bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human enterovirus isolates from an outbreak typed using heteroduplex mobility analysis
Authors: Clancy Leighton E. , Craig Maria E. , White Peter A. , Rawlinson William D.
Published: April 2005

Genotyping and serotyping of enteroviruses is important for epidemiological, prognostic, and therapeutic reasons. In this study clinical isolates of enterovirus 71 during an outbreak of childhood meningoencephalitis in Sydney, Australia were identified using heteroduplex mobility analysis (HMA) of products from RT‐PCR amplification of the 5′ untranslated region. Five enterovirus 71 isolates shared identical heteroduplex patterns and nucleotide sequences in the 5′ untranslated region. A sixth isolate exhibited minor differences in heteroduplex pattern and sequencing confirmed the isolate varied by 1% at the nucleotide level. The use of multiple reference strains and the analysis of heteroduplex patterns increased the confidence of isolate identification, and allowed identification of strain variation which could be subsequently further analyzed using sequencing. HMA can be used to accurately distinguish identical and variant isolates derived from sporadic cases and clustered infections with enteroviruses, including those causing serious infections. J. Med. Virol. 76:215–222, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimates of global research productivity in virology
Authors: Falagas Matthew E. , Karavasiou Antonia I. , Bliziotis Ioannis A.
Published: April 2005

The quantity and quality of published research in the field of Virology by different world regions was estimated in this study. Using the PubMed database, articles from journals included in the “Virology” category of the “Journal Citation Reports” database of the Institute for Scientific Information for the period 1995–2003 were retrieved. The world was divided into nine regions based on geographic, economic, and scientific criteria. Data on the country of origin of the research was available for 33,425 out of 33,712 articles (99.2% of all articles from the included journals). USA exceeds all other world regions in research production for the period studied (42% of total articles), with Western Europe ranking second (35.7%). The mean impact factor in articles published in Virology journals was highest for the USA (4.60), while it was 3.90 for Western Europe and 3.22 for the rest of the world (seven regions combined). USA and Canada ranked first in research productivity when both gross national income per capita (GNIPC) and population were taken into account. The results of this analysis show a distressing fact; the absolute and relative production of research in the field of Virology by the developing regions is very low, although viral diseases cause considerable morbidity and mortality in these areas. It is evident from this study that developing regions need more help from the developed regions to enhance research infrastructure. J. Med. Virol. 76:229–233, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A phylogenetic study of human respiratory syncytial viruses group A and B strains isolated in two cities in Japan from 1980–2002
Authors: Kuroiwa Yuki , Nagai Kazushige , Okita Lisa , Yui Ikuko , Kase Tetsuo , Nakayama Tetsuo , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: April 2005

The circulation pattern and genetic evolution of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Japan were examined based on 109 RSV field strains isolated over 20 seasons (1980–2002) in two cities, Sapporo and Tokyo. The second hypervariable region of the large glycoprotein (G) gene was amplified by RT‐PCR and the products sequenced directly. The nucleotide sequences were compared to those representatives of RSV genotypes identified previously. Japanese group A and B isolates clustered into five and four genotypes defined previously, respectively. Another one group A and one group B genotypes, which could not be assigned to previous genotypes, were also identified. Although different genotypes usually co‐circulated in each season, the isolates in proximate seasons from two communities were usually located in the same branches. Moreover, the strains with genotypes defined previously were usually isolated at the same time as each reference strain of Western countries. Several mutant group B strains with 1–20 longer amino acid G proteins were newly identified in Sapporo. These findings suggest that Japanese RSV strains underwent geographical and also temporal clustering while participating in RSV genetic evolution in a global setting. In addition, Japanese strains, especially group B, might have evolved individually in each community, sometimes changing the length of the G protein. J. Med. Virol. 76:241–247, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viraemia is a common finding in immunocompetent children with rotavirus infection
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Azzari Chiara , Moriondo Maria , Galli Luisa , de Martino Maurizio
Published: April 2005

