bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive measurement of the inhibition of demineralization on smooth surfaces using polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Chong Sherri L. , Darling Cynthia L. , Fried Daniel 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the inhibition of demineralization in an in vitro simulated caries model by different fluoride agents could be monitored nondestructively using polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT) on smooth enamel surfaces peripheral to orthodontic brackets.Materials and MethodsSixty human molar samples used for this in vitro study were divided into four groups of fifteen. The groups consisted of a control, a fluoride releasing glass ionomer cement, an adhesive fluoride sealant, and fluoride in solution (2‐ppm fluoride). The reflectivity from tooth surfaces was monitored using a PS‐OCT system at different time points after exposure to a pH cycling demin/remin model at 3‐day intervals for 15 days. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) was used to examine lesion depth after day 15.ResultsPS‐OCT was effective at measuring significant differences in the integrated reflectivity in depth between the control and fluoride groups (P<0.001). The fluoride sealant demonstrated a greater protective effect than the fluoride in solution and the glass ionomer cement.ConclusionsThese results suggest that PS‐OCT is well suited for the nondestructive assessment of caries inhibition by anti‐caries agents. Lasers Surg. Med. 39:422–427, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystallization Kinetics of Biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate) under Isothermal and Non‐Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Papageorgiou George Z. , Achilias Dimitris S. , Bikiaris Dimitris N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCrystallization kinetics of the biodegradable and fast crystallizing poly(butylene succinate) is studied, under both isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions. For the isothermal process at temperatures from 75 to 95 °C it is found that the Avrami model successfully describes the transformation kinetics. The non‐isothermal crystallization data obtained at a wide range of cooling rates from 0.1 to 20 °C · min−1 are treated with several models, which include the modified Avrami, the Ozawa, the combined Avrami‐Ozawa, and the Tobin model. The Lauritzen‐Hoffman parameters are estimated from isothermal and non‐isothermal differential scanning calorimetry data, using different approximations for the growth rate and from the effective activation energy equation proposed by Vyazovkin and Sbirrazzuoli. The multiple‐melting behavior has been interpreted in the context of the melting–recrystallization–remelting phenomena.magnified image
Functionalization of Gold and Silicon Surfaces by Copolymer Brushes Using Surface‐Initiated ATRP
Authors: Rakhmatullina Ekaterina , Braun Thomas , Kaufmann Thomas , Spillmann Hannes , Malinova Violeta , Meier Wolfgang 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSurface‐initiated ATRP was used for step‐by‐step growth of poly(butyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly(2,2‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PBMA‐co‐PDMAEMA) brushes from gold and silicon substrates. A one‐step procedure was found to have high efficiency for initiator anchoring. The polymer brushes were characterized in situ by contact angle measurements, ellipsometry, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Detachment of the polymer brushes from both substrates allowed an exact determination of molecular weight and polydispersity indexes given by GPC. 1H NMR confirmed the chemical structure of the detached brushes. Comparison of theoretical predictions and experimental data showed that the first PBMA block had a folded conformation while copolymerization of the second DMAEMA induced stretching of the brushes.magnified image
Immiscible Blends of PC and PET, Current Knowledge and New Results: Rheological Properties
Authors: Carrot Christian , Mbarek Souad , Jaziri Mohamed , Chalamet Yvan , Raveyre Claude , Prochazka Frédéric 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper deals with immiscible blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) obtained by melt blending with polycarbonate. A large survey of the current knowledge in the field of these blends is presented. Resolved and unresolved issues concerning the effect of exchange reactions on the miscibility of the components are addressed. The experimental part of the paper focuses on the rheological behavior of PET/PC blends. Blends containing various polymer ratios were obtained by melt blending with and without transesterification catalysts. Oscillatory shear flow in the melt was used to characterize the rheology of the various samples. A plot of the oscillatory data, similar to the Van Gurp Palmen plot, is used to point out the broadening of the co‐continuity window when in situ compatibilization takes place.magnified image
Comparative Characterization of PP Nano‐ and Microcomposites by In‐Mold Shrinkage Measurements and Structural Characteristics
Authors: Revilla‐Díaz Rodolfo , Sánchez‐Valdés Saúl , López‐Campos Fernando , Medellín‐Rodríguez Francisco Javier , López‐Quintanilla Maria Luisa 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPoly(propylene)‐clay nanocomposites and poly(propylene) containing conventional inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and glass fiber were used in a comparative study focusing on dimensional stability, structure, mechanical and thermal properties. Micro‐ and nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin‐screw extruder. The relative influence of each filler was observed from dimensional stability measurements and structural analysis by WAXD, TEM, and thermal and mechanical properties. At equal filler loadings, PP/clay nanocomposites exhibit an improvement in dimensional stability and were the only composites capable of reduced shrinkage in both in‐flow and cross‐flow directions. The flexural modulus of PP increased nearly 20% by compounding with 4% organoclay, as compared to a similar performance obtained by compounding with 10 wt.‐% of CaCO3 or approximately 6 wt.‐% of glass fiber. The HDT and thermal stability of PP were enhanced by using nanoclay as filler.magnified image
