bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and modification of supports with an alkylamine and their use in albumin adsorption
Authors: Gomez Cesar G. , Strumia Miriam C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe morphological effect of polymeric networks (R) modified with terminal amino groups was studied on the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Networks of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate [poly (EGDMA‐co‐HEMA)] were synthesized by suspension polymerization, using different EGDMA contents and agitation speeds. These matrices were characterized by FTIR, mercury intrusion porosimetry, SEM, and swelling degree. The increase of the EGDMA concentration led to the formation of networks with the highest crosslinking degree and porosity. An earlier phase separation yielded a higher aggregation of rigid microspheres, also forming stable pore systems. The increase in coalescence frequency, together with the impeller speed, and the decrease of the stabilizer molecules led to an increment in drop size. Large fused aggregates of microspheres were formed with additional loss of small pores as the stirring was increased, attaining also a higher pore volume (Vp) and a slight decrease of the surface area. Once characterized, networks were activated with butanediolglycidyl ether (BDGE), and then reacted with hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) through coupling reaction. Only the R‐BDGE‐HMDA networks synthesized with the highest EGDMA content and agitation speed showed BSA adsorption. Their base matrices exhibited a Vp higher than 1.4 mL/g, which allows easier protein diffusion into the support. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2557–2566, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of a starch‐modified hydrogel as potential carrier for drug delivery system
Authors: Reis Adriano V. , Guilherme Marcos R. , Moia Thais A. , Mattoso Luiz H. C. , Muniz Edvani C. , Tambourgi Elias B. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSynthesis and characterization of a new hydrogel were carried out using a chemically modified starch (starch‐M) consisting of coupling CC bounds coming from glycidil methacrylate (GMA) onto the polysaccharide structure. 13C NMR, 1H NMR, and FT‐IR spectroscopies were used to confirm the incorporation of such groups onto the starch‐M. The hydrogel was prepared by a crosslinking polymerization of starch‐M using sodium persulfate as an initiating agent. The starch‐M hydrogel shows morphology clearly different from that of the raw starch film due to the presence of voids on its surface. The swelling process of the starch‐M hydrogel was not significantly affected by changes on the temperature or on pH of the surrounding liquid, indicating the such behavior can be then understood by a diffusional process, resulting from its physical–chemical interactions with the solvent. The values of the diffusional exponent n were on the order of 0.45–0.49 for the range of pHs investigated, demonstrating that the water transport mechanism of starch‐M hydrogel is more dependent on Fickian diffusion, that is, controlled by water diffusion. Such starch‐M hydrogel is a promising candidate to be used in transporting and in preserving acid‐responsive drugs, such as corticoids, for the treatment of colon‐specific diseases, for example, Crohn's disease. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2567–2574, 2008
Change in self‐efficacy partially mediates the effects of the FRESH START intervention on cancer survivors' dietary outcomes
Authors: Mosher Catherine E. , Fuemmeler Bernard F. , Sloane Richard , Kraus William E. , Lobach David F. , Snyder Denise Clutter , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective: This study examined change in self‐efficacy as a mediator of the effects of a mailed print intervention on the dietary and exercise practices of newly diagnosed breast and prostate cancer survivors.Method: A total of 543 breast and prostate cancer patients were recruited from 39 states and two provinces within North America. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a 10‐month program of tailored mailed print materials that aimed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, reduce fat intake, and/or increase exercise or a 10‐month program of publically available materials on diet and exercise. Telephone surveys conducted at baseline and 1 year assessed dietary practices, physical activity, and self‐efficacy for engaging in these health behaviors.Results: Results indicated that changes in self‐efficacy for fat restriction and eating more fruits and vegetables were significant mediators of the intervention's effects on dietary outcomes at 1‐year follow‐up. The intervention did not significantly affect self‐efficacy for exercise; however, a significant, positive relationship was found between self‐efficacy for exercise and exercise duration at follow‐up.Conclusions: Findings are largely consistent with Social Cognitive Theory and support the use of strategies to increase self‐efficacy in health promotion interventions for cancer survivors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ground penetrating radar survey and stratigraphic interpretation of the Plan du Lac rock glaciers, Vanoise Massif, northern French Alps
Authors: Monnier Sébastien , Camerlynck Christian , Rejiba Fayçal 
Published: February 2008

AbstractInternal boundaries of the Plan du Lac rock glaciers in the northern French Alps were investigated using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and were correlated with the surface morphology. Data collected using 50 MHz antennae along three profiles were processed in a novel manner by applying modulated automatic gain control to discriminate reflection events according to coherence and continuity patterns. Based on the GPR and morphological analyses, the stratigraphy appears complex, with prominent internal boundaries dividing the features into several depositional units, interpreted as sequential creeping or thrusting events. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interchangeability of mountain permafrost probability models, northwest Canada
