bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PTC effect in HDPE filled with carbon blacks modified by Ni and Au metallic particles
Authors: Pourabbas Behzad , Peighambardoust S. Jamal 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSeveral types of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) composites are prepared by using Ni and Au modified carbon black. The major aim of this work was the lowering of the room temperature resistivity of the composites by enhancement of electrical conduction of the CB particles by incorporating metallic particles. Investigations showed that the metal particles fill the cavities and surface defects of the CB and thus surface free area reduces after modification. Metallic particles also change the nature of the CB particles after modification. Several types of PTC composites were prepared by using modified and unmodified CB by several loading level of filler. Measuring electrical properties of the PTC samples showed that the Ni modified CB reduce room temperature resistivity to lower than that of PTC composites prepared by unmodified CB. PTC composites prepared by Au modified CBs showed very different properties compared to PTC composites prepared by Ni modified CB. Their resistivities were quite higher than the others showing a poor compatibility between the matrix and Au modified CB. The effect of thermal annealing also investigated on the electrical properties of the prepared composites. Room temperature resistivities reduced for most of the samples while PTC intensities increased after annealing. Theoretical bases are employed to discuss the room temperature resistivity and PTC behavior of the composites before and after annealing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
High molecular weight polypropylene nanospheres: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Paik Pradip , Kar Kamal K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe high molecular weight (MW) polypropylene with average particle size of 60 nm was synthesized by controlled growth mechanism using Ziegler–Natta catalyst. The atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed that PP nanoparticles were spherical in shape. Structure and crystallinity were concomitantly studied through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction, respectively. It shows nanospherical PP particles with more crystallinity (∼ 75%) compared with macrosized PP (∼ 59%). In addition, differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed the finite particle size effect on Tg and the scale dependence Tg followed a first order exponential trend. As particle size goes down to nano‐ scale from macrosize, continuous elevation of Tg's were observed from −25 to −11°C. This phenomenon was directed to configuration entropy of single spherical nanoparticles of PP. The mechanical properties and surface roughness were also evaluated through AFM. At last, the properties of nanosized PP were compared with micron and macrosized particles. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effects of meta and para diamines on the properties of polyetherimide nanocomposite films prepared by the sol‐gel process
Authors: Chen Bor‐Kuan , Fang Yu‐Ting , Cheng Jing‐Ru , Tsay Sun‐Yuan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe effects of chemical structure of diamines on the properties of polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite films prepared by the sol‐gel process were investigated. For meta diamine, nanocomposites with improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties can be prepared by a sol‐gel process from soluble PEI via chemical imidization, with silica content up to 10%. However, for the PEI with pPDA as diamine and bisphenol A dianhydride, a two‐stage sol‐gel process via thermal imidization was necessary to prepare the nanocomposites. The thermal stability and mechanical properties were improved with the addition of up to 5 wt % of silica content. The variation could be attributed to the fact that differences in the compatibility between PEI and SiO2 for two kinds of PEI with the different meta and para structure of the diamine monomer. The morphology of the fracture surfaces investigated by SEM showed a finely interconnected or cocontinuous phase for PEI nanocomposites with the silica content of up to 10% and 5 wt % for mPDA and pPDA as diamine, respectively. At higher silica contents, thermal and mechanical properties were reduced due to the aggregation of SiO2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
A novel method of encapsulating and cultivating adherent mammalian cells within collagen microcarriers
Authors: Wu Ta‐Jen , Huang Hsiu‐Hsuan , Hsu Yuan‐Ming , Lyu Shaw‐Ruey , Wang Yng Jiin 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA novel method of preparing collagen microcarriers was developed and used to entrap adherent cells for cell culturing. This new technique involved seeding of cells in micro gel beads comprised of collagen fibrils dispersed in alginate. The gel beads were washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to remove alginate and the resulting microspheres, about 300–500 µm in diameter, contained evenly distributed collagen fibrils which provided a 3D biomimetic environment for cell growth. The applicability of this microencapsulating system was demonstrated by its ability to support the growth of C2C12 myoblast cells. When seeded and cultured within the 3D collagen microcarriers, the population of C2C12 cells entrapped within the microcarriers increased by 1.5 folds in 7 days after inoculation. This encapsulation technique is potentially useful for culturing cells and especially useful for adherent cells that require a 3D fibrillar collagen environment. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 578–585. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the use of the T‐REx™ tetracycline‐inducible gene expression system in vivo
Authors: Dobrovolsky Vasily N. , Heflich Robert H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractComponents of the commercially available T‐REx™ system were used to create two types of transgenic mice. The first contained the tetracycline‐repressor transgene under the control of the CMV promoter/enhancer; the second type contained a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter transgene under the control of the CMV promoter/enhancer with a tetracycline repressor operator sequence. Transgene expression was unpredictable in animals containing the individual transgenes. Animals with the reporter transgene expressed GFP in only some tissues (e.g., pancreas, kidney), and one line of reporter transgenic animals developed kidney disease, presumably due to expression of the transgene. The two types of transgenic animals were crossbred to produce double‐transgenic animals with the object of regulating the expression of the reporter in vivo. When a similar double‐transgenic system was constructed in cultured cells, the repressor protein suppressed the transcription of the reporter transgene. The presence of the repressor in double‐transgenic animals had no effect on the expression of the reporter; double transgenic animals developed the same kidney disease that was seen in singly transgenic mice with the reporter. Our results indicate that transgenes under the control of the CMV promoter in the T‐REx system express somewhat unpredictably and in only a limited number of tissues, making the use of this system for the development of in vivo models problematical. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98:719–723. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corporate social responsibility and policy making: what role does communication play?
