bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Properties of pH‐ and Temperature‐Sensitive Poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(2‐methylenebutane‐1,4‐dioic acid)] Hydrogels
Authors: Katime Issa , Quintana José R. , Valderruten Nora E. , Cesteros Luis C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Hydrogels of NIPA and MBDA were synthesized by free‐radical crosslinking copolymerization with different monomer ratios and with two concentrations of the crosslinking agent. The aim of this work was to study the swelling behavior of these gels that are both temperature and pH sensitive. PNIPA hydrogels are typical examples of thermo‐shrinking hydrogels with a LCST, TC, around 31–34 °C. MBDA is a weakly ionizable monomer which imparts a pH sensitiveness to the copolymer hydrogels. The pH influence on the swelling behavior of the studied hydrogels was analyzed using deionized water and aqueous HCl and NaOH as swelling media. According to the results found in deionized water, the swelling processes of P(NIPA‐MBDA) hydrogels follow second‐order kinetics at 22 and 37 °C. The equilibrium water content, W∞, and the rate constant, K, increased at greater concentrations of MBDA and decreased as the crosslinking agent concentration increased. As the MBDA content in the hydrogel increased, the collapsing of the hydrogels at higher temperatures than the LCST became of less importance. The degree of swelling of pure PNIPA hydrogels was not influenced by the pH of the swelling medium. However, this influence increased as the MBDA content increased. This was due to the fact that at low pH most of the MBDA units are in the protonated (neutral) form and at high pH in the ionized one.Swelling isotherms of hydrogels with different copolymer compositions and with 1.5 wt.‐% of BIS at 22 °C in deionized water.magnified imageSwelling isotherms of hydrogels with different copolymer compositions and with 1.5 wt.‐% of BIS at 22 °C in deionized water.
Characterization of Metallo‐Supramolecular Block Copolymers by Analytical Ultracentrifugation
Authors: Raşa Mircea , Lohmeijer Bas G. G. , Hofmeier Harald , Thijs Hanneke M. L. , Schubert D. , Schubert Ulrich S. , Tziatzios Christos 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Applications of analytical ultracentrifugation in the field of synthetic polymers have followed a clearly increasing trend in the past few years, concerning the variety of investigated samples, experimental approaches, and methods of data analysis. We report a characterization study of two metallo‐supramolecular diblock copolymers with different block lengths and of a chain extended metallo‐supramolecular polymer. The analysis of sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium profiles was discussed in detail and the results were compared to each other, to determine the molar mass distribution and the state of association in solution. A simple method for determining the average translational diffusion coefficients is proposed and discussed relative to other methods. The average values of the molar mass and sedimentation coefficient distributions, the average friction coefficients, and size information were obtained and discussed.c(S) analysis of SV profiles using Sedfit for the (PEG180‐[Ru2+]‐)n chain extended polymer showing the presence of several species.magnified imagec(S) analysis of SV profiles using Sedfit for the (PEG180‐[Ru2+]‐)n chain extended polymer showing the presence of several species.
Polymerization of Styrene Sulfonate Ethyl Ester and Styrene Sulfonate Dodecyl Ester by ATRP: Synthesis and Characterization of Polymer Brushes
Authors: Lienkamp Karen , Ruthard Christian , Lieser Günter , Berger Rüdiger , Groehn Franziska , Wegner Gerhard 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Cylindrical polymer brushes from PSSE and PSSD have been synthesized by a ‘grafting from’ approach by ATRP in solution. Starting from macroinitiators with 570 and 1 600 repeat units, and 10–100% reactive site density, PSSD brushes with 10–40% grafting density and PSSE brushes with 10–100% grafting density are obtained. The brushes have been characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, GPC‐MALLS, analytical ultracentrifugation, AFM, and TEM.Phase AFM image of a PSSD brush. The image was obtained using a ‘supercantilever’ (tapping mode, mica).magnified imagePhase AFM image of a PSSD brush. The image was obtained using a ‘supercantilever’ (tapping mode, mica).
Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Polymeric Materials Containing Azopyridine Units
Authors: Millaruelo Marta , Chinelatto Luiz S. , Oriol Luis , Piñol Milagros , Serrano Jose‐Luis , Tejedor Rosa M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: The synthesis and characterization of a series of supramolecular polymeric complexes formed by H‐bonding interactions between benzoic acid and azopyridine derivatives are described. A series of polymeric networks have been synthesized using a polymethacrylate bearing benzoic acid units as side groups, and several polymers with azopyridine as H‐acceptor side groups. Furthermore, low‐molecular‐weight pyridine derivatives have been used to prepare an homologous side‐chain polymer, and a network with azopyridine as a non‐covalent crosslinker. Special attention was paid to the thermal and mesomorphic properties of these materials, which were studied by DSC, POM, and XRD.Micrograph of the mesomorphic melt of a sample taken at 130 °C on cooling from the isotropic state.magnified imageMicrograph of the mesomorphic melt of a sample taken at 130 °C on cooling from the isotropic state.
Liquid Chromatography under Limiting Conditions of Enthalpic Interactions: Enthalpic Partition Retention Mechanism
Authors: Berek Dušan , Capek Ignác , Mendichi Raniero , Labátová Stanislava 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Applicability of the enthalpic partition (absorption) retention mechanism was evaluated in liquid chromatography under limiting conditions of enthalpic interactions (LC LC). It was shown that the barrier principle of LC LC also held in the case of enthalpic partition retention mechanism. LC columns packed with porous silica C‐18 bonded phase in combination with low‐polarity PS and PnBMA were employed. The partition‐promoting solvent was DMF and the partition‐preventing solvent was THF. Pore‐permeating molecules of DMF moved slowly along column and acted as a barrier, which hindered fast progression of pore excluded macromolecules. The barrier was either the eluent itself, or a narrow zone of DMF injected immediately before polymer solution. In the former case, the eluent contained a high concentration of DMF and would not allow polymer elution. However, the sample was injected in pure THF and traveled within its zone. Being decelerated by the DMF barrier, both PS and PnBMA eluted independently of their molar mass in total volume of column liquid. They could be efficiently and independently of their molar masses separated from the medium‐ and high‐polarity polymers, which did not exhibit enthalpic partition and eluted in the size exclusion mode. In contrast to recently evaluated adsorption based LC LC procedures, enthalpic partition produced broader, skewed, and often split peaks. This is assumed due to slow establishment of enthalpic partition equilibrium, possible presence of micropores in the C‐18 bonded phase, and/or due to deformation of shape of barrier edge. Therefore, limiting conditions of enthalpic partition are to be applied preferably to characterization of polar SEC eluted polymers after their discrimination from the low‐polarity macromolecules eluting in the LC LC mode.Fast and efficient separation of polar minor (1%) polymer components from major (99%) polymer component.magnified imageFast and efficient separation of polar minor (1%) polymer components from major (99%) polymer component.
Fluorescent Dye‐Labeled Polymers Carrying Triphenylamine, Styrene, or Acrylate Pendant Groups
Authors: Lindner Stefan M. , Thelakkat Mukundan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: An alkoxyamine initiator carrying a perylene bisimide unit suitable for the nitroxide mediated controlled radical polymerization of different monomers was synthesized. The synthesis, characterization, and properties of a series of polymers obtained from monomers such as 4‐vinyltriphenylamine, styrene, and different acrylates using this initiator are described. The controlled nature of the polymerization was demonstrated by time‐dependent measurements of the conversion and the molecular weight. The incorporation of the single fluorescent unit to the polymer chain end was verified by MALDI‐TOF MS. The perylene bisimide acts as an electron acceptor with a strong fluorescence. Since 4‐vinyltriphenylamine is a donor monomer, the resulting polymers exhibit photoluminescence quenching due to electron transfer between the donor polymer chain and the acceptor moiety. The perylene bisimide moiety shows aggregation via π‐π stacking which was studied using UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. By controlling the polymer chain length, the stacking of the perylene bisimide can be controlled. The LUMO and HOMO levels of the perylene bisimide initiator and the dye‐labeled polymer were determined by cyclic voltammetry as −3.7 and −6.0 eV, respectively. With this approach tailor‐made fluorescent dye‐labeled polymers with desired architecture, low polydispersity, and controlled molecular weight can be obtained as model systems for electron and energy transfer studies.Schematic representation of electron transfer in dye‐labeled poly(vinyltriphenylamine).magnified imageSchematic representation of electron transfer in dye‐labeled poly(vinyltriphenylamine).
Toward specifying the nature of the relationship between expressed emotion and schizophrenic relapse: the utility of curvilinear models
Authors: Breitborde Nicholas J. K. , López Steven R. , Wickens Thomas D. , Jenkins Janis H. , Karno Marvin 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAlthough expressed emotion (EE) has been demonstrated to be associated with the course of schizophrenia, the nature of this relationship is unclear. This study proposes that testing for curvilinear relationships can identify the specific nature of the relationships between EE indices and relapse. The utility of curvilinear models was explored through a reanalysis of data from a prior study of EE among Mexican‐Americans (Karno et al., 1987). The results suggest that the relationship between the EE index of emotional overinvolvement (EOI) and relapse is curvilinear and that high levels of EOI may exert a toxic effect on course of illness whereas medium levels of EOI may be protective. The relationship between the EE index of warmth and relapse is also curvilinear and high levels of warmth appear to exert a protective effect on the course of illness. The role of culture is explored in explaining the specific manner in which EE relates to relapse among Mexican‐Americans. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient‐reported outcome I: Measuring what matters in musculoskeletal care
Authors: Haywood Kirstie L 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPatients have an important role to play in communicating the impact of disease and the effectiveness of health care. Well‐developed patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) can provide a clinically relevant and scientifically rigorous resource for including the patient perspective in decisions about health care and subsequent evaluation. This article will introduce readers to the field of health outcome assessment, and specifically to patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). The reasons for measuring health, different types of PROMs and potential applications will be discussed. A second article will present important information for users of PROMs to consider when selecting and using PROMs in research, routine practice or quality assurance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fracture and failure behavior of fabric‐reinforced all‐poly(propylene) composite (Curv®)
Authors: Romhány Gábor , Bárány Tamás , Czigány Tibor , Karger‐Kocsis József 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe in‐plane static fracture of a fabric reinforced all‐poly(propylene) (all‐PP, Curv®) composite was studied at ambient temperature using the concept of the linear elastic fracture mechanics. The apparent fracture toughness was determined on single‐edge notched tensile specimens (SEN‐T) considering the maximum load. The related values did not differ much from those determined by the resistance curve (KR) method. The crack growth, requested to construct the KR curves, was traced by the movement in the center of gravity of the cumulative amplitude of the located acoustic emission (AE) events. The quality of consolidation of the all‐PP composite was reflected by the force‐displacement curve (appearance of pop‐in), course of the cumulative AE events during loading, extension and change of the estimated damage zone during fracture. The failure behavior was studied also by fractography and is discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Setting up diabetes clinics in Tanzania
Authors: Ramaiya K 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDiabetes, hypertension, stroke, ischaemic heart disease and other non‐communicable diseases have low priority in the situation where communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are exerting a significant toll on the national health care budgets. Tanzania has been experiencing a significant rise in the burden of diabetes. The Tanzania Diabetes Association (TDA), with the support of ‘partners’, has embarked on a project to improve the access to quality care for people with diabetes in the country.Twenty‐nine diabetes clinics have been established on the mainland and eight clinics have been set up in Zanzibar and Pemba. In addition to establishing the clinics, training for health care professionals has also been provided, together with a ‘starter kit’ for each of the clinics, in order to effect the services.The TDA is committed to ensuring that quality care for people with diabetes is accessible and sustainable. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons.
Building capacity to reduce diabetes complications in the Pacific: the Vanuatu experience so far
Authors: Colagiuri R 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPacific Island countries lie in the region that is expected to experience among the greatest predicted increase in diabetes prevalence but have a limited capacity to address their ever increasing burden of diabetes and its consequences. This article describes the components and progress to date of a World Diabetes Foundation programme in Vanuatu which aims to reduce visual impairment, kidney disease and diabetes‐related amputations. This secondary prevention project is by definition clinically based but, to achieve its aims, adopts a broader focus on the systems that underpin clinical care — training, workforce, clinical guidelines and protocols, information, equipment and supplies, and the organisation of care. The ‘recipe’ is simple: (i) measure the baseline situation, (ii) build the model — develop a locally relevant model to strengthen the diabetes care system and address the identified problems, (iii) make a difference — implement and refine the model, and (iv) measure the difference. The key strategy is local engagement to build Vanuatu's capacity for self‐determination and sustainability in reducing the impact of diabetes on its people and its economy. Baseline assessment of the physical and financial impact of diabetes is nearing completion. Work on strengthening the diabetes care system is underway, clinical targets have been agreed and a clinical information system has been introduced. The willingness of the community to engage is evidenced by the recent establishment of a national diabetes association which is currently applying for membership of the International Diabetes Federation to join Vanuatu into the global diabetes community. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons.
Step by Step, improving diabetic foot care in the developing world
Authors: Bakker K , Abbas ZG , Pendsey S 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe increase in the prevalence of diabetes and its complications is alarming. The incidence of diabetic foot disease, which leads to foot amputations far too often, is unacceptably high. This is particularly true for developing countries.Worldwide, every 30 seconds a lower limb is lost as a consequence of diabetes.The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Consultative Section and the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), together with the Diabetic Foot Society of India (DFSI) and the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (MUCHS), have initiated a foot care project called ‘Step by Step, improving diabetic foot care in the developing world’. Participating countries were India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Teams, consisting of a doctor and a nurse or paramedic, were invited to attend a basic and an advanced course. The goal was to improve educational skills and the management of diabetic foot problems. An experienced national and international faculty was responsible for teaching and the practical sessions.This article describes the design and the execution of the project. The outcome looks very positive. It is expected that the acquired knowledge and skills of the teams will sustain and that the effect of the courses will cascade from the teams to the local community. We expect that the setup of the project can ultimately help reduce the number of lower extremity amputations. The authors feel that this project is ready to be carried out in other developing countries.This pilot study was generously supported by the World Diabetes Foundation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons.
Improving the diabetes care in Belarus
Authors: Vainilovich Y , Danilova L , Zabarovskaya Z 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDiabetes has become a significant medical and economic problem in Belarus. The direct expenses on diabetes are estimated to be about 10% of the total budget of the Ministry of Health. The incidence of type 2 diabetes has increased 2.5‐fold during the past 10 years, which reflects the growing prevalence of obesity in the adult population, especially in urban areas. The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents has been increasing slowly over the past years with a current incidence rate of about 10 in 100 000. The National Diabetes Programme called ‘The Complex Programme Diabetes Mellitus’ was launched in 1999. It created the general goals and targets for improvement in diabetes care in Belarus. As part of the implementation of this programme, all people with diabetes have free access to insulin, syringes and oral glucose‐lowering medications. A decrease in the rate of blindness and end‐stage nephropathy during the last 10 years has been registered. As a result of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Centre activities the data on pregnancy have been improved with a higher number of deliveries in diabetic women and a significant decrease in perinatal child mortality. Unfortunately, the desired reduction in amputations has not been achieved so far, but the percentage of high level amputations has been lowered significantly.The system of diabetes education in Belarus was established in 1987. Since then, diabetes schools have emerged throughout the country. However, recently we have faced the problem of decreased effectiveness of most diabetes schools as they fail to provide an optimal educational process because of lack of testing equipment and teaching materials. There is a great need to change education from the form of lectures to more practical‐directed programmes created for groups of patients with different needs and of different ages. Intensive and repeated education is the major priority for diabetes teams and the Belarusian Diabetes Association in the coming years. Only in cooperation with highly motivated and educated individuals with diabetes will the diabetes teams be able to achieve control over diabetes and decrease its medical and social burden. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons.
Experimental solar spectral irradiance until 2500 nm: results and influence on the PV conversion of different materials
Authors: Pérez‐López J. J. , Fabero F. , Chenlo F. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn this work, results are presented concerning solar spectral irradiance measurements performed in Madrid in the wavelength range 250–2500 nm, that is, extending the spectral range far away from the wavelengths where PV semiconductors are active. These data were obtained considering a horizontal receiver surface during selected clear days covering the four seasons of the year. PV materials having different spectral responses (m‐Si, a‐Si, CIGS, CdTe) have been considered to calculate spectral factors (SF) taking as reference the standard solar spectrum AM1.5 defined in standard IEC 60904‐3. From these SFs, the influence of natural solar spectral variations in PV conversion has been established. It is shown, for example, that PV technologies based on a‐Si are highly favored, from the spectral point of view, in spring–summer compared to other technologies having broader spectral responses, which are more favored in autumn–winter. From the experimental measured solar spectra, we have calculated Weighed Solar Spectra (WSS) corresponding to the four seasons of the year and also to the whole year. The WSS represents, for a certain period of time, the solar spectrum weighed over the irradiance level. SFs have been calculated for different WSSs showing spectral gains for the four PV materials during almost the full year. Otherwise, it is also shown in this work how the near‐IR part of the solar spectrum affects the evaluation of the solar resource as a whole when reference solar cells made of different PV materials are used. For typical m‐Si, a‐Si, CIGS, and CdTe solar cells, the ratio ofIscover global irradiance is not constant along a given day showing variations that depend on the season and on the PV material considered. © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of the mechanisms for the homogenous gas‐phase elimination kinetics of some 2‐hydroxynitroalkanes
Authors: Añez Rafael , Izquierdo Rodolfo , Vidal Alba , Cordova Tania , Sierraalta Aníbal , Chuchani Gabriel 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTheoretical studies for the kinetics of the gas phase elimination of 2‐hydroxynitroalkanes were carried out at MP2/6‐31G* level of theory. The mechanism for both secondary and tertiary 2‐hidroxynitroalkanes thermolysis is retro‐aldol type. In the case of the secondary 2‐hydroxynitroalkanes, that is, 3‐nitro‐2‐butanol and 3‐nitro‐2‐pentanol, the elimination reaction proceeds via a six‐membered cyclic transition state with the formation of actetaldehyde and the corresponding nitroalkane. In the case of the tertiary 2‐hydroxynitroalkane, 2‐methyl‐3‐nitro‐2‐propanol, the reaction also proceeds through a six‐membered cyclic transition state to give acetone and nitromethane. The calculated kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are in reasonable agreement with the reported experimental values. NBO charges revealed that polarization of both Nδ+C and CC bonds are important factors in the decomposition process. The tertiary substrate is favored due to stabilization of the C positive charge in the TS. The NBO analysis showed that these reactions are concerted and polar in nature. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.