Authors: Lewkowicz Antoni G. , Bonnaventure Philip P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSpatial models of mountain permafrost probability based on measurements of the basal temperature of snow (BTS) and ground‐truthing were developed for three study areas located >200 km apart. The interchangeability of these locally derived empirical‐statistical models was examined by predicting BTS values from the equations developed at the other two sites, and using logistic regression to relate these modelled values to the local ground‐truthed data. Equations for two of the areas were effectively interchangeable, producing permafrost extent predictions within 2% of each other, and permafrost probabilities within ±0.1 for more than 85% of the cells. Predictions were much less similar when their equations were applied to the third area and when its equation was applied to them. Model interchangeability appears to depend on where a site lies on a continuum from elevation controlled (infinite ratio of the standardised coefficient of elevation to that of potential incoming solar radiation in the BTS equation), to radiation dominated (ratio much less than unity of the same variables). Extensive ground‐truthing is essential, helping to constrain the logistic regression and hence the overall permafrost percentage. Additional investigations are needed to relate these ratios to regional climate in order to allow the spatial interpolation of permafrost probability models across the North American Cordillera. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Preparation of Non‐Disrupted Particles by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Chau Adriane , Eslamian Morteza , Ashgriz Nasser 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUsing spray pyrolysis, solid fully‐filled zirconia particles were synthesized at relatively high reactor temperatures (∼ 400 °C) by adding NaCl as impurities to zirconium hydroxychloride (ZHC) precursor that would have lead to the formation of hollow disrupted particles otherwise. FE‐SEM images show that at comparable concentration of NaCl and ZHC both cubic and spherical NaCl/ZrO2 particles form. The particle characteristics were varied by varying solute concentration, type, and solvent content. Addition of NaCl caused the formation of both cubic and spherical particles which were non‐disrupted at even high temperatures. According to the EDS compositional analysis, the cubic particles had more Na content while the spherical ones had higher Zr content. It is concluded that growth mechanism of NaCl particles is different from that of zirconia particles. Drying of the former even at high temperatures leads to the formation of solid, fully‐filled, porous particles, whereas hollow, disrupted particles are formed using the latter.
Androgen receptor mediates the expression of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 2 B15 and B17 genes
Authors: Bao Bo‐Ying , Chuang Bin‐Fay , Wang Qianben , Sartor Oliver , Balk Steven P. , Brown Myles , Kantoff Philip W. , Lee Gwo‐Shu Mary 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDEnhanced androgen receptor (AR) activity by increased testosterone availability may play important roles in prostate cancer progressing to castration resistant state. Comparison of expression profiles in androgen dependent and independent prostate tumors demonstrated a marked increase of the expression of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 2B15 (UGT2B15), an androgen catabolic enzyme. We investigated mechanisms controlling the differential expression of UGT2B15 and B17 in response to androgen treatments.METHODSGene expression was determined by RT‐PCR. The association of AR with UGT2B15/B17 genes was determined by Chromatin immuno‐precipitation (CHIP). RNA interference was used to knock‐down gene expression.RESULTSUGT2B15 and B17 genes were not expressed in AR negative prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 and DU145, while they were expressed in AR positive cell lines, LNCaP, LNCaP‐abl (an androgen independent LNCaP sub‐line), and VCaP. The expression levels of UGT2B15/B17 were up‐regulated in LNCaP‐abl comparing to those in LNCaP. These results suggest the requirement of AR for the expression of UGT2B15/B17. Treatment with DHT down‐regulated the expression of UGT2B15/B17 in LNCaP in a time and dose dependent manner and this down‐regulation was competitively antagonized by flutamide and bicalutimide, suggesting a pathway mediated by AR. Further CHIP experiments demonstrated the direct interaction of AR with the promoter regions of UGT2B15/B17 genes. Knocking down AR expression in LNCaP significantly reduced the expression of UGT2B15/B17 and completely inhibited the DHT‐induced down‐regulation of UGT2B15/B17 genes.CONCLUSIONSWe demonstrated that UGT2B15 and B17 are primary androgen‐regulated genes and AR is required for both their basal expression and their androgen‐regulated expression. Prostate 68:839–848, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recommended management of herpes skin infections
Authors: Cope Alison , Kudesia Goura 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHerpes viruses are a common cause of viral skin infection seen in general practice ranging from minor skin lesions to life‐threatening illness. Our Drug Review considers the recommended management of herpes simplex and varicella‐zoster infections, followed by a review of prescription data, sources of further information and details of the treatments available in the Datafile. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Improving wooden parts' quality by adopting DMAIC procedure