Authors: Mathis Arno 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCommunication is of central importance for business and public authorities to make substantial progress on the sustainability ladder. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is about the contribution of business to sustainability, and stakeholder theory is an integral concept of CSR. The literature regularly associates stakeholder management with good CSR schemes and practices. Proactive companies are assumed to interact at a certain level with their affected stakeholders through their business activities. It is quite common to find studies that show a direct connection between stakeholder management and business success, especially with regard to financial success. However, this study, based on an in‐depth case study on Campina, the second largest dairy company in the Netherlands, has its primary focus not on direct financial implications of stakeholder management, but on the impact proactive stakeholder management has on the interaction between companies and public authorities. The study argues that CSR pro‐active companies are better positioned in their sectors, especially when relating with public authorities, and that such companies are better able to influence the policy‐making process compared with their competitors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Feasibility and clinical impact of transcatheter closure of interatrial communications after a fenestrated Fontan procedure: Medium‐term outcomes
Authors: Pihkala Jaana , Yazaki Satoshi , Mehta Rohit , Lee Kyong‐Jin , Chaturvedi Rajiv , McCrindle Brian W. , Arsdell Glen Van , Benson Lee N. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective:This study was to review an institutional experience with transcatheter closure of Fontan fenestrations and its impact on clinical care.Background:An interatrial fenestration improves postoperative outcomes in high‐risk children undergoing a Fontan repair. While technical feasibility has been well defined, the clinical impact of subsequent closure is not well defined.Methods:Transcatheter closure of a surgically created or additional interatrial communication was attempted in 152 children at a median interval of 13.8 months after surgery. The clinical records were reviewed for demographic and anatomical characteristics, previous surgeries; catheterization data, and status at latest follow‐up.Results:Mean oxygen saturation and right atrial pressure increased acutely from 87% ± 5% to 96% ± 3% (P < 0.001) and 12 ± 2 mm Hg to 13 ± 3 mm Hg (P < 0.001), respectively. Higher systemic venous atrial pressures after occlusion correlated with higher pulmonary artery pressures (P = 0.05) before the Fontan procedure and with higher right (P < 0.001) and left atrial (P = 0.001) and ventricular end‐diastolic pressures (P < 0.001) immediately before occlusion. Complications included device malposition in 2 children, 1 child each had an air embolism and post‐procedural bleeding, and each self‐limiting and 1 child had acute ST elevation in inferior ECG leads because of occlusion of the acute marginal branch which was treated with angioplasty and placement of a stent. At follow‐up (median 4.5 years), the mean oxygen saturation was 95% ± 3%. Residual interatrial leaks were noted echocardiographically in 9%. Two children developed protein‐losing enteropathy after fenestration closure. No deaths or strokes were observed in follow‐up.Conclusions:Transcatheter occlusion of Fontan fenestrations is safe with acute and persistent improvements in oxygen saturations. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Access site hematoma requiring blood transfusion predicts mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Dynamic Registry
Authors: Yatskar Leonid , Selzer Faith , Feit Fredrick , Cohen Howard A. , Jacobs Alice K. , Williams David O. , Slater James 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective:To determine both the etiology of and outcomes associated with access site hematoma requiring transfusion (HRT) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Background:Access site hematoma in the setting of PCI is the most frequent periprocedural complication (2–12%). Antiplatelet and antithrombin therapy is designed to lower the incidence of adverse ischemic events while maintaining an acceptable rate of hemorrhagic complications.Methods:This was a prospective, multi‐center, cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing PCI during 3 NHLBI Dynamic Registry recruitment waves (1997–2002). The primary endpoints included the incidence of HRT, in‐hospital death, and death at 1‐year.Results:The incidence of HRT was 1.8% and femoral access was common. Older age, lower BMI, female sex, concomitant renal, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular, and pulmonary disease were significantly associated with HRT. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, thrombolytic therapy, and postprocedure heparin were more commonly used in HRT patients, but there was no difference in thienopiridiene use. Attempted lesions in patients developing HRT were more often calcified, thrombotic, located in an ostial location, or class B2 or C. In‐hospital mortality and 1‐year death rate was 9 and 4.5 times higher in HRT patients respectively. Following adjustment, HRT remained independently associated with in‐hospital mortality (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.66–7.77) and 1‐year death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.65, 95% CI 1.01–2.70, P = 0.048). Independent predictors of HRT included age, female sex, IIb/IIIa inhibitors, thrombolytic agents, and concomitant conditions.Conclusions:Access site complications, especially HRT, remain a very important predictor of adverse procedural success and patient outcome. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Closure of guide wire‐induced coronary artery perforation with a two‐component fibrin glue
