bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel silicon‐doped hydroxyapatite (Si‐HA) for biomedical coatings: An in vitro study using acellular simulated body fluid
Authors: Thian E. S. , Huang J. , Best S. M. , Barber Z. H. , Bonfield W. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractMagnetron co‐sputtering was used to produce silicon‐doped hydroxyapatite (Si‐HA) as coatings intended for potential applications such as orthopedic and dental implants. It was found that the crystallinity of the as‐sputtered coatings increased after annealing, resulting in a nanocrystalline apatite structure. Subsequently, the bioactivity of the coatings was evaluated in an acellular simulated body fluid (SBF). Physicochemical evaluation demonstrated that a carbonate‐containing apatite layer, which is essential for bonding at the bone/implant interface, was formed on the coating surfaces after immersion in SBF between 4 and 7 days. The annealed coatings exhibited enhanced bioactivity and chemical stability under physiological conditions, as compared with the as‐sputtered coatings. It is proposed that the rate at which the carbonate‐containing apatite layer forms is dependent on the scale factor of the structure. A nanocrystalline structure can provide a higher number of nucleation sites for the formation of apatite crystallites, leading to a more rapid precipitation of carbonate‐containing apatite layer. This work shows that Si‐HA coatings offer considerable potential for applications in hard tissue replacement, owing to their ability to form a carbonate‐containing apatite layer rapidly. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
The effects of self‐emotion, counterpart emotion, and counterpart behavior on negotiator behavior: a comparison of individual‐level and dyad‐level dynamics
Authors: Butt Arif Nazir , Choi Jin Nam , Jaeger Alfred M. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis study expands the negotiation literature by examining how negotiator behavior is predicted by various emotions felt by the negotiators and their counterparts and by counterpart negotiation behavior. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we also compare individual‐ and dyad‐level processes that lead to negotiator behavior and outcomes. The results from a dyadic negotiation simulation showed that both the valence and agency of negotiator and counterpart emotions need to be considered to understand the roles of emotion in negotiator behavior. Negotiators tend to reciprocate counterparts' integrating, compromising, and dominating behaviors, but they also offer complementary (or matching) responses to the counterparts' dominating and yielding behaviors. Integrating behavior was more dependent on dyad‐level interpersonal dynamics than were the other behaviors. The comparison of negotiator‐level and dyad‐level results suggests that negotiation needs to be understood in the context of collective exchanges as well as individual‐level cognitive processes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and Thermomechanical Behaviour of Polycaprolactone and Starch/Polycaprolactone Blends for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Yaming , Rodriguez‐Perez Miguel A. , Reis Rui L. , Mano João F. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: Polycaprolactone (PCL) and starch/PCL blends (SPCL) are shown to have the potential to be used in a range of biomedical applications and can be processed with conventional melting‐based procedures. In this paper, the thermal and thermomechanical analyses of PCL and SPCL were performed, using DSC, optical microscopy and DMA. Starch effectively increased the non‐isothermal crystallisation rate of PCL. Non‐isothermal crystallisation kinetics was analyzed using Ozawa model, and a method, which combines the theories of Avrami and Ozawa. Starch effectively reinforced PCL and enhanced its damping properties, which indicated that SPCL could be more suitable than PCL in some biomedical applications, as it might help in the dissipation of the mechanical energy generated by the patient movements.Dynamic mechanical behaviour of PCL and SPCL at 1 Hz.magnified imageDynamic mechanical behaviour of PCL and SPCL at 1 Hz.
Photoinduced Polymerization in the Wall of Hollow Capsules
Authors: Li Lidong , Möhwald Helmuth 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: Novel light‐sensitive hollow capsules were fabricated from the small molecule 3‐sulfopropylacrylate potassium (SPA) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). With UV irradiation, SPA could be photopolymerized in the wall of hollow capsules. After photopolymerization the capsule size and surfaces showed pronounced differences. The capsules became much more rigid as indicated by an increase in the modulus of more than a factor of 5.CLSM image of SPA/PAH hollow capsule emission at 554 nm, from rhodamine B after photopolymerization.magnified imageCLSM image of SPA/PAH hollow capsule emission at 554 nm, from rhodamine B after photopolymerization.
Selective Fabrication of Polymer Nanocapsules and Nanotubes Using Cyclodextrin as a Nanoporogen
Authors: Jang Jyongsik , Bae Joonwon 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanocapsules and nanotubes were selectively synthesized by microemulsion polymerisation using β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as a nanoporogen. Iron(III) chloride (FeCl3) was used as a structure‐directing agent to fabricate polymer nanotubes. In addition, the average pore size of the PAN nanocapsules and nanotubes could be controlled with the concentration of β‐CD.(a) TEM image of PAN nanocapsules; (b) SEM image of PAN nanotubes.image(a) TEM image of PAN nanocapsules; (b) SEM image of PAN nanotubes.
