bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Novel Thiophene‐Based Oligomers and Polymers with Thienothiadiazole Units
Authors: Kmínek Ivan , Cimrová Věra , Výprachtický Drahomír , Pavlačková Petra 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: Novel non‐alkylated and alkylated quinquethiophenes were prepared by the Stille coupling reaction of bis(5‐bromo‐2‐thienyl)thieno[3,4‐c][1,2, 5]thiadiazole (TBr) with 2‐(tributylstannyl)thiophene. These compounds possess long wavelength absorption maxima around 700 nm in solution and 750 nm in thin films. Dibromo compound TBr is further employed as a building block in the syntheses of low‐bandgap copolymers with fluorene units. A soluble alternating copolymer was prepared by the Suzuki coupling of TBr with bis(propane‐1,3‐diyl) 9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)fluorene‐2,7‐diylbisboro‐nate. It shows the long‐wavelength absorption maximum at 747 nm in solution and at 764 nm in thin film, which indicates extensively conjugated system.
The Experimental Study of Acrylamide Based Photopolymer Recording Materials for Applications in Optical Holography
Authors: Květoň Milan , Havránek Antonín , Fiala Pavel , Richter Ivan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: The photopolymer recording material based on acrylamide monomer has been experimentally studied. After illumination with an interference field, the photopolymerization process is initiated and a diffraction grating is formed in real‐time. The performance of the material depends on its chemical composition and recording parameters. Due to its self‐developing characteristics, the real‐time measurement of hologram formation is used for detection of the recording process. From the measurement, properties of the material can be determined and optimized for different holographic applications.
Estrogen and its receptors in cancer
Authors: Chen George G , Zeng Qiang , Tse Gary MK 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe involvement of estrogen and its receptors in the development of cancer has been known for years. However, the exact mechanism responsible is far from clear. The estrogen‐mediated carcinogenic process is complicated by recent findings, which reveal that estrogens have multiple functions in cells, which can be either adverse or beneficial, and that the effects of estrogen may be cell‐type or organ dependent. The estrogenic effect may be also greatly influenced by the state of two estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ. This review will discuss the role and function of estrogens and its receptors in cancers of three categories: (1) Breast cancer and gynecologic cancers, (2) Cancers of endocrine organs, (3) Lung cancer and cancers of digestive system. We will also review some novel treatments aiming to interfere with relevant pathways mediated by estrogens and its receptors. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 28, No. 6, 954–974, 2008
Fundamental Molecular Weight Distribution of RAFT Polymers
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe molecular weight distribution formed in an ideal reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)‐mediated radical polymerization is considered theoretically. In this polymerization, the addition to the RAFT agent is reversible, and the active period on the same chain could be repeated, via the two‐armed intermediate, with probability 1/2. This possible repetition is accounted for by introducing a new concept, the overall active/dormant periods. With this method, the apparent functional form of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) reduces to that proposed for the ideal living radical polymers (Tobita, Macromol. Theory Simul. 2006, 15, 12). The repetition results in a broader MWD than without the repetition. The formulae for the average molecular weights formed in batch and a continuous stirred tank reactor are also presented.magnified image
Neuroleukemiosis: Case report of leukemic nerve infiltration in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Aregawi Dawit G. , Sherman Jonathan H. , Douvas Michael G. , Burns Ted M. , Schiff David 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe describe a patient in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed a painless common peroneal neuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed nerve thickening and enhancement, while a positron emission tomography (PET) scan demonstrated increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in a large segment of the neurovascular bundle, suggesting peripheral nerve infiltration. Both findings resolved following treatment with chemotherapy that crossed the blood–nerve barrier. In selected patients presenting with peripheral neuropathy, MRI and PET scan can be helpful in the diagnosis of peripheral nerve infiltration. Muscle Nerve, 2008
On the Correlation between Miscibility and Solubility Properties of Energetic Plasticizers/Polymer Blends: Modeling and Simulation Studies
Authors: Abou‐Rachid Hakima , Lussier Louis‐Simon , Ringuette Sophie , Lafleur‐Lambert Xavier , Jaidann Mounir , Brisson Josée 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this paper, systems for which miscibility (hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene–dioctyl adipate or HTPB–DOA) or immiscibility (HTPB–diethylene glycol dinitrate or HTPB–DEGDN) have been firmly established were used to test the usefulness of an atomistic molecular mechanics model. Two specific aspects were discussed: miscibility assessment of a plasticizer/polymer blend, and predictions of the enthalpy of vaporization. Simulations were carried out using Amorphous Cell and Discover packages of the Material Studio software using Compass force field for all calculations. A good agreement has been found for miscibility observations of blends, and for solubility parameter, density, and derived enthalpy of vaporization for pure substances. Therefore, the approach proposed in this work is a useful tool to provide insights on miscibility and properties of a given polymer/plasticizer blend. In addition, it is a promising technique to help in screening among several plastic bonded explosive (PBX) formulations prior to real experimental tests.
