bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous detection of fourteen respiratory viruses in clinical specimens by two multiplex reverse transcription nested‐PCR assays
Authors: Coiras M.T. , Aguilar J.C. , García M.L. , Casas I. , Pérez‐Breña P.
Published: January 2004

There is a need for rapid, sensitive, and accurate diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections in children, elderly, and immunocompromised patients, who are susceptible to serious complications. The multiplex RT‐nested PCR assay has been used widely for simultaneous detection of non‐related viruses involved in infectious diseases because of its high specificity and sensitivity. A new multiplex RT‐PCR assay is described in this report. This approach includes nested primer sets targeted to conserve regions of human parainfluenza virus haemagglutinin, human coronavirus spike protein, and human enterovirus and rhinovirus polyprotein genes. It permits rapid, sensitive, and simultaneous detection and typing of the four types of parainfluenza viruses (1, 2, 3, 4AB), human coronavirus 229E and OC43, and the generic detection of enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. The testing of 201 clinical specimens with this multiplex assay along with other one formerly described by our group to simultaneously detect and type the influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, and a generic detection of all serotypes of adenovirus, covers the detection of most viruses causing respiratory infectious disease in humans. The results obtained were compared with conventional viral culture, immunofluorescence assay, and a third multiplex RT‐PCR assay for all human parainfluenza viruses types described previously. In conclusion, both multiplex RT‐PCR assays provide a system capable of detecting and identifying simultaneously 14 different respiratory viruses in clinical specimens with high sensitivity and specificity, being useful for routine diagnosis and survey of these viruses within the population. J. Med. Virol. 72:484–495, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infection with human papillomavirus alters expression of the small proline rich proteins 2 and 3
Authors: Lehr Elizabeth , Hohl Daniel , Huber Marcel , Brown Darron
Published: January 2004

Human papillomavirus (HPV) does not induce lysis of infected keratinocytes, and the exact mechanisms of viral escape are not known. As keratinocytes differentiate, the cornified cell envelope (CCE) develops, providing a protective barrier to the host. Our prior studies have identified abnormalities in CCEs isolated from genital epithelium infected with HPV 11 (a low‐risk HPV type) and HPV 59 (a high‐risk HPV type). These abnormalities included reduced thickness and increased fragility compared to CCEs in healthy epithelium. Transcription of loricrin is also reduced in HPV 11‐ and 59‐infected epithelium. In this study, uninfected and HPV 11‐ or 59‐infected human genital epithelium were examined for expression of the small proline rich proteins (SPRs), which serve as cross‐linking proteins within the CCE. Limiting cycle RT‐PCR was performed to detect the various SPR transcripts in HPV 11‐ and 59‐infected, or uninfected epithelium. Immunohistochemical analysis and immunoblot assays were performed to analyze the distribution and quantity of SPR2A, SPR2B, and SPR3. SPR2B transcripts were moderately increased in the HPV 11‐ and 59‐infected tissues and SPR3 transcripts were significantly increased in HPV 11‐infected tissues and minimally increased in HPV 59‐infected tissues. SPR2B protein quantities were moderately increased while SPR2A was not significantly changed. SPR3 protein, while not present in uninfected epithelium, was detected in abundance in HPV 11‐infected tissue. We conclude that low‐risk and high‐risk HPVs share the ability to alter expression of CCE proteins, although the exact mechanisms may differ. Expression of individual SPRs differed between these types and these alterations may play a role in fragility of CCEs in HPV infection. J. Med. Virol. 72:478–483, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Latent human papillomavirus infection is comparable in the larynx and trachea
Authors: Abramson Allan L. , Nouri May , Mullooly Virginia , Fisch Gene , Steinberg Bettie M.
Published: January 2004

Recurrent respiratory papillomas are benign airway tumors caused by Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) types 6 and 11. The disease is characterized by multiple recurrences of papillomas following surgical removal, caused by activation of latent HPV DNA. Most patients have laryngeal disease, while only a small subset has tracheal involvement. We have asked whether the lower frequency of tracheal papillomas was due to reduced prevalence of latent/subclinical tracheal HPV infection or reduced likelihood of activation to clinically apparent disease. A total of 121 biopsies of clinically normal laryngeal and tracheal tissues from 61 patients with laryngeal papillomas were analyzed for HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction, confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. Patients were followed for 3–18 years (mean = 5.5 ± 4.4), with only one developing subsequent tracheal disease. There was no significant difference in prevalence of latent HPV DNA between larynx and trachea, analyzing either those patients with a single biopsy or those with more than one biopsy of larynx, trachea, or both. There was also no significant difference between tracheal latency with HPV 6 and HPV 11. We conclude that HPV infects tracheal mucosa and is maintained as a latent infection in the trachea as efficiently as in the larynx. Therefore, we propose that the low frequency of tracheal disease reflects a lower frequency of HPV activation, and postulate that cellular factors that differ between the stratified squamous epithelium of the larynx and the ciliated pseudo‐stratified columnar epithelium of the trachea contribute to this difference. J. Med. Virol. 72:473–477, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clade analysis and surface antigen polymorphism of hepatitis B virus American genotypes
Authors: Devesa Marisol , Rodríguez Carmen , León Graciela , Liprandi Ferdinando , Pujol Flor Helene
Published: January 2004

