bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Component selection for a compact micro‐XRF spectrometer
Authors: Bichlmeier S. , Janssens K. , Heckel J. , Gibson D. , Hoffmann P. , Ortner H. M.
Published: August 2002

The performances of a number of commercially available components which together can be employed to assemble a compact micro‐XRF spectrometer were compared. The purpose of such a spectrometer is to permit local, non‐destructive analysis of various materials; its compact nature will allow it to be used on‐site, i.e. at the location where the investigated objects/materials are present rather than in a laboratory. The performances of two polycapillary lenses (of different manufacture) and one monocapillary tube were compared in combination with a mini‐focus x‐ray tube with Mo anode. The use of an Si‐drift chamber and an Si PIN‐diode detector was investigated and the achievable minimum detection limits for trace elements in glass and silver matrices were determined. Finally, the effect of using mini‐focus tubes (with 250 µm focus) as opposed to the use of a more conventional x‐ray source (1 mm focus) on the obtained beam size was investigated. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AFLP analysis of type strains and laboratory and industrial strains of Saccharomyces sensu stricto and its application to phenetic clustering
Authors: Azumi Masatoshi , Goto‐Yamamoto Nami
Published: August 2002

Using nine primer pairs, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was conducted to characterize industrial, laboratory and type strains of Saccharomyces sensu stricto. S. cerevisiae, S. bayanus, S. carlsbergensis and S. paradoxus had species‐specific AFLP profiles, with some variations among the strains. Nineteen wine, ale, bakery, whisky and laboratory strains of S. cerevisiae were differentiated by two primer pairs, while out of 19 strains of sake yeast, two groups consisting of two and eight strains were not differentiated using nine primer pairs. A phenogram of 41 strains of S. cerevisiae, two strains of S. bayanus, the type strain of S. pastorianus, three strains of S. carlsbergensis, one hybrid strain of S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus and the type strain of S. paradoxus was obtained by the unweighted pair group method, using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) based on the percentage of shared AFLP fragments of each sample pair. This phenogram demonstrated clear separations of S. cerevisiae, S. bayanus, S. carlsbergensis and S. paradoxus. However, S. pastorianus ATCC 12752T showed the highest percentages of shared fragments with the strains of S. bayanus, and formed a cluster with them. Except for the type strain of S. pastorianus, the percentages of shared fragments showed a similar tendency with reported data of DNA relatedness. The cluster of S. cerevisiae separated into three subclusters: one consisting of sake and shochu strains and a whisky strain; another consisting of bakery, wine, ale and whisky strains; and a third consisting of laboratory strains. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nuclear‐encoded intein in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Butler Margaret I. , Goodwin Timothy J. D. , M. Poulter Russell T.
Published: August 2002

We have used comparative sequence analysis to identify an intein‐like sequence (protein splicing element) present in Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal pathogen of humans. The sequence encoding this element is present in the C. neoformans PRP8 gene, as an in‐frame insertion relative to the PRP8 genes of other organisms. It contains sequences similar to those of the protein‐splicing domains of two previously described yeast inteins (in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida tropicalis), although it lacks any recognizable internal endonuclease domain. The Cryptococcus neoformans intein (Cne PRP8) is only the second to be found in a eukaryote nuclear genome; the previously described yeast inteins occur at the same site in the VMA gene homologues of S. cerevisiae and C. tropicalis. The host gene of the Cryptococcus intein, PRP8, encodes a highly conserved mRNA splicing protein found as part of the spliceosome. The Cne PRP8 intein may be a useful drug target in addressing the cryptococcal infections so prevalent in AIDS patients. The Cne PRP8 coding sequence and the flanking sequences of the Cryptococcus neoformans PRP8 gene have been assigned GenBank Accession No. AF349436. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling and Verification of PREMO Synchronisable Objects
Authors: Faconti G. P. , Massink M.
Published: August 2002

The PREMO standard, Presentation Environment for Multimedia Objects, is a major new standard under development within ISO/IEC. It addresses the creation of, presentation of, and interaction with all forms of information using single or multiple media. In this paper we give a formal LOTOS specification, amenable to automatic verification, of the PREMO synchronisable object, which is one of the central parts of the standard. Various design options are investigated by a combination of constraint oriented specification and model checking. This shows the usefulness of formal specification and automatic verification during the design phase of an international standard.
The CtCoq System: Design and Architecture
Authors: Bertot Yves
Published: August 2002

The CtCoq user-interface is a graphical user-interface designed to be added to the Coq proof development system, acting as a broker between the human user and the logical engine. The principal design goal for CtCoq was to support large-scale proof development and we claim that this user-interface helps to increase the productivity of Coq users through powerful capabilities for elaborate mathematical notations, mouse interaction, and script management. In this paper, we review the user interface implementation to show how this design goal affects the capabilities provided by the system.
Interactive Proof Critics
Authors: Ireland Andrew , Jackson Michael , Reid Gordon
Published: August 2002

