bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photopolymerization of alicyclic methacrylate hydrogels for controlled release
Authors: Han Jing , He Yong , Xiao Ming , Ma Guiping , Nie Jun 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAlicyclic hydroxy methacrylate monomer, o‐hydroxycyclohexyl methacrylate (HCMA), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR). Photopolymerization kinetics of HCMA was investigated via real‐time infrared spectroscopy (RT‐IR). Polymeric network hydrogels based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and HCMA were prepared by using the photopolymerization technique. Mechanical strength, swelling characteristic, and controlled release behavior of hydrogels with various feed compositions were studied. Poly(HEMA‐co‐HCMA) hydrogel had higher storage modulus than that of poly(HEMA) hydrogel as investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Acid orange 8 was used as a model drug for the investigation of drug release behavior of copolymeric hydrogels. Results indicated that increase in HCMA ratio in hydrogel composition could reduce the swelling rate and prolong the release time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also utilized to study the surface morphology of hydrogels, and the results indicated that HCMA content influenced pore diameter on the hydrogel surface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite thin films of poly(phenylene oxide)/poly(styrene) and PPO/silver via vapor phase deposition
Authors: Bayer I. S. , Biswas A. , Tripathi A. , Avasthi D. K. , Singh J. P. , Megaridis C. M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe report fabrication of thin (100∼300 nm) poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) films and their composites with poly (styrene) (PS) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles using a one‐step electron beam‐assisted vapor phase co‐deposition technique. Surface morphology and the structure of the deposited polymer thin film composites were characterized by FTIR, Raman, X‐ray spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. As‐deposited PPO films and PPO/Ag composites were of porous nature and contrary to solvent casting techniques were free from nodular growth. In the case of PPO/PS thin film polymer composites, however, film morphology displayed nodular growth of PPO with nodule diameters of about ∼200 nm and height of approximately 50 nm. Unique morphological changes on the porous PPO thin film surface were noticed at different Ag filling ratios. Further, the capacitance of PPO/Ag composites (<16 wt%) were measured under radio‐frequency conditions and they were functional up to 100 MHz with an average capacitance density of about 2 nF/cm2. The fabricated PPO‐based composite systems are discussed for their potential applications including embedded capacitor technology. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and barrier properties of the microcapsules added nanoclays in the wall
Authors: Chuanjie Fan , Xiaodong Zhou 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPreparation of microcapsules applied to the fabrication of self‐healing composites has attracted a lot of attention. However, the leakage of core material from the microcapsule is a major problem in self‐healing microcapsules. Proper dispersion of layered silicates within the wall of microcapsule is a strategy for improving the barrier properties of the microcapsule. In the present study, poly(urea‐formaldehyde) (PUF) microcapsules containing dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) were prepared by in situ polymerization. For the preparation of UF/clay nanocomposite microcapsules, acid‐modified montmorillonite (H‐MMT) was used as an effective catalyst for the condensation of urea and formaldehyde, and the condensation polymerization in the galleries resulted in the delamination of the clay, as confirmed by TEM and XRD analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to observe the morphology of the microcapsules and the barrier property of microcapsules was investigated by thermal gravimetry (TG) analysis and mass release method. On comparison with conventional microcapsules (CMs), nanocomposite microcapsules (NCMs) have better barrier property. This can be attributed to the nanocomposite structure of the microcapsules, where nanosized montmorillonite dispersed in UF to decrease the core material cross‐over. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of nano‐chitosan Schiff‐base copper complexes and their anticancer activity
