bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dyeability and swelling properties of graft copolymers of LDPE with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate monomer prepared by gamma radiation
Authors: Nizam El‐Din Horia M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLow density polyethylene (LDPE) films were grafted with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) monomer by gamma radiation. The LDPE graft copolymer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, tensile mechanical testing, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dye affinity of LDPE graft copolymers for different dyestuffs was studied. Also, the effect of temperature on the swelling characters of LDPE‐g‐HPMA was investigated. The TGA study showed that the LDPE graft copolymers, over the studied graft yields, possessed higher thermal stability than pure LDPE polymer. While, LDPE has no dye affinity for any of the known dyestuffs, LDPE graft copolymers displayed a unique dye affinity for a wide range of dyestuffs belonging to different classes. The results showed that the equilibrium swelling of LDPE graft copolymers in water reached after 7 h. In addition, the results showed that the swelling of LDPE graft copolymers was influenced by temperature within the temperature range 10–40°C. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sharing practice innovation experiences: The ‘flat‐pack’ approach
Authors: Carr Susan M , Lhussier Monique 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMuch practice innovation knowledge is vulnerable owing to a lack of processes to share the learning experiences at individual and organizational levels. This article describes how members of a collaborative learning group within a public health intervention evaluation attempted to tackle the perennial challenges of sharing innovation learning. The outcome was the development of a user‐friendly 10‐point guide, which systematically describes key steps to be considered for the replication and sustainability of any multi‐intervention approach to tackle a health improvement issue in a determined geographical area. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving end‐of‐life care in the care home sector
Authors: Knight Gillian , Jordan Carol , Lewis Melanie 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA project was instigated in October 2005 to improve the end‐of‐life care of care home (nursing) residents across South‐East Wales through coordinating the implementation of the All‐Wales Integrated Care Pathway for the last days of life. One of the key areas of responsibility for the project coordinator was to evaluate the current level of palliative care knowledge and skills held by care home staff participating in the project. There are currently 112 care homes (nursing) in South‐East Wales and the project has provided some level of education on end‐of‐life care to nursing staff from 58 (52%) of those care homes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and action: Improving care for older people in an acute hospital setting
Authors: Jinks Annette M , Tabernacle Beverley , Kenny Christina 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe aim of this article is to share with a wider audience a quality enhancement approach from a nationally funded project which used peer review to benchmark practice standards as a basis for enhancing the care of older people within acute inpatient settings. The study involved the development and implementation of clinical practice review systems, and provision of mentoring, peer review and critical refection for staff nurse and health care assistant grades. A review of the nursing care in 43 ward areas and departments was undertaken, along with analysis of the peer review feedback sheets. Analysis revealed that examples of good practice predominated. There were, however, important areas where practice could be improved. For example, many staff needed to improve their communication skills, and some health care assistant grades needed particularly to improve their patient‐centred approaches. It was also found that many staff had unmet educational needs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traditional versus marginal structural models to estimate the effectiveness of β‐blocker use on mortality after myocardial infarction
Authors: Delaney Joseph A. C. , Daskalopoulou MD, PhD Stella S. , Suissa Samy 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies of the effect of β‐blockers on all‐cause mortality after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have tended to overestimate the effectiveness of this treatment.ObjectiveTo compare the estimates of the effect of β‐blocker use on mortality post‐AMI derived from a traditional adjusted regression model with those from a marginal structural model.MethodsA population‐based cohort spanning the period of 2002–2004 was formed from the United Kingdom General Practice Research Database (GPRD). The cohort included all subjects who survived 90 days after their first AMI, who were then followed for 9 months. β‐Blocker use and blood pressure were identified in both the 90‐day period before and the 90‐day period after the AMI. Rate ratios (RR) were estimated using pooled logistic regression.ResultsThe cohort included 9939 participants who survived 90 days after their AMI, of whom 633 died during the 9‐month follow‐up. Over 23% were taking β‐blockers pre‐AMI, compared with 71% post‐AMI. Using the traditional adjusted regression analysis, the RR of death with post‐AMI β‐blocker use was 0.54 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45–0.67), while using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) model it was 0.72 (95%CI: 0.61–0.84). The IPTW estimate is compatible with the estimate derived from a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) while the adjusted regression estimate exaggerates the effectiveness.ConclusionsObservational studies of the association of anti‐hypertensive medications with all‐cause mortality should consider adding a marginal structural model to their armamentarium of data analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission of Nitrogen Atoms through Porous Membranes for Nitrogen Flowing Post‐Discharge Sterilization Processes
