bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase I Study of the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib in Pediatric Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors: A Children's Oncology Group Study (ADVL0015)
Authors: Blaney Susan M. , Bernstein Mark , Neville Kathleen , Ginsberg Jill , Kitchen Brenda , Horton Terzah , Berg Stacey L. , Krailo Mark , Adamson Peter C. 
Published: November 2004

Purpose To determine the maximum-tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and pharmacodynamics of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (formerly PS-341) in children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors. Patients and Methods An intravenous bolus of bortezomib was administered twice weekly for 2 consecutive weeks at either 1.2 or 1.6 mg/m2/dose followed by a 1-week rest. The pharmacodynamics of bortezomib were evaluated by measurement of whole blood 20S proteasome activity. Results Fifteen patients, 11 assessable, were enrolled between November 2001 and February 2003. Dose-limiting thrombocytopenia, which prevented administration of a complete course (four doses in 2 weeks) of therapy, occurred in two of five assessable children enrolled at the 1.6 mg/m2 dose level. There were no other DLTs. Inhibition of 20S proteasome activity seemed to be dose dependent. The average inhibition 1 hour after drug administration on day 1 was 67.2% ± 7.6% at the 1.2 mg/m2/dose and 76.5% ± 3.3% at the 1.6 mg/m2/dose. There were no objective antitumor responses. Conclusion Bortezomib is well tolerated in children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors. The recommended phase II dose of bortezomib for children with solid tumors is 1.2 mg/m2/dose, administered as an intravenous bolus twice weekly for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week break.
A Gd–Ag Coordination Polymer with Porous Structure via Hydrothermal Synthesis: [Gd2Ag2(pydc)4(H2O)4]n
Authors: Liang Yucang , Cao Rong , Su Weiping , Hong Maochun 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
A Gd-Ag coordination polymer [Gd2Ag2(pydc)4(H2O)4]n (pydc = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate) with lamellar structure was prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of Gd2O3, AgNO3, H2pydc and H2O in a molar ratio of 1 : 4 : 5 : 3100 at 170 °C and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Effect of the Atoms in Outermost Layers upon Friction Behavior of Organized Molecular Films of Comb-polymers Containing Fluorocarbon Chains
Authors: Fujimori Atsuhiro , Araki Tohru , Nakahara Hiroo 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Several newly synthesized comb-polymers with fluorocarbon side-chains have been found to form stable monolayers on the water surface, which could be deposited on solid substrates as the Z-films. Friction behavior of the Z-films measured by atomic force microscopy has been clearly affected by the atom (–F/–H) of ends of the fluorocarbon chains exposed in the outermost layers of the polymer as well as those of the corresponding monomer Z-films.
Health services research in Australia: an investigation of its current status
Authors: Haas Marion 
Published: November 2004

Objectives The objectives of this audit were to document the current status of health services research (HSR) in Australia in terms of inputs and outputs. Inputs were defined as the number of organised centres or groups undertaking HSR, the extent to which HSR was being developed and the funding available for HSR. Outputs were measured as the number of peer-reviewed papers. Methods Centres or groups were identified via the membership of the HSRAANZ and a web-based search. Information from annual reports and/or other published sources was used to determine the extent of capacity building and available funding. The tables of contents of 21 journals published over a 10-year period were searched for articles reporting Australian HSR. Results Eighteen groups were identified that undertook HSR as their predominant activity, while twelve were involved in HSR as a collaborative activity. No HSR-specific training (in terms of under- or postgraduate degrees) was identified, although more than 400 postgraduate students were being supervised in the university departments where HSR groups were situated. Between 1998 and 2001, more than AU$13 million was awarded for HSR, most of it by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Over the past 10 years, 482 articles about Australian health services have been published in the peer-reviewed journals audited. Conclusions Although HSR is widespread in Australia, no specific training appears to be available to build capacity. Overall, HSR is not well-funded especially by organisations outside the NHMRC or Australian Research Council. Thus, it is not surprising that the output of Australian HSR, in terms of peer-reviewed articles, is slight.