Authors: Wang Rong‐Min , He Nai‐Pu , Song Peng‐Fei , He Yu‐Feng , Ding Lan , Lei Zi‐Qiang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA new kind of nano‐chitosan Schiff‐base Cu complexes with particle sizes of 350 nm were prepared by combination of nano‐chitosan, Cu and Schiff‐base, and characterized by FT‐IR spectra, TEM, DLS and elemental analysis. The modes and mechanism of interaction of the copper complexes with DNA were studied by the fluorescent probe method and electrophoresis analysis. The results suggest that the Cu complexes bound to DNA by electrostatic and intercalation modes. The anticancer activity of the Cu complexes was evaluated by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay in vitro. Nano‐chitosan and their Schiff‐base Cu complexes inhibited the growth of the liver cancer cell lines SMMC‐7721 in vitro. The inhibition rate of Schiff‐base Cu complexes was higher than that of nano‐chitosan. Nano‐chitosan combining with Schiff‐base and Cu improved their anticancer activity, which ascribed to the synergistic effect between the chitosan matrix and the planar construction of the Cu complexes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilateral primary renal lymphoma with orbital metastasis in a child
Authors: Jindal Bibekanand , Agarwala Sandeep , Bakhshi Sameer , Jain Vaibhav , Gupta Arun Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Bal Chandra Shekhar , Iyer Venkateswaram K. , Gupta Siddharth Datta 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPrimary renal lymphoma (PRL) is a rare condition and bilateral PRL even rarer. Most of these bilateral PRL have been reported in adults. We describe a 3‐year‐old male with bilateral primary renal B cell lymphoma with orbital metastases. We discuss the difficulties in diagnosis and management of this rare presentation of lymphoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:539–541. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Therapy and outcome of orbital primitive neuroectodermal tumor
Authors: Bakhshi Sameer , Meel Rachna , Naqvi Syed Ghaffar Hasan , Mohanti B.K. , Kashyap Seema , Pushker Neelam , Sen Seema 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPrimary orbital primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is rare with no reported series. We report six cases of orbital PNET treated at a tertiary care oncology center in northern India from 2003 to 2008. None of them had distant metastases. All were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by exenteration in two, radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy in five cases. Three out of six achieved complete remission at end of therapy with globe salvage in three and vision in two cases. Chemoradiotherapy may help us to avoid mutilating surgery in large or locally advanced tumors, allowing preservation of vision or the globe. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:544–547. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tracing survivors of childhood cancer in Australia
Authors: Wilson Carmen L. , Cohn Richard J. , Johnson Karen A. , Ashton Lesley J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundA major challenge when establishing a retrospective cohort of childhood cancer survivors is maximizing the enrolment of individuals treated as children. In Australia, several public databases can facilitate tracing of childhood cancer survivors; these include the Births, Deaths and Marriage Registers (BDMR), the telephone white pages (EWP), and the Australian Electoral Roll (AER). The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of survivors traced for a cohort study examining the late effects of childhood cancer.ProcedureEligible participants included 1,198 individuals treated for cancer during childhood at Sydney Children's Hospital. Of these, 1,156 individuals were confirmed alive and subsequently traced by cross matching against the AER, BDMR, WP, and clinical records. Characteristics influencing the likelihood of tracing were evaluated using logistic regression analyses.ResultsCurrent addresses were obtained for 810 (70.1%) survivors. Overall, those diagnosed within the last decade were more easily traced than those diagnosed in an earlier decade (Test for trend, P < 0.01). In addition, older age at diagnosis and diagnosis of a sympathetic nervous system or renal malignancy were associated with a decreased likelihood of tracing in survivors, aged ≥18 years (P < 0.05). In survivors aged <18 years, age at diagnosis, sex, and cancer diagnosis were not associated with the likelihood of tracing (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur findings show that cancer type and year of diagnosis are independent factors influencing the ability to trace survivors of childhood cancer. Linkage to public databases provides a unique opportunity to recruit a representative hospital‐based cohort of childhood cancer survivors in Australia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:510–515. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma survivors at negligible risk for significant bone mineral density deficits
