bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors that Influence the Effectiveness of Rumble Strip Design
Authors: Miles Jeffrey D. , Finley Melisa D.
Published: January 2008

This study focuses on the impact of vehicle speed, vehicle type, pavement type, and rumble strip design (e.g., application method and dimensions) on the level of sound change that motorists perceive when they traverse rumble strips. Through data collected for this study and from previous research, it was found that sound change is based on the ability of a rumble strip design to convert kinetic energy effectively from vehicle tires into sound. The factors investigated in this study and their impact on sound change are as follows: (a) Width, length, and spacing should be adequate to allow for maximum tire displacement while the vehicle tires are traversing rumble strips. Sound levels will increase as strip width and length increase until the tires are able to obtain maximum displacement. For raised rumble strips, sound will increase as spacing increases until maximum tire displacement is reached. (b) Provided that width, length, and spacing are not limiting maximum tire displacement, sound increases as rumble strip depth or height increases. (c) Milled, rolled, button, profiled, and formed rumble strips can produce adequate changes in sound for drivers of passenger vehicles provided the appropriate design is used. (d) Only milled rumble strips produced an adequate change in sound for drivers of commercial vehicles. (e) As the roughness of the pavement surface increases or as the speed of a vehicle increases, so does the ambient noise, which means that more aggressive rumble strip designs are necessary.
Developing Design Standards for Speed Cushions
Authors: Chang Kevin N. , Nolan Matthew , Nihan Nancy L.
Published: January 2008

Physical devices such as traffic circles and speed humps have long been considered possible solutions to speeding and other neighborhood traffic safety problems. The primary drawback has been their documented effect on fire and other life-safety vehicles caused by increased response times. To balance driver awareness of travel speeds with emergency vehicle accessibility, the King County, Washington, Department of Transportation designed, constructed, and evaluated a traffic-calming device referred to as a speed cushion. Speed cushions resemble speed humps but are constructed with channels to allow for minimal impact and delay to wider-wheel-based emergency vehicles such as fire engines. Ten speed cushions were installed along 36th Place South, 39th Avenue South, South 294th Street, and 45th Place South between South 288th Street and South 298th Street in unincorporated King County as part of a neighborhood traffic-calming pilot project. To evaluate the effectiveness of this traffic-calming device, speed and volume studies were conducted pre-and postinstallation. This report summarizes the results and findings from this study, which determined that speed cushions can provide traffic-calming benefits without significantly affecting emergency responders in fire and other life-safety vehicles. This report also discusses important next steps for researchers and practitioners needed because of limitations in the existing literature on this device in terms of material, color, shape, and roadway placement. The increased popularity of speed cushions has accelerated the need for standardization in terms of design and construction, and specific recommendations are provided in this report.
Analysis of Driver Behavior in Dilemma Zones at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Gates Tim J. , Noyce David A. , Laracuente Luis , Nordheim Erik V.
Published: January 2008

A field study evaluated the stopping characteristics of vehicles 2.5 to 5.5 s upstream of signalized intersections at the start of a yellow interval, a region typically considered drivers' indecision zone or dilemma zone. Characteristics included brake-response times for first-to-stop vehicles, deceleration rates for first-to-stop vehicles, distinguishing characteristics and prediction of first-to-stop versus last-to-go events, and distinguishing characteristics and prediction of red-light-running events. Consumer-grade video cameras temporarily installed at four high-speed and two low-speed intersections in the Madison, Wisconsin, area recorded dilemma zone vehicles. Several factors were measured for each last-to-go (n = 435) and first-to-stop (n = 463) vehicle in each lane during each yellow interval, including approach speed; distance upstream at start of yellow; brake-response time; deceleration rate; vehicle type; headway; tailway; action of vehicles in adjacent lanes; presence of side-street vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, or opposing vehicles waiting to turn left; flow rate; length of yellow interval; and cycle length. The observed 15th, 50th, and 85th percentile brake-response times for first-to-stop vehicles were 0.7, 1.0, and 1.6 s, respectively; their observed deceleration rates were 7.2, 9.9, and 12.9 ft/s2, respectively. Vehicles were more likely to go through than to stop under the following conditions: shorter estimated travel time to intersection at start of yellow; longer yellow interval; the subject was a heavy vehicle (truck, bus, recreational vehicle); absence of side-street vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and opposing left-turn vehicles; and presence of vehicles in adjacent lanes that went through. Heavy vehicles were more likely than passenger vehicles to run a red light. Vehicles were more likely to run a red light when vehicles in adjacent lanes that also went through were present and when side-street vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and opposing left-turn vehicles were absent.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Level of Service on Roadway Segments
Authors: Jensen Søren Underlien
Published: January 2008

