bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intercostal nerve transfer in infants with obstetric brachial plexus palsy
Authors: El‐Gammal Tarek A. , Abdel‐Latif Mohamed M. , Kotb Mohamed M. , El‐Sayed Amr , Ragheb Yasser Farouk , Saleh Waleed Riad , Geith Mohamed A. , Abdel‐Ghaffar Hala S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe use of intercostal nerve (ICN) transfer to repair brachial plexus lesions associated with root avulsions is a well known procedure in adults. However, there is a paucity of reports on the use of ICN in infants with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). This study included 46 infants with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who underwent 62 neurotization procedures. Clinically, 2 cases had upper trunk injury, 19 had upper‐middle trunk injury, 3 had lower trunk injury, and 22 had total palsy. The average age at surgery was 14 months. Twelve patients underwent surgery younger than 6 months of age, 11 patients at 6 to <9 months, 9 patients at 9–12 months, and 14 patients at >12 months. The average follow‐up period was 49 months. ICN transfer resulted in 76% satisfactory (good and excellent) outcome, and was best for restoration of elbow flexion (93.5%). Functional results were best when the operation was done before the age of 9 months; however, the difference between age groups was statistically insignificant. Functional results were also independent of the extent of the original injury. Nine children had preoperative and postoperative CT chest scans. All the nine children developed basal pulmonary atelectasis postoperatively. Pulmonary atelectasis was mostly ipsilateral and was not correlated to the patient age (months), or the duration of anesthesia (in minutes). We conclude that, intercostals nerve transfer is an effective procedure for restoration of function in infants with OBPP and root avulsions. The procedure is associated with variable degree of ipsilateral pulmonary atelectasis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Selenium and the prevention of prostate and colorectal cancer
Authors: Peters Ulrike , Takata Yumie 
Published: September 2008

AbstractProstate and colorectal cancers are among the most common cancers and identifying modifiable risk factors are important steps to reduce the burden of these severe diseases. Results from several but mostly small observational studies as well as the secondary analysis of an intervention trial provide support for a chemopreventive effect of selenium on prostate and colorectal cancers. Results suggest effect modification by gender and smoking, but this interpretation is limited by the statistical power of previous studies. Several cancer preventive mechanisms have been described and it is likely that selenium acts through multiple pathways. In particular, the anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects mediated through activity of selenoenzymes are discussed, given the relevance of oxidative stress and inflammation in these cancers. Genetic variation in selenoenzymes may modify the potential chemopreventive effect of selenium and need to be further investigated. Additional large observational studies using biomarkers of selenium intake and intervention trials, such as the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial, will be important to further evaluate the potential chemopreventive effect of selenium. Furthermore, characterization of functional effects of polymorphisms in selenoenzymes is needed.
