bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Label‐free LC‐MS/MS quantitative proteomics for large‐scale biomarker discovery in complex samples
Authors: Levin Yishai , Schwarz Emanuel , Wang Lan , Leweke F. Markus , Bahn Sabine 
Published: August 2007

AbstractProteomic platforms that enable researchers to profile a high number of proteins across large sets of complex samples hold a great potential for biomarker discovery. LC‐MS/MS‐based methods can be used to analyse many samples without the need for protein labelling. As the analysis is a sequential process, the performance of the system has to be consistent throughout the entire experiment. In this study we used a set of spiked serum samples as well as a set of 55 clinical serum samples from schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers to show that the label‐free proteomic approach yields reproducible results across a large number of samples and can be used to accurately measure the relative protein abundance. Using this approach, we identified 1709 serum proteins covering a dynamic range of over three orders of magnitude. We believe that label‐free quantitative proteomics is especially suited for biomarker discovery in large sample sets.
Crystalline Structure and Properties of Carbon Nanofiber Composites Prepared by Melt Extrusion
Authors: Sui Gang , Zhong Wei‐Hong , Fuqua Mike A. , Ulven Chad A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on the microstructure and properties of semi‐crystalline polymers were studied based on the preparation of poly(propylene) (PP) nanocomposites by a twin screw extrusion method. The crystallization behavior and morphology, as well as the thermal and mechanical properties of the CNF/PP nanocomposites, were characterized. Studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) indicated that the CNFs promoted heterogeneous nucleation. The relative amount, crystallite size and distribution of different crystallites in PP varied because of the addition of CNFs, which affected the final properties of the nanocomposites. Meanwhile, the degree of crystallinity of the PP exhibited an increasing trend with the addition of CNFs, followed by moderate decreases at higher content. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test showed that the stiffness of the PP was enhanced as a result of the addition of CNFs. With increasing of CNF content, the flexural strength and modulus of the nanocomposites were enhanced continuously. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicated that the CNFs were uniformly dispersed in the PP matrix. The effect of CNFs on the thermal stability was analyzed by comparing the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves of the neat PP and CNF/PP composites. The thermal stability of PP composites at high temperature increased with enhanced CNF content.magnified image
pH‐Sensitive Micelles Formed by Interchain Hydrogen Bonding of Poly(methacrylic acid)‐block‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Copolymers
Authors: Koňák Čestmír , Sedlák Marián 
Published: August 2007

AbstractpH‐sensitive micelles formed by interchain hydrogen bonding of poly(methacrylic acid)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers were prepared and investigated at pH < 5. Both$\overline M _{\rm w}$andRhof the micelles increase with decreasing pH of the solution, displaying an asymptotic tendency at low pH values. The observed micelles are well‐defined nanoparticles with narrow size distributions (polydispersity ΔRh/Rh ≤ 0.05) comparable with regular diblock copolymer micelles. The CMCs occur slightly belowc = 1 × 10−4g · mL−1. The micelles are negatively charged and their time stability is lower than that of regular copolymer micelles based purely on hydrophobic interactions.magnified image
Methylphenidate improves fatigue scores in Parkinson disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mendonça Dan A. , Menezes Krishe , Jog Mandar S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractFatigue is a common nonmotor symptom in idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) that can prominently affect everyday function. This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial evaluating methylphenidate for the treatment of fatigue in patients with IPD maintained on their regular medications. Thirty‐six patients were randomized to receive either methylphenidate (10 mg three times per day; n = 17) or placebo (n = 19) for 6 weeks. Primary outcomes were the change from baseline on two separate self‐report fatigue