Eight genotypes (A–H) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been described, HBV genotypes F and H being autochthonous to America. HBV genotype F has been classified in four clusters. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the molecular epidemiology of HBV American genotypes, as well as to analyze the genotype‐related polymorphism in some functional domains of the surface proteins. The sequences of the S region of 106 isolates genotype F and H were analyzed, out of which 47 isolates genotype F circulated in different Venezuelan populations. Most of the Venezuelan isolates genotype F were grouped in cluster III (n = 39) and 7 in cluster II. One isolate obtained from a blood donor could not be classified in any clade and harbored amino acid substitutions characteristic of a vaccine escape mutant (G145R) and a stop codon in the surface antigen. Amino acid analysis of the PreS and S gene products showed unique genetic characteristics in genotype F and H sequences in some important domains involved in the early steps of infection. Out of 30 available sequences, two complete genome sequences of HBV genotype F from Venezuela were obtained. Phylogenetic analysis of these complete genomes confirmed the presence of four clusters inside genotype F, differing in more than 4% nucleotide divergence. Our extended analysis showed that genotype F clades Ia, III, and IV exhibit a restricted geographic distribution (Central America, the North and the South of South America, respectively) while clades Ib and II are found in all the Americas except in the Northern South America and North America respectively. J. Med. Virol. 72:377–384, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct evidence that naturally occurring mutations within hepatitis B core epitope alter CD4+ T‐cell reactivity
Authors: Torre Francesco , Cramp Matthew , Owsianka Ania , Dornan Ed , Marsden Howard , Carman William , Williams Roger , Naoumov Nikolai V.
Published: January 2004

Exacerbations of chronic hepatitis B have been associated with accumulation of mutations in the HBV core gene, with amino acid (aa) substitutions clustering between aa 50 and 69. This region of the nucleocapsid protein is known as an immunodominant epitope for CD4+ T‐lymphocytes, however the impact of these mutations on T‐cell reactivity has not been investigated. For this purpose, we undertook fine mapping of the reactivity of peripheral blood lymphocytes, isolated from patients with acute (n = 8) or chronic hepatitis B (n = 10), against a panel of branched synthetic peptides. The peptide aa sequences corresponded to the wild type HBV (aa 50–69), or contained 1–3 aa changes derived on the basis of naturally occurring mutations. In four of eight patients with acute hepatitis B the wild type peptide 50–69, which corresponded to the core gene sequence of HBV present in these patients, induced a strong T‐cell proliferative response. In the same cases, the T‐cell response to the mutant peptides was altered at various degrees, depending on the number and the position of aa changes. The most pronounced inhibition of CD4+ T‐cell response (between 44 and 92%) was caused by a peptide ligand with two aa substitutions at positions 64 and 67. These results demonstrate that mutations within immunodominant epitopes of the HBV nucleocapsid can affect the CD4+ T‐lymphocyte reactivity, which may have a role for the accumulation of certain HBV strains after hepatitis flares during the course of chronic HBV infection. J. Med. Virol. 72:370–376, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of viremia and acute liver injury in relation to outcome of neonatal woodchuck hepatitis virus infection
Authors: Wang Yun , Menne Stephan , Baldwin Betty H. , Tennant Bud C. , Gerin John L. , Cote Paul J.
Published: January 2004

The kinetics of serum viral responses and acute liver injury were studied during neonatal woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection in relation to the chronic or resolved outcome. The mean concentrations of serum WHV DNA and surface antigen were significantly higher by week 10 post infection in chronic infections compared to resolving infections, and diverged even further by the time of peak viral load development in serum (week 12). After week 12, these viral markers were detected less frequently with time and at lower concentrations in the resolved outcome. In both outcomes, mean serum activities of hepatic enzymes became increased significantly above baseline by weeks 10–12, peaked at week 14, and normalized by weeks 20–22, thus indicating transient acute liver injury. The increasing liver injury responses were comparable between outcomes at week 12, when serum viral load was markedly higher in the developing chronic infections. This suggested a deficiency in early non‐cytolytic control of infection in the chronic outcome. At week 14, liver injury was significantly greater in the resolved outcome and associated with higher mean Fas ligand (FasL) and perforin messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in liver compared to the chronic outcome. This indicated greater immune‐mediated killing of infected hepatocytes during resolution. Thus, chronicity as an outcome of neonatal WHV infection develops relatively early during the acute phase of infection due to reduced immune‐mediated clearance of infected hepatocytes by both cytolytic and non‐cytolytic processes. J. Med. Virol. 72:406–415, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The El Niño–southern oscillation and Antarctica
Authors: Turner John
Published: January 2004

This paper reviews our understanding of how the effects of the El Niño–southern oscillation (ENSO) might be transmitted from the tropical Pacific Ocean to the Antarctic, and examines the evidence for such signals in the Antarctic meteorological, sea ice, ice core and biological records. Many scientific disciples concerned with the Antarctic require an understanding of how the climatic conditions in the tropical and mid‐latitude regions affect the Antarctic, and it is hoped that this review will aid their work.

