bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Simpler Approach to Population Balance Modeling in Predicting the Performance of Ziegler‐Natta Catalyzed Gas‐Phase Olefin Polymerization Reactor Systems
Authors: Rawatlal Randhir 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this work, an alternative formulation of the Population Balance Model (PBM) is proposed to simplify the mathematical structure of the reactor model. The method is based on the segregation approach applied to the recently developed unsteady state residence time distribution (RTD). It is shown that the model can predict the performance of a reactor system under unsteady flow and composition conditions. Case studies involving time‐varying catalyst flowrates, reactor temperature and reactor pressure were simulated and found to predict reactor performance with reasonable accuracy. The model was used to propose a grade transition strategy that could reduce transition time by as much as two hours.magnified image
Response evaluation of axially loaded fixed‐head pile groups in clayey soils
Authors: Comodromos Emilios M. , Bareka Spyridoula V. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate the interaction between the piles in a group with a rigid head and correlate the response of a group of piles to that of a single pile. For this purpose, a computationally intensive study using 3‐D nonlinear numerical analysis was carried out for different pile group arrangements in clayey soils. The responses of the groups of piles were compared with that of a single pile and the variation of the settlement amplification factor Ra was then quantified. The influence of the number of piles, the spacing, and the settlement level on the group response is discussed. A previously proposed relationship for predicting the response of a pile group, based on its configuration and the response of a single pile, has been modified to extend its applicability for any pile spacing. The modified relationship provides a reasonable prediction for various group configurations in clayey soils. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The psychometric validation of the OAB family impact measure (OAB‐FIM)
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Matza Louis S. , Brewster‐Jordan Jessica , Thompson Christine , Bavendam Tamara 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAimsAlthough overactive bladder (OAB) impacts patient health‐related quality of life, the impact of OAB on family members is not known. Presently, no validated instruments exist to assess family impact, thus we examined the psychometric properties of a new instrument, the overactive bladder family impact measure (OAB‐FIM).MethodsDyads of OAB patient–family members and control patient–family members were recruited from clinics. Family members (spouses, significant others, or daughters) completed the 32‐item draft OAB‐FIM. Patients completed the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB‐q) and the patient perception of bladder condition (PPBC). Both patients and family members completed two validated relationship measures. Item and exploratory factor analyses were performed to determine subscale structure; reliability and validity were assessed.ResultsOne hundred ninety‐three patient–family member dyads (163 OAB, 30 control) participated. OAB patients were mostly women (82%); the control group was younger with fewer women (53%). Family members were predominantly men (OAB, 58%; control, 52%), and control family members were younger than OAB family members. Thirteen items were deleted from the draft OAB‐FIM based on item performance and factor structure based on exploratory factor analyses, leaving 19‐items in the final OAB‐FIM. Four subscales (Irritation, Activities, Travel, Concern) were derived for use among all family members; two additional subscales (Sleep, Sex) were derived for use with spouses/significant others. The OAB‐FIM discriminated between OAB and control family members with OAB family members demonstrating significant impact (all P < 0.0001). Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha >0.70) and 2‐week test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.73) were high for all subscales. Concurrent validity of the OAB‐FIM was demonstrated through statistically significant (P < 0.001) Spearman correlations with the OAB‐q (0.35–0.58) and the PPBC (0.31–0.56). The OAB‐FIM also demonstrated known‐groups validity, distinguishing between family members of OAB patients and family members of control patients.ConclusionsThis study supports the reliability and validity of a new measure to assess the impact of OAB on family members and demonstrates that family members are affected by another's medical condition. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:359–369, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multivariate methods to identify cancer‐related symptom clusters
Authors: Skerman Helen M. , Yates Patsy M. , Battistutta Diana 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMultivariate methods are required to assess the interrelationships among multiple, concurrent symptoms. We examined the conceptual and contextual appropriateness of commonly used multivariate methods for cancer symptom cluster identification. From 178 publications identified in an online database search of Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, limited to articles published in English, 10 years prior to March 2007, 13 cross‐sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Conceptually, common factor analysis (FA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) are appropriate for symptom cluster identification, not principal component analysis. As a basis for new directions in symptom management, FA methods are more appropriate than HCA. Principal axis factoring or maximum likelihood factoring, the scree plot, oblique rotation, and clinical interpretation are recommended approaches to symptom cluster identification. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:345–360, 2009
Is a history of gestational diabetes related to risk factors for coronary heart disease?