questionnaires: the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI). Secondary outcomes included the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and the five individual domains of the MFI. Fourteen patients in the methylphenidate group and 16 patients in the control group remained on the intervention for the entire study period. In the treatment arm, mean FSS score was reduced by 6.5 points (from a baseline of 43.8) and mean MFI score was reduced by 8.4 points (from a baseline of 51.0). Both these reductions were significant (P < 0.04). Smaller reductions in the placebo group were nonsignificant. Mean UPDRS motor score did not change significantly in either group. Analysis of MFI subscores showed a significant reduction in General Fatigue in the methylphenidate group (P < 0.001). Overall, adverse effects of medication were more frequent in the placebo group. In conclusion, methylphenidate was effective in lowering fatigue scores in patients with IPD following a 6‐week treatment period. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Dual task interference in psychogenic tremor
Authors: Kumru Hatice , Begeman Maaike , Tolosa Eduardo , Valls‐Sole Josep 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPsychogenic tremor (PT) is visually indistinguishable from voluntarily mimicked tremor. Healthy volunteers have difficulties with carrying out simultaneously two tasks due to the phenomenon known as dual task interference. Therefore, performing voluntary rhythmic movements would be a burden for carrying out fast ballistic movements with the contralateral hand. We hypothesized that, similarly to healthy volunteers performing rhythmic movements, patients with PT should show the effects of dual task interference, and this may distinguish them from patients with other types of tremor. We studied 6 patients with PT, 9 with Parkinson's disease (PD) and predominantly unilateral tremor, 11 with essential tremor (ET), and 10 normal volunteers (NV) mimicking tremor. They were requested to perform a unilateral simple reaction time task (SRT) to a visual imperative signal in two different conditions: at rest (rSRT) and during contralateral hand tremor (tSRT). Reaction time was significantly longer in tSRT than in rSRT in PT and in NV groups (P < 0.01 for both groups). However, no significant differences were observed between rSRT and tSRT in PD and ET. The delay of unilateral tSRT with respect to rSRT suggests an effect of tremorlike oscillatory movements on reaction time that is consistent with the concept of dual‐task interference in NV or PT patients but not in PD or ET. These observations may be useful in the evaluation of psychogenic movement disorders. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Effect of montmorillonite on properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer modified bitumen
Authors: Yu Jianying , Wang Lin , Zeng Xuan , Wu Shaopeng , Li Bin 
Published: August 2007

AbstractClay/styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified bitumen composites were prepared by melt blending with different contents of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) and organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT). The structures of clay/SBS modified bitumen composites were characterized by XRD. The XRD results showed that Na‐MMT/SBS modified bitumen composites may form an intercalated structure, whereas the OMMT/SBS modified bitumen composites may form an exfoliated structure. Effects of MMT on physical properties, dynamic rheological behaviors, and aging properties of SBS modified bitumen were investigated. The addition of Na‐MMT and OMMT increases both the softening point and viscosity of SBS modified bitumens and the clay/SBS modified bitumens exhibited higher complex modulus, lower phase angle. The high‐temperature storage stability can also be improved by clay with a proper amount added. Furthermore, clay/SBS modified bitumen composites showed better resistance to aging than SBS modified bitumen, which was ascribed to barrier of the intercalated or exfoliated structure to oxygen, reducing efficiently the oxidation of bitumen, and the degradation of SBS. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1289–1295, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Surface‐graft hyperbranched polymer via self‐condensing atom transfer radical polymerization from zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Tingmei 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe present the synthesis of hyperbranched polymer grafted zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid nanoparticles by self‐condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerizations (SI‐ATRP) from ZnO surfaces. ATRP initiators were covalently linked to the surfaces of ZnO particles, followed by SCVP of an initiator‐monomer (“inimer”) which has both a polymerizable group and an initiating group in the same molecule. Well‐defined polymer chains were grown from the surfaces to yield hybrid nanoparticles comprised of ZnO cores and hyperbranched polymer shells having multifunctional chlorobenzyl functional end groups. The percentage of grafting (PG%) achieved 429% in 6 h, calculated from the elemental analysis results. The hybrid nanoparticles were also characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1296–1301, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study of thermally poled and corona charged poly(vinylidene fluoride) films
Authors: Jiang Yadong , Ye Yun , Yu Junsheng , Wu Zhiming , Li Wei , Xu Jianhua , Xie Guangzhong 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe effect of thermal poling and corona charging on the structure and characteristics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) films (PVDF) was investigated. The structure and chemical change of PVDF films with different polarizing treatments was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The characteristics including piezoelectric coefficients, ferroelectric hysteresis, and leakage current were measured. It was found that both polarized methods contribute to dramatic improvement on the piezoelectricity and ferroelectricity of PVDF films, while thermal poling leads to structure change with the generation of new carbon composition. The reason to cause leakage current was also analyzed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1344–1350, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Controlled drug release through carboxymethyl‐chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) blend films
Authors: Wang Ling‐Chong , Chen Xi‐Guang , Yu Le‐Jun , Li Pi‐Wu 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCarboxymethyl‐chitosan (CMCS)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend film was studied for an application as a coating material in the site‐specific drug delivery system. Films were prepared by blending varying amounts of 4 wt% CMCS with 4 wt% PVA, casting and drying at 50°C for 24 h. The cross‐sectional SEM micrograph of the film revealed that an increase in the amount of CMCS in the blend resulted in the film surface less smooth in the dry state and the network less uniform and more porous in the hydrated state, which became appreciable at 50%. The inclusion of CMCS in the blend also made the swelling of the films pH‐dependent, and lead to an increase in the degree of swelling with pH increase. When the permeation of three model drugs, salicylic acid, theophyline, and ornidazole, was studied using a static diffusion vessel, it followed a zero‐order kinetics and increased with an increase in the CMCS content in the blend, a decrease in the molecular weight of drug, an increase in the pH of medium, and a decrease in the film thickness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1373–1379, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Melt compounding of polypropylene‐based clay nanocomposites
Authors: Li J. , Ton‐That M.‐T. , Leelapornpisit W. , Utracki L.A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPolypropylene (PP)‐based nanocomposites containing 4 wt% maleic anhydride grafted PP (PP‐g‐MA) and 2 wt% Cloisite 20A (C20A) were prepared using various processing devices, viz., twin‐screw extruder (TSE), single‐screw extruder (SSE), and SSE with an extensional flow mixer (EFM). Two processing methods were employed: (I) masterbatch (MB) preparation in a TSE (with 10 wt% C20A and clay/compatibilizer ratio of 1:2), followed by dilution in TSE, SSE, or SSE + EFM, to 2 wt% clay loading; (II) single pass, i.e., directly compounding of dry‐blended PP‐g‐MA/clay in TSE, SSE, or SSE + EFM. It has been indicated that the quality of clay dispersion, both at micro‐ and nanolevel, of the nanocomposites depends very much on the operating conditions during processing, such as mixing intensity and residence time, thus affecting the mechanical performance. Besides that the degradation of the organoclay and the matrix is also very sensitive to these parameters. According to results of X‐ray diffraction, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and mechanical tests, the samples prepared with MB had better overall clay dispersion, which resulted in better mechanical properties. The processing equipment used for diluting MB had a marginal influence on clay dispersion and nanocomposite performance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1447–1458, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Real‐time diagnosis of co‐injection molding using ultrasound
