bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple approach toward low‐dielectric polyimide nanocomposites: Blending the polyimide precursor with a fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Ye Yun‐Sheng , Yen Ying‐Chieh , Chen Wen‐Yi , Cheng Chih‐Chia , Chang Feng‐Chih 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article describes a new and simple method for preparing polyimide nanocomposites that have very low dielectric constants and good thermal properties: simply through blending the polyimide precursor with a fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane derivative, octakis(dimethylsiloxyhexafluoropropyl) silsesquioxane (OF). The low polarizability of OF is compatible with polyimide matrices, such that it can improve the dispersion and free volume of the resulting composites. Together, the higher free volume and lower polarizability of OF are responsible for the lower dielectric constants of the PI‐OF nanocomposites. This simple method for enhancing the properties of polyimides might have potential applicability in the electronics industry. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6296–6304, 2008
Synthesis of linear and 4‐arm star block copolymers of poly(methyl acrylate‐b‐solketal acrylate) by SET‐LRP at 25 °C
Authors: Whittaker Michael R. , Urbani Carl N. , Monteiro Michael J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe new SET‐LRP (using Cu(0) powder for organic synthesis) was successfully used to produce well‐defined linear and star homo‐ and diblock‐copolymers of PMA, PSA, and P(MA‐b‐GA)n (where n = 1 or 4). The kinetic data showed that all SET‐LRP were first order and reached high conversions in a short period of time. The other advantage of using such a system is that the copper can easily be removed through filtration, allowing the production of highly pure polymer. The molecular weight distributions were well controlled with polydispersity indexes below 1.1 and the number‐average molecular weight close to theory, especially upon the addition of Cu(II)Br2/Me6‐TREN complex. The linear and star block copolymers were then hydrolyzed to produce the biocompatible amphiphilic P(MA‐b‐GA)n, where the glycerol side‐groups make the outer block hydrophilic. These blocks were micellized into water and found to have a Rg/RH equal to 0.8 and 1.59 for the liner and star blocks, respectively. This together with the TEM's supported that the linear blocks formed the classical core‐shell micelles, where as, the star blocks formed vesicles. We found direct support for the vesicle structure from a TEM where one vesicle squashed a second vesicle consistent with a hollow structure. Such vesicle structures have potential applications as delivery nanoscaled devices for drugs and other important biomolecules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6346–6357, 2008
Hopelessness as a predictor of depressive symptoms for breast cancer patients coping with recurrence
Authors: Brothers Brittany M. , Andersen Barbara L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective: The Hopelessness Theory of Depression provides the framework to test feelings of hopelessness and social support as predictors of depressive symptoms in women recently diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer.Methods: Patients (N=67) were assessed within weeks of receiving their recurrence diagnosis (initial) and again 4 months later (follow‐up).Results: Controlling for their current physical and depressive symptoms, hopelessness at diagnosis was a significant predictor of the maintenance of depressive symptoms among patients. A corollary of the theory was also confirmed: social support (i.e. the presence/absence of a romantic partner) interacted with hopelessness.Conclusions: Women who reported feelings of hopelessness and who were alone (i.e. without a partner) were especially vulnerable to later depressive symptoms. The data provide support for the Hopelessness Theory and suggest factors conferring risk for depressive symptoms for those coping with a worsened cancer prognosis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of life and sexual functioning after cervical cancer treatment: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Greimel Elfriede R. , Winter Raimund , Kapp Karin S. , Haas Josef 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective: The purpose of the study was to investigate the long‐term treatment side effects on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning of cervical cancer survivors undergoing different treatment regimens.Methods: QoL and sexual functioning were measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Cervix Cancer Module, and the Sexual Activity Questionnaire.Results: One hundred twenty‐one cervical cancer survivors (63 Surgery, 38 Surgery/CT, and 20 Surgery/RT) participated. Patients in the Surgery/RT Group reported significantly worse QoL outcomes (lower scores on physical, role, cognitive, and social functioning) compared with patients in the Surgery Group or patients in the Surgery/CT Group. The level of symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, pain, appetite loss, frequent urination (p=0.019), leaking of urine (p=0.015), and the feeling of a tight vagina (p=0.018) was significantly higher in irradiated patients. Concerning sexual functioning, patients in the Surgery/RT Group reported a significantly lower sexual activity rate compared with women in the Surgery Group or women in the Surgery/CT group (p<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences concerning sexual pleasure and sexual discomfort among the three treatment groups (p>0.05).Conclusions: Cervical cancer survivors treated with adjuvant radiotherapy are more likely at risk for impaired QoL. Survivors treated with surgery or adjuvant chemotherapy return