bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein A have a Role in Allergic Rhinitis?
Authors: Güçlü Ender , Coskun Abdurrahman , Tokmak Abdurrahman , Duran Sadik , Öztürk Özcan , Akkan Nermin , Egeli Erol 
Published: May 2008

Background Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), also known as insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 protease, is postulated to be a new inflammatory marker in various clinical situations such as cardiovascular events, dialysis, renal transplantation, and asthma. PAPP-A also is produced in high concentrations by trophoblasts during pregnancy. Methods We evaluated PAPP-A levels in allergic rhinitis patients and compared these with levels in healthy subjects. Thirty-one newly diagnosed allergic rhinitis patients and 29 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum PAPP-A, IgE, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB isoenzyme, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were determined. Results The serum PAPP-A level was significantly higher (p = 0.013) in the allergic rhinitis group (6.1 ± 2.9 mU/L) than in the control group (4.5 ± 1.7 mU/L). The PAPP-A level in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma (6.1 ± 2.3 mU/L) was not significantly different (p = 0.959) from that in patients with allergic rhinitis alone (6.1 ± 3.3 mU/L). The serum PAPP-A level in allergic rhinitis patients who had turbinate hypertrophy (6.9 ± 2.2 mU/L) had a tendency to be higher than that in patients who had no turbinate hypertrophy (5.5 ± 3.2 mU/L); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.151). Conclusion Increased PAPP-A activity may be involved in the inflammation and tissue remodelling that occurs in allergic rhinitis.
Enhanced Hole‐Transporting Behavior of Discotic Liquid‐Crystalline Physical Gels
Authors: Hirai Yuki , Monobe Hirosato , Mizoshita Norihiro , Moriyama Masaya , Hanabusa Kenji , Shimizu Yo , Kato Takashi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDiscotic liquid‐crystalline (LC) physical gels have been prepared by combining the self‐assembled fibers of a low‐molecular‐weight gelator and semiconducting LC triphenylene derivatives. The hole mobilities of the discotic LC physical gels measured by a time‐of‐flight method become higher than those of LC triphenylenes alone. The introduction of the finely dispersed networks of the gelator in the hexagonal columnar phases may affect the molecular dynamics of the liquid crystals, resulting in the enhancement of hole transporting behavior in the LC gel state.
Toughening of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/glass fiber blends with ethylene–butyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate copolymer and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene–octene rubber
Authors: Cheng Hongyuan , Tian Ming , Zhang Liqun 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to improve the toughness of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/glass fiber (GF) blends through the addition of ethylene–butyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate copolymer (EBAGMA) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene–octene (POE‐g‐MAH) individually. The morphology and mechanical properties of the ternary blend were also examined in this study. EBAGMA was more effective in toughening recycled PET/GF blends than POE‐g‐MAH; this resulted from its better compatibility with PET and stronger fiber/matrix bonding, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy images. The PET/GF/EBAGMA ternary blend had improved impact strength and well‐balanced mechanical properties at a loading of 8 wt % EBAGMA. The addition of POE‐g‐MAH weakened the fiber/matrix bonding due to more POE‐g‐MAH coated on the GF, which led to weakened impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural modulus. According to dynamic rheometer testing, the use of both EBAGMA and POE‐g‐MAH remarkably increased the melt storage modulus and dynamic viscosity. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that the addition of EBAGMA lowered the crystallization rate of the PET/GF blend, whereas POE‐g‐MAH increased it. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Description of the model transesterification reaction within the framework of a strange diffusion concept
Authors: Naphadzokova L. K. , Kozlov G. V. , Zaikov G. E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThere is a principal difference between the descriptions of general reagent diffusion and diffusion defining the course of a chemical reaction. The latter process is described within the framework of a strange (anomalous) diffusion concept and is controlled by the active (fractal) reaction duration. The exponent α, which defines the active duration in comparison with the real time, is dependent on the reagent structure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Singlet oxygen generation and adhesive loss in stimuli‐responsive, fullerene‐polymer blends, containing polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene and polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene‐block‐polystyrene rubber‐based adhesives
