bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microdomain morphology of lamella‐forming diblock copolymer confined in a thin film
Authors: He Linli , Zhang Linxi , Liang Haojun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe report the self‐consistent field theory (SCFT) of the morphology of lamella‐forming diblock copolymer thin films confined in two horizontal symmetrical/asymmetrical surfaces. The morphological dependences of thin films on the polymer‐surface interactions and confinement, such as film thickness and confinement spatial structure, have been systematically investigated. Mechanisms of the morphological transitions can be understood mainly through the polymer‐surface interactions and confinement entropy, in which the plat confinement surface provides a surface‐induced effect. The confinement is expressed in the form of the ratioD/L0, hereDis film thickness, andL0is the period of bulk lamellar‐structure. Much richer morphologies and multiple surface‐induced morphological transitions for the lamella‐forming diblock copolymer thin films are observed, which have not been reported before. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 1–10, 2009
Viscoelastic properties of Nafion at elevated temperature and humidity
Authors: Satterfield M. Barclay , Benziger Jay B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTensile stress–strain and stress relaxation properties of 1100 equivalent weight Nafion have been measured from 23 to 120 °C at 0–100% relative humidity. At room temperature, the elastic modulus of Nafion decreases with water activity. At 90 °C, the elastic modulus goes through a maximum at a water activity of ∼ 0.3. At temperatures ≥90 °C, hydrated membranes are stiffer than dry membranes. Stress‐relaxation was found to have two very different rates depending on strain, temperature, and water content. At high temperature, low water activity, and small strain, the stress relaxation displays a maximum relaxation time with stress approaching zero after 103–104s. Water absorption slows down stress‐relaxation rates. At high water activity, the maximum stress relaxation time was >105s at all temperatures. No maximum relaxation time was seen atT≤ 50 °C. Increasing the applied strain also resulted in no observed upper limit to the stress relaxation time. The results suggest that temperature, absorbed water, and imposed strain alter the microstructure of Nafion inducing ordering transitions; ordered microstructure increases the elastic modulus and results in a stress relaxation time of >105s. Loss of microphase order reduces the elastic modulus and results in a maximum stress relaxation time of 103–104s. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 11–24, 2009.
Suppressed coalescence of dispersed viscous poly(methyl methacrylate) phase in polystyrene matrix by glass beads
Authors: Chen Peng , Chen Jun , He Jiasong 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe effect of glass beads (GB) on morphology of polystyrene (PS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends has been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at different shear rates and during quiescent annealing. For the viscosity ratio of PMMA to PS greater than unity, the dispersed viscous PMMA phase in the blend coalesced during the shear flow or quiescent annealing. However, the domain size of the PMMA phase decreased significantly under shear even though a small amount of GB was added. The PMMA domain size further decreased and the size distribution became narrower with increasing GB content. According to SEM images, the quiescent coalescence of the PMMA phase was effectively inhibited by adding large amounts of GB, and the breakup of PMMA domains in shear flow was greatly favored by the high local shear prevailed between GB. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 25–35, 2009
Effects of nucleating agents on microstructure and fracture toughness of poly(propylene)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer blends
Authors: Bai Hongwei , Wang Yong , Song Bo , Huang Ting , Han Liang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe effects of nucleating agents (NAs) on fracture toughness of injection‐molded isotactic poly(propylene)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (PP/EPDM) were studied in this work. Compared with PP/EPDM blends without any NA, PP/EPDM/NA blends show very small and homogeneous PP spherulites. As we expected, PP/EPDM blends nucleated with β‐phase NA aryl amides compound (TMB‐5) present not only a significant enhancement in toughness but also a promotion of brittle‐ductile transition. However, the addition of α‐phase NA 1,3:2,4‐bis(3,4‐dimethylbenzylidene) sorbitol (DMDBS) has no apparent effect on the toughness of the blends. The impact‐fractured surface morphologies of such samples were analyzed via scanning electronic microscope (SEM). More detail work about the toughening mechanisms of elastomer and NA based on elastomer particles size and matrix crystal structures were carried out. Our results suggest that, besides the crystal structures of matrix, the elastomer particles size and size distribution plays an important role in controlling the toughening effect of nucleated PP/elastomer blends. The smaller the elastomer particles size and lower the polydispersity, the more apparent the synergistic toughening effect of NA and elastomer is. This investigation provides a fresh insight into the understanding of toughening mechanism of elastomers in PP blends and facilitates to the design of super toughened PP materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 46–59, 2009