Did the invisible hand rock the cradle? An investigation of children's hospitalisations in New Zealand
Authors: Johnston Grant , Lynn Robert 
Published: November 2004

Objectives To test the hypothesis that the overall growth in children's hospitalisations since the instigation of New Zealand's economic and social reforms in 1984 reflects an increase in morbidity caused by socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, household overcrowding and the cost of primary care. Methods All publicly funded hospitalisations amongst children aged 1-14 years, for the years 1988/89 to 2002/03, were categorised as either avoidable or unavoidable based on primary discharge diagnosis. Trends in avoidable and unavoidable hospitalisation rates over time and for various demographic and socio-economic groups were analysed. Results Growth in avoidable and unavoidable hospitalisations amongst children was similar over the period, with unavoidable hospitalisations growing slightly faster. Growth in avoidable hospitalisations was greatest for children who live in the least deprived areas and lowest for children who live in the most deprived areas. Making primary care substantially free for children aged less than six years did not appear to slow the growth in avoidable hospitalisations. Conclusions Trends in avoidable and unavoidable hospitalisations over time are not consistent with the hypothesis being tested. The available evidence does not support a link between morbidity attributable to socio-economic factors and growth in children's hospitalisations. Given the lack of other evidence for deterioration in overall child health, the available evidence does not support a link between economic and social reforms in New Zealand and a decline in children's health status.
Pre-Soaked Lightweight Aggregates as Additives for Internal Curing of High-Strength Concretes
Authors: Kovler K , Souslikov A , Bentur A 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage of high-strength concretes is one of their drawbacks which cannot be readily accommodated by conventional curing. The concept of internal curing using lightweight soaked aggregates, to provide internal reservoirs of water which enable uniform curing of the whole cross-section, has been advanced by several groups. The present study is intended to develop this approach further, by optimizing the porosity and size of the aggregates to enable successful internal curing with only a small amount of aggregates, which could be viewed as additives rather than bulk replacement of conventional aggregates. The approach taken was to increase the porosity of the aggregates and reduce their size, to obtain a system with numerous internal reservoirs of sufficiently small spacing to allow water to be readily discharged from the aggregate and transported over the whole range of the matrix. It was shown that aggregates with porosities of about 50% by volume, a size of a few millimeters, and contents of less than 50 kg/m3 could provide full elimination of autogenous shrinkage in concretes having w/cm as low as 0.25, with only a small affect on strength. The parameters controlling the efficiency of the aggregates were assessed, indicating that their pore structure is the most important one, and that water from within the aggregates can be readily transported into the matrix to a distance of few millimeters.
Modeling Drying Shrinkage Stress Gradients in Concrete
Authors: Grasley ZC , Lange DA 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The potential for drying shrinkage cracking in concrete is related, in part, to the development of a moisture gradient across the cross-section of the concrete element. A model has been developed that incorporates experimental measurements of internal relative humidity to investigate drying shrinkage stress gradients in concrete specimens. The experimental and analytical procedure for using the model is outlined. Initial research involving application of the model has indicated that there is a relationship between drying stress gradient severity and the time to cracking under full restraint. Further development of the model could involve combination with fracture models to investigate microcrack formation and propagation.
Cement and Superplasticizer Combinations: Compatibility and Robustness
Authors: Nkinamubanzi P-C , Aïtcin P-C 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
This study highlights the notion of robustness of combinations of cements and superplasticizers. Tests done with various cements and different families of superplasticizers showed that although a combination of a cement and a superplasticizer could be compatible, it is not necessarily robust. Sometimes a little variation in the dosage of the admixture could lead to detrimental side effects, such as segregation, excessive set retardation, or excess air content in the concrete. Results showed that the chemical composition of the cement is critical to ensure good compatibility and adequate robustness of various combinations of cements and superplasticizers. The chemical nature of the superplasticizer also plays a role in the behavior of such combinations. The C3A content, the soluble (alkali) sulphate content, and the fineness of the cement, which influence the adsorption rate of the superplasticizers on the cement particles, are among the key factors that control the compatibility and the robustness of cement-superplasticizer combinations, especially for polysulfonated admixtures. Based on the results of this study, a rough prediction of the compatibility and robustness of cements and superplasticizers could be made by analyzing the chemical composition of the cement and the chemical nature of the superplasticizer.
