bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of monomer reactivity ratios using in situ FTIR spectroscopy for maleic anhydride/norbornene‐free‐radical copolymerization
Authors: Pasquale Anthony J. , Long Timothy E. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractMonomer reactivity ratios for maleic anhydride (MAH) and norbornene (Nb) free‐radical copolymerizations were estimated by using a linear graphical method, which is based upon the terminal model developed by Mayo and Lewis. Reactions were performed by using optimized reaction conditions that were previously determined. MAH/Nb copolymerizations (3 mol % AIBN initiator, 60% solids in THF, 65°C, 24 h). Copolymerization data were collected via in situ FTIR to low degrees of conversion (∼ 10%) for copolymerizations of MAH and Nb. The following five different MAH/Nb comonomer feed molar ratios were analyzed: 40/60, 45/55, 50/50, 55/45, and 60/40. Conversion data that were measured with in situ FTIR were employed in the rearranged copolymer composition equation to estimate MAH and Nb reactivity ratios. Both of the reactivity ratios were determined to be near 0 (rMAH = 0.02, rNb = 0.01), which was indicative of an alternating copolymerization mechanism. The highest observed rate constant for copolymerization was obtained at an equal molar concentration of monomers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3240–3246, 2004
Effect of hydroperoxide decomposer and slipping agent on recycling of polypropylene
Authors: Agrawal Ashwini K. , Singh Sanjeev K. , Utreja Amit 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) recycling has always been challenging because the polymer is highly susceptible to thermooxidative degradation during extrusion. Recycled (degraded) PP is normally blended with virgin PP to achieve reasonable mechanical properties after reprocessing operations. However, impurities present in recycled PP tend to degrade even the virgin PP in this process. In this study, standard recycled PP was produced in a laboratory by repeated extrusion and pelletization operations of virgin PP. This material was blended with virgin PP in a ratio from 3 : 7 to 7 : 3. An attempt was made to stabilize the recycled blend by adding a peroxide decomposer (triphenylphosphite, TPP) and a slipping agent (zinc stearate) in contrast to radical scavengers normally used in reprocessing. It was found that by using 0.3–0.5 wt % of TPP and 2 wt % of zinc stearate, this degradation could be effectively attested. Compared to the tensile strength retention of 68% (based on strength of pure virgin PP) of a 60 : 40 (recycled : virgin) PP blend without any stabilizer, a value of 77% was obtained for the same blend with the above‐mentioned stabilizers. This stabilization effect was attributed to decomposition of unstable hydroperoxides to stable compounds in the recycled materials by TPP, and lower generation of new radicals in the presence of zinc stearate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3247–3251, 2004
Internal lipid content and viscoelastic behavior of wool fibers
Authors: Marti M. , Manich A. M. , Ussman M. H. , Bondia I. , Parra J. L. , Coderch L. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractWool is a natural keratin fiber made up of cuticle and cortical cells held together by the cell membrane complex (CMC), which contains few internal lipids (IWLs) (1.5% by mass). IWL arouse considerable cosmetic and dermatological interest because of its high proportion of ceramides. In this work, IWLs were extracted with acetone, methanol, and dichloromethane/acetone solvents, and the possible alteration of the extracted fibers with respect to their textile feasibility was analyzed. Parameters of yield, fibril, and matrix viscoelastic behavior, deformation work, and breaking elongation were useful in highlighting the effect of internal wool lipids on the mechanical properties of the fibers. The extraction with acetone and methanol solvents supplied good yields of IWL. Although extraction with methanol achieved the richest extracts, the fibers were chemically modified. By contrast, although acetone‐extracted fibers had similar properties after treatment, alkaline solubility was lower and fiber length and barb were superior. In the mechanical analysis, a prior extraction of IWL increased yield tenacity and decreased the elongation at break of the fibers, maintaining the feasibility of extracted wool for textile purposes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3252–3259, 2004
Antinociceptive Properties of Chloromaleinimides and their Sulphonyl Derivatives
Authors: Walter Maria Elena , Mora Cristiano , Mundstock Karoline , de Souza Mércia M. , de Oliveira Pinheiro Andréia , Yunes Rosendo Augusto , Nunes Ricardo J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThis report describes the synthesis of new cyclic imides obtained from the reaction between aniline and dichloromaleic anhydride with further chlorosulphonation as well as the reaction between different amines and 4‐methoxyphenol for the synthesis of imidobenzenesulphonyl derivatives. These compounds were tested as antinociceptive agents using the writhing test on mice. Some compounds, when intraperitoneally injected, proved to be potent and dose‐related antinociceptives, being several times more active than many known reference drugs.
Matrix Metallo‐Proteinase (MMP‐2) Organoboronate Inhibitors
Authors: Ali Hijazi Abu , Berkovitz Ronny , Reich Reuven , Srebnik Morris 
Published: March 2004