Authors: Kaste Sue C. , Metzger Monika L. , Minhas Anum , Xiong Zang , Rai Shesh N. , Ness Kirsten K. , Hudson Melissa M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundWe hypothesized that pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors would have bone mineral density (BMD) deficits compared to their peers because of osteotoxic chemotherapy during the time of greatest BMD accretion.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed records of HL survivors returning for follow‐up between 1990 and 2002. Of the 133 eligible survivors, 109 who underwent quantitative computed tomography (QCT) comprised the study group. QCT‐determined BMD Z‐scores were correlated with patient characteristics and therapeutic exposures by Wilcoxon rank sum or Chi‐square tests. Logistic regression models were used to explore risk factors for diminished BMD.ResultsThe study cohort was half male (50.5%) and 85.3% reported their race as white. Participants were representative of all survivors potentially eligible for study, except that more study participants were female, had hypothyroidism, and had received cyclophosphamide. Median age at diagnosis was 15.1 years (range, 3.1–20.7 years); median time between diagnosis and QCT was 7.5 years (range, 5.0–12.4 years). The proportion of HL survivors with BMD below the mean did not significantly differ from the general population (P = 0.503). However, those with BMD −1.5 SD and BMD −2.0 SD or lower (14.7% and 7.3%, respectively) exceeded that in the general population (6.7% and 2.3%, respectively; P < 0.001 for both degrees of severity). Males, diagnosed at 14 years or older, were at 6.5 times higher risk than females (OR 95% CI: 1.24–34.14; P = 0.027) for BMD deficits.ConclusionsOverall, pediatric HL survivors had negligible BMD deficits. Male gender was associated with an increased risk of developing BMD deficits. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:516–521. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and properties of water soluble single‐walled carbon nanotube graft ionic polyacetylene nanocomposites
Authors: Ku Bon‐Cheol , Kim Dae Kyom , Lee Jun Seok , Blumstein Alexandre , Kumar Jayant , Samuelson Lynne A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWater‐soluble single‐walled carbon nanotube‐polyacetylene [SWNT‐PA, SWNT‐P(2EPy‐MeTf)] nanocomposites have been synthesized by using the surface initiated “grafting‐from” method. The FT‐IR spectra confirmed the formation of an amide bond between the functionalized SWNTs and the initiator, 4‐(2‐Aminoethyl) pyridine, to polymerize N‐Methyl‐2‐ethynlypyridinium triflate (2EPy‐MeTf). UV‐vis spectroscopy indicated that the degree of polymerization of P(2EPy‐MeTf) in the SWNT‐polyacetylene composites is 15, based on the Lewis‐Calvin equation. The SWNT‐polyacetylene composites have been characterized by TGA, AFM, and TEM. From TGA analysis, the loading of SWNTs in the SWNT grafted ionic polyacetylenes is estimated to be 22%. AFM and TEM images clearly showed that the nanotube is wrapped with the PA. The SWNT‐polyacetylene composites displayed high water solubility (8 mg/ml). The room temperature electrical conductivity of the doped SWNT‐polyacetylene composites was found to be in the range of 10−3 to 10−4 S/cm, an order of magnitude of increase over neat P(2EPy‐MeTf) and a two order of magnitude increase over Dendrimer‐polyacetylen composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
PLAC4 and β‐HCG mRNA levels are not altered in the maternal circulation of pregnancies with trisomy 21
Authors: Banzola Irina , Rusterholz Corinne , Zannoni Letizia , Rizzo Nicola , Zhong Xiao Yan , Caramelli Elisabetta , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Farina Antonio , Hahn Sinuhe 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjectiveβ‐Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein (PAPP‐A) are placentally produced proteins whose levels are altered in pregnancies with trisomy 21. PLAC4 is located on chromosome 21 and its expression is restricted to the placenta. Here we investigated whether the levels of β‐HCG‐, PAPP‐A‐ and PLAC4 mRNA could be able to discriminate pregnancies whose fetus is affected by trisomy 21.MethodHundred and forty‐three blood samples from normal pregnancies and eight samples from trisomic pregnancies were collected. Total RNA was extracted from whole maternal blood, reverse‐transcribed and the three mRNAs were quantified by real‐time quantitative PCR. Hundred and nine controls were also tested for the serum levels of PAPP‐A and HCG proteins.Resultsβ‐HCG and PLAC4 mRNAs were detected in all samples, in higher amounts than in plasma, whereas the detection rate for PAPP‐A mRNA was below 10%. The levels of β‐HCG mRNA significantly correlated with the circulatory concentrations of the HCG protein. However, neither β‐HCG‐ nor PLAC4 mRNAs show a significant difference between cases and controls.ConclusionMaternal blood levels of β‐HCG‐, PLAC4‐ and PAPP‐A mRNAs are not useful markers for the screening of pregnancies with trisomy 21 as their concentrations are either not significantly altered (β‐HCG and PLAC4) or too low to be detected (PAPP‐A). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of homozygous beta thalassemia by premarital screening and prenatal diagnosis in India
