bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental decisions to abort or continue a pregnancy following prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in a setting where termination of pregnancy is not legally available
Authors: Quadrelli Roberto , Quadrelli Andrea , Mechoso Búrix , Laufer Mauricio , Jaumandreu Ciro , Vaglio Alicia 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo learn about parental decisions to abort or continue a pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities among the population in Uruguay.MethodsBetween 1982 and 2003, 14 656 amniocentesis and 2740 chorionic villus samplings were performed in a referral Genetic Unit. Chromosomal anomalies were found in 376 cases (2.16%) and included Down syndrome, aneuploidies in which a severe prognosis was expected, sex chromosome aneuploidy and aneuploidies with a low risk of an abnormal clinical phenotype. The couples that received abnormal results were contacted by phone and asked if they had continued or interrupted the pregnancy after the diagnosis and genetic counseling.ResultsWe contacted 207 couples (55%). When confronted with Down syndrome or an aneuploidy in which a severe prognosis was expected, 89% and 96% of patients, respectively, decided to terminate the pregnancy. When confronted with sex chromosome aneuploidy or aneuploidies with a low risk of an abnormal clinical phenotype, 79% and 90% of patients, respectively, decided to continue the pregnancy.ConclusionsThe present study shows that when faced with an anomaly such as Down syndrome and aneuploidies in which a severe prognosis was expected, most of the couples decided to terminate the pregnancy, although TOP is not legally available in Uruguay. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer risks in thiazolidinedione users compared to other anti‐diabetic agents
Authors: Koro Carol , Barrett Steven , Qizilbash Nawab 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPurposeWe conducted three nested case‐control studies to evaluate the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancers developing in patients exposed to thiazolidinediones (TZDs) compared with other anti‐diabetic agents.MethodsCancer cases were matched to five controls by age, gender, calendar year, and time in the database from a cohort of 1 26 971 diabetic patients taking anti‐diabetic medication in the US Integrated Healthcare Information Services database. Five hundred thirteen breast cancer cases were matched with 2557 controls, 408 cases of colon cancer were matched with 2027 controls and 643 cases of prostate cancer were matched with 3176 controls. Exposure to an anti‐diabetic agent within 90 days preceding the index date was defined as recent exposure and at any time during the follow‐up was defined as ever exposed.ResultsThe adjusted odds ratios and 95%CI of cancer from ever exposure to TZDs compared to oral monotherapy, oral dual therapy, oral triple therapy, insulin monotherapy, insulin and oral therapy and all non‐TZD anti‐diabetic agents were, respectively for breast cancer: 0.91 (0.69–1.20), 0.80 (0.56–1.14), 0.87 (0.32–2.35), 1.27 (0.61–2.67), 0.71 (0.36–1.37), 0.89 (0.68–1.15); for colon cancer: 1.06 (0.80–1.40), 1.12 (0.77–1.63), 1.73 (0.39–7.78), 4.46 (1.05–19.00), 1.06 (0.50–2.26) 1.03 (0.80–1.32) and for prostate cancer: 1.08 (0.85–1.37), 0.89 (0.66–1.21); 0.82 (0.33–2.06); 1.80 (0.79–4.07), 1.10 (0.55–2.18), 1.04 (0.83–1.31). Results for exposure within 90 days of the date of the cancer were similar.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the effect of TZDs on the likelihood of development of the cancers studied (colon, prostate and breast) appears to be neutral and do not support a beneficial or deleterious effect of TZD on the cancers studied. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asthma drug use and the development of Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS)
Authors: Harrold Leslie R. , Patterson M. Kay , Andrade Susan E. , Dube Timothy , Go Alan S. , Buist A. Sonia , Chan K. Arnold , Weller Peter F. , Wechsler Michael E. , Yood Robert A. , Davis Kourtney J. , Platt Richard , Walker Alexander M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPurposeCase reports suggest that leukotriene modifier use may be associated with the onset of Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS). Using pooled data from two nested case‐control studies, we examined the association between asthma drug use and the development of CSS.MethodsThe study was performed in three US managed care organizations and a US national health plan with chart access and complete electronic pharmacy data, with a covered population of 13.9 million. There were 47 cases of possible or definite CSS and 4700 asthma drug user controls identified between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2002. We examined exposure to asthma drugs in cases and controls, including leukotriene modifiers (6 cases and 202 controls), in the two to 6 months prior to the onset of adjudicated CSS.ResultsWhile the crude association between use of leukotriene modifiers and CSS was