Authors: Li Ming‐Hsien Caleb , Al‐Refaie Abbas 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper utilizes the six‐sigma define‐measure‐analyze‐improve‐control (DMAIC) procedure to improve quality through enhancing the measurement system capability (MSC) of a wood industry. In the first stage, the major reported defects at the customer site are identified, and then the performance of the measurement system is evaluated by conducting a gage repeatability and reproducibility (GR&R) experiment on a drilling process, i.e. the outputs of a drilling machine. The obtained results show that the measurement system is inadequate and results in wrong classification of the produced wooden parts. Thus, to improve MSC, corrective actions, including operators' training, proper selection of measuring instruments, and improved measuring methods, were implemented. To determine the achieved improvement in MSC, a second GR&R study was carried out under the same conditions. In conclusion, adopting the DMAIC procedure including GR&R study turns out to be an effective method in improving the quality system involving measurements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and DFT study of the spectral behavior of new 4‐hydroxycoumarins
Authors: Stanchev Stancho , Jensen Frank , Manolov Ilia 
Published: February 2008

Abstract4‐Hydroxycoumarins are compounds with a lot of applications as drugs and herbicides. They have very interesting spectral and chemical properties, which are investigated theoretically and experimentally. Some new 4‐hydroxycoumarins with arylydene‐β‐ketoester or arylydene‐2,4‐pentanedione side chain were synthesized by two step synthetic scheme. Their structure was characterized by UV–vis, IR, and 1H NMR methods. The spectral behavior of the optimized structures of these compounds was reproduced by the hybrid DFT methods B3LYP and B3P86 with 6‐31G** and aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis sets. Electronic excited states and vibrational frequencies were calculated. HF method was also used for comparison, because of the lack of electronic correlation. The theoretical spectra were compared with the experimental ones. A lot of compounds show good agreement between experimental and some of the theoretical data, especially obtained by aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis set. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Role of the support material on laser desorption/ionization mass spectra
Authors: Gruszecka A. , Szymanska‐Chargot M. , Smolira A. , Cytawa J. , Michalak L. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe report the results of experimental studies on the effects of sample supports in laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI‐MS). LDI time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectra obtained for C60 and insulin samples deposited onto standard stainless steel substrate and/or onto some non‐metallic materials (glass, scotch tape, floppy disc foil, Teflon foil, photocopy film), all recorded under identical, typical experimental conditions, have been compared with regard to their intensity and quality. The LDI investigations show that compared with stainless steel, glass and floppy disc foil sample supports boost (2–3.5 times) ion yields for C and C ions, respectively. The stainless steel and scotch tape sample supports are the best for the mass resolution of positive ions and the formation of (C60) (n ≤ 4) cluster ions, respectively. In the case of detection of insulin by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) we did not observe significant differences in sensitivity for the support materials tested. A mechanism of ion formation in the desorption plume is suggested. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unoccupied electronic states in polythiophene as probed by XAS and RAS
Authors: Ikeura‐Sekiguchi Hiromi , Sekiguchi Tetsuhiro 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPolythiophene is a typical conducting polymer. Unoccupied electronic states near the Fermi level of polythiophene polycrystalline powder were probed using S 1s X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and S KL2, 3L2, 3 resonant Auger spectroscopy (RAS). Its overall XAS spectral shape resembles those of 2,‐2′‐bithiophene and α‐terthiophene polycrystalline powder. No energy shifts were observed in the π* and σ*(SC) states. In contrast, it was observed that the position of σ*(CC) resonance slightly shifts to lower energy concomitantly with the increase of thiophene repeating units. The normal Auger yield spectrum shows the lack of a delocalized peak, which suggests π*‐electrons remain localized at each thiophene unit during the S 1s core‐hole lifetime of ca 1.1 femtoseconds. Although π* and σ*(SC) states in XAS are not resolved because of their overlap of electronic transitions, they were separated by plotting spectator Auger yields as a function of excitation energy. Such unresolved states in XAS are demonstrated to be distinguishable using RAS technique if the Auger spectator shifts of the corresponding states differ mutually. Results of this study underscore that excitation energy‐dependent RAS can overcome the limitation of conventional XAS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Failure characteristics of adhesively bonded aluminium for spacecraft applications
Authors: Grilli Rossana , Baker Mark A. , Dunn Barrie , Watts John F. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe surface characteristics of an aluminium alloy treated with a commercial chromate pretreatment have been studied by SAM, EDX, and XPS. XPS indicates that chromium is present in the conversion coating as both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species, and that other components are present at the conversion‐coating surface, some in a reduced form. The deposition of the chromate layer is compromised of the presence of the intermetallics in the alloy, and the layer is cracked at the micrometer scale, presumably as a result of drying on removal from the bath. Failure of chromate‐treated aluminium bonded in lap‐shear configuration using a structural epoxy paste is shown to be cohesive in the adhesive but very close to the conversion coating/adhesive interface but alternating from one side of the glue line to the other. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of chromium and nitrogen co‐implantation on the characteristics of the passive layer developed on austenitic and duplex stainless steels
