bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative radiotherapy for advanced medullary thyroid cancer—Local disease control in the modern era
Authors: Schwartz David L. , Rana Vishal , Shaw Stephanie , Yazbeck Cynthia , Ang Kie‐Kian , Morrison William H. , Rosenthal David I. , Hoff Ana , Evans Douglas B. , Clayman Gary L. , Garden Adam S. , Sherman Steven I. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study is to catalog modern‐era postoperative radiotherapy (external beam radiotherapy [EBRT]) outcomes for advanced medullary thyroid cancer.MethodsThirty‐four consecutive patients with stage IVa–c disease were evaluated. Ten patients had recurrent disease, 16 had mediastinal involvement, and 10 had distant metastasis. Positive surgical margins were present in 12 cases. Median pre‐EBRT serum calcitonin was 556. All patients received conformal EBRT or intensity‐modulated radiotherapy. Median EBRT dose was 60 Gy and median follow‐up was 46.5 months.ResultsKaplan–Meier estimates of locoregional relapse–free survival, disease‐specific survival, and overall survival at 5 years were 87%, 62%, and 56%, respectively. Disease in 3 patients with gross residual disease was controlled locoregionally. Distant disease at the time of EBRT did not predict survival. Two (9%) patients reported symptomatic chronic morbidity.ConclusionSurgery followed by EBRT provided durable locoregional disease control with limited morbidity. Postoperative EBRT merits consideration in cases of advanced disease at high risk for locoregional recurrence. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Preparation of Biodegradable Polymer Nanoparticles by Miniemulsion Technique and Their Cell Interactions
Authors: Musyanovych Anna , Schmitz‐Wienke Julia , Mailänder Volker , Walther Paul , Landfester Katharina 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe emulsion/solvent evaporation method and miniemulsion technique were combined and applied in the formulation of biodegradable monodisperse nanoparticles at high solid contents using different biocompatible and biodegradable polymers such as poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA), poly[(D,L‐lactide)‐co‐glycolide] 50:50 (PLGA), and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). Differences between the results of various polymers are found in terms of the particle size and size distribution as well as in the degradation time. An encapsulated hydrophobic fluorescent dye was used as a model marker in order to study the entrapment efficiency and diffusion yield out of the particle. Cellular uptake of the obtained particles was observed in Jurkat and HeLa cells. In the investigated particle size range of 80–200 nm, the surfactant on the particles' surface had a greater influence than the particle size. Uptake kinetics reveals that the PLLA and PCL particles are endocytosed much faster than polystyrene particles.magnified image
Two‐Dimensional Marangoni‐Instability‐Induced Periodic Patterns of Polymer Blend Films Cast on Tilted Substrates
Authors: Wu Kuen‐Hua , Lu Shih‐Yuan , Chen Hsin‐Lung , Chen Yen‐Yi 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTwo‐dimensional periodic patterns were observed for PS/PVP blend films and the corresponding homopolymer films on tilted glass substrates. They were attributed to the Marangoni instability resulting from surface tension non‐uniformity. For the 1:1 PS‐1/PVP‐1 blend films, two‐dimensional regular arrays of the separated phases were observed, similar to those observed on homopolymer films from thickness variations. In addition, for the PS‐2/PVP‐2 blend films of 30/70 composition, one‐dimensional strip patterns of separated phases were observed. The pattern formation mechanism is discussed and a characteristic parameter, defined as the ratio of the final film thickness to initial solution viscosity, is found to correlate well with the pattern regularity through variation in polymer concentration.magnified image
Novel Top‐Surface Imaging Process by Selective Chemisorption of Poly(dimethyl siloxane) on Diazoketo‐Functionalized Single Component Photoresist
Authors: Ganesan Ramakrishnan , Youn Seul‐Ki , Kim Jin‐Baek 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA novel top‐surface imaging process was successfully established using selective chemisorption of amine‐functionalized poly(dimethyl siloxane) onto the carboxylic groups formed on the surface of diazoketo‐functionalized polymer film by UV light irradiation. The chemisorbed poly(dimethyl siloxane) worked as an efficient etch mask for the subsequent oxygen plasma etching process for pattern generation. High‐resolution patterns were resolved with the new imaging process.magnified image
Nerve transfers in children with traumatic partial brachial plexus injuries
