bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking research and policy on Capitol Hill: insights from research brokers
Authors: Rigby Elizabeth 
Published: April 2005

English
Much policy research is proposed, designed and funded to inform policy debates. Yet, given the value-laden nature of policy making and the limitations of social science in providing definitive answers devoid of caveats, some question the ability of research to affect policy making at all. Examining this question, this article compiles commentary from 14 individuals convened to discuss the research-to-policy connection as it actually occurs in US policy making. These ‘research brokers’ hold different professional roles (for example, congressional staffers, advocates), but all work at the intersection of research and policy on a daily basis, allowing them to provide first-hand accounts of research utilisation.
Temperature Stress Tolerance of Conifer Seedlings after Exposure to UV‐B Radiation
Authors: L'Hirondelle Sylvia J. , Binder Wolfgang D. 
Published: April 2005

ABSTRACTGround‐level UV‐B radiation has increased globally due to a thinning stratospheric ozone layer. We estimated the effects of increased UV‐B on 10 conifer species grown in chambers in greenhouses with supplemental UV‐B. Species were selected from a wide range of geographic locations. Plant material of two ages (germinants, first growing season; seedlings, second season) were exposed to three levels of UV‐B from ambient (at Victoria, B.C., Canada) to three times ambient (12 kJ m−2 d−1) for up to four months. Frost hardiness and heat tolerance of shoots were estimated from changes in chlorophyll fluorescence after exposure to test temperatures. There were no significant differences among seed sources from different elevations in their response to temperature stresses. When UV‐B increased above the ambient level, three species (interior Douglas‐fir, Engelmann spruce, and interior lodgepole pine) increased in frost hardiness and four (grand fir, interior spruce, yellow‐cedar, and western redcedar) decreased. Two species (western redcedar and western hemlock) increased in heat tolerance when UV‐B increased to the 12 kJ level. The main differences in stress tolerance were between the triple ambient and the other two treatments, not between ambient and double ambient, suggesting that any changes in UV‐B would have to be large to elicit physiological changes in conifer seedlings.
Improving the Oral Health of Alaska Natives
Authors: Sekiguchi Eugene , Guay Albert H. , Brown L. Jackson , Spangler Thomas J. 
Published: April 2005

There is a high prevalence of oral disease in the Alaska Native population, much of which goes untreated, creating a large discrepancy between the level of their oral health and that of the general population. The causes of this discrepancy are multiple—a major cause being the lack of access to care, especially in remote Alaska Native villages. Improving the oral health status of Alaska Natives will require treatment of current disease and initiation of an effective program to prevent oral disease. Cooperation between the Alaska Native organizations, dental health aides, the dental profession, and the government will be important. A strategy that combines addressing the disease currently present and preventing the occurrence of disease in the long run is the only strategy that offers a sustainable solution.
Novel thermosetting resin with a very high glass‐transition temperature based on bismaleimide and allylated Novolac
Authors: Yao Yuan , Zhao Tong , Yu Yunzhao 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThermosetting resin systems with very high glass‐transition temperatures were formulated on the basis of bismaleimide and allylated novolac (BMAN). When the allylation degree of the novolac resin was high enough, the bismaleimide (BMI) proportion was not critical to the heat resistance of the cured resin. The BMAN15 resin with a high allylation degree and a low BMI proportion was appropriate for resin‐transfer molding. Composites of BMAN15, with quartz woven cloth as reinforcement showed good strength and modulus retention rates at 350°C. The curing of the BMAN15 resin was illustrated by Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorietry studies. It turned out that allyl groups participated via ene reaction and the Diels–Alder reaction, as the maleimide groups did, forming a densely crosslinked structure in the cured resin. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 443–448, 2005
Influence of type and concentration of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene and impact modifiers on mechanical properties of PP/wood sawdust composites
Authors: Sombatsompop N. , Yotinwattanakumtorn C. , Thongpin C. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractSurface treatments of natural fibers in polymer‐wood composites (PWC) are still one of the most interesting subjects for research among technologists, especially with inclusion of other property modifiers in the composites. This work investigated the effects of incorporating different types and contents of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and impact modifiers, as property promoters, on the mechanical properties of PP/wood sawdust composites. The concentration of wood sawdust was also varied. The experimental results revealed that increasing the wood fiber into the PP matrix reduced the overall strength and toughness of the composites. It was observed that the higher the impact modifier concentration, the greater the improvement in toughness of the PP/wood composites, and therefore an impact modifier with high comonomer content and high melt flow rate is recommended. This work recommends a MAPP concentration of 2.0 wt % (of sawdust) to be introduced into the PP/wood composites containing 11.1 wt % selected impact modifier, for optimization of the overall composite mechanical strength. The recommended MAPP coupling agent should possess a high wt % MAH‐grafting level and high molecular weight of PP copolymer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 475–484, 2005