Authors: Störger Hans , Ruef Johannes 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPerforation or rupture of a coronary artery with subsequent pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade is a potentially life‐threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Several emergency treatment strategies exist to close the perforation including reversal of anticoagulation, prolonged balloon inflation, implantation of stent grafts, local injection of thrombogenic molecules, placement of microcoils, or open heart surgery. Here we report on a 66‐year‐old patient who underwent urgent PCI for acute stent thrombosis in the proximal LAD. The artery was reopened, a new stent implanted successfully, and a GPIIb/IIIa‐antagonist was given. Shortly thereafter the patient suffered from cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis and pericardial drainage. The coronary angiogram indicated a severe guide wire‐induced perforation and pericardial effusion originating from a distal diagonal branch segment. Prolonged balloon inflation did not stop the leakage. Therefore the monorail balloon was exchanged for an over‐the‐wire balloon. A two‐component commercial fibrin glue consisting of fibrinogen and thrombin was rapidly but separately injected through the wire channel of the balloon into the distal segment of the diagonal branch. The coronary leak was successfully closed and the patient recovered quickly. In comparison with the previously reported cases of thrombin injection important differences should be noticed: (1) a two‐component hemostatic seal was used without reversal of anticoagulation, (2) rapid injection instead of prolonged infusion of the hemostatic drugs was performed, and (3) the rescue technique was applied in a cath lab that routinely uses monorail catheter systems. Therefore we consider this a novel and effective approach for closure of coronary ruptures. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pre‐existing left pulmonary artery stenosis and other anomalies associated with device occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Javois Alexander J. , Patel Dhaval , Roberson David , Husayni Tarek 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA retrospective analysis was performed on 200 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac catheterization for occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) at a single center by a single operator. Four significant anomalies were observed: pre‐existing Left Pulmonary Artery (LPA) stenosis, left recurrent laryngeal nerve (LRLN) injury, electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, and aorto‐pulmonary (AP) collateral arteries. The observation of pre‐existing LPA stenosis, marked EKG changes, and permanent LRLN injury have not been previously reported. Incidence, etiology, and clinical significance of these anomalies are discussed with specific new recommendations for the prevention of LRLN injury and occlusion of AP collaterals. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary artery fistulas: How to manage them
Authors: Latson Larry A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCoronary artery fistulas are rare persisting vascular connections from a coronary artery to a cardiac chamber or major central blood vessel. The true incidence is difficult to discern because at least 75% may be asymptomatic and clinically undetectable until an echocardiogram or coronary arteriogram is performed. Small coronary artery fistulas that are not clinically detectable are not clearly associated with significant long term complications. Medium or large fistulas are associated with significant long term problems including angina, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, endocarditis, and progressive dilation. Treatment options include surgical and catheter approaches to significant fistulas. The long term outlook after fistula closure is not well defined and deserves further study. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional modeling of double‐stent techniques at the left main coronary artery bifurcation using micro‐focus X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Murasato Yoshinobu , Horiuchi Masataka , Otsuji Yutaka 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground:Various double‐stent techniques using drug‐eluting stents have been proposed to treat the left main coronary artery (LMCA) bifurcation. However, use of these techniques is frequently associated with focal restenosis at the ostium of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX).Objectives:To examine the results of double‐stent techniques, using a silicon model of the LMCA bifurcation and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction images created with micro‐focus X‐ray computed tomography (MFCT).Methods:Crush, kissing, and modified T stentings were performed with bare metal stents in a LMCA bifurcation model. The stents were then inspected using MFCT at a minimal resolution of 0.06 mm.Results:Gaps in stent apposition to the vessel were observed at the site of stent overlap in the distal LMCA with all stenting techniques. In crush stenting, when the left anterior descending artery stent overlapped the LCX