Authors: Goubier Jean‐Noël , Teboul Frédéric , Papadogeorgou Ellada 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBrachial plexus trauma is a rare condition in children except for obstetrical lesions, for which nerve grafting is generally proposed. Two children (9 and 12 years old) with C5 and C6 traumatic brachial plexus avulsion lesions are presented, where elbow flexion and shoulder abduction and external rotation were the functions to be restored. Nerve transfers have been performed. Shoulder abduction was restored by an accessory‐to‐suprascapular nerve transfer in one patient, while the triceps long head motor branch was transferred to the axillary nerve in both patients. Fascicles of the ulnar and median nerve were transferred respectively to the biceps muscle nerve and the brachialis motor branch. At 11 months follow‐up, the elbow flexion scored M4 and the shoulder abduction recovered in both patients. No complications were observed. Nerve transfers currently used in adult patients may be applied in children with traumatic partial brachial plexus palsies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Differential activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during photoperiod induced uterine regression and recrudescence in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Shahed Asha , Young Kelly A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSiberian hamsters adapt to seasonal changes by reducing their reproductive function during short days (SD). SD exposure reduces uterine mass and reproductive capacity, but underlying cellular mechanisms remain unknown. Because matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are important in uterine development, parturition, and postpartum remodeling, their expression in uterine tissue from Siberian hamsters undergoing photoperiod‐mediated reproductive regression and recrudescence was investigated. Female hamsters were exposed to long day (LD, 16L:8D, controls) or SD (8L:16D) for 3–12 weeks (regression); a second group was exposed to SD or LD for 14 weeks and then transferred to LD for 0–8 weeks (recrudescence). Hamsters were euthanized, uteri collected, and homogenates analyzed by gelatin zymography or Western blotting for MMP and TIMP protein levels. Uterine weight decreased (67–75%) at SD weeks 12–14 and increased post‐LD transfer (PT) reaching LD values by PT week 2. MMP‐2, but not MMP‐9 activity was reduced by SD week 12 or 14 but increased to LD levels at PT week 2. MMP‐3 expression increased at SD week 9 compared to other SD and LD groups. MMP‐14 and ‐13 protein levels decreased at SD week 3 but returned to LD levels by SD week 6. During recrudescence, MMP‐3 (PT weeks 0–2), MMP‐13 (PT week 4), and MMP‐14 (PT weeks 2, 4) protein levels were higher than LD. TIMP‐1 and 2 were present at low levels. Significant and differential variations in uterine MMP activity/expression during photoperiod‐induced regression and recrudescence were observed. These changes likely reflect increases in tissue remodeling during both the adaptation to SD and the restoration of reproductive function. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 1433–1440, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of the social capital questionnaire in Greece
Authors: Kritsotakis George , Koutis Antonis D. , Alegakis Athanassios K. , Philalithis Anastas E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe Greek version of the social capital questionnaire (SCQ‐G) was evaluated in a sample of 521 adults drawn from three different urban areas in Greece. Exploratory factor analysis followed by multi‐trait scaling yielded six factors: Participation in the Community, Feelings of Safety, Family/Friends Connections, Value of Life and Social Agency, Tolerance of Diversity, and Work Connections. The factor solution is similar to the patterns identified originally in Australia and the US. Variations suggest that social capital does not share the same structure in different countries. The SCQ‐G is a useful scale to measure individual‐level social capital in Greece. Social capital measurement tools should be validated in each cultural or national setting in which they are used. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:217–225, 2008
Siloxane/silane‐crosslinked systems from supercritical carbon dioxide: II. Pendant phenyl poly(carbosilane/siloxane)s