AbstractNovel organoboronate derivatives consisting of BB, BC(R1R2)B, BCCB, CBC, Department of Medicinal RBC=CBB, and RBC=CBP structures were synthesized and have been investigated in vitro as MMP‐2 inhibitors. We discovered that most of the boronate derivatives (those not containing phosphorus) showed significant activity against MMP‐2. The trisboronate 14 proved to be a potent MMP‐2 inhibitor at 5 and 10 μM. Structure activity relationships (SARs) data for the compounds were investigated and are discussed.
Two New Arylnaphthalide Lignans and Antiplatelet Constituents from Justicia procumbens
Authors: Weng Jing‐Ru , Ko Horng‐Huey , Yeh Ting‐Li , Lin Hsien‐Cheng , Lin Chun‐Nan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractTwo new arylnaphthalide lignans, procumphthalide A (1) and 4‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1‴→2″)‐β‐D‐apiofuranosyldiphyllin, named procumbenoside B (2), along with cilinaphthalide B (3) and several other known compounds were isolated from the methanolic extracts of Justicia procumbens. By using NMR and other spectral methods, the structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated. Cilinaphthalide B (3), justicidin A (4), and taiwan E methyl ether (5) were shown to have an antiplatelet effect in human plateletrich plasma. In human citrated PRP, 5 showed a strong inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation induced by adrenaline in a concentration‐dependent manner, with an IC50 value of about 27.6 μM.
Open knowledge management: Lessons from the open source revolution
Authors: Awazu Yukika , Desouza Kevin C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractOne might argue that the future of knowledge work is manifested in how open‐source communities work. Knowledge work, as argued by Drucker (1968); Davenport, Thomas, and Cantrell (2002); and others, is comprised of specialists who collaborate via exchange of know‐how and skills to develop products and services. This is exactly what an open‐source community does. To this end, in this brief communication we conduct an examination of open‐source communities and generate insights on how to augment current knowledge management practices in organizations. The goal is to entice scholars to transform closed knowledge management agendas that exist in organizations to ones that are representative of the open‐source revolution.
Assessment of satisfaction with care after inpatient treatment for oesophageal and gastric cancer
Authors: Kavadas V , Barham C P , Finch-Jones M D , Vickers J , Sanford E , Alderson D , Blazeby J M 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
Patients' views are becoming increasingly important in the current health system. They provide information on effectiveness of healthcare and how it may be improved. This study aimed to measure patients' satisfaction with care received for treatment of oesophageal and gastric cancer, and to identify areas that contribute most to overall satisfaction scores.

Methods
Consecutive inpatients with oesophageal and gastric cancer treated in one surgical unit were recruited prospectively during a 2-year period. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer ‘satisfaction with in-hospital care’ questionnaire (QLQ-SAT32) was completed following discharge. Scores ranged from 0 to 100 for each satisfaction scale. Univariable and multivariable analysis was used to define the relationships between the different dimensions of satisfaction with care and the overall score.