Authors: Phillips J. Paige , Deng Xiao , Todd Meredith L. , Heaps David T. , Stevenson Steven , Zhou Hui , Hoyle Charles E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe adhesive properties, as measured by bulk tack and peel strength analysis, were found to decrease in polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene (SBS) and polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene‐block‐polystyrene (SIS) PSA films containing common singlet oxygen generators, acridine, rose bengal, and C60 fullerene, when irradiated with a tungsten halogen light in air. The addition of the singlet oxygen quencher, β‐carotene, to the C60 fullerene samples was found to significantly deter the rate of adhesive loss in the fullerene‐SBS and ‐SIS PSA nanocomposites. The presence of oxygen was essential to the mechanism of adhesive loss and, in combination with the effects of singlet oxygen generators and a singlet oxygen scavenger, strongly supports a singlet‐oxygen mediated process. FTIR investigations of fullerene‐SBS and ‐SIS systems suggest the initial formation of peroxides which, upon further irradiation, lead to the generation of carbonyl‐containing compounds of a ketonic type after crosslinking. Rates of SBS and SIS C‐H abstraction were comparable and found to decrease when the high‐pressure, mercury xenon irradiation source was filtered to allow only light of λ > 390 nm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Fabrication of DBSA‐doped polyaniline nanorods by interfacial polymerization
Authors: Ding Shihai , Mao Hui , Zhang Wanjin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAn interfacial polymerization was used to fabricate dodecybenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA)‐doped polyaniline (DBSA‐PANI) nanorods with diameter range from 40 nm to 1 μm. The molar ratio of aniline to ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS), the concentrations of DBSA and reaction temperature had an effect on the morphology and size of products. It was found that lower concentration of DBSA and lower temperature will be helpful to the formation of rod‐like PANI nanostructures with a relative small diameter. UV–vis and FTIR measurements were used to characterize the chemical structure of the obtained samples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Liquid crystalline epoxy resin modified cyanate ester/epoxy resin systems
Authors: Yu Yingfeng , Gan Wenjun , Liu Xiaoyun , Li Shanjun 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLiquid crystalline epoxy resin (LCE) modify cyanate ester/epoxy resin blend systems were studied by scanning electron microscope, polarizing optical microscope, thermogravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal mechanical analysis, and rheometers. With the addition of LCE resin, the blends showed both an enhanced curing rate and increased glass transition temperature of cured samples. The phase structures of the blends changed from homogenous to liquid crystalline phase when the content of LCE was increased. At the same time, the mechanical properties were also improved and thermal expansion coefficients were lowed down. The thermal degradation temperatures showed little differences, while the residue char yields were slightly increased with the addition of LCE. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Water and salt permeability of reinforcement polymer‐gel composite membrane
Authors: EL Sayed A. Mounir , Yamauchi A. , Darwish N. A. , Abd EL‐Mageed A. A. , Halim S. F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe charged mosaic polymer membrane (CMM) without reinforcement and the composite charged mosaic polymer membrane (CCMM) with reinforcement were investigated in terms of salt and water transport (permeability). The composite charged mosaic polymer membrane (CCMM) with reinforcement showed a unique transport behavior such as preferential material transport Lp and ω. Water permeability coefficient, Lp and salt permeability coefficient, ω were estimated by taking account of active layer thickness of composite polymer gel. The Lp and ω values of CCMM with reinforcement were larger than those of CMM without reinforcement. On the other hand, the reflection coefficient of CCMM, σ, showed negative value, which suggested preferential material transport to solvent transport. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Water vapor permeability of the polyurethane/TiO2 nanohybrid membrane with temperature sensitivity
Authors: Zhou Hu , Chen Yi , Fan Haojun , Shi Huanhuan , Luo Zhaoyang , Shi Bi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA novel thermal‐sensitive polyurethane (TSPU)/TiO2 nanohybrid membrane was successfully prepared via in situ process and used for controllable water vapor permeation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to reveal the nanohybrid mechanism between TSPU and TiO2 and the thermal sensitive characteristics of TSPU/TiO2 nanohybrid membranes. FTIR analysis demonstrates that the highly active nano‐TiO2 particles produced by the hydrolysis of the nanoprecursor (tetrabutyl titanate) have reacted with the active groups of TSPU. And some new peaks assigned to the TiOC, TiC, and TiOTi bonds occur in the FTIR spectra of TSPU/TiO2 nanohybrid membrane; these chemical bonds are believed to contribute to the higher mechanical properties of nanohybrid samples. DSC study indicates that nanohybridization does not disrupt the intrinsic phase‐separated structures and thermal‐sensitive characteristics of pure TSPU, the difference in behavior is the phase transition temperature (defined as switch temperature, Ts) of the reversible phase shifting from 50.1 to 53.4°C. SEM analysis shows that the nano‐TiO2 particles are evenly distributed in TSPU and the size of the nano‐TiO2 is lower than 100 nm. In addition, the water vapor permeability (WVP) of nanohybrid membrane is found to depend on the TiO2 content. To be specified, when TiO2 content is lower than 5.0 wt %, the nanohybrid samples show lower WVP at low temperatures and higher WVP at high temperatures than pure TSPU. Especially, when the temperature exceeds the Ts, for example from 50 to 60°C, the WVP of pure TSPU show improvement by 114%, whereas the WVP of the nanohybrid TSPU with 5.0 wt % TiO2 content shows improvement by 145%, the latter shows more sensitivity to thermal stimuli. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Vibration Causes Acute Vascular Injury in a Two‐Step Process: Vasoconstriction and Vacuole Disruption
