bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of a new resin, Amberlyst 36, as a solid‐phase extractor and determination of copper(II) in drinking water and tea samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Kendüzler Erdal , Türker Ali Rehber
Published: November 2005

A new simple and reliable method has been developed to separate and preconcentrate trace copper ion in drinking water and tea samples for subsequent measurement by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The copper ions are adsorbed quantitatively during passage of aqueous solutions through Amberlyst 36 cation exchange resin. After the separation and preconcentration stage, the analyte was eluted with a potassium cyanide solution and determined by FAAS. Different factors including pH of sample solution, sample volume, amount of resin, flow rate of aqueous solution, volume and concentration of eluent, and matrix effects for preconcentration were examined. The analytical figures of merit for the determination of copper are as follows: analytical detection limit (3 σ), 0.26 μg/L; precision (RSD), 3.1% for 100 μg/L; enrichment factor, 200 (using 1000 mL of sample solution and 5 mL of eluent); time of analysis, 3.5 h (for obtaining enrichment factor of 200); capacity of resin, 125 mg/g. The method was applied for copper determination by FAAS in tap water, commercial natural spring water, commercial treated drinking water, and commercial tea bag sample. The accuracy of the method is confirmed by analyzing tea leaves (GBW 07605). The results demonstrated good agreement with the certified values.
Determination of pKa values by capillary zone electrophoresis with a dynamic coating procedure
Authors: Geiser Laurent , Henchoz Yveline , Galland Alexandra , Carrupt Pierre‐Alain , Veuthey Jean‐Luc
Published: November 2005

CZE allows to measure the acidic dissociation constant (pK a) of many drug substances. However, determining the EOF intensity may be time‐consuming, especially at a low pH. In order to overcome this drawback, a dynamic coating procedure of the capillary was carried out to increase μEOF, and thus to reduce the analysis time. In addition, this coating procedure enhanced migration time stability. The effective mobilities of 15 compounds were measured at different pH, producing pK ′a values dependent on BGE ionic strength. The latter values were corrected with the activity coefficient to obtain a “true” pK a value. The 15 investigated compounds were (i) five acids: namely, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, ketoprofen, phenobarbital, and phenol, (ii) four bases: lidocaine, propafenone, propranolol, and quinine, (iii), five ampholytes: sulfanilamide, sulfabenzamide, sulfadimethoxine, sulfadoxine, and sulfisoxazole, and (iv) one zwitterion: cetirizine. The range of determined pK a values was between 1.2 and 11.2, and close to the pK a values available from the literature.
Compact fiber source emitting at 2.1 μm
with an output power of 2 W
Authors: Kurkov A S , Paramonov V M , Medvedkov O I , Pyrkov Yu N , Dianov E M , Goncharov S E , Zalevskii I D I
Published: November 2005

We have realized a compact Bragg grating based
Ho3+ fiber laser emitting at 2.1 μm with a CW output
power of 2 W. The laser is pumped by an Yb3+ fiber laser at
1.12 μm, the latter laser being based on a GTWave active fiber
pumped by two semiconductor modules with a maximum power of 25 W
at 0.98 μm.
Twin-photon techniques for photo-detector calibration
Authors: Brida G , Genovese M , Gramegna M
Published: November 2005

The aim of this review paper is to enlighten some recent progresses in quantum optical metrology in the part of quantum efficiency measurements of photo-detectors performed with bi-photon states.

The intrinsic correlated nature of entangled photons from Spontaneous Parametric Down Conversion phenomenon has opened wide horizons to a new approach for the absolute measurement of photo-detector quantum efficiency, outgoing the requirement for conventional standards of optical radiation; in particular the simultaneous feature of the creation of conjugated photons led to a well known technique of coincidence measurement, deeply understood and implemented for standard uses.

On the other hand, based on manipulation of entanglement developed for Quantum Information protocols implementations, a new method has been proposed for quantum efficiency measurement, exploiting polarisation entanglement in addition to energy-momentum and time ones, that is based on conditioned polarisation state manipulation.

In this review, after a general discussion on absolute photo-detector calibration, we compare these different methods, in order to give an accurate operational sketch of the absolute quantum efficiency measurement state of the art.
Coating and near‐surface modification design strategies for protective and functional surfaces
Authors: Brady M.P. , Tortorelli P.F. , More K.L. , Payzant E.A. , Armstrong B.L. , Lin H.‐T. , Lance M.J. , Huang F. , Weaver M.L.
Published: November 2005

This paper discusses strategies for controlling the surface chemistry and microstructure of materials to form protective and functional surfaces through controlled gas‐metal reactions. Potential applications range from oxidation, corrosion, and wear resistance to electrochemical devices such as fuel cells to catalysts. Phenomenological examples are presented for coatings designed to self‐grade under oxidizing conditions, and for the growth of simple and complex (binary and ternary) nitride and carbide phase surface layers by nitridation and carburization reactions. Specific systems discussed include environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) for Si‐based ceramics such as Si3N4 and SiC, the growth of continuous, protective CrN/Cr2N, TiN, VN, NiNbVN, and related simple nitride layers on Fe‐ and Ni‐base alloys, the possible formation of ternary nitride and carbide surface phases (e.g. Ti3AlC2 and related MAX‐phases) on intermetallic surfaces to improve oxidation resistance, and the formation of composite near‐surface structures in Ag‐SiO2 and Co(Mo)‐Co6Mo6C2 systems.
Oxidation mechanisms of Cr‐containing steels and Ni‐base alloys at high‐temperatures –. Part I: The different role of alloy grain boundaries
Authors: Trindade V.B. , Krupp U. , Wagenhuber Ph. E.‐G. , Christ H.‐J.
Published: November 2005