Rotavirus infection is usually localized to the intestine but involvement of extra‐intestinal sites, including the respiratory tract, liver, kidney, lymph nodes, and central nervous system, has been reported. The extra‐intestinal spread of the virus may occur through blood since viraemia has been documented occasionally in animals and humans. Nevertheless, the questions of how common viraemia is in immunocompetent children and whether it is associated with extra‐intestinal manifestations remain unsolved. Serum samples from 54 immunocompetent children hospitalized for acute diarrhea were evaluated prospectively for the presence of rotavirus RNA by nested reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to investigate this issue. Rotavirus antigens were detected in the stools of 14 children. A bacterial aetiology was documented in 14 cases, and in the remaining cases the aetiology remained unknown. Rotavirus RNA was detected in the blood of 9/14 (64.3%) rotavirus infected children but in no child with diarrhea of other origin. Positive RT‐PCR was associated with high fever and/or evidence of extra‐intestinal involvement. All positive samples were collected within 3 days of illness onset, suggesting that viraemia was detectable for only a few days. Children in whom rotavirus was detected only in stool samples had high fever but no other extra‐intestinal feature. These data suggest that viraemia is common in children infected with rotavirus, which may be associated with extra‐intestinal involvement. J. Med. Virol. 76:265–267, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical outcome after 4 years follow‐up of HIV‐seropositive subjects with incomplete virologic or immunologic response to HAART
Authors: Nicastri Emanuele , Chiesi Antonio , Angeletti Claudio , Sarmati Loredana , Palmisano Lucia , Geraci Andrea , Andreoni Massimo , Vella Stefano
Published: April 2005

The duration of the clinical, virologic, and immunologic response to HAART, is not well defined. In this observational multi‐center study 2,143 patients were enrolled classified according to virologic suppression (<500 cp/ml) and immune recovery (>100 CD4+ cells/μl from baseline) at month 12 of HAART as complete responders, virologic only responders, immunologic only responders and non‐responders. Kaplan Meyer curves, multivariate and politomous regression analysis were used. Complete responders patients were 781 (36.4%), immunologic only responders 441 (20.6%), virologic only responders 336 (15.7%), and non‐responders 585 (27.3%). Using multivariate analysis, being antiretroviral‐naïve increased the probability of having both a virologic only or a complete response and reduced the probability of an immunologic only response (P < 0.001 for all tests). Older age was associated directly with a virologic only response and inversely associated with an immunologic only response (P = 0.027 and P = 0.035, respectively). Using politomous analysis, patients baseline HIV‐RNA level more than 5 log cp/ml had a 1.9‐fold higher probability of an immunologic response than of a complete response (P = 0.001). After 4 years, the clinical progression rate was six times greater in non‐responders, 1.9 times greater in virologic only responders, and 2.3 times greater in immunologic only responders than for responders. However, patients with virologic only response or with immunologic only response had a significantly reduced risk for clinical progression than non‐responders (P < 0.001). After 4 years of HAART, the risk of clinical progression in patients with immunologic only or virologic only response is low but still higher than in complete responder patients. J. Med. Virol. 76:153–160, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of naturally occurring surface antigen variants of hepatitis B virus in Korean patients infected chronically
Authors: Song Byung‐Cheol , Kim Sun‐Hyun , Kim Hong , Ying Yuan‐Hai , Kim Hyun‐Ju , Kim Yoon‐Jun , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Lee Hyo‐Suk , Cha Chang‐Yong , Kook Yoon‐Hoh , Kim Bum‐Joon
Published: April 2005

Although Korea is one of the endemic areas of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the prevalence of naturally occurring variants in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the surface (S) gene of HBV has not been determined. In the present study, the prevalence of these variants was examined in terms of the clinical state, and HBeAg serostatus in a large series of Korean patients with chronic HBV infection by direct sequencing analysis of part of the S gene containing the MHR of HBV isolated from 101 chronic HBV patients (51 HBeAg‐positive and 50 HBeAg‐negative): 37 were asymptomatic carriers, 21 had chronic hepatitis, 20 had liver cirrhosis, and 23 had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Forty‐seven MHR variants (46.5%) of the 101 patients were detected, involving a total of 59 amino acid substitutions at 12 positions inside and 14 position outside the ‘a’ determinant, and 33 ‘a’ determinant variants (32.7%). A total of 17 novel variants and 14 novel mutation patterns were detected. The prevalence of MHR variants in HBeAg‐negative patients tended to be higher than in HBeAg‐positive patients (54.0% vs.39.2%) and the prevalence of MHR variants in HCC and liver cirrhosis tended to be higher than in asymptomatic carriers (65.2% vs. 40.5% and 50.0% vs. 40.5%, respectively). In conclusion, three important findings were found in the present study. First, an unexpectedly high prevalence of naturally occurring MHR variants was found in Korean chronic patients. Second, several novel variants associated with mutations outside the ‘a’ determinant were detected. Finally, a higher prevalence of MHR variants was associated with HBeAg‐negative serostatus and severe liver disease, particularly HCC. J. Med. Virol. 76:194–202, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid investigation of hepatitis A virus outbreak by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis
Authors: Mackiewicz Vincent , Roque‐Afonso Anne‐Marie , Marchadier Eric , Nicand Elisabeth , Fki‐Berrajah Lamia , Dussaix Elisabeth
Published: April 2005

