bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroimmunoprotective effects of estrogen and derivatives in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Therapeutic implications for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Offner Halina 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe extensive literature and the work from our laboratory illustrate the large number of complex processes affected by estrogen that might contribute to the striking ability of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and its derivatives to inhibit clinical and histological signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. These effects require sustained exposure to relatively low doses of exogenous hormone and offer better protection when initiated prior to induction of EAE. However, oral ethinyl estradiol (EE) and fluasterone, which lacks estrogenic side effects, could partially reverse clinical EAE when given after the onset of disease. The three main areas discussed in this review include E2‐mediated inhibition of encephalitogenic T cells, inhibition of cell migration into central nervous system tissue, and neuroprotective effects that promote axon and myelin survival. E2 effects on EAE were mediated throughEsr1(α receptor for E2) but notEsr2(β receptor for E2), as were its antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effects. A novel finding is that E2 up‐regulated the expression ofFoxp3and CTLA‐4 that contribute to the activity of CD4+CD25+Treg cells. The protective effects of E2 in EAE suggest its use as therapy for MS, although the risk of cardiovascular disease may complicate treatment in postmenopausal women. This risk could be minimized by using subpregnancy levels of exogenous E2 that produced synergistic effects when used in combination another immunoregulatory therapy. Alternatively, one might envision using EE or fluasterone metabolites alone or in combination therapies in both male and female MS patients. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alkyl substituted phenoxyl decay in a hydrogen transfer equilibrium
Authors: Coronel Marta E. J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe kinetics of radical decay in the equilibrium: 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenoxyl radical 1 + 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol 2 = 2,4,6‐tri‐tert‐butylphenol 3 + 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenoxyl radical 4 was studied at 298 and 273 K by means of EPR spectroscopy. At 298 K second order prevails, whereas at 273 K the best fit was order 3/2. The extinction of 4 takes place in two steps: dimerization followed by disproportionation of the dimer, but the stable radical 1 enters in crossed dimerization with 4 to yield nonradical products. The mechanism ensures a constant [4]/[1] ratio along the decay. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 1–4, 2005
The liquid‐phase oxidation of isomeric methoxy‐(1‐methylethyl)benzenes with oxygen to the hydroperoxides
Authors: Zawadiak Jan , Jakubowski Bartłomiej , Stec Zbigniew 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe kinetics of liquid‐phase oxidation of 1‐methoxy‐2‐(1‐methylethyl)benzene (1a), 1‐methoxy‐3‐(1‐methylethyl)benzene (1b), and 1‐methoxy‐4‐(1‐methylethyl)benzene (1c) with oxygen as oxidant to yield the corresponding 1‐methyl‐1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)ethyl (2a), 1‐methyl‐1‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)ethyl (2b), and 1‐methyl‐1‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)ethyl (2c) hydroperoxides was studied. The oxidizabilities of 1a, 1b, and 1c were established over the temperature range 50–120°C. The overall activation energies of oxidation were determined for 1b and 1c over the temperature range 50–120°C. Thermal stability of 2a and 2b and the initiating properties of hydroperoxides 2a, 2b, and 2c were studied. Long‐term noncatalytic oxidations of 1b and 1c to respective hydroperoxides were carried out. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 10–16, 2005
Kinetic study of the oxidation of some catecholamines by digital simulation of cyclic voltammograms
Authors: Afkhami Abbas , Nematollahi Davood , Khalafi Lida , Rafiee Mohammad 
Published: November 2004