The most pronounced signals of ENSO are found over the southeast Pacific as a result of a climatological Rossby wave train that gives positive (negative) height anomalies over the Amundsen–Bellingshausen Sea during El Niño (La Niña) events. However, the extra‐tropical signature can sometimes show a high degree of variability between events in this area. In West Antarctica, links between ENSO and precipitation have shown variability on the decadal time scale. Across the continent itself, it is even more difficult to relate meteorological conditions to ENSO, yet analyses of the long meteorological records from the stations do indicate a distinct switch in sign of the pressure anomalies from positive to negative across the minimum in the southern oscillation index.

The oceanic signals of ENSO around the Antarctic are less clear, but it has been suggested that the Antarctic circumpolar wave could be forced by the phenomenon.

Ice‐core data offer the potential to help in understanding the long‐term relationship between ENSO and the climate of the Antarctic, but there are difficulties because of the need to smooth the ice‐core data to overcome the mixing of snow on the surface. Nevertheless, analysis of methylsulphonic acid in a South Pole core has shown high variability on ENSO time scales.

It is clear that some evidence of ENSO can be found in the Antarctic meteorological and ice‐core records; however, many of the relationships tend not to be stable with time, and we currently have a poor understanding of the transfer functions by which such signals arrive at the Antarctic from the tropical Pacific. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Statistical prediction of sea‐surface temperature over the tropical Atlantic
Authors: Repelli Carlos Alberto , Nobre Paulo
Published: January 2004

A statistical system to predict sea‐surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) over the tropical oceans, with emphasis on the tropical Atlantic, is described. Canonical correlation analysis is used to identify critical sequences of predictor patterns, which tend to evolve into subsequent patterns and which can be used to form a forecast. The results indicate that SST fields over the equatorial Pacific and tropical Atlantic can be a potential predictor of the SSTAs over the tropical Atlantic 3–4 months in advance. The spatial structures of the SSTAs over the tropical Atlantic for the period March–May are well captured by the predictions done with initial conditions from September to February. Model performance is better over the northern tropical Atlantic than over the southern tropical Atlantic, where persistence is hardly beaten. Results of this work can contribute to improve seasonal climate predictions of rainfall anomalies over the northeast Brazil region. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Changes in the sub‐decadal covariability between Northern Hemisphere snow cover and the general circulation of the atmosphere
Authors: Saito Kazuyuki , Yasunari Tetsuzo , Cohen Judah
Published: January 2004

Details of the sub‐decadal covariability relationship between continental snow cover extent anomalies and the dominant mode of atmospheric variability, referred to as the Arctic oscillation (AO) or North Atlantic oscillation (NAO), for the period 1971–2001 are explored. On the seasonal time scale, the winter AO is found to be significantly correlated with the preceding autumn Eurasian snow cover (SNCEUR) throughout the period observed. Consistent with this finding, SNCEUR variability led the AO variability on the sub‐decadal time scale in the early half of the record. However, starting in the mid 1980s, the AO and SNCEUR vary in phase. Analyses of the seasonal relationship and persistence of snow and atmospheric variables illustrate a phase shift in the sub‐decadal variability between the AO and SNCEUR due to the loss of autumn–winter SNCEUR autocorrelation replaced by a significant winter–spring persistence and the emergence of a concurrent SNCEUR–AO connection in winter and spring. Similar analysis shows that the sub‐decadal NAO variation is mostly described by the fluctuation in summer North American snow cover. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Microsurgical penile replantation facilitated by postoperative HBO treatment
Authors: Landström Jerone T. , Schuyler Robert W. , Macris George P.
Published: January 2004

Successful microsurgical replantation of a penis amputated at the level of the pubis is a rare occurrence worldwide. Moreover, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) for a postoperative replant Pseudomonas wound infection has not been reported. There is also disagreement regarding the importance of microsurgical repair of only the dorsal arteries or only the profundi arteries of the penis. A case is reported of penile replantation with a postoperative Pseudomonas wound infection treated with HBO to prevent potential replant loss, with a worldwide literature review. At 1‐year postoperative follow‐up, the patient has normal urinary flow and reports spontaneous erection, with the ability for intromission and a sensate glans. HBO facilitated the success of a penile replantation complicated by postoperative Pseudomonas wound infection. In addition, a literature review supports the microsurgical repair of at least a single isolated dorsal penile artery, but not a single or multiple profundi arteries. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Total thyroidectomy is improved by loupe magnification
Authors: Testini Mario , Nacchiero Michele , Piccinni Giuseppe , Portincasa Piero , Di Venere Beatrice , Lissidini Germana , Bonomo G. Martino
Published: January 2004

