bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnicity and other factors that may affect the prevalence of echogenic intracardiac foci in the fetus
Authors: Lim Louis , Aptekar Leslie , Bombard Allan , Juliard Kell , Meenakshi Bhillakar , Weiner Zeev 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPurpose.To study ethnicity and other possible factors that may affect the incidence of echogenic intracardiac foci (EIF) when detected via sonographic examination.Materials and Methods.Patients were referred to our institution for sonographic evaluation from a wide range of practice formats, including both private obstetric practices as well as community outpatient clinics. The study protocol included presence or absence of EIF, maternal age, ethnicity, gestational age during the examination, optimal versus suboptimal scans, presence of other fetal malformations and sonographic markers, and presence of chromosomal anomalies. Fetal outcome was ascertained in 90% of the study group. For statistical analysis, the chi‐square test and the Student t‐test were used.Results.The study group included 1,543 patients who had a fetal anatomy survey between 16 and 24 weeks' gestation. The prevalence of EIF was similar in all 4 ethnic groups (Asian, Hispanic, black, and white). There were 76 cases of EIF—an overall prevalence of 4.9%. Seventy‐one of these cases were isolated in the left ventricle, 2 were isolated in the right ventricle, and 3 showed multiple foci. The prevalence of EIF was similar between younger and older patients, early and late gestational age at the time of sonographic examination, and optimal and suboptimal sonograms. Fetuses with EIF had significantly more congenital anomalies and other sonographic markers compared with fetuses without EIF.Conclusions.We did not find any significant difference in the prevalence of EIF among the 4 different ethnic groups. The association between congenital anomalies and other sonographic markers should be studied further. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:327–329, 2006
Non‐covalent molecular imprinting with emphasis on its application in separation and drug development
Authors: Zhang Huiqi , Ye Lei , Mosbach Klaus 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe molecular imprinting technique can be defined as the formation of specific nano‐sized cavities by means of template‐directed synthesis. The resulting molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which often have an affinity and a selectivity approaching those of antibody‐antigen systems, have thus been coined “artificial antibodies.” MIPs are characterized by their high specificity, ease of preparation, and their thermal and chemical stability. They have been widely studied in connection with many potential applications, including their use for separation and isolation purposes, as antibody mimics (biomimetic assays and sensors), as enzyme mimics, in organic synthesis, and in drug delivery. The non‐covalent imprinting approach, developed mainly in Lund, has proven to be more versatile than the alternative covalent approach because of its preparation being less complicated and of the broad selection of functional monomers and possible target molecules that are available. The paper presents a review of studies of this versatile technique in the areas of separation and drug development, with emphasis being placed on work carried out in our laboratory. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blockade of tachykinin NK1 receptors attenuates stress‐induced rise of extracellular noradrenaline and dopamine in the rat and gerbil medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Renoldi Giuliano , Invernizzi Roberto W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSubstance P receptor antagonists cause antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like effects in rodents that are thought to involve brain monoamines. In the present study, we examined the effects of the NK1 receptor antagonist GR‐205,171 on basal and stress‐induced rise of extracellular noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of conscious rats and gerbils with the in vivo microdialysis technique. GR‐205,171 given intraperitoneally to rats (10 and 30 mg/kg) and gerbils (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) did not affect extracellular NA in either species and increased extracellular DA in rats. Forty minutes of immobilization increased extracellular NA and DA by, respectively, 179% and 188% of baseline values in rats and 222% and 316% of baseline values in gerbils. At 10 mg/kg, GR‐205,171 attenuated the stress‐induced increase of extracellular NA in the rat. At 30 mg/kg, GR‐205,171 suppressed the effect of stress on extracellular DA but had no effect on NA. A lower dose (1 mg/kg) attenuated the stress‐induced rise of extracellular NA and DA in the mPFC of gerbils. The results show that blockade of NK1 receptors marginally increased basal extracellular DA in rats but had no effect in gerbils, whereas the stress‐induced rise of extracellular NA and DA was markedly attenuated in both species. It is suggested that catecholamines may contribute to the functional effects of GR‐205,171. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement of Flex‐Fatigue Life of Carbon‐Black‐Filled Styrene‐Butadiene Rubber by Addition of Nanodispersed Clay
Authors: Wu You‐Ping , Zhao Wei , Zhang Li‐Qun 
Published: July 2006

AbstractSummary: The flex‐fatigue life of carbon‐black‐filled SBR was dramatically improved by incorporation of 4–5 phr nanodispersed clay. Addition of clay did not decrease the degree of crosslinking of the composite but improved the hysteresis and tearing energy. ESEM observation of the flexing‐fracture morphology indicated that nanodispersed clay layers had the advantage over carbon black in that they could blunt the crack.Effect of the clay amount on the flex fatigue life of the composites.magnified imageEffect of the clay amount on the flex fatigue life of the composites.
