bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of granulometry and organic treatment of a Brazilian montmorillonite on the properties of poly(styrene‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate)/layered silicate nanocomposites prepared by miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Moraes Raul P. , Valera Ticiane S. , Demarquette Nicole R. , Oliveira Pedro C. , da Silva Maria Lúcia C.P. , Santos Amilton M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe influence of granulometry and organic treatment of a Brazilian montmorillonite (MMT) clay on the synthesis and properties of poly(styrene‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate)/layered silicate nanocomposites was studied. Hybrid latexes of poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/MMT were synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization using either sodium or organically modified MMT. Five clay granulometries ranging from clay particles smaller than 75 μm to colloidal size were selected. The size of the clay particles was evaluated by specific surface area measurements (BET). Cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride was used as an organic modifier to enhance the clay compatibility with the monomer phase before polymerization and to improve the clay distribution and dispersion within the polymeric matrix after polymerization. The sodium and organically modified natural clays as well as the composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The latexes were characterized by dynamic light scattering. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of the composites obtained were characterized by dynamical‐mechanical analysis, thermogravimetry, and small amplitude oscillatory shear tests, respectively. The results showed that smaller the size of the organically modified MMT, the higher the degree of exfoliation of nanoplatelets. Hybrid latexes in presence of Na‐MMT resulted in materials with intercalated structures. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Improving the hydrophilic properties of wool fabrics via corona discharge and hydrogen peroxide treatment
Authors: Wang Xin , Cao Genyang , Xu Weilin 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCorona discharge has been widely applied to modify the surfaces of polymers. In this study, corona discharge was combined with a hydrogen peroxide treatment to improve the hydrophilic properties of wool fabric. Scanning electron microscopy photographs showed that the tip of wool scales was etched after corona discharge and that parts of the scales were peeled off after the hydrogen peroxide treatment. The surface hydrophilic properties of the wool fabric were improved greatly by corona discharge. Increases in the discharge voltage and the number of treatment passages enhanced the hydrophilic properties dramatically, but the improved properties deteriorated with increases in the number of washing cycles and storage time. The hydrogen peroxide treatment could improve the hydrophilic properties and especially the wicking properties of the wool fabric. The fabric became weaker and flexible with an average weight loss of 3% after the hydrogen peroxide treatment. A combination of corona discharge treatment and the hydrogen peroxide treatment made the wool fabric absolutely hydrophilic; the water penetration time of the treated fabric was less than 1 s even when the fabric was washed for several cycles or stored for 6 months. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and properties of soy hull‐reinforced biocomposites from conjugated soybean oil
Authors: Quirino Rafael L. , Larock Richard C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe tensile and flexural properties of new thermosetting composites made by the free radical polymerization of a conjugated soybean oil (CSO)‐based resin reinforced with soy hulls have been determined for various resin compositions. The effects of reinforcement particle size and filler/resin ratio have been assessed. The thermal stability of the new materials has been determined by thermogravimetric analysis and the wt % of oil incorporation has been calculated after Soxhlet extraction (the extracts have been identified by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy). The resin consists initially of 50 wt % CSO and varying amounts of divinylbenzene (DVB; 5–15 wt %), dicyclopentadiene (DCPD; 0–10 wt %), and n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA; 25–35 wt %). Two soy hull particle sizes have been tested (<177 and <425 μm) and two different filler/resin ratios have been compared (50 : 50 and 60 : 40). An appropriate cure sequence has been established by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The results show a decrease in the properties whenever DVB or BMA is substituted by DCPD. Also, larger particle sizes and higher filler/resin ratios are found to have a negative effect on the tensile properties of the new materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Dispersion and properties of cellulose nanowhiskers and layered silicates in cellulose acetate butyrate nanocomposites