AbstractElectrochemical oxidation of some catecholamines such as dopamine (1), L‐dopa (2), and methyldopa (3) has been studied in various pH values, using cyclic voltammetry. The results indicate participation of catecholamines (1–3) in intramolecular cyclization reaction to form the corresponding o‐quinone derivatives (1d–3d). In various pHs, based on ECE mechanism, the observed homogeneous rate constants (kobs) of cyclization reaction were estimated by comparing the experimental cyclic voltammetric responses with the digital‐simulated results. Also, the cyclization rate constants (kcyc) were calculated using microscopic acidic dissociation constant of ammonium groups. The significant differences in electrochemical behavior, kobs and kcyc, of L‐dopa (2) and methyldopa (3) with dopamine (1) are due to the effects of the side chain carboxyl group. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 17–24, 2005
Experimental and modeling study of the oxidation of toluene
Authors: Bounaceur R. , Da Costa I. , Fournet R. , Billaud F. , Battin‐Leclerc F. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper describes an experimental and modeling study of the oxidation of toluene. The low‐temperature oxidation was studied in a continuous flow stirred tank reactor with carbon‐containing products analyzed by gas chromatography under the following experimental conditions: temperature from 873 to 923 K, 1 bar, fuel equivalence ratios from 0.45 to 0.91, concentrations of toluene from 1.4 to 1.7%, and residence times ranging from 2 to 13 s corresponding to toluene conversion from 5 to 85%. The ignition delays of toluene–oxygen–argon mixtures with fuel equivalence ratios from 0.5 to 3 were measured behind reflected shock waves for temperatures from 1305 to 1795 K and at a pressure of 8.7 ± 0.7 bar. A detailed kinetic mechanism has been proposed to reproduce our experimental results, as well as some literature data obtained in other shock tubes and in a plug flow reactor. The main reaction paths have been determined by sensitivity and flux analyses. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 25–49, 2005
In vivo imaging of Malassezia yeasts on human skin using confocal laser
scanning microscopy
Authors: Meyer L E , Otberg N , Tietz H-J , Sterry W , Lademann J 
Published: November 2004

Fiber-based confocal laser scanning microscopy affords
a vast field of application in medical research and clinical
practice. The application of fluorescent dye allows real-time
imaging of yeasts of the genus Malassezia on human skin in
vivo. An Ar+-laser is used to excite the fluorescent food dye
sodium fluorescein at 488 nm. Its emission is simultaneously
detected in the spectral region from 500–600 nm. Topically
applied fluorescein labels fungal microstructures in native
habitat. Cumulative intradermal injection of the same dye enables
a subsurface view of the underlying cutaneous area.
In the present paper, we report the ability of the combination of
in vivo confocal microscopy and sodium fluorescein
application to produce real-time and high-resolution images of
fungal structures on human skin. The obtained confocal images
demonstrate the micro architecture of superficial Malassezia
yeasts and corneocytes in horizontal plane. Taxonomic
classification into different Malassezia species and observation
of their colonisation patterns in native milieu brings new
conclusions to fungal skin behaviour and diseases. We demonstrate
advantages in clinical investigation practice over traditional
laboratory routine using this non-invasive imaging tool. The
described method opens new promising prospects and the possibility
for further studies in fungal research.
Novel Photo‐Alignment Polymer Layer Capable of Charge Transport
Authors: Lee Jaemin , Lee Jeong‐Ik , Sung Shi‐Joon , Chu Hye Yong , Park Jung‐Ki , Shim Hong‐Ku 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: With the progress of organic electronics, materials possessing various functionalities are attracting much attention. Here we have synthesized a novel photo‐alignment polymer composed of a conjugated carbazole main‐chain and a coumarin side‐chain through nickel(0)‐mediated polymerization. Carbazole is a well‐known hole transporting material and coumarin is also famous for its good photo‐alignment properties. The photochemical reactivity of the coumarin side‐chain was monitored by UV‐vis spectroscopy and the liquid crystal (LC) photo‐alignment direction of the polymer film was proved to be perpendicular to the polarization direction of the irradiated UV light. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of the polymer, measured from both cyclic voltammetry and photoelectron spectroscopy, was −5.32 eV. Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) of the configuration [ITO/polymer/NPB/Alq3/LiF/Al] showed a higher efficiency (2.17%) and brightness (14 000 cd · m−2) than a control device due to enhanced charge balance.