strong (odds ratio (OR) 4.00, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–10.60), in a multivariable analysis controlling for use of oral corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroids, and number of categories of asthma drugs dispensed, there was no significant association (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 0.44–3.96). Use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids, evaluated as markers of asthma severity, were associated with CSS (OR 3.07, 95% CI: 1.34–7.03 and OR 5.36, 95% CI: 2.51–11.45, respectively).ConclusionsNo association was found between CSS and leukotriene modifiers after controlling for asthma drug use However, it is not possible to rule out modest associations with asthma treatments given CSS is so rare and so highly correlated with asthma severity, suggesting further investigation is warranted. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive acrylic liquid rubber with terminal and pendant carboxyl groups as a modifier for epoxy resin
Authors: Ratna D. , Banthia A.K. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractReactive acrylate rubbers with the terminal and pendent carboxyl groups have been investigated as a modifier for a room temperature curing epoxy resin. The liquid rubbers with varying molecular weights and carboxyl‐functionality were synthesized by bulk polymerization of 2‐ethyl hexyl acrylate using acrylic acid as a comonomer. The liquid rubbers were characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR spectroscopic analysis, nonaqueous titration, vapor pressure osmometry, and solubility characteristics. The liquid rubbers were incorporated into the epoxy resin by the prereact method and the effect of functionality on impact properties of the modified networks were investigated. The results were explained in terms of dynamic mechanical properties and morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Polym. Eng. Sci. 47:26–33, 2007. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
A comprehensive experimental study and numerical modeling of parison formation in extrusion blow molding
Authors: Yousefi Azizeh‐Mitra , Collins Paul , Chang Stephanie , DiRaddo Robert W. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractParison dimensions in extrusion blow molding are affected by two phenomena, swell due to stress relaxation and sag drawdown due to gravity. It is well established that the parison swell and sag are strongly dependent on the die geometry and the operating conditions. The availability of a modeling technique ensures a more accurate prediction of the entire blow molding process, as the proper prediction of the parison formation is the input for the remaining process phases. This study considers both the simulated and the experimental effects of the die geometry, the operating conditions, and the resin properties on the parison dimensions using high density polyethylene. Parison programming with a moving mandrel and the flow rate evolution in intermittent extrusion are also considered. The parison dimensions are measured experimentally by using the pinch‐off mold technique on two industrial scale machines. The finite element software BlowParison® developed at IMI is used to predict the parison formation, taking into account the swell, sag, and nonisothermal effects. The comparison between the predicted parison/part dimensions and the corresponding experimental data demonstrates the efficiency of numerical tools in the prediction of the final part thickness and weight distributions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1–13, 2007. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nitroxyls for scorch suppression, cure control, and functionalization in free‐radical crosslinking of polyethylene
Authors: Chaudhary Bharat Indu , Chopin Lamy , Klier John 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis paper describes the use of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐oxy (TEMPO) derivatives for scorch suppression, cure control, and functionalization in peroxide crosslinking of polyethylene. When 4‐hydroxy 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl was used for scorch suppression, there was often a loss in ultimate degree of crosslinking. In contrast, with bis(1‐oxyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐4‐yl)sebacate, both scorch suppression and ultimate degree of crosslinking were enhanced. A model study in hexadecane showed that TEMPO radicals terminate with carbon‐centered radicals formed as a consequence of peroxide homolysis and propagation steps. This termination occurs preferentially over peroxide‐initiated crosslinking and results in TEMPO‐grafted polymer. In addition to polymer radical formation, several additional reaction pathways are available following thermal homolysis of the peroxide, including unimolecular disassociation of the peroxy radical to yield a methyl radical and a ketone, and proton extraction from one of several substrates by the peroxy radical to yield an alkyl radical and an alcohol. This study reveals that the reaction rate is limited by the rate of peroxide homolysis, and proceeds to statistical products with little or no preference for any specific species. The implication is that choice of peroxide is a dominant controlling factor over whether the TEMPO derivatives are ultimately grafted to the polymer or are bound to small alkyl radicals. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:50–61, 2007. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Recovery and characterization of pure poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) via biomimetic template polymerization