Authors: Cheng Chin‐Chi , Ono Yuu , Jen Cheng‐Kuei 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCo‐injection molding, also known as sandwich molding, is a process in which two or more polymers are laminated together in a mold cavity. Integrated ultrasonic sensors embedded into a mold insert of a co‐injection‐molding machine have been used for real‐time, nonintrusive, and nondestructive diagnosis of co‐injection‐molding processes. Diagnosis of core arrival, core flow speed, part solidification, part detachment from the mold, thickness of skin and core, and core length at the mold was demonstrated. It is found that core flow speed and peak cavity pressure monotonically increased and decreased with the core volume percentage, respectively. Thicknesses of the skin and core of the molded part were estimated using the presented ultrasonic technique during molding with an accuracy better than ±17%. In addition, the core length had correlation with core thickness, core flow speed, and peak cavity pressure. Among them, the core thickness measured by the ultrasonic technique had the better correlation. This technique enables process optimization, the maximum process efficiency, and in‐process quality assurance of the molded parts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1491–1500, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of cyclic peptides and peptide libraries on a new disulfide linker
Authors: Tegge Werner , Bautsch Wilfried , Frank Ronald 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA new cysteine‐based disulfide linker for Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis was developed (Fmoc‐Cys(3‐mercapto‐3‐methylbutanoic acid)OPp) that allows the on‐resin assembly and side chain deprotection of cyclic peptides. Model peptides and a cyclic peptide library of the structure [a‐a‐x‐x‐a‐a‐c] composed of D‐amino acids were assembled and the synthesis and cleavage conditions studied. The best cyclization results were obtained with PyBOP/HOAt/diisopropylethyl amine. Racemization rates of the cysteine in the analyzed model sequences were between 5.2 and 12.3%. Cleavage of the disulfide bond was best carried out with DTT in 50% 2‐propanol/100 mM ammonium bicarbonate. The cleaved peptides can be used directly in biological assays. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dehnungsabhängige Berechnung vierseitig gelagerter Querschnittselemente unter Druckbeanspruchung im Brandfall
Authors: Knobloch Markus , Fontana Mario 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDas Tragverhalten vierseitig gelagerter Querschnittselemente bei Brandbeanspruchung wird durch das lokale Beulverhalten, das nicht‐lineare Spannungs‐Dehnungsverhalten von Stahl bei erhöhten Temperaturen, ungleichmäßige Temperaturverteilungen sowie thermische Dehnungen und Zwängungen beeinflusst. Diese Veröffentlichung schlägt ein neues Modell zur Berechnung des Last‐Stauchungsverhaltens von vierseitig gelagerten Querschnittselementen im Brandfall vor. Das Modell verwendet dehnungsabhängige Traglastkurven. Mit diesen Kurven kann außerdem das Kraft‐Erwärmungsverhalten von vierseitig gelagerten Querschnittselementen mit gleichmäßiger und ungleichmäßiger Temperaturverteilung berechnet werden. Das vereinfachte Berechnungsmodell vermeidet eine Klassifizierung und berücksichtigt das lokale Beulen, das nicht‐lineare Materialverhalten von Stahl bei erhöhten Temperaturen, thermische Dehnungen und Spannungen sowie thermische Zwängungen.
Eine Glaskuppel über dem Nordhof des Landtages von Schleswig‐Holstein
Authors: Engelsmann Stephan , Sobek Werner 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDer Neubau einer Glaskuppel über dem Nordhof des Landtages von Schleswig‐Holstein in Kiel ist Teil der umfassenden Ergänzungs‐ und Modernisierungsmaßnahmen für das bestehende Landtagsgebäude. Erscheinungsbild und Tragverhalten sind bestimmt durch die Randbedingung eines unter Denkmalschutz stehenden Gebäudebestandes und die aus dem Gebäudebestand abgeleitete ungewöhnliche Geometrie der Glaskuppel. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Objektplanung und die Tragwerksplanung für die Glaskuppel sowie deren Tragverhalten.
