bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speech‐language and hearing complaints of children and adolescents with brain tumors
Authors: Gonçalves Maria Inês R. , Radzinsky Tatiana Couto , da Silva Nasjla Saba , Chiari Brasília Maria , Consonni Daniella 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) tumors generally leave sequelae that may compromise speech, language, swallowing, hearing, and voice functions. This report describes the incidence of speech‐language and hearing complaints and disorders in children and adolescents with CNS tumor under treatment at one of the most important Brazilian reference center for pediatric cancer. One‐hundred ninety patients were examined for speech‐pathology screening and analysis: forty‐two percent presented with complaints and symptoms. From the remaining patients, 68% presented clinical symptoms and 32% were actually free from any speech‐language and hearing‐related symptoms. The high incidence of complaints and symptoms indicate that these patients might benefit from specific rehabilitation interventions. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:706–708. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
pH stability of individual folates during critical sample preparation steps in prevision of the analysis of plant folates
Authors: De Brouwer Veerle , Zhang Guo‐Fang , Storozhenko Sergei , Van Der Straeten Dominique , Lambert Willy E. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe stability and eventual interconversion of nine mono‐glutamate folates (5‐methyl‐tetrahydrofolate, tetrahydrofolate, 5‐formyltetrahydrofolate, 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolate, 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate, dihydrofolate, 10‐formylfolic acid, 10‐formyltetrahydrofolate and folic acid) during the typical sample preparation steps (heat treatment for 10 min at 100°C and incubation for 2 h at 37°C) at different pH values have been investigated by LC‐MS/MS. An LC‐MS/MS method with isotopically labelled [13C5]5‐methyltetrahydrofolate and [13C5] folic acid as internal standards has been developed with enhanced sensitivity using a Chromolith RP‐18 column. 5‐Methyltetrahydrofolate, folic acid and 10‐formylfolic acid are relatively stable at different pHs (from 2 to 10) with and without heat treatment. Tetrahydrofolate shows instability at low pH. 5‐Formyltetrahydrofolate and 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolate can interconvert by changes in pH. Tetrahydrofolate and 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate can interconvert with formaldehyde or by changes in pH. Incubation at 37°C for 2 h is much less aggressive for most folates as compared with heat treatment at 100°C. At 37°C most folates are stable at pH values between 4 and 8 except tetrahydrofolate and dihydrofolate, which are degraded at low pH. 10‐Formyltetrahydrofolate and 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate cannot be quantified in the present method because these compounds are converted to 5,10‐methenyltetrahydrofolate and tetrahydrofolate, respectively, in the acidic mobile phase. This study provides useful information for the analysis of folates in the future as well as for the interpretation of quantitative results from earlier work. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal evaluation of facial clefts by three‐dimensional extended imaging
Authors: Wang L M. , Leung K Y. , Tang Mary 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the prenatal diagnostic accuracy of two‐dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) alone versus 2DUS in conjunction with three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) including orthogonal display (OGD) and three‐dimensional extended Imaging for cleft lip and primary palate.Materials and MethodFetuses being suspected of having a facial cleft by previous ultrasound examination or family history were examined sequentially with 2DUS and then 3DUS.ResultsOf a total of 30 infants, 22 had cleft lip and nine also had cleft palate at birth. The use of 2DUS with or without 3DUS correctly identified all cases of cleft lips prenatally. However, the use of 2DUS in conjunction with 3DUS correctly identified more cleft primary palate than 2DUS alone (88.9% vs 22.2%, P < 0.01). Cleft primary palate was well demonstrated in both the multi‐slice view (MSV)™ and OGD modes. In one case, a cleft palate was shown in the MSV™ mode but not in the Oblique view™ (OBV)™ mode. All the unaffected fetuses were reported as no cleft palate with the use of MSV™ mode.ConclusionsCombined approach of 2DUS and 3DUS with both OGD and MSV™ modes significantly improved the prenatal detection rate for a cleft palate compared with 2DUS alone (88.9% vs 22.2%) without decreasing the specificity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular and cytogenetic investigation of Y chromosome deletions over three generations facilitated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Minor Agata , Wong Edgar Chan , Harmer Karynn , Ma Sai 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe azoospermic factor (AZF) region is critical for normal spermatogenesis since microdeletions and partial deletions have been associated with infertility. We investigate the diagnostic ability of karyotyping in detecting clinically relevant Y chromosome deletions. The clinical significance of heterochromatin deletions, microdeletions and partial AZFc deletions is also evaluated.MethodsA patient with a Yq deletion, affected by severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) which resulted in the birth of a healthy baby boy. The patient, his father and his son underwent Y chromosome microdeletion and partial AZFc deletion screening. We also studied the aneuploidy rate in the sperm of the patient by fluorescent in situ hybridization.ResultsAZF microdeletions were absent in the family. However, microdeletion analysis confirmed that the Yq deletion was limited to the heterochromatin. We found a partial AZFc gr/gr deletion in all three family members. We observed an increased rate of sex chromosome aneuploidy in the infertile patient.ConclusionsCytogenetic analysis was misleading in identifying the Yq breakpoint. Infertility observed in the patient was associated with the gr/gr partial deletion. However, because of the incomplete penetrance of gr/gr deletions, the consequence of the vertical transmission of the deletion through ICSI remains unknown. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An experimental study on improving the atomic oxygen resistance of epoxy resin/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Xiaohu , Wang Mingzhu , Shen Zhigang 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTo improve the atomic oxygen (AO) resistance of the spacecraft resin matrix material, inorganic silica nanoparticles were filled into the epoxy resin. Samples of the epoxy/silica nanocomposites were prepared and AO exposure experiments were conducted in a ground‐based AO effects simulation facility. The samples exhibited significantly less mass loss and erosion yield than the corresponding pristine epoxy resin. Analysis of the surface morphology, composition and chemical structures showed that some organic structures still resides on the nanocomposites surface after the AO exposure experiment. The silica nanoparticles and the organic structures could serve as a barrier to resist further erosion. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1156–1162, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene based additives on the mechanical properties of rice hull/polypropylene composites
Authors: Kuboki T. , Lee Y.H. , Park C.B. , Sain M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to improve the mechanical properties (such as tensile, flexural, and impact strength) of rice hull/polypropylene composites, with the use of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene copolymer (SEBS) and maleated styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene copolymer (SEBS‐MA). The results suggested that both types of additives increased the impact strength of the composites significantly as their contents increased. However, only SEBS‐MA improved the tensile and flexural strength of the composites. The results also indicated that the composites with SEBS‐MA consistently showed better mechanical properties than the SEBS counterparts for all the contents. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1148–1155, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological, thermal, and morphological properties of blends based on poly(propylene), ethylene propylene rubber, and ethylene‐1‐octene copolymer that could result from end of life vehicles: Effect of maleic anhydride grafted poly(propylene)
Authors: Jaziri Mohamed , Mnif Nizar , Massardier‐Nageotte Valérie , Perier‐Camby Hervé 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe objective of this work is to study the properties of blends that could result from the recycling of end‐of‐life vehicles (ELV). While ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) have been used extensively as elastomeric additives in poly(propylene) (PP), they can be substituted by ethylene‐1‐octene copolymer (EOC). As a consequence, the matter resulting from the sorting of ELV might be more complex and made of PP, EPR, and EOC. The effect of incorporating EOC [that is a polyethylene elastomer (PEE)] and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH) on the rheological, thermal, and morphological properties of PP/EPR blends has been investigated. Blends of various compositions (with and without compatibilizer) were prepared using a corotating twin‐screw extruder. The results were compared to the ones presented by a commercial (PP/EPR) blend. The EPR phase is dispersed in the form of spherical particles in (PP/EPR). The EOC phase is dispersed in the form of aggregated particles. Dynamic viscoelastic and differential scanning calorimetry properties of (PP/EPR)/EOC blends shows the incompatibility of the components even in presence of PP‐g‐MAH copolymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1009–1015, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Highly transparent polypropylene cast films: Relationships between optical properties, additives, and surface structure
Authors: Resch Katharina , Wallner Gernot M. , Teichert Christian , Gahleitner Markus 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPolypropylene homopolymer and ethylene/propylene‐random‐copolymer cast films formulated with various amounts of slip and antiblocking aids as well as acid scavengers and produced under different processing conditions were characterized with respect to surface structure and optical properties. The topographical analysis was done by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Optical properties were determined using a hazemeter and an UV/Vis/NIR spectrophotometer. AFM height images revealed a significant influence of processing conditions on the development of surface structures. Besides the occurrence of scratches displaying the replica of the metallic chill roll, particularly characteristic eight‐shaped superlamellar crystalline features were affected by the cooling conditions. Relationships between surface enrichment of additives and vertical and lateral roughness parameters were established. In general, film types formulated without additives exhibit better optical properties. For film types formulated with polymer‐processing aids, the diffuse‐scattering power is reduced by low molecular weight, high amounts of acid scavenger aid, and antiblocking agents with low porosity. A separation of haze into its bulk and surface components indicated that total haze is dominated by surface haze. The comparison of haze and the vertical roughness parameters exhibited a tendency of a linear correlation. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1021–1032, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantification of the melting process in a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder: A hybrid modeling approach