Generation of antifouling layers on stainless steel surfaces by plasma‐enhanced crosslinking of polyethylene glycol
Authors: Dong Baiyan , Manolache Sorin , Somers Eileen B. , Lee Wong Amy C. , Denes Ferencz S. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPolyethylene glycol (PEG) structures were deposited onto stainless steel (SS) surfaces by spin coating and argon radio frequency (RF)‐plasma mediated crosslinking. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) indicated the presence of CH2CH2O structure and CCC linkage, as a result of the plasma crosslinking, on PEG‐modified SS surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated complete deposition, and water contact angle analysis revealed higher hydrophilicity on PEG‐modified surfaces compared to unmodified SS surfaces. Surface morphology and roughness analysis by atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed smoother SS surfaces after PEG modification. The evaluation of antifouling ability of the PEG‐modified SS surfaces was carried out. Compared to the unmodified SS, PEG‐modified surfaces showed about 81–96% decrease in Listeria monocytogenes attachment and biofilm formation (p < 0.05). This cold plasma mediated PEG crosslinking provided a promising technique to reduce bacterial contamination on surfaces encountered in food‐processing environments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 485–497, 2005
Degradation profiles of polyester‐urethane (HP‐MDI) and polyester‐melamine (HP‐HMMM) coatings: A thermal study
Authors: Narayan Ramanuj , Chattopadhyay D. K. , Sreedhar B. , Raju K. V. S. N. , Mallikarjuna N. N. , Aminabhavi T. M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis article investigates the effect of diol structure and acetoacetylation of the hydroxylated polyesters (HPs) on thermal stability and degradation profiles of HPs/hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) as well as HPs/diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) high solids coatings (HSCs) by thermogravimetry. Thermal stability of HP‐MDI and HP‐HMMM coatings constitute the main focus of this investigation. It is found that variations in the constituent groups to synthesize HPs and acetoacetylation of HPs are important to achieve superior performance. Results of this study indicated a good thermal stability of coatings. However, not much variation in thermal stability was observed with the structural variations in HPs. Mathematical equations of Broido, Coats‐Redfern, and Chang were used to evaluate the kinetic parameters. Activation energy was found to be dependent on the kinetic methods used. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 518–526, 2005
A cross self‐curing system for an aqueous‐based PU hybrid
Authors: Lai Jian‐Zei , Chen Pao‐Jan , Yeh Jen‐Taut , Chen Kan‐Nan 
Published: April 2005

AbstractIsocyanate (NCO)‐terminated polyurethane (PU) prepolymer comprises carboxylic acid, which is obtained from a conventional PU preparation procedure. Aziridine‐terminated PU oligomer is prepared by an addition reaction of aziridine to NCO‐terminated PU prepolymer after it is neutralized with triethylamine. This PU oligomer is then dispersed with water and becomes a single‐component self‐curable aqueous‐based PU dispersion (PU‐AZ). PU carboxyl groups are not only the ionic centers stabilizing the aqueous polymer dispersion, but also serve as PU curing sites toward the curing reaction with its aziridine terminal groups on drying. This self‐curable PU‐AZ dispersion is miscible and compatible with other carboxyl groups containing aqueous‐based PU dispersion in any ratio, which results in a cross self‐cured PU hybrid formation on drying. This cross self‐cured PU hybridization process allows property modification and the curing of PU simultaneously without the addition of any external curing agent. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 550–558, 2005
Comparison of experimental nerve injury caused by ultrasonically activated scalpel and electrosurgery
Authors: Carlander J , Johansson K , Lindström S , Velin Å K , Jiang C H , Nordborg C 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackgroundIatrogenic nerve injury caused by heat from dissection instruments is a significant problem in many areas of surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the risk of nerve injury for three different dissection instruments: monopolar and bipolar electrosurgery (ES) and an ultrasonically activated (US) instrument.MethodsThe biceps femoris muscle was cut in a standard manner just adjacent to the sciatic nerve using monopolar ES, bipolar ES or US shears. A total of 73 functional experiments were conducted in which the nerve was isolated, divided proximally, and stimulated supramaximally in 37 anaesthetized rats. The electromyographic (EMG) potential was recorded distally before and after each experiment. Nerve dysfunction was defined as more than 10 per cent loss of the evoked EMG potential. Fifty-nine nerves were examined histologically after dissection with the different instruments. The extent of heat damage was determined in four nerves that were divided with ES bipolar scissors and five that were divided with US shears.ResultsReduction in the EMG potential was significantly more frequent in the monopolar ES group than in the US group. Morphological examination also showed significantly less nerve damage in the US group.ConclusionUS instruments may be safer than ES for dissection close to nerves.