It is essential for materials used at high‐temperatures in corrosive atmosphere to maintain their specific properties, such as good creep resistance, long fatigue life and sufficient high‐temperature corrosion resistance. Usually, the corrosion resistance results from the formation of a protective scale with very low porosity, good adherence, high mechanical and thermodynamic stability and slow growth rate. Standard engineering materials in power generation technology are low‐Cr steels. However, steels with higher Cr content, e.g., austenitic steels, or Ni‐base alloys are used for components applied to more severe service conditions, e.g., more aggressive atmospheres and higher temperatures. Three categories of alloys were investigated in this study. These materials were oxidised in laboratory air at temperatures of 550°C in the case of low‐alloy steels, 750°C in the case of an austenitic steel (TP347) and up to 1000°C in the case of the Ni‐base superalloys Inconel 625 Si and Inconel 718. Emphasis was put on the role of grain size on the internal and external oxidation processes. For this purpose various grain sizes were established by means of recrystallization heat treatment. In the case of low‐Cr steels, thermogravimetric measurements revealed a substantially higher mass gain for steels with smaller grain sizes. This observation was attributed to the role of alloy grain boundaries as short‐circuit diffusion paths for inward oxygen transport. For the austenitic steel, the situation is the other way round. The scale formed on specimens with smaller grain size consists mainly of Cr2O3 with some FeCr2O4 at localized sites, while for specimens with larger grain size a non‐protective Fe oxide scale is formed. This finding supports the idea that substrate grain boundaries accelerate the chromium supply to the oxide/alloy phase interface. Finally, in the Ni‐base superalloys deep intergranular oxidation attack was observed, taking place preferentially along random high‐angle grain boundaries.
Oxidation of FeCrAl alloys at 500–900°C in dry O2
Authors: Josefsson H. , Liu F. , Svensson J.‐E. , Halvarsson M. , Johansson L.‐G.
Published: November 2005

This paper reports on the oxidation of a commercial FeCrAl alloy, Kanthal AF, in the temperature range 500–900°C. The samples are exposed isothermally in dry oxygen for up to 72 h using a thermo‐balance. In addition, 168 h exposures are carried out in a tube furnace. The exposed samples are investigated by grazing angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM/EDX), and auger electron spectroscopy (AES).

The rate of oxidation increases with temperature, the kinetics being parabolic in the range 700–900°C. At all exposure temperatures, most of the sample surface is covered by a thin smooth base oxide. In addition, RE‐rich particles, with a typical size of 1–3 μm form. At 800 and 900°C patches of thick oxide appear, featuring needle‐formed crystallites situated on top of the base oxide. The thick oxide usually forms around Y‐rich oxide particles. The concentration of iron and chromium in the oxide decreases with increasing temperature. XRD proves the formation of α‐Al2O3 already at 700°C. The low temperature of formation of α‐Al2O3 is attributed to the presence of chromium in the initial oxide. It is proposed that corundum nucleation is facilitated on a surface consisting of the isostructural escolaite, (Cr2O3). After exposure at 900°C AES shows large amounts of Mg in the outer part of the oxide, MgAl2O4 being detected by XRD together with γ‐ and γ‐Al2O3.
Novel Aromatic Polymer Electrolyte with Comb‐like Structure: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Li Yi , Yasuda Tomohiro , Miyatake Kenji , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: November 2005

Summary: A novel aromatic polymer electrolyte with pendant sulfodecyloxy groups was synthesized. The monomer 4, bis[2‐(10′‐sulfodecyloxy)‐5‐chlorophenyl]sulfone, was synthesized from bis(2‐hydroxy‐5‐chlorophenyl)sulfide via bromoalkylation, oxidation, and sulfonation, and then polymerized via Ni‐catalyzed CC coupling polymerization to afford the title polymer electrolyte 6. The polymer 6 was isolated as a brown powder with molecular weight of $\overline M _{\rm w}$ = 12 000. The high decomposition temperature of 6 (200 °C) was confirmed by TG/DTA‐MS measurement. Proton conductivity of 6 was measured using porous polyimide membrane as a supporting substrate. The pore‐filled membrane showed 1 × 10−5 S · cm−1 of the proton conductivity at 80 °C and 90% RH.

Synthesis of aromatic polymer electrolyte having sulfodecyloxy groups via nickel‐catalyzed CC coupling polymerization.