Authors: King Kathleen B. , Gerich John E. , Guzick David S. , King Kathleen U. , McDermott Michael P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCoronary heart disease (CHD) risk in 20 non‐diabetic women with and 20 without a distant history of gestational diabetes (hGDM), matched on age, body mass index, and time since GDM‐affected pregnancy, was compared in a case control study. Women with an hGDM had lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), p = .02, and higher triglycerides, p ≤ .001, versus controls. The combination of high triglycerides and low HDL‐c occurred in 25% of hGDM cases versus 0% of controls, p ≤ .01. Two‐hour post‐load glucose indicated that 45% of hGDM cases were pre‐diabetic versus 20% of controls, p ≤ .05. Non‐diabetic women with a distant hGDM are at increased risk for DM and may be at increased risk for CHD. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:298–306, 2009
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)‐ block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) multiblock copolymer
Authors: Yu Tao , Ren Jie , Gu Shuying , Yang Ming 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBiodegradable copolymers of poly(lactic acid)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PLA‐b‐PCL) were successfully prepared by two steps. In the first step, lactic acid monomer is oligomerized to low molecular weight prepolymer and copolymerized with the (ε‐caprolactone) diol to prepolymer, and then the molecular weight is raised by joining prepolymer chains together using 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as the chain extender. The polymer was carefully characterized by using 1H‐NMR analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of 1H‐NMR and TGA indicate PLA‐b‐PCL prepolymer with number average molecular weights (Mn) of 4000–6000 were obtained. When PCL‐diols are 10 wt%, copolymer is better for chain extension reaction to obtain the polymer with high molecular weight. After chain extension, the weight average molecular weight can reach 250,000 g/mol, as determined by GPC, when the molar ratio of –NCO to –OH was 3:1. DSC curve showed that the degree of crystallization of PLA–PCL copolymer was low, even became amorphous after chain extended reaction. The product exhibits superior mechanical properties with elongation at break above 297% that is much higher than that of PLA chain extended products. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two thieno[3,4b]pyrazine‐containing copolymers: synthesis, characterization, and application in mercury ions detection
Authors: Wan Meixiu , Zou Yingping , Tan Songting , Li Yongfang 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTwo alternative copolymers of thieno[3,4b]pyrazine (TPZ) and triphenylamine (TPA) or phenylene (Ph), P(TPA‐TPZ) and P(Ph‐TPZ), were synthesized by Wittig–Horner polycondensation and characterized by 1H NMR, elemental analysis, GPC, TGA, cyclic voltammetry, UV–Vis absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The polymers are soluble in common organic solvents and possess good thermal stability. Both of them shows strong solvatochromism phenomenon when dissolved in different solvents. The fluorescence of the copolymer solutions is efficiently quenched upon the addition of Hg2+, indicating that the two copolymers could be good Hg2+ detectors. More interestingly, the copolymers show high selectivity for the Hg2+ detection and P(TPA‐TPZ) shows higher sensitivity and selectivity toward the Hg2+ detection than P(Ph‐TPZ) does in the presence of other competing metal ions. The results imply that the conjugated polymers (CPs) containing the thieno[3,4b]pyrazine moiety are promising materials for chemosensors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of grid‐connect photovoltaic systems: benefits, opportunities and strategies
Authors: Passey R. J. , Watt M. E. , Snow M. , Outhred H. R. , Spooner T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of the potential impact of integrating photovoltaics (PV) into the Western Australian electricity networks. It uses real‐time load and Australian Bureau of Meteorology climate data to assess PV's ability to reduce peak generation requirements, defer network augmentation, reduce line losses and reduce the cost of conventional supply in the Western Australian electricity networks and regional grids. It then identifies existing market opportunities for PV in Western Australia (WA), examines whether these capture the identified benefits and discusses strategies for capturing the system benefits provided by PV. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factor structure of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in individuals with advanced cancer