With this study, we verified if a microsurgical approach with magnification could improve the outcome of total thyroidectomy. Ninety‐seven patients were consecutively randomized into group A (surgery with x 2.5 magnification and microsurgical instruments, n = 47) or group B (surgery with no magnification, n = 50). The mean operative time was 125 ± 4.0 min in group A, and 150 ± 4.0 min in group B (P = 0.00012). The recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified in all patients of group A, and in 96.8% of group B. The overall morbidity rate was 4.0% in group A and 25.5% in group B (P = 0.0038). This study indicates that a microsurgical approach with magnification is feasible, reduces surgical time, and improves the outcome in total thyroidectomy. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aberrant position of the ulnar nerve within the carpal canal
Authors: Papanastasiou Stephanos , Sood Manu
Published: January 2004

A case is presented where both the ulnar nerve and palmaris profundus tendon were found within the carpal tunnel during routine open decompression for carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emergency surgical repair of extensive soft‐tissue defects in upper limb of a child, using flap graft
Authors: Li Lin , Xiongjin Tan , Guofen Chen
Published: January 2004

Extensive soft‐tissue defects in the upper limb of a child are rare, and emergency surgical repair presents a challenge to the clinician and requires high proficiency in operating skills. The use of common regular flaps fails to completely cover the trauma. We report on a case in which the skin defect, reaching 42 × 15 cm, was repaired by the use of a scapula latissimus dorsi musculo‐cutaneous flap, and the functions of the affected limb were maintained to the utmost extent. Thus the patient has escaped amputation. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compression neuropathy of common peroneal nerve caused by an extraneural ganglion: A report of two cases
Authors: Rawal Arvind , Ratnam K.R. , Yin Qi , Sinopidis Chris , Frostick Simon P.
Published: January 2004

Peroneal nerve entrapment is most common in the popliteal fossa, but is rarely caused by a ganglion. Although ganglionic cysts are very common lesions, they seldom cause serious complications. Ganglionic cysts developing in the sheath of a peripheral nerve or joint capsule may cause compression neuropathy. We report on two cases of compression neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve caused by an extraneural ganglion and its evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography. The differential diagnosis should involve L5 root pathology, a posttraumatic intraneural hemorrhage, a nerve compression near the tendinous arch located at the fibular insertion of the peroneal longus muscle, and a nerve‐sheath tumor. The combination of MRI and ultrasonography is useful for the accurate diagnosis of this condition, and it should be treated by microsurgical exploration as soon as possible. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of Kırschner wire in mandible reconstruction: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yıldırım Serkan , Aköz Tayfun
Published: January 2004

Reconstruction of massive defects in head the and neck usually requires different tissues such as skin, bone, and muscle in three‐dimensional organization. Therefore, reconstruction of mandibular defects in particular include many difficulties for the head and neck, and for reconstructive surgeons. Various techniques and materials are available, and each has some advantages and disadvantages. But no materials or methods have all the reconstructive requirements. The surgeon's choice of techniques should be safe, simple, economic, and effective. We present a patient with a massive facial defect that was reconstructed successfully by using a 2‐mm K wire with a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, and we also review the literature about the use of K wires in mandible fixation and reconstruction. We think that K wires should be kept in mind as a readily available, easily applicable, safe, inexpensive, and stable prosthetic material for mandible reconstruction, especially in cases with advanced disease. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving bandwidth efficiency in fault‐tolerant opaque IP over optical mesh networks
Authors: Parameswaran Anandkrishna , Labrador Miguel A. , Habib Ibrahim , Moreno Wilfrido A.
Published: January 2004

Adequately providing fault tolerance while using network capacity efficiently is a major topic of research in optical networks. In order to improve the network utilization, grooming of low‐rate connections in optical networks has been usually performed at the edge of the network. However, in all‐optical networks once a channel is assigned, its entire capacity is dedicated to the users independently of its grooming capabilities. As current users don't usually require such big capacities, bandwidth inefficiencies still occur. In this paper we address this issue introducing unlimited grooming per link (UGPL), a new restoration mechanism for opaque mesh optical networks that grooms connections on a per‐link basis. Simulation results show that UGPL provides the best bandwidth efficiency and the best blocking probability compared to traditional 1 + 1 protection and 1 : N end‐to‐end sharing schemes. Furthermore, we show that the 1 : N end‐to‐end restoration scheme provides no benefits over the simpler and faster 1 + 1 protection scheme. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circuit emulation services over Ethernet—Part 1: Clock synchronization using timestamps
Authors: Aweya James , Ouellette Michel , Montuno Delfin Y. , Felske Kent
Published: January 2004

