bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supercritical CO2 extraction of resveratrol and its glycoside piceid from Chinese traditional medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum
Authors: Yu Wenli , Shu Bo , Zhao Yaping 
Published: November 2004

AbstractResveratrol (3,5,4′‐trihydroxystilbene) and its glycoside piceid are phenolic compounds found to be beneficial to health. In this paper, resveratrol and piceid were successfully extracted from the Chinese traditional medicinal herb Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang in Chinese), with supercritical CO2 plus ethanol modifier. The effects of ethanol content, pressure and temperature on the yields of resveratrol and piceid were investigated. Results showed that the extraction pressure was the main factor for the effective extraction of the two substances in the presence of ethanol modifier, especially for piceid. The optimal extraction condition was obtained: 30 MPa, 50 °C, (100 ml l−1), ethanol and 20 kg h−1 of CO2, at which the yields of resveratrol and piceid were 7.1 g kg−1 and 16.0 g kg−1, respectively. The yields obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was comparable with those obtained by traditional organic solvent methods, indicating that SFE is an alternative method for extraction of the two compounds. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and in vitro starch bioavailability of Phaseolus vulgaris (L) cv Mayocoba
Authors: Osorio‐Díaz Perla , Tovar Juscelino , Paredes‐López Octavio , Acosta‐Gallegos Jorge A , Bello‐Pérez Luis A 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCommon beans of the Mayocoba variety were cooked (178 min) and evaluated regarding their chemical composition and starch digestibility in vitro. Mean physical characteristics of the Mayocoba grain were: thousand‐kernel weight, 443.0 (±0.98)g; length, 12.45 mm; width 7.84 mm and thickness, 6.44 mm. Total starch content in Mayocoba bean was 40.24% (dmb). The available starch was 22.87%, whereas resistant starch accounted for 6.4% and retrograded resistant starch represented 3.3% of the cooked seed weight. None of these values changed with storage time. The Mayocoba variety presented values of soluble indigestible fraction of approximately 8.0% and insoluble indigestible fraction of 36%, which did not change with storage. Both simple enzymatic hydrolysis rate and hydrolysis index (HI = 36%) indicated a slow hydrolysis of Mayocoba starch. HI‐based predicted glycemic index was 39%, all of which suggested a ‘slow carbohydrate’ feature for this bean. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Prevalence of Factor V Leiden and other thrombophilic traits among Cretan children with malignancy
Authors: Stiakaki Eftichia , Germanakis Ioannis , Sfyridaki Caterina , Katzilakis Nikos , Danilatou Vasiliki , Kalmanti Maria 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of thrombophilic traits, which might further enhance the risk of thrombotic complications in children treated for cancer, varies significantly among different populations.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of common thrombophilic traits of the East Mediterranean Region, among native Cretan children treated for malignancy.MethodsBlood samples were consecutively collected from 31 native Cretan children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n = 19) or other malignancies (n = 12) over 3 years. A molecular diagnosis based on the presence of Factor V Leiden (FVL), as well as on PT G20210A and MTHFR C677T mutation (in 14 patients) using PCR was applied. Patients who had central venous catheters (n = 29) were treated with an intensified thromboprophylaxis protocol that had been previously established in our institution.ResultsThe prevalence of the FVL mutation was 19.4% (95% CI = 5–32). The allele frequency is estimated at 11.3% (95% CI: 3.5–19.1) which is higher than that reported for the population of the mainland of Greece. The prevalence of the PT G20210A and MTHFR C677T mutation was 14.3 and 71.4%, respectively (corresponding allele frequencies 7.1 and 50%, respectively). Only one patient developed thrombosis, having although no thrombophilic trait.ConclusionsThrombophilic traits were relatively common in this group of native Cretan children treated for malignancy. Thromboprophylaxis should be considered in Cretan children in the presence of known acquired risk factors for thrombosis, but a larger prospective to study is first needed. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High dose melphalan in the treatment of advanced neuroblastoma: Results of a randomised trial (ENSG‐1) by the European Neuroblastoma Study Group
Authors: Pritchard Jon , Cotterill Simon J. , Germond Shirley M. , Imeson John , de Kraker Jan , Jones David R. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackgroundHigh dose myeloablative chemotherapy (“megatherapy”), with haematopoietic stem cell support, is now widely used to consolidate response to induction chemotherapy in patients with advanced neuroblastoma.ProcedureIn this study (European Neuroblastoma Study Group, ENSG1), the value of melphalan myeloablative “megatherapy” was evaluated in a randomised, multi‐centre trial. Between 1982 and 1985, 167 children with stages IV and III neuroblastoma (123 stage IV > 1 year old at diagnosis and 44 stage III and stage IV from 6 to 12 months old at diagnosis) were treated with oncovin, cisplatin, epipodophyllotoxin, and cyclophosphamide (OPEC) induction chemotherapy every 3 weeks. After surgical excision of primary tumour, the 90 patients (69% of the total) who achieved complete response (CR) or good partial response (GPR) were eligible for randomisation either to high dose melphalan (180 mg per square meter) with autologous bone marrow support or to no further treatment.ResultsSixty‐five (72%) of eligible children were actually randomised and 21 of these patients were surviving at time of this analysis, with median follow‐up from randomisation of 14.3 years. Five year event‐free survival (EFS) was 38% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21–54%) in the melphalan‐treated group and 27% (95% CI 12–42%) in the “no‐melphalan” group. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08, log rank test) but for the 48 randomised stage IV patients aged >1 year at diagnosis outcome was significantly better in the melphalan‐treated group‐5 year EFS 33% versus 17% (P = 0.01, log rank test).ConclusionsIn this trial, high dose melphalan improved the length of EFS and overall survival of children with stage IV neuroblastoma >1 year of age who achieved CR or GPR after OPEC induction therapy and surgery. Multi‐agent myeloablative regimens are now widely used as consolidation therapy for children with stage IV disease and in those with other disease stages when the MYCN gene copy number in tumour cells is amplified. Because they are more toxic, complex, and costly these combination megatherapy regimens should be compared with single agent melphalan in randomised clinical trials. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Curing and properties comparison of an unsaturated polyester resin, varying crosslinking reaction conditions
Authors: Jasso‐Gastinel C. F. , Vivero‐Marin J. M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn this work four different curing modes were used to crosslink a general‐purpose unsaturated polyester resin. Styrene was used as monomer and glass fiber mat as reinforcement. The four curing modes included a traditional convection oven, a long‐wavelength infrared (IR) radiation oven, a medium‐wavelength IR radiation oven, or room temperature for an open‐curing condition without oven heating. Some samples were cured using initiator only, and others were cured combining initiator and promoter. For oven curing, chamber temperature was 85°C. For the samples, final curing conversion (using Fourier transform IR spectroscopy), as well as glass transition temperature (Tg), Young's modulus, impact strength, and Shore D hardness were measured and compared. The medium‐wavelength IR radiation oven as curing condition offered the best option for highest conversion, Tg, and mechanical properties. Polym. Compos. 25:662–666, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
People with type 2 diabetes facing the reality of starting insulin therapy: factors involved in psychological insulin resistance
Authors: Bogatean M Pop , Hâncu N 
Published: November 2004

AbstractPsychological insulin resistance has drawn increasing attention, due to its multiple implications, to the patient's well‐being, and also to the overall costs of diabetes management. Exploratory studies have emphasised, as main psychological barriers, needle phobia, fear of hypoglycaemia or weight gain, or impaired patient–health care team communication. This study addresses psychological insulin resistance from the qualitative point of view. We analysed 18 people with type 2 diabetes, at the moment of initiating insulin therapy. The methodology was a qualitative one, including phenomenological analysis and content analysis of the semi‐structured interviews. The results show that the most salient contributors to psychological insulin resistance are: the mental representations (patients' personal view of reality) of the reasons for the necessity to start insulin therapy (e.g. incorrect medical decision); the perceived consequences of the treatment (e.g. social rejection); and the factors which contributed to the decision to refuse or accept the treatment (e.g. family, other people with diabetes). Other factors which contribute to the decision regarding insulin therapy are the presence of concomitant diseases and the acute discomfort generated either by hyperglycaemia or by the previous medication.There is an increased need to study this issue in culturally sensitive settings, because of the important role played by the social environment in the adaptation to an intrusive chronic treatment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why do people with diabetes contact Diabetes UK for dietary advice?
Authors: Connor H , Bunn E , McGough N 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA survey of 91 e‐mail enquiries to Diabetes UK showed evidence of a substantial un‐met need for better quality dietary advice, both at the time of diagnosis and during follow up. There was evidence of inadequate and inappropriate advice and of conflicting advice from different health care professionals. Many of those who were newly diagnosed were confused about what they should and should not eat.Doctors and nurses who give dietary advice need better training in current nutritional principles. People with type 1 diabetes should be seen by a state registered dietitian within two days of diagnosis and those with type 2 diabetes within one month. All patients should be offered an annual dietetic review with a state registered dietitian and there should be provision for those who need more frequent review. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetes and survival after myocardial infarction: is cardiac rehabilitation an effective secondary prevention measure?
