bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monte‐Carlo Study of Triblock Copolymer/Homopolymer Blend Films
Authors: Huang Yongmin , Xia Han , Liu Honglai , Hu Ying 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe morphologies of triblock copolymer/homopolymer blend films confined between two neutral hard walls were studied via MC simulations on a simple cubic lattice. For ABA/A and ABA/B blend films, the effects of φh (the volume fraction of the homopolymer) and Mh/Mb (the ratio of the molecular mass of the homopolymer to that of the corresponding blocks) on the morphologies were investigated in detail. For both ABA/A and ABA/B blend films, a higher φh or Mh/Mb would result in stronger macrophase separation between the triblock copolymer and homopolymer. For ABA/C blend films, Mh/Mb hardly influences the morphologies of homopolymer domains regardless of whether the homopolymer C is more compatible with block A or with block B. Compared to AB/A and AB/C blend films, the morphologies of ABA/A (or ABA/B) and ABA/C blend films are much more irregular. The simulated results in this work show good consistency with experiments and other simulations.magnified image
Brownian Dynamics Simulation of Self‐Consistently Coarse‐Grained Dilute Aggregated Polymer Suspensions
Authors: Shie Sheng C. , Hua Chi C. , Chen Show A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe propose a self‐consistent coarse‐graining procedure for realistic Brownian dynamics simulations of dilute solutions consisting of van der Waals force‐driven aggregated polymer chains. A specific application investigated here concerns mesoscale aggregation properties in dilute conjugated polymer solutions, knowledge of which has proven crucial for controlling the electrical‐conduction and light‐emitting behaviors of the solution‐cast polymer films. Beginning with a bead‐rod/bead‐spring chain, the interaction between two non‐bonded beads, currently parameterized through a Lennard‐Jones potential, is constructed so that the single chain geometry matches that in the real polymer solution. At the second stage of coarse‐graining, the mother bead‐rod/bead‐spring chain is further mapped onto a dumbbell, with the potential function constructed so as to reproduce the pair interchain potential obtained on the basis of the previously constructed chain models. Without additional adjustable parameters, the simulation may, in principle, be utilized to investigate specific dilute polymer solutions in which the supramolecular aggregation structure is primarily controlled through van der Waals attraction and excluded‐volume repulsion. Simulation results are examined in detail for a widely studied semiconducting, semiflexible polymer in two distinct solvents (aromatic or aliphatic), as well as for a usual flexible, basically non‐aggregated polymer solution for contrasting purpose. Despite a significant degree of coarse‐graining associated with the dumbbell model, the simulation can, in general, clearly distinguish between aggregated and non‐aggregated polymer solutions and, in particular, successfully capture the underlying aggregation features of the target polymer solutions as implied by recent experimental observations. In the meantime, detailed insight is gained into the essential physics governing supramolecular aggregation of semiflexible chains in dilute solution.magnified image
Dynamic Optimization of Molecular Weight Distribution Using Orthogonal Collocation on Finite Elements and Fixed Pivot Methods: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Saliakas Vassilis , Chatzidoukas Christos , Krallis Apostolos , Meimaroglou Dimitris , Kiparissides Costas 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn the present study, two numerical methods, namely the orthogonal collocation on finite elements and the fixed pivot technique, are employed to calculate the MWD in an MMA free‐radical batch suspension polymerization reactor operating up to very high conversions (e.g., ≥95%). The theoretical MWD predictions are directly compared with experimentally measured MWDs, obtained from a pilot‐scale batch MMA suspension polymerization reactor. It is shown that there is a very good agreement between model predictions and experimental measurements on both monomer conversion and MWD. Subsequently, two different time‐optimal temperature trajectories are calculated to obtain a polymer having either a narrow or a bimodal MWD in minimum batch time. The calculated time optimal trajectories are then applied, as set point temperature changes, to a pilot plant batch polymerization reactor. It is shown that the measured MWDs are in very good agreement with the off‐line calculated optimal MWDs.