Authors: Govindaraju Sandya R. , Bain James LW. , Eddinger Thomas J. , Riley Danny A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHand–arm vibration syndrome is a vasospastic and neurodegenerative occupational disease. In the current study, the mechanism of vibration‐induced vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) injury was examined in a rat‐tail vibration model. Tails of male Sprague Dawley rats were vibrated continuously for 4 hr at 60 Hz, 49 m/s2 with or without general anesthesia. Ventral tail arteries were aldehyde fixed and embedded in epoxy resin to enable morphological analysis. Vibration without anesthesia caused vasoconstriction and vacuoles in the SMC. Anesthetizing rats during vibration prevented vasoconstriction and vacuole formation. Exposing tail arteries in situ to 1 mM norepinephrine (NE) for 15 min induced the greatest vasoconstriction and vacuolation. NE induced vacuoles were twice as large as those formed during vibration. When vibrated 4 hr under anesthesia after pretreatment with NE for 15 min, the SMC lacked vacuoles and exhibited a longitudinal banding pattern of dark and light staining. The extracellular matrix was filled with particulates, which were confirmed by electron microscopy to be cellular debris. The present findings demonstrate that vibration‐induced vasoconstriction (SMC contraction) requires functioning central nervous system reflexes, and the physical stress of vibration damages the contracted SMC by dislodging and fragmenting SMC vacuoles. Anat Rec, 291:999–1006, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability and Conservation in Late Chondrichthyan Development: Ontogeny of the Winter Skate (Leucoraja ocellata)
Authors: Maxwell Erin E. , Fröbisch Nadia B. , Heppleston Audrey C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe ontogeny of the northwestern Atlantic batoid, Leucoraja ocellata, is described with special focus on the development of skate specific morphologies and the development of the fins. The results show that the sequence of events involving the early outgrowth of the paired fins and the initial development of the pharyngeal region is remarkably constant in skates, holocephalians, and sharks. However, differences exist in timing of the reshaping of the mandibular arch region, development of branchial filaments, median fins, denticles, and the order of branchial cleft formation. Despite the similarities of early events related to development of the branchial region and initial outgrowth of the fins, later stages are increasingly characterized by taxon‐specific morphologies making a universal staging table for chondrichthyans less applicable. The staging table presented in this study represents an important resource for future studies on batoid embryology. Anat Rec, 291:1079–1087, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In‐Vitro Anti‐HIV and Antitumor Activity of New 3,6‐Disubstituted [1,2,4]Triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles and Thiadiazine Analogues
Authors: Al‐Soud Yaseen A. , Al‐Masoudi Najim A. , Loddo Robert , La Colla Paola 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA series of [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles (7–15) and the thiadiazine analogues 16–18 have been synthesized under microwave irradiation (MWI). All synthesized compounds are evaluated for their antiviral activity against the replication of HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 activity in MT‐4. However, compounds 12 and 18 showed EC50 = 2.11 and 1.97 μg/mL. The results suggest that these compounds can be considered as a new lead in the development of antiviral agents. Compounds 4–18 were tested in vitro against a panel of tumor cell lines. All compounds are inactive against all the tumor sub‐lines, except 10 which exhibited activity against CD4+ human acute T‐lymphoblastic leukaemia of CC50 = 64 μM.
The Development of HKI‐272 and Related Compounds for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Wissner Allan , Mansour Tarek S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe development of HKI‐272 and EKB‐569 for the treatment of cancer is described. These compounds function as irreversible inhibitors of some members of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases. In particular, they target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, also known as ErbB‐1) and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2, also known as ErbB‐2). Both, HKI‐272 and EKB‐569 are 4‐anilino‐3‐cyano quinoline derivatives that contain a 4‐(dimethylamino)crotonamide Michael‐acceptor group at the 6‐position. These compounds inhibit the function of the target enzymes by forming a covalent interaction with a conserved cysteine residue located in the kinase domains of these proteins. The potential advantages of using irreversible inhibitors for this purpose are discussed. We summarize the recent findings concerning some somatic mutations in EGFR and their relevance with respect to the irreversible inhibitors. In particular, we highlight the findings that these irreversible inhibitors retain activity against tumors that have acquired a resistance to the reversible binding inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib. The promising interim clinical trial results for HKI‐272 and EKB‐569 in treating colon, lung, and breast cancers are summarized.