The molecular genetics and morphometry‐based endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia classification system predicts disease progression in endometrial hyperplasia more accurately than the 1994 World Health Organization classification system
Authors: Baak Jan P. , Mutter George L. , Robboy Stanley , van Diest Paul J. , Uyterlinde Anne M. , Ørbo Anne , Palazzo Juan , Fiane Bent , Løvslett Kjell , Burger Curt , Voorhorst Feja , Verheijen René H. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of disease progression prediction of the molecular genetics and morphometry‐based Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia (EIN) and World Health Organization 1994 (WHO94) classification systems in patients with endometrial hyperplasias.METHODSA multicenter, multivariate analysis was conducted on 477 patients with endometrial hyperplasia who were required to have a 1‐year minimum disease‐free interval from the time of the index biopsy (1–18 years of follow‐up). The results from that analysis were compared with the results from 197 patients who had < 1 year of follow‐up.RESULTSTwenty‐four of 477 hyperplasias (5.0%) progressed to malignant disease over an average of 4 years (maximum, 10 years). According to the WHO94 classification, 16 of 123 atypical hyperplasias (13%) and 8 of 354 nonatypical hyperplasias (2.3%) progressed (hazard ratio [HR] = 7). Twenty‐two of 118 EINs (19%) and 2 of 359 non‐EINs (0.6%) progressed (HR = 45). EIN was prognostic within each WHO94 subcategory. Progression rates were 3% in simple hyperplasias, 22% in complex hyperplasias, 17% in simple atypical hyperplasias, and 38% in complex atypical hyperplasias with EIN, compared with progression rates of 0.0–2.0% in all hyperplasias if EIN was absent. EIN detected precancerous lesions (sensitivity, 92%) better than WHO94 atypical hyperplasias collectively (67%) or complex atypical hyperplasias alone (46%). In a Cox regression analysis, EIN was the strongest prognostic index of future endometrial carcinoma. The same was true for patients with < 1 year of follow‐up (HR for EIN, atypical hyperplasia, and complex atypical hyperplasia: 58, 7, and 8, respectively).CONCLUSIONSThe EIN classification system predicted disease progression more accurately than the WHO94 classification and identified many women with benign changes that would have been regarded as high risk according to the WHO94 classification system. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Improvement in preoperative staging of gastric adenocarcinoma with positron emission tomography
Authors: Chen Jian , Cheong Jae‐Ho , Yun Mi Jin , Kim Junuk , Lim Joon Seok , Hyung Woo Jin , Noh Sung Hoon 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDPositron emission tomography (PET) with 18‐ fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been used to both detect and stage a variety of malignancies. The current study examined the value of PET for preoperative staging of gastric adenocarcinoma.METHODSSixty‐eight patients (49 males and 19 females) with gastric adenocarcinoma, who were referred for preoperative FDG‐PET scans, were enrolled in this study. The patients underwent spiral‐computed tomography (CT) within 1 week of referral. The final diagnosis in all patients was made by histologic and surgical findings. For quantitative PET analysis, the regional tumor FDG uptake was measured by the standardized uptake value (SUV).RESULTSFor the primary tumor of a gastric adenocarcinoma, PET demonstrated an increased uptake in 64 of 68 patients (sensitivity, 94%), with a mean SUV of 7.0 (range, 0.9–27.7). A comparison of FDG uptake and clinicopathologic features showed significant association between FDG uptake and macroscopic type, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, histologic type, and TNM stage. The PET scan had a similar accuracy with that of CT for diagnosing local and distant lymph node metastases as well as peritoneal status. In assessing local lymph node status, however, PET had a higher specificity than CT (92% vs. 62%, P = 0.000). Moreover, PET had additional diagnostic value in 10 (15%) of 68 patients by upstaging 4 (6%) and downstaging 6 (9%) patients. PET combined with CT was more accurate for preoperative staging than either modality alone (66% vs. 51%, 66% vs. 47%, respectively; P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONSFDG‐PET improves the preoperative TNM staging of gastric adenocarcinoma. Based on its superior specificity, FDG‐PET can facilitate the selection of patients for a curative resection by confirming a nodal status identified by CT. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Paclitaxel, carboplatin, and gemcitabine in the treatment of patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium
Authors: Hainsworth John D. , Meluch Anthony A. , Litchy Sharlene , Schnell Frederick M. , Bearden James D. , Yost Kathleen , Greco F. Anthony 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, carboplatin, and gemcitabine in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.METHODSPatients with metastatic or locally unresectable transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium who had received either no or one previous systemic chemotherapy regimen were eligible. All patients received chemotherapy with intravenous paclitaxel at a dose of 200 mg/m2 on Day 1, intravenous carboplatin at an area under the serum concentration‐time curve of 5.0 on Day 1, and intravenous gemcitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8. Treatment courses were repeated every 21 days. Patients were evaluated for response after they completed two treatment courses; patients who achieved an objective response and stable disease continued treatment for a total of six courses or until tumor progression.RESULTSSixty patients were treated between January 2000 and September 2003. Thirty‐five patients (58%) had ≥ 1 visceral sites of metastases, and only 4 patients (7%) had received any previous systemic chemotherapy. Twenty‐six patients (43%) had achieved objective responses to treatment (12% complete responses). The median actuarial survival was 11 months, and the actuarial 1‐year and 2‐year survival rates were 46% and 27%, respectively. Myelosuppression was the most frequent toxicity, and Grade 3–4 neutropenia (using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]) occurred in 72% of patients (46% of courses). Ten patients were hospitalized for the treatment of neutropenia and fever, and 1 patient died of treatment‐related causes. Nonhematologic toxicities were relatively uncommon.CONCLUSIONSThe combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and gemcitabine was an active and tolerable regimen for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. However, the regimen was more toxic and showed no obvious incremental increase in efficacy compared retrospectively with various two‐drug regimens. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Structure and function studies of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1): the designing of a novel pharmacological agent for the treatment of diabetes
Authors: Hui Hongxiang , Zhao Xiaoning , Perfetti Riccardo 
Published: April 2005

AbstractGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is a proglucagon‐derived peptide secreted from gut endocrine cells in response to nutrient ingestion. The multifaceted actions of GLP‐1 include the following: (1) the stimulation of insulin secretion and of its gene expression, (2) the inhibition of glucagon secretion, (3) the inhibition of food intake, (4) the proliferation and differentiation of beta cells, and (5) the protection of beta‐cells from apoptosis. The therapeutic utility of the native GLP‐1 molecule is limited by its rapid enzymatic degradation by a serine protease termed dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV). The present article reviews the research studies aimed at elucidating the biosynthesis, metabolism, and molecular characteristics of GLP‐1 since it is from these studies that the development of a GLP‐1‐like pharmacological agent may be derived. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of vitamin D in protecting type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Luong Khanh vinh quoc , Nguyen Lan Thi Hoang , Pham Nguyen Dung Ngoc 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe relationship between autoimmune diabetes or type 1 diabetes mellitus and vitamin D has been reported in the literature. Many factors, environmental and genetic, have been known, as risk factors, to cause both type 1 diabetes and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D treatment has improved or prevented type 1 diabetes mellitus in animals and humans. Vitamin D also has been known to protect from autoimmune diseases in animal models. Therefore, it would be interesting to review the role of vitamin D in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring instrument for high‐frequency currents flowing on power lines
Authors: Urabe Junichiro , Fujii Katsumi , Matsumoto Yasushi , Sugiura Akira 
Published: April 2005

AbstractMeasurement instruments are discussed for the common‐mode current and the differential‐mode current of signals and interference at frequencies in the range of 1 to 30 MHz propagating on power lines. An instrument is fabricated for trial. The present instrument basically consists of a pair of current probes and a 180° hybrid circuit. Voltage outputs proportional to the currents of both modes are obtained. In this paper, first the basic properties are theoretically discussed and a design guideline is provided for improvement of the sensitivity and the mode separation characteristic. In particular, it is necessary to assure a common‐mode separation characteristic of −40 dB in order to measure the common‐mode current that is a cause of electromagnetic interference in power line communications. It is found that for this purpose the errors in the dimensions of two probes and in the spacing of the probe and the power supply line must be kept below 1 to 2%. Further, the disturbance currents in a microwave oven and a notebook PC are actually measured. It is shown that the common‐mode current and the differential‐mode current can be measured simultaneously. Thus, it is demonstrated that the present instrument is effective for investigation of interference measurement methods and for setting allowable values, and is extremely useful for prediction and reduction of electromagnetic disturbances due to interference waves propagating on power lines. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 88(9): 27–37, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20191