Authors: Petersson L. , Mathew A. P. , Oksman K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe aim of this work was to develop well dispersed nanocomposites, in a non water soluble polymer using a non aqueous, low polarity solvent as a dispersion medium. The nanoreinforcements were cellulose whiskers and layered silicates (LSs) and matrix was cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). Before nanocomposite processing, a homogenizer was used in combination with sonification to achieve full dispersion of the nanoreinforcements in a medium of low polarity (ethanol). After processing, the cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) showed flow birefringence in both ethanol and dissolved CAB, which indicated well dispersed whiskers. The microscopy studies indicated that the processing was successful for both nanocomposites. The CNW showed a homogeneous dispersion on nanoscale. The LS nanocomposite contained areas with lower degree of dispersion and separation of the LS sheets and formed mainly an intercalated structure. The produced materials were completely transparent, which indicated good dispersion. Transparency measurements also indicated that the nanocomposite containing CNW showed similar performance as the pure CAB. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed improved storage modulus for a wide temperature range for both nanocomposites compared with the pure CAB matrix. This study indicated that CNW have a potential application in transparent nanocomposites based on fully renewable resources. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Segregation analysis of cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the First Nations (Amerindian) people of British Columbia and review of isolated cleft palate etiologies
Authors: Lowry R. Brian , Johnson Candice Y. , Gagnon France , Little Julian 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The First Nations (Amerindian) population of British Columbia, Canada, has the highest reported birth prevalence in the world of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) at nearly 3 per 1000 births. In addition, a substantial proportion of cleft palate only (CPO) cases in this population has been reported to be X‐linked. The aims of this study were to perform complex segregation analysis to investigate the mode of inheritance of CL/P in the First Nations people of British Columbia and to review the etiology of the CPO cases. METHODS: All First Nations children born in British Columbia between 1952 and 1971 with an orofacial cleft were included in the study. Multiple sources of ascertainment were used, so that nearly 100% of live births were identified and included during this time. No stillbirths were found but would likely have been ascertained. Extended pedigrees were constructed from these probands and examination of immediate family members, e.g., parents and siblings, was done wherever possible. Complex segregation analysis included all family members. In addition, a CPO case review was conducted. RESULTS: Complex segregation analysis supports the hypothesis that the most likely mode of inheritance of CL/P in this population is a mixed model; that is, an autosomal major gene with polygenic component. The review of 26 CPO cases showed that a substantial proportion are syndromic. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal thyroid disease, thyroid medication use, and selected birth defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Browne Marilyn L. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Hoyt Adrienne T. , Waller D. Kim , Druschel Charlotte M. , Caton Alissa R. , Canfield Mark A. , Lin Angela E. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Romitti Paul A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Although thyroid disorders are present in approximately 3% of pregnant women, little is known about the association between maternal thyroid disease and birth defects. METHODS: We assessed the association between maternal thyroid disease, thyroid medication use, and 38 types of birth defects among 14,067 cases and 5875 controls in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a multisite, population‐based, case‐control study. Infants in this study were born between October 1997 and December 2004. Information on exposures including maternal diseases and use of medications was collected by telephone interview. RESULTS: We found statistically significant associations between maternal thyroid disease and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction heart defects (1.5; 95% CI, 1.0–2.3), hydrocephaly (2.9; 95% CI, 1.6–5.2), hypospadias (1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.5), and isolated anorectal atresia (2.4; 95% CI, 1.2–4.6). Estimates for the association between periconceptional use of thyroxine and specific types of birth defects were similar to estimates for any thyroid disease. Given that antithyroid medication use was rare, we could not adequately assess risks for their use for most case groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the positive associations between maternal thyroid disease or thyroid medication use and both hydrocephaly and hypospadias observed in some previous studies. New associations with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction heart defects and anorectal atresia may be chance findings. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interaction of PDGFRA promoter haplotypes and maternal environmental exposures in the risk of spina bifida
Authors: Toepoel Mascha , Steegers‐Theunissen Regine P. M. , Ouborg N. Joop , Franke Barbara , Ladd Angela M. González‐Zuloeta , Joosten Paul H. L. J. , van Zoelen Everardus J. J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Neural tube defects are multifactorial malformations involving both environmental exposures, such as maternal nutrition, and genetic factors. Aberrant expression of the platelet‐derived growth factor alpha‐receptor (PDGFRA) gene has been implicated in neural‐tube‐defect etiology in both mice and humans. METHODS: We investigated possible interactions between the PDGFRA promoter haplotype of mother and child, as well as maternal glucose, myo‐inositol, and zinc levels, in relation to spina bifida offspring. Distributions were determined of the PDGFRA promoter haplotypes H1 and H2 in a Dutch cohort, consisting of 88 spina bifida children with 56 of their mothers, and 74 control children with 72 of their mothers, as well as maternal plasma glucose, myo‐inositol, and red blood cell zinc concentrations. RESULTS: A significantly higher frequency of H1 was observed in children with spina bifida than in controls (30.1 vs. 20.3%; OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.02–2.83). High maternal body mass index (BMI) and glucose were significant risk factors for both H1 and H2 children, whereas low myo‐inositol and zinc were risk factors for H2 but not for H1 children. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis showed that high maternal glucose and low myo‐inositol are the main risk factors for H2 spina bifida children, whereas for H1 spina bifida children, maternal BMI was the main risk factor. Interestingly, H1 mothers (median 165.5 cm) showed a significantly lower body height than H2 mothers (median 169.1 cm; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the child's PDGFRA promoter haplotype is differentially sensitive for periconceptional exposure to glucose, myo‐inositol, and zinc in the risk of spina bifida. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surveillance of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: David Kevin A. , Mallin Katherine , Milowsky Matthew I. , Ritchey Jamie , Carroll Peter R. , Nanus David M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:Previous investigators have detected shifts to lower stages at diagnosis for renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer. The authors investigated whether a similar pattern is seen for urothelial carcinomas of the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis and sought to identify changes in cancer grade and survival trends from 1993 to 2005.METHODS:The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) collects data on approximately 75% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases annually. The authors queried the database for cases of urothelial carcinomas diagnosed in 1993‐2005 in patients aged 18 years and older. All cancer stage data were forward converted to the sixth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging definitions.RESULTS:A total of 334,480 bladder cancer cases, 15,105 renal pelvis cancer cases, and 10,128 ureteral carcinoma cases were identified. Stage data were available for 84% of bladder cases, 83% of renal pelvis cases, and 82% of ureter cases. With the classification of early stage tumors as stage 0a, 0is, and I and late stage tumors as II, III, and IV, the percentage of early stage renal pelvis and ureter tumors increased slightly from 1993 to 2005, whereas no stage migration was seen in bladder tumors. In looking specifically at early stage tumors, a significant increase in the proportion of stage 0a and a significant decrease in the proportion of stage I tumors for each cancer site was seen between 1993 and 2005. The proportion of high grade tumors in each disease site significantly increased from 1993 to 2005. For cases diagnosed in 1993‐1996 and 1997‐2000, a significant decrease in 5‐year relative survival was observed for patients with stage I and stage II bladder cancer. The absolute change, however, was relatively small, and for bladder cases was not significantly different when adjusted for low or high grade tumors.CONCLUSIONS:When differentiating between early and late stage tumors, a slight stage migration was seen in renal pelvis and ureteral carcinomas, whereas no stage migration was seen in bladder tumors. Within early stage tumors of all sites, a stage shift was seen, most notably with the proportion of stage 0a tumors increasing and stage I tumors decreasing. The proportion of high grade tumors in all sites increased. No change in overall survival was observed, underscoring the need for new therapeutic advances. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Clinical application of fuzzy‐controlled blood pressure stabilization in patients prone to hypotension during hemodialysis
Authors: Hickstein Heiko , Stange Jan , Roeher Ottfried , Korth Steffen , Schmidt Reinhard 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe prevalence of intradialytic hypotensive events is still high in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). A biofeedback control system to prevent hypotensive destabilization of the patient during hemodialysis was developed.METHODSA blood pressure (BP)–guided closed‐loop system consists of a non‐invasive blood pressure measurement device connected to a fuzzy controller (FC). It regulates ultrafiltration rate (UFR) and dialysate conductivity (DC) depending on the actual BP and its short‐ and long‐term trends as well. Twenty‐eight HD patients prone to hypotension were selected for the study. In 102 HD sessions it was proven whether an increase in DC from 14.3 mS/cm to a maximum of 17.0 mS/cm infl uenced the serum sodium concentration of the patients and interdialytic weight gain (IDGW), when DC was reset to 14.3 mS/cm for the remaining 60 minutes of treatment. In the next step, 69 conventional HD sessions without the fuzzy controller and 144 sessions with fuzzy‐controlled ultrafiltration were compared with 32 sessions with simultaneous fuzzy‐controlled ultrafiltration and modification of dialysate conductivity.RESULTSNo significant differences in serum sodium concentration and weight gain were observed when DC was reset for the remaining 60 minutes of treatment. In conventional HD the frequency of low blood pressure situations, <90 mmHg, increased progressively toward the end of the treatment. The HD treatments with fuzzy‐controlled UFR resulted in no increases in the number of hypotensive episodes. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the third and fourth treatment hours. The simultaneous fuzzy control of UFR + DC resulted in the lowest occurrence of BP drops.CONCLUSIONSFuzzy control of HD treatments provides reliable blood pressure stabilization in patients prone to hypotension. This kind of treatment is safe because significant changes in body weight and serum sodium concentration do not occur. The cost of this treatment is limited because no special disposables are necessary.