Authors: Huh Pil‐Ho , Kim Seong‐Cheol , Kim Young‐Hoon , Kumar Jayant , Kim Bong‐Soo , Jo Nam‐Ju , Lee Jang‐Oo 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe fundamental properties of pure poly(3,4‐thylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), one of the most common electrically conducting organic polymers, are the key to the development of more prominent applications in which PEDOT and its derivatives can be utilized. Conducting molecular complex of PEDOT with silica was synthesized in the presence of charged silica template by the in situ biomimetic polymerization. To remove silica from PEDOT/template complex, hydrofluoric acid was used to etch silica particles. The electrochemical, thermal, and optical properties of pure PEDOT recovered were investigated in comparison with those of EDOT monomer or PEDOT with template by using UV–vis–near–IR spectra, cyclic voltammetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and fluorescence spectra. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:71–75, 2007. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Kinetic analysis of two DSC peaks in the curing of an unsaturated polyester resin catalyzed with methylethylketone peroxide and cobalt octoate
Authors: Martin J.L. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe curing of an unsaturated polyester resin catalyzed with methylethylketone peroxide and cobalt octoate as promoter is studied by DSC at different heating rates. A high promoter/peroxide ratio is used. The DSC curves show two exothermic peaks. It has been assumed that they represent two independent cure reactions. A set of kinetic parameters for each DSC peak has been obtained. They describe the overall cure process using an empirical kinetic model. Nth order and autocatalytic kinetic functions have been employed. A computer program was developed to calculate the degrees of conversion associated with each peak, and to evaluate the kinetic parameters. The calculation algorithm uses the Runge–Kutta numerical integration and the “downhill simplex method.” This methodology permits to find all kinetic parameters simultaneously. DSC experimental data are very well fitted. The simulated first peak occurs always before the second one, and the fraction of reaction heat associated with the first peak over the overall reaction heat decreases with heating rate. Moreover, activation energies are in good agreement with the tabulated values for typical free radical polymerization induced by thermal and redox decomposition of the peroxides. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:62–70, 2007. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Kinetic Regularities of the Heat Release for the Interaction of Some Organic Compounds with Ammonium Nitrate
Authors: Rubtsov Yury I. , Kazakov Anatoly I. , Lempert David B. , Manelis George B. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractAmmonium nitrate (AN) is used as an oxidant in a series of systems with a wide spectrum of applications, from explosive compositions up to smokeless stoichiometric self‐burning compositions with low combustion temperature. The knowledge of the thermal stability of such compositions is of great importance in using them in practice. In this work the research of kinetics of heat release in the interaction of AN with different organic compounds has been performed using the automatic differential calorimeter.
Differential Scanning Calorimetric Study of HTPB based Composite Propellants in Presence of Nano Ferric Oxide
Authors: Patil Prajakta R. , Krishnamurthy V. N. , Joshi Satyawati S. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA comparative study of the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP)/hydroxy terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based composite propellants has been carried out in presence and absence of nano iron oxide at different heating rates in a dynamic nitrogen atmosphere using differential scanning calorimetry. The pronounced effect was a lowering of the high temperature decomposition by 49 °C. A higher heat release up to 40% was observed in presence of nano ferric oxide (3.5 nm). The kinetic parameters were evaluated using the Kissinger method. The increase of the rate constant in the catalyzed propellant confirmed the enhancement of the catalytic activity of ammonium perchlorate. The scanning electron micrographs of nano Fe2O3 incorporated in HTPB revealed a well‐separated characteristic necklace‐like structure of α‐Fe2O3 particles at high magnification.