Using Electrical Conductivity to Estimate Properties of Mineral Slurries Used in Drilled Shaft Construction
Authors: Abichou T , Tawfiq K , Abdelrazig Y 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
An investigation was performed to study the relationships between properties of slurries used in drilled shaft construction. Slurries with different bentonite and attapulgite concentrations, densities, and sand contents were prepared. The Marsh Funnel viscosity, Brookfield viscosity, and electrical conductivity of each prepared sample of slurry were measured. Tests on slurries containing no sand showed that the Marsh Funnel viscosity, the Brookfield viscosity, and the density correlated very well to electrical conductivity because properties of slurries are acquired due to the presence of suspended clay particles, which can be directly correlated to electrical conductivity. The effects of sand content on viscosity and electrical conductivity were investigated. Marsh Funnel viscosity increased slightly with increased sand content. The Brookfield viscosity also showed some variation with sand content. The electrical conductivity increased with increasing clay content. As sand is added to the slurry, the electrical conductivity decreased slowly since the sand particles are inert as compared to the clay particles. The response of electrical conductivity to clay content and sand content was used to develop calibration curves to estimate Marsh Funnel viscosity and sand content as a function of density and electrical conductivity. Few techniques are now available to measure the density of slurry as it varies in the trench. If electrical conductivity is also measured, the viscosity and the sand content at any location of the trench can be estimated. This will improve the QA/QC of slurry construction.
Development and Qualification of an Algorithm for the Determination of the Initial Linear Portion of a Force Versus Displacement Record
Authors: Scibetta M , Schuurmans J 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
In mechanical tests, the force versus displacement record generally contains an initial linear elastic portion. In the analysis, the accurate determination of this linear part is essential for the identification of characteristic values of force and/or plastic displacement. In this paper, an algorithm for the determination of this linear portion is presented. This algorithm is qualified on several experimental curves and on virtual data sets generated by a computer program. Results demonstrate that the algorithm is very robust and is able to determine the linear portion accurately.
Highly Selective All‐Plastic, Disposable, Cu2+‐Selective Electrodes
Authors: Michalska Agata , Ocypa Marcin , Maksymiuk Krzysztof 
Published: November 2004

AbstractConducting polymers (CP) remain a promising material to construct stable potential all‐solid‐state ion‐selective potentiometric electrodes. The unique properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) ions, PEDOT‐PSS: high CP stability and affinity of doping anions towards Cu2+ ions, make it highly attractive for construction of all‐solid‐state copper(II)‐selective electrodes with outstanding selectivity. The additional benefits can arise from solution processability of commercially available PEDOT‐PSS system. This material was highly promising for a new sensor arrangement, i.e. to obtain disposable, planar and flexible all‐plastic Cu2+‐selective electrodes. These sensors can be obtained by casting a commercially available dispersion of PEDOT‐PSS (Baytron P) on a plastic, non‐conducting support material. The CP being both electrical lead and ion‐to‐electron transducer, was covered with plastic, solvent polymeric Cu2+ selective membrane. This extremely simple arrangement, after conditioning in dilute Cu2+ solution, was characterized with linear Nernstian responses within the activities range from: 0.1 to 10−4 M, followed by super‐Nernstian responses for lower activities. The latter result points to effective elimination of primary ions leakage from the plastic membrane / transducer phase and has resulted in significantly improved selectivities. Obtained log K$\rm{ {_{Cu,J}^{pot}}}$ values were equal to −7.6 for Co2+, −7.4 for Zn2+, −7.2 for Ca2+ and −6.8 for Na+, respectively.