The key to a successful proof often lies within the analysis of failed proof attempts. Motivated by this observation we have developed and evaluated an interface to an inductive theorem prover which supports a collaborative style of failure analysis. Our work builds upon an automatic proof patching mechanism and extends the capabilities of an existing theorem proving interface. Our approach is multi-disciplinary, we draw upon work from both the automated theorem proving and human computer interaction communities.
Proving as Editing HOL Tactics
Authors: Takahashi Koichi , Hagiya Masami
Published: August 2002

We introduce an Emacs interface for writing HOL proof scripts in SML based on the Computing-as-Editing paradigm. Tactics in a proof script are considered as constraints, and the process of interactive theorem proving becomes that of solving constraints. In addition, constraint solving is subsumed by the process of editing a proof script. Tactics are executed while the script is being edited. The user does not have to pay attention to the status of the HOL prover. In our interface, the user can also enjoy proof-by-pointing. The result of proof-by-pointing is inserted as a tactic into a proof script. We expect that our interface will be widely used as an extension of the familiar HOL mode on Emacs.
ADL: An Activity Description Language for Real-Time Networks
Authors: Paynter Stephen , Armstrong Jim , Haveman Jan
Published: August 2002

This paper introduces and motivates ADL, a new formal notation for the specification of the temporal and functional behaviour of concurrent processes. ADL is tailored to be directly compatible with the DORIS design method. It combines a graphical
Activity State-Machine
(ASM) notation and a model-based
Activity Functional Behaviour
(AFB) notation. The abstract syntax, and static and dynamic semantics for the ASM notation are given, the dynamic semantics being given proof-theoretically in many-sorted logic extended with the RTL ‘occurrence’ relation,
Θ
, and the ERTL ‘holding’ relation,
Φ
. ADL is used to specify a small network, and proofs are given of its timeliness and safety properties.
Unilateral Surgery Supported by Germline RET Oncogene Mutation Analysis in Patients with Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Miyauchi Akira , Matsuzuka Fumio , Hirai Keisuke , Yokozawa Tomotsu , Kobayashi Kaoru , Kuma Seiji , Kuma Kanji , Futami Hitoyasu , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: August 2002

Compared to hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), sporadic MTC tends to be unicentric and confined to one lobe. Patients with sporadic MTC usually undergo total thyroidectomy because of a possible hereditary or bilateral process. We evaluated the usefulness of germline RET oncogene mutation analysis in surgery for apparently sporadic MTC and performed unilateral surgery on patients without detectable mutation. In 36 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of apparently sporadic MTC, we performed germline RET oncogene mutation analyses: before surgery in 8 recent patients and after surgery in 28 who had been treated before 1996. Of the latter, 5 had bilateral MTC. DNA samples were extracted from their peripheral blood, and the polymerase chain reaction products of the RET proto‐oncogene were analyzed using single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis and the direct sequencing methods. Before 1996 we often performed total thyroidectomy but changed to hemithyroidectomy thereafter, except in one patient with associated Graves' ophthalmopathy. Our minimal standard practice included systematic central and ipsilateral neck dissection. The outcome was assessed in terms of gastrin‐ and calcium‐stimulated plasma calcitonin levels. Germline RET mutations were found in six patients. Five of these patients had bilateral MTC, whereas all 30 patients without mutation had unilateral disease. Hemithyroidectomy in seven of our recent patients resulted in normalization of plasma calcitonin levels in all, although four were found to have microscopic lymph node involvement. In conclusion, hemithyroidectomy with systematic central and ipsilateral neck dissection is an appropriate procedure for patients with sporadic MTC without detectable germline RET mutations.
Vertical Gastroplasty: Evolution of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty
Authors: Mason Edward E. , Doherty Cornelius , Cullen Joseph J. , Scott David , Rodriguez Evelyn M. , Maher James W.
Published: August 2002

The objective of this paper is to summarize the goals, technical requirements, advantages, and potential risks of gastroplasty for treatment of severe obesity. Gastroplasty is preferred to more complex operations, as it preserves normal digestion and absorption and avoids complications that are peculiar to exclusion operations. The medical literature and a 30‐year experience at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) provides an overview of vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) evolution. Preliminary 10‐year results with the VBG technique currently used at UIHC are included. At UIHC the VBG is preferred to other gastroplasties because it provides weight control that extends for at least 10 years and the required objective, intraoperative quality control required for a low rate of reoperation. It is recommended that modifications of the operative technique not be attempted until a surgeon has had experience with the standardized operation—and then only under a carefully designed protocol. Realistic goals for surgery and criteria of success influence the choice of operation and the optimum, lifelong risk/benefit ratio. In conclusion, VBG is a safe, long‐term effective operation for severe obesity with advantages over complex operations and more restrictive simple operations.
Laparoscopy and Laparoscopic Ultrasonography for Staging Pancreatic Cancer: Critical Appraisal
Authors: Pietrabissa A. , Caramella D. , Di Candio G. , Carobbi A. , Boggi U. , Rossi G. , Mosca F.
Published: August 2002