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Combining standardized time series area and Cramér–von Mises variance estimators
Authors: Goldsman David , Kang Keebom , Kim Seong‐Hee , Seila Andrew F. , Tokol Gamze 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe propose three related estimators for the variance parameter arising from a steady‐state simulation process. All are based on combinations of standardized‐time‐series area and Cramér–von Mises (CvM) estimators. The first is a straightforward linear combination of the area and CvM estimators; the second resembles a Durbin–Watson statistic; and the third is related to a jackknifed version of the first. The main derivations yield analytical expressions for the bias and variance of the new estimators. These results show that the new estimators often perform better than the pure area, pure CvM, and benchmark nonoverlapping and overlapping batch means estimators, especially in terms of variance and mean squared error. We also give exact and Monte Carlo examples illustrating our findings.© 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
Measuring nurses' practice environments with the revised nursing work index: Evidence from registered nurses in the veterans health administration
Authors: Li Yu‐Fang , Lake Eileen T. , Sales Anne E. , Sharp Nancy D. , Greiner Gwendolyn T. , Lowy Elliott , Liu Chuan‐Fen , Mitchell Pamela H. , Sochalski Julie A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe Revised Nursing Work Index (NWI‐R) is a widely used instrument for evaluating registered nurses' (RNs) practice environments. The existence of multiple subscale sets from the NWI‐R raises questions about its generalizability. We tested the validity of the one‐, three‐, and five‐subscale sets from the NWI‐R and derived a short‐form subscale set using a sample of RNs from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The prior sets do not have an excellent fit to these data. Results of exploratory factor analyses suggested a four‐factor model with Opportunity for Advancement, Collegial Nurse‐Physician Relations, Staffing Adequacy, and Nurse Manager Leadership as the most salient and parsimonious solution. Additional research is needed to corroborate these findings in other nurse samples and settings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 31–44, 2007
Psychometric characteristics of the spiritual perspective scale in pregnant African‐American women
Authors: Dailey Dawn E. , Stewart Anita L. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn health disparities research, studying the vulnerabilities of African Americans should be balanced by research on resources and strengths that influence health. One resource is spirituality, yet few tools have been developed and tested in diverse populations. This study evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS) in 102 pregnant African American women. Internal consistency reliability was high and evidence of construct validity was provided. The SPS correlated as hypothesized with church attendance, religiosity, and self‐reported spirituality. In addition, the SPS correlated negatively with depression, anxiety, and stress. Factor analysis revealed a two‐factor solution. The SPS performed well suggesting that it is an appropriate tool to use as a measure of spirituality in pregnant African American women. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 61–71, 2007
The effect of a multi‐component smoking cessation intervention in African American women residing in public housing
Authors: Andrews Jeannette O. , Felton Gwen , Ellen Wewers Mary , Waller Jennifer , Tingen Martha 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of a multi‐component smoking cessation intervention in African American women residing in public housing. The intervention consisted of: (a) nurse led behavioral/empowerment counseling; (b) nicotine replacement therapy; and, (c) community health workers to enhance smoking self‐efficacy, social support, and spiritual well‐being. The results showed a 6‐month continuous smoking abstinence of 27.5% and 5.7% in the intervention and comparison groups. Changes in social support and smoking self‐efficacy over time predicted smoking abstinence, and self‐efficacy mediated 6‐month smoking abstinence outcomes. Spiritual well‐being did not predict or mediate smoking abstinence outcomes. These findings support the use of a nurse/community health worker model to deliver culturally tailored behavioral interventions with marginalized communities. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 45–60, 2007
The influence of maternal and child characteristics and paternal support on interactions of mothers and their medically fragile infants