Synthesis and Controlled Polymerisation of a Novel Gramicidin S Analogue
Authors: Ayres Lee , Grotenbreg Gijsbert M. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Overkleeft Herman S. , Overhand Mark , van Hest Jan C. M. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: The controlled polymerisation of a bulky, peptide‐based monomer was investigated. The cyclic β‐sheet forming decapeptide gramicidin S was modified with a methacrylate handle and subsequently polymerised via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP), to yield a well‐defined gramicidin‐S‐containing polymer. The secondary structure of the peptide moiety was retained within the resulting polymer, as indicated by IR spectroscopy. This is the first example of the use of ATRP to create a synthetic polymer with a cyclic peptide as a side chain.The gramicidin S based monomers synthesised here were then polymerised by ATRP.imageThe gramicidin S based monomers synthesised here were then polymerised by ATRP.
Recessive hyperekplexia due to a new mutation (R100H) in the GLRA1 gene
Authors: Coto Eliecer , Armenta Daniel , Espinosa Raúl , Argente Joaquín , Castro Mónica G. , Alvarez Victoria 
Published: August 2005

AbstractHyperekplexia is commonly familial and with dominant transmission. The gene involved, GLRA1, encodes the α1 subunit of the glycine receptor. We describe 3 affected children homozygous for a new mutation, R100H. Both parents were heterozygous carriers; while the father was healthy, the mother has periodic limb movements during sleep. This suggests that Hys‐100 could exhibit incomplete penetrance, but was linked to a severe classical form of hyperekplexia in homozygous. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Taiwanese cases of SCA2 are derived from a single founder
Authors: Momeni Parastoo , Lu Chin‐Song , Chou Yah‐Huei Wu , Chang Hsiu‐Chen , Chen Rou‐Shayn , Chen Chiung‐Chu , Hsu Jin‐Tian , Singleton Andrew , Hardy John 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe have assessed the haplotypes at the ATXN2 locus in Taiwanese controls and in individuals with SCA2 ataxia with both ataxic and parkinsonian features. Our intention was to determine whether a different ataxin 2 haplotypes predisposed to the two phenotypes. In fact, our analysis showed that all SCA2 mutations carriers had the same ataxin 2 haplotype: haplotype B, which accounts for only 15% of control haplotypes, implying that there is a common founder for all Taiwanese SCA2 patients. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Biology of neuroblastomas that were found by mass screening at 6 months of age in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Yasuhiko , Kobayashi Hirofumi , Watanabe Naoki , Tomioka Nobumoto , Nakagawara Akira 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundMass screening (MS) of neuroblastoma has been carried out by measuring the urinary catecholamine metabolites in infants at the age of 6 months in Japan. We assessed the incidence of neuroblastoma that may be a target for MS by studying tumor biology.ProcedureFISH on chromosome 1 and MYCN analysis was performed on 453 patients that were classified into three clinical groups (287 infants found by MS, 51 infants < 12 months diagnosed clinically, and 115 children ≥12 months diagnosed clinically). The relationship between the biological types of tumors and the clinical outcome was examined.ResultsType 1 (trisomy 1 and normal MYCN), type 2 (disomy 1/tetrasomy 1 and normal MYCN), and type 3 (disomy 1/tetrasomy 1 and amplified MYCN) tumors were found in 88.2%, 10.5%, and 1.4% of infants found by MS, in 68.0%, 24.0%, and 8.0% of infants diagnosed clinically, and in 23.4%, 42.3%, and 34.2% of children diagnosed clinically (P < 0.001). Infants with type 1 tumors found by MS or diagnosed clinically had earlier stages of the disease (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0005) and better overall survival (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005) than children with type 1 tumors diagnosed clinically. Infants with type 2 tumors found by MS, had earlier stages (P = 0.06 and P < 0.0001) and better overall survival (P = 0.014 and P < 0.001) than infants or children with type 2 tumors diagnosed clinically. All three clinical groups of patients with type 3 tumors had advanced stages and dismal prognoses.ConclusionsAbout 12% of tumors found by MS showed unfavorable biological (types 2 and 3) characteristics. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protein flexibility and rigidity predicted from sequence
Authors: Schlessinger Avner , Rost Burkhard 
Published: August 2005

AbstractStructural flexibility has been associated with various biological processes such as molecular recognition and catalytic activity. In silico studies of protein flexibility have attempted to characterize and predict flexible regions based on simple principles. B‐values derived from experimental data are widely used to measure residue flexibility. Here, we present the most comprehensive large‐scale analysis of B‐values. We used this analysis to develop a neural network–based method that predicts flexible–rigid residues from amino acid sequence. The system uses both global and local information (i.e., features from the entire protein such as secondary structure composition, protein length, and fraction of surface residues, and features from a local window of sequence‐consecutive residues). The most important local feature was the evolutionary exchange profile reflecting sequence conservation in a family of related proteins. To illustrate its potential, we applied our method to 4 different case studies, each of which related our predictions to aspects of function. The first 2 were the prediction of regions that undergo conformational switches upon environmental changes (switch II region in Ras) and the prediction of surface regions, the rigidity of which is crucial for their function (tunnel in propeller folds). Both were correctly captured by our method. The third study established that residues in active sites of enzymes are predicted by our method to have unexpectedly low B‐values. The final study demonstrated how well our predictions correlated with NMR order parameters to reflect motion. Our method had not been set up to address any of the tasks in those 4 case studies. Therefore, we expect that this method will assist in many attempts at inferring aspects of function. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stretching Exercises to Reduce Symptoms of Postoperative Neck Discomfort after Thyroid Surgery: Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Takamura Yuuki , Miyauchi Akira , Tomoda Chisato , Uruno Takashi , Ito Yasuhiro , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Matsuzuka Fumio , Amino Nobuyuki , Kuma Kanji 
Published: August 2005

AbstractPatients who undergo thyroid surgery frequently suffer from unpleasant symptoms such as a stretching, choking, or pressing feeling or discomfort in the neck for a long time. The usefulness of rehabilitation (i.e., a stretching exercise) for reducing these symptoms after surgery has never been studied. In the present study, attempts were made to evaluate the usefulness of the stretching exercise in reducing disagreeable postoperative symptoms in the patients who had undergone thyroid surgery. A total of 409 patients, including 234 thyroid cancer patients, were randomly divided into a stretching group (n = 204) and a control group (n = 205). Patients in the stretching group were instructed that the stretching exercise was to be performed three times a day beginning the morning following surgery. A questionnaire survey was performed before surgery and then 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Total symptom scores obtained from the questionnaire survey from the control group and the stretching group were compared. The use of analgesics was also investigated. Postoperative neck symptoms declined gradually over the course of a year, and the total symptom scores were significantly (p < 0.001) lower in the stretching group than in the control group at all points throughout the year (1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year). The mean requirement for the use of analgesics during hospitalization was significantly (p < 0.0001) less in the stretching group (1.6 ± 2.3 tablets, mean ± SD) than in the control group (3.1 ± 3.8 tablets). The stretching exercise had effectively reduced postoperative neck symptoms and also reduced the use of analgesics after thyroid surgery.
Innovation and human resource management fit: an empirical study
Authors: Jiménez‐Jiménez Daniel , Sanz‐Valle Raquel 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis study aims to analyse the relationship between innovation and human resource management (HRM) from an empirical perspective, attempting to establish whether innovation determines the firm's HRM or conversely HRM influences the innovation level of the companyDesign/methodology/approachLiterature is reviewed from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. On the basis of this review, some research hypotheses are formulated. Finally, these hypotheses are empirically tested on a sample of Spanish firms.FindingsThe results provide evidence for both hypotheses and offer more support for Schuler and Jackson's model than for Miles and Snow's model. In accordance with the previous literature, that in order to affect employee behaviour – and consequently promote company objectives – firms must develop a bundle of internally consistent HRM practices. However, what is still unresolved is which HRM practices should be included in that system.Originality/valueFills a gap in the literature, particularly in empirical research, with a focus on Spanish firms.
Identification and assessment of non‐traditional UK housing
Authors: Harrison Harry , Mullin Stephen , Reeves Barry , Stevens Alan 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo summarise research undertaken by the BRE into the identification and condition assessment, of non‐traditional housing. During the 1980s, defects were discovered in the design and construction of a number of house types designed and built before 1960 and these were subsequently designated as inherently defective under the Housing Defects legislation.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved several years of investigation during which many different types of pre‐cast concrete, in situ‐concrete, steel‐ and timber‐framed housing systems were investigated. This research has culminated in the publication of a major new book and CDROM.FindingsOverall the majority of non‐traditional dwellings have provided levels of performance not very different from many traditionally built dwellings of the same age. However, there are inherent defects with several systems. Some dwellings may be beyond economic repair.Practical implicationsThe surveyor needs to be aware of the system of non‐traditional dwelling under inspection and to understand the likely defects and necessary remedial work.Originality/valueThis research will inform surveyors and home inspectors of the identification of non‐traditional dwellings, modes of failure of various systems, whether economic repair is possible and what remedial action should be proposed.