Effect of Fe2O3 in Fe2O3/AP Composite Particles on Thermal Decomposition of AP and on Burning Rate of the Composite Propellant
Authors: Ma Zhenye , Li Fengsheng , Bai Huaping 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA technique of composite processing of Fe2O3 and ammonium perchlorate (AP) was employed in making the propellant. The effects of composite processing of Fe2O3 on catalytic activity, on the thermal decomposition of AP, and on the burning rate of the composite propellant were investigated in this paper. Fe2O3/AP composite particles were prepared by a novel solvent‐nonsolvent method. The results show that AP is successfully coated on the surface of Fe2O3. Composite processing of Fe2O3 and AP can improve the catalytic activity of Fe2O3. Fe2O3 exhibits better catalytic effect with increasing Fe2O3 content. The larger interface between Fe2O3 and AP and lower density of composite propellant (with the added Fe2O3/AP composite particles) are responsible for the enhancement of the catalytic activity of Fe2O3.
Changes in Pore Size Distribution upon Thermal Cycling of TATB‐based Explosives Measured by Ultra‐Small Angle X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Willey Trevor M. , van Buuren Tony , Lee Jonathan R. I. , Overturf George E. , Kinney John H. , Handly Jeff , Weeks Brandon L. , Ilavsky Jan 
Published: December 2006

AbstractHot‐spot models of initiation and detonation show that voids or porosity ranging from nanometer to micrometer in size within highly insensitive energetic materials affect initiability and detonation properties. Thus, the knowledge of the void size distribution, and how it changes with the volume expansion seen with temperature cycling, are important to understanding the properties of the insensitive explosive 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB). In this paper, void size distributions in the 2 nm to 2 μm regime, obtained from small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements, are presented for LX‐17‐1, PBX‐9502, and ultra‐fine TATB formulations, both as processed and after thermal cycling. Two peaks were observed in the void size distribution: a narrow peak between 7–10 nm and a broad peak between 20 nm and about 1 mm. The first peak was attributed to porosity intrinsic to the TATB crystallites. The larger pores were believed to be intercrystalline, a result of incomplete consolidation during processing and pressing. After thermal cycling, these specimens showed an increase in both the number and size of these larger pores. These results illuminate the nature of the void distributions in these TATB‐based explosives from 2 nm to 2 μm and provide empirical experimental input for computational models of initiation and detonation.
A Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Study of Aging Products of Diphenylamine Stabilizer in Double‐Base Propellants
Authors: Venter Andre , Ifa Demian R. , Cooks R. Graham , Poehlein Sara K. , Chin Anton , Ellison Dan 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDouble‐base propellants consisting of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin and stabilizer undergo chemical and physical changes upon aging, leading to changes in ballistic power and presenting explosive hazards. During aging, PTFE seals of the glass ampoules used in the aging studies undergo a yellow discoloration. This report studies the discoloration of the liners using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), a gentle surface analysis technique based on electrospray ionization. The color bodies in the PTFE liners were identified by DESI together with tandem mass spectrometry to be the nitrated derivatives of the diphenylamine stabilizer: dinitro‐, trinitro‐, and tetranitrodiphenylamine. While increased nitration decreases vapor pressure of the DPA species, an increase in solubility in the PTFE liners occurs. This may account for these species not previously being observed during early aging studies as they are preferentially absorbed into the liners, which were not extracted prior to high performance liquid‐ chromatography analysis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Two Potential Energetic Azido Esters
Authors: Pant Chandra Shekhar , Wagh Rashmi Moreshwar , Nair Jaya Kamalesh , Gore Girish Mukund , Venugopalan Sethuramasharma 
Published: December 2006

AbstractTwo new energetic azido esters named 1,3‐bis(azidoacetoxy)‐2‐azidoacetoxymethyl‐2‐ethylpropane (I) and 1,3‐bis(azidoacetoxy)‐2,2‐bis(azidomethyl)propane (II), have been synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR and Elemental Analysis. Thermal studies revealed that azido esters I and II are stable up to 180 °C and their glass transition temperatures are −47 °C and −52 °C, respectively.
HMX as an Impurity in RDX Particles: Effect on the Shock Sensitivity of Formulations Based on RDX
Authors: Borne Lionel , Ritter Helmut 
Published: December 2006

AbstractTwo main kinds of heterogeneities are pointed out in RDX particles in using optical microscopy with matching refractive index and scanning electron microscopy. These are HMX impurities and solvent inclusions.