The Danish Road Directorate sponsored a study to develop methods for objectively quantifying pedestrian and bicyclist stated satisfaction with road sections between intersections. The results provide a measure of how well urban and rural roads accommodate pedestrian and bicycle travel. To determine how existing traffic operations, geometric conditions, and other variables affect pedestrians' and bicyclists' satisfaction, 407 randomly selected Danes were shown video clips from 56 roadway segments filmed by a pedestrian walking and a bicyclist riding along the road. Respondents rated the roadway segments on a six-point scale ranging from very dissatisfied to very satisfied. This resulted in 7,724 pedestrian ratings and 7,596 bicyclist ratings. Roadway segments and video clips were described by 150 variables. Pedestrian and bicyclist satisfaction models were developed by cumulative logit regression of the ratings and the variables. The models included variables that related significantly (p ≤ .05) to the satisfaction ratings. Variables that significantly influenced the level of satisfaction were motorized traffic volume and speed; urban land uses; rural landscapes; the types and widths of pedestrian and bicycle facilities; the numbers and widths of the drive lanes; the volumes of pedestrians, bicyclists, and parked cars; and the presence of median, trees, and bus stops. The models returned the percentage splits of the six levels of satisfaction. These splits were then transformed into a level of service. The models provide traffic planners and others the ability to rate roadways according to pedestrians' and bicyclists' satisfaction and may be used in the process of evaluating existing roads, designing new roads, or redesigning existing roads.
Effectiveness of Motorcycle Training and Motorcyclists' Risk-Taking Behavior
Authors: Savolainen Peter , Mannering Fred
Published: January 2008

Persistent increases in motorcycle fatalities and injuries in recent years have heightened safety awareness and have focused attention on the role that motorcyclist training and education can play in reducing accident rates. In this study a 2005 sample of Indiana motorcyclists was used to estimate statistical models of the effectiveness of existing training programs in reducing accident probabilities. Statistical models relating to motorcyclist speed choice and helmet usage behavior were also estimated. The findings showed that those individuals who took beginning rider training courses were more likely to be involved in an accident than those who did not and that those who took the beginning course more than once were much more likely to be involved in an accident. Although explanations for these findings can range from the use of ineffective course material to changes in risk perception as a result of taking the course, another explanation is that riders who take the course are inherently less skilled than those who do not. The findings underscore the need for a careful and comprehensive study of rider skills and risk perceptions to maximize the effectiveness of motorcycle training courses.
Impact of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system genes on the treatment response of patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Milionis Haralampos J , Kostapanos Michael S , Vakalis Konstantinos , Theodorou Ioanna , Bouba Ioanna , Kalaitzidis Rigas , Georgiou Ioannis , Elisaf Moses S , Siamopoulos Kostas C
Published: January 2008

Objective. To evaluate the influence of clinical, biochemical and genetic markers on the response to antihypertensive treatment in patients with essential hypertension and the metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods. Measurements of anthropometric indices, blood pressure (BP), and metabolic parameters were obtained from the medical records of 132 (77 women) newly diagnosed, untreated hypertensive patients. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) genes polymorphisms (including ACE I/D, angiotensinogen M235T, angiotensin II type 1 receptor [AT1-receptor] A1166C) were determined. Response to treatment was defined as BP less than 140/90 mmHg.

Results. Patients with MetS (n=60) had higher systolic BP and pulse pressure and a more atherogenic lipid profile than patients without MetS.The frequencies of the ACE and the AT1-receptor gene polymorphisms were similar between patients with and without MetS. Response to treatment was positively associated with pulse pressure, and the presence of the C allele as well as the AC genotype of the AT1-receptor gene and inversely with age after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusions. RAAS genes distribution does not differ between hypertensive patients with and without the MetS. Higher baseline pulse pressure levels, the presence of the C allele and/or the AC genotype may be in favour of a better response to structured antihypertensive treatment in patients with MetS. However, these findings need to be evaluated in future studies.
Efficacy and safety of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren and ramipril alone or in combination in patients with diabetes and hypertension
Authors: Uresin Yagiz , Taylor Addison A , Kilo Charles , Tschöpe Diethelm , Santonastaso Massimo , Ibram Ghionul , Hui Fang  , Satlin Andrew
Published: January 2008

Objective. To assess the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of the combination of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren and ramipril in patients with diabetes and hypertension.

Methods. In this double-blind, multicentre trial, 837 patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension (mean sitting diastolic blood pressure [BP] > 95 and < 110 mmHg) were randomised to once-daily aliskiren (150 mg titrated to 300 mg after four weeks; n=282), ramipril (5 mg titrated to 10 mg; n=278) or the combination (n=277) for eight weeks. Efficacy variables were cuff mean sitting diastolic BP (msDBP) and mean sitting systolic BP (msSBP); 24-hour ambulatory BP, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma renin concentration (PRC) were also assessed.

Results. At week 8, aliskiren, ramipril and aliskiren/ramipril lowered msDBP (mean±SEM) by 11.3±0.5, 10.7±0.5 and 12.8±0.5 mmHg, and msSBP by 14.7±0.9, 12.0±0.9 and 16.6±0.9 mmHg, respectively. Aliskiren/ramipril provided superior msDBP reductions to ramipril (p=0.004) or aliskiren (p=0043) monotherapy; adding aliskiren to ramipril provided an additional mean BP reduction of 4.6/2.1 mmHg. Aliskiren monotherapy was non-inferior to ramipril for msDBP reduction (p=0.0002) and superior for msSBP reduction (p=0.021).All treatments significantly lowered mean 24-hour ambulatory BP. Aliskiren significantly reduced PRA from baseline as monotherapy (by 66%, p<0.0001) or in combination with ramipril (by 48%, p<0.0001), despite large increases in PRC in all treatment groups. Aliskiren was well tolerated as monotherapy or in combination with ramipril.