to a similar level of QoL as women without a history of cancer. Although the sexual activity rate is lower in irradiated patients their sexual pleasure is similar to patients after surgery and chemotherapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy conservation for people with MS‐related fatigue: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Garcia Jalon Elena Guiomar , Lennon Sheila , Hannan Justine , Murphy Sam , Lowe‐Strong Andrew 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) (Mathiowetz et al., 2005). Although education about energy conservation is widely used in the clinical setting, research to ensure evidence‐based practice is still limited (MSC, 1998; Brañas et al., 2000; The National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions, 2004). Aim. To test the methodology for a further randomized controlled trial. To evaluate the impact of an energy conservation programme (ECP). Design. Pilot randomized controlled trial. Method. A convenience sample of 13 people with MS was randomly allocated to two groups. The experimental intervention was an ECP and the control intervention a peer support group which received information about MS and its treatment. Both interventions were delivered in group format once a week for six weeks in two‐hour sessions. Outcome Measures. The Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), MS Impact Scale‐29 (MSIS‐29) and MS Self‐efficacy Scale (MSSS). Statistics. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical analysis was conducted on an intention to treat (ITT) and compliers only basis. Results. There were significant reductions over time in the FIS for both groups (p = 0.004). Although the experimental group showed larger reductions in the FIS, the difference between groups was not significant (p = 0.12). Similarly, both groups showed a strong trend towards significant differences over time for the FSS and MSSS (p = 0.05), but differences between the groups were not significant (p = 0.58). Differences for the MSIS‐29 were neither significant over time (p = 0.58) nor between the groups (p = 0.66). Conclusion. This pilot study shows that an ECP may be beneficial and supports further evaluation of the effect of an ECP in the management of MS‐related fatigue. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a censored robust design model for time‐oriented quality characteristics
Authors: Shaibu A.‐B. , Cho Byung Rae , Kovach Jami 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRobust design (RD) techniques, which are based on the concept of building quality into products or processes, are increasingly popular in industry primarily because of their practicality. Traditional RD principles have often been applied to situations in which the quality characteristics of interest are time‐insensitive. However, when time‐oriented quality characteristics are studied, censored data often occur. As a result, current RD models reported in the literature may not be effective in finding solutions based on such data. To address such practical needs, this paper develops a censored RD model. We also propose an estimation method that is closely related to the expectation–maximization algorithm and compare it with the method of maximum likelihood estimation via a numerical example. Model validation is conducted, and comparative studies are discussed for model verification. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperelastic modelling and parametric study of soft tissue embedded lump for MIS applications
Authors: Sokhanvar S. , Dargahi J. , Packirisamy M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe existing MIS (minimally invasive surgery) instruments have caused severe restrictions to surgeons' tactile perception. In particular, palpation, which is an important technique in open surgery to assess the softness of the tissue and to detect any hidden lumps, is entirely absent in MIS procedures. Many researchers have developed smart endoscopic graspers to rectify different aspects of this problem. However, the effect of an anatomical feature in general and a lump in particular on the stress distribution on the sensitive surfaces of the smart MIS graspers still needs a lot of attention.MethodsThis paper investigates the effect of the important parameters of a lump on the stress distribution at the contact surface and subsequently the output of smart endoscopic graspers. Using experimental stress–strain compression test data, the material parameters required for the Mooney–Rivlin model were obtained and used in hyperelastic finite element analysis.ResultsThe influence of size, depth and stiffness of the lump on the stress distribution at the contact surface are shown and discussed. The results of the non‐linear finite element analysis were validated against experiments conducted on elastomeric material replicating soft tissue.ConclusionsThe consistency between finite element analysis results and experimental work validates the developed model, which is based on the hyperelastic formulation. The finite element analysis results obtained in this study are particularly useful for the development of an inverse model. The inverse model would extract fundamental information, such as size, depth and stiffness, of any hidden lump, using the outputs of the sensors. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EndoCAS navigator platform: a common platform for computer and robotic assistance in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Megali Giuseppe , Ferrari Vincenzo , Freschi Cinzia , Morabito Bruno , Cavallo Filippo , Turini Giuseppe , Troia Elena , Cappelli Carla , Pietrabissa Andrea , Tonet Oliver , Cuschieri Alfred , Dario Paolo , Mosca Franco 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundComputer‐assisted surgery (CAS) systems are currently used in only a few surgical specialties: ear, nose and throat (ENT), neurosurgery and orthopaedics. Almost all of these systems have been developed as dedicated platforms and work on rigid anatomical structures. The development of augmented reality systems for intra‐abdominal organs remains problematic because of the anatomical complexity of the human peritoneal cavity and especially because of the deformability of its organs. The aim of the present work was to develop and implement a highly modular platform (targeted for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery) generally suitable for CAS, and to produce a prototype for demonstration of its potential clinical application and use in laparoscopic surgery.MethodsIn this paper we outline details of a platform integrating several aspects of CAS and medical robotics into a modular open architecture: the EndoCAS navigator platform, which integrates all the functionalities necessary for provision of computer‐based assistance to surgeons during all the management phases (diagnostic work‐up, planning and intervention). A specific application for computer‐assisted laparoscopic procedures has been developed on the basic modules of the platform. The system provides capabilities for three‐dimensional (3D) surface model generation, 3D visualization, intra‐operative registration, surgical guidance and robotic assistance during laparoscopic surgery. The description of specific modules and an account of the initial clinical experience with the system are reported.ResultsWe developed a common platform for computer assisted surgery and implemented a system for intraoperative laparoscopic navigation. The preliminary clinical trials and feedback from the surgeons on its use in laparoscopic surgery have been positive, although experience has been limited to date.ConclusionsWe have successfully developed a system for computer‐assisted technologies for use in laparoscopic surgery and demonstrated, by early clinical trials, that the introduction of these technologies in operative laparoscopy, even though they are not yet sufficiently accurate (from an engineering viewpoint) for surgical treatment of intra‐abdominal disease, brings added benefits to the execution of interventions by surgeons and hence represents concrete on‐going progress in interventional technology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recurrent acute liver failure and mitochondriopathy in a case of Wolcott–Rallison syndrome
Authors: Engelmann G. , Meyburg J. , Shahbek N. , Al‐Ali M. , Hairetis M. H. , Baker A. J. , Rodenburg R. J. T. , Wenning D. , Flechtenmacher C. , Ellard S. , Smeitink J. A. , Hoffmann G. F. , Buchanan C. R. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryA 10‐year‐old Arabic boy of consanguineous parents has suffered eight episodes of acute liver failure with haemolysis triggered by intercurrent febrile illnesses. The first crisis occurred at 9 months of age, after which diabetes mellitus developed. By the age of 6 years, short stature, mild myopathy and later skeletal epiphyseal dysplasia also became evident. His psychosocial development and educational achievements have remained within normal limits. While there were no clear biochemical indicators of a mitochondrial disorder, an almost complete deficiency of complex I of the respiratory chain was demonstrated in liver but not in fibroblast or muscle samples. Molecular analysis of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α kinase gene (EIF2AK3) demonstrated a homozygous mutation, compatible with a diagnosis of Wolcott–Rallison syndrome (WRS). This patient's course adds a new perspective to the presentation of WRS caused by mutations in the EIF2AK3 gene linking it to mitochondrial disorders: recoverable and recurrent acute liver failure. The findings also illustrate the diagnostic difficulty of mitochondrial disease as it cannot be excluded by muscle or skin biopsy in patients presenting with liver disease. The case also further complicates the decision‐making process for liver transplantation in cases of acute liver failure in the context of a possible mitochondrial disorder. Such patients may be more likely to recover spontaneously if a mitochondrial disorder underlies the liver failure, yet without neurological features liver transplantation remains an option.
Disturbance‐induced bird diversity in early successional habitats in the humid temperate region of northern Japan
Authors: Kurosawa Reiko 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe positive role of moderate natural disturbance is less known for a mobile organism such as birds, compared to sessile organisms. In the face of recent declines of grassland birds, it is necessary to identify the mechanism to maintain avian diversity in early successional open habitats in different regions. In the humid temperate region, the predominant habitat type is woody vegetation. Therefore, bird communities were studied along vegetational succession using a chronosequence method. TWINSPAN identified three distinctive habitat types (barren, grass‐fen and shrubland) and four habitat guilds of birds (pioneer, grassland, ubiquitous and shrub) in the study sites. Path analysis determined the direct and indirect effects of disturbance on the habitat guilds of birds. Short and intermediate intervals of the water disturbance are important to pioneer guilds and grass‐fen habitat, respectively. The frequent occurrence of large animals had a negative impact on grassland guild. It suggests that grassland birds less tolerate cattle grazing or human activities in a region with intensive land use. The chronosequence study revealed the dynamic nature of the bird community. Birds occupy habitats following the successional sere of vegetation, responding to animal occurrence and human activities in various manners.
