bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of polypyrrole films for the development of ammonia sensor
Authors: Kharat H. J. , Kakde K. P. , Savale P. A. , Datta K. , Ghosh P. , Shirsat M. D. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn the present investigation, we have synthesized a polypyrrole films by chemical polymerization technique for the development of ammonia sensor. The polypyrrole films were synthesized in an aqueous acidic medium on glass substrate with mild oxidation of ferric chloride at temperature 29°C. The concentrations (molar) of monomer (pyrrole), oxidant (ferric chloride), and dopant (polyvinyl sulfonate) have been optimized for the uniform and porous surface morphology of the synthesized polypyrrole film. The synthesized films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Ammonia gas sensing behavior of polypyrrole films was studied by using indigenously developed gas sensing chamber. The synthesized polypyrrole film with optimized process parameters shows excellent and reproducible response to low concentration (100 ppm) of ammonia gas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High performance polyethersulfone UF membrane for manufacturing spiral wound module: preparation, morphology, performance, and chemical cleaning
Authors: Rahimpour A. , Madaeni S. S. , Mansourpanah Y. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractLarge sheet asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared via phase inversion process in a continuous conveyor system with addition of PVP to the casting solution. Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol (70/30 v%) were used as solvent and non‐solvent respectively. The prepared membrane was 0.96 m wide and 3 m long. The pieces of the membrane were selected randomly for characterization in terms of performance using cross flow filtration for milk concentration, image analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cleaning procedures. It was found that the prepared membrane has high porosity and high water flux during milk filtration. In addition, cleaning experiments indicated that NaOH/HCl/NaOH sequence is an effective procedure for cleaning the fouled membrane during milk concentration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan–hyaluronic acid hybrid film as a novel wound dressing: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Xu Haitang , Ma Lie , Shi Haifei , Gao Changyou , Han Chunmao 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWound dressing with high quality is a kind of highly demanded wound‐repairing products. In this article, chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were used to fabricate a novel wound dressing. CS/HA composite films with high transparency could be fabricated on glass or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates, but not on poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) plate. Along with the increase of HA amount, the resulting films became rougher as detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Increased also are water contact angle and water‐uptake ratio. By contrast, increase of the HA amount weakened the water vapor permeability (WVP), bovine albumin adsorption, and fibroblast adhesion, which are desirable characteristics for wound dressing. In vivo animal test revealed that compared with the vaseline gauge the CS/HA film could more effectively accelerate the wound healing, and reduce the occurrence of re‐injury when peeling off the dressing again. These results demonstrate that the CS mixed with a little amount of HA may produce inexpensive wound dressing with good properties for practical applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of the (hydroxypropyl)cellulose–titania hybrid nanocomposite as seen by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Halamus Tomasz , Wojciechowski Piotr 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe nanocomposite of the (hydroxypropyl)cellulose–titania hybrid was prepared using the (hydroxypropyl)cellulose (HPC) and (tetra‐isopropyl)orthotitanate (TIPT) modified by the methacrylic acid (MAA) as a sol–gel precursor. The Raman investigations of the TIPT with MAA mixtures revealed that these mixtures formed an intermolecular complex determined by the non‐hydrolytic condensation of the constituents. In spite of this, the MAA/TIPT precursor can be used as a solvent for the HPC. The high viscosity of the homogenous liquid of HPC in the TIPT/MAA system was obtained and the sol–gel process under an influence of the moisture from the air could be conducted. The Raman investigations of HPC–titania hybrid showed octahedrally coordinated titania atoms [TiO6] embodied in the HPC environment. Although the chelating bond between the octahedrally coordinated titania [TiO6] and the MAA still occurred. The nanosize properties of TiO2 prepared by calcinations of HPC–titania hybrids were studied by the Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray investigations and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and dielectric properties of polyimide/silica nanocomposite films prepared from sol–gel and blending process
Authors: Liu Wei‐Dong , Zhu Bao‐Ku , Zhang Jian , Xu You‐Yi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractUsing poly(amic acid) (PAA) as a precursor followed by thermal imidization, the polyimide/silica nanocomposite films were prepared via an improved sol–gel process and a blending process, respectively. FT‐IR, TEM and TGA measurements were used to characterize the structure and properties of the obtained films. The results confirmed that the introduction of silica did not yield negative effects on the conversion of the PAA precursor to the polyimide. With the increase of silica content, the aggregation of silica appeared in the polyimide matrix, and the thermal stability decreased slightly for both kinds of films. The dielectric constant (ε) of both films increased slowly with the increase of the silica concentration. The dielectric constant of the obtained polyimide/silica nanocomposite films displayed good stability within a wide range of temperatures or frequency. Based on modeling relation between ε and silica content, the difference in dielectric properties for two kinds of nanocomposites are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Channelling of COX‐2 inhibitors to patients at higher gastrointestinal risk but not at lower cardiovascular risk: the Cox2 inhibitors and tNSAIDs description of users (CADEUS) study