Conclusions. Combining aliskiren with ramipril provided a greater reduction in msDBP than either drug alone in patients with diabetes and hypertension.
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 and ACE-inhibitor-induced improvement of urinary albumin excretion in non-diabetic, microalbuminuric subjects
Authors: van de Wal Ruud MA , van der Harst Pim , Gerritsen Wim BM , van der Horst Fal , Plokker Thijs HW , Gansevoort Ron T , van Gilst Wiek H , Voors Adriaan A
Published: January 2008

Introduction. Elevated plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels have been suggested to precede the development of microalbuminuria. As angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors effectively reduce urinary albumin excretion (UAE), in the present study we have investigated the potential association of plasma MMP-9 levels with UAE and treatment effects of ACE-inhibition. Material and methods. In a placebo-controlled

randomised trial we determined plasma MMP-9 levels at baseline and after three months of randomisation to either placebo (n=202) or fosinopril (20 mg/day, n=204) treatment.

Results. Baseline plasma MMP-9 levels were not related to baseline UAE (r=-0.008, p=0.871).Three months of fosinopril treatment effectively reduced UAE compared to placebo treatment (-10.4±2.4 vs. 1.8±1.3 mg/24 hours, p<0.001, respectively). However, fosinopril treatment failed to significantly change plasma MMP-9 levels compared to placebo (-0.47±7.68 vs. 0.06±9.20, p=0.646, respectively) . In addition, the change in UAE was not related with change in MMP-9 levels.

Conclusion. The effective reduction of UAE with fosinopril was not related to plasma MMP-9 levels.
Synthesis and characterization of novel soluble poly(ether ketone sulfone)s with pendant polychloro groups
Authors: Huang Zhen‐Zhong , Yu La‐Mei , Sheng Shou‐Ri , Ge Wei‐Wei , Liu Xiao‐Ling , Song Cai‐Sheng
Published: January 2008

A novel monomer of tetrachloroterephthaloyl chloride (TCTPC) was prepared by the chlorination of terephthaloyl chloride catalyzed by ferric chloride at 175–180°C for 10 h and confirmed by FTIR, MS, and elemental analysis. Five new polychloro substituted poly(aryl ether ketone sulfone)s (PEKSs) with inherent viscosities of 0.68–0.75 dL/g have been prepared from 4,4′‐diphenoxydiphenylsulfone, 4,4′‐bis(2‐methylphenoxy) diphenylsulfone, 4,4′‐bis(3‐methylph‐enoxy)diphenylsulfone, 4,4′‐bis(2,6‐dimethylphenoxy)diphenylsulfone, and 4,4′‐bis(1‐naphthoxy)‐diphenylsulfone with TCTPC by electrophilic Friedel‐Crafts acylation in the presence of DMF with anhydrous AlCl3 as a catalyst in 1,2‐dichloroethane, respectively. These polymers having weight–average molecular weight in the range of 76,600–83,900 are all amorphous and show high glass transition temperatures ranging from 213 to 250°C, the 5% weight loss temperature over 450°C, high char yields of 60–67% at 700°C in nitrogen and good solubility in CHCl3 and polar solvents such as DMF, DMSO, and NMP at room temperature. All the polymers formed transparent, strong, and flexible films, with tensile strengths of 85.1–90.8 MPa, Young's moduli of 2.52–3.24 GPa, and elongations at break of 21.2–27.2%. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A comparative study for using different solvents in pretreatment fabrics and in corporation in printing paste
Authors: Nassar S. H.
Published: January 2008

A comparative study is carried out to investigate seven different organic solvents in pretreatment and incorporation in printing pastes of polyester, polyester cotton blends, 50/50 and 65/35 fabrics. The substrates are printed with their compatible dyes, disperse and disperse/reactive. The presence of organic solvents increases the suitability of the dye molecules, which facilitates their transfer from the printed film into the fabric during fixation. All the factors influencing the pretreatment and printing efficiency of the substrates are investigated in detail. The K/S (the color yield of the printed samples) values of the prints along with the water absorption and tensile strength measurements are also determined. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Morphological and Autoradiographic Studies on the Corneal and Limbal Epithelium of Rabbits
Authors: Góes Rejane Maira , Barbosa Flávia Leão , De Faria‐e‐sousa Sidney Júlio , Haddad Antonio
Published: January 2008