A review of mathematical learning disabilities in children with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Murphy Melissa M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe prevalence rate of mathematical learning disabilities (MLD) among children with fragile X syndrome who do not meet criteria for intellectual and developmental disabilities (∼50% of female children) exceeds the rate reported in the general population. The purpose of this article is two‐fold: (1) to review the findings on MLD in persons with fragile X syndrome; and (2) to discuss fragile X syndrome as a possible model for understanding pathways to MLD. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:21–27.
Mathematical learning disabilities in special populations: Phenotypic variation and cross‐disorder comparisons
Authors: Dennis Maureen , Berch Daniel B. , Mazzocco Michèle M.M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWhat is mathematical learning disability (MLD)? The reviews in this special issue adopt different approaches to defining the construct of MLD. Collectively, they demonstrate the current status of efforts to establish a consensus definition and the challenges faced in this endeavor. In this commentary, we reflect upon the proposed pathways to mathematical learning difficulties and disabilities presented across the reviews. Specifically we consider how each of the reviews contributes to identifying the MLD phenotype by specifying the range of assets and deficits in mathematics, identifying sources of individual variation, and characterizing the natural progression of MLD over the life course. We show how principled comparisons across disorders address issues about the cognitive and behavioral co‐morbidities of MLD, and whether commonalities in brain dysmorphology are associated with common mathematics performance profiles. We project the status of MLD research ten years hence with respect to theoretical gains, advances in methodology, and principled intervention studies. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2009;15:80–89.
Control of type 1 diabetes by CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells: lessons from mouse models and implications for human disease
Authors: Sgouroudis Evridiki , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a revival of the concept of CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells as being a central control point in various immune responses, including autoimmune responses and immunity to transplants, allergens, tumours and infectious microbes. The current literature suggests that Treg cells are diverse in their phenotype and mechanism(s) of action, and as such, may constitute a myriad of naturally occurring and induced T cell precursors with variable degrees of regulatory potential. In this review, we summarize research from various laboratories, including our own, showing that CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells are critical in the control of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mouse models and humans. In this review, we also discuss cellular and molecular determinants that impact CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cell development and function and consequential resistance to organ‐specific autoimmune disease. Recent advances in the use of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cellular therapy to promote immunological tolerance in the absence of long‐term generalized immunosuppression are also presented. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum adiponectin as a useful marker for metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Yun Ji Eun , Sull Jae Woong , Lee Hee Yeon , Park Eunjung , Kim Soriwool , Jo Jaeseong , Lee Sun Ju , Kim Sang Yeon , Choi Young Ju , Jee Sun Ha , Huh Kap Bum 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundAlthough adiponectin is generally known as a predictor of metabolic syndrome, potential of adiponectin as a predictor for metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes is debated. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between adiponectin and metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsAdiponectin and the risk of metabolic syndrome were examined among 1013 type 2 diabetes patients who visited Huh's Diabetes Center from January 2003 to June 2006. Adiponectin levels were classified into quartile groups, and metabolic syndrome was defined according to the standard of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III. Insulin sensitivity was directly assessed using the short insulin tolerance test (SITT) (Kitt: %/ min).ResultsAdiponectin was significantly correlated with metabolic syndrome components. The age‐adjusted correlations between adiponectin and clinical parameters including metabolic components were significant; adiponectin was negatively correlated with waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride, and positively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed lower adiponectin levels than those without metabolic syndrome. After multivariate adjustment, participants with lower adiponectin levels also had a higher risk for metabolic syndrome (OR for lowest quartiles 2.21; 95% CI, 1.51–3.24). Metabolic syndrome risk was stronger among those with low adiponectin and severe insulin resistance simultaneously. This study has shown additive effects of adiponectin and insulin resistance on metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsIn type 2 diabetic patients, the adiponectin was a useful predictor of metabolic syndrome independent of potential confounding variables. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.