bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between pattern of tumor enhancement and clinicopathologic characteristics in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Sumida Yorihisa , Abo Takafumi , Oikawa Masayuki , Murakami Goshi , Takeshita Hiroaki , Fukuoka Hidetoshi , Hidaka Shigekazu , Nagayasu Takeshi , Sakamoto Ichiro , Sawai Terumitsu 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAimCommon enhancement pattern of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) on computed tomography (CT) is that of hypovascular enhancement; however, in some cases, tumor shows identical enhancement in the arterial phase to that in hepatocellular carcinoma. To identify the specific characteristics of different enhancement patterns, we examined the relationship between CT enhancement pattern and clinicopathological features or postoperative prognosis.MethodSubjects were 43 consecutive ICC patients who had undergone hepatectomy. Enhancement patterns were divided into two types: hypovascular or delayed enhancement (Type A), and early enhancement in the arterial phase (Type B).ResultsType A enhancement was observed in 23 patients and Type B in 20. Accompanying chronic viral hepatitis was significantly more frequent in Type B than Type A. Well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma was significantly more frequent in Type B than Type A. Multiple tumors were significantly more frequent in Type A than Type B. Japanese TNM stage I and II was more frequent in patients with Type B than those with Type A. Disease‐free or overall survival was significantly better in patients with Type B than those with Type A.ConclusionEarly enhancement in the arterial phase might be a useful indicator of lower malignant potential and better survival in ICC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:535–539. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What you should know about simulation and derivatives
Authors: Fu Michael C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDerivatives (or gradients) are important for both sensitivity analysis and optimization, and in simulation models, these can often be estimated efficiently using various methods other than brute‐force finite differences. This article briefly summarizes the main approaches and discusses areas in which the approaches can most fruitfully be applied: queueing, inventory, and finance. In finance, the focus is on derivatives of another sort. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2008
Stem cells in liver regeneration, fibrosis and cancer: the good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Alison MR , Islam S , Lim S 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe worldwide shortage of donor livers to transplant end stage liver disease patients has prompted the search for alternative cell therapies for intractable liver diseases, such as acute liver failure, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Under normal circumstances the liver undergoes a low rate of hepatocyte ‘wear and tear’ renewal, but can mount a brisk regenerative response to the acute loss of two‐thirds or more of the parenchymal mass. A body of evidence favours placement of a stem cell niche in the periportal regions, although the identity of such stem cells in rodents and man is far from clear. In animal models of liver disease, adopting strategies to provide a selective advantage for transplanted hepatocytes has proved highly effective in repopulating recipient livers, but the poor success of today's hepatocyte transplants can be attributed to the lack of a clinically applicable procedure to force a similar repopulation of the human liver. The activation of bipotential hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) is clearly vital for survival in many cases of acute liver failure, and the signals that promote such reactions are being elucidated. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) make, at best, a trivial contribution to hepatocyte replacement after damage, but other BMCs contribute to the hepatic collagen‐producing cell population, resulting in fibrotic disease; paradoxically, BMC transplantation may help alleviate established fibrotic disease. HCC may have its origins in either hepatocytes or HPCs, and HCCs, like other solid tumours appear to be sustained by a minority population of cancer stem cells. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SmgGDS is up‐regulated in prostate carcinoma and promotes tumour phenotypes in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhi H , Yang XJ , Kuhnmuench J , Berg T , Thill R , Yang H , See WA , Becker CG , Williams CL , Li R 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSmgGDS is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor with the unique ability to activate multiple small GTPases, implicating it in cancer development and progression. Here, we investigated the role of SmgGDS in prostate cancer by studying the expression of SmgGDS in benign and malignant prostatic tissues. We also probed SmgGDS function in three prostate carcinoma cell lines using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SmgGDS levels were elevated in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), prostate carcinoma, and metastatic prostate carcinoma. In addition, expression of SmgGDS positively correlated with that of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), a protein believed to promote the development of prostate carcinoma. Reduction of SmgGDS expression in prostate carcinoma cells inhibited proliferation and migration, irrespective of androgen receptor status. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in COX‐2 expression and in activity of NF‐κB, a known regulator of COX‐2. Taken together, these findings suggest that SmgGDS promotes the development and progression of prostate cancer, possibly associated with NF‐κB‐dependent up‐regulation of COX‐2. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational force field effect on the melting process of a polymer solid against a sliding wall
