact of providing personalized familial cancer risk assessments with theJameslinkCancer Risk Assessment Tool. Users of theJameslink(N = 166) at eight community health fairs completed a survey including demographic, psychosocial and behavioral variables to better understand responses to theJameslink. No differences were found between whites and those of other races for variables of interest, indicating suitability of theJameslinkfor diverse populations. Those with higherJameslink‐assessed risk had higher perceived risk of cancer. Approximately half (53.8%) reported that they would speak to their physician about theirJameslink‐assessed risk. A regression foundJameslink‐assessed risk, cancer worry, and perceived risk of cancer predicted intentions to speak to a physician about their risk. In addition, open‐ended data provided suggestions to improve theJameslink. Changes in content and format were suggested; however most were happy with the program and encouraged its promotion. The lack of findings for differences as a function of race bolsters the use of computerized Cancer Risk Assessment Tools in diverse communities. The positive feedback of users and the close association between cancer risk assessment, perceived risk, and intention to speak to a physician are supportive of continued use and development of Cancer Risk Assessment Tools in the community to promote awareness of cancer risk.