Results
Ninety-one patients (mean age 67 years, 60 men) completed the questionnaire a mean of 40 days after treatment. The highest scores were for doctors (mean 72), nurses (mean 67) and overall satisfaction (mean 68). Univariable analysis showed that all dimensions of satisfaction with care contributed significantly to overall satisfaction (P &lt; 0·001). Multivariable analyses, however, showed that most of the variation in overall satisfaction could be attributed to levels of satisfaction with doctors, nurses, and hospital comfort and cleanliness.

Conclusion
Satisfaction with care in these surgical patients was high and could be measured using a multidimensional instrument. Overall satisfaction was not influenced equally by all aspects of care. The strongest contributors to overall satisfaction in this study were doctors, nurses and hospital cleanliness.
Role of surgical portosystemic shunts in the era of interventional radiology and liver transplantation
Authors: Orug T , Soonawalla Z F , Tekin K , Olliff S P , Buckels J A C , Mayer A D 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
In the present era of liver transplantation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, the role and choice of shunt surgery for portal hypertension was reviewed.

Methods
This retrospective study analysed the management of patients with portal hypertension in a tertiary liver transplant unit between June 1993 and May 2002. During this 9-year interval, 394 patients underwent endoscopic control of varices, 235 transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts were inserted, 1142 liver transplants were performed, while only 29 patients needed a surgical portosystemic shunt.

Results
Twenty-nine shunt operations were performed in nine patients with cirrhosis, one patient with congenital hepatic fibrosis and 19 without parenchymal liver disease. There were 12 side-to-side lienorenal, nine mesocaval, three proximal lienorenal, two distal lienorenal, two portacaval and one mesoportal shunts. Encephalopathy was seen in five of 11 patients with a non-selective shunt, but did not occur after side-to-side or selective lienorenal shunt procedures. At a median follow-up of 42·5 months, one mesocaval shunt had thrombosed and one portacaval shunt had stenosed; both were successfully managed by percutaneous intervention. To date, six patients have died; two succumbed to postoperative complications, one of which was related to the shunt.

Conclusion
Patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome and cirrhosis can nearly always be managed by a combination of endoscopy, interventional radiology and liver transplantation. In the rare instances when these therapies fail in patients with cirrhosis, a side-to-side lienorenal shunt is a good option.
Effects of training and supervision on recurrence rate after inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Robson A J , Wallace C G , Sharma A K , Nixon S J , Paterson-Brown S 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
There is little information about the effects of operative experience and supervision of trainees on outcome in inguinal hernia surgery, one of the cornerstone operations of basic surgical training.

Methods
All primary inguinal hernia repairs carried out between 1994 and 2001 were registered prospectively in the Lothian Surgical Audit database. Subsequent problems that required re-referral were identified from this database. Patients who required reoperation for recurrence a median of 3 (range 1–7) years after surgery were identified.

Results
Some 4406 repairs, including 90 recurrences (2·0 per cent), were identified. Open mesh, open sutured and laparoscopic techniques were employed. Senior trainees (registrars and senior registrars) had similar recurrence rates to consultants; supervision did not affect outcome. Junior trainees (senior house officers) had similar recurrence rates to consultants as long as they were supervised by either a senior trainee or a consultant. Unsupervised junior trainees had unacceptably high recurrence rates (open mesh: relative risk (RR) 21·0 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 7·3 to 59·9), P &lt; 0·001; open sutured: RR 16·5 (95 per cent c.i. 7·2 to 37·8), P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
Senior trainees may operate independently and supervise junior trainees, with recurrence rates equal to those of consultant surgeons. Junior trainees should be encouraged and given more practice in inguinal hernia repair with appropriate supervision.
Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence in the UK
Authors: Jarrett M E D , Varma J S , Duthie G S , Nicholls R J , Kamm M A 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective therapy for faecal incontinence. Published studies derive largely from single centres and there is a need to determine the broader applicability of this procedure.

Methods
Prospective data were collected for all patients undergoing SNS in the UK. Records were reviewed to determine the outcome of treatment.