Germline copy number polymorphisms involving larger than 100 kb are uncommon in normal subjects
Authors: Liu Wennuan , Chang Baoli , Li Tao , Dimitrov Latchezar , Kim Seungchan , Kim Jin Woo , Turner Aubrey R. , Meyers Deborah A. , Trent Jeffery M. , Zheng Siqun Lilly , Isaacs William B. , Xu Jianfeng 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecent studies using ROMA and Array‐CGH suggest that germline copy number polymorphisms (CNPs) involving >100 kb are common in humans.METHODSIn this study, we used the Affymetrix GeneChip 100K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) mapping panel to further examine the type and frequency of germline CNPs in the genome. By utilizing the allele intensity data generated while genotyping ∼116,000 SNPs among 23 subjects from 4 families, we were able to detect multiple CNPs.RESULTSHowever, in contrast to several previous studies, we found that CNPs >100 kb are rare in the genome but CNPs involving 100s–1,000s of base pairs are more common.CONCLUSIONSWe have demonstrated the utility of this approach, which has an important advantage over other methods because it is able to simultaneously assess both CNPs and SNPs, and therefore has great potential in genetic association studies of common diseases. Prostate 67:227–233, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BCAR1 expression in prostate cancer: Association with 16q23 LOH status, tumor progression and EGFR/KAI1 staining
Authors: Fromont Gaëlle , Vallancien Guy , Validire Pierre , Levillain Pierre , Cussenot Olivier 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe 16q23 locus has been recently suggested in both breast and prostate cancer to contain a gene involved in disease progression. The breast cancer antiestrogen resistance 1 (BCAR1) gene, located at 16q23, contributes to many cellular processes including migration and survival, and interacts in vitro with the growth factor receptor EGFR and the metastasis suppressor KAI1.METHODSBCAR1, EGFR, and KAI1 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray containing 100 localized prostate cancers (LPC), 15 hormone refractory prostate cancers (HRPC), and 15 lymph node metastasis (LNM). Forty eight of the LPC were also analyzed for 16q23 LOH status using microsatellite markers.RESULTSBCAR1 staining was present in 25% of LPC, associated with higher Gleason score, and in 60% and 80% of, respectively, LNM and HRPC. BCAR1 expression was inversely correlated with 16q23 LOH status (P < 0.001), and was associated with high EGFR staining (P < 0.02), and negative KAI1 expression (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSBCAR1 expression in LPC seems to be regulated at least in part by genetic events. The increased expression of BCAR1 with disease progression suggests a potential interest for both prognosis and treatment. Prostate 67:268–273, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a novel prostate cancer‐associated tumor antigen
Authors: Miles Amanda K. , Rogers Alistair , Li Geng , Seth Rashmi , Powe Des , McArdle Stephanie E.B. , McCulloch Thomas A. , Bishop Michael C. , Rees Robert C. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe identification of antigens that distinguish cancer cells from normal cells is of major importance for the definition of therapeutic targets in human malignancies. Using sera from cancer patients, we have previously reported on the identification of immunologically recognized proteins that belong to the family of cancer testis antigens (CTAs).MethodsA normal testicular cDNA library was screened with pooled allogeneic sera from patients with prostate cancer using a modified SEREX approach. Subsequently we have identified and characterized a novel antigen, T21, with an expression pattern similar to that of CTAs. mRNA expression of T21 was determined using a panel of whole tissues and prostate cell lines using Q‐RT‐PCR. For laser microdissection, fresh prostate cancer and benign tissue was obtained using our novel validated harvesting technique. Protein expression and cellular localization of T21 were assessed in prostate cell lines using Western blotting, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.ResultsT21 showed tissue‐restricted mRNA expression in gastric, kidney and prostate cancers, and in normal testis and prostate tissues. Following laser microdissection, T21 was significantly over‐expressed in malignant compared to benign prostatic epithelium. We have demonstrated expression of T21 at the protein level and confocal microscopy on PC3 cells probed with a T21‐monospecific antibody revealed cytoplasmic localization of T21 protein.ConclusionsThe highly restricted expression pattern of T21 makes it an attractive vaccine target for prostate cancer. Several CTAs reportedly induce cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte responses, therefore it is reasonable to assume that T21 will be a valuable target for cancer immunotherapy. Prostate 67:274–287, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.