Implementation of a data management program in a pediatric cancer unit in a low income country
Authors: Ayoub Lisa , Fú Ligia , Peña Armando , Sierra Jose Manuel , Dominguez Pablo Cesar , Pui Ching‐Hon , Quintana Yuri , Rodriguez Alicia , Barr Ronald D. , Ribeiro Raul C. , Metzger Monika L. , Wilimas Judy A. , Howard Scott C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIntroductionPediatric cancer units in low‐income countries lack data on which to base quality improvement initiatives. We implemented a data management program in the oncology unit of the children's hospital of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and then we assessed training and supervision of data managers, data accuracy, and completeness as well as obstacles encountered.MethodsTraining included 2 days of off‐site hands‐on instruction in the use of an online database, daily on‐site supervision by physicians, periodic online meetings for education and problem‐solving, and continuous e‐mail support.ResultsOf the 652 patients diagnosed with acute leukemia between July 1995 and June 2005, 150 (23%) had not yet been registered in the database at the time of audit and 65 (10%) had missing medical records. The remaining 437 charts (67%) were reviewed by an external auditor and compared to the data entered previously by the two trained data managers. Protocol information was incomplete in 30% of cases, and the cause of death was inaccurate in 18%. All other data were 99% accurate and 93%–100% complete. Obstacles included a limited medical records system, poor organization of the charts, missing records, inconsistently documented protocol information, data managers who lack a medical background, and slow or unreliable internet connections.ConclusionData managers can be trained to effectively collect basic pediatric oncology data in a low‐income country. Addressing inadequacies in the medical record system while providing specific training in protocol‐based care and determination of cause of death for both physicians and data managers will improve data quality. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:23–27. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolactinoma as the first manifestation of Gardner's syndrome
Authors: Goodin Geoffrey S. , McCarville M. Beth , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Skapek Stephen X. , Khoury Joseph D. , Spunt Sheri L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFamilial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited condition causing numerous adenomatous colorectal polyps and a markedly elevated risk of colon cancer. FAP may be associated with various extracolonic manifestations such as desmoid fibromatosis and osteomas (termed Gardner's syndrome) and brain tumors, usually medulloblastoma or glioma [termed Brain Tumor Polyposis (BTP) syndrome type 2]. We describe a pediatric patient who initially presented with prolactinoma and later was found to have Gardner's syndrome. A germline mutation of the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene was identified. Our case illustrates the association between prolactinoma and FAP, which may represent a rare subtype of Gardner's and BTP syndromes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:409–412. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebral haemorrhage induced by warfarin—the influence of drug–drug interactions
Authors: Jönsson Anna K. , Spigset Olav , Jacobsson Ingela , Hägg Staffan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the frequency, severity and preventability of warfarin‐induced cerebral haemorrhages due to warfarin and warfarin–drug interactions in patients living in the county of Östergötland, Sweden.MethodsAll patients with a diagnosed cerebral haemorrhage at three hospitals during the period 2000–2002 were identified. Medical records were studied retrospectively to evaluate whether warfarin and warfarin–drug interactions could have caused the cerebral haemorrhage. The proportion of possibly avoidable cases due to drug interactions was estimated.ResultsAmong 593 patients with cerebral haemorrhage, 59 (10%) were assessed as related to warfarin treatment. This imply an incidence of 1.7/100 000 treatment years. Of the 59 cases, 26 (44%) had a fatal outcome, compared to 136 (25%) among the non‐warfarin patients (p < 0.01). A warfarin–drug interaction could have contributed to the haemorrhage in 24 (41%) of the warfarin patients and in 7 of these (12%) the bleeding complication was considered being possible to avoid.ConclusionsWarfarin‐induced cerebral haemorrhages are a major clinical problem with a high fatality rate. Almost half of the cases was related to a warfarin–drug interaction. A significant proportion of warfarin‐related cerebral haemorrhages might have been prevented if greater caution had been taken when prescribing drugs known to interact with warfarin. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interrelationships between welding parameters of hot‐gas welded polypropylene
Authors: Marczis B. , Czigány T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn case of hot‐gas welding, the parameters of welding influence the strength of the welded joint. A welding portal was designed and built to make the welding parameters of manual hot‐gas welding controllable and independent of human factors. Large series of experiments were performed with the automatic welding station to explore the effect of welding parameters (welding temperature, flow rate, welding speed, and welding force). The strength of the welded joints was determined in a standard tensile test carried out according to ISO 527–3. Using two‐way analysis of variance it was concluded that all four parameters influence the strength of the welded joint significantly, and the strength of the welded joint exhibits a complex dependence on all four parameters. Based on a thermodynamic approach the welding energy was determined. The measured tensile strength values were plotted against the welding energy and the welding force and it was found that the results can be approximated by a quadratic surface function well. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1173–1181, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation and characterization of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and polyamide 6 blends by in situ anionic ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactam
Authors: Hou Lianlong , Liu Hongzhi , Yang Guisheng 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe blends of thermoplastic polyether‐based urethane elastomer (TPEU) and monomer casting polyamide 6 (MCPA6) were prepared using ε‐caprolactam (CL) as a reactive solvent, and CL sodium as a catalyst at various TPEU contents (2.5–15 phr by weight). In situ anionic ring‐opening polymerization and in situ compatibilization of TPEU/MCPA6 blends were realized in one step. The dissociated TPEU chains acted as macroactivator to initiate MCPA6 chain growth from the TPEU chains. The formed block copolymers (TPEU‐co‐MCPA6), which have been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H‐NMR analysis, improved the compatibility between TPEU and MCPA6. In addition, both differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis studies revealed that the crystallinity temperature, melting temperature, the degree of crystallization, and the glass‐transition temperature of MCPA6 component remarkably shifted to a low temperature with increasing TPEU content. Mechanical properties demonstrated that the impact strength and the elongation‐at‐break of the blends significantly increased with the content of TPEU, whereas a progressive decrease occurred in tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. WAXD spectra showed that only α‐form crystal of PA6 component existed in the TPEU/MCPA6 blends. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopes (SEM) of the cryo‐fractured surfaces confirmed a substantially improved compatibility, and reflected a seemly single‐phase morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46: 1196–1203, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dynamic nanoindentation of some polyolefins
Authors: Bouaita N. , Bull S.J. , Palacio J. Fernandez , White J.R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractNanoindentation tests have been conducted on five different polyolefins, comprising a high density polyethylene, a low density polyethylene, a linear low density polyethylene, a polypropylene homopolymer and a polypropylene copolymer. The nanoindenter was fitted with a “Dynamic Stiffness Measurement” (DSM) facility that permits measurement of storage modulus and loss modulus at frequent intervals during an indentation test. The results were quite scattered, especially those for the loss modulus, and methods of processing the data to derive meaningful results were examined and are discussed. The storage modulus measurements were found to give the same stiffness ranking as the monotonic load‐displacement data when comparing indentations on the same material. Some correlation was found between the storage modulus and fractional crystallinity. An averaging procedure was developed for the loss modulus values that appeared to give a consistent assessment of the dissipation properties of the different materials. Analysis of the monotonic component of the load‐displacement data indicated that the nature of the deformation changed from mainly elastic/viscoelastic to mainly viscoelastic/plastic during the course of the indentation tests. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1160–1172, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Miscible blends of poly(vinyl phenyl ketone) and poly(4‐vinyl phenol)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castro M. , Cesteros L. C. , Katime I. , Nuño‐Donlucas S. M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAn analysis by differential scanning calorimetry, modulated differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicates that blends of poly(vinyl phenyl ketone) (PVPhK) and poly(4‐vinyl phenol) (P4VPh) are miscible at ambient temperature. Miscibility, ascertained, is supported by the existence of a single glass transition for each composition of the PVPhK/P4VPh blends. The FTIR spectroscopy analysis demonstrates the formation of hydrogen bonds between carbonyl groups of PVPhK and hydroxyl groups of P4VPh. This specific interaction has a crucial role on the miscibility behavior of PVPhK/P4VPh blends. The evolution of the glass transition of the PVPhK, P4VPh, and its blends as a function of mixture composition shows negative deviations with to respect to the ideal mixing rule, and both Fox and Gordon–Taylor equations predict this behavior successfully. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2404–2411, 2006
Denial in cancer patients, an explorative review
Authors: Vos M. S. , de Haes J. C. J. M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDenial is a clinically relevant concept in cancer patients. It has been investigated and discussed extensively. Its definition, however, has been subject to different theoretical trends over time. From a psychoanalytical viewpoint, denial is a pathological, ineffective defence mechanism. On the other hand, according to the stress and coping model denial can be seen as an adaptive strategy to protect against overwhelming events and feelings.In this explorative review the different concepts and the prevalence of denial in cancer patients are described. The relationship between denial and background characteristics and the influence of denial on quality of life are reviewed also.The prevalence of denial of diagnosis in cancer patients ranged from 4 to 47%, denial of impact occurred 8–70% and denial of affect in 18–42% of patients. Elderly cancer patients were more likely to deny. Cultural background seemed to play a role in the prevalence of denial. Neither type of cancer nor gender seemed to be related to denial. At the most, men might be more likely to deny during the terminal phase. In a limited number of longitudinal studies, a gradual reduction in denial was found over the course of the illness.The effect of denial on physical and social functioning remained unclear while the effect on psychological functioning seemed to depend on the concept of denial used. Distractive strategies were found to reduce distress, whereas passive escape mechanisms turned out to decrease psychological well‐being.Future research on the prevalence and the (mal)adaptive properties of denial in cancer patients has to be based on a clear concept, longitudinal designs and careful recording of background variables. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein–ligand docking: Current status and future challenges
Authors: Sousa Sérgio Filipe , Fernandes Pedro Alexandrino , Ramos Maria João 
Published: July 2006

AbstractUnderstanding the ruling principles whereby protein receptors recognize, interact, and associate with molecular substrates and inhibitors is of paramount importance in drug discovery efforts. Protein–ligand docking aims to predict and rank the structure(s) arising from the association between a given ligand and a target protein of known 3D structure. Despite the breathtaking advances in the field over the last decades and the widespread application of docking methods, several downsides still exist. In particular, protein flexibility—a critical aspect for a thorough understanding of the principles that guide ligand binding in proteins—is a major hurdle in current protein–ligand docking efforts that needs to be more efficiently accounted for. In this review the key concepts of protein–ligand docking methods are outlined, with major emphasis being given to the general strengths and weaknesses that presently characterize this methodology. Despite the size of the field, the principal types of search algorithms and scoring functions are reviewed and the most popular docking tools are briefly depicted. Recent advances that aim to address some of the traditional limitations associated with molecular docking are also described. A selection of hand‐picked examples is used to illustrate these features. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of Au nanoparticles/ITO ohmic contacts to p‐type GaN
Authors: Chen Lung‐Chien , Lu Seng‐Fong 
Published: July 2006

AbstractP‐type ohmic contact between Au nanoparticles/ITO and p‐GaN during heat treatment is reported. Optimal conditions are selected to minimize the lowest specific contact resistance to 1.66 × 10–3 Ω cm2, as determined by the transmission line model (TLM) after heat treatment process at an alloying temperature of 600 °C for 10 min in air. Au nanoparticles/ITO bi‐layers are also applied to GaN‐based LEDs to form an electrode with a p‐type ohmic contact. Typical I–V characteristics of the GaN‐based LEDs with an ohmic contact layer of Au nanoparticles/ITO exhibit a forward‐bias voltage of 3.43 V at an injection current of 20 mA. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
MgB2 thick film with TC = 40.2 K deposited on sapphire substrate
Authors: Zhang Kaicheng , Ding Li‐li , Zhuang Cheng‐gang , Chen Li‐ping , Chen Chinping , Feng Qing‐rong 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA thick MgB2 film has been successfully deposited on a (001) crystalline surface of sapphire by the method of hybrid physical–chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD). The film thickness is about 1.3 μm, having a dense and interlaced structure. The film surface, as shown by scanning electron microscopy, is stacked with MgB2 microcrystals. Transport measurements using the four‐probe technique demonstrate that its critical temperature is about 40.2 K, with a sharp transition width of 0.15 K. The transition is higher by 1 K than those commonly reported at 39 K. The residual resistivity ratio (RRR) is about 11. By extrapolation, H C2(0) is determined as 13.7 T from magneto‐transport measurements. Also, from hysteresis measurements and applying the Bean model, the critical current density is estimated as 5 × 1010 A/m2 in zero magnetic field. The investigation demonstrates that HPCVD is an effective technique to fabricate MgB2 thick films with decent superconducting properties. Hence, it is important for future superconducting applications, in particular as a crucial preliminary stage in the fabrication of superconducting tape. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Large spontaneous shape memory and magnetic‐field induced strain in Ni51Mn25.5Ga23.5 single crystal
Authors: Cui Yuting , Ma Yong , Kong Chunyang , Yang Xiaohong , Chen Jinglan , Pan Fusheng , Wu Guangheng 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMartensitic transformations and characteristics of the magnetic‐field‐induced strain (MFIS) on a nearly stoichiometric Ni51Mn25.5Ga23.5 single crystal have systematically been investigated by various methods, such as ac magnetic susceptibility, resistance, strain measurements and metallographic observations. A large spontaneous strain of 1.62% corresponding to a two‐way thermoelastic shape memory effect is obtained in the single crystal, which is attributed to the high level of oriented internal stress and the preferential orientation of the martensitic variants. When the sample is cooled in a dc magnetic field applied perpendicular to the measuring direction of strain, a large and reversible MFIS up to 1.5% is found. This value of 1.5% is approximately two times larger than that detected in zero field cooling. The results are discussed with respect to growth mechanism of single crystals and the shape memory characteristics. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)