Investigation of hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreaks often implies nucleotide sequence analysis. As an alternative method for the identification of related strains, single strand conformation polymorphism method (SSCP) was compared to sequence analysis. Twenty‐three strains from sporadic and outbreak cases were studied retrospectively. SSCP, sequence identity and phylogenetic analyses were conducted on a 267 bp fragment of the VP1‐2A variable region. The results of SSCP pattern comparison and sequence identity were highly correlated (r = 0.92, P < 0.001). If SSCP showed similar patterns, the VP1‐2A fragments had a high and significant probability to have a sequence identity over 99.6%. Results were concordant for outbreak strains. The only discordant result concerned a cluster of three sporadic cases evidenced by phylogenetic analysis while SSCP showed similar patterns for only two of these three cases. A prospective SSCP analysis of a recent HAV outbreak confirmed the reliability of this technique. SSCP may thus provide a rapid and cost‐effective tool for preliminary investigation of HAV outbreaks, before undertaking exhaustive nucleotide sequence analysis. J. Med. Virol. 76:271–278, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epidemiological and phylogenetic evidence for patient‐to‐patient hepatitis C virus transmission during sclerotherapy of varicose veins
Authors: de Lédinghen Victor , Trimoulet Pascale , Cazajous Géraldine , Bernard Pierre‐Henri , Schrive Marie‐Hélène , Foucher Juliette , Faure Muriel , Castéra Laurent , Vergniol Julien , Amouretti Michel , Fleury Hervé , Couzigou Patrice
Published: April 2005

The aim of this study was to provide evidence for patient‐to‐patient nosocomial hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission during sclerotherapy of varicose veins. Forty‐three patients who had evidence of current infection by genotype 2 HCV have had sclerotherapy by the same physician. Based on this observation, a detailed epidemiological questionnaire on risk factors for HCV in genotype 2 infected patients was conducted. Seventeen sequences in the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of the HCV genome obtained from 17 HCV RNA positive patients with a past history of sclerotherapy, were compared with 17 sequences derived from genotype 2 patients with no past history of sclerotherapy, and with 25 sequences sampled from GenBank. Two hundred seven genotype 2 HCV infected patients were included. The main risk factors for HCV infection were transfusion (n = 76), drug use (n = 6), and sclerotherapy of varicose veins (n = 62 including 43 (20.8%) by the same physician), other or unknown (n = 76). These sclerotherapy sessions were carried out in the 1980s for many years. Five of these 43 patients had jaundice within a few weeks after a sclerotherapy session. Sequence analysis of HVR1 from 17 patients who had sclerotherapy by the same physician revealed that they were all infected with HCV genotype 2c. The phylogenetic tree indicated clustering of the patients with a past history of sclerotherapy. The method by which infection was likely to have been transmitted was probably the use of a single vial for multiple patients. This study provides strong evidence that sclerotherapy of varicose veins is a risk factor for HCV infection. J. Med. Virol. 76:279–284, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serological study of the lymphochoriomeningitis virus (LCMV) in an inner city of Argentina
Authors: Riera Laura , Castillo Ernesto , Saavedra María del Carmen , Priotto José , Sottosanti Josefa , Polop Jaime , Ambrosio Ana María
Published: April 2005

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is the prototype of the family Arenaviridae and is associated with the natural reservoir, Mus domesticus (Md). It causes meningitis and a flu‐like illness characterized by malaise, myalgia, retrorbital headache, and photophobia. This study presents the data obtained in a rodent and human serological study during 6 years (1998–2003) in the city of Río Cuarto, Argentina. Antibodies anti‐LCMV were sought by ELISA in rodents and humans. LCMV was found only in Md species in 9.4% of animals. The results also show some seasonal, no significant variations in the prevalence of the infection. Distribution of positive mice was not modified significantly by trapping sites, sex, or age of the animals. The prevalence of LCMV positive urban residents was found to be consistently low (1–3.6%) along the study period, with overage prevalence of 3.3% and values in males (4.6%) significantly higher than in females (2.6%) (P < 0.05). Seven of 432 pregnant women were found to be LCMV positive, but the absence of LCMV antibodies in the newborns demonstrated that the mothers were infected before pregnancy. This study is the first evidence on endemic LCMV in an Argentine city located outside the endemic area of Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF) and described the need to study other areas and increase awareness of this viral infection. J. Med. Virol. 76:285–289, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural dynamics of heme–copper oxidases and nitric oxide reductases: time‐resolved step‐scan Fourier transform infrared and time‐resolved resonance Raman studies
Authors: Pinakoulaki Eftychia , Koutsoupakis Constantinos , Stavrakis Stavros , Aggelaki Marialena , Papadopoulos George , Daskalakis Vangelis , Varotsis Constantinos
Published: April 2005