Authors: Lee Tzu‐Ying , Holditch‐Davis Diane , Miles Margaret Shandor 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe influences of maternal characteristics, infant characteristics, and paternal support on maternal positive involvement and developmental stimulation were examined over time in 59 mothers and their medically fragile infants using an ecological framework. Higher maternal education was associated with greater maternal positive involvement. More maternal depressive symptoms, more infant technological dependence, and lower birthweights were associated with less maternal positive involvement at 6 months but greater involvement at 12 months. Higher paternal helpfulness facilitated positive involvement in mothers with low depressive symptoms but not in those with elevated symptoms. Higher maternal education and more depressive symptoms were associated with more developmental stimulation. Thus, maternal interactive behaviors are affected by maternal, infant, and environment factors, and these effects change over time. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 30: 17–30, 2007
Subsequent malignant neoplasms in survivors of childhood cancer: Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) studies
Authors: Davies Stella M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractSurvival of children diagnosed with cancer has improved markedly, because of improvements in chemotherapy and radiation treatment protocols, better diagnosis, and risk classification and improved supportive care. Significant numbers of survivors are now entering their 30s and 40s, and data indicate that excess mortality continues in this group at least as long as 25 to 30 years after treatment. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) is a large cohort study of 14,054 childhood cancer survivors who have been followed for over 13 years, with a median time from diagnosis now approaching 20 years. This cohort offers an extraordinary opportunity to study therapy‐associated subsequent malignant neoplasms, and has allowed improved definition of incidence and risk factors for subsequent breast and thyroid cancer. The collection of genetic samples from members of the cohort has allowed the inclusion of studies of genetic susceptibility to subsequent malignant neoplasms in this population with a uniquely well‐defined carcinogenic exposure. The planned formation of a new CCSS cohort, treated with more modern therapy, will allow the extension of these studies to younger populations and will define their experience of subsequent malignant neoplasms. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:727–730. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iodine‐131‐metaiodobenzylguanidine therapy with reduced‐intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation in recurrent neuroblastoma
Authors: Takahashi Hiroka , Manabe Atsushi , Aoyama Chiaki , Kamiya Takahiro , Kato Itaru , Takusagawa Ayako , Ogawa Chitose , Ozawa Miwa , Hosoya Ryota , Yokoyama Kunihiko 
Published: January 2007

AbstractNeuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, and iodine‐131‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapy is a new approach for grade IV neuroblastoma. We describe the case history of a 3‐year‐old girl with recurrent neuroblastoma who received MIBG therapy with reduced‐intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation (RIST) because of an extensive bone marrow involvement. The post‐transplant course was uneventful and complete chimerism was obtained. Neither acute nor chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was observed. The patient remained in remission for 3 months after RIST until the second relapse. MIBG therapy combined with RIST warrants further trials. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:676–678. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attention dysfunction and parent reporting in children with brain tumors
Authors: Patel Sunita K. , Lai‐Yates Judy J. , Anderson Jonathan W. , Katz Ernest R. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe IQ declines observed in children treated for brain tumor emerge as “late effects” and are conceptualized as secondary to changes in underlying mental processes, such as attention. Early identification of the underlying changes might help minimize the long‐term adverse outcomes. We evaluated the validity of a time‐efficient, standardized parent‐report measure in identifying attention dysfunction in childhood brain tumor survivors.ProcedureSeventy survivors between ages 6 and 16 who met eligibility criteria and who had completed a standard neuropsychological evaluation were classified into an attention dysfunction group and a non‐attention dysfunction group, based on their performance on objective measures of attention. Analysis of covariance was used to evaluate group differences on the widely used, parent report Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL).ResultsSurvivors in the attention dysfunction group were reported by their parents as having significantly more attention problems relative to the group without attention dysfunction on objective testing. Furthermore, survivors categorized as having attention dysfunction based on their neuropsychological test scores were reported on the CBCL by their parents as having significantly more social problems compared to the non‐attention dysfunction group.ConclusionsStandardized parent reporting of attention problems shows promise as a screening tool to detect attention dysfunction among survivors of childhood brain tumors. Findings include a strong association of decreased social functioning with attention dysfunction in brain tumor survivors. Furthermore, exploratory data suggest that the behavioral presentation of attention dysfunction in this group may be different from other clinical groups. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:970–974. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High incidence of meningioma in cranial irradiated survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Goshen Yacov , Stark Batia , Kornreich Liora , Michowiz Shalom , Feinmesser Meora , Yaniv Isaac 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundMost survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and T‐cell lymphoma (T‐NHL) treated before 1990 received cranial radiation. This study assessed the occurrence of second tumors in irradiated and non‐irradiated survivors.MethodsTwo hundred and ten survivors of ALL and T‐NHL were treated between 1974 and 1997 by several protocols. Imaging (MRI, CT) was performed every 3–6 years in 76/88 irradiated and 74/122 non‐irradiated patients for the last 20 years.ResultsFrom January 1998 through 2004, meningiomas were detected in 16 survivors (8 female, 8 male) at age 20–39 years (median 28.7); 15 were asymptomatic. Cranial imaging done 2–8 years previously in 11 revealed no abnormalities. Fifteen had been diagnosed with ALL or T‐NHL 10–29 years earlier (median 21) and received cranial irradiation (24 Gy in 14) at age 2–14 years (median 7.6). Fifteen tumors arose in the convexity. Three patients had multiple lesions. Complete resection was performed in 12 patients, with one complication. One patient had a recurrence, and four with small tumors are under surveillance. Only one low‐grade glioma and two basal‐cell carcinomas were found. Only one of the 74 non‐irradiated patients (median follow‐up 14 years) developed meningioma. The Kaplan‐Meier estimate of incidence of meningioma was 14.8 ± 7.6 at 20 years.ConclusionsSurvivors of childhood ALL treated with cranial radiation require prolonged surveillance because of a high incidence of late meningiomas. Early detection, when the tumor is still small, facilitates resection and may reduce complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:294–297. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ovarian dysgerminoma and Apert syndrome
Authors: Rouzier Cécile , Soler Christine , Hofman Paul , Brennetot Caroline , Bieth Eric , Pedeutour Florence 
Published: January 2007

AbstractApert syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from gain‐of‐function mutations in the FGFR2 gene. FGFR2 also has been shown to be amplified in stomach and breast cancers. We report the case of a 13‐year‐old female with Apert syndrome who developed an ovarian dysgerminoma. The FGFR2 exon 7 sequencing showed the classical Apert syndrome c.758C > G transversion (p.Pro253Arg). The genomic analyses of the tumor cells showed low level gains and losses of several chromosomes. This is the second report of the association of Apert syndrome with cancer. Our observation raises the hypothesis of a role for FGFR2 mutations in tumorigenesis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:696–698. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal diagnosis in the Netherlands, 1991–2000: number of invasive procedures, indications, abnormal results and terminations of pregnancy
Authors: Nagel H. T. C. , Knegt A. C. , Kloosterman M. D. , Wildschut H. I. J. , Leschot N. J. , Vandenbussche F. P. H. A. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo provide an overview of invasive prenatal diagnosis in the Netherlands and to analyse trends.MethodsAnnual results from all centres for invasive prenatal diagnosis in the Netherlands over the period 1991–2000 were combined and described, with particular emphasis on indications, abnormal results, type of invasive procedures, and terminations of pregnancy.ResultsThe percentage of invasive prenatal diagnosis increased from 5% of births in 1991 to 6% in 1996 and subsequently remained at that level. During the study period, the number of pregnant women aged 36 and older increased by 70%, but the number of procedures performed because of maternal age remained stable. The detection rate for abnormal results was 2–3% for maternal age and rose from 9 to 13% for other indications. Other trends during the study period included a relative decrease in cordocentesis (−82%) and chorionic villi biopsy (−18%) in favour of amniocentesis (+48%), and a strong decrease in the number of amniocentesis procedures for increased risk of neural tube defect. In 71% of the cases with abnormal results, the pregnancy was terminated.ConclusionThere was a significant decrease in the percentage of pregnant women aged 36 or older who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis without previous screening. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis based and shotgun strategies in the study of plasma membrane proteome