Authors: Kirk A , Fisher M , MacIntyre P 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes have substantially higher short‐term (30 days) and long‐term (up to 10 years) mortality rates after acute myocardial infarction, than people without diabetes. The reason behind this higher mortality rate is not completely understood. Cardiac rehabilitation post myocardial infarction has been shown to be beneficial in non‐diabetic patients in reducing both morbidity and mortality. Research investigating the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation for people with diabetes is much more limited. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing laminar morphology in higher‐viscosity‐ratio polyblends by controlling flow fields in a single‐screw extruder
Authors: Huang Han‐Xiong , Huang You‐Fa , Yang Shu‐Lin 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe morphology of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) blends with different melt‐shear‐viscosity ratios (VRs), prepared by combining a single‐screw extruder with a convergent die was studied. Two different screw geometries, metering and mixing screws, and three screw speeds, 20, 40 and 60 rpm, were evaluated to investigate their effects on the morphology of extruded ribbons. Two mixing screws with low and high shear intensity, respectively, were used. Both the geometry and speed of screw were found to have an important role in the morphological changes of the blends. In contrast to previous studies, the results shown in this work reveal that it is possible to develop a laminar structure of PA‐6 in an HDPE matrix with a VR larger than one by controlling the flow fields, through appropriately combining the type and shear intensity of the screw with its speed. A well‐developed laminar PA‐6 phase with an aspect ratio of about 100 was obtained under the optimum combination. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of coupling agents on rice‐husk‐filled HDPE extruded profiles
Authors: Panthapulakkal S , Sain M , Law S 
Published: November 2004

AbstractLignocellulosic composites are diversifying their applications into various fields as they can meet the requirements of the respective applications by changing the matrix, fiber resource and processing ingredients. In this research work we explored the potential of extruded rice‐husk‐filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composite profiles for structural applications. The structure and the properties of the interface in fiber‐reinforced composites play a crucial role in determining the performance properties of the composites. An optimum degree of adhesion between the fiber and the matrix is required for efficient stress transfer from the matrix to the fiber. Generally, coupling agents are used to improve the adhesion between lignocellulosic filler and the polymer matrix in structural composite materials. In this study, four different coupling agents based on ethylene‐(acrylic ester)‐(maleic anhydride) terpolymers and ethylene‐(acrylic ester)‐(glycidyl methacrylate) terpolymers were used to enhance the performance properties of the composites. The results indicated that these coupling agents enhanced the tensile and flexural strength of the composites significantly, and the extent of the coupling effect depends on the nature of the interface formed. Incorporation of coupling agents enhanced the resistance to thermal deformation and the water absorption properties of the composite, whereas it reduced the extrusion rate significantly. Among the four coupling agents used, EGMA1—the one with a glycidyl methacrylate functional group and without any methyl acrylate pendant group on the polymer backbone—was found to be the best coupling agent for the rice‐husk‐filled HDPE composites. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and copolymerization reactions of p‐acryloyloxybenzoic acid with organotin monomers
Authors: Azab MM 
Published: November 2004

Abstractp‐Acryloyloxybenzoic acid (PAB) was prepared by the reaction of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and acryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. Triphenyltin acrylate (TPTA), triphenyltin methacrylate (TPTMA), p‐acryloyloxytriphenyltin benzoate (TPTB) and triphenyltin itaconate (TPTI) monomers were prepared by the reactions of acrylic, methacrylic, p‐acryloyloxybenzoic and itaconic acids, respectively, with triphenyltin hydroxide in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCI) as a dehydrating agent. Binary copolymerizations of PAB with TPTA, TPTMA, TPTB and TPTI were performed in dimethylformamide (DMF) using 1 mol% azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator at 65 °C. The structures of the monomers and copolymers were investigated by IR and 1H NMR spectrometry. The composition of the copolymers was determined by tin analysis. Copolymerization parameters for each system were calculated by both the Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös methods. The monomer reactivity ratios for the four systems studied, PAB‐TPTA, PAB‐TPTMA, PAB‐TPTB and PAB‐TPTI, were found to be r1 = 0.468, r2 = 2.096; r1 = 0.435, r2 = 2.292; r1 = 0.449, r2 = 2.225 and r1 = 0.416, r2 = 4.526, respectively. The average Q and e values for the prepared organotin monomers were calculated. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Copolymerization of the pair maleic anhydride–dicyclopentadiene: I. Copolymerization and post‐copolymerization at high conversion
Authors: Rusen Edina , Marculescu Bogdan , Albu Ana‐Maria , Mircea Vuluga Dumitru , Boborodea Adrian , Sorin Vasilescu Dan 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe present study describes the kinetic investigation of the complex binary copolymerization system maleic anhydride (MA)—dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). All syntheses were carried out in homogeneous solution; high conversions in soluble and linear copolymer are achievable when starting from an equimolecular monomer feed. Excess of DCPD would limit the attainable conversions, while surplus of MA would induce crosslinking of the copolymers. The findings of the thorough kinetic study were sustained by structural assessment from IR and NMR spectra recorded for various copolymers, both soluble and gels. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Factors affecting the degradation and drug‐release mechanism of poly(lactic acid) and poly[(lactic acid)‐co‐(glycolic acid)]