The investigation was centered on the morphological features of the conjunctiva–cornea transition (limbus) of the rabbit eye and the proliferative behavior of its epithelium. The eyes were processed for examination with light and electron microscopy, as well as for autoradiography after intravitreal injection of [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR). At the sites of extraocular muscle insertion, the vascularization of the stroma extended to the peripheral cornea, and the limbal epithelium was thin with its basal stratum made up by clear cuboidal cells. In between the muscle insertions, the cuboidal clear cells, as well as the stroma blood vessels, were scarce. At the light microscope level, the basement membrane was distinct in the cornea but not in the limbus or the conjunctiva. Autoradiographs demonstrated that, at the limbus, the basal cells migrated very quickly to the suprabasal region and remained there up to the 28‐day interval. Labeled cells were identified in all epithelial layers of the cornea, including the basal one, at 21 and 28 days but not in the limbal basal clear cells. The rate of renewal of conjunctival epithelium was similar to that observed for the transition with scarce clear cells. The high‐resolution autoradiographs demonstrated that the basal cuboidal clear limbal cells exhibit a quick renewal and that they are not label‐retaining cells. These latter ones were detected all over the corneal epithelium and in the suprabasal layers of the limbus up to 28 days, in physiological conditions, without the need of stimulation by damage to the corneal epithelium. Anat Rec, 291:191–203, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomical Evidence for Interconnections Between the Central Mesencephalic Reticular Formation and Cervical Spinal Cord in the Cat and Macaque
Authors: Warren Susan , Waitzman David M. , May Paul J.
Published: January 2008

A gaze‐related region in the caudal midbrain tegementum, termed the central mesencephalic reticular formation (cMRF), has been designated on electrophysiological grounds in monkeys. In macaques, the cMRF correlates with an area in which reticulotectal neurons overlap with tectoreticular terminals. We examined whether a region with the same anatomical characteristics exists in cats by injecting biotinylated dextran amine into their superior colliculi. These injections showed that a cat cMRF is present. Not only do labeled tectoreticular axons overlap the distribution of labeled reticulotectal neurons, these elements also show numerous close boutonal associations, suggestive of synaptic contact. Thus, the presence of a cMRF that supplies gaze‐related feedback to the superior colliculus may be a common vertebrate feature. We then investigated whether cMRF connections indicate a role in the head movement component of gaze changes. Cervical spinal cord injections in both the cat and monkey retrogradely labeled neurons in the ipsilateral, medial cMRF. In addition, they provided evidence for a spinoreticular projection that terminates in this same portion of the cMRF, and in some cases contributes boutons that are closely associated with reticulospinal neurons. Injection of the physiologically defined, macaque cMRF demonstrated that this spinoreticular projection originates in the cervical ventral horn, indicating it may provide the cMRF with an efference copy signal. Thus, the cat and monkey cMRFs have a subregion that is reciprocally connected with the ipsilateral spinal cord. This pattern suggests the medial cMRF may play a role in modulating the activity of antagonist neck muscles during horizontal gaze changes. Anat Rec, 291:141–160, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stochastic models for air cargo terminal manpower supply planning in long‐term operations
Authors: Yan Shangyao , Chen Chia‐Hung , Chen Miawjane
Published: January 2008

In this research, based on two deterministic‐demand planning models, we established two long‐term stochastic‐demand planning models by incorporating the stochastic disturbances of manpower demands that occur in actual operations. The models are formulated as mixed integer linear programs that are solved using a mathematical programming solver. To compare the performance of the two stochastic‐demand and two deterministic‐demand planning models under the stochastic demands that occur in actual operations, we further develop a simulation‐based evaluation method. Finally, we perform numerical tests using real operating data from a Taiwan air cargo terminal. The preliminary results show that the stochastic models could be useful for planning air cargo terminal manpower supply. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Colorimetric assay for sensitive poly(styrene sulfonate) quantification in a template directed polyelectrolyte‐assembling process
Authors: Wiemann Lars O. , Buthe Andreas , Klein Mathias , Ansorge‐Schumacher Marion B.
Published: January 2008

Template directed Layer‐by‐layer (LbL) technology recently moved into the center of scientific attention, particularly as a versatile tool for bioencapsulation purposes. Its major advantages can be found in the striking simplicity of tuning wall properties and the complete control over layer thickness and permeability. Yet, for the most commonly applied pair of polyelectrolytes, poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH) and poly(styrene sulfonate) sodium salt (PSS), the mandatory control of the successful deposition on plane and colloidal surfaces is currently only attainable by means of sophisticated and expensive equipment. Here we describe an alternative quantification method based on a simple colorimetric assay using the Bradford reagent, a cost‐effective commercially available dye, and standard laboratory technical devices. The binding of the dye to PSS causes a distinct shift of the absorption maximum from 465 to 680 nm, providing a method for spectral quantification of submicrogram amounts of dissolved PSS during LbL coating with significant accuracy and excellent reproducibility. The method was successfully employed to quantify accurate polyelectrolyte loadings on several particles that have a general importance as LbL templates. Thus, this method can be recommended as standard laboratory technique for control of LbL encapsulation and will considerably broaden the applicability of this promising technology in biotechnology.
Embodied simulaton and imagery at work in hypnosis: Ericksonian psychotherapy and its uniqueness
Authors: Balugani Renzo
Published: January 2008

Recent neuroscience findings regarding phenomena including perception, action and imagery are discussed. In each of these phenomena, a form of neural simulation is involved, which sheds a new light on our traditional knowledge of brain function, and can also be interpreted as the mechanisms underlying many forms of physiological and pathological human behaviour. In the last section, the implications of such concepts for the practice of hypnotic psychotherapy are discussed, giving us a more solid understanding and confirmation of techniques currently being used by Ericksonian psychotherapists. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactional phenomenology of maternal and paternal hypnosis styles
Authors: Varga Katalin , Bányai Éva I. , Józsa Emese , Gősi‐Greguss Anna C.
Published: January 2008