Authors: Nissim Rinat , Flora David B. , Cribbie Robert A. , Zimmermann Camilla , Gagliese Lucia , Rodin Gary 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective: Although the Beck Hopelessness Scale is often used with the seriously ill, its factor structure has been given relatively little consideration in this context.Methods: The factor structure of this scale was examined in a sample of 406 ambulatory patients with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancer, using a sequential exploratory‐confirmatory factor analysis procedure.Results: A two‐factor model was consistent with the data: The first factor reflected a negative outlook and was labeled ‘negative expectations’; the second factor identified a sense of resignation and was labeled ‘loss of motivation.’Conclusions: Implications regarding scoring of the scale in this population are discussed, as are implications of the two‐factor structure for our understanding of hopelessness in individuals with advanced cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communication skills training and clinicians' defenses in oncology: an exploratory, controlled study
Authors: Bernard Mathieu , de Roten Yves , Despland Jean‐Nicolas , Stiefel Friedrich 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective: The underlying mechanisms modifying clinician's communication skills by means of communication skills training (CST) remain unknown. Defense mechanisms, defined as psychological processes protecting the individual against emotional stress, may be a mediating factor of skills improvement.Methods: Using an adapted version of the Defense Mechanism Rating Scale—Clinician, this study evaluated clinicians' defense mechanisms and their possible modification after CST. Interviews with simulated patients of oncology clinicians (N=57) participating in CST (pre‐/post‐CST with a 6‐month interval) were compared WITH interviews with the same simulated patients of oncology clinicians (N=56) who did not undergo training (T1 and T2 with a 6‐month interval).Results: Results showed (i) a high number (mean=16, SD=6) and variety of defenses triggered by the 15‐min interviews, (ii) no evolution difference between groups, and (iii) an increase in mature defenses after CST for clinicians with an initial higher level of defensive functioning.Conclusions: This is the first study describing clinicians' defensive functioning; results indicate a possible mediating role of defenses in clinician–patient communication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multilayer Photoresist Stamps For Selective Plasma Treatment in Micrometer Scales
Authors: Stöhr Uwe , Dohse Antje , Hoppe Paul , Thomas Michael , Kadel Klaus , Klages Claus‐Peter , Reinecke Holger 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA novel plasma stamp has been developed allowing selective plasma treatment and coating of flat surfaces using dielectric barrier discharges at atmospheric pressure. The stamp consists of a flat carrier material covered with photoresist. The resist is structured to form cavities in which the plasma is burning. The cavity footprint is the desired structure to be reproduced or “plasma printed” on the substrate. Cavities can have any geometry and widths down to 10 µm. It is shown that the substrate surfaces can be activated in the same scale as the cavity dimensions and that the treated areas reproduce the footprint of the cavities. To be able to coat surfaces selectively, the stamp consists of multiple resist layers forming a channel network. Using this network, the cavities can be filled with process gas containing polymerizable monomers. This plasma stamp technology introduces a new MEMS process with high potential for production processes and bioscience applications.magnified image
Sedation with propofol for flexible bronchoscopy in children
