bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of stearic acid on the interface and performance of polypropylene/superfine down powder composites
Authors: Liu Xin , Xu Weilin , Peng Xuqiang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTo manufacture the hygroscopic sheets available for functional application, superfine down powder (SDP) and stearic acid modified superfine down powder (MSDP) were, respectively, blended and extruded with polypropylene (PP) to produce composite pellets, and the extruded pellets were hot‐pressed into composite sheets. The chemical reaction between SDP and stearic acid was characterized using the attenuated total reflection attachment on the Fourier transform infrared. PP/MSDP composites showed more uniform powder dispersion in PP matrix, higher compatibility, and better mechanical properties than that of PP/SDP composites, which showed an evident decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break compared with pure PP. It was worth noting that the Young's modulus of PP/SDP composites was higher than that of pure PP, but lower than that of PP/MSDP composites. The addition of SDP led to a large increase in water absorption of PP/SDP composites. However, the water absorption of PP/MSDP composites decreased slightly compared with that of PP/SDP composites. Furthermore, the effects of SDP and MSDP on the microstructural and thermal properties of different composites were also investigated, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Decisional needs assessment regarding Down syndrome prenatal testing: a systematic review of the perceptions of women, their partners and health professionals
Authors: St‐Jacques Sylvie , Grenier Sonya , Charland Marc , Forest Jean‐Claude , Rousseau François , Légaré France 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify decisional needs of women, their partners and health professionals regarding prenatal testing for Down syndrome through a systematic review.MethodsArticles reporting original data from real clinical situations on sources of difficulty and/or ease in making decisions regarding prenatal testing for Down syndrome were selected. Data were extracted using a taxonomy adapted from the Ottawa Decision‐Support Framework and the quality of the studies was assessed using Qualsyst validated tools.ResultsIn all 40 publications covering 32 unique studies were included. The majority concerned women. The most often reported sources of difficulty for decision‐making in women were pressure from others, emotions and lack of information; in partners, emotion; in health professionals, lack of information, length of consultation, and personal values. The most important sources of ease were, in women, personal values, understanding and confidence in the medical system; in partners, personal values, information from external sources, and income; in health professionals, peer support and scientific meetings.ConclusionInterventions regarding a decision about prenatal testing for Down syndrome should address many decisional needs, which may indeed vary among the parties involved, whether women, their partners or health professionals. Very little is known about the decisional needs of partners and health professionals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel method for extracting DNA from chorionic villus samples for use in CVS–PCR, which ensures complete villus dissociation
Authors: Holgado Elaine , Holgado Ben , Liddle Stuart , Ballard Terry , Levett Lisa 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo demonstrate that glass disruption beads dissociate chorionic villus samples releasing DNA from mesenchymal and cytotrophoblast cells that is suitable for processing by CVS–PCR (rapid molecular aneuploidy testing). This method is quicker than conventional methods and may limit discrepancies between PCR and karyotype in certain types of placental mosaicism.MethodDNA was extracted from villus samples by mechanical disruption of the cells using glass beads. This method was compared to collagenase incubation followed by chelex extraction of the digested villus. PCR data generated were compared using standard criteria.ResultsDNA extracted by glass bead disruption generated data of equivalent quality to that obtained from DNA extracted using conventional collagenase and chelex‐based extraction method. The case study demonstrates probable cytotrophoblast enrichment of a sample when processed by collagenase digestion and chelex incubation. Re‐extraction of the digested sample by glass bead disruption resulted in cytotrophoblast and mesenchyme cells contributing to the supernatant.ConclusionGlass bead disruption of chorionic villus samples is an effective, inexpensive and rapid DNA extraction method that dissociates villus ensuring that DNA from both cytotrophoblast and mesenchyme cells is represented in the supernatant. Extracted DNA produced is suitable for CVS–PCR and can be stored stably at − 20 °C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holographic polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals using vinyloxytrimethylsilane