Electroactive Paper Actuator Made with Chitosan‐Cellulose Films: Effect of Acetic Acid
Authors: Wang Niangui , Chen Yi , Kim Jaehwan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper introduces an electroactive paper (EAPap) prepared with cellulose and chitosan films. The fabrication process, performance test, and the effect of acetic acid dosage of the EAPap were investigated. For the fabrication of cellulose EAPap, cellulose fibers were dissolved into a solution using N,N‐dimethylacetamide and lithium chloride. The solution was cast and immersed in water to form a cellulose film, followed by casting chitosan/acetic acid and glycerol aqueous solutions on the cellulose film. A bending EAPap actuator was made by depositing thin gold electrodes on both sides of the cellulose film. The bending displacement of the EAPap actuators was evaluated with respect to voltage, frequency, humidity, and acetic acid dosage. An optimum mole ratio of the acetic acid and chitosan structure unit was found. Also, the effects of chitosan and acetic acid on the actuation behavior of the cellulose‐chitosan laminated films were investigated.magnified image
Synthesis and Surface Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(ethylene glycol) Binary Brushes
Authors: Feng Libang , Gu Guangxin , Chen Min , Wu Limin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA new kind of binary polymer brushes was synthesized from two immiscible polymers, PMMA and PEG, on GPS‐modified silicon wafers. Surface composition, layer thickness, coverage, chain density, wetting ability, morphology and protein adsorption of the binary brushes were investigated by XPS, ellipsometry, AFM and contact angle measurements. The results show that both PMMA and PEG were successfully grafted onto the surface. The surface coverage and the chain density of PMMA and PEG brushes can be controlled by modulating the reaction temperature and time. This kind of binary polymer brushes exhibits a distinct microphase‐separated structure and excellent protein‐preventing property.magnified image
Novel Structured Composites Formed from Gold Nanoparticles and Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Yang , An Yingli , Lü Juan , Li Junbo , Xiong Dean , Shi Linqi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe report a simple procedure to prepare a novel Au‐micelle composite with a core‐shell‐corona structure. This composite is prepared by reduction of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4 · 3H2O) in dilute aqueous solution containing polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) micelles and poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) copolymers. The micelles with a polystyrene core and a poly(4‐vinylpyridine) shell are transformed into Au‐micelle composites with a polystyrene core, a swollen hybrid Au/poly(4‐vinylpyridine) inner shell, and a poly(ethylene oxide) corona by direct physisorption of gold particles with poly(4‐vinylpyridine) chains.magnified image
Macrogol for the treatment of constipation in Parkinson's disease. A randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Zangaglia Roberta , Martignoni Emilia , Glorioso Margaret , Ossola Maria , Riboldazzi Giulio , Calandrella Daniela , Brunetti Gabriele , Pacchetti Claudio 
Published: June 2007

AbstractChronic constipation is the most frequent symptom of autonomic system involvement in Parkinson's disease (PD). Quite often the symptom is severe and impairs patients' quality of life. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of an isosmotic macrogol solution for the treatment of constipation in PD patients, in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. A total of 57 PD patients with constipation were randomly assigned to receive an isosmotic macrogol electrolyte solution (MC‐ES; 29 patients) or placebo (28 patients) for 8 weeks. Treatment efficacy was defined as complete relief of the symptom or a marked improvement of two of the following indicators: stool frequency, straining, stool consistency, use of rectal laxatives as a rescue therapy. The responder rates were significantly higher in the MC‐ES group both at the first (4 weeks; P < 0.0003) and at the final evaluation (8 weeks; P < 0.0012). The frequency of bowel movements (P < 0.002) and stool consistency (P < 0.006) were significantly changed in the MC‐ES group compared to the placebo group. At the final evaluation, a rectal laxative was used by 2 (12.5%) patients on placebo, whereas no use was recorded in the MC‐ES group. Responder rate for straining showed a favorable trend in patients treated with macrogol versus placebo. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ‐39) did not show any significant modification in either group during the 8‐week treatment period. The results of this placebo‐controlled study show the efficacy of MC‐ES in the treatment of constipation in PD. MC‐ES was well‐tolerated and did not affect the course of PD. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Manganic encephalopathy due to “ephedrone” abuse
