bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The guardians' perspective on paediatric cancer treatment in Malawi and factors affecting adherence
Authors: Israëls Trijn , Chirambo Chawanangwa , Caron Huib , de Kraker Jan , Molyneux Elizabeth , Reis Ria 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundAbandonment of paediatric cancer treatment is a common problem in developing countries. Little is known about the guardians' perspective on cancer treatment in these countries, especially the factors that affect adherence.MethodsFollowing a pilot study enquiring into the possible causes of abandonment, a problem analysis diagram was drawn which helped to develop the questionnaires. Semi‐structured interviews (n = 83) and focus group discussions (n = 8) were held with the guardians of 25 Burkitt lymphoma patients and 7 Wilms tumour patients at different phases of therapy in Malawi.ResultsParents in Malawi are very motivated to continue treatment if they think that it will cure their child. Financial costs are important concerns. Not all tasks at home are assumed by other household members. The diagnosis of cancer was unknown before being told about it in hospital and caused fear of recurrence and death. Guardians are reluctant to ask the health personnel questions. They worry that taking frequent blood samples will weaken their child. The side effects of the chemotherapy are seen as a proof of efficacy.ConclusionIt is important to appreciate the guardians' concerns when offering treatment that requires their sustained commitment. It is necessary to provide not only medical treatment, but also travel allowances and adequate nutritional support during long hospital stays to impoverished families. Information should be given proactively. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:639–642. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
AC conductivity and positive temperature coefficient effect in microcellular EPDM vulcanizates
Authors: Mahapatra S.P. , Sridhar V. , Chaudhary R.N.P. , Tripathy D.K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDielectric relaxation spectra of conductive carbon black reinforced microcellular EPDM vulcanizates were used to study their relaxation behavior in the frequency range of 0.01–105Hz over a wide range of temperature from 30 to 120°C. The effect of variation in filler loading and blowing agent loading (density) on dielectric characteristics such as impedance, dielectric constant, and conductivity has been studied. The experimental results show that the relative dielectric permittivity of the composites depends strongly on the extent of carbon black and blowing agent concentrations. The frequency dependence of AC conductivity has been investigated by using Percolation theory. The permittivity and conductivity of the microcellular composites have been analyzed based on scaling theory at increasing temperatures. The applicability of Lichtenecker‐Rother's “rule of mixture” to describe the complex permittivity of the composite has also been investigated. Irrespective of the blowing agent loading and temperature, the percolation threshold as studied by DC conductivity was found to be at 40 phr loading of the filler. Scanning electron microphotographs showed agglomeration of the filler above this concentration and formation of a continuous network structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Studies on morphologies and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/polycaprolactone/organic‐modified montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Ren Jie , Yu Tao , Li Hang , Ren Tianbin , Yang Shuang 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPoly(lactic acid)/organic montmorillonite (PLA/OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared via twin‐screw extrusion. Montmorillonite (MMT) was firstly organically modified to improve the compatibility between polyester and MMT. The effects of ratio between PLA and OMMT and the addition of polycaprolactone (PCL), as a compatilizer, on the properties of PLA/OMMT nanocomposites were studied. The morphology and the properties of the nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, DSC, and TEM. Using OMMT, the intercalated structure was formed during the extrusion process and the OMMT interlayers space was enlarged. More OMMT content was apt to form thicker structure with more stacked individual silicate layers, which led to lower degree of crystallinity of PLA. It showed that 1 phr OMMT could result in the largest interlayers space and the best crystallization state. PCL can effectively increase the binding force between two phases and improve the order of the nanocomposites. In addition, the annealing after treatment can form regular structure and enhance the thermal properties of nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of core‐shell PS/Ni composite microspheres
Authors: Zhao Wen , Zhang Qiuyu , Zhang Junping , Gu Junwei , Guo Feige 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPS/Ni microspheres were prepared by electroless nickel plating on PS microspheres. Several parameters for plating were optimized in order to obtain integrated and uniform nickel coatings. The properties of obtained composite microspheres, such as chemical composition and crystal texture of the coating, mechanical property, density, and magnetism, were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, and VSM. It was revealed that several parameters, such as thiourea dosage, reaction temperature, and load, had significant influence on fabrication of integrated and homogeneous nickel shell. It was also demonstrated that the properties of the PS/Ni microspheres, such as nickel weight ratio, density, and magnetism, can be tuned by adjusting the load. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Numerical investigation on flow through porous media in the post‐infusion process