stent, the latter was crushed on the myocardial side of the vessel, and a gap was observed on the nonmyocardial side, at the LCX ostium. When the overlap was reversed, the LCX stent was crushed on the nonmyocardial side and a gap was observed on the myocardial side. In the case of kissing stents, stent overlap created a gap beneath the overlapped portion of the stents. In modified T‐stenting, correct positioning of the LCX stent was difficult and MFCT imaging revealed a nonmyocardial gap.Conclusions:Close apposition of the stent to the vessel at the ostium of the LCX is difficult to achieve at the LMCA bifurcation, regardless of which double‐stent technique is employed, due to the site's wide bifurcation angle and complex 3D structure. The distribution of plaque and the bifurcation angle should be considered before double‐stent deployment, to avoid leaving a gap over significant plaques. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of radiotherapy in ductal (endometrioid) carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Eade Thomas N. , Al‐Saleem Tahseen , Horwitz Eric M. , Buyyounouski Mark K. , Chen David Y.T. , Pollack Alan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND.Ductal carcinoma of the prostate is a rare variant of prostate cancer that presents most commonly with obstructive urinary symptoms or hematuria. This case series of 6 patients is the first to report the outcome of ductal carcinoma treated with external beam radiotherapy.METHODS.A retrospective review was performed of patients treated between 1980 and 2006 at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Penn. Six patients were identified with ductal carcinoma.RESULTS.Five of the 6 patients were treated definitively and the sixth patient was treated at recurrence 3 years after a radical prostatectomy. Patient ages ranged from 66–80 years and the initial prostate‐specific antigen (iPSA) ranged from 1.69–100.3 ng/mL. Three patients had a mixed acinar and ductal carcinoma, 2 with a Gleason score (GS) of 8 and 1 with a GS of 7. Of the patients treated definitively, 4 had clinical stage T2A‐T2C and 1 had clinical stage T1B. Definitive radiotherapy was delivered to the prostate with doses between 72 Gy and 78 Gy. Pelvic lymph nodes were treated in all patients. One patient was treated postradical prostatectomy to the prostate bed to a dose of 60 Gy. Adjuvant androgen deprivation was given in 5 of the patients. Two of the patients died from metastatic disease at 1.4 and 7.1 years after treatment. The remaining 4 patients remain alive between 3.2 and 4.8 years from treatment, with 3 patients biochemically without evidence of disease. No patients have developed a local recurrence.CONCLUSIONS.Ductal carcinoma of the prostate may be treated effectively with external beam radiotherapy. Aggressive management is indicated, even with low‐volume metastatic disease. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Decaying modes for the wave equation in the exterior of an obstacle
Authors: Lax P. D. , Phillips R. S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn this paper we study the dependence of the set of ‘exterior’ eigenvalues {λk} of Δ on the geometry of the obstacle 𝒪. In particular we show that the real eigenvalues, corresponding to purely decaying modes, depend monotonically on the obstacle 𝒪, both for the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. From this we deduce, by comparison with spheres—for which the eigenvalues {λk} can be determined as roots of special functions—upper and lower bounds for the density of the real {λk}, and upper and lower bounds for λ1, the rate of decay of the fundamental real decaying mode. We also consider the wave equation with a positive potential and establish an analogous monotonicity theorem for such problems. We obtain a second proof for the above Dirichlet problem in the limit as the potential becomes infinite on 𝒪.Finally we derive an integral equation for the decaying modes; this equation bears strong resemblance to one appearing in the transport theory of mono‐energetic neutrons in homogeneous media, and can be used to demonstrate the existence of infinitely many modes.
Early change in maladaptive defence style and development of the therapeutic alliance
Authors: Ambresin Gilles , de Roten Yves , Drapeau Martin , Despland Jean‐Nicolas 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis study examined the early change in maladaptive defence style (MDS), the development of the therapeutic alliance and the relationship between MDS and alliance in a short psychodynamic intervention. Sixty‐eight outpatients from a psychiatric clinic completed a four‐session psychodynamic intervention. Defence and alliance measures were collected at the intake and the final session. Patients who began the intervention with a poor alliance but ended with a good alliance (linear growth therapeutic alliance group) significantly decreased their use of maladaptive defences over the course of therapy, while patients in the high and low alliance groups did not. Results showed that at the end of the intervention, MDS and alliance were related across all patients. This relation concerned particularly the linear growth therapeutic alliance profile. These results suggest that the developing therapeutic alliance might reflect the collaborative work between the patient and the therapist as they try to understand the causes of the crisis. This understanding might help reduce maladaptive defences that were initially activated to ward off anxiety and distress. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.