Authors: Zhou Hui , Venumbaka Sreenu R. , Fitch John W. , Cassidy Patrick E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractNew silicone‐containing polymers with crosslinkable units have been synthesized by hydrosilation polymerization in both toluene and supercritical carbon dioxide (70°C, 3000 psi) catalyzed by platinum‐divinyltetramethyldisiloxane (Pt‐DVTMS). It was found that high molecular polymers were obtained in both toluene and supercritical carbon dioxide. The polymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR, GPC, TGA, and DSC. The molecular weights of these polymers ranged from 9000 to 39,000. With further hydrolysis and thermal curing, the molecular weight can be increased significantly. Comparison of the properties between reactions in toluene versus supercritical carbon dioxide indicated that the green solvent is a usable alternative for hydrosilation polymerization. The new polymers synthesized in either toluene or supercritical carbon dioxide are thermally stable, ranged from 350 to 488°C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mode II interlaminar delamination of composite laminates incorporating with polymer ultrathin fibers
Authors: Liu Ling , Huang Zheng‐Ming , Xu Gui‐Ying , Liang Yan‐Min , Dong Guo‐Hua 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis study makes use of electrospinning to produce epoxy polymer ultrathin fibers. Those fibers were collected as nonwoven sheets with various thicknesses. The collected ultrathin fibrous sheets (UFS) were incorporated into ply interfaces of a glass/epoxy composite laminate. End‐notch flexure (ENF) specimens were employed to measure the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness (GIIC) of the resulting laminate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to investigate the fracture surface and fracture mechanism of tested samples. Results indicate that there were some reinforcing effects of the UFS on the GIIC when the thickness of the sheets was not more than 0.13 mm for a single sheet and 0.06 mm for multi‐sheets incorporated. The mechanical properties were quickly decreased and became poorer when a higher thickness of the sheets was used. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microcompounding of organoclay–ABS/PA6 blend‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Ozkoc Guralp , Bayram Goknur , Tiesnitsch Johan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this study, acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and polyamide‐6 (PA6) were blended in the presence of an olefin‐based compatibilizer and organoclays. The effects of ABS to PA6 ratio, clay content, and screw speed of the microcompounder were examined by performing morphological (i.e., XRD, SEM, and TEM) and tensile tests. The average aspect ratio of the clay platelets after processing was obtained by applying semiautomatic image analysis method. SEM analysis showed that addition of the compatibilizers to the ABS/PA6 blend system resulted in a decrease in diameter of dispersed phase when one of the phases was continuous. The addition of 5 wt% compatibilizer altered the dispersed morphology to cocontinuous morphology when the weight percentage of ABS was equal to that of PA6. The results of XRD analysis implied that clays were exfoliated in the presence of PA6. It was observed in TEM micrographs that clays were selectively dispersed in PA6 phase. Aspect ratio of the platelets increased as the PA6 content increased. Moduli of the nanocomposites were improved by enriching blend with PA6 and increasing screw speed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dynamic mechanical properties of extruded nylon–wood composites
Authors: Chen Jianmin , Gardner Douglas J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractDynamic mechanical properties determine the potential end use of a newly developed extruded nylon–wood composite in under‐the‐hood automobile applications. In this article, the dynamic mechanical properties of extruded nylon–wood composites were characterized using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA) to determine storage modulus, glass transition temperature (Tg), physical aging effects, long‐term performance prediction, and comparisons to similar products. The storage modulus of the nylon–wood composite was found to be more temperature stable than pure nylon 66. The Tg range of the nylon–wood composite was found to be between 23 and 56°C, based on the decrease in storage modulus. A master curve was constructed based on the creep curves at various temperatures from 30 to 80°C. The results show that the relationship between shift factors and temperature follows Arrhenius behavior. Nylon–wood composites have good temperature‐dependent properties. Wood fillers reduced the physical aging effects on nylon in the wood composites. The comparison of the nylon–wood composite with other similar products shows that nylon–wood composites are a promising low cost material for industrial applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
A model for the viscoelastic behavior of nanofilled hydrogel composites under oscillatory shear loading