Due to Ethernet's ubiquity, simplicity, scalability and cost effectiveness there is significant customer demand for Ethernet‐based access and transport in the metropolitan network. Many service providers have recognized this need and are currently establishing Ethernet‐based services to meet this demand. The migration to all‐Ethernet access will not be instantaneous since many customers currently have legacy TDM access interfaces on their routers and PBX equipment. Circuit Emulation Services (CES) over Ethernet provides TDM circuit emulation to support TDM traffic such as T1/E1, T3/E3, OC3/12, etc. This two‐part paper presents the application of CES over Ethernet as well as a new technology that addresses the issues associated with clock recovery and synchronization in an Ethernet network with its inherent network jitter. Part 1 describes a clock synchronization technique where a transmitter periodically sends explicit time indications or timestamps to a receiver to enable the receiver to synchronize its local clock to the transmitter's clock. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circuit emulation services over Ethernet—Part 2: Prototype and experimental results
Authors: Aweya James , Ouellette Michel , Montuno Delfin Y. , Markandu Jeganathan , Sundstrom Karin , Felske Kent
Published: January 2004

This paper describes a prototype implementation and experimental results for unstructured circuit emulation service (UCES) of T3 data stream over Ethernet. As explained in Part 1 of this paper,1 packet‐switched networks such as Ethernet are not designed to transport TDM data and so have no inherent clock distribution and synchronization mechanisms. Thus, to allow the frequency of the source TDM stream to be regenerated at the receiver, the prototype employed the clock synchronization scheme described in Part 1 of this paper. Our experiments showed that the recovered clock conforms to ITU‐T G.824 requirements2 even for networks that introduce high jitter and packet loss. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network management platform based on mobile agents
Authors: Stephan Rayan , Ray Pradeep , Paramesh N.
Published: January 2004

Many of the modern network management solutions are based on commercially available management platforms. These platforms offer common management services, such as support for multiple‐management protocols, alarm management, and event correlation. Most of these platforms are based on the traditional manager—agent model adopted in standard protocols, such as Internet SNMP. However, these platforms suffer from limitations imposed by the centralized, static, polling‐based management model of SNMP, and the need for maintaining a central intelligence at the platform level. In view of the dynamic nature of evolving networks, future network management solutions need to be flexible, adaptable, and intelligent without increasing the burden on network resources. We have addressed this requirement with a new management platform architecture based on ontology‐driven mobile agents. This paper presents the new management platform architecture, its prototype implementation, and the results of its evaluation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The inverse problem of bisymmetric matrices with a submatrix constraint
Authors: Peng Zhen‐yun , Hu Xi‐yan , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2004

An n×n real matrix A is called a bisymmetric matrix if A=AT and A=SnASn, where Sn is an n×n reverse unit matrix. This paper is mainly concerned with solving the following two problems:

Problem I

Given n×m real matrices X and B, and an r×r real symmetric matrix A0, find an n×n bisymmetric matrix A such that

where A([1: r]) is a r×r leading principal submatrix of the matrix A.

Problem II

Given an n×n real matrix A*, find an n×n matrix Â in SE such that

where ∥·∥ is Frobenius norm, and SE is the solution set of Problem I.

The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of and the expressions for the general solutions of Problem I are given. The explicit solution, a numerical algorithm and a numerical example to Problem II are provided. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of uTƒ(A)v for large‐scale unsymmetric matrices
Authors: Guo Hongbin , Renaut Rosemary A.
Published: January 2004

Fast algorithms, based on the unsymmetric look‐ahead Lanczos and the Arnoldi process, are developed for the estimation of the functional Φ(ƒ)=uTƒ(A) v for fixed u, v and A, where A∈ℜ︁n×n is a large‐scale unsymmetric matrix. Numerical results are presented which validate the comparable accuracy of both approaches. Although the Arnoldi process reaches convergence more quickly in some cases, it has greater memory requirements, and may not be suitable for especially large applications. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed parameter thermal controllability: a numerical method for solving the inverse heat conduction problem
Authors: Alaeddine Marios , Doumanidis Charalabos C.
Published: January 2004

This paper addresses the inverse heat conduction problem encountered in thermal manufacturing processes. A numerical control algorithm is developed for distributed parameter conduction systems, based on Galerkin optimization of an energy index employing Green's functions. Various temperature profiles of variable complexity are studied, using the proposed technique, in order to determine the surface heat input distribution necessary to generate the desired temperature field inside a solid body. Furthermore, the effect of altering the iterative time step and duration of processing time, on the convergence of the solution generated by the aforementioned method is investigated. It is proved that despite the variations in numerical processing, the iterative technique is able to solve the problem of inverse heat conduction in the thermal processing of materials. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An incremental Lagrangian formulation to the analysis of piezoelectric bodies subjected to geometric non‐linearities
Authors: Cardoso Eduardo Lenz , Fonseca Jun Sérgio Ono
Published: January 2004

An incremental formulation to model geometric non‐linearities in piezoelectric solids is presented. First, Lagrangian and Eulerian measures for the electric field and the electric displacement are discussed together with traditional mechanical measures. Using the Lagrangian energetic conjugated measures, Hamilton's principle is used to derive a consistent variational incremental description for the finite movement of a piezoelectric body. Those equations are approximated using the finite element method, and the resulting equations are solved using the Newton–Raphson method and arc‐length constraints. Examples with non‐linear behaviour such as stress stiffening, large rotations and limit points are presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical implementation of a neural network based material model in finite element analysis
Authors: Hashash Y. M. A. , Jung S. , Ghaboussi J.
Published: January 2004

Neural network (NN) based constitutive models can capture non‐linear material behaviour. These models are versatile and have the capacity to continuously learn as additional material response data becomes available. NN constitutive models are increasingly used within the finite element (FE) method for the solution of boundary value problems. NN constitutive models, unlike commonly used plasticity models, do not require special integration procedures for implementation in FE analysis. NN constitutive model formulation does not use a material stiffness matrix concept in contrast to the elasto‐plastic matrix central to conventional plasticity based models.