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Synthesis of aromatic polymer electrolyte having sulfodecyloxy groups via nickel‐catalyzed CC coupling polymerization.
UV‐Induced Modification of Conjugated Polymers Using Gaseous Organosilanes
Authors: Buchgraber Christian , Spanring Julia , Kern Wolfgang , Pogantsch Alexander
Published: November 2005

Summary: This paper describes the use of trialkylsilanes for photoinduced patterning of electroluminescent polymers as a new field of application for this type of organosilicon compounds. Under UV irradiation, trialkylsilanes selectively saturate the vinylene groups in poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) (PPV)‐type polymers, while leaving aromatic units virtually unaffected (selective photobleaching). Spin cast films of polymer blends consisting of two or three different conjugated polymers were UV irradiated in the presence of gaseous trialkylsilane reagents (trimethylsilane and ethyldimethylsilane) to achieve multicolor patterning. Exploiting the host‐guest concept with polyfluorene (PF) derivatives as totally aromatic host matrix and PPV derivatives as guest polymers, dual‐color displays and, with constraints, three‐color LED displays were realized. Compared to previously reported reagents such as hydrazine and thiols, trialkylsilanes enable photochemical patterning under non‐toxic and odorless conditions. Possible mechanisms for the photoreaction with trialkylsilanes as well as perspectives for applications are discussed.

Electroluminescence spectra of LEDs based on the host‐guest system.

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Electroluminescence spectra of LEDs based on the host‐guest system.
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Nanoscale Reinforcement of Thermosetting Resin from Benzoxazine and Bisoxazoline
Authors: Chen Qiao , Xu Riwei , Zhang Jun , Yu Dingsheng
Published: November 2005

Summary: The reaction between octaaminophenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OAPS) and 2,2′‐(1,3‐phenylene)‐bis(4,5‐dihydro‐oxazoles) (PBO) over different temperature ranges was confirmed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The OAPS was used to modify benzoxazine (BZ) in the presence of PBO. The novel polybenzoxazine (PBZ)‐PBO/OAPS hybrid nanocomposite was prepared by solvent methods. Dynamic mechanical analyses indicated that the nanocomposites exhibited much higher Tg values than the pristine PBZ and PBZ‐PBO resin, and the storage modulus of the nanocomposites was maintained at higher temperatures, although only a small amount of OAPS was incorporated into the systems. Dynamic thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the hybrid was also improved by the inclusion of OAPS.

DMA of PBZ (a), PBZ‐PBO (b), and PBZ‐PBO/OAPS nanocomposites (c–e).

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DMA of PBZ (a), PBZ‐PBO (b), and PBZ‐PBO/OAPS nanocomposites (c–e).
High Temperature Free Radical Copolymerization with Depropagation and Penultimate Kinetic Effects
Authors: Li Deheng , Leiza Jose R. , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: November 2005

Summary: Methacrylate copolymers produced under higher temperature starved‐feed conditions are affected by depropagation, and some binary systems also experience a penultimate effect. In this work a generalized set of equations has been developed to describe the combined effect of depropagation and penultimate copolymerization kinetics on instantaneous copolymer composition and average copolymerization rate coefficients. Limiting cases applicable to the methacrylate/styrene system are examined. When combined with depropagation, penultimate kinetics not only decrease the effective propagation rate coefficient but also deviate from terminal model predictions of polymer composition.

Copolymerization chain growth with penultimate kinetics and depropagation.

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Copolymerization chain growth with penultimate kinetics and depropagation.
Global existence of solutions for 2‐D semilinear wave equations with dissipation localized near infinity in an exterior domain
Authors: Ikehata Ryo
Published: November 2005

We shall derive some global existence results to semilinear wave equations with a damping coefficient localized near infinity for very special initial data in H×L2. This problem is dealt with in the two‐dimensional exterior domain with a star‐shaped complement. In our result, a power p on the non‐linear term |u|p is strictly larger than the two‐dimensional Fujita‐exponent. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of ethanol‐induced conformational changes of holo and apo α‐lactalbumin by spectroscopy and limited proteolysis
Authors: Wehbi Zeina , Pérez María‐Dolores , Dalgalarrondo Michèle , Sánchez Lourdes , Calvo Miguel , Chobert Jean‐Marc , Haertlé Thomas
Published: November 2005

This study was performed to contribute to the analysis of α‐lactalbumin “molten globule” state by using spectral and proteolysis techniques. Samples of holo and apo α‐lactalbumin in the presence of different concentrations of ethanol were analyzed. Results of fluorescence spectroscopy of both forms showed that as ethanol concentration increased, the tryptophanyl residues became more accessible to the solvent. Near circular dichroism spectra of holo α‐lactalbumin indicated that its tertiary structure was maintained in 20% ethanol whereas it was altered in 30 and 40% ethanol. For apo α‐lactalbumin, spectra were similar in all samples studied. Holo α‐lactalbumin was resistant to trypsinolysis in 0% ethanol, whereas it was easily hydrolyzed in 20 and 30% ethanol. In the case of the apo form and in the absence of ethanol, 70% of the protein was degraded after 1 h. However, in the presence of 20 and 30% ethanol, the overall reaction rate was lowered. Peptides obtained after tryptic hydrolysis were identified by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Differences in population of produced peptides indicate the changes of folding intermediates present in the studied α‐lactalbumin solutions. This study demonstrated that proteolytic enzymes are suitable tools to determine protein structure complementing physico‐chemical studies.
Anthocyanidins decrease endothelin‐1 production and increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human endothelial cells
Authors: Lazzè Maria Claudia , Pizzala Roberto , Perucca Paola , Cazzalini Ornella , Savio Monica , Forti Luca , Vannini Vanio , Bianchi Livia
Published: November 2005

Epidemiological and intervention studies correlate anthocyanin‐rich beverages and a low incidence of coronary heart diseases. Since endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and nitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) are vascular tension regulators secreted by endothelial cells, we studied the influence of two anthocyanidins, namely cyanidin (CY) and delphinidin (DP), on the regulation of ET‐1 and eNOS in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Aglycon anthocyanidin forms, such as CY and DP, may be presentin vivoafter the first deglycosylation step occurring in the jejunum and in the liver. DP showed a major action compared to CY inducing a significant dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on both protein and mRNA levels of ET‐1. CY and DP both increased the protein level of eNOS, but DP showed the major effect raising eNOS protein in a dose‐dependent manner. To correlate the vasoprotective effect of CY and DP with their antioxidant activity, we analysed also the antioxidant effect of anthocyanidins bothin vitroand in HUVECs. In particular, we examined the effect of anthocyanidins on endothelial heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), an inducible stress protein. In all tests, DP showed a higher antioxidant activity than CY. Finally, the antiproliferative effect induced by DP was detected in HUVECs. DP and CY differ in the number and position of hydroxyl groups in their structure; therefore, the greater biological activity by DP, compared with CY, seems to be due to the presence of the three hydroxyl groups on the B ring in the molecular structure of DP.
Cloning of oleosin, a putative new hazelnut allergen, using a hazelnut cDNA library
Authors: Akkerdaas Jaap H. , Schocker Frauke , Vieths Stefan , Versteeg Serge , Zuidmeer Laurian , Hefle Sue L. , Aalberse Rob C. , Richter Klaus , Ferreira Fatima , van Ree Ronald
Published: November 2005

The clinical presentation of non‐pollen related allergy to hazelnut can be severe and systemic. So far, only a limited number of non‐pollen related hazelnut allergens have been identified and characterized. The aim of this study was to identify and clone new hazelnut allergens. A lambda ZAP cDNA library of hazelnut was constructed. The library was screened with serum of six hazelnut allergic patients displaying different IgE‐binding patterns on hazelnut immunoblot. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) protocols were applied to obtain full‐length clones. Expression experiments were carried out in Eschericchia coli. Expression was monitored by SDS‐PAGE, protein staining and immunoblotting. A hazelnut cDNA library was constructed. IgE screening resulted in the cloning of two isoforms of a novel putative hazelnut allergen. The clones were identified as oleosins, with theoretical molecular masses of 16.7 and 14.7 kDa and pI of 10.5 and 10.0, respectively. The isoforms demonstrated only 37% amino acid sequence identity but contained the typical hydrophobic stretch in the middle of the protein (53% identity) with the characteristic oleosin proline knot region (11/12 amino acids identical). Expression in E. coli of the longer isoform resulted in a clear band on SDS‐PAGE. The expressed protein was recognized on an immunodot blot by IgE from serum that was used for screening the cDNA library. Hazelnut contains multiple isoforms of oleosin. IgE binding of a hazelnut‐allergic patient to a recombinant version suggest that hazelnut oleosin is an allergen, as has been described for peanut and sesame.
Cell proliferation in the Rana catesbeiana auditory medulla over metamorphic development
Authors: Chapman Judith A. , Weinstein Joshua L. , Simmons Andrea Megela
Published: November 2005

During metamorphic development, bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) undergo substantial morphological, anatomical, and physiological changes as the animals prepare for the transition from a fully‐aquatic to a semi‐terrestrial existence. Using BrdU incorporation and immunohistochemistry, we quantify changes in cell proliferation in two key auditory brainstem nuclei, the dorsolateral nucleus and the superior olivary nucleus, over the course of larval and early postmetamorphic development. From hatchling through early larval stages, numbers of proliferating cells increase in both nuclei, paralleling the overall increase in total numbers of cells available for labeling. Numbers of proliferating cells in the superior olivary nucleus decrease during the late larval and deaf periods, and significantly increase during metamorphic climax. Proliferating cells in the dorsolateral nucleus increase in number from hatchling to late larval stages, decrease during the deaf period, and increase during climax. In both nuclei, numbers of proliferating cells decrease during the postmetamorphic froglet stage, despite increases in the number of cells available for label. Newly generated cells express either glial‐ or neural‐specific phenotypes beginning between 1 week and 1 month post‐BrdU injection, respectively, while some new cells express γ‐aminobutyric acid within 2 days of mitosis. Our data show that these auditory nuclei dramatically up‐regulate mitosis immediately prior to establishment of a transduction system based on atmospheric hearing. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005
Autocrine motility factor/glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase is a possible predictor of metastasis in bone and soft tissue tumours
Authors: Dobashi Yoh , Watanabe Hideomi , Matsubara Maki , Yanagawa Takashi , Raz Avraham , Shimamiya Tamiyasu , Ooi Akishi
Published: November 2005