Structural determination of three new eudesmanolides from Inula helenium
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Chi , Liu Ke‐Xin , Zhang Bao‐Jing , Xin Xiu‐Lan , Huang Jian 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTen sesquiterpenens were isolated from Inula helenium. Among them, three eudesmanolides: 15‐hydroxy‐11βH‐eudesm‐4‐en‐8β,12‐olide (1), 3α‐hydroxy‐11βH‐eudesm‐5‐en‐8β,12‐olide (2) and 2β, 11α‐dihydroxy‐eudesm‐5‐en‐8β,12‐olide (3) are new compounds. Their chemical structures were determined by spectral methods including 2D NMR. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New results on the convergence of the conjugate gradient method
Authors: Bouyouli R. , Meurant G. , Smoch L. , Sadok H. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper is concerned with proving theoretical results related to the convergence of the conjugate gradient (CG) method for solving positive definite symmetric linear systems. Considering the inverse of the projection of the inverse of the matrix, new relations for ratios of the A‐norm of the error and the norm of the residual are provided, starting from some earlier results of Sadok (Numer. Algorithms 2005; 40:201–216). The proofs of our results rely on the well‐known correspondence between the CG method and the Lanczos algorithm. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadrilateral membrane elements with analytical element stiffness matrices formulated by the new quadrilateral area coordinate method (QACM‐II)
Authors: Cen Song , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Li C. F. , Fu Xiang‐Rong 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA novel strategy for developing low‐order membrane elements with analytical element stiffness matrices is proposed. First, some complete low‐order basic analytical solutions for plane stress problems are given in terms of the new quadrilateral area coordinates method (QACM‐II). Then, these solutions are taken as the trial functions for developing new membrane elements. Thus, the interpolation formulae for displacement fields naturally possess second‐order completeness in physical space (Cartesian coordinates). Finally, by introducing nodal conforming conditions, new 4‐node and 5‐node membrane elements with analytical element stiffness matrices are successfully constructed. The resulting models, denoted as QAC‐ATF4 and QAC‐ATF5, have high computational efficiency since the element stiffness matrices are formulated explicitly and no internal parameter is added. These two elements exhibit excellent performance in various bending problems with mesh distortion. It is demonstrated that the proposed strategy possesses advantages of both the analytical and the discrete method, and the QACM‐II is a powerful tool for constructing high‐performance quadrilateral finite element models. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the smoothed finite element method
Authors: Zhang H.‐H. , Liu S.‐J. , Li L.‐X. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRecently, Liu et al. proposed the smoothed finite element method by using the non‐mapped shape functions and then introducing the strain smoothing operator when evaluating the element stiffness in the framework of the finite element method. However, the theories and examples by Liu et al. are not sufficient for general quadrilateral elements. This paper shows that the non‐mapped shape functions used in the smoothed finite element have disadvantages in existence, linearity, non‐negativity and patch test. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking collegiate service‐learning to future volunteerism: Implications for nonprofit organizations
Authors: Tomkovick Chuck , Lester Scott W. , Flunker LaNette , Wells Theresa A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges facing nonprofits is attracting and retaining volunteers to help deliver their programs. One way that colleges and universities are attempting to educate students on the importance of community issues and to graduate “good citizens” is through service‐learning (S‐L) programs. Although many scholars argue that collegiate S‐L programs will increase the extent to which students volunteer following graduation (for example, Astin, Sax, and Avalos, 1999; Misa, Anderson, and Yamamura, 2005), more empirical research has been called for to examine this relationship. This article proposes three predictors of future volunteerism for alumni of a collegiate S‐L experience: the amount of personal development experienced during the S‐L project, the perceived value of the S‐L project to the community organization, and the level of volunteerism prior to participation in an S‐L project. Results showed significant effects of all the proposed predictors on postgraduation volunteering. Our findings have implications for nonprofit managers charged with maintaining a sufficient level of volunteers to provide their community services as well as individuals who are responsible for organizing S‐L programs. These managerial implications and directions for future S‐L research are discussed.
Collaboration in foundation grantor‐grantee relationships
Authors: Fairfield Kent D. , Wing Kennard T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractFoundations take many forms and wield widespread influence within the nonprofit sector. One aspect of foundations that has received limited research attention is the relationship between the foundation and the grantee. Some authors have encouraged a reframing of this relationship to be more one of equals, where each party brings attributes valuable to the other and where collaboration can germinate and produce more effective philanthropy. This exploratory study suggests that the quality of these relationships varies widely and that it is often difficult to form collaborative ones. It identifies some of the earmarks of fruitful relationships and suggests some ways to replicate those successes.I hate foundation officers—they're all jerks!—Experienced nonprofit executiveWe care about these [nonprofit] organizations—it is through them that we do our work.—Senior foundation program officer
Determinants of fraud losses in nonprofit organizations
Authors: Holtfreter Kristy 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAlthough fraud research has increased, the nonprofit setting has been ignored in criminology and business ethics. This exploratory study examines occupational fraud in 128 nonprofit agencies. Characteristics of offenders (age, gender, educational background, position in the agency), victims (size of organization and available control mechanisms), and offenses are compared to previous research. Regression analyses indicate that several factors are significant predictors of financial loss. At the individual level, it appears females are responsible for increased dollar losses; however, subsequent analyses demonstrate that organizations with a higher level of internal controls detect fraud committed by males, and it is these offenses that result in more serious losses.