Authors: Tamhankar Parag M. , Agarwal Sarita , Arya Vandana , Kumar Ravindra , Gupta U. R. , Agarwal S. S. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAimTo determine the feasibility and acceptability of premarital screening for beta thalassemia/related hemoglobinopathies followed by prenatal diagnosis in India.Materials and MethodsPremarital testing for thalassemia carrier state was carried out in (1) extended family members (EFM) of diagnosed cases of thalassemia/hemoglobinopathies, (2) unmarried adult cases of anemia attending the hospitals' outpatient department (OPD) and (3) adult college students (CG). Hemoglobin, red cell indices were measured by a cell counter and hemoglobin fractionation was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In cases with HbA2 > 3.5%, or with variant hemoglobin, mutation screen was done by amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS‐PCR). In high‐risk prospective couples, premarital genetic counseling was done and prenatal diagnosis possibilities were explained.ResultsThe yield of carriers from EFM, OPD and CG groups was 78.17% (308/394), 19.51% (263/1348) and 4.04% (38/939), respectively. The number of prospective high‐risk couples detected were 154, 48 and 2 from EFM, OPD and CG, respectively. As much as 99% of prospective carrier couples married even after knowing their high‐risk status and opted for prenatal diagnosis. The program averted the birth of 33 thalassemic children; 28 in EFM group (by screening of 394 individuals), 4 in the OPD group (by screening 1348 anemic patients), and 1 in CG group (by screening of 939 students).ConclusionPremarital screening in extended family members, followed by prenatal diagnosis is acceptable and the most effective strategy for control of thalassemia in developing countries like India. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validating a method that deals with missing drug information in the Saskatchewan Drug Plan database
Authors: Tamim Hani M. , Tagalakis Vicky 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntroductionAn important limitation of Saskatchewan Drug Plan is the incomplete prescription data during an 18‐month period (1987–1988), referred to here as the “black‐hole”.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of assuming drug non‐exposure during the “black‐hole” on measures of effect.MethodsWe used data from a matched case‐control study carried out to assess the association between warfarin use and risk of prostate cancer. All subjects diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1981 and 2002 were matched to six controls. In order to avoid the “black‐hole”, we included subjects whose cancer was diagnosed after 1994. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of prostate cancer in relation to warfarin. Two analyses were carried out: (a) without a “black‐hole” and (b) with a random “black‐hole” of 18 months imposed in the drug history, during which time subjects were assumed to be unexposed.ResultsCompared to non‐use, the OR of prostate cancer for ever‐use of warfarin in the preceding 5 years was 0.91 (95%CI: 0.81–1.02) (without “black‐hole”) and 0.89 (95%CI: 0.79–1.01) (with “black‐hole”). Compared to non‐use, cumulative use of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were associated with ORs of 1.02, 0.94, 0.77, and 0.76, respectively in the analyses without a “black‐hole”, and 1.02, 0.88, 0.75, and 0.76, respectively in the analyses with a “black‐hole” imposed.ConclusionWhen using Saskatchewan Drug Plan data, assuming non‐exposure to warfarin during the “black‐hole” has a minor effect on the measures of association. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)]/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites
Authors: Dagnon Koffi L , Chen Hua H , Innocentini‐Mei Lucia H , D'Souza Nandika A 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The thermomechanical performance of poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)] (PHBV) is associated with its crystallization. Enhanced nucleation using a stearate‐functionalized synthetic layered double hydroxide (LDH) presents a potential solution.RESULTS: PHBV crystallization varied with concentration of LDH. At lower LDH concentration, thermal history‐induced cold crystallization was present. The extent of this order–disorder transition decreased with increasing LDH concentration and was completely eliminated at 7 wt% LDH. PHBV did not have a melt recrystallization peak but the introduction of LDH resulted in an increasingly pronounced melt recrystallization with increasing LDH concentration. Polarized optical microscopy coupled with differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis indicated increased lamella thickness in the nanocomposites compared to pure PHBV. WAXD and transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanocomposites had an intercalated but aggregated dispersion.CONCLUSION: The concentration of nanofiller provides unique effects in PHBV. Mechanical performance was found to scale with composition as determined using dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Swelling mechanism of porous P(VP‐co‐MAA)/PNIPAM semi‐IPN hydrogels with various pore sizes prepared by a freeze treatment