In order to assess the involvement of autocrine motility factor (AMF) in mesenchymal tumours, AMF protein and mRNA expression was analysed in tumours, tumour‐like lesions, and other lesions of bone and soft tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis of 200 cases revealed positive staining in 72.5% of the cases, suggesting that AMF is a widely expressed protein. Chordoid, chondroid, and muscular tumours revealed higher immunoreactivity in both benign and malignant tumours. Immunoblotting analysis corroborated the results of immunohistochemistry. Generally, malignant tumours revealed higher expression of AMF than benign tumours of the same histopathological lineage, except for dermatofibroma/dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. However, mRNA levels were not concordant with protein levels, and sarcomas that displayed higher mRNA and lower protein expression levels showed a trend for distant metastasis. In cultured cells, AMF was secreted and detected in conditioned culture medium. Furthermore, when proteasome inhibitors were added to cells in order to examine the changes in turnover rates, these compounds did not significantly alter the intracellular levels of AMF protein. On the basis of these overall findings, it is suggested that a particular subset of sarcomas secrete AMF, rather than degrading this protein at a higher turnover rate. This secreted AMF presumably enhances their cell motility through an autocrine effect and eventually causes increased metastatic potential. Collectively, AMF was observed in a wide spectrum of lesions of mesenchymal tissue, supporting the notion that it is involved in various cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and metastasis. In addition, higher expression of its mRNA may indicate higher levels of protein secretion and define a particularly aggressive group of tumours with high metastatic potential. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence, incidence and persistence of antipsychotic drug prescribing in the Italian general population: retrospective database analysis, 1999–2002
Authors: Mirandola Mersia , Andretta Margherita , Corbari Letizia , Sorio Adriano , Nosè Michela , Barbui Corrado
Published: November 2005

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence, incidence and persistence with antipsychotic drug therapy in a large and geographically defined catchment area of Italian general population.

Methods

All antipsychotic drug prescriptions dispensed during 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 were extracted from an administrative prescription database covering a population of 2 640 379 individuals. Antipsychotic drug users were defined as patients who had at least one recorded prescription in the current year. New users were defined as patients receiving a first prescription without any recorded antipsychotic drug treatment in the previous 12 months. Prevalence data were calculated by dividing users by the total number of male and female residents in each age group. Incidence data were calculated as the number of new users divided by the person‐time free from antipsychotic drugs in the current year. The cumulative persistence of each medication was calculated by dividing the total prescribed amount of antipsychotic drug by the recommended daily dose, according to each agent's defined daily dose (DDD).

Results

A progressive rise in prevalence and incidence rates was observed during the 4‐year period. In each census year, the prevalence and incidence of prescribing was higher in females than males, and progressively rose with age, with the highest rates in old and very old subjects. The analysis of persistence with therapy revealed that 3176 individuals (78.5%) were occasional antipsychotic drug users, and that occasional use was more frequent among individuals receiving conventional antipsychotic drugs than among individuals receiving novel antipsychotic drugs. This difference was not explained by differences in the occurrence of neurologic adverse reactions, as shown by the concurrent prescribing of anticholinergic drugs, which was fairly similar between the two groups of new drug users. Additionally, we found that conventioal antipsychotic drugs were more often used in older individuals, where occasional use is very frequent, while novel antipsychotic drugs were more often prescribed in young and adult individuals, where regular use is more frequent.

Conclusions

An epidemiologically relevant proportion of everyday individuals is annually exposed to antipsychotic drugs. The distribution of prevalence and incidence rates by age highlighted an emerging public health issue related to the adverse and beneficial consequences of antipsychotic drug exposure in the elderly. The finding that persistence with therapy was longer in new users of novel antipsychotic drugs compared with new users of conventional agents might be explained by the different demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals receiving these two drug classes and not by the different tolerability profile of these two drug classes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer incidence in a general population of asthma patients
Authors: González‐Pérez Antonio , Fernández‐Vidaurre Carlos , Rueda Ana , Rivero Elena , García Rodríguez Luis A.
Published: November 2005

Purpose

Several studies have assessed the association between asthma and cancer but none of them revealed a clear pattern of association. We aimed to examine the association between asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.

Methods

We performed a cohort study with a nested case‐control analysis using the General Practitioner Research Database in the UK. We defined three cohorts: patients with asthma, patients with COPD, and general population. During the follow‐up, we identified a total of 5263 incident cases of cancer. We conducted a nested case‐control analysis that included all cancer cases as well as 20 000 controls free of cancer frequency‐matched on age, sex, and calendar year.

Results

Patients with asthma did not have an overall greater risk of cancer compared with the general population (odds ratio = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86–1.00). However, they presented an elevated risk of experiencing lung cancer (odds ratio = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.58–2.15). Controlling for smoking and other potential confounding factors yielded a lower estimate (odds ratio = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.15–1.59). This estimate contrasted with that observed for non‐smoking related cancer (0.87, 95%CI: 0.80–0.94). Overall, respiratory drugs did not seem to be associated with cancer among asthmatic patients. Patients with COPD had an Odds ratio of cancer of 1.26 (95%CI: 1.12–1.43) compared with the general population.