Authors: Depont F. , Fourrier A. , Merlière Y. , Droz C. , Amouretti M. , Bégaud B. , Bénichou J. , Moride Y. , Velo G. P. , Sturkenboom M. , Blin P. , Moore N. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPurposeTo describe the characteristics of users of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors and traditional nonselective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (tNSAIDs) in France.MethodsBetween 1 August 2003 and 31 July 2004, patients who received at least one dispensing of celecoxib, rofecoxib or tNSAIDs were randomly sampled with a 1:1:2 target ratio within the French National Healthcare Insurance database. Patients and prescribers were asked to fill a questionnaire on socio‐demographic characteristics, NSAID indication and use and previous medical history. For each respondent, healthcare resources used in the 6 months before inclusion were extracted from the database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the determinants of a first COX‐2 inhibitor dispensing.ResultsOf the 45 217 patients included, 13 065 COX‐2 inhibitors and 13 553 tNSAID users had prescriber data. Ninety seven per cent of COX‐2 inhibitor prescriptions were for ‘rheumatological’ indications, whereas 37% of tNSAIDs use was for benign diseases (n = 2643) or analgesia (n = 2318). Among patients with rheumatological indications (n = 4730) and a first COX‐2 inhibitor (n = 2427) or tNSAID (n = 2303) dispensing, multivariate analysis of factors associated with COX‐2 inhibitors dispensing showed that, compared to new tNSAID users, new COX‐2 inhibitor users were older, more often female, on sick leave or unemployed. COX‐2 use was also associated with previous gastrointestinal history and previous gastroprotective agent dispensing, but not with previous cardiovascular (CV) history.ConclusionThe choice of NSAID depended largely on indication and on previous gastrointestinal history, in line with the recommendations of the French health authorities. Possible knowledge of CV risk associated with COX‐2 inhibitors did not influence prescribing. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is the ideal support group? Views of Australian people with cancer and their carers
Authors: Butow Phyllis N. , Kirsten Laura T. , Ussher Jane M. , Wain Gerard V. , Sandoval Mirjana , Hobbs Kim M. , Hodgkinson Katharine , Stenlake Annie 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAims: To explore views on the ideal structure and process of support groups for cancer patients.Patients and methods: From 184 cancer support groups identified in NSW, Australia, 50 were randomly selected within strata of five variations in group structure: homogenous versus heterogenous participants; urban versus rural; community versus hospital setting, leader with cancer experience or not; and with professional training or not. Four hundred and seventy‐six group members completed a questionnaire.Results: Participants valued being with others like them, gaining information about cancer and having an effective leader. Groups were seen to be currently failing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and links with oncology health professionals were inadequate. Few clear preferences for structure were expressed, except for the non‐exclusion of those with a poor prognosis. Patients tended to prefer the structure of their own group, but patients longer since diagnosis, those with better informal support and carers preferred to meet in the community setting, while men with prostate cancer preferred a medical setting.Conclusions: Some suggestions for group structure and process can be made on the basis of these findings; however, individual variation suggests that a needs analysis should be made by individual groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Art therapy improved depression and influenced fatigue levels in cancer patients on chemotherapy
Authors: Bar‐Sela Gil , Atid Lily , Danos Sara , Gabay Naomi , Epelbaum Ron 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIntroduction: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to depression and anxiety, with fatigue as the most prevalent symptom of those undergoing treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether improvement in depression, anxiety or fatigue during chemotherapy following anthroposophy art therapy intervention is substantial enough to warrant a controlled trial.Material and methods: Sixty cancer patients on chemotherapy and willing to participate in once‐weekly art therapy sessions (painting with water‐based paints) were accrued for the study. Nineteen patients who participated in ⩾4 sessions were evaluated as the intervention group, and 41 patients who participated in ⩽2 sessions comprised the participant group. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) were completed before every session, relating to the previous week.Results: BFI scores were higher in the participant group (p=0.06). In the intervention group, the median HADS score for depression was 9 at the beginning and 7 after the fourth appointment (p=0.021). The median BFI score changed from 5.7 to 4.1 (p=0.24). The anxiety score was in the normal range from the beginning.Conclusion: Anthroposophical art therapy is worthy of further study in the treatment of cancer patients with depression or fatigue during chemotherapy treatment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Between traditional and modern perceptions of breast and cervical cancer screenings: a qualitative study of Arab women in Israel
Authors: Azaiza Faisal , Cohen Miri 
Published: March 2007