Conformational studies of [Abu3, 11]‐SFTI‐1, an analogue of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from sunflower seeds
Authors: Brzozowski Krzysztof , Majewski Radosław , Jaśkiewicz Anna , Łȩgowska Anna , Klaudel Lidia , Rodziewicz‐Motowidło Sylwia , Rolka Krzysztof 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWith only 14 amino acid residues, the trypsin inhibitor SFTI‐1 is the smallest naturally occurring serine proteinase inhibitor. It consists of two cyclic fragments (with head‐to‐tail cyclization and a disulfide bridge). In our previous paper, we showed that the removal of the disulfide bridge produced 2.4‐fold lower activity. Here, we present the total conformational analysis of the [Abu3, 11]‐SFTI‐1 analog by means of 2D NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with theoretical methods. The peptide was synthesized by Fmoc SPPS. It was cyclized with PyBop and DIPEA in DMF. The NMR studies were performed in DMSO‐d6 at 303 K. Conformations of the peptide studied were calculated by the following three approaches: distance geometry (DG), molecular dynamics (MD) and determination of the statistical weights of conformations. The first two algorithms use a CHARMM force field, whereas the last uses an ECEPP/3 force field. Our calculations resulted in three sets of conformers with 7, 9 and 6 representatives, respectively. All our results were compared with published ones. It was found that the peptide has an ill‐defined structure. Despite its conformational flexibility, the binding loop (3–11 fragment) displayed geometry similar to the corresponding fragments of the other SFTI‐1 analogs and to the inhibitor itself. Furthermore, the peptide bond between the Ile7 and Pro8 residues adopts cis geometry, which is essential for inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of p‐type transparent conducting tin–antimony oxide thin films by DC reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ji Zhenguo , Xi Junhua , Huo Lijuan , Zhao Yi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractP‐type transparent conducting tin–antimony oxide (TAO) films were successfully prepared by DC reactive magnetron sputtering followed by post annealing in the air. Structural, optical and electrical properties of the TAO films were investigated. X‐ray diffraction studies showed that the films are polycrystalline with orthorhombic structure of Sb2O4. UV–Visible absorption and transmittance spectra showed that the optical band‐gap of the TAO films is about 3.90 eV, and the overall transmittance is higher than 85% in the visible region. Hall effect measurement indicated that the Sn/Sb ratio is a critical parameter to get p‐type conducting TAO films. It was found that 0.19 < Sn/Sb ratio < 0.43 is the range in which p‐type TAO films could be obtained. Hole concentration as high as 4.03 × 1019 cm–3 and electrical resistivity as low as 0.155 Ωcm were achieved, showing potential applications of TAO films as p‐type transparent conducting films. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bivariate modeling of interobserver agreement coefficients
Authors: Shoukri Mohamed M. , Donner Allan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMany studies of interobserver agreement yield outcome measures on more than one binary trait. For example, Becker et al. (Int. J. Psychiatry Med. 2002; 32(3):271–283) reported on a study of depression and anxiety as two outcome measures obtained on 173 patients evaluated by two screening instruments, the first using a Patient Health Questionnaire and the second employing a Structured Clinical Interview. In this case, although inferences on each trait separately are usually of main interest, a question that also arises is whether or not the level of interobserver agreement can be regarded as stable across the two traits. In this paper, we develop the required methodology and provide an illustrative example. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Late Cenozoic of northern Transbaikalia and paleoclimates of southern East Siberia
Authors: Enikeev F.I. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Comprehensive studies have been applied to a core from well 126 in the Chara basin (eastern Baikal-Stanovoy upland). The 1180 m thick drilled section comprises Upper Pleistocene sediments (0–173.1 m) with two intervals of varved silt coeval with the Wurm Glacial, two Middle Pleistocene glacial intervals at 180–263.5 m and 337–424.7 m, earliest Pleistocene (424.7–550 m), Pliocene (550–1036 m), and Miocene (1036–1180 m) strata. The core records the history of Late Cenozoic climate and vegetation for the past 20 Myr (with two large gaps), which has been reconstructed using the pollen analysis. Interpolation of long- and medium-period climate oscillations tied to the time scale allows predicting a trend of possible climate change for the future 2–2.5 kyr.