Friendship, loneliness and depression in adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome
Authors: Whitehouse Andrew J.O. , Durkin Kevin , Jaquet Emma , Ziatas Kathryn 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the relation between friendship, loneliness and depressive symptoms in adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Thirty‐five adolescents with AS and 35 controls matched on chronological age, school year and gender distribution, completed questionnaires designed to ascertain the quality of their best‐friendship, motivation for developing friendships, feelings of loneliness and depressive symptomatology. Relative to the comparison group, the participants with AS reported poorer quality of best‐friendship and less motivation to develop friendships. The individuals with AS displayed higher levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms, with loneliness being negatively correlated with the quality of their best‐friendship. Increased levels of loneliness in the adolescents with AS was predicted by the extent to which their best‐friendships were characterized by high levels of conflict/betrayal. Increased depressive symptoms in the adolescents with AS were also predicted by this factor. The findings indicate that increased levels of negative affect may be related to the poor quality of social relationships often reported in this population.
Meanings of sexual intercourse for Italian adolescents
Authors: Giannotta Fabrizia , Ciairano Silvia , Spruijt Rob , Spruijt‐Metz Donna 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThe goal of the present study was to investigate meanings of sexual intercourse in adolescence, and the relationships between meanings, gender, age, and sexual behaviors. Subjects were 201 Italian adolescents (107 boys and 94 girls), aged 14–19 (M = 17.44, SD = 1.65). Participants completed a battery of questionnaires on meanings of sex, sexual activity and other risk behaviors. Using confirmatory factor analyses and ANOVAs, we found:

four dimensions of meanings of sexual intercourse: negative social, personal, transgressional, and positive social meanings;
females scored much lower on all four dimensions;
negative social meanings were related to a lack of protection in sexual intercourse, whereas trangressional meanings were related to lack of protection at the first sexual intercourse only.Our findings suggest a similarity between meanings of sexual intercourse and meanings of others risk behaviors, including smoking. This similarity should be taken into account in prevention against health‐risk behaviors in youth.
A longitudinal examination of the influence of maturation on physical self‐perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls
Authors: Knowles Ann‐Marie , Niven Ailsa G. , Fawkner Samantha G. , Henretty Joan M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis longitudinal study investigated the influence of maturation on physical self‐perceptions and the relationship with physical activity in early adolescent girls (N = 150; mean age = 12.79 ± 0.31). Physical characteristics were measured and participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Children and Youth Physical Self‐Perception Profile and the Pubertal Development Scale on two occasions 12 months apart. The results demonstrated a decrease in overall physical activity levels over 12 months which was not influenced by maturational status or physical characteristics. Additional analysis indicated that physical self‐perceptions partially accounted for the explained variance in physical activity change, with physical condition being an important individual predictor of physical activity. Further analysis indicated that body mass was an important individual predictor of changes in perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self‐worth. At this age maturation has a limited influence on the physical activity behaviours of early adolescent girls and although the variance in physical activity was partly accounted for by physical self‐perceptions, this was a relatively small contribution and other factors related to this drop in physical activity need to be considered longitudinally.
Qualitative and quantitative aspects of commitment development in psychology students
Authors: Kunnen E. Saskia 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe investigated the development of study‐ and work‐related commitments in 28 psychology students during their bachelor years. Based on seven measurements of exploration and commitments (over a period of three‐and‐a‐half years) we found the theoretically expected information‐oriented, normative and diffuse trajectories. In addition, the longitudinal data allowed us to distinguish between a stable and a fluctuating information‐oriented trajectory. We also found a stable moratorium and a regression trajectory. Clear, qualitative differences were found between the commitments in the different types of trajectories. Commitments in the information‐oriented trajectories show more differentiation, development and change than those in the normative or diffuse trajectories. The fluctuating trajectory showed more doubt and negative emotions than the gradual and normative trajectories. The commitments in the normative trajectories were characterized by high levels of satisfaction and well‐being, and by low levels of differentiation and development. The moratorium trajectories showed the highest levels of doubt and negative emotions, and the diffuse trajectories were average in this respect.
Social competence and social support as mediators between comorbid depressive and conduct problems and functional outcomes in middle school children
Authors: Rockhill Carol M. , Vander Stoep Ann , McCauley Elizabeth , Katon Wayne J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study examined the roles of social competence and social support as potential mediators of the association between psychopathology and functional outcomes in a middle school sample (n = 521). Participants were stratified into four psychopathology risk groups (depression only, conduct problems only, comorbid depression and conduct problems, low symptoms) based on screening during early 6th grade. Functional outcomes were 6th grade point average (GPA) and parent rating of global adaptive functioning in their 7th grade student. Low levels of social competence were found to mediate the association between symptoms and both lower grades and global functioning for adolescents with depressive symptoms alone and with comorbid symptoms, but not for those with conduct problems alone. Lack of social support mediated the association between psychiatric symptoms and lower grades for adolescents with depression alone and comorbid symptoms, but not for those with conduct problems alone. These findings suggest that intervention to improve social competence and social support may enhance functional outcomes, especially for youth with depressive symptoms or comorbid depressive and conduct symptoms.