AbstractArab women have undergone major modernization processes in recent years and the effect of these processes on attitudes to screening should be examined. Fifty‐one Israeli Arab women participated in focus groups in five representative communities. The women expressed a combination of traditional beliefs and modern biomedical knowledge concerning risk and preventive factors related to cancer. Special importance was given to birth and breast‐feeding as protective factors, integrating modern views with traditional concepts of motherhood as a woman's principal role in society. A major theme on who or what was responsible for one's health emerged, opinions ranging across fate and God's will, physicians and health services, or, as a substantial number of participants asserted, taking personal responsibility for one's health. A related theme that emerged was the perception of cancer as either a punishment or as a test devised by God. Fears of stigma related to breast or gynecological examinations, worries about the spouse's reaction once a lump is detected, and worries regarding the violation of religious and cultural requirements of modesty, were expressed. However, there was firm agreement that although these created emotional difficulties, they were not sufficiently important to cause women to forgo screenings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to provide insomnia interventions to people with cancer: insights from patients
Authors: Davidson Judith R. , Feldman‐Stewart Deb , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Ram Shefali 
Published: March 2007

AbstractChronic insomnia affects approximately one quarter of cancer patients. Non‐pharmacologic interventions are the treatment of choice for chronic insomnia, yet they are rarely offered to people with cancer. The study question was how to make these interventions available to cancer patients. Twenty‐six cancer patients who had sleep difficulty participated in focus groups or one‐to‐one interviews. The key questions included: What would be the best way for you to find out about a service for insomnia treatment? What would make it easy/difficult for you to participate? Transcripts were examined independently by three readers who identified participants' answers to the questions, as well as themes that emerged from participants' reflections on their experience with cancer and sleep difficulty. The readers then worked together to reach consensus on a final classification system for describing the content of patients' responses. Participants provided many practical answers to our specific questions. In addition, the following themes emerged: sleep difficulty needs greater recognition by health professionals; patients wish to receive more information about sleep and sleep difficulty; and that although patients perceive sleep as being important, they are reluctant to report sleep problems to doctors. Furthermore, participants recommended that the assessment and treatment of sleep difficulty be integrated into the health care system while considering the cancer‐treatment status and energy level of patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nocturnal body position in sleeping children with and without obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Dayyat Ehab , Maarafeya Muna M.A. , Capdevila Oscar Sans , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Montgomery‐Downs Hawley E. , Gozal David 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo assess whether body position during sleep differs among children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) and controls, and to assess the effects of body position, obesity, and tonsillar size on respiratory disturbance. Four hundred and thirty consecutive children with polysomnographically demonstrated OSAS. And 185 age‐, gender‐, and ethnically matched children (Controls) were compared. The effect of sleep body position on respiratory disturbance was examined in OSAS, and also in relation to obesity and tonsillar size. Children with OSAS spent more time in the supine position than Controls (P < 0.01), with less time spent in the side position (P < 0.005). Obstructive apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) was similar in the three sleep‐related positions, but apnea index (AI) was significantly greater (4.6 ± 0.7/hr TST) in the supine position than in the side position (2.7 ± 0.3/hr TST; P < 0.001) or prone position (3.3 ± 0.5/hr TST; P < 0.01). Tonsillar size was not a contributing factor to positional differences in AI or AHI. Obese OSAS children had increased prone position (20.4 ± 2.0%TST vs. non‐obese: 10.9 ± 2.5%TST; P < 0.05), and displayed increased AHI and AI while supine. Non‐obese OSAS increased AHI in prone or side positions compared to supine (P < 0.01), with no significant differences in position‐dependent AI. Children with OSAS spend more time sleeping supine and less time on the side. Obese children with OSAS are more likely to sleep prone, suggesting that this position may promote upper airway patency in the presence of obesity. Although tonsillar size is not associated with positional differences in breathing, the presence or absence of obesity markedly modifies the effect of body position on respiratory disturbance. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:374–379. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure of Helicobacter pylori spermidine synthase: A Rossmann‐like fold with a distinct active site