Of the spectroscopic methods available for the characterization of the dynamics of heme protein active sites, time‐resolved resonance Raman spectroscopy (TR3) is a powerful technique because excitation within the heme π–π* electronic absorption transitions selectively enhances vibrational modes of the heme and bound‐proximal/distal ligands without the interference from the modes associated with the protein matrix. On the other hand, time‐resolved step‐scan (TRS2) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has the sensitivity and resolution to detect, in addition to ligands bound to metal centers and the kinetics of ligand photodissociation, transient changes at the level of individual amino acids during protein action. This review outlines the application of both TR3 and TRS2‐FTIR to heme–copper oxidases and nitric oxide reductases. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational and functional significance of the α140 side‐chain in HbA: a UV and visible resonance Raman study of three α140 mutants
Authors: Juszczak Laura , Samuni Uri , Friedman Joel M.
Published: April 2005

Continuous wave UV resonance Raman (UVRR) and nanosecond time‐resolved visible resonance Raman spectra were generated from the deoxy and CO derivatives of three α‐chain mutants of human adult hemoglobin (HbA): Yα140F, Yα140G and Yα140A. The UVRR results show that an aromatic side‐chain in the α140 site is needed for achieving the wild‐type tertiary conformation in the allosterically important α1β2 interface for both the deoxy T state and the liganded R state. The wavenumbers of ν(Fe–His), the iron‐proximal histidine stretching mode, seen in the VRR spectra from the deoxy derivatives show that the hydrogen bond between α140 tyrosine and the carbonyl of α93 valine is necessary to obtain the full quaternary constraint associated with the deoxy T state even when the α1β2 interface is seemingly intact. A model is presented that describes the relationship between the packing of a cluster of residues linked to both Wβ37 and Yα140 and the extent of proximal strain/quaternary constraint at the α‐chain heme. The visible resonance Raman (VRR) spectra of the 8 ns photoproduct of the CO derivatives of the three mutants in the presence and absence of allosteric effectors show that all three mutants can access the R state but they show enhanced sensitivity to added IHP. The CO derivative of the Hb(Yα140F) mutant in the presence of IHP exhibits properties consistent with the high‐affinity T state observed both for non‐equilibrium populations of HbA isolated using sol–gel matrices and for β37 mutants where the hinge region of the α1β2 interface is disrupted. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of proteins: from peptides to large assemblies
Authors: Tuma Roman
Published: April 2005

Raman spectroscopy has become a versatile tool in protein science and biotechnology. Recent advances in spectral assignments and vibrational theory, examples of use in structural biology and selected industrial applications are discussed. New insights into protein folding, assembly and aggregation were obtained by classical Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy has been used to characterize intrinsically unstructured proteins. The improved instrument sensitivity made it possible to use Raman difference spectroscopy to characterize enzyme–substrate interactions. Specifically, Raman crystallography has been instrumental in the delineation of protein–ligand interactions with a resolution surpassing that of x‐ray diffraction. Numerous applications of Raman spectroscopy to protein analysis in biotechnology and food industry have been facilitated by the new generation of commercial Raman instruments. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman, polarized Raman and ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy of nucleic acids and their complexes
Authors: Benevides James M. , Overman Stacy A. , Thomas George J.
Published: April 2005

Applications of Raman spectroscopy to investigate the molecular constituents of nucleic acids were initiated in the late 1960s and soon thereafter progressed to studies of synthetic and native nucleic acids and complex biological assemblies containing either DNA or RNA. Raman applications to nucleic acids have continued to increase in number and diversity up to the present time. This paper attempts to provide an overview of this large body of work, with emphasis on studies carried out during the past decade and focusing on problems of biological interest and significance. The specific Raman methodologies included in this review of nucleic acid applications are (i) conventional Raman spectroscopy (i.e. off‐resonance Raman excitation), (ii) ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy, and (iii) polarized Raman microspectroscopy. For each methodology, the experimentally obtained nucleic acid spectrum consists of a number of discrete vibrational bands, most of which can be assigned confidently to a base, sugar or phosphate constituent of the macromolecule and many of which can be employed as sensitive indicators or fingerprints of either local structure, global conformation, intermolecular interaction or molecular dynamics. The applications selected for review include numerous examples from the authors' laboratories. The topics addressed include the influences of base composition, base sequence, superhelical stress drug ligation on nucleic acid structure polymorphism, the thermodynamic parameters governing nucleic acid premelting melting phenomena, the molecular mechanisms determinants of protein/nucleic acid recognition the structures dynamics of nucleic acids in virus assemblies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atypical Hallervorden–Spatz disease with preserved cognition and obtrusive obsessions and compulsions
Authors: Nicholas Anthony P. , Earnst Kelly S. , Marson Daniel C.
Published: April 2005