Novel poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/clay/poly(acrylamide) IPN hydrogels with the response rate and drug release controlled by clay content
Authors: Li Biao , Jiang Yongmei , Liu Yang , Wu Yongtao , Yu Hao , Zhu Meifang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNovel interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogels (PNIPAAm/clay/PAAm hydrogels) based on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) crosslinked by inorganic clay and poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) crosslinked by organic crosslinker were prepared in situ by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation polymerization. The effects of clay content on temperature dependence of equilibrium swelling ratio, deswelling behavior, thermal behavior, and the interior morphology of resultant IPN hydrogels were investigated with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM). Study on temperature dependence of equilibrium swelling ratio showed that all IPN hydrogels exhibited temperature‐sensitivity. DSC further revealed that the temperature‐sensitivity was weakened with increasing amount of clay. Study on deswelling behavior revealed that IPN hydrogels had much faster response rate when comparing with PNIPAAm/clay hydrogels, and the response rate of IPN hydrogels could be controlled by clay content. SEM revealed that there existed difference in the interior morphology of IPN hydrogels between 20 [below lower critical solution temperature (LCST)] and 50 °C (above LCST), and this difference would become obvious with a decrease in clay content. For the standpoint of applications, oscillating swelling/deswelling behavior was investigated to determine whether properties of IPN hydrogels would be stable for potential applications. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as model drug for in vitro experiment, the release data suggested that the controlled drug release could be achieved by modulating clay content. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47: 96–106, 2009
Caregiving Consequences Inventory: a measure for evaluating caregiving consequences from the bereaved family member's perspective
Authors: Sanjo Makiko , Morita Tatsuya , Miyashita Mitsunori , Shiozaki Mariko , Sato Kazuki , Hirai Kei , Shima Yasuo , Uchitomi Yosuke 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: The aims of this study were to validate an instrument for measuring bereaved family members' perceptions of caregiving consequences and to examine the association between caregiving consequences and psychological distress.Methods: Cross‐sectional questionnaires were administered to family members of patients who had died in regional cancer centers. We measured the Caregiving Consequences Inventory (CCI), respondent's optimism, overall reward scale, and psychological distress and collected background data. A retest was conducted.Results: Bereaved families from two regional cancer centers were surveyed (N=189 and 109; effective response rate, 57 and 80%). By exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we identified four perceived reward domains: ‘mastery’, ‘appreciation for others’, ‘meaning in life’, and ‘reprioritization’, and one perceived burden domain. Although the four reward domains were highly correlated with each other (0.47<r<0.69), the 4‐domain model was superior. The respondents with less education, strong faith, and less optimism reported fewer perceived rewards, thus demonstrating known group validity. In addition, perceived reward had little or no correlation with psychological distress. The psychometric properties of this scale were good (α=0.78–0.93, ICC=0.60–0.73) and construct validity was supported (GFI=0.929; AGFI=0.819; CFI=0.749; RMSEA=0.097).Conclusions: The CCI is valid for measuring caregiving consequences from the bereaved family member's perspective in Japan. Furthermore, it is important to use perceived rewards and burdens as a measure of caregiving consequences for improving the quality of the caregiving and bereavement experience. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived risk for gastric cancer among the general Korean population: a population‐based survey
Authors: Kwak Min‐Son , Choi Kui Son , Park Sohee , Park Eun‐Cheol 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: We measured the perceived risk for developing gastric cancer and investigated how a range of socio‐demographic, lifestyle, health, and psychological factors were associated with risk perception in a population‐based sample in Korea.Methods: This study was based on the 2006 Korean National Cancer Screening Survey conducted by the National Cancer Center, in which trained interviewers met face‐to‐face with participants selected by a nationally representative random sampling. The participants included 1673 adults, aged 40 years or older, who had not previously been diagnosed with cancer. Simple and multiple ordinal regression were used to determine the associations between perceived risk and socio‐demographic, lifestyle, health, and psychological factors.Results: Almost half of the subjects (48.3%) thought their chance of developing gastric cancer was lower than that of other men or women of the same age. A higher level of worry concerning gastric cancer was strongly associated with a higher perceived risk for gastric cancer development. Those who drink alcohol two or more days per week, and who are unmarried all perceived their risk as being higher. However, those without a previous gastric cancer screening, a personal history of gastric disease, or a good overall health status had a lower perceived risk for gastric cancer development.Conclusion: This study found comparative optimism about the risk for developing gastric cancer in a Korean population. It is necessary to increase people's ability to accurately perceive their risk for cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increases in core body temperature precede hot flashes in a prostate cancer patient