magnified image
Organic‐Inorganic Nanohybrids Obtained by Sequential Copolymerization of ε‐Caprolactone and L,L‐Lactide from Activated Clay Surface
Authors: Pollet Eric , Delcourt Cécile , Alexandre Michael , Dubois Philippe 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: We report here on the controlled grafting of defined copolyester chains directly onto the activated surface of MMT nanoplatelets dispersed in apolar medium. More precisely, monomers such as CL and LA were copolymerized, in dilute solution, by the well‐known coordination‐insertion ring‐opening mechanism initiated directly from the clay platelets. This method is based on the use of MMT organo‐modified by ammonium cations bearing hydroxyl functions. Using a surfactant mixture that contains varying proportions of hydroxyl‐substituted alkyl ammonium and non‐functionalized alkylammonium cations for exchanging the initial Na+ counterions of the natural clay allows preparing organoclays with a tunable amount of hydroxyl functions on their surface. These hydroxyl functions can then easily be derivatized into aluminium alkoxides in order to initiate the polymerization directly from the surface of clay swollen in an organic solvent like toluene. The resulting activated organo‐clays proved to promote efficiently the block copolymerization of CL and LA in solution. The results demonstrate that adjusting the parameters allows to control the process. Indeed, the growing copolyester chains are effectively surface‐anchored onto the clay and their average length and grafting density can readily be modulated by the available amount of OH functions on the MMT platelets. These new organic‐inorganic nanohybrid materials present nearly exfoliated morphologies and the grafted copolymers display a semi‐crystalline and blocky structure as attested by DSC and NMR analyses, respectively.TEM photograph of the recovered nanohybrid based on poly[CL‐block‐LA] diblock copolyester grafted onto Cloisite®30B surface.magnified imageTEM photograph of the recovered nanohybrid based on poly[CL‐block‐LA] diblock copolyester grafted onto Cloisite®30B surface.
Flame Retardant Mechanisms of Red Phosphorus and Magnesium Hydroxide in High Impact Polystyrene
Authors: Braun Ulrike , Schartel Bernhard 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: The flame retardant mechanisms of red phosphorus, magnesium hydroxide and red phosphorus combined with magnesium hydroxide were studied in high impact polystyrene by means of comprehensive decomposition studies and combustion tests. The study is intended to illuminate prerequisites and the potential of red phosphorus as a fire retardant for hydrocarbon polymers in the condensed phase and in the gas phase. Thermal and thermo‐oxidative decomposition, decomposition kinetics and the product gases evolved were characterized using thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy, respectively. Fire behaviour was investigated with a cone calorimeter using different external heat fluxes, whereas the flammability was determined by limited oxygen indices. The combustion residues were analysed using XPS. Red phosphorus reduced the heat release in HIPS due to radical trapping in the gas phase. Magnesium hydroxide influenced fire behaviour by heat sink mechanisms, release of water and the formation of a magnesia layer acting as a barrier. The combination of both flame retardants in HIPS nearly resulted in a superposition. A slight synergy in barrier characteristics was due to the formation of magnesium phosphate, whereas a slight anti‐synergism occurred in flammability and in the gas phase action. The latter effect is controlled by a decreased fuel rate due to the barrier layer rather than by an initiation of red phosphorus oxidation in the condensed phase.Heat release rate and total heat release at various external heat fluxes for HIPS (dotted = 70 kW · m−2, dashed = 50 kW · m−2, solid = 30 kW · m−2).magnified imageHeat release rate and total heat release at various external heat fluxes for HIPS (dotted = 70 kW · m−2, dashed = 50 kW · m−2, solid = 30 kW · m−2).
Cover Picture: Macromol. Chem. Phys. 16/2004
Authors: Venkatesh Rajan , Yajjou Latifa , Koning Cor E , Klumperman Bert 
Published: November 2004

Cover: The background image is an AFM micrograph of the poly(BIEM)‐graft‐poly(MA‐co‐octene) brushes on mica (height and phase). The SEC traces show the relatively small increase in hydrodynamic volume upon grafting of the side chains via ATRP, which points at the densely grafted nature of the architectures.Further details can be found in the Full paper by R. Venkatesh, L. Yajjou, C. E. Koning, and B. Klumperman* on page 2161.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐Based Organogels and Hydrogels with Poly(ethylene glycol) Cross‐Linkings
Authors: Coudane Jean , Laurent Elisabeth , Vert Michel 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: The reaction of triphosgene with poly(ethylene glycol) yielded poly(ethylene glycol) dichloroformate. This difunctional cross‐linker was allowed to react with poly(ε‐caprolactone) bearing carbanionic sites obtained by activation with lithium diisopropylamide. The reaction resulted in the cross‐linking of poly(ε‐caprolactone) chains by poly(ethylene glycol) segments, giving copolymer networks that gel in both organic and aqueous media.Schematic of the PCL‐g‐PEG copolymers synthesized here.imageSchematic of the PCL‐g‐PEG copolymers synthesized here.