We describe the case of an adult female with Hallervorden–Spatz disease (HSD), “eye‐of‐the‐tiger” sign on cranial magnetic resonance imaging scan, and two mutations in the pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) gene. Symptomatic presentation included stuttering dysarthria, dystonic posturing, increased limb and axial muscle tone, choreoathetosis, stereotyped motor behaviors, and obsessive–compulsive symptomatology since adolescence. Extensive neuropsychological testing at 40 and 44 years of age revealed a relatively normal IQ and stable cognitive pattern overall. This case demonstrates that HSD patients who survive into middle age should not be assumed to have a progressive dementia. In such cases, atypical behavioral problems such as persistent obsessions and compulsions may be present instead. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Increased tau burden in the cortices of progressive supranuclear palsy presenting with corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Tsuboi Yoshio , Josephs Keith A. , Boeve Bradley F. , Litvan Irene , Caselli Richard J. , Caviness John N. , Uitti Ryan J. , Bott Allen D. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: April 2005

The objective of this study is to better define the pathological characteristics of pathologically proven progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) presenting with the corticobasal syndrome (CBS). PSP is characterized by early falls, vertical supranuclear ophthalmoplegia, and axial rigidity, whereas asymmetric limb features, including rigidity, bradykinesia, apraxia, alien limb phenomena, and cortical sensory loss are characteristic of CBS. We investigated clinicopathological characteristics of 5 cases of PSP that presented with CBS (CBS‐PSP). Comprehensive pathological analysis was undertaken to determine the presence of concomitant pathological processes as well as quantitative tau burden in cortical regions of CBS‐PSP, compared with 8 typical PSP cases (Typ‐PSP). The clinical features in the CBS‐PSP cases included asymmetrical features, apraxia, alien limb phenomena, and progressive aphasia. All cases had Parkinsonism, and vertical supranuclear ophthalmoplegia was noted in all but 1 case of CBS‐PSP. Secondary neuropathological diagnoses included argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) in 1 of the 8 cases of Typ‐PSP, whereas Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body disease, AGD, and vascular disease was found in 3 cases of CBS‐PSP. Image analysis of cortical tau burden performed in 8 Typ‐PSP and 3 CBS‐PSP cases revealed a significant increased tau burden in mid‐frontal and inferior‐parietal cortices in the CBS‐PSP cases. This study demonstrates that when PSP presents as CBS, it is most likely due to either a concurrent cortical pathology from a secondary process such as AD or from the primary pathology of PSP extending into cortical areas that are primarily and commonly affected in CBD. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Functionalization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) in the melt state: Chemical and rheological aspects
Authors: Lacoste J.‐F. , Bounor‐Legaré V. , Llauro M.‐F. , Monnet C. , Cassagnau P. , Michel A.
Published: April 2005

This article deals with a new way of improving the melt viscosity of linear poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) chains through the reaction of the PET end groups (alcohol and acid) with new chain extenders, 3‐(triethoxysilyl)propylsuccinic anhydride (ASSI) and 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, during the melt processing of PET. The reactions, investigated with model compounds monomethylterephthalate and triethylene glycol monomethylether for PETCOOH and OH end groups, respectively, by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, and 29Si), provided evidence of well‐known acid–epoxide and alcohol–anhydride reactions, respectively. In addition, numerous other species appeared because of the presence of alkoxysilane groups, such as alcohol–alkoxysilane exchange reactions, acyloxysilane formation, and hydrolysis–condensation reactions of alkoxysilane. All these reactions led to the formation of branched chains when transposed to PET melt modification. A size exclusion chromatography analysis and the rheological behavior confirmed the presence of branched structures embedded in shorter linear PET chains. The rheological behavior of this blend was drastically modified in comparison with that of neat PET; consequently, there was an important increase in the zero‐shear viscosity, with a maximum concentration of branched structures of about 17 vol % obtained with an ASSI/PET molar ratio of 4. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2207–2223, 2005
Effects of surfactants on the morphology of composite polymer particles produced by two‐stage seeded emulsion polymerization
Authors: Lee Chia‐Fen
Published: April 2005