Enzymatic synthesis of tritium‐labelled isotopomers of histamine
Authors: Panufnik E. , Kański R. , Kańska M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThree tritium‐labelled isotopomers of histamine (HA) have been synthesized using combined chemical and enzymatic methods. In the first step the tritium‐labelled isotopomers of histidine have been obtained by catalysed exchange with tritiated water. These intermediates have been converted into [1S‐3H]‐HA, [1R‐3H]‐HA and [2′,4′,1S,‐3H3]‐HA using the enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC, EC 4.1.1.22) from Lactobacillus 30a. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorine‐18 labelling of PNAs functionalized at their pseudo‐peptidic backbone for imaging studies with PET
Authors: Kuhnast B. , Hinnen F. , Hamzavi R. , Boisgard R. , Tavitian B. , Nielsen P. E. , Dollé F. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPeptide nucleic acids (PNAs) form a unique class of synthetic macromolecules, originally designed as ligands for the recognition of double‐stranded DNA, where the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of original DNA is replaced by a pseudo‐peptide N‐(2‐aminoethyl)glycyl backbone, while retaining the nucleobases of DNA. We have previously developed an original method to label oligonucleotide‐based macromolecules with the short‐lived positron‐emitter fluorine‐18 (t1/2: 109.8 min) using the N‐(4‐[18F]fluorobenzyl)‐2‐bromoacetamide reagent. Using this method, we herein report the fluorine‐18‐labelling of 13 decameric PNAs (OLP_1‐13), of the same sequence (CTCATACTCT), but presenting selected modification of the pseudo‐peptidic backbone at two or three of the thymine residues (positions 2, 5 and 8). Structural characteristics of these backbone modifications include either an amino acid side chain (L‐Lys, L‐Glu, L‐Leu and L‐Arg) or a glycosyl moiety (mannose, galactose, fucose, N‐Ac‐galactosamine and N‐Ac‐glucosamine) attached via an appropriate spacer. N‐(4‐[18F]fluorobenzyl)‐2‐bromoacetamide was synthesized in three radiochemical steps from 4‐cyano‐N,N,N‐trimethylanilinium trifluoromethanesulfonate and HPLC‐purified in 85–90 min (typical production: 3.7–4.8 GBq starting from a batch of 29.6–31.4 GBq of [18F]fluoride). Conjugation of the fluorine‐18‐labelled bromoacetamide reagent with the PNAs was performed in a mixture of acetonitrile and HEPES buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.9) for 10 min at 60°C and gave the corresponding pure labelled conjugated PNAs ([18F]c‐OLP_1‐13) after RP‐HPLC purification. The whole synthetic procedure, including the preparation of the fluorine‐18‐labelled reagent, provides up to 0.9 GBq (25 mCi) of HPLC‐purified [18F]c‐OLP_1‐13 in 160 min with a specific radioactivity of 45–65 GBq/µmol (1.2–1.7 Ci/µmol) at the end of synthesis starting from 29.6 to 31.4 GBq (800–850 mCi) of [18F]fluoride. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by nitric oxide: Its role in glucose metabolism and neuroprotection
Authors: Almeida Angeles , Cidad Pilar , Delgado‐Esteban María , Fernández Emilio , García‐Nogales Paula , Bolaños Juan P. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThere is an increasing body of evidence demonstrating that inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase by nitric oxide (NO) may be one more step in a signaling cascade involved in the physiologic regulation of cell functions. For example, in both astrocytes and neurons the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by endogenously produced NO induces transient and modest decreases in cellular ATP concentrations. This mitochondrial impairment may serve as a cellular sensor of energy charges, hence modulating metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, through AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in astrocytes. In neurons, the NO derivative peroxynitrite anion triggers signaling pathways leading to glucose oxidation through the pentose‐phosphate pathway to form reducing equivalents in the form of NADPH. The modulation of these metabolic pathways by nitric oxide or its derivatives may be important for understanding the mechanisms by which this free radical affects neuronal death or survival. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of Grafting Reactions of Polar Groups onto Polystyrene (PS) by Reactive Mixing
Authors: Passaglia Elisa , Coiai Serena , Ricci Lucia , Ciardelli Francesco 
Published: November 2004

AbstractTwo different bulk modifications have been carried out aimed to the introduction of carboxyl groups into atactic polystyrene (PS) based on the reaction at 180°C with diethylmaleate (DEM) or 4‐carboxybenzensulfonyl azide (CBSA) respectively. The former system proceeds with a free radical mechanism giving functionalization around 0.5% by mol but with reduction of molecular weight and Tg increase. On the other side CBSA which grafts by addition to the C‐H bond gives appreciable functionalization with rather limited degradation and moderate Tg increase. Detailed analysis of the molecular structure of the functionalized PS was performed to propose possible reaction mechanisms.