Authors: Guangsheng Zeng , Jinping Qu 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe melting of polymers caused by friction before a solid plug is an important phenomenon in the vibration‐induced plastic extrusion process. In order to better analyze the melting process of polymers in a vibration screw type extruder, a melting model is proposed as well as a corresponding experimental apparatus to test the model. Due to the introduction of vibration force field, the viscidity of a polymer melt behaves in a strong non‐linear and time‐dependent fashion. Therefore, the effect of heat generated by viscous dissipation is very important. Through sophisticated deduction, an analytical expression of the relationship between the velocity of polymer solid element and the parameters of vibration is derived. The model is then proved by comparing a calculated sample with experimental results, which indicate that, the introduction of vibration force field can improve the melting process to a great extent. This model can serve as the theoretical basis for a polymer melting process. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Chemical modification of rubber wood with styrene and glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Devi Rashmi R. , Maji Tarun K. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRubber wood was impregnated with styrene and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as the crosslinking monomer. Polymerization was accomplished by catalyst heat treatment. Compressive strength both in parallel and perpendicular to fiber directions was measured and improvement was observed for wood polymer composites. Bending strength in terms of Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Modulus of Rupture (MOR) was measured and found improved on treatment over the untreated wood samples. Hardness for treated wood was also improved. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) indicated an increase in interaction between wood, styrene, and GMA. Biodegradation of the treated and untreated wood samples was also determined and found to be improved on treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study showed the wood polymer interaction. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
The morphing properties of a smart fiber metal laminate
Authors: Cortes P. , Cantwell W.J. , Kuang K.S.C. , Quek S.T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article investigates the activation characteristics of a novel fiber‐metal laminate (FML) based on a nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) shape memory alloy. Initial attention focuses on manufacturing this smart FML in which a woven glass fiber reinforced epoxy material is sandwiched between two shape memory alloy (SMA) outer skins. Activation tests on cantilever beams using a hot air gun have shown that the FMLs exhibits a distinct actuation capability in which beam rotations of up to 11° were recorded. An examination of the edges of polished samples indicated that no damage was incurred by the FML during the activation process. The functionality of the FMLs was enhanced through the introduction of embedded electrical resistance wires located between the composite and metal plies. Here, the embedded electrical wires were heated by passing an electric current through them, thereby activating the SMA plies in a more effective and controllable manner. As before, significant beam tip rotations were recorded in the FMLs in a relatively short time period. Finally, polymer‐based optical fiber (POF) and fiber‐bragg grating (FBG) sensors were introduced into the FMLs in order to monitor their deflection during the activation process. The results of these tests showed that such sensing elements can be successfully employed to monitor the actuation response of these layered laminates. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polypropylene–waste ground rubber tire powder microcellular composites: Effect of processing variables on morphology and physico‐mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Zhen Xiu , Sridhar V. , Kim Jin Kuk 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMicrocellular composites made from polypropylene and waste ground rubber tire powder using azodicarbonamide as chemical blowing agent have been investigated. A small quantity of SEBS‐g‐MA has been added as compatibilizer. The effect of variation in processing variables such as pressure, heating time, and operating variables such as blowing agent and crosslinker concentrations have been investigated to establish a relationship between the structure and morphology of the microcellular composite and ultimate performance characteristics such as tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break. The results indicate that both processing and operating variables have tremendous effect on the morphological features such as average, minimum, and maximum cell size as observed from scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conductive copper‐PMMA nanocomposites: Microstructure, electrical behavior, and percolation threshold as a function of metal filler concentration
Authors: Poblete V.H. , Álvarez M.P. , Fuenzalida V.M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe copper‐PMMA conductive composites were manufactured using different copper concentrations dispersed into the polymeric matrix by hot compression molding in inert atmosphere. The PMMA matrix was analyzed using dilute solution viscosimetry analysis and it did not evidence degradation in its molecular weight. The microstructure was examined by means of SEM and the electric conductivity was measured as a function of the concentration of copper particles in the polymer matrix. The 10 vol% copper composite presented conductivity between 11 and 13 orders of magnitude higher than that of pure PMMA. The experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical model considering the percolation path theory for a segregated structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tensile properties and morphological evolution of polypropylene and poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) blends