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–polystyrene (PS) composite polymer particles were synthesized in the presence of a surfactant by two‐stage seeded emulsion polymerization. The first stage was the synthesis of PMMA particles by soapless emulsion polymerization; the second stage was the synthesis of the PMMA–PS composite polymer particles with the PMMA particles as seeds. In the second stage of the reaction, three kinds of surfactants—sodium laurate sulfate (SLS), polyoxyethylene (POE) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), and sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20)—were used to synthesize the PMMA–PS composite particles. Both the properties and concentrations of the surfactants influenced the morphology of the composite particles significantly. Core–shell composite particles, with PS as the shell and PMMA as the core, were synthesized in the presence of a low concentration of the hydrophilic surfactant SLS. This result was the same as that in the absence of the surfactant. However, a low concentration of Tween 20 led to composite particles with a core/strawberry‐like shell morphology; the core region was a PS phase, and the strawberry‐like shell was a PS phase dispersed in a PMMA phase. With an increase in the concentration of SLS, the morphology of the composite particles changed from core (PMMA)–shell (PS) to core (PS)–shell (PMMA). Moreover, the effects of a high concentration of Tween 20 or Span 20 on the morphology of the PMMA–PS composite particles were investigated in this study. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2224–2236, 2005
Two‐sided comb poly(amic ester)–poly(propylene oxide) graft copolymers as porous polyimide precursors
Authors: Lebedeva Elena , Kesler Brenda S. , Carter Kenneth R.
Published: April 2005

New step‐growth graft block copolymers were synthesized. These two‐sided comb copolymers consisted of a poly(amic ester) (PAE) backbone and pendant poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) grafts. The copolymers were made via a macromonomer approach, in which the 4,6‐bischlorocarbonyl isophthalic acid bis[poly(propylene oxide)] ester macromonomer was synthesized through the reaction of hydroxyl‐terminated PPO oligomers with pyromellitic dianhydride and oxalyl chloride. This macromonomer was subsequently used in step‐growth polymerization with comonomers 4,6‐bischlorocarbonyl isophthalic acid diethyl ester, 2,5‐bischlorocarbonyl terephthalic acid diethyl ester, and 2,2‐bis[4‐ (4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl] hexafluoropropane, and this yielded PPO‐co‐PAE graft copolymers. Accordingly, we report the synthesis and characterization of the PPO oligomer, the PPO macromonomer, and their corresponding PPO‐co‐PAE graft copolymers. Graft copolymers with PPO concentrations of 3–26 wt % were synthesized. These polymers were thermally cured to produce polyimide/PPO composites. The thermolysis of these polyimide/PPO composites yielded porous polyimide films with porosities ranging of 4–22.5%. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2266–2275, 2005
Multiple morphologies from a novel diblock copolymer containing dendronized polymethacrylate and linear poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Cheng Cai‐Xia , Tang Ru‐Pei , Xi Fu
Published: April 2005

A novel amphiphilic diblock copolymer, consisting of dendronized polymethacrylate‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide), was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization; from it, micellelike aggregates of various morphologies, prepared under near‐equilibrium conditions, were studied with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of various factors on the aggregate morphologies of the amphiphilic copolymer, such as the water content, the copolymer concentration, and the type of common solvent, were investigated systematically. The unique architecture of the block copolymer led to morphological variety and peculiarities such as dendritic and shuttle‐shaped aggregates, which could be attributed to the effective packing of the bulky side chains, that is, another driving force for the aggregates. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2291–2297, 2005
Kinetic behavior of ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization in slurry and solution reactors
Authors: Wu Long , Bu Naiyu , Wanke Sieghard E.
Published: April 2005

The copolymerization of ethylene and 1‐hexene over a spherical polymer/MgCl2‐supported TiCl4 catalyst was studied as a function of the polymerization temperature from 40 to 100 °C in a slurry reactor and from 120 to 200 °C in a solution reactor with triethylaluminum (TEA) as a cocatalyst (1.0–6.8 mmol). The activities increased from 40 to 80 °C and then declined monotonically with increases in the temperature during the slurry and solution polymerizations. The kinetic behavior in the slurry and solution operations was described by the same rate expression. The modeling results indicated that the catalyst had at least two different types of catalytic sites; one site was responsible for the acceleration–decay nature of the activity profiles, whereas the second site resulted in long‐term activity. The apparent activation energy for site activation in the slurry operation was 69.9 kJ/mol; no activation energies for site activation could be estimated for the solution operation because the activation process was essentially instantaneous at the higher temperatures. The activation energies for deactivation were 100.3 kJ/mol for the slurry operation and 31.2 kJ/mol for the solution operation. The responses to TEA were similar for the slurry and solution operations; the rates increased with increasing amounts of TEA between 1.0 and 3.4 mmol and then decreased with larger amounts of TEA. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2248–2257, 2005
Synthesis and curing of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) nanoparticles
Authors: Jang Jyongsik , Bae Joonwon , Ko Sungrok
Published: April 2005