This paper addresses numerical implementation issues related to the use of NN constitutive models in FE analysis. A consistent material stiffness matrix is derived for the NN constitutive model that leads to efficient convergence of the FE Newton iterations. The proposed stiffness matrix is general and valid regardless of the material behaviour represented by the NN constitutive model. Two examples demonstrate the performance of the proposed NN constitutive model implementation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Korean women's attitudes toward physical activity
Authors: Im Eun‐Ok , Choe Myoung‐Ae
Published: January 2004

In this study attitudes toward physical activity of three groups of Korean women were explored using a feminist qualitative research design. Seventeen healthy Korean women, 11 Korean women at risk of muscular atrophy, and 16 Korean immigrant women were recruited using a purposive sampling method. In‐depth interviews using an interview guide were audiotaped and transcribed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the women viewed physical activity holistically, that death was viewed as the opposite of physical activity, that exercise was differentiated from physical activity, that exercise was connected to health, and that the women rarely participated in exercise because of their busy lives. The findings confirm the importance of considering the psychosocial contexts of attitudes toward health behavior. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:4–18, 2004
Depression burden, psychological adjustment, and quality of life in women with breast cancer: Patterns over time
Authors: Badger Terry A. , Braden Carrie Jo , Mishel Merle H. , Longman Alice
Published: January 2004

The purpose of this study was to examine how level of depression burden influences women's psychological adjustment and quality of life over time and how depression burden interacted with a community‐based oncology support program to influence psychological adjustment and life quality. Participants were 169 women who completed a side effects checklist at three data collection points. Women were divided into two groups based on their depression burden scores: 123 women reporting no burden, and 46 women reporting high depression burden. For psychological adjustment, there were significant interaction effects for intervention by time and for intervention by depression burden by time and significant main effects for depression burden. For life quality, there was a significant interaction effect for intervention by time and a significant main effect for depression burden. The findings document the negative impact of depression burden on psychological adjustment and life quality. Oncology support interventions can be effective in reducing this negative impact. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:19–28, 2004
The life closure scale: Additional psychometric testing of a tool to measure psychological adaptation in death and dying
Authors: Dobratz Marjorie C.
Published: January 2004

The purpose of this study was to conduct additional psychometric testing on an instrument designed to measure psychological adaptation in end‐of‐life populations across a wide spectrum of terminal illnesses. A sample of 20 participants completed initial testing of the Life Closure Scale (LCS); however, its usefulness was limited by the small sample size. A larger sample of 113 home hospice individuals who met established criteria and who gave informed consent completed the 27‐item LCS for additional psychometric testing. Cronbach's alphas and correlation coefficients were computed, and factor analysis was conducted to establish internal consistency reliability, theoretical clarity, and criterion‐related validity. The number of scale items was reduced to 20, with a total alpha of .87. Cronbach's alphas for the two subscales were .80 (self‐reconciled) and .82 (self‐restructuring). Item–total correlations for the subscales ranged from a low of .37 to a high of .68, with confirmatory factor analysis yielding two loadings. These findings lend credence to the usefulness of the LCS in measuring psychological adaptation in dying persons. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:52–62, 2004
Resilience to risk‐taking behaviors in impoverished African American girls: The role of mother–daughter connectedness
Authors: Aronowitz Teri , Morrison‐Beedy Dianne
Published: January 2004

Rates of risk behaviors (e.g., violence, substance use) for impoverished girls are exceedingly high. Some view their future pessimistically, decreasing their resilience to avoid risky behaviors. Others resist such behaviors. Connectedness with an adult promotes this resilience, but how is unclear. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to investigate the relationships among connectedness to mother, time perspective, and resilience to risk‐taking behaviors in impoverished African American girls ages 11–15. Structural equation modeling was used to cross‐validate this model. In contrast to the results found in earlier studies, no direct relationship emerged between maternal connectedness and resilience. Instead, future time perspective was the key mediator between connectedness and resilience. These findings suggest that an important aspect of interventions to foster resilience to risk behaviors in young girls could be to assist their mothers in developing a connected relationship with their daughters that would promote a future time perspective. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:29–39, 2004
Alzheimer's disease caregiving information and skills. Part II: Family caregiver issues and concerns
Authors: Farran Carol J. , Loukissa Dimitra , Perraud Suzanne , Paun Olimpia
Published: January 2004