Authors: Jeong Eun Hwa , Woo Ju Yeon , Cho Yeong Hee , Jeong Yeong Keun , Kim Kwang Ho , Kim Byung Kyu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: To reduce the driving voltage of transmission holographic polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (HPDLCs), the polymer interface was modified by incorporating various amounts of vinyloxytrimethylsilane (VOTMS) monomer to the conventional grating formulation based on polyurethane acrylate (PUA).RESULTS: With the addition of increasing amounts of VOTMS, the contact angle of the film and the droplet size of the liquid crystal (LC) monotonically increased, implying that the VOTMS segments of the polymer are preferentially exposed to the interfaces and provide greater immiscibility with LC molecules. The operating voltage monotonically decreased with increasing VOTMS content with a minimum switching voltage of about 15 V with a response time of about 10 ms. However, in the presence of VOTMS, the droplets coalesced and caused random scattering, thus lowering the off‐state diffraction efficiency below that of virgin PUA.CONCLUSION: It was found that VOTMS was essential to drive the film. The VOTMS segments of the polymer are preferentially exposed to the polymer/LC interfaces and decrease the surface anchoring strength and also influence the orientation of LC droplets. Also, lower molecular weight bifunctional polypropylene glycol generally gave greater diffraction efficiency, confirming that grating formation is favoured with higher crosslink density due to the greater polymer/LC phase separation. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Facile preparation and characterization of novel fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomer/zinc oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Sasazawa Kazuo , Hirayama Yutarou , Sawada Hideo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The aim of the present work was to prepare novel fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomer/zinc oxide nanocomposites by the use of fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomers as key intermediates. In addition, it was intended to clarify the unique properties of these fluorinated nanocomposites.RESULTS: A variety of fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomer/zinc oxide nanocomposites were prepared by the interaction of the corresponding oligomers with zinc oxide particles, which were obtained by the reaction of zinc acetate dihydrate with sodium hydroxide in ethanol solution at room temperature. In contrast, fluoroalkyl end‐capped 2‐methacryolyoxyethanesulfonic acid oligomer was found to afford the corresponding fluorinated amorphous zinc oxide composites under similar conditions.CONCLUSION: These fluorinated zinc oxide composites thus obtained are nanometer size‐controlled very fine particles, and they exhibit a good dispersibility and stability in water and traditional organic media. These fluorinated nanocomposites were also applied for the surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films, which gave not only a good surface‐active property imparted by fluorine but also unique characteristics related to the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the modified PMMA film surface. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 33)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm 
Published: December 2008

AbstractConsolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since July 2008 are reviewed. Efficiencies are updated to the new reference solar spectrum tabulated in IEC 60904‐3 Ed. 2 revised in April 2008 and an updated list of recognised test centres is also included. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
5th BSPR‐EBI Meeting, Proteomics: From Technology to New Biology 8–10 July 2008, Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
Authors: English Jane A. , Polden Julie , Robinson Aisling A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper reports on the 5th joint British Society for Proteome Research (BSPR) and European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) meeting which took place at the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Cambridge, UK, from the 8th to 10th July, 2008. As in previous years, the meeting attracted leading experts in the field who presented the latest cutting edge in proteomics. The meeting was entitled “Proteomics: From Technology to New Biology” taking into account the major transition proteomics has undergone in the past few years. In particular, the use of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)‐based targeted experiments for absolute quantification and validation of proteins was the hot topic of the meeting. Attended by some 250 delegates, the conference was extremely well organised and provided a great opportunity for discussion and initiation of new collaborations.
Synthesis and characterization of postsulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) diblock copolymers for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Takamuku Shogo , Akizuki Ken , Abe Mitsutaka , Kanesaka Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2008

AbstractSulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) diblock copolymers were studied through the postsulfonation process. Two kinds of hydrophobic oligomers with a molecular weight of 20 kDa were prepared in advance as block sequences and then coupled together to obtain diblock copolymers. One oligomer was synthesized from bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) sulfone (BHPS) and 4,4′‐difluorodiphenyl sulfone (DFDPS), which was thought to be incapable of postsulfonation. The other oligomer was synthesized from hydroquinone (HQ) and 4,4′‐dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (DCDPS), which successfully proceeded to a hydrophilic sequence as a result of sulfonation onto the HQ moiety after the coupling reaction. Consequently, a diblock copolymer with high molecular weight was obtained; although its intrinsic viscosity was too low to form a tough membrane because of its high rigidity and high crystallinity. Therefore, the use of decafluorobiphenyl (10F) as a termination reagent was investigated with the aim of achieving higher coupling reactivity and a kinky property. As a result, a sulfonated diblock copolymer was successfully obtained with sufficient molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity to form the membrane, as well as with adequate thermal properties. It was observed that proton conductivity, water uptake, and the water diffusion coefficient increased with higher ion exchange capacity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 700–712, 2009
Ethylene polymerization by the new chromium catalysts based on amino‐pyrrolide ligands