Authors: Abreu C. M. , Cristóbal M. J. , Nóvoa X. R. , Pena G. , Pérez M. C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAISI 304L and SAF 2205 stainless steel samples were implanted with chromium plus nitrogen at saturation dose in order to improve their hardness and wear properties. Consequently, the passive layer is modified so that besides the detected presence of CrN, a clear decrease in the amount of Fe oxides forming the passive layer is detected in both steels; this effect is especially important in AISI 304L. Co‐implantation also causes Ni0 enrichment present at the metal/oxide of unimplanted steels to disappear. The induced changes in the electrochemical response in NaOH solution are finally considered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of electrodeposited gold on glassy carbon from a thiosulphate–sulphite electrolyte
Authors: Sobri S. , Roy S. , Aranyi D. , Nagy P. M. , Papp K. , Kalman E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA solution containing thiosulphate and sulphite has been developed specially for microelectronics applications to replace the conventional cyanide‐based bath for long‐term sustainability of gold electroplating. However, at the end of the electrodeposition process, the spent electrolyte can contain a significant amount of gold in solution. Investigations have been done to study the feasibility of gold recovery from the spent thiosulphate–sulphite electrolyte. In a previous work, flat plate glassy carbon was used to study the initial nucleation mechanism of gold deposition. However, in that study the growth of nuclei or their eventual formation into a gold film was not examined. Here, we present the microscopy observations of crystal growth of gold on glassy carbon at longer deposition times as a function of deposition potentials. It was found that the initial deposition of gold at low‐cathodic potential corresponds to an electrochemical diffusion controlled gold discharge from which spherical nuclei are obtained. After a certain time the initial growing nuclei become unstable and the thin gold deposit begins to develop tips, which eventually grow larger and produce dendrites. The dendritic growth is controlled by surface‐diffusion limitations of gold. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian semiparametric ROC curve estimation and disease diagnosis
Authors: Branscum Adam J. , Johnson Wesley O. , Hanson Timothy E. , Gardner Ian A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe develop a novel semiparametric modeling framework involving mixtures of Polya trees for screening data with the dual purpose of diagnosing infection or disease status and of assessing the accuracy of continuous diagnostic measures. In this framework, we obtain (i) predictive probabilities of ‘disease’ based on continuous diagnostic test outcomes in conjunction with other information, including relevant covariates and results from one or more independent binary diagnostic tests. An example would be the modeling of a serum enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedure for detecting antibodies to an infectious agent when used in conjunction with culture for antigen detection. Our second goal is to (ii) characterize measures of diagnostic performance of continuous tests by estimating receiver‐operating characteristic curves and area under the curve, primarily when such extra information is available.When true disease status is unknown, parametric and nonparametric analyses require sufficient separation between the distributions of outcome values for the diseased and nondiseased populations. However, this overlap becomes less problematic when additional information in the form of either an informative ‘prior’ that is based on real (preferably data‐based) scientific input, or when additional information, or both, are available. The additional information can be used to distinguish ‘diseased’ from ‘nondiseased’ individuals. We present an example using simulated data that illustrates this point. We also present an example involving data from an animal‐health survey for Johne's disease, where the performance of a serum ELISA is evaluated using additional information obtained from fecal culture. Issues related to identifiability and partial identifiability are also discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Know‐how transfer: the role of social, economic/competitive, and firm boundary factors
Authors: Kachra Ariff , White Roderick E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUsing policy capture methodology, this study examines the effect of different contextual cues upon the know‐how transfer efforts reported by 79 biotechnology R&D scientists. Theoretically, these different cues are believed to affect the scientists' expectation of reciprocity, and thus their know‐how transfer behavior. Three types of contextual cues between the know‐how source and recipient were studied: competitiveness, social relationship, and within or across firm boundaries. We find these cues are associated, in the expected directions, with know‐how transfer effort. The findings support a general theory of reciprocity whereby social, competitive, and firm boundary cues have a summative effect upon the expectation of reciprocity and know‐how transfer. This is the first study to examine how these cues taken together influence the know‐how transfer decision. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.