In recent years researchers have carried out an increasing number of clinical trials with family caregivers of the elderly. The results of these interventions have suggested that caregiver skill‐building interventions may be more effective than information/support interventions. Although researchers have given considerable attention to the information and support needed by family caregivers, less is known about how this information and support translates into caregiver skills or into changes in behavior. This is the second in a series of three articles on a study in which researchers used qualitative methods to analyze summaries from the group component of a larger caregiver clinical trial. In this article we describe caregiver issues and concerns in five major areas: (a) dealing with change, (b) managing competing responsibilities and stressors, (c) providing a broad spectrum of care, (d) finding and using resources, and (e) experiencing emotional and physical responses to care. We identify specific skills needed by caregivers in addressing these caregiving issues and concerns, and we compare and contrast skilled with less skilled caregivers. Further work is needed concerning the focus and methods of future caregiver skill‐based interventions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 27:40–51, 2004
Thermal degradation of a brominated bisphenol a derivative
Authors: Luda M. P. , Balabanovich A. I. , Hornung A. , Camino G.
Published: January 2004

The thermal degradation of 2,6,2′,6′–tetrabromo‐4,4′‐isopropylidene‐di phenol (tetrabromobisphenol A) (TBBPA) has been investigated and a mechanism for its thermal degradation is suggested. TBBPA is a comonomer widely used in epoxy and in unsaturated polyester resins to impart fire retardance. These resins find a common use in electric and electronic equipment. The presence of bromine atoms is the key factor in fire retardant activity, while on the other hand it represents an ecological problem when pyrolytic recycling is programmed at the end of the useful life of such items. However, pyrolysis is the more advantageous recycling system for thermosetting resins and thus efforts should be made to control the pyrolysis in order to avoid or minimize the development of toxics. Homolytic scission of the aromatic bromine and condensation of aromatic bromine with phenolic hydroxyl are the main processes occurring in the range 270–340°C. A large amount of charred residue is left as a consequence of condensation reactions. HBr and brominated phenols and bisphenols are the main volatile products formed. Brominated dibenzodioxins structures are included in the charred residue and not evolved in the volatile phases. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Processing, properties and stability of biodegradable composites based on Mater‐Bi® and cellulose fibres
Authors: Puglia D. , Tomassucci A. , Kenny J. M.
Published: January 2004

In this work, the behaviour of biocomposites obtained by the addition of flax cellulose pulp to Mater‐Bi®, a commercial thermoplastic matrix based on starch, has been studied in comparison with traditional glass fibre composites. The composites were produced by compounding with a twin‐screw extruder. Depending on the kind of fibre, reinforcement contents of 10–40% were obtained. The mechanical behaviour, both in normal conditions and after water absorption, was analysed. It has been noted that the addition of cellulose pulp increases the composite modulus more than glass fibre: in fact, a poor adhesion of the interface between the glass fibre and Mater‐Bi® has been observed. The thermal degradation behaviour of the composite has been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Different degradation peaks have been observed and the activation energies, related to the main peak, have been calculated. The addition of cellulose pulp produces better mechanical properties and higher thermal stability. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrically adjustable thermotropic windows based on polymer gels
Authors: Gyenes Tamás , Szilágyi András , Lohonyai Tünde , Zrínyi Miklós
Published: January 2004

Several attempts have been made recently in order to develop “Smart” windows, which can moderate light and heat intensities. Based upon the phase transitions of polymer gels, a novel electrically adjustable window, which includes a gel layer, has been developed in our laboratory. Unlike other electrically controlled structures, the optical properties of the gel layer are abruptly modified by the Joule heat of audio frequency AC current. The so‐called “gel‐glass” becomes opaque when the temperature exceeds a critical value and changes back to its original transparent state when it is cooled down again. This method results in fast control and relatively low operational cost. Two types of gel‐glasses—active and passive structures—have been developed and investigated. In this paper, we demonstrate the structural build‐up and working of these novel electrically adjustable thermotropic windows. Experimental studies have been made at different frequencies and voltages. The optical properties, as well as the energy balance of the systems, have been reported. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atomic force microscopic and encrustation studies of novel prospective polyisobutylene‐based thermoplastic elastomeric biomaterials
Authors: Puskas Judit E. , Chen Yaohong , Antony Prince , Kwon Yongmoon , Kovar Milan , Harbottle Robert R. , De Jong Kathy , Norton Peter R. , Cadieux Peter , Burton Jeremy , Reid Gregor , Beiko Darren , Watterson James D. , Denstedt John
Published: January 2004