A pilot study was designed to elucidate the role of staging laparoscopy for determining resectability in patients with pancreatic cancer. The additional value of laparoscopic contact ultrasonography (LCU) was also evaluated with specific regard to its ability to detect hepatic metastases and assess vascular infiltration of the portomesenteric trunk. A consecutive sample of 50 patients referred for operation of a suspected pancreatic cancer were submitted to preoperative contrast‐enhanced high‐resolution computed tomography (CT) and staging laparoscopy combined with LCU at a university hospital. For those progressing to exploratory laparotomy, the intraoperative findings relating to tumor diffusion and vascular infiltration were compared to CT, laparoscopic, and LCU data. Analytical description of the laparoscopic findings is given. Row data of predicted versus observed vascular infiltration were tabulated for CT and LCU. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of each diagnostic test were calculated for comparative analysis. Laparoscopy alone prevented unnecessary laparotomy in 20% of cases. A complete procedure could not be achieved in 28% of patients. Three false‐negative staging results occurred. LCU identified small (benign) hepatic nodules not seen by CT in 8% of patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy for assessing vascular infiltration were 82%, 53%, and 69% for CT and 94%, 80%, and 87% for LCU. Laparoscopy was confirmed to be safe and effective for staging pancreatic cancer. Because of its unique capabilities to detect even small peritoneal tumor deposits a quick exploration immediately before laparotomy is advised in all patients. The additional benefit of a more extensive procedure is not supported by our results. Although LCU appears to define the vascular involvement more accurately than conventional CT, the limitation of getting clinically useful ultrasound data in all the patients suggests its adoption in only a selected population.
Impact of introduced honeybees, Apis mellifera, upon native bee communities in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands
Authors: Kato M. , Shibata Akihiro , Yasui Takaya , Nagamasu Hidetoshi
Published: August 2002

The Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands are oceanic islands located in the northwest Pacific, and have ten native (nine endemic) bee species, all of which are nonsocial. The European honeybee (Apis mellifera), which was introduced to the islands for apiculture in the 1880s, became naturalized in a few islands shortly after introduction. To detect the impact of the honeybees upon native bee diversity, we analyzed pollen harvest by honeybees and surveyed the relative abundance of honeybees and native bees on flowers on several islands. Both hived and feral honeybee colonies were active throughout the year, harvesting pollen of both native and alien flowers and from both entomophilous and anemophilous flowers. Honeybees strongly depended on the alien plants, especially during winter to spring when native melittophilous flowers were rare. From June to November, honeybees exhaustively utilized native flowers, which had originally been utilized and pollinated by native bees. On Chichi and Haha Islands, where human disturbance of forests has been severe, both native and alien flowers were dominated by honeybees, and native bees were rare or extinct even in well‐conserved forests. In contrast, on Ani Island and Haha's satellite islands where primary forests were well conserved and honeybees were still uncommon or absent, native bees remained dominant. These results suggest that competition for nectar and pollen of the native flowers between honeybees and native bees favors honeybees on the disturbed islands, which are thoroughly invaded by alien nectariferous, sometimes aggressive, weedy plants.
Radiographic Evaluation of Acetabular Component Position in Dogs
Authors: Dyce Jonathan , Wisner Erik R. , Schrader Steven C. , Wang Qiang , Olmstead Marvin L.
Published: August 2002

Objective— To assess the usefulness of standard radiographic projections for determining acetabular cup position and to compare 2 radiographic methods for calculation of the angle of lateral opening of the acetabular cup.

Study Design— In vitro radiographic study.

Methods— Acetabular components were mounted on a custom‐built inclinometer. The effect of varying the angles of lateral opening, inclination, version, and centering of the x‐ray beam on the radiographic appearance of the cup was investigated. The angle of lateral opening was calculated trigonometrically after direct measurement and by means of computer‐aided image analysis.

Results— Using a ventrodorsal radiograph, the computer‐aided measurement of angle of lateral opening was accurate to within 5° when the true angle of lateral opening was ≥40°. In the case of direct measurement, the calculated angle was accurate to within 5° only when the true angle was ≥60°. An increasing angle of inclination was associated with reduced accuracy of calculation of the angles of lateral opening and version. Standard radiographic assessment of acetabular version and inclination was not found to be clinically useful. The displacement of the x‐ray beam, which would cause significant error in the determination of lateral opening, is unlikely to be exceeded in practice. Cup size had no significant effect on the accuracy of the results.

Conclusions— Computer‐aided image analysis can be used to calculate angles of lateral opening to within 10° throughout the range of acetabular positions seen in practice and is appropriate for postoperative documentation of cup position. The angles of inclination and version should be interpreted with caution.
Synovitis Subsequent to Total‐Hip Arthroplasty with and Without Hydroxyapatite Coatings: A Study in Dogs
Authors: Anderson Gail I. , Orlando Kent , Waddell James P.
Published: August 2002

Objective— To establish whether hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings applied to metal total‐hip‐replacement components increased synovitis in the coxofemoral joint of dogs.

Study Design— An in vivo research trial and histologic study.

Animals— Twenty‐three large, mixed‐breed dogs.

Methods— Arthroplasty components were implanted with HA on neither stem nor cup, or with HA applied to either the femoral component or with both stem and cup having HA applied in 23 dogs. Synovial inflammation was scored 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Synovial membrane thickness; polyethylene particulate load; fibrin exudate; membrane edema; mitotic index; giant‐cell, mononuclear histiocyte, lymphocyte, and polymorph number; and collagen degeneration were scored and statistical analyses performed.