Authors: Song Na , Zhu Lin , Wang Fengjuan , Xu Xinhua 
Published: September 2008

AbstractExtruded sheet of isotactic polypropylene and poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐octene) blends extruded from a counterrotating twin‐screw extruder were studied by scanning electron microscopy, tensile test, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The average characteristic length (Λm) determined by the statistical computing from the SEM images increases linearly with increasing of dispersed phase concentration. When POE content is 50 wt% (double continuous phase), Λm is two or three times as big as that of other blends ratio. The analyses of SAXS data confirm this result. Comparison has been made between experimental data of tensile test and those predicted from several meso‐mechanical models such as parallel model, series model, Halpin's model, Mori‐Tanaka's model, and modified mixture model. The modified mixture model is an effective method for predicting Young's modulus in comparison with other models. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
The influence of plasma treatment on the tribological properties of hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Juan , Zhang Zhao‐Zhu , Guo Fang , Liu Wei‐Min 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this study, the effects of air‐plasma and N2‐plasma treatment on the hybrid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/cotton fabric and a phenolic resin were investigated in detail. The tribological properties of the untreated and plasma‐treated hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites were investigated. The results indicated that air‐plasma‐treated hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites exhibited better antiwear and friction reduction properties. The combination of scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis illustrated that hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites treated with air‐plasma possessed more integrated structure and more functional groups, which plausibly contributed to the better tribological properties of the hybrid PTFE/cotton fabric/phenolic composites treated with air‐plasma. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of clay with different cation exchange capacity on the morphology and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Yen , Wen Chih‐Kuo , Chuang Hsin‐Jou , Lin Mej‐Ju , Ray Umasankar 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPMMA/clay nanocomposites were successfully prepared by in situ free‐radical polymerization with the organic modified MMT‐clay using methyl methacrylate monomer and benzoyl peroxide initiator. Two clays with different cation exchange capacity have been used to prepare and compare the several properties. The clays have been modified using Amphoterge K2 by ion exchange reaction to increase the compatibility between the clay and polymer matrices. The modified clays have been characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The powdered X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques were employed to study the morphology of the PMMA/clay nanocomposites which indicate that the modified clays are dispersed in PMMA matrix to form both exfoliated and intercalated PMMA/modified clay nanocomposites. The thermomechanical properties were examined by TGA, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Gas permeability analyzer shows the excellent gas barrier property of the nanocomposites, which is in good agreement with the morphology. The optical property was measured by UV–vis spectroscopy which shows that these materials have good optical clarity and UV resistance. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(methyl methacrylate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared by bulk polymerization and melt compounding
Authors: Krajnc Matjaž , Šebenik Urška 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article focuses on structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of nanocomposites in dependence of preparation method and poly(methyl mathacrylate) (PMMA)/organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) ratio. PMMA/OMMT nanocomposites were prepared by bulk polymerization and by melt compounding. Properties of nanocomposites of the same composition prepared by the two methods were compared. It was observed that nanocomposites prepared via melt compounding at 200°C had a highly oriented structure with lower interlayer spacing values than nanocomposites prepared via bulk polymerization. Two reasons for the observed smaller interlayer spacing obtained by melt compounding were identified. The first is enhanced PMMA penetration and/or formation between layers in the case of bulk polymerization, which was confirmed by determination of stronger interactions between OMMT and PMMA by Soxhlet extraction, infrared spectroscopy, and differential dynamic calorimery. The second reason for smaller interlayer spacing for nanocomposites prepared by melt compounding is organic modifier degradation during melt compounding process, which was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. Both reasons lead to the fracture of melt compounded nanocomposites on the OMMT‐polymer interface, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy. For nanocomposites with disoriented structure and larger interlayer spacing prepared via bulk polymerization the fracture occurred in the polymer matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental investigation of acid environment influences on load‐bearing performance of pin‐connected continuous glass‐fiber‐reinforced polyphenylenesulfide composites