This paper investigates the surface morphology of polyisobutylene–polystyrene (PIB–PS) block‐type thermoplastic elastomers, emerging new biomaterials, by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A novel aborescent PIB–PS block polymer (AR15) was synthesized through inimer‐type living carbocationic polymerization and characterized in comparison with a semi‐commercial PIB–PS thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (TS30). Tapping‐mode AFM revealed that PS spheres with a domain size of 45–60 nm were very irregularly distributed in the continuous PIB phase of the aborescent AR15 polymer, whereas ordered and mixed cylindrical/lamellar morphology with 25–31 nm hard phase appeared in a linear TS30 triblock polymer. Moreover, AFM revealed rough surface features of a 1 mm thick compression molded TS30 polymer disk coated with a probiotic protein. AR15 disks were used for in vivo urinary tract encrustation study. Encrustation of the PIB–PS disks was comparable or better than that of medical‐grade silicone rubber. The preliminary results imply the prospect of PIB–PS thermoplastic elastomers as emerging soft biomaterials. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of non‐ionic hydrogels with small aromatic molecules
Authors: Kosik Katalin , Geissler Erik , Zrínyi Miklós , László Krisztina
Published: January 2004

Measurements are reported on the swelling behaviour at 20°C of poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) gels in aqueous solutions of two weak aromatic acids, phenol and resorcinol. For solute concentrations below 45 mmol/l, the uptake of these solutions is similar. Phenol exhibits an excess equilibrium concentration inside the gel of 5% over that in the surrounding bath, while for resorcinol, the excess is found to be 12%. At 50 mmol/l solute concentration, both systems display a volume transition accompanied by expulsion of the solvent. The solubility limits in water of these aromatic compounds are significantly different (870 and 9080 mmol/l, respectively), and are far above this critical concentration. In the collapsed condition, the expelled liquid spreads on the surface of the phenol‐treated gel, while an ordered arrangement of separate droplets is generated in the case of resorcinol. In the latter case, an acute contact angle was observed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation possibilities of aluminum and silicon‐containing hybrid polymer systems
Authors: Sinkó Katalin , Fél Kornél , Zrínyi Miklós
Published: January 2004

The main aim of the present work is to study the relationship between the synthesis–structure–property triangle of hybrid polymer materials. The investigations have been focused on the effect of synthesis parameters and on the materials structures over the atomic and supramolecular range. An important task was to improve the strength of the low‐density aluminum‐ and silicon‐containing oxide systems produced by sol–gel technology. The addition of organic polymers (e.g. PDMS) to the inorganic component increased the strength of the aluminosilicate aerogels two‐ or eightfold depending on the preparation conditions. The parameters of the synthesis had a strong influence on the structure, the structural parameters such as porosity, or even on the location of the aluminum atoms in the gel structure. The application of oligomeric inorganic particles resulted in a more homogeneous gel structure than that of monomer inorganic precursors (aluminum nitrate and TEOS). In the samples produced from oligomeric aluminosilicate particles, a fractal structure with high aluminum incorporation has been dominant. The structure obtained from monomer inorganic precursors has been built up from weak associates of aggregates. The elasticity and the homogeneity of the gel samples increased by treatment with some excess TEOS before the gel point. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silylation of wood for potential protection against biodegradation. An ATR‐FTIR, ESCA and contact angle study
Authors: Mohammed‐Ziegler Ildikó , Marosi György , Matkó Szabolcs , Hórvölgyi Zoltán , Tóth András
Published: January 2004

Surfaces of three European (English oak, ash and Scots pine) and three tropical (teak, cloves and neem) wood species were silylated with chlorotrimethylsilane, octadecyltrichlorosilane, trimethylsilyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamate and an alkoxysilane‐terminated surfactant introducing diethoxy‐silyl groups onto the surface structure. For the study of surface composition, ATR‐FTIR and ESCA measurements were performed. The hydrophobicity of the surfaces was studied by contact angle determinations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and biomedical applications of functionalized polypyrrole‐coated polystyrene latex particles
Authors: Bousalem S. , Yassar A. , Basinska T. , Miksa B. , Slomkowski S. , Azioune A. , Chehimi M. M.
Published: January 2004

N‐hydroxysuccinimide‐functionalized polypyrrole (PPy–NHS) coated onto polystyrene (PS) latex particles were prepared by the in situ copolymerization of pyrrole and the active ester‐functionalized pyrrole (pyrrole–NHS) in the presence of bare PS substrates. The initial comonomer concentration ratios were 25/75 and 50/50 for pyrrole and pyrrole–NHS, respectively. PS particles were prepared by two methods: emulsion polymerization, leading to particle sizes in the 450–500 nm range, and dispersion polymerization using poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP) as a steric stabilizer. The polypyrrole‐coated PS particles (PS–PPy) were characterized in terms of particle size, surface charge and surface chemical composition. For the “emulsion” PS coated with polypyrrole, the particles were evaluated as bioadsorbents of human serum albumin (HSA). It is believed that the proteins attach themselves by covalent bonds at the surfaces of NHS‐functionalized PPy–PS particles. It is shown that the maximum adsorption levels off at 0.2 mg/m2 in the case of the 50/50 initial ratio concentration but only to 0.02 mg/m2 in the case of the 25/75 ratio, an indication that a higher concentration of surface reactive groups hamper the covalent attachment of HSA at the surfaces of polypyrrole particles. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.