Authors: Lu Po Kai , Tsai Jia‐Yin , Chien Hsiang Yi , Huang Haimei , Chu Chen‐Hsi , Sun Yuh‐Ju 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSpermidine synthase (putrescine aminopropyltransferase, PAPT) catalyzes the transfer of the aminopropyl group from decarboxylated S‐adenosylmethionine to putrescine during spermidine biosynthesis. Helicobacter pylori PAPT (HpPAPT) has a low sequence identity with other PAPTs and lacks the signature sequence found in other PAPTs. The crystal structure of HpPAPT, determined by multiwavelength anomalous dispersion, revealed an N‐terminal β‐stranded domain and a C‐terminal Rossmann‐like domain. Structural comparison with other PAPTs showed that HpPAPT has a unique binding pocket between two domains, numerous non‐conserved residues, a less acidic electrostatic surface potential, and a large buried space within the structure. HpPAPT lacks the gatekeeping loop that facilitates substrate binding in other PAPTs. PAPTs are essential for bacterial cell viability; thus, HpPAPT may be a potential antimicrobial drug target for H. pylori owing to its characteristic PAPT sequence and distinct conformation. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GaInAsPSb/GaSb heterostructures for mid‐infrared light emitting diodes
Authors: Smirnov V. M. , Batty P. J. , Jones R. , Krier A. , Vasil'ev V. I. , Gagis G. S. , Kuchinskii V. I. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractGaInAsPSb is a new narrow gap semiconductor material which is suitable for the fabrication of semiconductor light sources for the mid‐infrared spectral range. Photoluminescence emission spectra from GaInAsPSb grown by LPE and lattice‐matched onto GaSb substrates were investigated. Homojunction p–i–n light‐emitting diodes in this pentenary alloy were fabricated and electroluminescence peaking near 4.0 μm at room temperature was observed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterisation of high quality MBE grown InNxSb1–x
Authors: Jefferson P. H. , Buckle L. , Walker D. , Veal T. D. , Coomber S. , Thomas P. A. , Ashley T. , McConville C. F. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe growth, structural and optical characterisation of dilute nitride alloys of InSb grown by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy is presented. The layers were characterised by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction indicating high crystalline quality and nitrogen incorporations up to 0.68%. Fourier‐transform infrared absorption measurements reveal the position of the absorption edge to be a result of the competing effects of bandgap reduction (due to nitrogen incorporation and bandgap renormalisation) and Moss–Burstein band filling.magnified imageThe bandgap of InNSb as a function of nitrogen incorporation (using a 5‐band k · p Hamiltonian and parameters from tight binding calculations) highlighting the applicability of the material in exploiting the atmospheric transmission window [S. D. Lord, NASA Technical Memorandum (1992) 103957] for long wavelength applications.(© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of the likelihood ratios of two binary diagnostic tests in paired designs
Authors: Nofuentes José Antonio Roldán , del Castillo Juan de Dios Luna 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe performance of two binary diagnostic tests is traditionally compared by their respective sensitivities and specificities. Other measures to describe the performance of a binary diagnostic test are likelihood ratios, defined as the ratio between the likelihood of a diagnostic test result in a group of diseased patients and the likelihood of a diagnostic test result in a group of non‐diseased patients. In this study, we propose a method, based on the log‐transformation of the ratio of the likelihood ratios, to compare the likelihood ratios of two binary diagnostic tests in paired designs. We have deduced hypothesis tests to compare the likelihood ratios and we have carried out simulation experiments to study the power and the type I error of the hypothesis tests deduced. We have also deduced a joint hypothesis test to simultaneously compare the likelihood ratios. The procedure used has been extended to the situation in which more than two binary diagnostic tests are applied to the same sample, and the situation in which two diagnostic tests with multilevel results are compared. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tunable Film Degradation and Sustained Release of Plasmid DNA from Cleavable Polycation/Plasmid DNA Multilayers under Reductive Conditions
Authors: Chen Jun , Huang Shi‐Wen , Lin Wen‐Hai , Zhuo Ren‐Xi 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe controllable and sustained release of DNA from the surfaces of biomaterials or biomedical devices represents a new method for localized gene delivery. We report the synthesis of a novel polycation containing disulfide bonds in its backbone and the fabrication of polycation/plasmid DNA multilayered thin films by layer‐by‐layer assembly. The films are very stable during preparation and in storage, however, they gradually degrade and release the incorporated DNA when incubated in PBS buffer containing dithiothreitol (DTT), which results from the degradation of a disulfide‐contained polymer under reductive conditions. The film degradation rate and DNA release rate can be tuned by the concentration of reducing agent. This approach will be useful in gene therapy and tissue engineering by controlled administration of therapeutic DNA deposited on the surface of implantable biomedical devices or tissue engineering scaffolds.
Collecting and publishing large multiscale geographic datasets
Authors: Brisaboa N. R. , Cotelo‐Lema J. A. , Fariña A. , Luaces M. R. , Parama J. R. , Viqueira J. R. R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this paper we present our experience in the development of a geographic information system that includes a large database (over 7 GB) with information about the infrastructure and facilities of the municipalities in the province of A Coruña (northwestern Spain). Three interesting aspects of the whole project are described in some detail due to their intrinsic interest for the development of this kind of system. These aspects are: (1) the design of the data model and the system architecture, which is oriented to support some advanced features such as multiscale active maps; (2) the problem of designing appropriate workflows to populate the database; and (3) the design of a Web‐based application to exploit the geographic database through a user‐friendly interface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.