Authors: Yilmaz T. , Sinmazcelik T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this study we aimed to investigate the load‐bearing performance of pinned connections in corrosive environment. Experimental results are presented for the effect of acid environment on load‐bearing performance of pin‐connected continuous glass‐fiber‐reinforced polyphenylenesulfide composites. Chemical corrosion was also observed as an important environmental factor which affected the load‐bearing performance remarkably. Specimens were exposed to hydrochloric acid in order to find the durability of glass‐fiber‐reinforced plastics in hostile environments. An attempt is made to explain this phenomenon. The failure formation of material was affected by exposure time to HCl. Consequently, after the material has been exposed to acidic environment for 16 weeks, there were ∼93 and 95% performance decrease in the final failure load and first failure load, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Techniques for chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis: a survey of practice in specialist UK centres
Authors: Carlin A. J. , Alfirevic Z. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectivesGuidelines exist for amniocentesis and chorionic villous sampling (CVS) practice, but there is no consensus regarding individual techniques. Our survey sought to review current practice within specialist centres in the United Kingdom.MethodsRCOG sub‐specialist training centres were invited to complete a postal questionnaire, seeking their consultants' primary choices for amniocentesis and CVS techniques. Information sought included needle choice, local anaesthetic (LA), suction methods, quantity of samples obtained; and with regard to CVS, preferred approach [transcervical (TC) or transabdominal (TA)].ResultsResponse rate was 96% providing information on 111 consultants (111 amniocentesis/90 CVS). During amniocentesis, 86% use 22G needles and 70% are helped by an assistant who aspirates a set liquor volume (69%). For CVS, 98% use a TA approach, 89% use LA, and 29% an 18G single needle with 38% preferring a 17/19G double needle but no clear consensus regarding the use of assistants.ConclusionsThere is some agreement among specialists in the United Kingdom regarding techniques for invasive prenatal diagnosis. For amniocentesis, most operators use 22G needles, with an assistant to aspirate a set volume of fluid regardless of gestation. For CVS, there is considerable variation in needle choice, although most operators use a TA approach with LA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of processing parameters on the uniformity of adhesive meltblown web
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Zhao Qiming 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe influence of the main processing parameters, including the primary air pressure, the accessory air pressure, the melt throughput rate, and the die‐to‐collector distance, on the uniformity of adhesive meltblown web produced on the pilot‐scale melt‐blowing equipment with the added accessory device is investigated using weight measurement and thickness measurement. The effects of the process parameters on the web weight unevenness and the web thickness unevenness are similar, so both the weight unevenness and the thickness unevenness can be used to analyze the web unevenness. The results show that the web unevenness increases with the increasing melt throughput rate and the accessory air pressure; the web unevenness decreases firstly and increases later with the increasing primary air pressure and the die‐to‐collector distance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mathematical modeling for the ionic inclusion process inside conducting polymer‐based thin‐films
Authors: Majumdar Saptarshi , Kargupta Kajari , Ganguly Saibal 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIonic inclusion inside thin conducting polymer (CP) film is a major and common feature for actuator as well as membrane‐based drug release. In this study, an electro‐active polymeric thin‐film system has been conceptualized. PNP‐electro‐neutrality (Poisson–Nernst– Planck) based modeling framework with customized boundary conditions is used to depict the electrochemical phenomena. In dynamic model, kinetics of probable redox reactions is included along with electro‐migration and diffusion terms in the overall PNP framework. At steady state, interfacial voltage seems to hold the critically important role, while ionic migration and reaction kinetics play very crucial roles in determining the dynamics of such systems. The validated model predicts that lowering in the standard potential of the polymeric electrode accelerates the process of ionic ingress. Higher ionic flux is obtained using slower voltage scan. Variation of diffusivity shows the large spectrum of relatively unexplored dynamics for such electro‐active thin‐film‐based system. The significance is in designing actuator‐ or membrane‐based controlled molecular release systems. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Disconnection detection using earth capacitance measurement in photovoltaic module string
Authors: Takashima Takumi , Yamaguchi Junji , Ishida Masayoshi 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA disconnection detection method using an earth capacitance measurement in photovoltaic (PV) module string was experimentally studied. In the experiments with disconnections between PV modules in the string, the earth capacitance of the string was increased in proportion to the module number, and this feature resulted in that the disconnection position between the modules could be estimated by comparing the earth capacitance value of the failed string with that of the good string. Since the earth capacitance was not affected by the irradiance change, the detection method could be applied anytime to locate the disconnection position in the string without the effect of the irradiance change. Moreover, this method could be applied not only to the string consisting of the crystalline Si modules but also to the string consisting of the amorphous Si modules. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.