Authors: He Jintang , Liu Yashu , He Sizhi , Wang Qingsong , Pu Hai , Tong Yuanpeng , Ji Jianguo 
Published: January 2007

AbstractMembrane proteins play important roles in various plasma membrane (PM) activities such as signal transduction and cell recognition. However, a comprehensive proteomic study of membrane proteins remains difficult. Different strategies have been employed to study PM proteome, but little effort has been made to systematically evaluate them. In the present work, liver PM was prepared by subcellular fractionation and an aliquot was washed by sodium carbonate. After evaluation of the PM fraction by electron microscopy and Western blotting, proteins in both original and carbonate washed PM were identified by either 2‐DE coupled MALDI‐TOF‐MS or shotgun strategies. Then protein characteristics such as molecular weight, pI, grand average hydrophobicity, subcellular location, and transmembrane domains were systematically compared. The comparative analysis showed that shotgun strategies were more suitable to identify membrane proteins, while 2‐DE‐based strategies may serve as a complement. Furthermore, carbonate washing obviously enriched the integral membrane proteins. All the results suggested that the strategy combining carbonate washing and shotgun identification was the optimum strategy to study human liver PM proteome. Using this strategy, 260 high‐confidence proteins were identified, wherein 139 were integral membrane proteins which had 1–17 transmembrane domains.
Searching for potential biomarkers of cisplatin resistance in human ovarian cancer using a label‐free LC/MS‐based protein quantification method
Authors: Fitzpatrick Dawn P. G. , You Jin‐Sam , Bemis Kerry G. , Wery Jean‐Pierre , Ludwig James R. , Wang Mu 
Published: January 2007

AbstractPlatinum‐based chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, is the primary treatment for ovarian cancer. However, drug resistance has become a major impediment to the successful treatment of ovarian cancer. To date, the molecular mechanisms of resistance to platinum‐based chemotherapy remain unclear. In this study, we applied an LC/MS‐based protein quantification method to examine the global protein expression of two pairs of ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780/A2780‐CP (cisplatin‐sensitive/cisplatin‐resistant) and 2008/2008‐C13*5.25 (cisplatin‐sensitive/cisplatin‐resistant). We identified and quantified over 2000 proteins from these cell lines and 760 proteins showed significant expression changes with a false discovery rate of less than 5% between paired groups. Based on the results we obtained, we suggest several potential pathways that may be involved in cisplatin resistance in human ovarian cancer. This study provides not only a new proteomic platform for large‐scale quantitative protein analysis, but also important information for discovery of potential biomarkers of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, these results may be clinically relevant for diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutic improvement for ovarian cancer treatment.
Structural characterization of the functional regions in the archaeal protein Sso7d
Authors: Renzone Giovanni , Vitale Rosa M. , Scaloni Andrea , Rossi Mosè , Amodeo Pietro , Guagliardi Annamaria 
Published: January 2007

AbstractSso7d from the extreme thermophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus is a multifunctional protein in in vitro assays, whose in vivo role is still puzzling. Crystals of Sso7d in complex with DNA elucidated the protein surface involved in the binding to the nucleic acid, whereas the locations of the Sso7d regions responsible for a chaperone activity in renaturing protein aggregates (i.e., the protein‐binding surface and the site of ATPase activity) are still unknown. We identified the regions of Sso7d involved in protein‐binding by limited proteolysis experiments associated to advanced mass spectrometric procedures performed on isolated Sso7d and Sso7d in complex with the peptide melittin. By affinity labeling of Sso7d with the ATP analogue 5′‐p‐fluorosulfonylbenzoyl adenosine and characterization of the labeled tryptic peptides by tandem mass spectrometry, we found that Y7 and K39 are residues involved in ATP binding/hydrolysis. Insights into the positions of the ligands melittin and ATP were achieved by a molecular modeling study; the models obtained were in agreement with most experimental data. A comparison among the complexes of Sso7d with DNA, with melittin, and with ATP showed that the DNA‐binding surface and the protein‐binding surface overlap, whereas the ATPase site is mostly independent of the binding sites for the nucleic acid and melittin. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.