Results— Operated‐side synovial thickness was greatly increased relative to control. Fibrin deposition, intramembranous edema, and collagen degeneration were similar within each time interval among the various component groups. The majority of inflammatory scores among the groups were unchanged. In this 12‐month study, the presence of HA coatings appear not to have a marked impact on the development of synovial inflammation.

Conclusions— HA‐coated components do appear to contribute somewhat to the inflammatory load within the periprosthetic environment, but this effect is not marked.

Clinical Relevance— The major advantage of HA addition to arthroplasty components is enhanced osteoconductivity around metallic surfaces. The slight increase in particulate load seen in the presence of HA coatings may contribute to the development of aseptic loosening of arthroplasty components, but is unlikely to be the major causative factor.
Magnetic Resonance Measurements of the Deviation of the Angle of Force Generated by Contraction of the Quadriceps Muscle in Dogs with Congenital Patellar Luxation
Authors: Kaiser Stephan , Cornely Daniel , Golder Werner , Garner Michael , Waibl Helmut , Brunnberg Leo
Published: August 2002

Objective— To measure the quadriceps angle (Q‐angle) in dogs with congenital patellar luxation using magnetic resonance (MR) methods.

Study Design— Prospective clinical study.

Animals— Thirty‐eight client‐owned dogs.

Methods— Thirty‐eight dogs were examined and placed into the following groups based on the degree of patellar instability: normal, grade I, grade II, and grade III. MR images of 37 pelvic limbs without patellar instability, 33 pelvic limbs with patellar luxation, and 6 limbs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture were made. The Q‐angle was calculated using trigonometric methods based on MR images. Limbs with patellar luxation were compared with normal stifles and stifle with other disorders.

Results— The average Q‐angle of the normal group was 10.5° (24.9° to −2.0°). The grade I group had an average Q‐angle of 12.2° (28.8° to 2°), the grade II group 24.3° (44.6° to 7.7°), and the grade III group 36.6° (51.4° to 15.6°). The average Q‐angle of limbs with an isolated CrCL rupture was 19.3° (34.7° to 3.9°).

Conclusion— MR images can be used to make exact calculations of the Q‐angle.

Clinical Relevance— MR images can be used to quantify the degree of patellar luxation.
Uncoupling Proteins‐‐How Do They Work and How Are They Regulated
Authors: Klingenberg Martin
Published: August 2002

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are regulated H + transporters and a subfamily of the mitochondrial carrier family. Whereas UCP1 in brown adipose tissue has a well‐defined role in thermogenesis, the roles of other UCPs are still tentative, such as in control of immune response, oxygen radical formation, and insulin secretion. The popular overexpression in yeast did not yield a functional form of UCP3 and possibly of other UCPs in mitochondria with the exception of UCP1. Whereas UCP1 can be isolated in native form, the isolation of other native UCPs from tissues or from overexpression in yeast failed. UCPs (UCP1, 2, and 3) expressed in E. coli as inclusion bodies can be reconstituted to yield H + transport only in the presence of CoQ requiring fatty acids as native UCP1. The rates are similar to native UCP1 and are inhibited by low nucleotide concentrations. Native UCP1 is activated by endogenous CoQ. Differences between UCPs may reside in the regulation, such as by the ATP/ADP ratio in accordance with the specific cellular requirements.
Double-decker Yttrium(III) Complexes with Phthalocyaninato and Porphyrinato Ligands
Authors: JIANG JIANZHUANG , XIE JINGLEI , CHOI MICHAEL T. M. , YAN YAN , SUN SIXIU , NG DENNIS K. P.
Published: August 2002

A series of new yttrium(III) double-decker complexes with the same and different phthalocyaninato and porphyrinato ligands has been prepared. The homoleptic complexes Y ( P )2 ( P = Pc *(C7 H 15)8, Pc *( OC 5 H 11)8; Pc * = 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octasubstituted phthalocyaninate) have been synthesized by treating yttrium(III) acetylacetonate ( Y ( acac )3· H 2 O ) with the phthalonitriles C 6 H 2 R 2( CN )2 ( R = C 7 H 15, OC 5 H 11) in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). The heteroleptic analogues Y ( P )( Pc ) ( P = Pc *( C 7 H 15)8, Pc *( OC 5 H 11)8; Pc = unsubstituted phthalocyaninate) and Y ( P )( Por ) ( P = Pc , Pc *( C 7 H 15)8; Por = meso-tetraphenylporphyrinate (TPP), meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrinate (TPyP)) have been prepared by the base-catalysed tetramerization of the corresponding phthalonitriles using Y ( P )( acac ) ( P = Pc , TPP , TPyP ) as templates. The syntheses along with the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these novel double-deckers are described.
The influence of phenylethynyl linkers on the photo-physical properties of metal-free porphyrins
Authors: BAKER GARY A. , BRIGHT FRANK V. , DETTY MICHAEL R. , PANDEY SIDDHARTH , STILTS COREY E. , YAO HUIRONG
Published: August 2002