Results
In three UK centres 59 patients underwent peripheral nerve evaluation, with 46 (78 per cent) proceeding to permanent implantation. Of these 46 patients (40 women) all but two had improved continence at a median of 12 (range 1–72) months. Faecal incontinence improved from a median (range) of 7·5 (1–78) to 1 (0–39) episodes per week (P &lt; 0·001). Urgency improved in all but five of 39 patients in whom ability to defer defaecation was determined, improving from a median of 1 (range 0–5) to 10 (range from 1 to more than 15) min (P &lt; 0·001). Maximum anal squeeze pressure and sensory function to rectal distension changed significantly. Significant improvement occurred in general health (P = 0·024), mental health (P = 0·008), emotional role (P = 0·034), social function (P = 0·013) and vitality (P = 0·009) subscales of the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire. There were no major complications. One implant was removed.

Conclusion
SNS is a safe and effective treatment, in the medium to long term, for faecal incontinence when conservative treatment has failed.
Development of symptoms and complications in individuals with asymptomatic gallstones
Authors: Halldestam I , Enell E-L , Kullman E , Borch K 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
Gallbladder stones are common in the developed world. Complications of gallstones contribute substantially to healthcare costs and may be life threatening. The identification of individuals likely to develop complications would be of benefit in clinical practice as elective cholecystectomy could then be performed.

Methods
Seven hundred and thirty-nine subjects aged 35–85 years from the general population were screened for gallbladder problems by ultrasonography and questionnaire assessment of putative risk factors and digestive symptoms. Gallstones, cholesterolosis or sludge in the gallbladder were diagnosed in 123 (16·3 per cent) of 739 subjects, 120 of whom were followed for a median of 87 (range 3–146) months to May 2003 or until treatment was required.

Results
Fourteen patients were admitted to hospital and treated for gallstone-related complications or symptoms. The cumulative risk of being treated during the first 5 years after detection of asymptomatic gallstones was 7·6 per cent and there was no indication of this risk levelling off. There were no significant differences between treated and untreated subjects with regard to digestive symptoms or any of the risk factors monitored at the initial screening, although treated subjects were significantly younger than those who were not treated.

Conclusion
Nearly one in ten individuals with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in the general population may be expected to develop symptoms or complications that require treatment within 5 years. Age may be inversely related to the incidence of complications.
Comparison of three different procedures for antireflux surgery
Authors: Stewart G D , Watson A J M , Lamb P J , Lee A J , Krukowski Z H , Griffin S M , Paterson-Brown S 
Published: March 2004

Abstract

Background
No long-term comparisons of the various open and laparoscopic antireflux procedures have been undertaken. The aim of this study was to compare symptomatic outcomes of three procedures for antireflux surgery performed at three specialist units.

Methods
Patients undergoing open Nissen fundoplication, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication between December 1993 and February 2001 were identified. Patient outcome was assessed by means of a postal questionnaire. This was a hypothesis-generating study.

Results
Three hundred and fifty-seven patients (80·0 per cent) completed the questionnaire, with no differences in response rate between centres. Overall, a mean of only 7·6 per cent of patients reported a poor outcome. Logistic regression revealed no significant differences amongst the three procedures for any symptoms, after allowing for the effect of time. There was a general increase in the DeMeester score with increasing time from operation. The incidence of revisional reflux surgery was similar in the three groups.

Conclusion
Medium-term symptomatic outcome following all three procedures was similar. There was some recurrence of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux with time for all procedures, suggesting that the effects of surgery diminish with time. The level of experience of the surgeon in a particular operation was more important than the procedure performed.
Variation in sulfation pattern of galactosaminoglycan containing proteoglycans is associated with the development of uterine leiomyoma
Authors: Mitropoulou Theony N. , Stagiannis Konstantinos D. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe variations in sulfation patterns of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) present in human normal myometrium and uterine leiomyoma were characterized following speciﬁc enzymic treatments and analysis by high‐performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE). Differences in the disaccharide composition of galactosaminoglycans (GalAGs) between normal myometrium and uterine leiomyoma were found. The results of this study suggest that the development of uterine leiomyoma is closely related not only to quantitative changes in the amount of GAGs but also in the sulfation of GalAGs. These differences may be attributed to increased synthesis of ﬁbrotic connective tissue and deposition of collagen. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transradial application of percusurge guardwire device during primary percutaneous intervention of infarct‐related artery with high‐burden thrombus formation
Authors: Yip Hon‐Kan , Chen Mien‐Cheng , Chang Hsueh‐Wen , Kuo Fan‐Ying , Yang Cheng‐Hsu , Chen Shyh‐Ming , Hung Wei‐Chin , Chen Chien‐Jen , Cheng Cheng‐I , Wu Chiung‐Jen 
Published: March 2004

AbstractA large infarct‐related artery (IRA), which mostly contains high‐burden thrombus formation (HBTF) and lipid pool‐like plaque contents, has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the no‐reflow phenomenon during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p‐PCI). To reduce the thrombus burden of the IRA using the PercuSurge GuardWire device before intervention may be of crucial importance to preventing no‐reflow. The purposes of this study were to test the transradial application (TRA) of this new mechanical device and to determine its impact on prevention of no‐reflow during p‐PCI. From May to September 2002, the PercuSurge GuardWire device was utilized in 42 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction and large IRA (vessel size ≥ 3.5 mm with HBTF; group 1). From January to December 2000, p‐PCI was performed in large IRA (vessel size ≥ 3.5 mm) with HBTF using tranfemoral arterial approach in 101 consecutive patients (group 2). The angiographic and clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared in a chronologically consecutive manner. Successful reperfusion (final TIMI‐3 flow) was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 patients (95.2% vs. 79.1%; P = 0.005). Moreover, the combined incidence of vascular complications, post‐PCI thromboembolisms (defined as a distal embolism and a post‐PCI residual thrombus score of ≥ 3), and combined 30‐day major adverse cardiac events were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 patients (all P values < 0.05). In group 1 patients, post‐p‐PCI myocardial blush (MB) of ≥ 2 grades was found to be more than 88.0%. Furthermore, when compared with preintervention, thrombus scores were significantly reduced after aspiration (P = 0.0001), whereas the minimal lumen diameter (P = 0.0001), TIMI flow grade (P = 0.0001), and MB grade (P = 0.0001) had all significantly increased after aspiration using Export Aspiration Catheter. There were no significant differences in corrected TIMI frame count (P = 0.42), TIMI flow grade (P > 0.5), or MB grade (all P values > 0.5) between postaspiration and post‐PCI. The TRA of the PercuSurge GuardWire device during primary intervention of large IRA with HBTF was safe and feasible and provided benefits to patients. The initial successful reduction of the thrombus burden with this mechanical device before intervention can be translated into increased final TIMI‐3 flow, a combined MB of ≥ 2 grades, and fewer final thromboembolic events. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:503–511. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of simultaneous bilateral carotid artery stenting
Authors: Chen Michael S. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Mukherjee Debabrata , Chan Albert W. , Roffi Marco , Kapadia Samir R. , Ziada Khaled M. , Chew Derek P. , Bajzer Christopher T. , Yadav Jay S. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractDue to the progressive aging of the population, severe bilateral carotid stenosis has become a more frequent condition. On occasion, simultaneous revascularization may be appropriate. There is increased evidence that for these high‐risk patients, a percutaneous revascularization may be the best approach. However, there are concerns that simultaneous bilateral carotid stenting may be associated with cerebral hyperperfusion, excessive bradycardia, and hypotension. We report a series of 10 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral carotid stenting. All of these patients were not deemed to be surgical candidates due to high‐risk comorbidities. All but one of the lesions were successfully stented. There were no procedural deaths, myocardial infarctions, or strokes. Thus, among carefully selected patients, simultaneous bilateral carotid artery stenting is a promising, technically feasible option. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:437–442. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.