Authors: Hanisch Laura J. , Mao Jun J. , Gehrman Philip R. , Vaughn David J. , Coyne James C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective: An effective and safe alternative treatment to hormone replacement therapy for hot flashes is needed for cancer patients. Interventions targeting the triggering mechanisms of hot flashes hold promise. Increases in core body temperature are a precursor of most hot flashes in women, and similar findings in prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy would support further research in this area. We present preliminary findings of physiological changes in a prostate cancer patient with frequent hot flashes.Methods: Physiological changes in sternal skin conductance, heart rate, and core body temperature were continuously measured during two 3.5 h laboratory sessions. Perceived characteristics of hot flashes were recorded in a diary.Results: Five hot flashes were reported during laboratory sessions. Severity and bother ratings were low. All hot flashes were accompanied by large increases in sternal skin conductance and moderate increases in heart rate. Core body temperature increased 0.11–0.32°C prior to and fell 0.23–0.44°C following the peak increase in skin conductance.Conclusions: This case study suggests that hot flashes in men may be preceded by increases in core body temperature. Identification of behavioral factors that raise core body temperature may lead to specific treatment strategies to reduce the frequency of hot flashes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A qualitative proteome investigation of the sediment portion of human urine: Implications in the biomarker discovery process
Authors: Mataija‐Botelho Diane , Murphy Patrick , Pinto Devanand M. , MacLellan Dawn L. , Langlois Chantale , Doucette Alan A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractInherent to the biomarker discovery process is a comparative analysis of physiological states. It is therefore critical that the proteome detection protocol does not bias the analysis. With urine, the sediment portion, obtained upon thawing frozen urine, is routinely discarded prior to proteome analysis. However, our results demonstrate that such a practice inadvertently induces bias, having significant implications in the biomarker discovery process. We present the first proteome investigation of human urinary sediments, identifying 60 proteins in this phase by MS. Many sediment proteins were also detected in the urinary supernatant, indicating that several proteins partition between the two phases. This partitioning is dependant on the pH of the sample, as well as the degree of sample agitation. As a consequence of discarding the sediment portion of urine, the concentration of potential candidate biomarkers in the supernatant phase will be altered or, in other instances, may be completely removed from the sample. To minimize this, the pH of all samples should first be normalized, and the samples vigorously vortexed prior to discarding the sediments. For more comprehensive biomarker investigations, we suggest that urinary sediments be analyzed along with the supernatant proteins.
Proteomic expression analysis and comparison of protein and mRNA expression profiles in human malignant gliomas
Authors: Persson Oscar , Brynnel Ulrika , Levander Fredrik , Widegren Bengt , Salford Leif G. , Krogh Morten 
Published: November 2008

AbstractGliomas are highly heterogeneous and therapy resistant tumors with a poor prognosis. Novel experimental therapeutic approaches have shown some promising results, but often target specific molecular mechanisms or antigens, and careful characterization of the molecular subgroup of the tumors will therefore likely be important. Thorough investigations of gene and protein alterations are also important to better understand the tumorigenic mechanisms. We have undertaken a proteomic approach, using 2‐D DIGE and LC‐MS/MS protein identification, to investigate 38 human gliomas and normal brains. We show that the proteome profile can discriminate between normal brain and tumors, and between tumors of varying grade by a supervised classifier. Furthermore, an analysis of the identified proteins shows an enrichment of proteins associated to pathways known to be central in gliomas, such as MEK/Erk signaling and actin cytoskeleton. It also shows a shift between different glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) representatives in different grades. In a previous study the gene expression profile was characterized in an almost identical set of tumors, which enabled a paired analysis of the gene and protein expression profiles. We show that there is often a weak correlation between the mRNA and protein level. This, together with the ability of proteomics to identify PTMs, emphasizes the benefit of characterization on a protein level.