Authors: Song Young Seok , Youn Jae Ryoun 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDuring the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) processing, the post‐infusion behavior after complete wet‐out and before gelation of the resin is critical for the development of the thickness and fiber volume fraction distribution in the cured composite part. The pressure gradient developed during infusion results in a thickness gradient due to the flexible nature of the bagging approach. After full infusion, the resin typically bleeds into a vacuum trap, allowing redistribution of pressure and preform thickness. In this study, a non‐rigid control volume is used to formulate a set of governing equations for analysis of the post‐infusion process. The model is used to investigate the effects of processing parameters and different processing scenarios on resin flow, resin pressure, and thickness variation of the composite laminate. This work provides a tool for optimization of the VARTM process to reduce final part variability. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Two steps synthesis and conductivity of polyacrylamide/Cu conducting hydrogel
Authors: Lin Jianming , Tang Qunwei , Wu Jihuai , Sun Hui , Fan Shijun , Hu De 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCu microparticles are dispersed in a polyacrylamide (PAM) superabsorbent by a two steps aqueous solution polymerization. Based on the electrical conductivity of Cu and the water absorbency of PAM, a novel conducting hydrogel (PAM/Cu) with a conductivity of 6.12 mS cm−1 and percolation threshold of 3 wt% is prepared. An appended network structure model for explaining the electrical conduction of PAM/Cu hydrogel is proposed. And the effects of crosslinker, initiator, monomer concentration, Cu content, reaction temperature, water absorbency on the electrical conductivity are also investigated according to the structure model. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Tensile creep of a long‐fiber glass mat thermoplastic composite. I. Short‐term tests
Authors: Dasappa Prasad , Lee‐Sullivan Pearl , Xiao Xinran , Foss Peter H 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis work is part of a larger experimental program aimed at developing a semi‐empirical constitutive model for predicting creep in random glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) composites. The tensile creep response of a long‐fiber GMT material has been characterized for 3‐ and 6‐mm thick material. Tensile tests showed that the variability within and between plaques are comparable with an overall variability of about 6% and 8% for the 3‐ and 6‐mm thick materials, respectively. The thicker material exhibited slightly higher variability and directional dependence due to greater flow during molding of the plaques. Short‐term creep tests consisting of 30 min creep and recovery, respectively, were performed over the stress range between 5 and 60 MPa. Three tests for determining the linear viscoelastic region were considered which showed that the 3‐ and 6‐mm thick GMT are linear viscoelastic up to 20 and 25 MPa respectively. The 6‐mm thick GMT consisting of a higher fiber weight fraction was linear over wider stress range. Furthermore, it was found that plastic strains were accumulated during creep, which suggests that a nonlinear viscoelastic–viscoplastic model would be more appropriate for long‐term creep at relatively high stresses, which will be presented in our companion paper. The magnitude of the plastic strains developed in the creep tests presented here was lower because a single specimen was loaded at multiple stress level over short durations. Hence, a nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive model has been developed for the two thickness materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dynamic response of Free–Free laminated curved panels subjected to explosive blast
Authors: Nezami M. , Jam J.E. , Nia N.G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe dynamic response of Free–Free boundary conditions laminated curved panels subjected explosive blast loading is considered. The Rayleigh–Ritz method is employed to obtain the eigen‐frequencies of the curved panels by using a set of simple polynomials as admissible functions. The mode superposition method is then in the analysis of the dynamic response. A few examples of the difference geometries and staking sequence for showing the ability and performance of this technique are presented. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of Si3N4 filled LLDPE composite
Authors: An Qunli , Qi Shuhua , Zhou Wenying 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSilicon nitride (Si3N4) filled linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) composite was prepared. The effects of Si3N4 filler content, dispersion, and LLDPE particle size on the thermal conductivity, and Si3N4 filled content on the mechanical and electrical properties of Si3N4 reinforced LLDPE composites prepared using powder mixing were investigated. The results indicate that there existed a unique dispersion state of Si3N4 particles in LLDPE, shell‐kernel structure, in which Si3N4 particles surrounded LLDPE matrix particles. With increasing filler content and LLDPE particles size, thermal conductivity increased, and reached 1.42 W/m K at 30 vol% of filler, seven times as that of unfilled LLDPE. Furthermore, the examinations of Agari model demonstrate that larger size LLDPE particles form thermal conductive networks easily compared with smaller ones. The values predicted by theoretical model underestimate the thermal conductivity of Si3N4/LLDPE composites. In addition, the composites still possessed rather higher electrical resistivity and dielectric properties, but the mechanical properties decreased. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and properties of cellulose/silica hybrid composites
Authors: Sequeira Sónia , Evtuguin Dmitry V. , Portugal Inês 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCellulose/silica hybrid (CSH) composites were prepared from bleached Eucalyptus globulus kraft pulp or primary treatment sludge cellulose fibers by a sol–gel method, using solely tetraethoxysilane or with the addition of trimethoxyoctylsilane as the silica precursors and heteropoly acid (H3PW12O40) as the catalyst. Silica aging was accomplished during the hot pressing of preformed CSHs plates, and the properties of the resulting materials have been evaluated. The incorporation of a silica network in cellulosic materials increased their dimensional stability significantly during soaking in water, hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and bending strength. The thermal conductivity of these hybrid materials is comparable to commercially available insulation foams. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pattern of intravenous bisphosphonate use in outpatient care in Germany
Authors: Hoffmann Falk , Jung Tatjana I. , Felsenberg Dieter , Glaeske Gerd 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPurposeIntravenous bisphosphonate therapy has recently been associated with the development of an osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). If new adverse events have been linked to drugs, basic information on drug exposure in routine care is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence as well as duration and cumulative doses of intravenous bisphosphonate treatment.MethodsWe analysed data of the statutory health insurance company Gmünder ErsatzKasse (GEK) over the years 2000–2006. We first estimated treatment prevalence in 2006. We further studied a cohort of new users of intravenous bisphosphonates who initiated treatment between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2005. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the time to end of treatment (composite of discontinuation and death).ResultsA total of 1024 patients received at least one dose of intravenous bisphosphonates in 2006. The most commonly prescribed agent was zoledronate (53.7%). After standardizing for sex and age, an estimated 0.1% of the German population would have been treated in 2006. Of 1259 new users in 2001–2005, an estimated 40% of men and 22% of women died within 12 months. The median treatment duration was 3.5 months in men and 5.7 months in women. This difference disappears when studying only survivors.ConclusionsAlthough our study suggests that intravenous bisphosphonates were prescribed mainly for short durations, this result is strongly influenced by the fact that new users had a poor prognosis with a short life expectancy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrepancies between GPs' and psychiatrists' medication records
Authors: Robinson Julie 
Published: July 2008

AbstractClear communication between primary and secondary care is essential to prevent prescribing errors, especially in the case of psychiatry where medication is frequently altered and prescribing may be the responsibility of either the GP or the specialist. Here, Dr Robinson describes an audit carried out at the local elderly day treatment service to examine the discrepancies between GPs' records of medication and those of the day service, and to investigate how improvements could be made. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
The future of reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization
Authors: Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Perrier Sébastien 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe examine the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process with regard to its potential and limits in future industrial applications (including those conducted on a larger scale) as well as materials science. The outlook for the RAFT process is bright: Its unrivaled inherent process simplicity coupled with a wide tolerance to monomer classes and functionalities makes it a prime candidate for the use in large reactors. At the same time, it allows for ready access to complex macromolecular architectures of variable shape and size. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5715–5723, 2008
Thermosensitive and control release behavior of poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) latex particles
Authors: Lee Chia‐Fen , Lin Chia‐Cheng , Chiu Wen‐Yen 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this work, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (poly(NIPAAm‐AA)) copolymer latex particles (microgels) were synthesized by the method of soapless emulsion polymerization. Poly(NIPAAm‐AA) copolymer microgels have the property of being thermosensitive. The concentration of acrylic acid (AA) and crosslinking agent N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide were important factors to influence the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of poly(NIPAAm‐AA) microgels. The effects of AA and crosslinking agent on the swelling behavior of poly(NIPAAm‐AA) microgels were also studied. The poly(NIPAAm‐AA) copolymer microgels were then used as a thermosensitive drug carrier to load caffeine. The effects of concentration of AA and crosslinking agent on the control release of caffeine were investigated. How the AA content and crosslinking agent influenced the morphology and LCST of the microgels was discussed in detail. The relationship of morphology, swelling, and control release behavior of these thermosensitive microgels was established. A new scheme was proposed to interpret the control release of the microgels with different morphological structures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5734–5741, 2008
A phosphorus‐containing thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester with low mesophase temperature and high flame retardance
Authors: Zhao Cheng‐Shou , Chen Li , Wang Yu‐Zhong 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA novel phosphorus‐containing thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester with flexible spacers (P‐TLCP‐FS) was synthesized by melt transesterification from p‐acetoxybenzoic acid (p‐ABA), terephthalic acid (TPA), ethylene glycol, and acetylated 2‐(6‐oxid‐6H‐dibenz(c,e) (1,2) oxaphosphorin 6‐yl) 1,4‐benzenediol (AODOPB). The chemical structure and properties of the obtained P‐TLCP‐FS were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR), inherent viscosity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), polarizing light microscopy (PLM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. P‐TLCP‐FS had inherent viscosities of 0.92–1.12 dL/g and exhibited low and wide mesophase temperatures, ranging from 185 to 330 °C, which can match with the processing temperatures of most conventional polymers and high flame retardancy with a limiting oxygen index value of 70% and UL‐94 V‐0 rating. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5752–5759, 2008
Photoreactive main chain liquid crystalline polyesters containing oxadiazole and bis(benzylidene) cycloalkanone units
Authors: Balamurugan Rathinam , Kannan Palaninathan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPhotoreactive main chain liquid crystalline polyesters containing oxadiazole and bis(benzylidene)cycloalkanone moieties were synthesized and characterized by structural, thermal, mesomorphic, and optical measurements. The bis(benzylidene) cycloalkanone chromophores in the main chain can constitute both as a mesogen and photoreactive center, whereas 1,3,4‐oxadiazole is a well‐known fluorophore. The thermal properties of polymers were found to be inversely proportional not only to the spacer length but also to ring‐size of cycloalkanones. Hot stage polarized optical microscopic investigations displayed enantiotropic nematic liquid crystalline phases and development of grainy to schlieren textures depends on the length of flexible spacer in the polymer backbone which was in accordance with DSC analysis. Both photoisomerization and photodimerization are observed from the absorption spectra and discussed. The fluorescence spectra in solution state at various concentrations showed that the polymers show blue‐emission maxima and the Stokes shifts being 48–49 nm. The energy transfer occurred when increasing the concentration of the solution. The band gap energies calculated from the absorption spectra are in the range of 3.17–3.41 eV. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5760–5775, 2008
A single versus multiple doses of dexamethasone in infants wheezing for the first time
Authors: Schuh Suzanne , Coates Allan L. , Dick Paul , Stephens Derek , Lalani Amina , Nicota Erika , Mokanski Matthew , Khaikin Svetlana , Allen Upton 
Published: July 2008

AbstractRationale:Corticosteroid therapy is not routinely recommended in true bronchiolitis. However, since bronchiolitis and the first asthma attack are impossible to distinguish, some infants with the first wheezing episode receive corticosteroids. Optimal duration of corticosteroid therapy in this scenario is unknown. This study compared efficacy of multiple administrations and a single dose of dexamethasone in bronchiolitis.Methods:In this randomized double blind trial, previously healthy outpatients 2–23 months of age with bronchiolitis and Respiratory Disease Assessment Instrument (RDAI) score 6 or more received 1 mg/kg of oral dexamethasone in the Emergency Department. Prior to discharge at 4 hr they were randomized to either 4 daily doses of dexamethasone 0.15 mg/kg or placebo equivalent. Primary outcome was the proportion of subsequent hospitalizations or prescribed trials of bronchodilator/corticosteroid therapy for dyspnea by day 6 in the groups. Secondary outcomes were changes in the RDAI to day 6, and proportions with unscheduled visits by days 6 and 28.Results:The rate of primary outcome in the single dose group (SDG, N = 64) was 9/64 or 14.1% versus 7/61 or 11.5% in the multiple dose group (MDG, N = 61) [95% CI 0.09; 0.14]. Twelve (18.8%) children in the SDG had unscheduled medical visits by day 6 versus 11 (18.0%) children in the MDG [95% CI 0.13; 0.14]. On day 6 the RDAI decreased from 9.5 ± 2.1 to 2.1 ± 2.4 in the SDG and from 9.8 ± 2.2 to 1.6 ± 2.3 in the MDG [95% CI 0.36; 2.06]. Between days 7–28, 24/64 (37.5%) SDG infants returned for care versus 20/61 (32.8%) of the MDG [95% CI 0.12; 0.21].Conclusions:Our study suggests that, in outpatients with bronchiolitis who receive dexamethasone, continuation of this agent beyond the initial dose does not provide significant benefit. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:844–850. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anakinra (IL‐1R antagonist) lowers pulmonary artery pressure in a neonatal surfactant depleted piglet model
Authors: Chada Martin , Nögel Stephanie , Schmidt Ana‐Marija , Rückel Aline , Bosselmann Stephan , Walther Julia , Papadopoulos Thomas , von der Hardt Katharina , Dötsch Jörg , Rascher Wolfgang , Kandler Michael A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with pulmonary hypertension, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) are involved in the pulmonary inflammatory reaction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether systemic and aerosolized administered IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) Anakinra (Kineret™) improves lung mechanics and pulmonary artery pressure in surfactant depleted newborn piglets. After induction of acute lung injury by lung lavage, neonatal piglets received repetitive treatment of either aerosolized IL‐1Ra (IL‐1Ra‐Aerosol) or intravenous IL‐1Ra (IL‐1Ra‐i.v.), or saline solution as control. IL‐1Ra given as aerosol or intravenously significantly reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) but did not influence mean systemic arterial pressure (MAP) compared with the control group. IL‐1β and IL‐8 mRNA expressions normalized to β‐actin and hypoxanthine‐guanine‐phosphoribosyl transferase were significantly reduced in the IL‐1Ra‐Aerosol group but not in IL‐1Ra‐i.v. group compared to the control group. The lung injury score was not significantly different between IL‐1Ra groups and the control group. Application of aerosolized IL‐1Ra reduced MPAP without affecting MAP in a piglet model of surfactant depletion with pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, there is evidence for reduction of early pro‐inflammatory pulmonary reaction. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:851–857. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.