The study introduces an interactional analysis of subjective data (PCI and DIH questionnaires) from hypnotist and subject along with the concept of hypnosis styles (maternal/paternal scores), in a real‐simulator design. It was expected that the subjective experiences of maternal and paternal hypnotists (and their subjects) are different: 1) maternal style is more emotional regarding both interactional and experience parameters, while paternal style is rather cognitive and sovereign; 2) subjects can experience subjective signs of alteration of their consciousness with both hypnosis styles; 3) while hypnotizing, maternal hypnotists are more likely to feel the alterations of their own level of consciousness, while paternal hypnotists remain reality‐oriented. The correlational analysis of our data confirmed the above expectations and strengthened the construct of ‘hypnosis style’. Only slight, but characteristic differences could be observed between real and simulating interactions. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carboazidation of Chiral Allylsilanes: Experimental and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Chabaud Laurent , Landais Yannick , Renaud Philippe , Robert Frédéric , Castet Frédéric , Lucarini Marco , Schenk Kurt
Published: January 2008

The carboazidation of chiral allylsilanes has been investigated by varying the nature of the substituents at the silicon center and on the carbon framework. The influence of temperature and the nature of the sulfonyl azide, as well as the stereochemistry of the remote stereogenic center, on the 1,2‐diastereocontrol of the process were considered. Good to excellent levels of diastereocontrol were generally observed, with the syn‐β‐azidosilane always being formed as the major isomer. An illustration of the value of this methodology has been provided with a short and efficient synthesis of an analogue of castanospermine. EPR spectroscopy was carried out on various β‐silyl radicals providing useful information about their conformations in the ground state. Based on this experimental evidence and DFT calculations, reactant‐like transition state models were finally proposed that rationalize the observed 1,2‐stereoinduction.
Parking and Restarting a Molecular Shuttle In Situ
Authors: Chen Nai‐Chia , Lai Chien‐Chen , Liu Yi‐Hung , Peng Shie‐Ming , Chiu Sheng‐Hsien
Published: January 2008

Herein we report an easy‐to‐synthesize [2]rotaxane, which incorporates two ionic monopyridinium stations and one 2,2′‐bipyridine station as the shaft of the dumbbell‐shaped component and a bis‐p‐xylyl[26]crown‐6 (BPX26C6) unit as the macrocyclic component. In this molecular shuttle, the BPX26C6 unit can be docked selectively on either the central 2,2′‐bipyridine station or one of the two terminal pyridinium stations, and subsequently, returned to its shuttling molecular motion through the in situ addition of simple reagents (acid/base or metal ion/metal‐ion‐complexing ligand pairs).
Caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and the risk of incident epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Tworoger Shelley S. , Gertig Dorota M. , Gates Margaret A. , Hecht Jonathan L. , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND

Smoking, caffeine, and alcohol intake are all potentially modifiable factors that have an unclear association with ovarian cancer risk. Therefore, the associations between these exposures and ovarian cancer risk were prospectively examined among 110,454 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) for the smoking analyses and 80,253 women for the dietary analyses.

METHODS

Women completed biennial questionnaires assessing ovarian cancer risk factors beginning in 1976, with food frequency questionnaires administered every 2 to 4 years starting in 1980. For the smoking analyses, 737 confirmed cases of epithelial ovarian cancer were identified and for the dietary aims, 507 cases were identified through June 1, 2004.

RESULTS

Compared with never‐smokers, neither current nor past smoking was associated with ovarian cancer risk overall; however, both were associated with mucinous tumors (n = 69; rate ratio [RR], past = 2.02 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–3.55]; RR, current = 2.22 [95% CI, 1.16–4.24]). A modest inverse association between caffeine intake and ovarian cancer risk was observed (RR, top vs bottom quintile = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.60–1.07 [P = .03]), which was strongest for women who had never used either oral contraceptives (RR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46–0.92 [P for heterogeneity = .02]) or postmenopausal hormones (RR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.36–0.91 [P for heterogeneity = .13]). Alcohol was not associated with ovarian cancer risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study suggest that cigarette smoking may only increase the risk for mucinous ovarian tumors, and alcohol intake was not associated with risk. However, an inverse association was observed between caffeine intake and ovarian cancer risk, particularly in women not using hormones; this finding merits further study. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Redundant function of the heparan sulfate 6‐O‐endosulfatases Sulf1 and Sulf2 during skeletal development
Authors: Ratzka Andreas , Kalus Ina , Moser Markus , Dierks Thomas , Mundlos Stefan , Vortkamp Andrea
Published: January 2008