Dissection of the critical binding determinants of cellular retinoic acid binding protein II by mutagenesis and fluorescence binding assay
Authors: Vasileiou Chrysoula , Lee Kin Sing Stephen , Crist Rachael M. , Vaezeslami Soheila , Goins Sarah M. , Geiger James H. , Borhan Babak 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe binding of retinoic acid to mutants of Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein II (CRABPII) was evaluated to better understand the importance of the direct protein/ligand interactions. The important role of Arg111 for the correct structure and function of the protein was verified and other residues that directly affect retinoic acid binding have been identified. Furthermore, retinoic acid binding to CRABPII mutants that lack all previously identified interacting amino acids was rescued by providing a carboxylic acid dimer partner in the form of a Glu residue. Proteins 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel solid phase approach to Aia‐containing peptides
Authors: Feytens Debby , De Vlaeminck Magali , Tourwé Dirk 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA strategy was developed to directly assemble 4‐amino‐1,2,4,5‐tetrahydro‐indolo[2,3‐c]‐azepin‐3‐ones on solid‐phase‐supported peptide sequences. Fmoc‐ and Boc‐based strategies were investigated. The Fmoc‐strategy approach strongly depends on the peptide sequence being synthesized while the Boc‐based synthesis leads to excellent results for all the selected peptide analogs. The method was applied to prepare Aia‐analogs of several bioactive peptides containing one or more Trp‐residues which were shown to be important for biological recognition. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Washout and delayed start designs for identifying disease modifying effects in slowly progressive diseases using disease progression analysis
Authors: Ploeger Berend Arnold , Holford Nicholas H. G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTreatment of a slowly progressive disease, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease should slow down or even reverse progression of the disease. For estimating the actual treatment effect a clinical trial should allow the time course of treatment effects to be distinguished from those due to natural disease progression. A symptomatic treatment effect has a rapid onset, which will disappear after treatment cessation, whereas disease modifying effects are slow and persistent. Our objective was to compare the power of washout and delayed start designs for distinguishing symptomatic and disease modifying effects using disease progression modelling. The effect of dropout due to worsening disease status on the power was also considered.The change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score over time was simulated, assuming that a treatment has a combined symptomatic and disease modifying effect. The simulated data were then fitted with the combined effect model and also with alternative models with either symptomatic or disease modifying effects alone. The power was derived from the number of times that the true model was correctly distinguished from the alternative models.Including a washout period in which the subjects are followed up after cessation of treatment substantially increases the power to distinguish different treatment effect types (washout>80%; delayed start<60%). Dropout of 40%–50% during the trial has a small effect on power (7% decrease). Under the assumptions of the simulation we found a clear advantage from using the washout design compared with a delayed start design. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stakeholders, reciprocity, and firm performance
Authors: Bosse Douglas A. , Phillips Robert A. , Harrison Jeffrey S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe assumption that economic actors behave in a boundedly self‐interested manner promises fruitful new insights for strategic management. A growing literature spanning multiple disciplines indicates most actors' selfish utility maximizing behaviors are bounded by norms of fairness. Rather than being purely self‐interested, people behave reciprocally by rewarding others whose actions they deem fair and willingly incurring costs to punish those they deem unfair. Economists show that employers who are perceived as distributionally fair by their employees generate comparatively more value due to the positively reciprocal behavior of those employees. The organizational justice literature distinguishes two additional types of fairness assessed by employees. Drawing from both these bodies of work, we employ stakeholder theory to propose how perceptions of fairness result in reciprocity (1) extending to all stakeholders of the firm and (2) affecting firm performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metacognitive engagement during field‐trip experiences: A case study of students in an amusement park physics program
Authors: Nielsen Wendy S. , Nashon Samson , Anderson David 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis article reports on a study that investigated students' metacognitive engagement in both out‐of‐school and classroom settings, as they participated in an amusement park physics program. Students from two schools that participated in the program worked in groups to collectively solve novel physics problems that engaged their individual metacognition. Their conversations and behavioral dispositions during problem‐solving were digitally audio‐recorded on devices that they wore or placed on the tables where groups worked on the assigned physics problems. The students also maintained reflection journals on the strategies they employed to manage their own understanding as well as learning processes. Prior to the amusement park physics discourse, the students completed a specially developed questionnaire instrument. This provided signposts of the students' metacognitive engagement during group problem‐solving at the park and subsequent related physics learning tasks back in the classroom. This data, added to field notes arising from observations, and formal and informal interviews during post‐visit learning activities provided the data corpus on the students' metacognitive engagement. Analysis of this data revealed three types of metacognitive engagement during group learning tasks: collaborative and consensus‐seeking, highly argumentative, and eclectic, resulting from high levels of dissonance. In both cases, evidence of individual students' deeper understandings, which manifested through students' cognitive and social behaviors, demonstrated the invocation of metacognition to varying degrees. The novel physics problems tackled by the students created situations where discrepancies between their prior knowledge and the direct experiences enabled them to explicate their thinking through dispositions of behavior. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 46: 265–288, 2009