Glycidyl‐functional polymer nanoparticles [poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA)] were fabricated with microemulsion polymerization. The successful fabrication of PGMA nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A TEM image showed that the average diameter of the PGMA nanoparticles was approximately 10–28 nm and was fairly monodisperse. As the surfactant concentration increased, the average size of the nanoparticles decreased and approached an asymptotic value. A significant reduction of the nanoparticle size to the nanometer scale led to an enhanced number of surface functionalities, which played an important role in the curing reaction. The PGMA nanoparticles were cured with a low‐temperature curing agent, diethylene triamine, to produce ultrafine thermoset nanoparticles. The low‐temperature curing process was performed below the glass‐transition temperature of PGMA to prevent the coagulation and deformation of the nanoparticles. A TEM image indicated that the cured PGMA nanoparticles did not exhibit interparticle aggregation and morphological transformation during curing. The average size of the cured PGMA nanoparticles was consistent with that of the pristine PGMA nanoparticles © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2258–2265, 2005
Calculated infrared spectra of hydrogen‐bonded methanol–water, water–methanol, and methanol–methanol complexes
Authors: Fileti Eudes E. , Canuto Sylvio
Published: April 2005

Ab initio calculations at the B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ, B3PW91/aug‐cc‐pVDZ, MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ, B3LYP/6‐311++G(2d,2p), B3PW91/6‐311++G(2d,2p), and MP2/6‐311++G(2d,2p) levels are performed for the IR spectra of isolated water and methanol molecules and hydrogen‐bonded water–methanol, methanol–water, and methanol–methanol complexes. Frequency shifts and changes in intensities are obtained for the proton donor molecule and the results are compared with available experimental and theoretical results. Characteristic changes are discussed in all cases. For methanol we obtained considerable shifts in the OH group. The COH wag is calculated to blue shift and the OH stretch is calculated to red shift and increase in intensity is compared to the isolated methanol molecule. The magnitude of these shifts are obtained and discussed. For the methanol dimer the COH wag increases the frequency by ∼400 cm−1and the OH stretch decreases the frequency by ∼170 cm−1, with an increase in intensity of nearly 15 times. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Asymmetric structure for the excited S1 state of 2,2′‐bipyridine evidenced by picosecond time‐resolved resonance raman experiments and ab initio calculation
Authors: De Waele V. , Buntinx G. , Flament J‐P. , Poizat O.
Published: April 2005

The combination of ab initio calculation using the CIS method and experimental vibrational data from picosecond time‐resolved Raman measurements leads to a confident picture of the structure of the lowest excited singlet state S1 (nπ*) of 2,2′‐bipyridine. The calculated structure is asymmetric with two dissimilar pyridyl moieties. It can be understood as resulting from a confinement of the excitation in one of the pyridyl rings, breaking the initial ground‐state symmetry. The reliability of this structure is attested by good agreement between the derived theoretical vibrational data and the experimental Raman spectra. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Ab initio calculation of vibrational Raman optical activity
Authors: Pecul Magdalena , Ruud Kenneth
Published: April 2005

We review recent developments in the ab initio calculation of Raman optical activity (ROA) and discuss the applications of modern ab initio methods to the calculation of these properties, giving some examples of the kind of molecules and questions that can now be addressed using ab initio methodology. We also give some perspectives on future developments and applications of theoretical methods as an aid in understanding and analyzing ROA spectra. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Isotope ratio mass spectrometry: δ13C and δ15 N analysis for tracing the origin of illicit drugs
Authors: Galimov E. M. , Sevastyanov V. S. , Kulbachevskaya E. V. , Golyavin A. A.
Published: April 2005

Gas chromatography/combustion/mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐MS) and elemental analysis/mass spectrometry (EA‐MS) techniques are proposed to estimate δ13C and δ15N values in heroin, morphine, cocaine and hemp leaves, for the purposes of tracing the geographical origins of seized drugs. The values of isotope ratios for pure drugs and drugs with impurities were compared. It was demonstrated that large samples (up to 3 × 10−6 g C) were combusted completely, so that the results obtained were valid. The data are considered to be an essential supplement to a wide‐scale database designed specifically for the δ13C and δ15N values of drugs. The potential forensic and academic significance of the results is discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The detection of modafinil and its major metabolite in equine urine by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: McKinney Andrew R. , Suann Craig J. , Stenhouse Allen M.
Published: April 2005