Conclusions

Asthma was not associated with an increased risk of cancer. In fact, the risk of non‐smoking related cancer was slightly reduced. However, we observed a small‐elevated risk of lung cancer among asthmatic patients. Whether this result is a due to residual confounding and/or protopathic bias remains unclear. Further investigation is warranted to confirm or discard these associations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure‐time‐varying hazard function ratios in case‐control studies of drug effects
Authors: Guess Harry A.
Published: November 2005

For many adverse effects of drugs, the instantaneous risk of an incident event per day of therapy (i.e., the hazard function) varies by duration of therapy and by prior exposure. In cohort studies of adverse drug effects time‐varying hazard functions are easily modeled using standard statistical software packages. Tests of the hypothesis of a constant proportional hazard function ratio are also available. In case control studies, the need to consider time‐varying hazard functions seems to be somewhat less well‐recognized than in cohort studies. When the hazard function ratio for an adverse drug event is not constant over time, an overall single odds ratio (OR) estimated in a case control study not accounting for the time variation in the hazard function is a weighted average of duration‐specific ORs with weights reflecting the distribution of exposure time in the study population. The resulting estimate depends not only on the drug but also on the exposure time distribution in the study population. This can lead to misleading conclusions when comparing the risks of two drugs within the same population and when comparing risks of the same drug in different populations. Analytic approaches for addressing time‐varying hazard functions in case‐control studies have been published but seem to be less used than in cohort studies. This article discusses adverse drug effects with time‐varying hazard functions and methods for addressing these in case‐control studies during study design, data collection, and analysis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibiotic resistant fecal isolates of Enterococci among unselected patients outside the clinical sector: an epidemiological study from Southern Germany
Authors: Lietzau S. , Hoewner M. , von Baum H. , Marre R. , Brenner H.
Published: November 2005

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of antibiotic‐resistant Enterococci in a large group of outpatients in Southern Germany.

Methods

Stool samples were collected from 497 unselected patients aged 40–75 years attending general practitioners. Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) were cultured and minimal inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics used inside and outside the clinical sector were tested.

Results

E. faecium and E. faecalis could be identified and cultured in 60 (12.4%) and 205 (41.2%) of the stool samples, respectively. Under non‐selective culture conditions no vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus (VRE) isolate was found. Only E. faecium isolates showed resistance to fluoroquinolones, 40% were resistant to ciprofloxacin. The prevalences of E. faecium resistance to ampicillin and doxycycline were 3.3% and 13.3%, respectively, whereas 0.5% and 29.6% of the E. faecalis isolates were resistant to ampicillin and doxycycline, respectively. Antibiotic use during the last 3 months was significantly associated with antibiotic resistance (to either ampicillin, imipenem, or doxycycline) of E. faecalis isolates (OR: 2.9; CI: 1.2–6.8).

Conclusions

Prevalences of resistance were generally lower than and patterns of resistance were quite different from previous investigations in the clinical setting. Recent antibiotic use was associated with increased colonization with resistant strains. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adverse drug reactions in hospitalized children in Fortaleza, Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Djanilson Barbosa , Coelho Helena Lutéscia Luna
Published: November 2005

Purpose

To investigate the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and associated risk factors in a pediatric hospital in northeast Brazil, from August to December 2001.

Subjects/Setting

Two hundred seventy two patients hospitalized for more than 24 hours.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Daily visits were performed for inclusion or attendance of patients and collection of information on drug prescriptions and medical events. The visits were focused on the detection of adverse events. WHO categories were used to assess the imputability and severity of suspected ADRs.

Results

Two hundred sixty five patients (97%) were exposed to medicines during hospitalization; the most frequent diagnosis was pneumonia (30%), the therapeutic class most prescribed was anti‐infectives for systemic use (26%). Of a total of 420 adverse events, 47 ADRs were detected in 33 of 265 children treated with drugs. The cumulative incidence of ADRs was 12.5% (33/265); incidence density was 8 events per 1000 patient days (33/4042 patient‐days). The skin was the most affected organ (49%); the drugs more implicated were systemic antibiotic (53.2%). The ADRs were mild or moderate in 97.9% of cases; causality was probable in 57.5% and the majority of events were independent of the dose given (55.3%). In multivariate analysis, the risk of ADR increased with the number of drugs, male gender, and ≥3 previous hospitalization courses.