Authors: He Li‐Peng , Liu Jing‐Yu , Pan Li , Wu Ji‐Qian , Xu Bao‐Chang , Li Yue‐Sheng 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA series of amino‐pyrrolide ligands (1–4a) and their derivatives amino‐thiophene ligand (5a), amino‐indole ligand (6a) were prepared. Chromium catalysts, which were generated in situ by mixing the ligands with CrCl3(thf)3 in toluene, were tested for ethylene polymerization. The preliminary screening results revealed that the tridentate amino‐pyrrolide ligands containing soft pendant donor, 3a, 4a/CrCl3(thf)3 systems displayed high catalytic activities towards ethylene polymerization in the presence of modified methyaluminoxane. The electronic and steric factors attached to the ligand backbone significantly affected both the catalyst activity and the polymer molecular weight. Complex 4b was obtained by the reaction of CrCl3(thf)3 with one equivalent of the lithium salts of 4a, which was the most efficient ligand among the tested ones. The effect of polymerization parameters such as cocatalyst concentration, ethylene pressure, reaction temperature, and time on polymerization behavior were investigated in detail. The resulting polymer obtained by 4b display wax‐like and possess linear structure, low molecular weight, and unimodal distribution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 713–721, 2009
Synthesis and micellization of PSt‐PNIPAM‐PDMAEMA hetero‐arm star polymer with double thermo‐responsibility
Authors: Li Jian , He Wei‐Dong , Han Shou‐chen , Sun Xiao‐li , Li Li‐ying , Zhang Bo‐yu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA hetero‐arm star polymer, polystyrene‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐ poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate) (PSt‐PNIPAM‐PDMAEMA), was synthesized by “clicking” the alkyne group at the junction of PSt‐b‐PNIPAM diblock copolymer onto the azide end‐group of PDMAEMA homopolymer via 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition. The resultant polymer was characterized by gel permeation chromatography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. PSt‐PNIPAM‐PDMAEMA micelles with PSt block as core and PNIPAM and PDMAEMA blocks as shell were formed when adding the copolymer solution in THF into 10 folds of water. Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM and PDMAEMA homopolymer is 32 °C for PNIPAM and 40 to 50 °C for PDMAEMA, respectively. Upon continuous heating through their LCSTs, PSt‐PNIPAM‐PDMAEMA core‐shell micelles exhibited two‐stage thermally induced collapse. The first‐stage collapse, from 20 to 34 °C, is ascribed to the shrinkage of PNIPAM chains; and the second‐stage collapse, from 38 to 50 °C, is due to the shrinkage of PDMAEMA chains. Dynamic light scattering was used to confirm the double phase transitions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 786–796, 2009
Synthesis, characterization, and thermally activated curing of oligosiloxanes containing benzoxazine moieties in the main chain
Authors: Kiskan Baris , Aydogan Binnur , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOligosiloxanes containing thermally curable benzoxazine units in the main chain have been synthesized. For this purpose, first the diallyl functional monomer is synthesized through the Mannich and ring closing reaction of 4,4′‐isopropylidenediphenol (bisphenol A), formaldehyde and allylamine. Hydrosilylation reaction of the resulting diallylic monomer (B‐ala) with 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) in the presence of Pt catalyst yields the corresponding poly(B‐ala‐tetramethyl disiloxane)s (PBTMDS) with the molecular weights in the range of 1800–4100 Da. The structures of the precursor diallyl monomer and the resulting polymers are confirmed by FT‐IR and 1H NMR analysis. Curing behavior of both the monomer and polymers has also been studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Flexible free standing transparent films of the oligosiloxanes are obtained by solvent casting from dichloromethane solution on Teflon plates. The films preserve shape and, to some extent, toughness after thermal curing between 100 and 180 °C. Thermal properties of the cured polymers are also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 804–811, 2009
Behavioral therapy intervention trial to improve sleep quality and cancer‐related fatigue
Authors: Berger Ann M. , Kuhn Brett R. , Farr Lynne A. , Lynch James C. , Agrawal Sangeeta , Chamberlain Julie , Von Essen Susanna G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground: To determine whether sleep quality and fatigue associated with breast cancer adjuvant chemotherapy treatments can be improved with behavioral therapy (BT) [Individualized Sleep Promotion Plan (ISPP©)] including modified stimulus control, modified sleep restriction, relaxation therapy, and sleep hygiene.Methods: Randomized‐controlled trial based on Piper Integrated Fatigue Model, 219 stages I–IIIA breast cancer patients. Prior to the initial chemotherapy treatment, BT participants developed an ISPP plan that was regularly reinforced and revised. Controls received healthy eating information and attention. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), daily diary, actigraph, and Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) data were collected 2 days prior, during the 7 days after each treatment, and 30 days after the last treatment. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used.Results: Prior to chemotherapy, participants reported mild fatigue and fairly poor sleep quality. All variables changed over time. A group by time interaction was found for sleep quality (PSQI) improving in the BT group. Diary revealed group differences on number of awakenings, minutes awake after sleep onset, and sleep efficiency. Fatigue (PFS) was similar between groups.Conclusions: The BT group showed improved sleep quality over time and better sleep (diary). Perceptions of improved sleep quality over time are not consistently associated with diary or actigraph, or result in lower fatigue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of acculturation and breast cancer‐specific distress on perceived barriers to genetic testing for breast cancer among women of African descent