The decline of motivation?: From commitment to dropping out of volunteering
Authors: Yanay Galit Ventura , Yanay Niza 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article studies volunteerism through the phenomenon of dropping out. By ascertaining the achievements, difficulties, and dilemmas of volunteers at the Center for Assistance to Victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, we explored the process of dropping out as an encore to understanding the meaning of volunteerism that ends with abandoning a desired activity. On the basis of a longitudinal study, we argue that dropping out is not always a product of waning motivation—for many volunteers, dropping out was extremely difficult—but rather the outcome of unabridged discrepancies between “ought” and “actual” experiences. Volunteers expect to feel good about themselves. In contrast, the organization expects them to act as free agents who can independently manage feelings of pain and self‐doubt. When such discrepancies between expectations and reality occur, feelings of anger and disappointment set in. As a result, devoted volunteers drop out in order to preserve their positive self‐feeling. It is our contention that in order to understand the nature of volunteers' dropout and perseverance, close attention should be paid to processes of self‐regulation in the context of the specific relations between the volunteers and the organization.
Succession, strategy, culture, and change at Santropol Roulant
Authors: Neville Lukas , Murray Elspeth J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSantropol Roulant is an innovative nonprofit organization in Montreal focused on youth training, food security, and intergenerational community building. Since its inception, the Roulant has delivered more than 250,000 meals to isolated seniors and trained more than sixteen hundred young volunteers. Within a few short months, the Roulant will lose half its board members, five senior staff members, and its dedicated and wellliked executive director. The leadership turnover will be a highstakes test for the Roulant: Can they turn a period of vulnerability into an opportunity for growth and rejuvenation? This teaching case is intended to develop familiarity with key issues related to succession planning, transition management, and organizational change. Students will learn about managing a period of complex, high‐intensity organizational change, develop an understanding of the linkages between organizational form and strategic objectives, and become familiar with the structural and substantive issues facing transition teams.
Synthesis of an electroluminescent polymer and its non‐doped light‐emitting diodes with stable green emission
Authors: Liu Yingliang , Cao Huayu , Li Jianghui , Chen Zhijian , Xiao Lixin , Gong Qihuang , Cao Shaokui 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAn electroluminescent polymer was synthesized by Wittig condensation and characterized by the measurements of 1H‐NMR, IR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV–Vis, PL, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The polymer can be dissolved in common organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), chloroform, and dichloromethane. The electroluminescent investigation showed that the non‐doped devices with a double‐layer configuration (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Polymer/Mg:Ag) have a stable green emission property. The maximum luminance of the annealed device reaches 2317 cd/m2. The emission maximum and the CIE 1931 coordinate values are respectively stabilized at 552 nm and near (x, y) = (0.43, 0.55) with different voltages. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomedical applications of imidazolium cation‐modified iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Naka K. , Narita A. , Tanaka H. , Chujo Y. , Morita M. , Inubushi T. , Nishimura I. , Hiruta J. , Shibayama H. , Koga M. , Ishibashi S. , Seki J. , Kizaka‐Kondoh S. , Hiraoka M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe report the synthesis of N‐methylimidazolium chloride‐modified iron oxide nanoparticles (MImCl‐NPs) by condensation of an imidazolium cation‐containing silane coupling agent (1) with the iron oxide nanoparticles which were prepared by the coprecipitation of FeCl2 and FeCl3 by alkaline hydrolysis. The modified iron oxide nanoparticles exhibited a superparamagnetic behavior at the room temperature. For a given weight concentration, MImCl‐NPs showed a darker (T2‐weighted) image than Resovist®, which is commercially available and used for MRI imaging in practice. When mice were given a daily intravenous injection of 5% glucose aqueous solution of MImCl‐NPs for two weeks, MImCl‐NPs showed no significant difference in body weight and blood biochemistry of serum in all samples compared to controls. DLS measurements of the aqueous solutions of the modified iron oxide nanoparticles after the addition of NaPF6 and NaI indicated the presence of particle aggregates. In contrast, no aggregation was observed after the addition of NaCl. A higher degree of adsorption of DNA onto MImCl‐NPs was observed in comparison to that onto amino‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (NH2‐NPs). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short Twaron aramid fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Akbarian M. , Hassanzadeh S. , Moghri M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMechanical, dynamic mechanical, and rheological behaviors of a short p‐aramid fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) have been studied in the range of 0–30 wt% of fibers. The tensile strength of the composite is improved slightly at higher fiber content with a minimum at around 10 wt% of fibers. The addition of fibers markedly reduces elongation at break and entails a steady increase in the elastic modulus, but decreases the wear resistance of the matrix. Storage modulus (E′) is increased and the shapes of loss tangent (tan δ) peaks point to a possible fiber–matrix interaction. Rheological studies show a power law behavior for all composites and increased viscosity with fiber loading. Study of the tensile and cryogenic fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates good correlation between the modes of failure and strength of the composites. The micrographs reveal good interfacial adhesion and extensive peeling and fibrillation of the fibers in the compounded and fractured composites. Theoretical models have been used to fit the experimental modulus data. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer‐associated pH‐responsive tetracopolymeric micelles composed of poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(L‐histidine)‐b‐poly(L‐lactic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Oh Kyung Taek , Lee Eun Seong 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTo create a novel vector for specifically delivering anticancer therapy to solid tumors, we used diafiltration to synthesize pH‐sensitive polymeric micelles. The micelles, formed from a tetrablock copolymer [poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(L‐histidine)‐b‐poly(L‐lactic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)] consisted of a hydrophobic poly(L‐histidine) (polyHis) and poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLA) core and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) shell, in which we encapsulated the model anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The robust micelles exhibited a critical micellar concentration (CMC) of 2.1–3.5 µg/ml and an average size of 65–80 nm pH 7.4. Importantly, they showed a pH‐dependent micellar destabilization, due to the concurrent ionization of the polyHis and the rigidity of the PLA in the micellar core. In particular, the molecular weight of PLA block affected the ionization of the micellar core. Depending on the molecular weight of the PLA block, the micelles triggering released DOX at pH 6.8 (i.e. cancer acidic pH) or pH 6.4 (i.e. endosomal pH), making this system a useful tool for specifically treating solid cancers or delivering cytoplasmic cargoin vivo. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microencapsulation of ammonium polyphosphate with PVA–melamine–formaldehyde resin and its flame retardance in polypropylene
Authors: Wu Kun , Song Lei , Wang Zhengzhou , Hu Yuan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWith a shell of PVA–melamine–formaldehyde resin, microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (VMFAPP) is prepared by in situ polymerization and characterized by FTIR and XPS. Microencapsulation gives VMFAPP better water resistance and flame retardance compared with APP in PP. Thermal stability and fire resistance behavior have been analyzed and compared. The LOI value of the PP/VMFAPP composite is higher than that of the PP/APP composite. The UL 94 ratings of most of the PP/VMFAPP composites are V‐0, whereas PP/APP gives no rating at the 30% additive level. The water resistant properties of the PP composites are studied. Results of the cone calorimeter experiment show that VMFAPP is an effective flame retardant in PP compared with APP. The thermal degradation behaviors of APP and VMFAPP have been studied using TG and dynamic FTIR. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure of the elderly to potential nephrotoxic drug combinations in Belgium