Series of 5,10,15,20-tetraarylporphyrins 1 and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(arylethynyl)phenyl]porphyrins 2 were prepared via condensation of pyrrole with the appropriate benzaldehyde or 4-(arylethynyl)benzaldehyde derivative (3). Condensation of meso-phenyldipyrromethane with mixtures of benzaldehyde and 4-(trimethylsilyl-ethynyl)benzaldehyde gave a separable mixture of mono- (6), bis- (both cis-7 and trans-8) and tris[4-(trimethylsilylethynyl)phenyl]porphyrin (9). Following removal of the trimethylsilyl groups of 6–9, the 4-ethynylphenyl groups of 11–14 were coupled to 1-iodo-3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)benzene with Pd ( OAc )2 to give 15–18 bearing one, two (both cis- and trans-) and three 4-[bis-3,5-(trifluoromethyl)phenylethynyl]phenyl groups respectively. Coupling of 11 and 1-iodo-4-nitrobenzene with Pd ( OAc )2 gave porphyrin 19 with one 4-(4-nitrophenylethynyl)phenyl group. Porphyrin 24 with a p-quinone linked to the porphyrin core via a phenylethynyl group was prepared via similar chemistry. The absorbance spectra, emission maxima, excited-state fluorescence lifetimes, quantum yields of fluorescence, rates of fluorescence and rates of non-radiative decay were measured for each of the porphyrins. Absorbance spectra and emission maxima were nearly identical for all the porphyrins of this study, which suggests that the aryl groups and 4-(arylethynyl)phenyl groups are not strongly coupled to the porphyrin core in these metal-free compounds. Fluorescence quantum yields and rates of radiative decay were larger for porphyrins bearing 4-(arylethynyl)phenyl groups, while excited-state fluorescence lifetimes were somewhat shorter. These effects were additive for each additional 4-(arylethynyl)phenyl group.
The exposure‐time‐response relationship between occupational asbestos exposure and lung cancer in two German case‐control studies*
Authors: Hauptmann Michael , Pohlabeln Hermann , Lubin Jay H. , Jöckel Karl‐Heinz , Ahrens Wolfgang , Brüske‐Hohlfeld Irene , Wichmann H.‐Erich
Published: August 2002

Background

Numerous studies have been carried out to evaluate the association between lung cancer and occupational asbestos exposure. However, the effects of timing of exposure have not been analyzed thoroughly.

Methods

Two German case‐control studies with data on occupational asbestos exposure histories have been pooled. Duration of work in potentially asbestos exposed jobs and two derived weighted exposure measures are analyzed together with time since last exposure. A spline function is used to model the effect of time since exposure.

Results

The odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were 1.8 (1.2, 2.7) and 2.4 (1.7, 3.4) for subjects having worked for 3 to 7 years and 8 or more years, respectively, in a job with potential asbestos exposure compared to never‐exposed. Based on an evaluation of time since last exposure, the OR decreased significantly to about one‐half after more than 20 years since exposure ceased. Using a spline function, applied to workers' complete exposure histories, the effect of an increment of exposure is greatest 10–15 years after that exposure was received.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous indications, the risk of lung cancer increases soon after asbestos exposure, with its maximum effect from 10 to 15 years after the exposure was received. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:89–97, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Designing intervention effectiveness studies for occupational health and safety: The Minnesota Wood Dust Study*
Authors: Brosseau L.M. , Parker D.L. , Lazovich D. , Milton T. , Dugan S.
Published: August 2002

Background

A planning model was used to guide the design of a randomized controlled study of the effectiveness of tailored interventions in lowering dust exposures in small woodworking shops.

Methods

Guided by Green's PRECEDE–PROCEED model, we used a planning committee, focus groups and a pilot study to gain information on small woodworking shops, causes of and controls for high dust levels, and barriers and incentives surrounding availability and use of dust controls.

Results

The planning committee identified key characteristics of small woodworking shop owners. Focus groups with owners and employees served to further elucidate why dust control was considered unimportant. The pilot study gave measures of dust exposures, tasks, and use of controls. Interventions focused on providing owners with technical and economic assistance to lower dust levels and an educational program for employees discussing health effects and effective methods of dust control.

Conclusions

The PRECEDE–PROCEED model proved a useful framework for designing an intervention in the occupational setting. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:54–61, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Follow‐up study of respiratory health of newly‐hired female cotton textile workers
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Rong , Pan Lei‐Da , Zhang Hong‐Xi , Sun Bi‐Xiong , Dai He‐lian , Christiani David C.
Published: August 2002

Background

Numerous studies have investigated adverse effects of exposure to cotton dust on respiratory health, but very limited longitudinal data are available with regard to the early pulmonary response to cotton dust. Moreover, the adverse effects of occupational exposure to cotton dust have been difficult to separate from the confounding effects of smoking. This setting provided a unique opportunity to evaluate early respiratory effects in newly hired and non‐smoking female textile workers.

Methods

To identify early pulmonary responses to cotton dust exposure and associated gram‐negative bacterial endotoxin, respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in 225 newly‐hired textile workers were assessed at work initiation, and at three and twelve months later.