Effect of soil conditions on the response of reinforced concrete tall structures to near‐fault earthquakes
Authors: Galal K. , Naimi M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCharacteristics of near‐fault earthquakes (NFE) are particularly different from that of the far‐field ones. Far‐field ground motions are characterized by low peak ground acceleration (PGA) and high frequency, whereas near‐fault ground motions have a high peak ground velocity (PGV) and long period pulse. Several recent earthquakes, e.g. 1992 Landers, 1994 Northridge, 1995 Kobe, and 1999 Chichi earthquake events, have caused substantial damage to near‐fault flexible structures. The nonlinear dynamic behaviour of tall reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures subjected to NFE records is influenced by the characteristics of the foundation soil. The assumption of a fixed‐base model for this type of structure might not adequately represent their seismic response. Therefore, the seismic performance evaluation analysis should take into account the soil–structure interaction (SSI). In this study, the seismic performance of a 20‐storey and a 6‐storey RC frame structures with fixed‐base and flexible‐base conditions is evaluated. The characteristics of the flexible‐base models cover four types of soils, namely, soft soil, medium soil, stiff soil and a rock soil, as classified by the International Building Code. A set of 13 near‐fault acceleration time histories recorded on the four types of soil from major earthquake events is selected for the analysis. Three criteria for scaling the records were considered, namely, same maximum spectral acceleration, same spectral acceleration at fundamental period of fixed‐base model, and same spectral acceleration at fundamental period of flexible‐base model. The analysis evaluates the effect of SSI on the dynamic behaviour by comparing the response of the flexible‐base model to the fixed‐base model of the structure when subjected to different earthquake records on a specific soil type. It is concluded that SSI effects could vary significantly according to the characteristics of the NFE record, the scaling criterion and the seismic performance indicator representing the SSI. This observation is valid for tall and low‐rise structures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unemployment Rates and Trauma Admissions
Authors: Madan Atul K. , Sapozhnik Julie , Tillou Areti , Raafat Aml , McSwain Norman E 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIn this article, we tested the hypothesis that the number and demographic characteristics of admissions to our trauma center were related to unemployment rates. The correlation study was conducted at The American College of Surgeons‐verified level I trauma center in our area (New Orleans, Louisiana). It included all trauma admissions. Monthly unemployment rate data from our area were obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The hospital trauma registry supplied trauma emergency room admissions and demographic data. Mean daily trauma admissions were calculated for each month. Pearson correlations were used for statistical analysis. Over 24,000 trauma admissions occurred over a six‐year period. Unemployment rates correlated with penetrating trauma admissions (r = 0.50; p < 0.001). Interestingly, unemployment rates inversely correlated with total trauma admissions (r = −0.73; p < 0.001), blunt trauma admissions (r = −0.81; p < 0.001), and ratio of blunt‐to‐penetrating trauma admissions (r = −0.82; p < 0.001). Higher percentage of male patients (r = 0.66; p < 0.001), percentage of African‐American patients (r = 0.53; p < 0.001), and mortality (r = 0.56; p < 0.001) correlated positively with higher unemployment rates. We concluded that as unemployment rates decrease, emergency room penetrating trauma admissions decrease, while total and blunt trauma admissions increase. As the socioeconomic status (measured by unemployment rates) of the community changes, so do the demographic make‐up and mortality of the trauma population. Our findings suggest that during times of economic hardships, certain population groups are at higher risk for trauma. Prevention should be aimed accordingly.
Awareness and Attitudes Regarding Prenatal Testing among Texas Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Case Amy P. , Ramadhani Tunu A. , Canfield Mark A. , Wicklund Catherine A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDespite increased visibility and availability of prenatal testing procedures, very little is known about the attitudes among the populace toward these procedures. Using a computer assisted telephone interview of pregnant and non‐pregnant women of childbearing age we analyze awareness and attitudes regarding prenatal tests among a diverse group of women of childbearing age in Texas. We also examine maternal characteristics associated with awareness and the willingness to undergo these procedures. While 89% were aware that such tests are available, younger, black and less educated women were less likely to know about prenatal tests for birth defects. Seventy‐two percent of respondents said they would want their baby tested while Hispanic and black women were significantly more likely to express an interest than non‐Hispanic whites. This study demonstrates the variability of knowledge and beliefs and confirms the importance of taking time to understand an individual's personal beliefs, knowledge and attitudes about prenatal diagnosis.