Self‐Assembly in Water of Poly(acrylic acid)‐Based Diblock Copolymers Synthesized by Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Laruelle Gaël , François Jeanne , Billon Laurent 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: Amphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of a hydrophilic block, poly(acrylic acid), and a hydrophobic block, polystyrene, were synthesized by direct nitroxide‐mediated polymerization using the PS block as a macro‐initiator for the first time. Several techniques were used to characterize the amphiphilic block copolymers (size exclusion chromatography, NMR spectroscopy). The proposed method can lead to samples with a broad range of composition and molar mass. Preliminary studies of their self‐assembly in aqueous medium using fluorescence spectroscopy and small‐angle neutron scattering are presented.Schematic of the formation of the PS‐b‐PAA block copolymers and their micellization in aqueous media.imageSchematic of the formation of the PS‐b‐PAA block copolymers and their micellization in aqueous media.
Effect of Titanium on Fluxional Behavior of Unbridged Metallocene Catalysts
Authors: Polo Eleonora , Losio Simona , Zecchi Gaetano , Bertini Fabio , Sacchi Maria Carmela 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: Thanks to the use of a ligand consisting of a saturated ring fused to the cyclopentadienyl moiety, which sensibly increases the stability of titanocenes, it was possible to investigate the oscillating behavior of titanium catalysts in propylene polymerization for the first time. The titanium‐based catalysts yield poly(propylene)s with new and interesting microstructures. Indeed, in spite of the significantly lower isotactic pentad content [mmmm], the average lengths of the isotactic blocks (Niso) are similar or even higher than that obtained with the zirconium‐based homologues. Accordingly, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis shows melting peaks which are more evident than those obtained with the zirconium homologues. The study of the microstructure of the poly(propylene)s obtained with these catalysts allowed us to participate in the still open discussion on the oscillating mechanism of unbridged metallocenes.The titanium‐based catalysts employed in this study.imageThe titanium‐based catalysts employed in this study.
Polymer Nanocomposites Using Urchin‐Shaped Carbon Nanotube‐Silica Hybrids as Reinforcing Fillers
Authors: Zhang Wei‐De , Phang In Yee , Shen Lu , Chow Shue Yin , Liu Tianxi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been grown on MCM‐41 supported Fe nanoparticles and the as‐prepared (no further purification) CNT‐silica hybrid was directly incorporated into nylon‐6 (PA6) by simple melt‐compounding. The urchin‐shaped CNT‐silica hybrid filler was observed to be homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. Compared with neat PA6, the tensile modulus and strength of the composite are greatly improved by about 110%, with incorporation of only 1 wt.‐% CNT‐silica filler.SEM image and schematic representation showing polymer chains wrapping around the urchin‐shaped CNT‐silica hybrid filler.imageSEM image and schematic representation showing polymer chains wrapping around the urchin‐shaped CNT‐silica hybrid filler.
Poly(pyrazinoquinoxaline)s: New n‐Type Conjugated Polymers That Exhibit Highly Reversible Reduction and High Electron Affinity
Authors: Zhu Yan , Yen Cheng‐Tyng , Jenekhe Samson A. , Chen Wen‐Chang 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSummary: The pyrazinoquinoxaline‐based conjugated polymers poly(2,7‐diphenylpyrazino(2,3‐g)quinoxaline‐3,8‐diyl‐1,4‐phenylene) (PZQP) and poly(2,7‐diphenylpyrazino(2,3‐g)quinoxaline‐3,8‐diyl‐2,5‐thiophene) (PZQT) have been synthesized and characterized. PZQP and PZQT have optical band gaps of 2.44 and 1.76 eV, respectively. Both polymers showed highly reversible electrochemical reduction, with an electron affinity of 3.6 eV for PZQP and 3.8 eV for PZQT. The electronic structures of PZQP, PZQT, and related poly(pyrazinoquinoxaline)s, were calculated by density functional theory and compared with the experimental results.Molecular structure and reduction cyclic voltammogram of PZQP.imageMolecular structure and reduction cyclic voltammogram of PZQP.