Petrology of the Early Mesozoic ultramafic-mafic Luchina massif (southeastern periphery of the Siberian craton)
Authors: Buchko I.V. , Sorokin A.A. , Izokh A.E. , Larin A.M. , Kotov A.B. , Sal’nikova E.B. , Velikoslavinskii S.D. , Sorokin A.P. , Yakovleva S.Z. , Plotkina Yu.V. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Three zones of layered series — lower, middle, and upper — composed of dunites and plagiodunites, troctolites and olivine gabbros, gabbros and gabbronorites, respectively, have been recognized in the Luchina massif. The melt that produced the massif rocks was of picrite-basaltic composition (15–16% MgO), and its crystallization took place at 1300–1000 °C and ∼7 kbar. The Early Mesozoic age (248±1 Ma), geochemistry, and location of the massif on the northern periphery of the eastern segment of the Mongolo-Okhotsk fold belt suggest that it formed either in the hinterland of subduction zone dipping beneath the southern margin of the Dzhugdzhur-Stanovoy superterrane or on the periphery of the Siberian superplume during the mantle heating.
Numerical solution of Maxwell’s equations for anisotropic media using the Laguerre transform
Authors: Mastryukov A.F. , Mikhailenko B.G. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
We apply the spectral Laguerre transform in the time domain to solve 2D Maxwell’s equations for propagation of electromagnetic waves in lossy anisotropic media. The new algorithm is simple and efficient as Maxwell’s equations are reduced to a harmonic series of linear algebraic equations where the matrix is independent of the harmonic order and is the same for all harmonics.
The efficiency of the algorithm is improved by fitting a specially introduced free parameter of the Laguerre transform. If it is large, the solution spectrum shifts toward higher harmonics which is formally equivalent to the case of ray approximation.
The Laguerre solution is comparable with high-order accurate finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solutions. The method is stable both in the region of the wavefield, where conductivity approaches zero and the spectral Fourier method is unstable, and in the high-conductivity region, where the explicit FDTD code requires a too small time step.
Comparison of the effects of a high- and normal-casein breakfast on satiety, ‘satiety’ hormones, plasma amino acids and subsequent energy intake
Authors: Veldhorst Margriet A. B. , Nieuwenhuizen Arie G. , Hochstenbach-Waelen Ananda , Westerterp Klaas R. , Engelen Marielle P. K. J. , Brummer Robert-Jan M. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P. , Westerterp-Plantenga Margriet S. 