Authors: Jin Shuping , Bian Fengling , Liu Mingzhu , Chen Shilan , Liu Hongliang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The objective of the work reported was to investigate the effect of gel microstructure on the swelling mechanism. A series of porous gels with various pore sizes were prepared by freeze‐treating a conventional hydrogel that contained various amounts of water at − 20 °C. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the microstructure of the porous gels.RESULTS: The experimental results showed that the water content during freezing was the key factor controlling the microstructure. Measurement of swelling kinetics showed that a greater amount of water during the freezing process would lead to a rapid swelling rate. The apparent diffusion coefficients (Dp) at all times during the swelling process were obtained by fitting the experimental data to the diffusion equation. The values of Dp suggested that the swelling mechanism of the gels depends on the pore size. The diffusion exponent (n) obtained by fitting the fractional mass change (Mt/M∞) to equation of Fick's law further confirmed that the swelling mechanism of the gels is determined by the pore size.CONCLUSION: The swelling mechanism of the gels is determined by the microstructure related to the pore size and the thickness of struts. The microstructure can be controlled by adjusting the water content of the hydrogels by changing the pH of the swelling medium prior to freezing. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Photochromic properties of polyimide and polysiloxane azopolymers
Authors: Sava Ion , Sacarescu Liviu , Stoica Iuliana , Apostol Ileana , Damian Victor , Hurduc Nicolae 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKROUND: One of the most important properties of the azobenzene chromophores is the photochemical trans–cis isomerization induced by UV or visible light. In azopolymers, the photoisomerization induces conformational changes in the polymer chains, which in turn lead to macroscopic variations in the chemical and physical properties of the surroundings and media.RESULTS: This work reports the photochromic behaviour and surface structuring capacity of azopolymers having rigid polyimide and flexible polysiloxane structures, respectively. These polymers have good thermostabilities, with the degradation process starting above 315 °C. The glass transition temperature of the azopolyimide is 228 °C, while that of the azopolysiloxane modified with thymine is 34 °C.CONCLUSION: The experiments show that the azobenzene groups can isomerize even in the case of the rigid polyimide, but the maximum degree of conversion to the cis isomer is less than in the case of the flexible polysiloxane. This behaviour is reversed in solution, probably due to both the thymine and azo group interactions and for conformational reasons. The azopolymers show a good surface structuring capacity. The polysiloxane is more sensitive in the case of low irradiation energy and irradiation time. By increasing the irradiation time for both polymers, the modulation depth increases and has comparable values. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Peer victimization in children with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Wiener Judith , Mak Meghan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis study explored peer victimization in 9‐ to 14‐year‐old children with and without Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The sample comprised 104 children, 52 of whom had a previous ADHD diagnosis. Children with ADHD had higher overall rates of self‐reported victimization by peers and parent‐ and teacher‐reported bullying behavior than did children without ADHD. The rates of victimization were especially high for girls with ADHD. Furthermore, children with ADHD reported higher frequencies of verbal, physical, and relational victimization than did children without ADHD. When data were pooled from children, parents, and teachers, children with ADHD were categorized as victims, bullies, and bully/victims significantly more often than were children without ADHD. Parent ratings of ADHD symptoms predicted self‐reported victimization by peers. Neither parent‐rated anxious‐shy behaviors nor parent‐ and teacher‐rated social skills predicted victimization by peers over and above ADHD symptoms. Parent ratings of oppositional behavior mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and parent‐ and teacher‐rated bullying. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.