Authors: Sarvestani Alireza S. , Jabbari Esmaiel 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA molecular model is proposed to predict the viscoelastic response of the hydrogels reinforced with nonpercolated nanoparticles with emphasis on the role of polymer–particle energetic interactions. The structure of the polymer layer adsorbed on the surface of the particles is analyzed using a scaling theory for reversible polymer adsorption. The energetic affinity between the monomers and filler surface is assumed to be weak and short range. Because of thermal fluctuations or the applied deformation, the transient junctions between the polymer segments and filler particles break after a finite period of time. The dynamics of the polymer segments is studied by a Maxwell type kinetic model. The resultsshow that monomer–filler energetic affinity can strongly affect the overall viscoelastic response of the hydrogel nanocomposite, even within the range of weak coupling between the monomers and filler surface. The model can also predict the strain amplitude dependence of the storage shear modulus based on the kinetics of adsoption/desorption of the interfacial monomers. The model predictions are compared with the experimental results for poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ethylene oxide‐co‐fumarate) hydrogels reinforced with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The filled hydogel/apatite nanocomposites are useful as a model matrix to mimic the soft elastic and hard mineral phases of the bone matrix and as scaffolds for hard tissue regeneration. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Ethylene polymerization over (nBuCp)2ZrCl2/MAO catalytic system supported on aluminosilicate SBA‐15 mesostructured materials
Authors: Carrero A. , Van Grieken R. , Suarez I. , Paredes B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractHeterogeneous metallocene catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of AlSBA‐15 (Si/Al = 4.8, 15, 30, 60, and ∞) mesostructured materials with (nBuCp)2ZrCl2/MAO. For comparative purposes commercial silica and silica–alumina (Si/Al = 4.8) supports were also impregnated with the MAO/metallocene catalytic system. A combination of X‐ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms at 77 K, transmission electron microscopy, ICP‐atomic emission spectroscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopic data, were used to characterize the supports and the heterogeneous catalysts. Ethylene polymerizations were carried out in a schlenk tube at 70 °C and 1.2 bar of ethylene pressure. The polyethylene obtained was characterized by GPC, DSC, and SEM. Catalysts prepared with mesostructured SBA‐15 supports exhibited better catalytic performance than those supported on amorphous silica and silica–alumina. In general, higher ethylene polymerization activity was achieved if (nBuCp)2 ZrCl2/MAO catalytic system was heterogenized using supports with lower pore size in the range of the mesopores and lower Si/Al ratio. All catalysts produced high‐density polyethylene, with high crystallinity values and fibrous morphology when SBA‐15 mesostructured materials were used as supports. POLYM. ENG SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Phase separation in the polyurethane/poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks synthesized by different ways
Authors: Karabanova Lyudmyla V. , Boiteux Gisele , Seytre Gerard , Stevenson Isabelle , Lloyd Andrew W. , Mikhalovsky Sergey V. , Helias Mikle , Sergeeva Lyudmyla M. , Lutsyk Elena D. , Svyatyna Anna 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe thermal, dynamic mechanical analysis, morphology and mechanical properties of semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks based on crosslinked polyurethane (PU) and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) synthesized by photopolymerization and by thermopolymerization have been investigated. The thermal analysis has evidenced the two glass temperature transitions in the semi‐IPNs and this is confirmed by the thermodynamic miscibility investigation of the systems. The Dynamic Mechanical Analysis spectra have shown that the phase separation is more significant in the thermopolymerized semi‐IPNs: the tan δ peaks of constituent polymers are more distinct and the minimum between the two peaks is deeper. The calculated segregation degree values of semi‐IPN's components are significantly higher for thermopolymerized semi‐IPNs, thereby the process of phase separation in the thermopolymerized semi‐IPNs is more developed. The structures of two series of samples investigated by SEM are completely different. The mechanical properties reflect these changes in structure of semi‐IPNs with increasing amount of PHEMA and with the changing of the method of synthesis. The results suggest that the studied semi‐IPNs are two‐phase systems with incomplete phase separation. The semi‐IPN samples with early stage of phase separation demonstrate higher mechanical characteristics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanometer‐scale surface modification by polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene on polymer substrates in supercritical fluoroform