Results

All the workers were females and nonsmokers, with an average age of 18 years. Symptom incidence at three months was 3.6% for usual cough with phlegm, and 6.7% for usual dry cough. Lung function changes were detectable at one year: FEV1 declined by 70 ml and FVC by 124 ml over the year, and workers reporting respiratory symptoms at three months showed a significantly greater cross‐shift drop in FEV1 (−2.3%) than those without the symptoms (−0.7%).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the occurrence of respiratory symptoms represents the earliest response to cotton dust exposure, followed by lung function changes. Early respiratory symptoms may be a risk factor for subsequent loss of pulmonary function in cotton textile workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:111–118, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Approaches to sharing occupational safety and health information on a global scale†
Authors: Schulte Paul A.
Published: August 2002

Background

The global burden of occupational morbidity and mortality is staggering. Information sharing has been identified as a major way of reducing this burden. Past and current approaches to such sharing and application are worth examining in order to guide future efforts.

Methods

Recent literature from international agencies and others was examined to identify examples of information sharing and to determine the status of such sharing and related issues. Literature was included from the areas of surveillance, priority setting, research, dissemination, and risk management.

Results

Examples of global information sharing were identified and lessons were drawn from the issues attendant to them.

Conclusions

Results indicate that a broad range of efforts actively promote the global distribution of occupational safety and health information. To advance global approaches to the sharing of occupational and safety and health information, it is critical to improve the opportunity and capacity to access information. Important objectives in achieving this goal are developing coherent and transparent information policies, conducting research on dissemination, adaptation, and utilization of information, and overcoming barriers to information and training. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:210–216, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of self‐assessment of solvent exposure with measurement and professional assessment for female petrochemical workers in China*
Authors: Hu Ye A. , Smith Thomas J. , Xu Xiping , Wang Lihua , Watanabe Hiroshi , Christiani David C.
Published: August 2002

Objective

The primary objective of this paper is to examine the validity of self‐assessment of solvent exposure by comparing it with professional assessment and actual measurements.

Methods

Self‐assessment of exposures to benzene, toluene, styrene, and xylene was obtained from 132 female workers. The exposures were also estimated by an occupational hygienist and by actual measurement. Self‐assessment, professional assessment, and measurement were then compared with each other.

Results

Fair to good agreement was found between self‐assessment, professional assessment, and measurement for benzene, styrene, and xylene. The agreement between self‐assessment and measurement was poor for toluene, whereas the agreement between self‐assessment and professional assessment was good. The latter was caused by a biased professional assessment.

Conclusions

Workers' self‐assessment and professional assessment provided useful information for benzene, styrene, and xylene exposure, but not for toluene exposure. False agreement can be obtained when professional assessment was used as reference in validity study. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:483–489, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primed in situ labeling (PRINS) for evaluation of gene deletions in cancer
Authors: Tharapel Sugandhi A. , Kadandale Jayarama S.
Published: August 2002

Rearrangements involving the 13q14 and 17p13 chromosomal regions are often observed in leukemias and lymphomas. These rearrangements are not always identifiable cytogenetically. In more than 50% of cases, deletions occur at the submicroscopic level and the karyotypes appear normal. Molecular cytogenetic techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have accordingly contributed to the identification of a variety of subtle rearrangements such as those involving submicroscopic deletions. However, FISH is expensive, time consuming, technically burdensome, and requires cloned DNA probes. A newer technique, primed in situ labeling (PRINS), has been tested as a possible alternative to FISH. To assess the utility and efficiency of the PRINS method in the detection of RB1 and p53 deletions, we evaluated 10 patients with hematological disorders and known rearrangements, i.e., deletions involving 13q14 and 17p13 regions. The data in these cases were validated against data obtained with standard FISH probes. Our results indicate that PRINS could be used with relative ease in cytogenetics laboratories and could serve as an alternative to conventional FISH for defining deletions involving unique sequences. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patient with the mesomelic dysplasia, Nievergelt syndrome, and cerebellovermian agenesis and cataracts
Authors: Tüysüz Beyhan , Zeybek Cenap , Zorer Gazi , Sipahi Özlem , Üngür Savas
Published: August 2002

We describe a 33‐day‐old boy who had short and thick tibiae, symmetrical oligosyndactyly of the hands, and distinctive face. The patient was considered as a case of Nievergelt syndrome, a rare form of mesomelic dysplasia. Besides the characteristic mesomelic limb anomalies of Nievergelt syndrome, this patient exhibited two additional features: agenesis of the cerebellar vermis and cataracts, both of which have not been previously reported. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of an association between 5‐HT1A receptor gene structural polymorphisms and suicide victims
Authors: Nishiguchi Naoki , Shirakawa Osamu , Ono Hisae , Nishimura Akiyoshi , Nushida Hideyuki , Ueno Yasuhiro , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: August 2002