Published: July 2008

The present study compared the effects of a high- and normal-casein-protein breakfast on satiety, ‘satiety’ hormones, plasma amino acid responses and subsequent energy intake. Twenty-five healthy subjects (BMI 23·9 (sem 0·3) kg/m2; age 22 (sem 1) years) received a subject-specific standardised breakfast (20 % of daily energy requirements): a custard with casein as the single protein source with either 10, 55 and 35 (normal-casein breakfast) or 25, 55 and 20 (high-casein breakfast) % of energy (En%) from protein, carbohydrate and fat respectively in a randomised, single-blind design. Appetite profile (visual analogue scale; VAS), plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, ghrelin and amino acid concentrations were determined for 4 h; here the sensitive moment in time for lunch was determined. Subjects came for a second set of experiments and received the same custards for breakfast, and an ad libitum lunch was offered at 180 min after breakfast; energy intake was assessed. There were increased scores of fullness and satiety after the 25 En% casein-custard compared with the 10 En% casein-custard, particularly at 180 min (26 (sem 4) v. 11 (sem 5) mm VAS; P < 0·01) and 240 min (13 (sem 5) v. − 1 (sem 5) mm VAS; P < 0·01). This coincided with prolonged elevated plasma amino acid concentrations; total amino acids and branched-chain amino acids were higher after the 25 En% casein-custard compared with the 10 En% casein-custard at 180 and 240 min (P < 0·001). There was no difference in energy intake (3080 (sem 229) v. 3133 (sem 226) kJ for 25 En% and 10 En% respectively; NS) from the ad libitum lunch. In conclusion, a breakfast with 25 % of energy from casein is rated as being more satiating than a breakfast with 10 % of energy from casein at 3 and 4 h after breakfast, coinciding with prolonged elevated concentrations of plasma amino acids, but does not reduce subsequent energy intake.
Alfvén eigenmodes in magnetic X-point configurations with strong longitudinal fields
Authors: AYED N. BEN , McCLEMENTS K. G. , THYAGARAJA A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA perturbative three-dimensional analysis is presented of Alfvén waves in a magnetic X-point configuration with a strong longitudinal guide field. The waves are assumed to propagate in the direction of the X-line, and both the plasma beta and equilibrium plasma current are taken to be zero. This provides a simple model of Alfvén wave propagation in the divertor region of tokamak plasmas. It is shown that the presence of the X-point places constraints on the structure of the leading-order (shear Alfvén) eigenfunctions. These eigenfunctions, and fast wave corrections to them, are determined explicitly for two cases. In the first of these the stream function for the shear Alfvén flow is azimuthally symmetric in the X-point plane and singular at the X-line; in the second case the stream function is largely confined to two quadrants in the X-point plane and is non-singular. For the latter scenario it is shown that coupling of the shear and fast waves is strongly localized to the vicinity of the separatrix.
Dengue‐4 envelope domain III fused twice within the meningococcal P64k protein carrier induces partial protection in mice
Authors: Lazo Laura , Zulueta Aída , Hermida Lisset , Blanco Aracelys , Sánchez Jorge , Valdés Iris , Gil Lázaro , López Carlos , Romero Yaremis , Guzmán María G. , Guillén Gerardo 
Published: July 2008

A vaccine against dengue virus must be able to induce an effective and equivalent immune response to the four viral serotypes; however, some studies have revealed that DEN4 (dengue‐virus serotype 4) induces a weaker immune response than the others in quadrivalent (tetravalent’) formulations. We have previously reported the protective capacity, in a viral encephalitis murine model, of fusion protein P64k–envelope domain III of DEN1, DEN2 and DEN3. We also reported that the P64k protein can be used as a carrier in two different positions: the insertion following the first 45 amino acids and the fusion at the C‐terminus. Considering the low immunogenicity described for DEN4, in the present study we obtained a novel chimaeric protein by inserting two dengue‐4 envelope domains III in both sites of P64k (PD24), and hence increasing the presence of the virus in the final construct. After expression in Escherichia coli and semipurification, the protein exhibited a pattern of high molecular mass and was well recognized by human and murine polyclonal antibodies. The protein was finally evaluated in mice, Al(OH)3 being employed as the adjuvant. Even though the animals exhibited low levels of antiviral antibodies, the recombinant protein induced significant protection against lethal challenge with dengue‐4 virus.
Rising Economic Impact of Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease in Adult Hospitalized Patient Population
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Bartlett John G , Speck Kathleen , Naegeli April , Carroll Karen , Perl Trish M. 