Modification of the sulfation pattern of heparan sulfate (HS) during organ development is thought to regulate binding and signal transduction of several growth factors. The secreted sulfatases, Sulf1 and Sulf2, desulfate HS on 6‐O‐positions extracellularly. We show that both sulfatases are expressed in overlapping patterns during embryonic skeletal development. Analysis of compound mutants of Sulf1 and Sulf2 derived from gene trap insertions and targeted null alleles revealed subtle but distinct skeletal malformations including reduced bone length, premature vertebrae ossification and fusions of sternebrae and tail vertebrae. Molecular analysis of endochondral ossification points to a function of Sulf1 and Sulf2 in delaying the differentiation of endochondral bones. Penetrance and severity of the phenotype increased with reduced numbers of functional alleles indicating redundant functions of both sulfatases. The mild skeletal phenotype of double mutants suggests a role for extracellular modification of 6‐O‐sulfation in fine‐tuning rather than regulating the development of skeletal structures. Developmental Dynamics 237:339–353, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography using a capillary coated with octadecylamine‐capped gold nanoparticles
Authors: Qu Qishu , Zhang Xinxin , Shen Ming , Liu Yin , Hu Xiaoya , Yang Gongjun , Wang Chengyin , Zhang Yukui , Yan Chao
Published: January 2008

Octadecylamine‐capped gold nanoparticles (ODA‐Au‐NPs) were prepared and characterized by using UV–Vis adsorption spectrum, transmission electron chromatography (TEM), SEM, and FT‐IR. A simple but robust hydrophobic coating was easily developed by flushing a capillary with a solution of ODA‐Au‐NPs, because the positive charges were carried by the nanoparticles which strongly adsorb to the negatively charged inner surface of a fused‐silica capillary via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The chromatographic characteristics of the coated capillary was investigated by varying the experimental parameters such as buffer pH, buffer concentration, and percentage of organic modifier in the mobile phase. The results show that (i) resolution between thiourea and naphthalene is almost the same when comparing the electrochromatograms obtained using pH 7 buffer as mobile phase after and before the capillary column was operated using pH 11 and 3 mobile phase; (ii) no significant changes in retention time and deterioration in peak efficiency were found after 60 runs of test aromatic mixtures; and (iii) column efficiency up to 189 000 theoretical plates/meter for testosterone was obtained. All of the results indicated that the coating could act as a stable stationary phase for open tubular CEC as well as for bioanalysis.
Calix[4] open‐chain crown ether‐modified, vinyl‐functionalized hybrid silica monolith for capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Tian Yun , Zhang Lianfeng , Zeng Zhaorui , Li Haibing
Published: January 2008

A novel calix[4] open‐chain crown ether (p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐1,3‐bis(allyloxyethy) ether)‐modified, organic–inorganic hybrid silica‐based monolithic column possessing vinyl ligands for CEC is described. The monolithic silica matrix containing a vinyl functionality was synthesized by in situ cocondensation of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) via sol–gel process and chemically modified with calix[4] open‐chain crown ether by free radical polymerization procedure using α, α'‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. Morphology of the monolithic column was examined by SEM and the successful incorporation of calix[4] open‐chain crown ether to the vinyl‐hybrid monolith was characterized by infrared (IR) spectra. Compared with an unmodified vinyl‐hybrid monolithic column, slightly stronger EOF at pH >7.5 was observed for this monolithic column due to the ionization of phenolic hydroxyls on the lower rim of calix[4]arene. VTMS/TMOS ratios in the reaction mixture were varied and 1:4 was found to be optimum to obtain homogeneous monolith with good permeability. The performance of the column was evaluated by nucleotides, β‐blockers, neurotransmitters, and PAHs as test solutes and compared with that of unmodified vinyl‐hybrid monolithic column. Greatly improved column performance was obtained due to the host–guest interaction and intermolecular hydrogen bonding provided by the calix[4] open‐chain crown ether moiety. The column efficiencies for neurotransmitters and nucleotides are up to 120 000 and 110 000 plates/m, respectively. Migration time and theoretical plate number reproducibilities were reasonable with RSDs less than 1.0 and 1.8% each for within column runs and not more than 7.2 and 8.6% each for column‐to‐column measurements, using four nucleotides as test solutes.
Characterization of phosphatidylcholine/polyethylene glycol‐lipid aggregates and their use as coatings and carriers in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Lindén Maria V. , Meinander Kristoffer , Helle Anne , Yohannes Gebrenegus , Riekkola Marja‐Liisa , Butcher Sarah J. , Viitala Tapani , Wiedmer Susanne K.
Published: January 2008

PEG‐stabilized lipid aggregates are a promising new class of model membranes in biotechnical and pharmaceutical applications. CE techniques, field‐flow fractionation, light scattering, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and microscopic techniques were used to study aggregates composed of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleyl‐sn‐glycero‐phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and PEG‐lipid conjugates. The PEG‐lipids, with PEG molar masses of 1000, 2000, and 3000, were 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy‐(PEG)] derivatives with either dimyristoyl (DM, 14:0) or distearoyl (DS, 18:0) acyl groups. The 80/20 mol% POPC/PEG‐lipid dispersions in HEPES at pH 7.4 were extruded through 100 nm size membranes. Asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation (AsFlFFF), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to determine the sizes of POPC and the PEGylated aggregates. All methods demonstrated that the DSPEG‐lipid sterically stabilized aggregates were smaller in size than pure POPC vesicles. The zeta potentials of the aggregates were measured and showed an increase from −19 mV for pure POPC to −4 mV for the POPC/DSPEG3000 aggregates. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron cryo‐microscopy (EM), and multifrequency QCM studies were made to achieve information about the PEGylated coatings on silica. Lipid aggregates with different POPC/DSPEG3000‐lipid ratios were applied as capillary coating material, and the 80/20 mol% composition was found to give the most suppressed and stable EOFs. Mixtures of low‐molar‐mass drugs and FITC‐labeled amino acids were separated with the PEGylated aggregates as carriers (EKC) or as coating material (CEC). Detection was made by UV and LIF.
Analysis of the narrowband interference effect on frequency ambiguity resolution for OFDM systems
Authors: Marey Mohamed , Steendam Heidi
Published: January 2008

In orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) systems affected by carrier frequency offsets, frequency ambiguity resolution, i.e. the estimation of the part of the frequency offset corresponding to an integer times the carrier spacing is a crucial issue. The proper action of frequency ambiguity resolution algorithms can be strongly affected by the presence of disturbances, like narrowband interference (NBI). In this paper, the susceptibility of the blind and data aided maximum likelihood (ML) frequency ambiguity estimators to NBI signals, which may arise in the OFDM band as the spectrum becomes more crowded, is investigated in an analytical way. The analytical results are verified by means of simulations. Although the estimators turn out to be essentially independent of the bandwidth of the interferers and the number of interferers, the performance of the estimators is very sensitive to the positions of the interferers when the interferers are strong. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 6‐month, open‐label study of memantine in patients with frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Diehl‐Schmid Janine , Förstl Hans , Perneczky Robert , Pohl Corina , Kurz Alexander
Published: January 2008

Objective

To evaluate safety and effects on cognition and behavior of memantine 20 mg/day in the treatment of patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Methods

This was a single‐center, 6‐month, open, uncontrolled study. Sixteen outpatients with a diagnosis of FTD were enrolled.

Results

On the CIBIC plus 26 weeks after baseline four of the 16 patients were minimally improved, four were unchanged, seven were minimally worse and one patient was moderately worse. Neither the Neuropsychiatric Inventory nor the Frontal Behavioral Inventory demonstrated statistically significant differences in behavior between baseline and final visit. There was an increase in the total Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale score, reflecting a decline in cognitive performance. Executive functions as well as activities of daily living and extrapyramidal motor symptoms (EPMS) remained unchanged during the trial.

Conclusion

The number of patients was small, so that the evidence given by statistical tests is limited. Thus, the present study can only show trends regarding drug effects. As memantine is well‐tolerated, further randomized and controlled studies should be conducted to evaluate drug efficacy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trismus in patients with oropharyngeal cancer: Relationship with dose in structures of mastication apparatus
Authors: Teguh David N. , Levendag Peter C. , Voet Peter , van der Est Henri , Noever Inge , de Kruijf Willy , van Rooij Peter , Schmitz Paul I. M. , Heijmen Ben J.
Published: January 2008

Background

Our aim was to assess the correlation between the radiation therapy (RT) dose to the mastication apparatus and trismus of oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Methods

Eighty‐one patients treated with RT were analyzed. The masseter, pterygoid, and temporalis muscles and the coronoid and condyl were delineated on axial CT slices. The mean dose in these structures was correlated with outcome of quality of life questionnaires.

Results

Fifty‐six (88%) patients responded; 16% of the patients scored grade 3/4 on the Head & Neck 35 “opening mouth” question. A significant correlation was observed between dose in masseter and pterygoid muscles and trismus (p = .02).

Conclusion

Patients treated with brachytherapy received a lower dose in masticatory muscles. A steep dose‐effect relationship between mean dose in masseter muscle and pterygoid muscles and the probability of having trismus complaints was observed; with every additional 10 Gy to the pterygoid muscle, an increase of the probability of trismus of 24% was observed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
A reactive bond orbital investigation of the Diels‐Alder reaction between 1,3‐butadiene and ethylene: Energy decomposition, state correlation diagram, and electron density analyses
Authors: Hirao Hajime
Published: January 2008

The reactive bond orbital (RBO) method (Hirao, Chem Phys Lett 2007, 443, 141) is extended and applied to the Diels‐Alder reaction between 1,3‐butadiene and ethylene, with the aim of understanding the nature of their interaction. The roles of distortion, electrostatic, exchange, polarization, and charge transfer (CT) interaction energies at the transition state of the reaction are evaluated by means of RBO energy decomposition analysis. The effects of the hypothetical interactions on electron density redistribution are also identified by analysis based on the RBO method. CT is shown to play essential roles in the new bond formation between the reacting molecules and their internal bond order alterations. However, each of the CT interactions from butadiene to ethylene and from ethylene to butadiene does not necessarily contribute to the bond‐order alteration process effectively. A state correlation diagram approach based on the RBO method is also proposed, and its usefulness in understanding the origin of the barrier in the Diels‐Alder reaction is demonstrated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2008
Antibacterial and Hemolytic Activities of Quaternary Pyridinium Functionalized Polynorbornenes
Authors: Eren Tarik , Som Abhigyan , Rennie Jason R. , Nelson Christopher F. , Urgina Yelena , Nüsslein Klaus , Coughlin E. Bryan , Tew Gregory N.
Published: January 2008