Authors: Garge S.C. , Wetzel M.D. , Ogunnaike B.A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn extrusion processes, melting strongly influences the development of product end‐use properties such as tensile strength. For effective monitoring and control of these properties, it is essential to describe the melting process quantitatively. Obtaining a high‐fidelity quantitative description of the melting process, however, remains a challenging problem. This article proposes and employs a hybrid (physical/empirical) modeling approach to model the melting process. The recently developed “pulse perturbation technique” is used to generate the input/output data, while the model structure is determined from physical considerations. Each parameter of the identified model can therefore be associated with a distinct melting mechanism, thus providing valuable quantitative insight into the melting process. Based on the melting data presented in Wetzel et al. [1], the model is used to analyze the effect of extruder operating conditions on the melting of semicrystalline, amorphous, and rubbery polymers. Pulse experiments are conducted on an example reactive extrusion process and a quantitative relationship between the model parameters and end‐use properties is developed. Such a quantitative relationship can be used for fast predictions of infrequently measured end‐use properties and therefore has potential applications in monitoring and control of product characteristics in extrusion processes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1040–1051, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Failure characterization of polypropylene block copolymer welded joints
Authors: Fasce Laura , Cisilino Adrián , Frontini Patricia , Marczis Balazs , Czigany Tibor 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe failure behavior of polypropylene block copolymer double‐V welded joints was investigated. Joints were prepared using the hot‐gas welding technique at varying gas temperatures in the range of 230–260°C. Uniaxial tensile tests, fracture mechanics experiments, several microscopy techniques, and complementary FEM analysis were carried out to assess the quality of filler rods and welding interfaces. The developed interfaces were weaker than the parent material as a consequence of polymer chains segregation during the welding process. The hot‐gas temperature had a marked effect on the failure behavior of the welds. The highest interface toughness was attained at the highest gas welding temperature used at which, polymer chains were able to quickly diffuse into the parent material enlarging the distance of penetration and hence the micro‐deformation capability of the joint. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1062–1069, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cell structure and dynamic properties of injection molded polypropylene foams
Authors: Guo Ming‐Cheng , Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Carreau Pierre J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe cell structure and properties of branched and linear polypropylene (PP) foams containing organically modified nanoclay and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PPMA) have been thoroughly investigated. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and melt rheometry were used to identify the structure and linear viscoelastic properties of the nanocomposites, as well as the effectiveness of two different compatibilizers. These nanocomposites were used in injection molding to investigate their foamability and the influence of experimental conditions such as chemical foaming agent concentration, shot size, back pressure, injection speed, as well as melt temperature and different injection methods on the resulting cell structure of the foams. Quite different results were obtained with the linear and the branched PP. While the foamability of the branched PP was intrinsically good, that of the linear one could largely be improved by modifying its rheological properties and favoring nucleation through the addition of nanoclay. The effect of cell structure on the dynamic mechanical properties of the foams was also investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1070–1081, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Photopolymerization and initiating mechanism of Michael addition oligomers without photoinitiator
Authors: Zhang Xiahong , Yang Jianwen , Zeng Zhaohua , Wu Yuanwei , Huang Liang , Chen Yonglie , Wang Haihua 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA series of acrylic oligomer which can undergo self‐initiation under UV irradiation were synthesized by Michael addition of acetylacetone (acac) with multi‐functional acrylates using diazabicycloundecene as catalyst. GC‐MS and proton NMR were employed to study the photolysis mechanism of model molecule which was prepared from acac and ethyl acrylate. The β‐diketone moiety attached to a fully substituted carbon atom was photoscissile and prone to produce alkyl free radicals by losing acetyl free radical. Polymerization of the acrylated β‐diketone‐containing oligomers can be thus efficiently triggered regardless of solely irradiated under UV light or blended with pure trimethylolpropane triacrylate. As determined with photo‐DSC, the acrylated β‐diketone‐containing oligomers photopolymerized more slowly than the traditional system of trimethylolpropane triacrylate containing Darocur 1173 at the early stage, but reached a higher final conversion. The rheology measurement showed that the synthesized acrylated β‐diketone‐containing oligomers exhibited shear thinning property. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1082–1090, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reclaiming of ground rubber tire by a novel reclaiming agent. I. virgin natural rubber/reclaimed GRT vulcanizates
Authors: De Debapriya , De Debasish , Singharoy G.M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMechanochemically devulcanized ground rubber tire (GRT) was (re)vulcanized in compositions with virgin natural rubber (NR). The NR/GRT (re)vulcanizates with GRT content from 20 to 60 wt% have been prepared and studied. Reclaiming of GRT was successfully carried out by tetra methyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD) in presence of spindle oil at around ambient temperature. The cure characteristics and mechanical properties of the virgin NR/reclaim GRT blend were studied. The optimum cure time decreases but scorch time remain unaltered with increasing reclaim rubber content in the blend. Effect of carbon black was studied in NR/RR (80/20) blend. Ageing characteristics of different NR/RR blends were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies further indicate the coherency and homogeneity in the NR/RR vulcanizate. The dynamic mechanical properties and swelling behavior of NR/RR blend vulcanizates were examined. The elastic and storage modulus of the NR/RR vulcanizates become improve with increasing reclaim rubber content. Electrical properties of NR/RR vulcanizates were also studied. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1091–1100, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and oxygen barrier properties of organoclay‐polyethylene nanocomposite films