Authors: Hasan Rashed A. , Reddy Ramalinga 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to report our experience with intravenous propofol (IVP) sedation for flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in children.MethodsThe following data were collected: demographics, pre‐ and post‐procedure diagnoses, induction time (IT), sedation time (ST), procedure time (PT), time to discharge from the hospital (TTD), induction dose (ID) of IVP, total dose (TD) of IVP, and complications. HR, RR, systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and SpO2 were recorded every 5 min.ResultsOne hundred three (66 males, 37 females) consecutive patients (age: 4.7 ± 4.3 years) and (weight: 21.2 ± 16 kg) were enrolled over a 3‐year‐period. Airway Abnormalities were diagnosed in 93 (90%) patients leading to a change in therapy in 68 (66%) patients. In 20 (19.4%) patients abnormalities unrelated to the primary indication for FB were found. IT was 4.64 ± 2 min, PT was 6.2 ± 3.1 min, ST was 27 ± 14 min, and TTD was 80 ± 44 min.The ID and TD for IVP were 2.8 ± 0.1 mg/kg, and 3.1 ± 0.1 mg/kg respectively. Patients 4–7 years of age required higher induction doses (IDs) of propofol (3.5 ± 1 mg/kg) compared to infants (2.8 ± 0.9 mg/kg), 1–3 years of age (2.7 ± 0.78 mg/kg) and 8–17 years of age (2.4 ± 0.7 mg/kg) (P < 0.001). There was a correlation between the TD of IVP and TTD from the hospital (r = 0.5, P < 0.01). The drop in SBP (104 ± 15 vs. 92 ± 13 mm Hg, P < 0.05) and DBP (57 ± 13 vs. 46 ± 9 mm Hg, P < 0.05) during IVP were statistically significant compared to baseline, however none of the patients met the criteria for hypotension. Two patients developed short (<20 sec) respiratory pauses without hypoxia. No patient required fluid resuscitation or endotracheal intubation.ConclusionsFB may be performed successfully in children using IVP and is associated with insignificant cardio‐respiratory complications. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:373–378. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and validation of calmodulin as a binding protein of an anti‐proliferative small molecule 3,4‐dihydroisoquinolinium salt
Authors: Jung Hye Jin , Shim Joong Sup , Park Jungchan , Ha Hyun‐Joon , Kim Jung‐Ho , Kim Joong‐Gon , Kim Nam Doo , Yoon Jeong Hyeok , Kwon Ho Jeong 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIHY‐153 (2‐(2,5‐difluorobenzyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐5‐(10‐hydroxydecyl)‐6‐methoxy‐1‐undecylisoquinolinium bromide) was recently discovered as a small molecule that potently inhibits proliferation of tumor cells by inducing cell‐cycle arrest at G0‐G1 phase. To investigate the basis of anti‐proliferative activity of IHY‐153, cellular binding proteins of biotinyl‐IHY‐153 were screened using T7 phage displayed human cDNA libraries. Calmodulin‐expressing phage specifically bound to immobilized IHY‐153 in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. The interaction between IHY‐153 and Ca2+/CaM was validated through phage competition binding assays, surface plasmon resonance analysis, and molecular modeling. IHY‐153 induced sustained phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and subsequently increased p21WAF1expression in colon cancer cells. These results demonstrate that IHY‐153, a novel small molecule, targets Ca2+/CaM and indicate that this compound functions as an anti‐proliferative agent by influencing Ca2+/CaM‐dependent signal transduction.
Integrative analysis of cancer pathway progression and coherence
Authors: Dalkic Ertugrul , Nash Daniel Elwin Walter , Fassia Mohammad Kasim , Chan Christina 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe analyzed the cancer pathways in the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database. The database provides a collective of signaling pathway members involved in cancer progression. However, the KEGG cancer pathways, unlike signaling pathways, have not been analyzed extensively with gene expression and mutation data. We transformed the colorectal cancer pathway into discrete X and Y scales and analyzed the relative expression levels of adenoma and carcinoma samples as well as the distribution of mutation targets. The X scale corresponds to the downstream location in a pathway, whereas the Y scale corresponds to the stage of the tumor. The gene expression values of the early stage pathway members are significantly higher than of the rest of the pathway members in colorectal adenoma tissues. The colorectal cancer pathway shows some degree of coherence in the carcinoma samples. The correlated gene pairs responsible for the coherence of the colorectal cancer pathway in the carcinoma samples are supported, in part, by the literature and may suggest novel regulatory associations. Finally, there are more mutation targets in the nucleus as well as the late tumor stages of the KEGG colorectal cancer pathway.