A serotonergic dysfunction in the brain has been reported to be involved in suicidal behavior independently of the presence of a specific psychiatric disorder. Serotonin 1A (5‐HT1A) receptors are known to be located on serotonergic nerve terminals and to be involved in the presynaptic regulation of serotonin release. Genetic factors partly explain the risks for suicide, and a suicide completion group is thought to be more uniform than a suicide attempt group. To explore the hypothesis that the 5‐HT1A receptor‐induced serotonergic dysfunction is implicated genetically in suicide, we focused on the structural polymorphisms, Pro16Leu and Gly272Asp, of the 5‐HT1A receptor gene, and examined the association between suicide victims who completed suicide and these two polymorphisms. In both polymorphisms, we found no significant difference in genotype distribution or allele frequencies between suicide victims and controls. These findings suggest that neither of these two polymorphisms is associated with suicide victims and it is unlikely that the 5‐HT1A receptor gene is implicated in the susceptibility to suicide. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of methyltin species in sediments using a pervaporation–gas chromatographic approach
Authors: Gómez‐Ariza J. L. , Mingorance F. , Velasco‐Arjona A. , Giráldez I. , Sánchez‐Rodas D. , Morales E.
Published: August 2002

A method for speciation of monomethyltin (MMT), dimethyltin (DMT) and trimethyltin (TMT) in sediments based on the coupling between a pervaporation module, a preconcentration system and a gas chromatograph coupled with a pulsed flame photometric detector is reported. All the species are derivatized using sodium tetraethylborate as an appropriate reagent in order to produce volatile compounds. The experimental approach consists of a high‐pressure injection valve. In one of the valve positions, the volatile tin species are driven to an appropriate minicolumn as a sorptive trap placed at the valve loop to preconcentrate the analytes. After a fixed time, the current valve position is changed for the injection mode and desorption of the preconcentrated analytes are obtained by heating in a furnace. Estimated detection limits (of tin) for MMT, DMT and TMT using 500 mg of sample are in all cases lower than 21 ng g−1. Excellent recoveries (between 90 and 98%) for tin species were obtained by this extremely simple and easily automated setup. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of phosphonate‐containing bismaleimide resins. I. Synthesis and characteristics of model compounds and polyaspartimides
Authors: Shu Wei‐Jye , Perng Li‐Hsiang , Chin Wei‐Kuo
Published: August 2002

Two phosphonate‐containing bismaleimide (BMI) [(4,4′‐bismaleimidophenyl)phosphonate] monomers with different melting temperatures and similar curing temperatures were synthesized by reacting N‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide with two kinds of dichloride‐terminated phosphonic monomers. The BMI monomers synthesized were identified with 1H‐, 13C‐, and 31P‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The phosphonate‐containing BMI monomers react with a free‐radical initiator to prepare phosphonate‐containing BMI polymers and also with various aromatic diamines to prepare a series of polyaspartimides as reactive flame retardants. The polymerization degrees of polyaspartimides depend on the alkalinity and nucleophility of diamines as chain extenders. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) were used to study the thermal properties of the phosphonate‐containing BMI resins such as the melting temperature, curing temperature, glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermal resistance. All the phosphonate‐containing BMI resins, except the BMI polymers, have a Tg in the range of 210–256°C and show 5% weight loss temperatures (T5%) of 329–434 and 310–388°C in air and nitrogen atmospheres, respectively. The higher heat resistance of cured BMI resin relative to the BMI polymer is due to its higher crosslinking density. Since the recrosslinking reactions of BMI polymers and polyaspartimides occur more easily in an oxidation environment, their thermal stabilities in air are higher than are those in nitrogen gas. In addition, the thermal decomposition properties of polyaspartimides depend on the structures and compositions of both the diamine segments and the BMI segments. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1919–1933, 2002
Thermal and mechanical properties of fiber‐forming poly(urethane semicarbazide)s
Authors: Palanisamy Aruna , Ummadisetty Venkateshwarlu , Radhakrishan Ganga
Published: August 2002

Fiber‐forming poly(urethane semicarbazide)s were prepared with poly(butylene adipate)glycol as soft‐segment domains and hexamethylene diisocyanate/terephthalic dihydrazide as hard‐segment domains. The hard‐segment content was varied via variations in the polyol/isocyanate molar ratio, and the films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of the hard‐segment‐content variation on the properties was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, stress–strain analysis, and dynamic mechanical testing. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the samples exhibited a very low level of hard/soft‐segment phase mixing. The stress–strain analyses revealed that the elongation at break decreased with an increase in the hard‐segment content and that the mechanical property depended on the overall crystallinity of the samples. Dynamic mechanical tests revealed a high glassy‐to‐rubbery state modulus and a high degree of phase separation between the hard and soft segments. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 86–93, 2002
Synthesis, characterization, and photochromic properties of PMMA functionalized with 4,4′‐diacryloyloxyazobenzene
Authors: Hu Xiao , Zhao Xiongyan , Gan Leong Huat , Xia Xulin
Published: August 2002

Attempts to introduce the azo chromophore into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) molecular chains were made in search for a new approach to obtain functionalized‐PMMA (f‐PMMA) with high glass transition temperature and an adequate azo content. A novel functionalized monomer, 4,4′‐diacryloyloxyazobenzene (DAOAB), was synthesized and used as grafting agent in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. 1H‐NMR spectrum, FTIR spectrum, elemental analysis, and MDSC measurement confirmed that the proposed structure of DAOAB was synthesized successfully. Furthermore, the thermal properties and photochromic behavior of f‐PMMA samples were also analyzed by DSC, TGA, and UV–visible spectroscopy. The results have shown that f‐PMMA exhibited a better photochromic behavior and considerably improved thermal properties than pure PMMA. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1061–1068, 2002
Effects of sulfonated surfactants on parallel diffusion of mono azo dye with high aggregation constant into cellulose membranes
Authors: Maekawa Masako , Kamada Chiyo , Miyata Kiyomi
Published: August 2002