Authors: Zhong Yang , Janes Dustin , Zheng Yong , Hetzer Max , De Kee Daniel 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAn organically modified montmorillonite was compounded with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE) in a twin‐screw extruder. The resulting organoclay‐polyethylene nanocomposites were then blown into films. Tensile properties and oxygen permeability of these nanocomposite films were investigated to understand the effects of organoclay on different types of polyethylene. It was found that the clay enhancing effects are function of the matrix. The mechanical and oxygen barrier properties of clay/EVA systems increased with clay loading. Both the tensile modulus and oxygen barrier of EVA doubled at 5 wt% clay. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) usually is used as a compatibilizer for LDPE and HDPE‐based nanocomposites. However, the MAPEs were found to weaken the oxygen barrier of the PEs, especially for HDPE. This is believed to be a result of less compactness caused by the large side groups and the increase in polarity of the MAPEs. Incorporating 5 wt% clay improves the oxygen barrier by 30% and the tensile modulus by 37% for the LDPE/MAPE system. Incorporation of clay does not enhance the properties of the HDPE‐based systems, likely due to large domain structure and poor bonding. Halpin–Tsai equation and the tortuous path equation were used to model the tensile modulus and oxygen permeability of the clay/EVA nanocomposite films. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1101–1107, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Digital image processing method for measuring the residence time distribution in a plasticating extruder
Authors: Bi Chao , Jiang Bo , Li Ao 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn the present work, a digital image processing (DIP) method was developed to measure the residence time distribution (RTD) in a plasticating extruder. The DIP method is off‐line, but it consumes less time and yields more data than the traditional off‐line ones, and it avoids the expensive probes and data acquisition systems that are necessary in the on‐line and in‐line measurements. The correctness of the DIP method was validated by a comparative experiment using silica powder as the tracer. A locally made Buss Kneader equipped with a gear pump system was used herein. The effects of the operating conditions on the RTD in this equipment were also studied. Furthermore, the relationship between the mean residence time and the operating conditions was analyzed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1108–1113, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Direct analysis of the extracellular proteome from two strains of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Smith Todd G. , Lim Jae‐Min , Weinberg Michael V. , Wells Lance , Hoover Timothy R. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHelicobacter pylori extracellular proteins are of interest because of possible roles in pathogenesis, host recognition, and vaccine development. We utilized a unique approach by growing two strains (including one nonsequenced strain) in a defined serum‐free medium and directly analyzing the proteins present in the culture supernatants by LC‐MS/MS. Over 125 proteins were identified in the extracellular proteomes of two H. pylori strains. Forty‐five of these proteins were enriched in the extracellular fraction when compared to soluble cell‐associated protein samples. Our analysis confirmed and expanded on the previously reported H. pylori extracellular proteome. Extracellular proteins of interest identified here included cag pathogenicity island protein Cag24 (CagD); proteases HP0657 and HP1012; a polysaccharide deacetylase, HP0310, possibly involved in the hydrolysis of acetyl groups from host N‐acetylglucosamine residues or from residues on the cell surface; and HP0953, an uncharacterized protein that appears to be restricted to Helicobacter species that colonize the gastric mucosa. In addition, our analysis found eight previously unidentified outer membrane proteins and two lipoproteins that could be important cell surface proteins.
Proteomics of European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) seed dormancy breaking: Influence of abscisic and gibberellic acids
Authors: Pawłowski Tomasz Andrzej 
Published: May 2007

AbstractA proteomic approach was used to analyze mechanisms of dormancy breaking in beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) seeds and the participation of abscisic and gibberellic acids (ABA and GA) in this process. After imbibition in water, ABA, or GA3solutions, beechnuts were subjected to cold stratification, which breaks their dormancy. ABA delayed, whereas GA3promoted seed dormancy breaking. Proteome maps for water, ABA, and GA3were established, which displayed 1544 silver‐stained spots. A total of 74 spots, showing significant changes in volume, were identified by MS. Of these, 18, 45, and 16 spots were identified as water‐, ABA‐, and GA3‐responsive, respectively (five were regulated by both hormones). The classification of proteins showed that most of the proteins associated with dormancy breaking in water are involved in energy metabolism and protein destination. Most of the ABA‐responsive proteins are involved in protein destination, energy metabolism, and development. Most of the GA3‐responsive proteins are involved in energy metabolism (many more than for ABA and water) and plant defense. We conclude that the mechanism of seed dormancy breaking involves the proteins of many processes, beginning with hormone signal initiation, through signal transduction, transcription, protein synthesis, energy metabolism, storage materials, and ending with the cell cycle.