The expression of pluripotency marker Oct 3/4 in prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Monsef Nastaran , Soller Maria , Isaksson Margareth , Abrahamsson Per Anders , Panagopoulos Ioannis 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDOct 3/4 (Octamer 3/4), a member of POU family has been considered as an important stem cell marker and essential transcription factor during human embryogenesis. In recent years, there have also been reports on presence of Oct 3/4 in differentiated benign and malignant human cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the transcription and the protein expression of Oct 3/4 isoforms in prostate cancer and benign prostate tissue.METHODSThirty sex adenocarcinomas and eight cases of benign prostate hyperplasia were studied. The transcription of Oct 3/4 was analyzed using RT‐PCR approach associated with restriction digestion analysis. Oct 3/4 protein expression was studied by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections using two different antibodies.RESULTSWe identified only the transcript 2 of Oct 3/4 in prostate tumors and benign prostate hyperplasia. Immunohistochemistry verified these results, demonstrating only cytoplasmic localization of Oct 3/4. Transcription of type 1 of Oct 3/4 as well as protein expression with nuclear localization of Oct 3/4 isoform 1 were not detected. Oct 3/4 immunopositive tumors were also displayed neuroendocrine differentiation and showed androgen receptor immunopositivity. The stem cell markers CD44 and CD117 were not detected in Oct 3/4 immunopositive cells.CONCLUSIONOur results indicate that only the cytoplasmic isoform 2 of Oct 3/4 is present in prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia. The malignant and benign prostate cells, which are immunopositive for variant 2 of Oct 3/4, lack other stem cell markers supporting previously published data that variant 2 of Oct 3/4 is not a pluripotency marker. Prostate 69: 909–916, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Soluble factors derived from stroma activated androgen receptor phosphorylation in human prostate LNCaP cells: Roles of ERK/MAP kinase
Authors: Shigemura Katsumi , Isotani Shuji , Wang Ruoxiang , Fujisawa Masato , Gotoh Akinobu , Marshall Fray F. , Zhau Haiyen E. , Chung Leland W. K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDAccumulated evidence suggests stromal–epithelial interactions are critical to the progression of prostate cancer. In this study, we characterized AR phosphorylation in LNCaP cells co‐cultured with the conditioned medium (CM) from human prostate stromal fibroblasts.METHODSCM harvested from prostate stromal fibroblasts was added to LNCaP cells, and both anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent growth was determined. Status of AR phosphorylation at Ser‐81 and Ser‐213 was assessed by immunoblot analysis. ERK kinase activity was measured using MBP‐2 protein as the substrate.RESULTSThe growth of LNCaP cells on plastic dishes increased by 1.7‐fold upon exposure to stromal CM or androgen, and their combination resulted in additive growth (2.4‐fold). Anchorage‐independent growth of LNCaP cells in soft agar, however, was induced synergistically at 80‐fold by both stromal CM and androgen. Stromal CM or androgen alone induced LNCaP cell growth by 10‐ and 26‐fold, respectively. We observed ERK kinase inhibitor, U0126, but not phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI‐3K), LY294002, or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H‐89, inhibited stromal CM or androgen‐induced PSA promoter luciferase activities, and anchorage‐independent growth of LNCaP cells. Our results demonstrated for the first time how stromal CM acts in synergy with androgen by activation of ERK kinase and AR phosphorylation at Ser‐81 but not Ser‐213, for AR‐regulated PSA promoter and anchorage‐independent growth of human prostate cancer cells.CONCLUSIONSA stromal factor‐activated ERK pathway mediated by AR phosphorylation at Ser‐81 could be responsible for stimulating the growth of human prostate cancer cells. Prostate 69: 949–955, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.