Authors: Smets Hilde LE , De Haes Johan FF , De Swaef André , Jorens Philippe G , Verpooten Gert A 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPurposeTo count in the Belgian ambulatory prescription database Pharmanet, the number of elderly people treated with ACE inhibitors (ACEI) and/or angiotensine receptor blockers (ARB) (±diuretics ± β‐blockers) who eventually also received a prescription of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or spironolactone.MethodAll prescriptions dispensed in community pharmacies are collected in the Pharmanet database. The data of 2005 were used. Two age groups were studied: 65–79 years (label 1) and 80+ years (label 2). The following chronic treatments (subgroups) were studied: (A) ACEI/ARB; (B) ACEI/ARB + diuretics; (C) ACEI/ARB + spironolactone; (D) ACEI/ARB + β‐blocker + diuretic and (E) ACEI/ARB + β‐blocker + spironolactone.ResultsIn 2005, 7.3% of Belgian population was chronically treated with ACEI/ARB. Twenty‐five per cent of 65–79 year‐old‐patients (subgroup A1) and 36.15% of 80+ year‐old‐patients (subgroup A2) received ACEI/ARB. At least one package of NSAID or spironolactone was prescribed to subgroup A1 in 25.44 and 5.80%, respectively, and to subgroup A2 in 22.04 and 9.89%, respectively. In all studied subgroups and age categories, NSAID were coprecribed in more than 20–35% of cases.ConclusionsNSAID are frequently prescribed in elderly patients treated with ACEI or ARB in combination with diuretics. Severe renal adverse effects may result in this high‐risk population. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential population‐based electronic data sources for rapid pandemic influenza vaccine adverse event detection: a survey of health plans
Authors: Moore Kristen M. , Duddy April , Braun M. Miles , Platt Richard , Brown Jeffrey S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPurposeA vaccine against pandemic influenza may be rapidly and widely distributed, and could be used in populations with little prior exposure to influenza vaccines. Under such conditions, it will be important to gain timely information about the rates of vaccine adverse events, ideally by using electronic data from large populations. Many public and private health plans and payers have such information.MethodsBetween May and September 2007, we conducted a decision maker interview and technical assessment with several health plans in the United States. The interview and survey evaluated technical capability, organizational capacity, and willingness to participate in a coordinated program of rapid safety research targeting pandemic and other influenza vaccines.ResultsEleven health plans (eight private, three public) participated in the decision maker interview. Most interviewees were medical directors or held similar positions within their organizations. Participating plans provided coverage and/or care for approximately 150 million members in the U.S. Nine health plans completed a technical assessment survey. Most decision makers indicated interest and willingness to participate in a coordinated rapid safety surveillance program, and all reported the necessary claims data analysis experience. Respondents noted legal, procedural, budgetary, and technical barriers to participation.ConclusionsSenior decision makers representing private and public health plans were willing and asserted the ability of their organizations to participate in pandemic influenza vaccine safety monitoring. Developing working relationships, negotiating contracts, and obtaining necessary regulatory and legal approvals were identified as key barriers. These findings may be generalizable to other vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of crosslinked resins containing ferrite particles
Authors: de Santa Maria Luiz Claudio , Simplício Simone , Ribeiro Carlos A.B. , Costa Marcos A.S. , Silva Manoel R. , Wang Shu H. , Amico Sandro C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMicrometer‐sized magnetic particles hosted on network material were successfully prepared by a simple chemical process (ion exchange followed by co‐precipitation) from commercial styrene‐divinylbenzene copolymers. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) coupled to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allowed the observation of submicron particles. All the produced spherical beads have presented metallic particles (NiFe2O4, CuFe2O4, CoFe2O4, or MnFe2O4), either as isolated particles or agglomerates, located on their external and internal (within pores) The thermal stability of the composites, evaluated by thermogravimetric techniques, were found to be dependent on the amount of ferrite particles incorporated into them. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.