Authors: Mori Toshiaki , Imai Kanehira , Hasegawa Mirei , Okahata Yoshio 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSurface penetrated polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) was carried out on a polycarbonate (PC) plate in supercritical fluoroform (scCHF3). Since the high diffusiveness is one of peculiar features of supercritical fluids, TFE monomers and initiators (perfluorinated benzoyl peroxide) could penetrate into the surface of polymer substrates and be photo‐polymerized. After washing physisorbed homopolymers on the surface, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was found to penetrate into 50–800 nm depth from the surface and covered the PC surface in the proportion of 85%. The surface coverage density and the penetration depth could be controlled by adjusting of the pressure of scCHF3. The TFE‐penetrated polymerization could be applied for various polymer plates such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), and polyimide. In addition to polymer plates, this technique could be applied to a cellulose paper, a nylon textile, and a porous PC membrane. The PTFE‐penetrated nylon textile showed a high resistance for washing test with detergents, compared with the commercial fluoropolymer‐sprayed nylon textile. The PTFE‐penetrated porous PC membrane showed high oxygen permeability (P/P = 5.2), compared with that of the untreated PC membrane (P/P = 3.5) in gas permeation experiments of O2 and N2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1577–1585, 2008
Synthesis and properties of porous polyvinylamine microspheres from acrylonitrile
Authors: Hou Xin , Huang Dongge , Chen Xiaomin , Zhang Zheguo , Yao Kangde 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA novel route to synthesize crosslinked porous polyvinylamine (PVAm) microspheres from acrylonitrile (AN) was developed. In the first step, crosslinked porous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) spheres were prepared by copolymerization of AN and divinylbenzene (DVB). Then they were hydrolyzed to form polyacrylamide (PAM) spheres. And lastly, the porous PVAm spheres were successfully obtained via Hofmann degradation of PAM spheres. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that these PVAm microspheres have rough surfaces and porous interior structure. The pore size, the amino content, and the content of equilibrium water were also investigated. The pore size of these PVAm microspheres increased with the hydrolytic process. The contents of equilibrium water was changed from 49.6 to 96.5% depending on the different crosslinking degrees, and the amino contents were varied between 9.60 and 15.30 mmol/g depending on the different molar ratio of n(NaClO)/n(NaOH). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1674–1682, 2008
Synthesis and dielectric properties of photoreactive polystyrene containing [1‐(3‐isopropenyl‐phenyl)‐1‐methyl‐ethyl]‐carbamate in the side chain
Authors: Kim Ju Hee , Kim Kyung Hwan , Cho Min Ju , Jin Jung‐Il , Choi Dong Hoon , Hyung Gun Woo , Kim Young Kwan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractNovel polystyrene derivatives comprising [1‐(3‐isopropenyl‐phenyl)‐1‐methyl‐ethyl]‐carbamate in the side chain were synthesized as photoreactive copolymers. Poly(4‐vinylphenol) was made to react with 1‐(1‐isocyanato‐1‐methyl‐ethyl)‐3‐isopropenyl‐benzene (m‐TMI) and the unreacted hydroxyl groups were protected with acetyl chloride. The copolymers are highly sensitive to the radical photoinitiators that can be activated by irradiation of UV light (λ = 300–365 nm). FTIR spectroscopy was employed to monitor the structural changes in the copolymers exposed to UV irradiation. The dielectric properties of the copolymers were investigated by measuring the capacitance and calculating the permittivity as a function of frequency, along with the I–V characteristics. Their properties were compared with those of thermally crosslinkable poly(4‐vinylphenol) blended with poly(melamine‐co‐formaldehyde), which is frequently used as a dielectric layer in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). No significant dielectric dispersion was observed in the frequency range of 1 kHz–1 MHz. The dielectric constant was determined to be in the range of 4.2–6.0, which offers a potential for the application of these copolymers to OFET gate insulators. These soluble dielectrics exhibit good film uniformity and can also be patterned using a standard photolithographic technique. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1710–1718, 2008