bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequence‐controlled cationic ring‐opening copolymerization of spiroorthocarbonate and oxetane
Authors: Nagai Daisuke , Nishida Masaki , Ochiai Bungo , Miyazaki Koji , Endo Takeshi 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPseudo block and triblock copolymers were synthesized by the cationic ring‐opening copolymerization of 1,5,7,11‐tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane (SOC1) with trimethylene oxide (OX) via one‐shot and two‐shot procedures, respectively. When SOC1 and OX were copolymerized cationically with boron trifluoride etherate (BF3OEt2) as an initiator in CH2Cl2 at 25 °C, OX was consumed faster than SOC1. SOC1 was polymerized from the OX‐rich gradient copolymer produced in the initial stage of the copolymerization to afford the corresponding pseudo block copolymer, poly [(OX‐grad‐SOC1)‐b‐SOC1]. We also succeeded in the synthesis of a pseudo triblock copolymer by the addition of OX during the course of the polymerization of SOC1 before its complete consumption, which provided the corresponding pseudo triblock copolymer, poly[SOC1‐b‐(OX‐grad‐SOC1)‐b‐SOC1]. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3233–3241, 2006
Synthesis and chiroptical properties of optically active polymer liquid crystals containing azobenzene chromophores
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Xu Jie , Sun Youyi , Zhou Jingli , Chen Biao , Zhang Qijin , Wang Keyi 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA series of optically active methacrylic homopolymers, poly[(4‐{4′‐[(S)‐2‐methyl‐1‐butyloxycarbonyl]phenylazo}phenoxyl)x‐methylene methacrylate] (x = 0, 2, 6, or 11), were synthesized. The structures of the polymers were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, UV, differential scanning calorimetry, and gel permeation chromatography. The chiroptical properties of the polymers in films were investigated with circular dichroism (CD) measurements. The CD and UV spectra of the films suggested that CD absorptions occurred in the films of the polymers with long spacers (x = 6 or 11) but not in the films of the polymers with short spacers (x = 0 or 2). After irradiation with linearly polarized light at 442 nm, the CD values were amplified in all the polymeric films. The amplificatory values of the CD bands in the absorption region (260–360 nm) of azobenzene chromophores suggested that the spacer length had an effect on both the transfer of chirality and photoinduced chirality in the polymeric films. The largest level of photoinduced chirality was induced in the polymer containing six methylene units. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3210–3219, 2006
2′ Substituted sergeants influencing the deoxy soldiers in folded oligonucleotides
Authors: Park Jeong‐il , Roth Shoshannah L. , Price Kristin E. , McQuade D. Tyler 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe demonstrate that conformational‐biased monomers can alter neighboring monomer conformation leading to globe changes in polymer topology. This work is compared to the “sergeants and soldiers” effect observed when a small percentage of optically active monomers control a polymer's helical handedness. Specifically, we show that one biased monomer in a sequence of flexible monomers yields an oligonucleotide block copolymer that folds into two topologies with competitive free energies and activation barriers (from an unfolded state). Double substitutions, on the other hand, have varying degrees of influence depending on the position of the second substitution. Substitutions within the same guanosine block have a lesser effect relative to substitutions in different blocks. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3271–3278, 2006
Random multiblock poly(ester amide)s containing poly(L‐lactide) and cycloaliphatic amide segments: Synthesis and biodegradation studies
Authors: Luckachan Gisha Elizabeth , Pillai C. K. S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractNovel multiblock poly(ester amide)s containing poly(L‐lactide) and cycloaliphatic amide segments were synthesized from telechelic oligomer of α,ω‐hydroxyl terminated poly(L‐lactide), 1,3‐cyclohexylbis(methylamine), and sebacoylchloride by the “two‐step” interfacial polycondensation method. The blocky nature of PEAs was established by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies. The effect of relative content of ester and amide segments on the crystallization nature of PEAs was investigated by WAXD and DSC analyses. PEAs having lower content of PLLA, PEA 1 and PEA 2, showed a crystallization pattern analogous to polyamides, whereas PEA 3, having higher content of PLLA, showed two crystalline phases characterized by polyester and polyamide segments. Random nature of PEAs was observed from single Tg values. Biodegradation studies using the enzyme lipase from Candida Cylindracea showed higher degradation rate for PEA 3 than that for PEA 1 and PEA 2. FTIR, 1H NMR, and DSC analyses of the degraded products indicated the involvement of ester linkages in the degradation process. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3250–3260, 2006
Synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐polystyrene containing a crown ether unit at the junction point via combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and nitroxide mediated radical polymerization routes
Authors: Altintas Ozcan , Yilmaz Ismail , Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐polystyrene (PMMA‐b‐PS) containing a benzo‐15‐crown‐5 unit at the junction point was prepared by combining atom transfer radical polymerization and nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization. For this purpose, 6,7,9,10,12,13,15,16‐octahydro‐5,8,11,14,17‐pentaoxa‐benzocyclopentadecene‐2‐carboxylic acid 3‐(2‐bromo‐2‐methyl‐propionyloxy)‐2‐methyl‐2‐[2‐phenyl‐2‐(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐1‐yloxy)‐ethoxycarbonyl]‐propyl ester (3) was synthesized and used as an initiator in atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of CuCl and pentamethyldiethylenetriamine at 60°C. A linear behavior was observed in both plots of ln([M]0/[M]) versus time and Mn,GPC versus conversion indicating that the polymerization proceeded in a controlled/living manner. Thus obtained PMMA precursor was used as a macroinitiator in nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene (St) at 125°C to give well‐defined PMMA‐b‐PS with crown ether per chain. Kinetic data were also obtained for copolymerization. Moreover, potassium picrate (K+ picrate) complexation of 3 and PMMA‐b‐PS copolymer was studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3242–3249, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched‐poly(siloxysilane)‐based polymeric photoinitiators
Authors: Si Qing‐Fa , Fan Xiao‐Dong , Liu Yu‐Yang , Kong Jie , Wang Sheng‐Jie , Qiao Wen‐Qiang 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThree UV‐sensitive, hyperbranched‐poly(siloxysilane)‐based polymeric photoinitiators, bearing an alkyl phenone moiety linked to the surface of the hyperbranched polymer, were synthesized via the hydrosilylation of hyperbranched poly(siloxysilane) and modified UV‐sensitive compounds. Hyperbranched poly(siloxysilane) was prepared via the polyhydrosilylation of the AB2‐type monomer methylvinyldichlorosilane. The chemical structures of the polymeric photoinitiators were characterized with 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, UV spectrophotometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The UV‐curing behaviors of the blends of the hyperbranched polymeric photoinitiators with UV‐curable epoxy acrylate (EA) resin were determined by Fourier transform infrared, and the results showed that the initiation efficiency of the polymeric photoinitiators was excellent and that the thermostability of the EA/polymeric photoinitiator curing systems was higher than that of the EA/photoinitiators. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3261–3270, 2006
Does stretching induce lasting increases in joint ROM? A systematic review
Authors: Harvey Lisa , Herbert Robert , Crosbie Jack 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeStretching (that is, interventions that apply tension to soft tissues) induces increases in the extensibility of soft tissues, and is therefore widely administered to increase joint mobility and reverse contractures. However, it is not clear whether the effects of stretching are lasting. A systematic review was conducted to determine if stretching (either self‐administered, administered manually by therapists or by some external device such as a splint) produces lasting increases in the mobility of joints not directly affected by surgery, trauma or disease processes.MethodIn order to determine the lasting effects of stretching, only studies that measured joint range of motion (ROM) at least one day after the cessation of stretching were included. MEDLINE (from 1966 to June 2000), EMBASE (from 1988 to June 2000), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and PEDro databases were searched, and citation tracking was used to identify randomized studies that met the inclusion criteria. Each study was rated by two independent assessors on the PEDro scale, which rated trials according to criteria such as concealed allocation, blinding and intention‐to‐treat analysis.ResultsThirteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. All examined the effect of stretching (median number of stretch sessions = eight) on joint ROM in healthy subjects without functionally significant contractures. Four studies were of ‘moderate’ quality and the remaining nine were of ‘poor’ quality. The ‘moderate’ quality studies suggest that regular stretching increases joint ROM (mean increase in ROM = 8°;95% CI 6° to 9°) for more than one day after cessation of stretching and possibly that the effects of stretching are greater in muscle groups with limited extensibility.ConclusionsThe results of four ‘moderate’ quality studies show a convincing effect of stretching in people without functionally significant contracture. These findings require verification with high‐quality studies. Lasting effects of intensive stretching programmes (for example, stretching applied for more than six weeks or for more than 20 minutes a day) or of stretching on people with functionally significant contracture have not yet been investigated with randomized studies. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Can early extubation and intensive physiotherapy decrease length of stay of acute quadriplegic patients in intensive care? A retrospective case control study
Authors: Berney Sue , Stockton Kellie , Berlowitz David , Denehy Linda 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeRespiratory complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the acute quadriplegic patient population. The literature has suggested that early insertion of a tracheostomy facilitated pulmonary management and an earlier discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). Recently, a change in practice has meant that these patients are considered for extubation and intensive physiotherapy treatment, including an overnight on‐call service, rather than tracheostomy. The aim of the present retrospective, case‐controlled study was to determine if either practice resulted in a difference in length of stay in intensive care and if an on‐call physiotherapy service for these patients was cost effective.MethodA case control design was used. Between April 1997 and November 1999, seven patients who did not require a tracheostomy were identified; case control subjects were matched for severity with seven patients who did receive a tracheostomy. Length of stay in intensive care and on the acute ward, days from injury to fixation and the overall number of respiratory physiotherapy and night physiotherapy treatments were recorded.ResultsFive of the seven patients in the non‐tracheostomy group received on‐call overnight physiotherapy treatment, with an average of five sessions over a total of three nights. This group's length of stay in an ICU was significantly less than patients who were tracheostomized (p = 0.02). The overall number of physiotherapy treatments between the two groups was not significantly different.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that if extubation and intensive physiotherapy is undertaken for suitable patients, the length of stay in intensive care can be significantly reduced. This represents a considerable cost saving for ICUs and more than covers the added cost of providing an after hours on‐call physiotherapy treatment service. A prospective evaluation is required to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
What do Swedish physiotherapists feel about research? A survey of perceptions, attitudes, intentions and engagement
Authors: Kamwendo Kitty 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeAlthough the past decades have witnessed an increase in physiotherapy research, there remains a concern about the translation of research into clinical practice, a problem that to date has attracted relatively limited interest. The aim of the present study was to investigate perceptions and attitudes toward research, intentions to perform as well as actual engagement in research‐related activities in a sample of Swedish physiotherapists.MethodA cross‐sectional design was used, and 343 Swedish physiotherapists responded to a postal questionnaire (representing a response rate of 61.7%). Questions about research‐related activities were measured on a Likert‐type scale, whereas questions referring to attitudes toward research used a semantic differential scale.ResultsThe physiotherapists considered research as an important part of their professional role. Reading research literature was perceived as the most important research activity, and all mean attitude ratings were on the positive side of the scale. High workload and lack of time were the most commonly mentioned barriers to participation in research‐related activities. Although Swedish physiotherapists read a large variety of journals, they most frequently read in their own language.ConclusionsThe physiotherapists in this study were generally positive about research, which offers hope for an increased use of evidence‐based practice in the future. In order to facilitate this development, easily accessible summaries could be provided. A cultural change within the profession, allowing more time for reading and discussing research reports should be encouraged. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Beneficial therapeutic effects of physical training and relaxation therapy in women with coronary syndrome X
Authors: Tyni‐Lenne Raija , Stryjan Signe , Eriksson Björn , Berglund Margareta , Sylven Christer 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeNew types of illness are being identified continuously. Owing to the demands for evidence‐based practice, physiotherapeutic interventions need to be investigated scientifically prior to application in a new patient population. Coronary syndrome X (syndrome X) is a chronic pain disorder with exercise‐induced chest pain despite angiographically normal coronary arteries. Patients with syndrome X constitute a therapeutic problem with considerable residual morbidity associated with functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of physical training and relaxation therapy on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with syndrome X.MethodA single‐blind, randomized controlled trial design was used. Twenty‐four female patients aged 41–65 years were randomly assigned to three groups: A, B and C. All groups were similar at baseline for physical fitness level. Group A performed physical training for eight weeks at 50% of baseline VO2max and group B participated in relaxation therapy for eight weeks. Group C acted as control subjects without any intervention. Before and after the eight‐week periods, subjects were assessed by means of several measures of exercise capacity and quality of life.ResultsThe measured variables did not change in the control group during the eight weeks. VO2max (<0.02), work rate (<0.002) and distance walked during six minutes (<0.003) increased only after physical training. The tolerated exertion during six minutes of walking (<0.05) and the health‐related quality of life, measured both by the Stress and Crisis Inventory (SCI) and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) (<0.04), improved after both physical training and relaxation therapy. The general coping capacity, measured by the Sense of Coherence (SOC) questionnaire, remained unchanged in all the groups.ConclusionsFemale patients with syndrome X benefit from physical training in terms of exercise capacity and quality of life and from relaxation therapy in terms of quality of life. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Feedback withdrawal and changing compliance during manual hyperinflation