Conclusion

ADRs are not uncommon among hospitalized children, particularly those with prior histories of hospitalization and concomitant use of several medicines. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteome analysis of mitochondrial outer membrane from Neurospora crassa
Authors: Schmitt Simone , Prokisch Holger , Schlunck Tilman , Camp David G. , Ahting Uwe , Waizenegger Thomas , Scharfe Curt , Meitinger Thomas , Imhof Axel , Neupert Walter , Oefner Peter J. , Rapaport Doron
Published: November 2005

The mitochondrial outer membrane mediates numerous interactions between the metabolic and genetic systems of mitochondria and the rest of the eukaryotic cell. We performed a proteomic study to discover novel functions of components of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Proteins of highly pure outer membrane vesicles (OMV) from Neurospora crassa were identified by a combination of LC‐MS/MS of tryptic peptide digests and gel electrophoresis of solubilized OMV proteins, followed by their identification using MALDI‐MS PMF. Among the 30 proteins found in at least three of four separate analyses were 23 proteins with known functions in the outer membrane. These included components of the import machinery (the TOM and TOB complexes), a pore‐forming component (porin), and proteins that control fusion and fission of the organelle. In addition, proteins playing a role in various biosynthetic pathways, whose intracellular location had not been established previously, could be localized to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Thus, the proteome of the outer membrane can help in identifying new mitochondria‐related functions.
Immobilization of diverse foreign proteins in viral polyhedra and potential application for protein microarrays
Authors: Ikeda Keiko , Nakazawa Hiroshi , Shimo‐Oka Ai , Ishio Kaoru , Miyata Seiji , Hosokawa Yoichiroh , Matsumura Satoshi , Masuhara Hiroshi , Belloncik Serge , Alain Robert , Goshima Naoki , Nomura Nobuo , Morigaki Kenichi , Kawai Atsushi , Kuroita Toshihiro , Kawakami Bunsei , Endo Yaeta , Mori Hajime
Published: November 2005

Cypoviruses are insect viruses that produce a cytoplasmic crystalline particle called the polyhedron in which progeny virions are occluded. The virion structural protein, VP3, is implicated in the occlusion of viral particles into polyhedra. In this study, we determined the amino acid sequence of VP3 required for occlusion of viral particles into polyhedra and proposed that this sequence could be used as an immobilization signal to direct the stable incorporation of foreign proteins into polyhedra. A large‐scale survey revealed that the immobilization signal could, in fact, direct the incorporation of a variety of human proteins into polyhedra. Immune reactivity and protein–protein interactions were detected on the surface of polyhedra containing immobilized foreign proteins, and these particles were shown to be highly stabilized against dehydration. We showed that these particles could be arrayed onto a glass slide by standard spotting and laser manipulation methods. Thus, this approach is well suited for protein expression, purification, and the development of protein microarrays.
Proteome analysis of chick embryonic cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Parada Carolina , Gato Angel , Aparicio Mariano , Bueno David
Published: November 2005

During early stages of embryo development, the brain cavity is filled with embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (E‐CSF), a complex fluid containing different protein fractions that contributes to the regulation of the survival, proliferation and neurogenesis of the neuroectodermal stem cells. Using 2‐DE, protein sequencing and database searches, we identified and analyzed the proteome of the E‐CSF from chick embryos (Gallus gallus). We identified 26 different gene products, including proteins related to the extracellular matrix, proteins associated with the regulation of osmotic pressure and metal transport, proteins related to cell survival, MAP kinase activators, proteins involved in the transport of retinol and vitamin D, antioxidant and antimicrobial proteins, intracellular proteins and some unknown proteins. Most of these gene products are involved in the regulation of developmental processes during embryogenesis in systems other than E‐CSF. Interestingly, 14 of them are also present in adult human CSF proteome, and it has been reported that they are altered in the CSF of patients suffering neurodegenerative diseases and/or neurological disorders. Understanding these molecules and the mechanisms they control during embryonic neurogenesis is a key contribution to the general understanding of CNS development, and may also contribute to greater knowledge of these human diseases.
Towards the proteome of Burkholderia cenocepacia H111: Setting up a 2‐DE reference map
Authors: Riedel Kathrin , Carranza Paula , Gehrig Peter , Potthast Frank , Eberl Leo
Published: November 2005

Polyphasic‐taxonomic studies of the past decade have shown that the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) comprises at least nine species, which share a high degree of 16S rDNA (98–100%) sequence similarity but only moderate levels of DNA‐DNA hybridization. Members of the Bcc are well known as opportunistic pathogens of plants, animals and humans but also as biocontrol and bioremediation agents. In this study intra‐, surface‐associated and extracellular proteins of B. cenocepacia H111, which was isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient, were examined by 2‐DE coupled to MALDI‐TOF MS. MS and MS/MS data were searched against a database comprising all currently available annotated proteins of genetically closely related strains. In total 642 proteins spots were successfully identified corresponding to 390 different protein species, which were classified into functional categories. The majority of these proteins could be linked to housekeeping functions in energy production, amino acid metabolism, protein folding, post‐translational modification and turnover, and translation. Noteworthy is the fact that a significant number of truly secreted and membrane proteins were identified in the extracellular and surface‐associated sub‐proteomes. This indicates that the pre‐fractionation protocol used in this study is a highly valuable strategy for unravelling the cellular location of the identified proteins.
Fibrinogen fragment D is necessary and sufficient to anchor a surface plasminogen‐activating complex in Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Hess Jennifer L. , Boyle Michael D. P.
Published: November 2005