Authors: Sussner Katarina M. , Thompson Hayley S. , Jandorf Lina , Edwards Tiffany A. , Forman Andrea , Brown Karen , Kapil‐Pair Nidhi , Bovbjerg Dana H. , Schwartz Marc D. , Valdimarsdottir Heiddis B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective: Rising health disparities are increasingly evident in relation to use of genetic services (including genetic counseling and testing) for breast cancer risk, with women of African descent less likely to use genetic services compared with Whites. Meanwhile, little is known regarding potential within‐group acculturation and psychological differences underlying perceived barriers to genetic testing among women of African descent.Methods: Hypothesized contributions of acculturation factors and breast cancer‐specific distress to perceived barriers to genetic testing were examined with a statistical analysis of baseline data from 146 women of African descent (56% US born and 44% foreign born) meeting genetic breast cancer risk criteria and participating in a larger longitudinal study that included the opportunity for free genetic counseling and testing. Perceived barriers assessed included: (1) anticipation of negative emotional reactions, (2) stigma, (3) confidentiality concerns, (4) family‐related worry, and (5) family‐related guilt associated with genetic testing.Results: In multivariate analyses, being foreign born was a significant predictor of anticipated negative emotional reactions about genetic testing (β=0.26; SE=0.11; p=0.01). Breast cancer‐specific distress scores (avoidance symptoms) were positively related to anticipated negative emotional reactions (β=0.02; SE=0.005; p=<0.0001), confidentiality concerns (β=0.02; SE=0.01; p=0.02), and family‐related guilt (β=0.02; SE=0.01; p=0.0009) associated with genetic testing.Conclusions: Results suggest an influence of acculturation and breast cancer‐specific distress on perceived barriers to genetic testing among women of African descent. The potential utility of culturally tailored genetic counseling services taking into account such influences and addressing emotional and psychological concerns of women considering genetic testing for breast cancer should be investigated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate with Nanocrystals of Binary Transition Metal Ferrites
Authors: Singh Gurdip , Kapoor Inder Pal Singh , Dubey Shalini , Siril Prem Felix 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article was published in Early View with DOI 10.1002/prep.200800017 – what is wrong. It has appeared with the correct DOI 10.1002/prep.200900017 – in Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics 2009 (34) issue 1/2009 on pp 78‐83.
Sublethal effects of spinosad on survival, growth and reproduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Wang Dong , Gong Peiyu , Li Mei , Qiu Xinghui , Wang Kaiyun 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is one of the most important pests in many countries. Spinosad is used widely for the control of pests, but there is sparse information available regarding its sublethal effects on H. armigera. Here, the authors attempt to investigate the sublethal effects of spinosad on H. armigera in order to reveal the negative, non‐lethal impact of insecticides on this pest.RESULTS: The toxicity of spinosad against H. armigera was determined under laboratory conditions by oral exposure of late second‐instar larvae to the compound. The 48 h LC50 and 72 h LC50 values of spinosad to this pest were found to be 0.41 mg kg−1 and 0.35 mg kg−1 respectively. Spinosad at sublethal concentrations significantly extended the developmental time of survivor larvae, and reduced larval wet weight. Post‐exposure effects were indicated by decreased pupation ratio and pupal weight, by prolonged prepupal and pupal periods and by decreased emergence ratio, fecundity and longevity of adults.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of spinosad might affect pest population dynamics significantly by decreasing its survival and reproduction, and by delaying its development. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Coactivity of sulfide ingredients: a new perspective of the larvicidal activity of garlic essential oil against mosquitoes
Authors: Kimbaris Athanasios C , Kioulos Elias , Koliopoulos George , Polissiou Moschos G , Michaelakis Antonios 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The activity of several garlic oil ingredients against Culex pipiens L. larvae was studied. In addition to diallyl sulfide (DS) and diallyl disulfide (DDS), the garlic oils used included one essential oil (EO) and two semi‐synthetic garlic essential oils (SSGEO1 and SSGEO2), which resulted from the enrichment of EO with DS and DDS standards respectively. The oils were compared with respect to their toxicity.RESULTS: The chemical composition of the tested oils was evaluated by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Experimental data from the tested samples revealed high toxicity. In detail, DDS (6.09 mg L−1) was the most active, followed by SSGEO2 (7.05 mg L−1) and EO (8.01 mg L−1), while SSGEO1 and DS were relatively inactive.CONCLUSION: The addition of DDS to EO did not change the toxic effect of the essential oil, whereas the presence of DS in excess produced an enriched essential oil with low toxicity. Furthermore, the antagonistic effect of DS and DDS against the other components of EO was shown by the application of two equations obtained from the literature. Their larvicidal performances were correlated, for the first time, with their detailed chemical composition. Data analysis strongly indicated the toxicity of the other EO sulfur ingredients. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry