bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An FTIR Study on the Solid‐State Copolymerization of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)terephthalate and Poly(butylene terephthalate) and the Resulting Copolymers
Authors: Ziari Maya , van Asselen Otto , Jansen Martijn , Goossens Han , Schoenmakers Peter 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSummary: The first aim of this work was to study the solid‐state copolymerization (SSP) of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET) with poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) by FTIR spectroscopy. The development of the chemical microstructure during the SSP‐reaction was examined as a function of the BHET content, showing the different regimes. The thermal behaviour of the resulting copolymers with different BHET contents was also investigated during cooling using infra‐red dynamic spectra. For low BHET‐concentrations, only crystallization of PBT‐sequences was observed, while for high BHET‐concentrations, only crystallization of PET‐sequences was detectable with a cross‐over behaviour for intermediate concentrations.
Simulation of RAFT Dispersion Polymerization in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Jaramillo‐Soto Gabriel , Castellanos‐Cárdenas M. Luz , García‐Morán Pedro R. , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Luna‐Bárcenas Gabriel , Penlidis Alexander 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe RAFT radical polymerization of vinyl monomers in supercritical carbon dioxide was modeled using the Predici® simulation package. The sensitivity of polymerization responses on formulation and process variables was analyzed. The simulations were carried out using kinetic and physical parameters corresponding to the polymerization of methyl methacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide, using AIBN as initiator, at 65 °C and 200 bar, and using values of the addition and fragmentation kinetic rate constants of a “typical” RAFT agent, as reference conditions. This is the first report in the literature addressing the modeling or simulation of RAFT polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide.magnified image
Potent cell growth inhibitory effects in hepatitis B virus X protein positive hepatocellular carcinoma cells by the selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor celecoxib
Authors: Xie Huahong , Gao Liucun , Chai Na , Song Jiugang , Wang Jun , Song Zhenshun , Chen Caiping , Pan Yanglin , Zhao Lina , Sun Shiren , Wu Kaichun , Feitelson Mark A. , Liu Jie , Fan Daiming 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein (HBx) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) are all playing roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the reversing effects of COX‐2 inhibitors on the neoplastic features caused by HBx protein is still unclear. To further evaluate the therapeutic potential of celecoxib on HBx mediated transformation, HCC cells transfected with HBx gene were treated with COX‐2 selective inhibitor, celecoxib. The amount the main metabolite of COX‐2, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), was determined by using high sensitivity ELISA. Electron microscope and flow cytometry was used to analyze cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. RT‐PCR and Western blot were used to identify the molecules involved in celecoxib induced cell apoptosis. The results showed that celecoxib inhibited cell growth more significantly and also induced more cell apoptosis in HBx over‐expression cells than in control cells. Celecoxib could selectively inhibited COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production. Celecoxib also inhibited p473SerAkt, raf and p53 expression, and induced apoptosis by release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9, 3, and 6, which were more remarkably in HBx positive cells than in control cells. These results suggest that celecoxib had potent cell growth inhibitory effects on HBx positive HCC cells mainly through inducing more cell apoptosis, and these findings provide a new insight into the anticancer effects of celecoxib against HBx related HCC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variability of low monthly rainfall in La Plata Basin
Authors: Penalba Olga C. , Vargas Walter M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWater resources management and agriculture planning models require a statistical synthesis of some rainfall features, in particular those representing dry atmospheric conditions. The bigger the basin, the more important these features become, as is the case of the La Plata Basin (LPB).This paper focuses on the precipitation variability in the large LPB in South America, analysing the number of months per year with low rainfall and the sequences of months with low rainfall, their theoretical distributions and stability, which are needed as input for the models mentioned above.Long time series are used to analyse the low‐frequency variability and the relative importance of decadal variability. Changes are evident in the number of months per year with low rainfall, with a decrease of about 20% in the period after 1970.Theoretical distribution models (binomial and geometric) are fitted to these empirical distributions, and the regional variability of the fitting parameters is shown. In practically the entire region, the goodness‐of‐fit of the two theoretical models considered is statistically satisfactory.The temporal variability of the parameters of the theoretical binomial (p) and geometric (α) distributions is analysed, in excluding sub‐periods of 10 and 5 years, respectively. The results show low‐frequency variability overlapped on a decadal variability, with low homogeneous regional behaviour.The distribution models have proven to be efficient for frequency adjustments of the rainfall properties studied. These results are an acceptable and necessary input to decision models in LPB. They also make it possible to infer effects of climate change. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Kinetics of the Anionic Polymerization of Buta‐1,3‐diene Considering Different Reactivities of the cis, trans and vinyl Structural Units
Authors: Tenorio López José A. , Benvenuta Tapia Juan J. , Montiel Maldonado Celestino , Ríos Guerrero Leonardo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe anionic solution polymerization of buta‐1,3‐diene was modeled, considering the reactivity of the active sites to be different due to varying geometric configurations. With the first‐order Markov model, expressions for the fraction of active sites and dyad distribution were obtained. The rate constants were determined by fitting to the conversion and dyad experimental data using the nonlinear least squares method. The kinetic model shows that the microstructure and the dyads do not depend on initiator and butadiene concentration but only on rate constants. Without a modifier, the butadiene addition mechanism is entropic; with a modifier, the mechanism changes to entropic‐enthalpic.magnified image
“Living” Radical Polymerization in Tubular Reactors, 2 – Process Optimization for Tailor‐Made Molecular Weight Distributions
Authors: Asteasuain Mariano , Soares Matheus , Lenzi Marcelo K. , Hutchinson Robin A. , Cunningham Michael , Brandolin Adriana , Pinto José Carlos , Sarmoria Claudia 
Published: May 2008

Abstract“Living” radical polymerization is a relatively new polymerization process that can be used to prepare resins with controlled structures. In this work, a mathematical model developed previously to describe nitroxide‐mediated “living” radical polymerizations performed in tubular reactors is used for the optimization of the process and obtainment of tailor‐made MWDs. Operating conditions and design variables are determined with the help of optimization procedures in order to produce polymers with specified MWDs. It is shown that bimodal and trimodal MWDs, with given peak locations, can be obtained through proper manipulation of the operating conditions. This indicates that the technique discussed in this work is suitable for detailed design of the MWD of the final polymer.magnified image
Effects of changes in intracellular action potential on potentials recorded by single‐fiber, macro, and belly–tendon electrodes
Authors: Arabadzhiev Todor I. , Dimitrov George V. , Chakarov Vichren E. , Dimitrov Alexander G. , Dimitrova Nonna A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSome myopathies are accompanied by abnormal calcium homeostasis. Electromyography (EMG) in such patients shows signs of normal or myopathic EMG when detected by a single‐fiber electrode and abnormally increased values in macro EMG. As calcium accumulation might be accompanied by changes in intracellular action potential (IAP) and muscle‐fiber propagation velocity, we simulated the effects of such changes on motor unit potentials (MUPs) recorded by different kinds of electrodes. We found that: (1) the requirements for what potential can be accepted as a single‐fiber action potential (SFAP) are too rigorous; (2) macro MUP amplitude can increase while SFAP amplitude can decrease when there is an increase in the spatial length of IAP spike; and (3) changes in the second phase of a belly–tendon‐detected MUP or M wave could be used for noninvasive detection of increased IAP depolarizing (negative) after‐potential. Muscle Nerve 37: 700–712, 2008
Amyloidogenic transthyretin Val30Met homozygote showing unusually early‐onset familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Tojo Kana , Sekijima Yoshiki , Machida Kazuko , Tsuchiya Ayako , Yazaki Masahide , Ikeda Shu‐Ichi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe report an amyloidogenic transthyretin (ATTR) Val30Met homozygote showing extremely early‐onset, severe familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). Although homozygotes have been reported to show late‐onset and mild clinical manifestations, detailed analyses of the present and previously reported families suggest that homozygotes have a slightly more severe clinical course than heterozygotes. This is the youngest reported patient with ATTR Val30Met FAP, a condition believed to be attributable to homozygosity of this mutation. The clinical severity is consistent with TTR protein instability. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Changes in Na+ channel expression and nodal persistent Na+ currents associated with peripheral nerve regeneration in mice