In this study, amphiphilic polyoxanorbornene with different quaternary alkyl pyridinium side chains were synthesized. The biological efficiencies of these polymers, with various alkyl substituents, were determined by bacterial growth inhibition assays and hemolytic activity (HC50) against human red blood cells (RBCs) to provide selectivity of these polymers for bacterial over mammalian cells. A series of polymers with different alkyl substituents (ethyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl, decyl and phenylethyl) and two different molecular weights (3 and 10 kDa) were prepared. The impact of alkyl chain length divided the biological activity into two different cases: those with an alkyl substituent containing four or fewer carbons had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 200 µg · mL−1 and a HC50 greater than 1 650 µg · mL−1, while those with six or more carbons had lower MICs ≤ 12.5 µg · mL−1 and HC50 ≤ 250 µg · mL−1. Using MSI‐78, the potent Magainin derivative which has an MIC = 12.0 µg · mL−1 and HC50 = 120 µg · mL−1, as a comparison, the polymers with alkyl substituents ≤C4 (four carbons) were not very potent, but did show selectivity values greater than or equal to MSI‐78. In contrast, those with alkyl substituents ≥C6 were as potent, or more potent, than MSI‐78 and in three specific cases demonstrated selectivity values similar to, or better than, MSI‐78. To understand if these polymers were membrane active, polymer induced lipid membrane disruption activities were evaluated by dye leakage experiments. Lipid composition and polymer hydrophobicity were found to be important factors for dye release.

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Trends in Polyolefin Chemistry
Authors: Kaminsky Walter
Published: January 2008

Polyolefins have grown faster in recent years than many other polymers. The production of poly(propylene) increased rapidly when it was possible to optimize the isotacticity of the polymer chain. New fields for future polymer sciences are the defined short and long chain branched polyolefins, block copolymers by chain shuttling, living and emulsion polymerization, and polyolefin nanocomposite materials. These research fields will create polymers with new and specific properties and applications in the near future. Compared to the formation of polymers in nature, the possibilities are today very limited for the synthetic chemistry. Especially, there are great deficits in tailoring the microstructure of copolymers with two or more monomers in a well defined way. It will be a great challenge to solve this problem but then it opens up exciting advantages.

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Factors Effecting the Performance of Montmorillonite/Magnesium Hydroxide/Poly(propylene) Ternary Composites, 1
Authors: Bagheri Rouhollah , Liauw Christopher M. , Allen Norman S.
Published: January 2008

A two‐level factorial experimental design was used to examine the combined effects of o‐MMT gallery polarity, surface modification of MDH, MA‐g‐PP and antioxidant addition, together with processing variables, on the burning behaviour and thermal stability of ternary composites based on PP, MDH and o‐MMT. Regression equations highlighted the detrimental effect of o‐MMT intercalants and possible improvement in the dispersion of o‐MMT at higher MDH levels. A polar gallery environment (providing quat OH groups) led to increased char formation, and MA‐g‐PP combined with o‐MMT led to a higher oxidation onset temperature. Addition of o‐MMT to PP/MDH composites can lead to a reduction in the level of MDH required for effective flame retardation.

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Deeper Insight into Structures of Modified AEROSIL Particles Synthesized via Conventional Heating and Microwave Heating
Authors: Nothdurft Lars , Glück Tobias , Dempwolf Wibke , Schmidt‐Naake Gudrun
Published: January 2008

The contribution deals with the comparison of microwave heating and conventional oil bath heating. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles were grafted with MPTMS under acid conditions. Those particles contain a polysiloxane shell with physically adsorbed and chemically bound fractions which can be separated by Soxhlet extraction. The resulting fractions were analyzed with TGA and MALDI‐TOF MS; one to determine the amount of physically adsorbed and chemically bound fractions and the other to get deeper insight into the polysiloxane structures. Furthermore, it was our aim to clarify which fraction can be visualized using MALDI‐TOF MS. Our results show that the ratio of chemically bound MPTMS is higher when using microwave heating, but the same structures in the physically adsorbed fraction were built in both cases.

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Peculiar ‘Reptational’ Movements of Single Synthetic Polymer Chains on Substrate Observed by AFM
Authors: Kumaki Jiro , Kawauchi Takehiro , Yashima Eiji
Published: January 2008

Peculiar ‘reptational’ movements of isotactic PMMA chains on mica are observed by in situ AFM. The polymer molecules comprise long flexible chains that exhibit reptative, or snake‐like, motion on the substrate along the direction of the polymer chain. Intriguingly, some chains underwent forward then backward motion in which the head of the chain moved in a curvilinear manner along the previous contours of the polymer chain. No limitation in the direction of movement for the ends of the polymer chain was anticipated based on an assumed reptational mechanism. As a result, the chains recovered a conformation that had been adopted prior to the initial movement. Several factors that may affect the movement are discussed.

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Macromol. Theory Simul. 1/2008
Authors: Wendler Frank , Kolbe Axel , Kraft Jörg , Einax Jürgen W. , Heinze Thomas
Published: January 2008

Cover: The picture on the cover shows a 3‐dimensional chromatogram (retention time, absorption, wave length) of amines by HPLC as well as the correlation of measured and predicted onset temperature (Ton). As the beginning of an exothermicity Ton can be modeled by the combination of detection of amines and subsequent PLS regression. Further details can be found in the article by F. Wendler*, A. Kolbe, J. Kraft, J. W. Einax, and T. Heinze on page 32.