Authors: Alexis Frank 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper reviews the most important factors affecting the degradation and drug‐release rate of bio‐erodible polymers for better control in biomedical applications. There are several factors that influence the overall rate of degradation, in addition to pH and copolymer composition. In general, polymer degradation is accelerated by greater hydrophilicity in the backbone or end groups, lesser crystallinity, lower average molecular weight, and smaller size of the finished device. At the moment, literature reflects contradictions about the role played by chemically reactive additives, crystallinity and degradation path. Factors affecting degradation and drug‐release rate are discussed in their decreasing order of importance, including intrinsic properties of polymers and processing parameters. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Risk‐based maintenance (RBM): A new approach for process plant inspection and maintenance
Authors: Khan Faisal I. , Haddara Mahmoud 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis paper discusses recently proposed methodology for the design of an optimum maintenance management program. The methodology is based on integrating a reliability approach and a risk assessment strategy to obtain an optimum maintenance schedule. The method is called risk‐based maintenance (RBM). First, the likely equipment failure scenarios are formulated. Out of the many likely failure scenarios, the ones that are most credible are subjected to a detailed study. Detailed consequence analysis is done for the selected scenarios. Subsequently, a fault tree analysis is performed to determine the probability of failure. Finally, risk is computed by combining the consequence analysis and the probability analysis results. The calculated risk is compared against known acceptable criteria. The frequency of maintenance tasks is obtained by minimizing the estimated risk. The proposed methodology is used to answer two questions: Which equipment should be included in a scheduled maintenance program? When should the maintenance be scheduled?Offshore oil and gas process facilities involve hazardous chemicals (highly flammable and toxic) at extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. Proper maintenance of process equipment is one of the important activities to ensure safe and continuous operation of the facility. RBM methodology has been used to develop a detailed maintenance plan for safe and fault free operation of the facility. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2004
Asymptotic degree distribution in random recursive trees
Authors: Janson Svante 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe distributions of vertex degrees in random recursive trees and random plane recursive trees are shown to be asymptotically normal. Formulas are given for the asymptotic variances and covariances of the number of vertices with given outdegrees. We also give functional limit theorems for the evolution as vertices are added. The proofs use some old and new results about generalized Pólya urn models. We consider generalized Pólya urns with infinitely many types, but reduce them to the finite type case. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2005
Integer and fractional packing of families of graphs
Authors: Yuster Raphael 
Published: November 2004

AbstractLet F be a family of graphs. For a graph G, the F‐packing number, denoted νF(G), is the maximum number of pairwise edge‐disjoint elements of F in G. A function ψ from the set of elements of F in G to [0, 1] is a fractional F‐packing of G if σe∈H∈F ψ(H) ≤ 1 for each e ∈ E(G). The fractional F‐packing number, denoted νF* (G), is defined to be the maximum value of σ ψ(H) over all fractional F‐packings ψ. Our main result is that νF* (G)−νF(G) = o(|V(G)|2). Furthermore, a set of νF(G)−o(|V(G)|2) edge‐disjoint elements of F in G can be found in randomized polynomial time. For the special case F = {H0} we obtain a simpler proof of a recent difficult result of Haxell and Rödl [Combinatorica 21 (2001), 13–38] that ν* (G) − ν (G) = o(|V(G)|2). Their result can be implemented in deterministic polynomial time. We also prove that the error term o(|V(G)|2) is asymptotically tight. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2005
Ethnic and gender differences in drinking, smoking and drug taking among adolescents in England: a self‐report school‐based survey of 15 and 16 year olds
Authors: Rodham Karen , Hawton Keith , Evans Emma , Weatherall Rosamund 
Published: November 2004

AbstractConcern has been mounting about the increasing numbers of adolescents who (ab)use drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence according to gender and ethnicity of drinking, smoking and drug‐use in a representative sample of 15 and 16 year olds. The sample consisted of 6020 15‐ and 16‐year‐old pupils from 41 schools in England who completed an anonymous self‐report survey.There were clear gender and ethnic differences in self‐reported substance use. For example, more males than females reported drinking and drug taking. More females reported smoking, but males were more likely to be heavy smokers. Asian, Black and other boys and Black and Asian girls were less likely to report drinking during a typical week compared to White participants. Asian females were less likely to report smoking compared to White females. Cannabis was the most commonly used drug for both genders. Black males were more likely than White males to have used cannabis, opiates and other drugs. However, Asian females were more likely than their White counterparts to have used opiates, but were significantly less likely to have used cannabis. Asian males were more likely than White males to have used ecstasy.The results confirm gender differences in substance use and demonstrate that there are different patterns of substance use between ethnic groups. These findings have implications for targeting prevention campaigns through the media and educational initiatives.