Authors: Hila Julie , Ellis Elizabeth , Holmes Wendy 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe performance of manual hyperinflation by physiotherapists can be improved by the availability of a pressure manometer. The present study aimed to test whether these benefits could be maintained when the manometer is withdrawn and whether the availability of a manometer affects the pressures delivered under changing respiratory compliances.MethodManual hyperinflation breaths were delivered to a test lung by student physiotherapists, with a target peak airway pressure of 30 cm H2O under control, feedback and feedback‐withdrawal conditions. The breaths were delivered for three trials under each testing condition at each of three respiratory compliance settings.ResultsThe availability of augmented feedback increased the accuracy and reduced the variability of performance; however, these improvements were not maintained when feedback was withdrawn. Changing respiratory compliance significantly affected the accuracy and variability during the control and withdrawal conditions, but the availability of a manometer negated these differences.ConclusionsThe availability of a pressure manometer negates the influence of respiratory compliance on the achievement of target peak airway pressures during manual hyperinflation in the laboratory environment, however these benefits are not retained when feedback is withdrawn. Therefore, it is recommended that a pressure manometer should be routinely available during manual hyperinflation in clinical practice to optimize treatment safety and effectiveness. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Instructing pelvic floor contraction facilitates transversus abdominis thickness increase during low‐abdominal hollowing
Authors: Critchley Duncan 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeLow abdominal hollowing in four‐point kneeling is used clinically to test and rehabilitate transversus abdominis (TrA) but many people find this exercise difficult to perform. Contracting pelvic floor muscles (PF) during low abdominal hollowing may facilitate contraction of TrA. Thickness increase in the abdominal muscles during low abdominal hollowing has been measured with real‐time ultrasound scanning and may indicate muscle contraction. The present study investigated the effect of instructing PF contraction on TrA thickness increase during low abdominal hollowing.MethodTwelve females and eight males with no reported pelvic floor dysfunction or low back pain in the last two years were taught low abdominal hollowing in four‐point kneeling. Subjects performed low abdominal hollowing with and without instruction to contract PF in random order. Transversus abdominis, obliquus internus (OI) and obliquus externus (OE) thickness were measured with ultrasound scanning at rest and during both tests.ResultsMean increase in TrA thickness during low abdominal hollowing was 49.71% (SD 26.76%), during low abdominal hollowing with PF it was 65.81% (SD 23.53%). Paired Student's t‐tests indicated a significant difference between tests (p=0.015). There were no significant differences between tests for OE or OI thickness increase.ConclusionsInstructing healthy subjects to co‐contract PF results in greater increase in TrA thickness during low abdominal hollowing in four‐point kneeling. This may indicate greater contraction of TrA and thus be useful for clinicians training TrA. Further research could investigate the validity of change of thickness as a measure of abdominal muscle contraction, investigate the effect of instructing PF co‐contraction on TrA in patients with low back pain and measure PF and TrA activity simultaneously. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Correlation of impairment and activity limitation after wrist fracture
Authors: Tremayne Aurelia , Taylor Nicholas , Mcburney Helen , Baskus Kris 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeDuring physiotherapy rehabilitation, judgements about activity limitation are often based on measurements of impairment. The present paper reports an investigation into the relationship between measurements of impairment and activity limitation in people with a fracture of the distal radius.MethodTwenty people with a fracture of the distal radius were referred to physiotherapy after conservative management of their fractures. Measurements of impairment (grip strength and range of wrist extension) and activity limitation (Jebsen Test of Hand Function) were taken at the second physiotherapy appointment after cast removal. The scores between these measurements were correlated.ResultsThere were strong and significant correlations (−0.51< rs < −0.76) between grip strength and the tasks of the Jebsen Test of Hand Function. The relationship between range of wrist extension and the Jebsen Test of Hand Function was weaker (−0.17 < rs < −0.55). However, subgroup analysis of those subjects with a Colles' type fracture of the distal radius demonstrated significant relationships between wrist extension and three of the seven activity tasks (−0.74 < rs < −0.84).ConclusionsPreliminary evidence was found to support the physiotherapy practice of use of measurement of impairment to monitor progress in a person with a fracture of the distal radius. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.