Authors: Sanotsky Yanush , Lesyk Roman , Fedoryshyn Lyudmyla , Komnatska Iryna , Matviyenko Yuriy , Fahn Stanley 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe describe the clinical and neuroimaging features of 6 drug‐abuse patients with self‐inflicted manganese poisoning. The patients injected a home‐brewed mixture called “ephedrone” (slang term) that contained manganese to produce an amphetamine‐like euphoria. The desired chemical product, phenylpropanoneamine (also called methcathinone), was synthesized from a common‐cold–remedy compound using permanganate as the catalyst. Manganese was a by‐product in the ephedrone mixture. After months of self‐injections, a clinical picture emerged, consisting of apathy, bradykinesia, gait disorder with postural instability, and spastic‐hypokinetic dysarthria. There was no response to levodopa. The MRI revealed symmetric hyperintense T1‐weighted signals in the basal ganglia, typical of manganese accumulation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Cortical grey matter alterations in idiopathic restless legs syndrome: An optimized voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Unrath Alexander , Juengling Freimut D. , Schork Marion , Kassubek Jan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAn impairment of central somatosensory processing is assumed in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Although functional neuroimaging in RLS gave evidence to the presence of widespread functional changes in various brain areas, structural changes at the cortical level were not reported to be RLS‐associated to date. Here, an analysis of high‐resolution three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 63 patients with idiopathic RLS by use of optimized voxel‐based morphometry, in order to investigate if cortical areas might be altered in volume at group level according to the phenomenology of RLS. The comparison of the RLS patients versus controls yielded significant regional decreases of gray matter volume at corrected P < 0.05 in the bihemispheric primary somatosensory cortex, which additionally extended into left‐sided primary motor areas. All clusters correlated both with the severity of RLS symptoms and with disease duration. These results, for the first time, give in vivo evidence to structural neocortical gray matter alterations in RLS patients. The alterations in the sensorimotor cortices might add to the pathophysiological concepts of idiopathic RLS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A double blind randomized placebo control trial of levetiracetam in tourette syndrome
Authors: Smith‐Hicks Constance L. , Bridges Dana D. , Paynter Nina P. , Singer Harvey S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of levetiracetam for the treatment of tics in children with Tourette syndrome (TS). Levetiracetam, an atypical anticonvulsant, has been suggested in open‐label protocols to be an effective tic‐suppressing agent in individuals with TS. A double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial was performed to investigate this medication in children with moderate to moderately‐severe tics. Subjects received, in a randomized sequence, 4‐weeks of levetiracetam (maximum dose 30 mg/kg/day) or placebo, with a 2‐week intervening washout period between cycles. Primary outcome measures included two separate scales from the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale; the Total Tic score and the Total overall score. Measures were assessed at baseline, prior to randomization, on Day 28 (end of Phase 1), on Day 42 (baseline for second phase) and on Day 70 (end of Phase 2). Twenty‐two subjects (21 boys and 1 girl) with TS, mean age 12.2 ± 2.3 years, range 8 to 16 years, participated. A mild reduction in tics occurred during both the levetiracetam and placebo treatment phases. There was no significant difference between treatments and no evidence of sequence or cross‐over effects. In conclusion, Levetiracetam is not more beneficial than placebo in suppressing tics in children with TS. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignment of trans,trans‐2,3‐divinylfuran derivatives
Authors: Škorić Irena , Marinić Željko , Molčanov Krešimir , Kojić‐Prodić Biserka , Šindler‐Kulyk Marija 
Published: June 2007

Abstract1H and 13C NMR spectra of trans, trans‐2,3‐divinylfuran derivatives (1–4) in CDCl3 were fully assigned using one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR techniques. The 1H NMR resonances of ethylenic protons in position 2 with regard to the corresponding protons in position 3 of the furan ring are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aging family caregivers: Policies and practices
Authors: Heller Tamar , Caldwell Joe , Factor Alan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis review examines later life family support for adults with developmental disabilities from a life course perspective that takes into account social trends and changes in service patterns and in attitudes of families. Key issues addressed include: (1) trends affecting family caregiving, (2) health and social outcomes of life‐long caregiving, (3) support needs of families, (4) family support policies and practices, and (5) recommendations for a research and policy agenda. Research examining outcomes of life‐long caregiving has shown that most families adapt well to having a family member with disabilities. However, some families are at risk for poorer physical and mental health outcomes. These include cultural minorities and families of adults with behavioral challenges. Caregiving does seem to have a negative impact on maternal employment and family income as mothers often give up or cut back on employment to care for a child with developmental disabilities, who is more likely to continue living in the family home throughout adulthood than other adult children. Federal and state initiatives are addressing issues of family support through both the developmental disabilities and aging service systems. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:136–142.
Issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Shattuck Paul T. , Grosse Scott D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis paper explores issues and implications for diagnosis and treatment, stemming from the growing number of children identified with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Recent developments and innovations in special education and Medicaid programs are emphasized. Eligibility determination policies, innovations in diagnostic practices, the cost and financing of assessment, variability among programs in diagnostic criteria, and racial/ethnic disparities in the timing of diagnosis all influence the capacity of service systems to provide diagnoses in a timely, coordinated, accurate, economical, and equitable manner. There are several barriers to the more widespread provision of intensive intervention for children with ASDs, including lack of strong evidence of effectiveness in scaled‐up public programs, uncertainty about the extent of obligations to provide services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, high cost of intervention, and variability among states in their willingness to fund intensive intervention via Medicaid. Innovative policy experiments with respect to financing intensive intervention through schools and Medicaid are being conducted in a number of states. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:129–135.
The next exclusion debate: Assessing technology, ethics, and intellectual disability after the human genome project
Authors: Munger Kelly M. , Gill Carol J. , Ormond Kelly E. , Kirschner Kristi L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecent scientific discoveries have made it much easier to test prenatally for various genetic disabilities, such as Down syndrome. However, while many observers have heralded such “advances” for their effectiveness in detecting certain conditions, others have argued that they perpetuate discrimination by preventing the birth of children with disabilities. This article examines the ethical and social implications of the Human Genome Project for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. It details the critique of prenatal testing articulated by many disability rights activists as well as scholarly and professional responses to that critique. A review of the pertinent research literature includes perspectives of genetic professionals, ethicists, disability studies scholars, parents of children with disabilities, and disabled individuals themselves. Finally, the article explores how future research endeavors, policies, and practices may more effectively integrate and respect the positions of these various stakeholders. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:121–128.
Translating policy principles into practice to improve health care access for adults with intellectual disabilities: A research review of the past decade
Authors: Krahn Gloria L. , Drum Charles E. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article extracts principles from two Surgeon General reports,Closing the Gap: A National Blueprint to Improve the Health of Persons with Mental Retardation(2002) andCall to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities(2005), and combines them with the Objectives fromChapter 6 of Healthy People 2010to create a policy framework. This framework is used to review literature from the past decade on access to health care and health promotion for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Review of the literature indicates an emerging evidence base for health promotion programs for persons with IDD. Research in health care and health promotion access requires improvements in surveillance and measurement of quality of life, as well as increased participation of persons with IDD and their families in its implementation. While international guidelines for primary health care have been developed for people with IDD, US guidelines are specialty focused and address specific conditions. Despite its recognized importance, there is surprisingly little information on training programs for health care providers to improve care of persons with IDD. Financing of health care continues to threaten access to comprehensive care for persons with IDD, particularly regarding coordination of care and availability of providers who accept Medicaid patients. Community‐based sources of health care have been slow to emerge, and there is clear need for assumption of responsibility for providing care to persons with IDD. Future US policy should include consideration of environmental factors in health care access. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:160–168.
Washington rises: Public financial support for intellectual disability in the United States, 1955–2004
Authors: Braddock David 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPublic financial support for intellectual disability in the United States grew from 2.3 billion in 1955 to 82.6 billion in 2004, and the federal government emerged during this period as the principal provider of such support. Notwithstanding this unprecedented growth in financial support, many inequities persist today in the distribution of financial resources and services across states, communities, families and to individual disabled consumers. Moreover, tens of thousands of persons with intellectual disabilities continue to live in institutions and nursing homes, waiting lists and aging caregivers are growing rapidly, and family support and supported employment programs receive limited funding. Research and training support has declined significantly in comparison to the growing financial commitments for services and income maintenance. To address these and other issues, the author suggests commissioning a new “President's Panel on Intellectual Disability” modeled on President Kennedy's landmark 1961 Panel on Mental Retardation. The new panel would be appointed during the first months of the new presidential administration in 2009 and deliver its report to the President in 2011, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original President's Panel. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:169–177.