Authors: Ricard A. , Canal C. , Villeger S. , Durand J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDifferent nonwoven membranes (nylon, laboratory and commercial PP) were exposed to a low‐pressure N2 flowing post‐discharge. The transmission of nitrogen atoms through the membranes was measured. The atoms penetrated and crossed the membranes with a transmission factor (TN) varying from 20 to 50% for nylon during the exposure time, due to membrane etching by the N atoms. For the two PP membranes studied, the TN was nearly constant, as etching on PP affected only the surface of the fibres. The differences between nylon and PP are discussed from the point of view of the crystalline fraction in the polymer. The results obtained open the way for the use of PP membranes as conditioning materials for N2‐afterglow‐sterilization processes.magnified image
An analogue of piperonyl butoxide facilitates the characterisation of metabolic resistance
Authors: Moores Graham D , Philippou Despina , Borzatta Valerio , Trincia Paolo , Jewess Philip , Gunning Robin , Bingham Georgina 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Previous work has demonstrated that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) not only inhibits microsomal oxidases but also resistance‐associated esterases. The ability to inhibit both major metabolic resistance enzymes makes it an ideal synergist to enhance xenobiotics but negates the ability to differentiate which enzyme group is responsible for conferring resistance.RESULTS: This study examines an analogue that retains the ability to inhibit esterases but is restricted in its ability to act on microsomal oxidases, thus allowing an informed decision on resistance enzymes to be made when used in conjunction with the parent molecule.CONCLUSION: Using examples of resistant insects with well‐characterised resistance mechanisms, a combination of PBO and analogue allows identification of the metabolic mechanism responsible for conferring resistance. The relative potency of PBO as both an esterase inhibitor and an oxidase inhibitor is also discussed. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Using short‐term evidence to predict six‐month outcomes in clinical trials of signs and symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nixon Richard M. , Bansback Nick , Stevens John W. , Brennan Alan , Madan Jason 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA model is presented to generate a distribution for the probability of an ACR response at six months for a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis given evidence from a one‐ or three‐month clinical trial. The model is based on published evidence from 11 randomized controlled trials on existing treatments. A hierarchical logistic regression model is used to find the relationship between the proportion of patients achieving ACR20 and ACR50 at one and three months and the proportion at six months. The model is assessed by Bayesian predictive P‐values that demonstrate that the model fits the data well. The model can be used to predict the number of patients with an ACR response for proposed six‐month clinical trials given data from clinical trials of one or three months duration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of ionization techniques for mass spectrometric detection of contact allergenic hydroperoxides formed by autoxidation of fragrance terpenes
Authors: Nilsson J. , Carlberg J. , Abrahamsson P. , Hulthe G. , Persson B.‐A. , Karlberg A.‐T. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHydroperoxides formed by autoxidation of common fragrance terpenes are strong allergens and known to cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a common skin disease caused by low molecular weight chemicals. Until now, no suitable methods for chemical analyses of monoterpene hydroperoxides have been available. Their thermolability prohibits the use of gas chromatography and their low UV‐absorption properties do not promote sensitive analytical methods by liquid chromatography based on UV detection. In our study, we have investigated different liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) ionization techniques, electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI), for detection of hydroperoxides from linalool and limonene.Flow injection analysis was used to evaluate the three different techniques to ionize the monoterpene hydroperoxides, linalool hydroperoxide and limonene hydroperoxide, by estimating the signal efficacy under experimental conditions for positive and negative ionization modes. The intensities for the species [M+H]+ and [M+H−H2O]+ in positive ionization mode and [M−H]− and [M−H−H2O]− in negative ionization mode were monitored. It was demonstrated that the mobile phase composition and instrumental parameters have major influences on the ionization efficiency of these compounds. ESI and APCI were both found to be appropriate as ionization techniques for detection of the two hydroperoxides. However, APPI was less suitable as ionization technique for the investigated hydroperoxides. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural identification of novel glucoside and glucuronide metabolites of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate in mouse urine using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Sang Shengmin , Yang Chung S. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the most abundant and most biologically active polyphenolic compound in tea, has been proposed to have many health beneficial effects. The metabolic fate of EGCG, however, is not well understood. In the present study, we identified a novel EGCG metabolite, 7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐EGCG‐4″‐O‐β‐D‐glucupyranoside, in a mouse urine sample using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The structure of this metabolite was confirmed by analyzing the MSn (n = 1–4) spectra as well as comparing the MS/MS spectra of its product ions with those from EGCG and EGCG‐4″‐O‐β‐D‐glucupyranoside standards. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the identification of a glucoside metabolite of EGCG in mammals. Our results indicate that glucosidation represents a novel pathway in the metabolism of EGCG in mice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doxorubicin‐Loaded Polymeric Micelle Overcomes Multidrug Resistance of Cancer by Double‐Targeting Folate Receptor and Early Endosomal pH
Authors: Kim Dongin , Lee Eun Seong , Oh Kyung Taek , Gao Zhong Gao , Bae You Han 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAn optimized, pH‐sensitive mixed‐micelle system conjugated with folic acid is prepared in order to challenge multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancers. The micelles are composed of poly(histidine (His)‐co‐phenylalanine (Phe))‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)‐b‐PEG‐folate. Core‐forming, pH‐sensitive hydrophobic blocks of poly(His‐co‐Phe) of varying composition are synthesized. The pH sensitivity of the micelles is controlled by the copolymer composition and is fine tuned to early endosomal pH by blending PLLA(3K)‐b‐PEG(2K)‐folate in the presence of a basic anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX). In vitro tests are conducted against both wild‐type (A2780) and DOX‐resistant ovarian carcinoma cell lines. A mixed‐micelle system composed of poly(His‐co‐Phe (16 mole%))‐b‐PEG (80 wt%) and PLLA‐b‐PEG‐folate (20 wt%) is selected to target early endosomal pH. DOX‐loaded micelles effectively kill both wild‐type sensitive (A2780) and DOX‐resistant ovarian MDR cancer‐cell lines (A2780/DOXR) through an instantaneous high dose of DOX in the cytosol, which results from active internalization, accelerated DOX release triggered by endosomal pH, and an endosomal membrance disruption.
Real‐Time Translocation of Fullerene Reveals Cell Contraction
Authors: Salonen Emppu , Lin Sijie , Reid Michelle L. , Allegood Marcus , Wang Xi , Rao Apparao M. , Vattulainen Ilpo , Ke Pu Chun 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCarbon‐based nanomaterials possess unique structural, mechanical, and electronic properties that are exploited in numerous applications. The fate of nanomaterials in living systems and in the environment is largely unknown, though there is a reason for concern. Here it is shown how the interaction of fullerene with natural phenolic acid induces cell contraction. This phenomenon has a general applicability to carbon‐based nanomaterials interacting with natural amphiphiles. Atomistic simulations reveal that the self‐assembly of C70–gallic acid (GA) favors aggregation. Confocal fluorescence microscopy shows that C70–GA complexes translocate across the membranes of HT‐29 cells and enter nuclear membranes. Confocal imaging further reveals the real‐time uptake of C70–GA and the consequent contraction of the cell membranes. This contraction is attributed to the aggregation of nanoparticles into microsized particles promoted by cell surfaces, a new physical mechanism for deciphering nanotoxicity.
Construction of Helical Nanofibers from Self‐Assembling Pseudopeptide Building Blocks: Modulating the Handedness and Breaking the Helicity
Authors: Guha Samit , Drew Michael G. B. , Banerjee Arindam 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHelical nanofibers are successfully constructed from suitable self‐assembling pseudopeptide‐based molecular building blocks. The handedness of these nanofibers can be reversed by using mirror‐imaged pseudopeptide‐based building blocks. Straight nanofibers are also constructed by modulating the molecular and supramolecular structures by the proper choice of the stereochemical nature of the molecular scaffolds. This study demonstrates that molecular structure and chirality are not the only determining factors for tuning the morphology and chirality of nanostructures; the nature of the supramolecular structures formed from the corresponding molecular scaffolds also plays a key role in dictating the shape and chirality of nanostructures. Helical nanofibers are suitable templates for fabricating dipeptide‐capped gold nanoparticles, indicating a possible use of these nanofibers in the construction of arrays of gold nanoparticles.
A General Synthesis for PEDOT‐Coated Nonconductive Materials and PEDOT Hollow Particles by Aqueous Chemical Polymerization
Authors: Luo Shyh‐Chyang , Yu Hsiao‐hua , Wan Andrew C. A. , Han Yu , Ying Jackie Y. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA method for coating functionalized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on nonconductive substrates in aqueous solution allows the deposition of PEDOT thin layers on various substrates, including silica and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles, siliceous mesocellular foam, and chitosan–alginate fibers. The surface property is tuned by controlling the monomer composition in the aqueous solutions. Using appropriate organic solvents to remove the PS cores of PEDOT‐coated PS nanoparticles, hollow PEDOT particles with single holes and PEDOT capsules can be formed.