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases and their role in immunomodulatory responses: Advances in the development of specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors
Authors: Castro Ana , Jerez Maria Jose , Gil Carmen , Martinez Ana 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe activity of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) is associated with a wide variety of diseases and an intense effort toward the development of specific PDEs inhibitors has been generated for the last years. They are the enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of intracellular cyclic adenosine and guanosine monophosphate, and their complexity, as well as their different functional role, makes these enzymes a very attractive therapeutic target. This review is focused on the role of PDEs played on immunomodulatory processes and the advance on the development of specific inhibitors, covering PDEs mainly related to the regulation of autoimmune processes, PDE4 and PDE7. The review also highlights the novel structural classes of PDE4 and PDE7 inhibitors, and the therapeutic potential that combined PDE4/PDE7 inhibitors offer as immunomodulatory agents. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Asymptotic properties of the steady fall of a body in viscous fluids
Authors: Nečasová Š. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe paper deals with the properties of the steady fall of a body in linear fluids (Oseen and Stokes cases) and in nonlinear fluids (Navier–Stokes fluids) in Lq structure. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland in a child previously treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Boccon‐Gibod Liliane , Boman Françoise , Josset Patrice , Landman‐Parker Judith 
Published: November 2004

AbstractOccurrence of second cancers is a major concern for the care of children cured of cancer. Children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have an increased risk for developing mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) of the parotid gland. The latent period ranges from 5 to 16 years. A 3‐year‐old boy presented with pre‐B ALL. Treatment included multidrug chemotherapy and prophylactic intrathecal injections of methotrexate and prednisolone. Low‐grade MEC of the left parotid gland was diagnosed at the age of 7 years, only 1 year after completing treatment. Local lymph nodes were not metastatic, and course was favorable 8 years after complete surgical excision. This case report is remarkable for the early diagnosis of second cancer, only 4 years after diagnosis of ALL, and its occurrence in parotid gland without previous head and neck irradiation. It highlights the need for concern about second cancers of the parotid gland in children treated for ALL. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005;44:673–675. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of self‐reported satisfaction between adolescents treated in a “teenage” unit with those treated in adult or paediatric units
Authors: Reynolds B.C. , Windebank K.P. , Leonard R.C.F. , Wallace W.H.B. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackgroundDespite recommendations that adolescents should have in‐patient management amongst their peers, there is little literature to support this. The study aim was to evaluate and contrast patient satisfaction for teenage cancer patients treated in two settings. The first is a split site unit (a paediatric ward and adult cancer centre in different locations within one city) and the second, a dedicated adolescent unit for patients aged 13–20.ProcedureEligible patients aged 13–20 years received treatment from September 1997 to June 2000 and totalled sixty‐five adolescents. The patients were identified at both centres from departmental databases. Postal questionnaires (the Youth Satisfaction Questionnaire) were sent to those eligible.ResultsPatients receiving treatment in the teenage cancer unit (TCU) were not significantly more satisfied overall than those receiving treatment in adult or paediatric units. However, significant differences were noted in: recreational and relaxation facilities (P < 0.005, P < 0.0002), studying space (P < 0.004), ward noise (P < 0.02), and company of the same age (P < 0.0001). The Grade Point Average (a score of all specific items) was higher in favour of the TCU (P < 0.03). Patients at both centres were dissatisfied with hospital food and menus offered.ConclusionsAdolescents with cancer are satisfied with the overall care they receive independent of whether it is a TCU or a split site unit. Teenagers are significantly more satisfied with environmental aspects of care in the TCU. More research is required to establish the correct provision for teenagers with cancer. This is the first study that contrasts satisfaction between different centres and thus adding to an understanding of the needs of teenagers with cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.