A new paradigm for teaching Histology laboratories in Canada's first distributed medical school
Authors: Pinder Karen E. , Ford Jason C. , Ovalle William K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo address the critical problem of inadequate physician supply in rural British Columbia, The University of British Columbia (UBC) launched an innovative, expanded and distributed medical program in 2004–2005. Medical students engage in a common curriculum at three geographically distinct sites across B.C.: in Vancouver, Prince George and Victoria. The distribution of the core Histology course required a thorough revision of our instructional methodology. We here report our progress and address the question “How does one successfully distribute Histology teaching to remote sites while maintaining the highest of educational standards?” The experience at UBC points to three specific challenges in developing a distributed Histology curriculum: (i) ensuring equitable student access to high quality histological images, (ii) designing and implementing a reliable, state‐of‐the‐art technological infrastructure that allows for real‐time teaching and interactivity across geographically separate sites and (iii) ensuring continued student access to faculty content expertise. High quality images—available through any internet connection—are provided within a new virtual slide box library of 300 light microscopic and 190 electron microscopic images. Our technological needs are met through a robust and reliable videoconference system that allows for live, simultaneous communication of audio/visual materials across the three sites. This system also ensures student access to faculty content expertise during all didactic teaching sessions. Student examination results and surveys demonstrate that the distribution of our Histology curriculum has been successful. Anat Sci Ed 1:95–101, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Perceptions of anatomy education—A student's view
Authors: Joslin Sarah 
Published: May 2008

AbstractChanges in anatomy education over the last two decades have, in large part, led to less emphasis on gross anatomy in the medical curriculum. This has led many to question whether streamlined anatomy courses truly provide adequate preparation for medical practice. Rather than wondering about the effects of these changes, we should be actively seeking answers and promoting understanding between professors, clinicians, and students about what anatomy education is and what it should be. Anat Sci Ed 1:133–134, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
An explorative learning approach to teaching clinical anatomy using student generated content
Authors: Philip Christo T. , Unruh Kenneth P. , Lachman Nirusha , Pawlina Wojciech 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTranslating basic sciences into a clinical framework has been approached through the implementation of various teaching techniques aimed at using a patient case scenario to facilitate learning. These techniques present students with a specific patient case and lead the students to discuss physiological processes through analysis of provided data supported by independent learning and research. However, no literature exists that describes a reverse teaching methodology in which students are given disease diagnosis and then asked to construct a patient case. This article discusses an explorative learning approach introduced in the gross anatomy course in which students were asked to use clinical skills and reasoning to create a patient case. The online knowledge‐sharing portal utilizing MediaWiki provided a necessary base for students in completing their task. Teams were given 4 weeks to complete their written online project with weekly feedback provided by 3rd year teaching assistants using the Wiki discussion page. A survey was performed to assess competence regarding a patient write up and oral presentation. Skills that the teams acquired through the completion of this project will benefit future patient interactions. This project also emphasized and reinforced the importance of effective communication, leadership, and teamwork. This study shows that a clinical anatomy project that incorporates explorative learning can be an effective way of introducing students to the skills needed for patient write ups and oral presentations. Furthermore this approach to learning allows students to excel during their clinical years and to correlate anatomy to clinical diagnoses. Anat Sci Ed 1:106–110, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
The anatomy of self‐defense
Authors: Sparks Stein Pamela , Richardson April D. , Challman Sandra D. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe following study describes a creative application of anatomical principles in the instruction of self‐defense. Undergraduates at the University of Kentucky were invited to a special lecture that featured a series of self‐defense moves introduced by a local police officer. Following a demonstration of each self‐defense tactic, the students were briefed on the anatomy of both the victim and the assailant that contributed to the overall effectiveness of each move. This approach was unique in that students learned critical knowledge of self‐defense while reinforcing anatomical principles previously introduced in class. Moreover, this integration of topics prompted students to think about their response to potentially dangerous situations on campus. Anat Sci Ed 1:130–132, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Functional anatomy of the cardiovascular system: Professional development for PreK‐3 teachers using a “Train and equip” method results in learning opportunities for students
Authors: Burns E. Robert 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPreadolescent students are interested in learning the structure and function of the human body. However, their teachers are not trained in this content. The purpose of this project was to expand a successful outreach effort in the health sciences for grade 7–12 teachers to include PreK‐3 teachers. A “Healthy Hearts” workshop was offered to train the teachers in relevant content and also to give them a resource kit of supplies and equipment to facilitate the transference of the training into educational opportunities for their students. The workshop included many role‐playing activities and use of all items in the resource kit. A total of 25 workshops were conducted in 14 different community locations with 716 PreK‐3 teachers attending from 169 communities representing 59 (79%) of the state's 75 counties. African American (AA) teacher participation was 35%, twice the state AA population rate and 3.5× the AA public school teacher rate. Pre to Posttest scores increased an average of 15%. The results of the evaluation measures regarding the workshop and the transference of the training and use of resource kit items into learning opportunities for students were excellent. Universities have the capability, perhaps the responsibility, to provide the much‐needed professional development training to PreK‐12 teachers. Anatomists in medical and nonmedical school settings are well positioned to participate in this process and help close the gap between the interest young children have in learning about the human body and the lack of teacher training in this content. Anat Sci Ed 1:119–125, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.