CdTe Nanoparticles Display Tropism to Core Histones and Histone‐Rich Cell Organelles
Authors: Conroy Jennifer , Byrne Stephen J. , Gun'ko Yurii K. , Rakovich Yury P. , Donegan John F. , Davies Anthony , Kelleher Dermot , Volkov Yuri 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe disclosure of the mechanisms of nanoparticle interaction with specific intracellular targets represents one of the key tasks in nanobiology. Unmodified luminescent semiconductor nanoparticles, or quantum dots (QDs), are capable of a strikingly rapid accumulation in the nuclei and nucleoli of living human cells, driven by processes of yet unknown nature. Here, it is hypothesized that such a strong tropism of QDs could be mediated by charge‐related properties of the macromolecules presented in the nuclear compartments. As the complex microenvironment encountered by the QDs in the nuclei and nucleoli of live cells is primarily presented by proteins and other biopolymers, such as DNA and RNA, the model of human phagocytic cell line THP1, nuclear lysates, purified protein, and nucleic acid solutions is utilized to investigate the interactions of the QDs with these most abundant classes of intranuclear macromolecules. Using a combination of advanced technological approaches, including live cell confocal microscopy, fluorescent lifetime imaging (FLIM), spectroscopic methods, and zeta potential measurements, it is demonstrated that unmodified CdTe QDs preferentially bind to the positively charged core histone proteins as opposed to the DNA or RNA, resulting in a dramatic shift off the absorption band, and a red shift and decrease in the pholuminescence (PL) intensity of the QDs. FLIM imaging of the QDs demonstrates an increased formation of QD/protein aggregates in the presence of core histones, with a resulting significant reduction in the PL lifetime. FLIM technology for the first time reveals that the localization of negatively charged QDs to their ultimate nuclear and nucleolar destinations dramatically affects the QDs' photoluminescence lifetimes, and offers thereby a sensitive readout for physical interactions between QDs and their intracellular macromolecular targets. These findings strongly suggest that charge‐mediated QD/histone interactions could provide the basis for QD nuclear localization downstream of intracellular transport mechanisms.
Design of Multicomponent Microgels by Selective Deposition of Nanomaterials
Authors: Hain Jessica , Schrinner Marc , Lu Yan , Pich Andrij 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn the present paper a method for the targeted deposition of different nanomaterials on aqueous microgels is described. In the first stage poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanorods are introduced into the microgel structure by in situ oxidative polymerization. In the second stage hydrogen tetrachloroaurate is used to transform PEDOT chains to an oxidized state in the microgel structure, leading to the fixation of chloroaurate anions on the surface of the PEDOT nanorods. The reduction of chloroaurate ions induces the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) predominantly located on the PEDOT surface. Obtained microgel/PEDOT/AuNP hybrid particles with different nanoparticle loadings exhibit superior colloidal stability and temperature sensitivity. The microgel/PEDOT/AuNP hybrid microgels exhibit extraordinary catalytic activity in aqueous media.
An analysis of the relationship between service cores and the embodied/running energy of tall buildings
Authors: Trabucco Dario 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe service core is now acquiring an increased consideration in the design process of a tall building, since it is responsible for a great share of its energy consumption. Nowadays architecture is required to design green buildings, and the industry of high rises is strongly influenced by the ‘sustainable’ movement too. For this reason, several researches have been carried out recently, meant to lower the energy requirements of the core as a whole and of each of its sub‐components. On the contrary, little work has been done in order to assess its relevance on the embodied energy of the skyscraper. The present paper provides the author's definition for the service core, and analyzes the energy used by a tall building and the energy embodied in the materials during its construction. The author proposes several design strategies meant to lower the embodied energy of the service core. In order to assess the effectivity of alternative design strategies, the software Energy Plus has been used on a digital model of an existent building and on fictitious building having different core positioning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rib Fracture Repair: Indications, Technical Issues, and Future Directions
Authors: Nirula Raminder , Diaz Jose J. , Trunkey Donald D. , Mayberry John C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRib fracture repair has been performed at selected centers around the world for more than 50 years; however, the operative indications have not been established and are considered controversial. The outcome of a strictly nonoperative approach may not be optimal. Potential indications for rib fracture repair include flail chest, painful, movable rib fractures refractory to conventional pain management, chest wall deformity/defect, rib fracture nonunion, and during thoracotomy for other traumatic indication. Rib fracture repair is technically challenging secondary to the human rib’s relatively thin cortex and its tendency to fracture obliquely. Nonetheless, several effective repair systems have been developed. Future directions for progress on this important surgical problem include the development of minimally invasive techniques and the conduct of multicenter, randomized trials.