Authors: Nakata Miho , Baba Hiroko , Kanai Kazuaki , Hoshi Tomiko , Sawai Setsu , Hattori Takamichi , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPatients with peripheral neuropathy frequently suffer from positive sensory (pain and paresthesias) and motor (muscle cramping) symptoms even in the recovery phase of the disease. To investigate the pathophysiology of increased axonal excitability in peripheral nerve regeneration, we assessed the temporal and spatial expression of voltage‐gated Na+ channels as well as nodal persistent Na+ currents in a mouse model of Wallerian degeneration. Crushed sciatic nerves of 8‐week‐old C57/BL6J male mice underwent complete Wallerian degeneration at 1 week. Two weeks after crush, there was a prominent increase in the number of Na+ channel clusters per unit area, and binary or broad Na+ channel clusters were frequently found. Excess Na+ channel clusters were retained up to 20 weeks post‐injury. Excitability testing using latent addition suggested that nodal persistent Na+ currents markedly increased beginning at week 3, and remained through week 10. These results suggest that axonal regeneration is associated with persistently increased axonal excitability resulting from increases in the number and conductance of Na+ channels. Muscle Nerve, 2008
A new method for measuring compound muscle action potentials in facial palsy: A preliminary study
Authors: Haginomori Shin‐Ichi , Wada Shin‐Ichi , Takamaki Atsuko , Nonaka Ryuzaburo , Takenaka Hiroshi , Takubo Takayuki 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo establish a simple, reproducible procedure for studying facial motor nerve conduction (MNC), we determined the optimal electrode position to record evoked compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) from perioral muscles in normal subjects. We examined three new electrode positions in which the electrode connected to the one input of the amplifier was placed on the mental protuberance, and the one connected to the other input was placed on the skin over the orbicularis oris muscle (the philtrum, mouth angle, or lower lip). We then compared the morphology and amplitudes of the CMAPs, right–left differences, and the reproducibility of CMAP amplitudes with recordings taken from the standard electrode position in which one electrode was placed on the nasolabial fold closely lateral to the ala nasi, and the other was placed on the skin over the orbicularis oris. Percutaneous supramaximal electrical stimulation was applied to the main trunk of the facial nerve. All three of the new recording positions showed greater amplitudes and more obvious biphasic CMAPs than the standard method. Positioning the electrode connected to the negative input on the philtrum was optimal in terms of right–left differences and the reproducibility of CMAP amplitudes. Therefore, this midline recording is a simple, reproducible method for calculating the CMAP amplitude ratio. However, prior to clinical use of this procedure, analyses of patients with facial palsy are required. Muscle Nerve 37: 764–769, 2008
Childhood multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy
Authors: Wakamoto Hiroyuki , Chisaka Aya , Inoue Naozou , Nakano Naoko 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe report the first pediatric cases of multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy with electrophysiologic evidence of proximal conduction abnormalities but no definite conduction block. Intravenous immunoglobulin caused clinical improvement followed by long‐term remission without maintenance therapy; one patient has exhibited a monophasic course and the other has had a single relapse during the last 5 years. These cases suggest that there may be a long‐term sustained beneficial effect of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for children with this neuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Reference jitter values for concentric needle electrodes in voluntarily activated extensor digitorum communis and orbicularis oculi muscles