Planning conditions in Hong Kong
Authors: Wai‐Chung Lai Lawrence , Chi‐Wing Ho Daniel , Leung Hing‐Fung 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis paper was motivated by the absence of a government examination of and professional interest in planning conditions as a means of development control in Hong Kong. Proposes to examine this situation.Design/methodology/approachThe research objective is achieved by a field survey and legal analysis of its findings. The field survey of all the 60 residential development projects in Hong Kong under comprehensive development area zoning subject to conditional planning permissions from 1998 to 2000 involving 119 planning applications was conducted to assess factual compliance with planning conditions.FindingsThe findings show that, while most physical planning obligations have been duly fulfilled in these projects, the non‐depositing of master layout plans for development poses actual and potential public domain problems of planning enforcement, building permission, conveyancing and property management. The major problems of non‐compliance are property purchasers being unable to fully appreciate the environment of a development when making a decision to buy; subsequent titles defects, unauthorised building works and operations. Suggestions are made to close the loopholes in planning law and to introduce a formal channel for retrospective rectification in the light of the social consequences of non‐compliance.Originality/valueThis paper is the first serious attempt to evaluate the importance of compliance with planning conditions in Hong Kong and its analysis should be of interest not only to local policy makers and professional people in particular, but also to researchers in comparative development control in general.
A new product launch strategy (NPLS) model for pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Trim Peter , Pan Hao 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to make explicit how marketers employed in the pharmaceutical sector can ensure that the company is positioned in the industry as a result of a sustainable competitive advantage being achieved. Various factors are highlighted, including high research and development costs, stringent government regulations and cultural factors such as religion.Design/methodology/approachThe new product launch strategy model outlined in this paper was developed from both secondary and primary sources. A literature review was undertaken, a number of in‐depth personal interviews and a focus group session were conducted, which involved managers within a pharmaceutical company. The research strategy encompassed the case study method and the NPLS model was validated and can be viewed as generalisable.FindingsIt is clear from the research undertaken that some marketing models are viewed as being too complex; however, it is generally appreciated that marketing models can be used to interpret complex relationships that are evident in a marketing system.Research limitations/implicationsTwo weaknesses associated with the model were identified. First, the assumption that there was a one‐way relationship between the strategic launch decisions and the tactical launch decisions and, second, a feedback mechanism was absent that would provide users of the model with a means for evaluating their decisions and identifying alternative strategies and tactics. The model was amended and a feedback mechanism was introduced.Practical implicationsThe NPLS model can be used by marketing practitioners to enhance communication between corporate level staff and subsidiary level staff, and can be used to implement and/or facilitate the strategic marketing concept within a pharmaceutical company. The model can also be used to focus attention on risk reduction/elimination associated with market entry.Originality/valueThe NPLS model is an addition to marketing knowledge and can assist marketing academics and researchers to understand better how marketing models can be constructed and implemented. The model can also be used by marketing practitioners employed by pharmaceutical companies to make tactical and strategic decisions; to evaluate a new product launch strategy; and to devise international marketing entry plans and strategies.
Numerical study of non‐equilibrium weakly ionized air flow past blunt bodies
Authors: Tchuen Ghislain , Burtschell Yves , Zeitoun David E. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo compute the Navier‐Stokes equations of a non‐equilibrium weakly ionized air flow. This can help to have a better description of the flow‐field and the wall heat transfer in hypersonic conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe numerical approach is based on a multi block finite volume method and using a Riemann's solver based on a MUSCL‐TVD algorithm. In the flux splitting procedure the modified speed of sound, due to the electronic mode, is implemented.FindingsA good description of the shock standoff distance, of the wall heat fluxes and of the peak of electron density number in the shock layer.Research limitations/implicationsThe radiative effects are not included in this paper. For the very high Mach numbers, this can modify the shock layer parameters.Practical implicationsThe knowledge of the wall heat transfer in the re‐entry body problems.Originality/valueThe building of a robust numerical code in order to well describe hypersonic air flow in high Mach numbers.
Integrating quality assurance systems in a merged higher education institution
Authors: Kistan Chandru 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThis article seeks to highlight the challenges and issues that face merging higher education institutions and also to outline some of the challenges in integrating the quality assurance systems during the pre‐, interim and post‐merger phases in a merged university.Design/methodology/approachCase studies of merged and merging institutions were critiqued to compare the similarities and differences. A range of issues experienced by two universities that recently merged in South Africa is explored.FindingsIt is clear that merging institutions is a thorny issue, and cannot be resolved quickly. The merging of institutions brings with it a whole host of challenges. The current literature review has found that merging higher education institutions globally is invariably unpredictable, as the institutions experience multifaceted complexities.Practical implicationsThe lessons learned from this newly merged university can be a very useful resource and guide to those in leadership positions.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the current pool of information and offers practical guidance and assistance to institutions that have merged or are in the process of merging.