The effects of sulfonated surfactants on the adsorption and diffusion of mono azo dye into water‐swollen cellulose membranes were studied at 25–55°C. The results were analyzed on the basis of the parallel diffusion theory of surface and pore diffusion. Addition of the surfactants increased the equilibrium adsorption of the dye onto cellulose and the pore diffusivity for the parallel diffusion model. The surface diffusivity for the model was not affected. The temperature dependence of the effects was also discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1781–1785, 2002
Preparation of porous poly(oxymethylene) membrane with high durability against solvents by a thermally induced phase‐separation method
Authors: Matsuyama Hideto , Kakemizu Masaki , Maki Taisuke , Tearamoto Masaaki , Mishima Kenji , Matsuyama Kiyoshi
Published: August 2002

Porous poly(oxymethylene) membranes were prepared as new solvent‐resistant membranes by a thermally induced phase‐separation method. Porous structures were formed by solid–liquid phase separation (polymer crystallization) rather than liquid–liquid phase separation. The pores existed in the intraspherulitic and interspherulitic regions. The effects of the polymer weight percentage and cooling rate on toluene permeance and solute rejection were investigated. The solvent resistance of the membranes was tested by the immersion of the membranes in organic solvents for 1 month, and high durability against the solvents was confirmed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1993–1999, 2002
Effect of drying conditions on microwave conductivity of polyaniline
Authors: John Honey , Biju Kumar S. , Mathew K. T. , Joseph Rani
Published: August 2002

Polyaniline was synthesized by using ammonium persulfate initiator in the presence of 1M HCl. It was dried under different drying conditions like room temperature drying (for 48 h), oven drying (at 50–60°C for 8 h under a vacuum), and vacuum drying (at room temperature for 16 h). The conductivities of these samples were measured at microwave frequencies. These samples were also pelletized and the measurements were repeated. The cavity perturbation technique was used for the study. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2008–2012, 2002
Compatibilization of side‐chain, thermotropic, liquid‐crystalline ionomers to blends of polyamide‐1010 and polypropylene
Authors: Li Yuanming , Zhang Bao Yan , Feng Zhiliu , Zhang Ailing
Published: August 2002

A novel side‐chain, liquid‐crystalline ionomer (SLCI) with a poly(methyl hydrosiloxane) main chain and side chains containing sulfonic acid groups was used in blends of polyamide‐1010 (PA1010) and polypropylene (PP) as a compatibilizer. The morphological structure, thermal behavior, and liquid‐crystalline properties of the blends were investigated by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological structure of the interface of the blends containing SLCI was improved with respect to the blend without SLCI. The compatibilization effect of greater than 8 wt % SLCI for the two phases, PA1010 and PP, was better than the effects of other SLCI contents in the blends. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2749–2754, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10179
Use of crosslinked poly(ferric acrylate) as a sorbent in solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Sreenivasan K.
Published: August 2002

A sample‐preparation step, before chromatographic analysis, is frequently performed to enrich the components of interest from a complex matrix. This step is also needed to purify and concentrate the analyte present in a highly dilute medium. Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) with a specific sorbent is one of the most widely used techniques for extracting trace components from aqueous or nonaqueous media. In this method, analytes are extracted by the passage of the medium through a cartridge containing a solid matrix. The recovery of the analytes from the medium considerably depends on the extent of the interactions between the analytes and the sorbent. Through the enhancement of these interactions, the extent of the uptake of the analytes can be improved. Poly(acrylic acid) is commonly employed as the sorbent in SPE for the isolation of polar analytes. This article discusses the use of the metal‐containing polymer poly(ferric acrylate) as the sorbent for the isolation of a few phenols as representative components from water. The results indicate that the metal‐containing polymer has an enhanced adsorption capacity in comparison with the capacity of the widely used sorbent poly(acrylic acid). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2184–2187, 2002
Measurement of residual stresses in injection‐molded polymer parts by time‐resolved fluorescence
Authors: Ikawa Taiji , Shiga Tohru , Okada Akane
Published: August 2002

Time‐resolved fluorescence properties of 9‐methylanthracene (9MAn) dispersed in film of polyvinylchloride (PVC) containing carbon black were studied under tensile loadings. The fluorescence lifetime of 9MAn decreased from 5.70 to 5.55 ns, whereas the stresses acting on the films increased from 0 to 3 MPa. The change in fluorescence lifetimes of 9MAn during the stress relaxation process showed that the fluorescence lifetimes were correlated with the stresses, not with the strains. The results suggest that 9MAn is a useful probe for monitoring stresses acting on the matrix. With the use of the fluorescence properties of 9MAn, the residual tensile stresses on the skin‐layer of PVC injection‐molded test pieces were estimated. The estimated residual stresses were about ∼ 1 MPa. The residual stresses were relaxed to 0 MPa with annealing at 100°C. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2600–2603, 2002