Authors: Kouyoumdjian João Aris , Stålberg Erik V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to estimate normal jitter in voluntarily activated extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and orbicularis oculi (OOc) muscles using a disposable concentric needle electrode (CNE). The EDC of 67 normal subjects (22 males and 45 females, mean age 35.5 ± 10.2 years) and the OOc of 50 normal subjects (13 males and 37 females, mean age 37.9 ± 9.6 years) were studied. Jitter values were expressed as the mean consecutive difference (MCD) of 20 potential pairs. The mean MCD for EDC was 23.6 ± 3.1 μs (upper 95% confidence limit [CL]: 29.7 μs). The mean MCD of all potential pairs (n = 1340) was 23.5 ± 7.3 μs (95% CL: 38.2 μs). The mean MCD for the 18th highest value was 31.4 ± 4.9 μs (95% CL: 41.2 μs). The mean MCD for OOc was 24.7 ± 3.1 μs (95% CL: 31.0 μs). The mean MCD of all potential pairs (n = 1000) was 24.7 ± 7.1 μs (95% CL: 39.0 μs). The mean MCD for the 18th highest value was 32.7 ± 4.1 μs (95% CL: 40.9 μs). Our reported CNE jitter values obtained during voluntary activation represent the largest series currently available. The suggested practical limit in the EDC for mean MCD was 30 μs and for outliers was 42 μs, and in the OOc for mean MCD was 31 μs and 41 μs for outliers. The present study confirms that CNE can be used to assess jitter values, although certain precautions must be taken. Muscle Nerve 37: 694–699, 2008
Morphology of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) assemblies in diluted aqueous solution and gel studied by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Guo Shengrong , Zhang Yaqiong , Yu Zhang 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMorphologies of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL‐PEG‐PCL) triblock copolymer self‐assemblies in the diluted solution and in gel were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The copolymer self‐assembled into wormlike aggregates, of uniform diameter, in water. The wormlike aggregates arranged in order to form separate clusters in the diluted copolymer solution; at a higher copolymer concentration, the clusters became bigger and bigger, and packed together to form gel. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of κ‐carrageenan/poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) semi‐interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels with rapid response to temperature
Authors: Chen Jun , Liu Mingzhu , Jin Shuping , Liu Hongliang 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this study, a novel classical thermo‐ and salt‐sensitive semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) hydrogel composed of poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (PDEAm) and κ‐carrageenan (KC) was synthesized by free radical polymerization. The structure of the hydrogels was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR and SEM revealed that the semi‐IPN hydrogels possessed the structure of H‐bonds and larger number of pores in the network. Compared to the PDEAm hydrogel, the prepared semi‐IPN hydrogels exhibited a much faster response rate to temperature changes and had larger equilibrium swelling ratios at temperatures below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The salt‐sensitive behavior of the semi‐IPN hydrogels was dependent on the content of KC. In addition, during the reswelling process, semi‐IPN hydrogels showed a non‐sigmoidal swelling pattern. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic factors for patients with Ewing sarcoma (EWS) at first recurrence following multi‐modality therapy: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Leavey Patrick J. , Mascarenhas Leo , Marina Neyssa , Chen Zhengjia , Krailo Mark , Miser James , Brown Ken , Tarbell Nancy , Bernstein Mark L. , Granowetter Linda , Gebhardt Mark , Grier Holcombe E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe prognosis for patients with recurrent Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is very poor with 5‐year survival of 13%.MethodsTo evaluate prognostic factors for these patients we studied patients initially treated on the multi‐institutional study INT0091.ResultsTwo hundred sixty‐two patients experienced disease recurrence. The median time to first recurrence was 1.3 years (0–7.4 years), 1.4 years (0–7.4 years) for patients with initially localized disease and 1 year (0–6 years) for patients with initially metastatic disease. Time to first recurrence from date of initial diagnosis was a predictor of post‐recurrence survival (P < 0.0001). Twenty‐one percent of patients, with recurrent or progressive disease ≥2 years from initial diagnosis, had an estimated 5‐year survival of 30% (vs. 7% estimated 5‐year survival with an earlier recurrence). No statistical difference was detected between patients whose disease recurred <1 year and between 1 and 2 years from initial diagnosis. A stepwise relative risk model and backwards stepwise regression was used to explore factors significantly associated with risk for post‐recurrence death. Significant risk factors for death after recurrence included recurrence at combined local and distant sites, elevated LDH at initial diagnosis and initial recurrence less than 2 years after diagnosis. Isolated pulmonary recurrence was not predictive of survival after recurrence.ConclusionPatients with a longer disease control interval represent the subset of patients most likely to survive following recurrence of EWS. All patients with recurrence would benefit from collaborative trials to investigate new therapeutic options. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:334–338. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numb chin syndrome as initial manifestation in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kraigher‐Krainer Elisabeth , Lackner Herwig , Sovinz Petra , Schwinger Wolfgang , Benesch Martin , Urban Christian 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNumb chin syndrome (NCS) describes the affection of the inferior alveolar nerve and is a purely sensory neuropathy. Its symptoms include numbness of the skin of the chin, the lip and the gingival mucosa. Mostly seen in adults, it has rarely been described in children. We report on an 11‐year‐old male who presented with NCS as initial manifestation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia of B‐cell type. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:426–428. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conservative management of priapism secondary to leukemia
Authors: Castagnetti Marco , Sainati Laura , Giona Fiorina , Varotto Stefania , Carli Modesto , Rigamonti Waifro 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe report four cases of leukemia (three chronic myeloid and one T‐cell acute lymphoblastic) presenting with priapism in children 9‐ to 13‐year old. All of them presented with hyperleukocytosis, and three had anemia plus thrombocytosis. All patients underwent chemotherapy and two had leukopheresis. In all cases, priapism was managed conservatively. Erection required up to 13 days to start improving but none of the patients developed clinical evidence of long‐term erectile dysfunction. Based on these cases, conservative management of priapism in children with leukemia might be adequate and not lead to long‐term erectile dysfunction. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:420–423. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Host factors and consequence of chemotherapy in pediatric cancer patients
Authors: Johnson L'Aurelle A. , Ross Julie A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe 5‐year survival rates for childhood ALL are approaching 80%, but therapy‐related toxicities are common. One of the challenges in this population is determining the most efficacious therapeutic regimens for these individuals. Factors such as drug metabolism, genetics, and concomitant disease affect drug efficacy and may be important in determining therapeutic outcomes in these patients. This review will focus on these factors in the treatment of childhood ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:320–326. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extra‐renal non‐cerebral rhabdoid tumours
Authors: Bourdeaut Franck , Fréneaux Paul , Thuille Bénédicte , Bergeron Christophe , Laurence Valérie , Brugières Laurence , Vérité Cécile , Michon Jean , Delattre Olivier , Orbach Daniel 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackgroundRhabdoid tumours (RTs) are aggressive malignancies of childhood, mainly occurring in the kidney and brain. We describe a national multi‐centre retrospective analysis of extra‐renal non‐cranial RTs (ERRTs).ProcedureDiagnosis relied on central histological review and/or on hSNF5/INI1 defect, evidenced by immunohistochemistry or molecular screening. Clinical data were obtained from physicians.ResultsTwenty six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Median age at diagnosis was 28 months [0–366], including late childhood and young adults cases. Surgery, either initial or secondary, was complete in three. All but three patients received chemotherapy, with variable regimens. Additional radiotherapy was used in six patients. Median time to recurrence or progression was 5 months [0–44], and one patient remained free of disease at 7 years.ConclusionsERRTs share the same chemosensitivity, early recurrence, and poor prognosis as renal and cerebral RTs. No chemotherapy regimen demonstrates a superior response. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:363–368. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful topical treatment with mitomycin‐C in a female with post‐brachytherapy vaginal stricture
Authors: Betalli Pietro , De Corti Federica , Minucci Daria , Mazzarotto Renzo , Meneghini Luisa , Bisogno Gianni , Cecchetto Giovanni 
Published: May 2008

AbstractVaginal strictures are rare entities in pediatric population, mainly due to congenital genito‐urinary tract malformations and sequelae of their surgical treatment, recurrent vaginitis and multisciplinary therapy for malignant tumors. The therapy of choice is not standardized. Conservative treatments are favored and dilators seem to be very effective, but their use in children is difficult due to poor compliance. We report our experience with topical application of mitomycin‐C in a female with vaginal stricture secondary to brachytherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:550–552. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.