Macromolecular Internal Viscosity. The Role of Stereoregularity
Authors: Allegra Giuseppe 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMacromolecular dynamics at the scale of a few chain bonds is largely controlled by the “internal viscosity” effect if the energy barriers hindering the skeletal rotations are sufficiently large. In an extensive spin‐echo neutron scattering analysis, Richter and co‐workers (A. Arbe, M. Monkenbusch, J. Stellbrink, D. Richter, B. Farago, K. Almdal and R. Faust, Macromolecules, 2001, 34, 1281) investigated the dynamic properties of polyisobutylene (PIB) and polydimethylsulfoxide (PDMS) in toluene solution, the latter polymer being currently assumed to have very small rotational barriers. Analysis of the data according to a theory proposed by this author enabled them to obtain realistic values both of the rotational barrier around C‐C bonds (∼3kcal/mol) and of the natural frequency of the rotational jumps. ‐ A problem related to chain internal viscosity concerns the iso‐ and syndio‐tactic forms of polystyrene (respectively i‐PS and s‐PS): After a careful conformational analysis it is shown that i‐PS has very large effective energy barriers due to interactions between phenyl rings (S. Br&�uml;ckner, G. Allegra and P. Corradini, Macromolecules, 2002, 35, 3928). This effect is compounded with that of the intrinsic rotational barrier and helps explaining the kinetic difficulty to crystallise of i‐PS as compared with s‐PS.
The Role of the trans‐Planar Mesophase in the Polymorphic Behavior of Syndiotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Guadagno Liberata , Naddeo Carlo , D'Aniello Concetta , Vittoria Vittoria , Meille Stefano Valdo 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe transformations of the trans‐planar mesophase of syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) subjected to thermal, mechanical and solvent treatments, were investigated. The unoriented trans‐planar mesophase, obtained by quenching the melt at 0°C, was annealed at 80°C and the thermal transformation was investigated by X‐rays, infrared and dynamic‐mechanical analysis. The presence of the helical form II was recognized in the annealed sample. The oriented trans‐planar mesophase, obtained by drawing at room temperature and releasing the tension, was immersed in liquid dichloromethane for 24 hours. After drying the sample showed the presence of the oriented form II, although it was not possible to exclude a partial transition into form IV. On the basis of the present and literature results we suggested a scheme of the polymorphic transitions of sPP, in which the central role of the trans‐planar mesophase is enlightened.
Influence of Molecular Characteristics on Dielectric Relaxation of Propylene Glycol Oligomers
Authors: Prevosto Daniele , Capaccioli Simone , Lucchesi Mauro , Rolla Pierangelo 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe relaxation dynamics of polypropylene glycol oligomers having different end groups was studied by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (10 mHz to 10 GHz) in the temperature interval 110‐350 K, above and below the glass transition.?The effects produced on structural and secondary?relaxations by the different end groups are discussed.