Published: July 2008

Background.Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is responsible for increased morbidity and a substantial economic burden. Incidences of CDAD, including those with a severe course of illness, have been increasing rapidly.Objective.To evaluate the excess mortality, increased length of stay (LOS) in the hospital, and additional costs associated with CDAD.Design.A retrospective matched cohort study.Patients.Adult patients admitted to a large tertiary care hospital between January 2000 and October 2005.Methods.Adult patients were tested with a C. difficile laboratory assay at admission or 72 hours after admission. Infected patients had lor more positive assay results and were individually matched to 1 uninfected patient who had negative assay results, by exposure time, age, ward, and at least 2 measurements for comorbidity and severity of illness.Results.The incidence rate of CDAD among adult patients increased from 0.57 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk before 2004 to 0.88 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk after 2004 (P < .001). The 630 infected patients had a mortality rate of 11.9%; the 630 uninfected patients had a mortality rate of 15.1% (P = .02). After adjustment in the multivariate analysis, we found that the LOS for infected patients was 4 days longer than that for uninfected patients (P < .001). If CDAD occurred after 2004, the additional LOS increased to 5.5 days. The direct cost associated with CDAD was $306 per case; after year 2004, it increased to $6,326 per case.Conclusions.There may be no excess mortality among patients with CDAD, compared with patients without it, but the economic burden of CDAD is increasing. By 2004, CDAD-associated medical expenditures approached $1,000,000 per year at our institution alone.
Development of a two-dimensional agent-based model for chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy after stem cell transplantation
Authors: Galvão Viviane , Miranda José Garcia Vivas , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ricardo 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Motivation: A significant issue in stem cell therapy is to understand the role of this type of cell in the tissue regeneration. To explain this mechanism, an experimental study has quantified that the bone marrow cell transplantation decreases the number of inflammatory cells and reduces the fibrosis area in chagasic mice. Using this experimental data, we have developed an agent-based computational model to investigate the regeneration of the chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy after bone marrow stem cell transplantation.
Results: Our model includes six different types of agents: inflammatory cell, fibrosis area, cardiomyocyte, proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α, Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and bone marrow stem cell. This latter promotes apoptosis in inflammatory cells, reduction in the fibrosis area and can differentiate into cardiomyocyte. Proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α can increase the fibrosis area and T.cruzi can increase the number of inflammatory cells. Our results for both apoptosis of inflammatory cells and reduction in the fibrosis area were compared with experimental data. They suggest that the concentration pattern is the most important factor to characterize the kinetics of cardiac tissue regeneration after bone marrow stem cell transplantation.
Availability: The source code of our software is available online at www.vivas.ufba.br/bone/bone.zip
Contact: vivianegalvao@uefs.br
Supplementaty information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Taiwanese nursing students’ knowledge, application and confidence with standard and additional precautions in infection control
Authors: Wu Chia‐Jung , Gardner Glenn E , Chang Anne M 
Published: July 2008

Aim.  This study reports on nursing students’ current capacity to handle standard and additional infection‐control precautions in terms of their knowledge, application skills and confidence.Background.  These precautions are recommended as the guidelines for preventing infections and ensuring occupational safety. As nursing students undertake patient care during clinical practice, their knowledge of and ability to apply these precautions with confidence should be examined before they enter the clinical field.Method.  A specific tool, the Infection Control Evaluation, was developed and distributed.Design.  A cross‐sectional survey involving a sample of preservice nursing students was conducted in southern Taiwan.Results.  The results were based on an 88% response rate and indicated that the level of knowledge concerning standard and additional precautions was low among Taiwanese nursing students. Their ability in applying these precautions in clinical practice also appeared to be inadequate.Conclusions.  Such findings indicate that Taiwanese preservice nursing students require a comprehensive foundation course in infection‐control precautions before they enter the clinical environment. This will help to ensure their protection and that of their patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  As the findings highlight the importance of providing such education for students before they undertake any clinical work, the information provided here can help nursing educators and academics to develop a specific program.