In this study, the importance of different domains of the fibrinogen molecule in the binding and assembly of a surface plasminogen (plgn) activator has been analyzed. This was achieved using SELDI technology that enabled dissociation of bound fragments from intact bacteria and accurate distinction between fibrinogen fragments based on their molecular mass. These studies indicate that Streptococcus pyogenes binds directly to human fibrinogen fragment D but not fragment E. The predominant surface proteins binding to fragment D were associated with the mrp gene product. Surface‐associated fibrinogen fragment D was capable of anchoring a functional surface plgn activator complex. Taken together, these data indicated that fragment D of fibrinogen is necessary and sufficient to anchor a plgn activator complex on the surface of Streptococcus pyogenes.
Detergent‐free caveolae proteome suggests an interaction with ER and mitochondria
Authors: McMahon Kerrie‐Ann , Zhu Meifang , Kwon Sung Won , Liu Pingsheng , Zhao Yingming , Anderson Richard G. W.
Published: November 2005

Recent proteomic studies of detergent resistant membrane fractions have begun to characterize the protein composition of caveolae and lipid rafts. The methods used in most of these studies, however, are not able to distinguish between plasma membrane and internal membrane lipid domains. Here we used a non‐detergent method for obtaining fractions enriched in caveolae derived from the plasma membrane of multiple cell types. Unexpectedly, the proteins in the caveolae proteome suggest these lipid domains may interact with elements of ER and mitochondria. A comparison of the partial proteome we obtained with other published reports identifies 26 proteins that are candidate marker proteins for identifying caveolae in multiple cell types.
Propylene polymerization with nickel–diimine complexes containing pseudohalides
Authors: Dias Marcos L. , da Silva Luciana P. , Crossetti Geraldo L. , Galland Griselda B. , Filgueiras Carlos A. L. , Ziglio Cláudio M.
Published: November 2005

DADNiX2 nickel–diimine complexes [DAD = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3NC(Me)C(Me)N2,6‐iPr2C6H3] containing nonchelating pseudohalide ligands [X = isothiocyanate (NCS) for complex 1 and isoselenocyanate (NCSe) for complex 2] were synthesized, and the propylene polymerization with these complexes and also with the Br ligand (X = Br for complex 3) activated by methylaluminoxane (MAO) were investigated (systems 1, 2, and 3/MAO). The polypropylenes obtained with systems 1, 2, and 3 were amorphous polymers and had high molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. Catalyst system 1 showed a relatively high activity even at a low Al/Ni ratio and reached the maximum activity at the molar ratio of Al/Ni = 500, unlike system 3. Increases in the reaction temperature and propylene pressure favored an increase in the catalytic activity. The spectra of polypropylenes looked like those of propylene–ethylene copolymers containing syndiotactic propylene and ethylene sequences. At the same temperature and pressure, system 2 presented the highest number of propylene sequences, and system 3 presented the lowest. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 458–466, 2006
Comparative study of classical surfactants and polymerizable surfactants (surfmers) in the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer mediated miniemulsion polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate
Authors: Matahwa H. , McLeary J. B. , Sanderson R. D.
Published: November 2005

Cationic and anionic amphiphilic monomers (surfmers) were synthesized and used to stabilize particles in miniemulsion polymerization. A comparative study of classical cationic and anionic surfactants and the two surfmers was conducted with respect to the reaction rates and molecular weight distributions of the formed polymers. The reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer process was used in the miniemulsion polymerization reactions to control the molecular weight distribution. The reaction rates of the surfmer‐stabilized miniemulsion polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate were similar (in most cases) to those of the classical‐surfactant‐stabilized miniemulsion polymerizations. The final particle sizes were also similar for polystyrene latexes stabilized by the surfmers and classical surfactants. However, poly(methyl methacrylate) latexes stabilized by the surfmers had larger particle sizes than latexes stabilized by classical surfactants. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 427–442, 2006
Chiral discrimination of a helically organized crown ether array parallel to the helix axis of polyisocyanate
Authors: Sakai Ryosuke , Otsuka Issei , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Ryohei , Kaga Harumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: November 2005

The asymmetric polymerization of 4′‐isocyanatobenzo‐18‐crown‐6 with the lithium amide of (S)‐(2‐methoxymethyl)pyrrolidine successfully proceeded to afford end‐functionalized poly(4′‐isocyanatobenzo‐18‐crown‐6) with (S)‐(2‐methoxymethyl)pyrrolidine (polymer 2). In the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of 2, a clear positive Cotton effect was observed in the range of 240–350 nm corresponding to the absorption of the polymer backbone, indicating that 2 partially formed a one‐handed helical structure, which was preserved by the chirality of (S)‐(2‐methoxymethyl)pyrrolidine bonding to the terminal end in 2. In the titration experiments for the CD intensity of 2 in the presence of D‐ and L‐Phe·HClO4 (where Phe is phenylalanine), a small but remarkable difference was observed in the amount of the chiral guest needed for saturation of the CD intensity and in the saturated CD intensity, indicating that the extremely stable, one‐handed helical part should exist in the main chain of 2, which was not inverted even when the unfavorable chiral guest for the predominant helical sense, L‐Phe·HClO4, was added. In addition, helical polymer 2 exhibited a chiral discrimination ability toward racemic guests; that is, the guests were extracted from the aqueous phase into the organic phase with enantiomeric excess. The driving force of the chiral discrimination ability of 2 should certainly be attributed to the one‐handed helical structure in 2. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 325–334, 2006