A method has been developed for the detection of modafinil and its major metabolite, modafinil acid, in equine urine by solid‐phase extraction and positive ion electrospray ionisation liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The method has been applied to the analysis of equine urine samples obtained after the oral administration of modafinil. Modafinil acid was the major component in the urine, and was detected up to 4 days post‐administration. Unchanged modafinil was present at substantially lower concentrations, and was detected for only 24 hours. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scenarios and simulations for planning Dresdner Bank's E‐day
Authors: Strohhecker Jürgen
Published: April 2005

Confronted with the approaching introduction of euro coins and notes, Dresdner Bank's branch managers had to consider that cash‐related transactions between 17 December 2001 and 28 February 2002 would rise much above the normal level. On top of the regular business, the branches had to cope with an unknown amount of exchange transactions of DM into euro. To avoid chaotic situations in the branches and high extra costs, the branches had to prepare themselves. It was, however, unclear what would happen and which measure would be appropriate for which scenario. The branch manager's uncertainty was high. This article shows that the system dynamics method can be successfully applied even to such non‐typical, short‐term, event‐driven problems. Using a feedback perspective, defining the problem dynamically, creating scenarios, developing models and using simulation experiments does not only help to find better strategies but also improves decision making in unique situations with a short‐term focus such as the introduction of the euro coins and notes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systems thinking approach to the new administrative capital in Korea: balanced development or not?
Authors: Lee Man‐Hyung , Choi Nam‐Hee , Park Moonseo
Published: April 2005

Political, economic, and social concentration into the Capital Region, and the resulting problems, have persisted for almost four decades in Korea. To check or reverse the existing trends, the construction of a new administrative capital is being actively discussed. Without due policy designs and application processes, however, the current discussions are not fully adequate in explaining why a new administrative capital is necessary and how it could benefit more balanced regional development. In an effort to address the issue, analytical logics for the proposed new administrative capital are developed using qualitative system dynamics models. To provide policy guidelines, urban dynamics caused by the construction are also analyzed, which include the expected growth and maturity of the new administrative capital city. The research findings indicate that policy intentionally geared towards more balanced regional development through the construction of the new administrative capital city depends on the government's supporting policies that can address and accommodate changes in the regional development system. It is concluded that the system approaches presented here could assist the government in developing robust and responsive policy initiatives given current uncertainties. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal variation in stomatal conductance and physiological factors observed in a secondary warm‐temperate forest
Authors: Hiyama Tetsuya , Kochi Kiyotaka , Kobayashi Nakako , Sirisampan Satiraporn
Published: April 2005

This study quantified stomatal conductance in a CO2‐fertilized warm‐temperate forest. The study considered five items: (1) the characteristics of the diurnal and seasonal variation, (2) simultaneous measurements of canopy‐scale fluxes of heat and CO2 and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), (3) the stomatal conductance of sunlit and shaded leaves, (4) a stomatal conductance model, and (5) the effects of leaf age on stomatal conductance. Sampled plants included evergreen and deciduous species. Stomatal conductance, SPAD, and leaf nitrogen content were measured between March and December 2001. Sunlit leaves had the largest diurnal and seasonal variation in conductance in terms of both magnitude and variability. In contrast, shaded leaves had only low conductance and slight variation. Stomatal conductance increased sharply in new shooting leaves of Quercus serrata until reaching a maximum 2 months after full leaf expansion. The seasonal changes in the canopy‐scale heat and CO2 fluxes were similar to the change in the canopy‐scale NDVI of the upper‐canopy plants. These seasonal changes were correlated with the leaf‐level H2O/CO2 exchanges of upper‐canopy plants, although these did not represent the stomatal conductance in fall completely. Seasonal variations in the leaf nitrogen content and SPAD were similar, except leaf foliation, until day 130 of the year, when the behaviors were completely the opposite. A Jarvis‐type model was used to estimate the stomatal conductance. We modified it to include SPAD as a measure of leaf age. The seasonal variation in stomatal conductance was not as sensitive to SPAD, although estimates for evergreen species showed improvements.
Incipient offending among schizophrenia patients after first contact to the psychiatric hospital system
Authors: Munkner Runa , Haastrup Soeren , Joergensen Torben , Kramp Peter
Published: April 2005

The study examines how age, sex and substance use disorder are associated with the risk of committing a criminal offence. The study explicitly examines the risk after the first contact to the psychiatric hospital system and after the diagnosis of schizophrenia for those with no previous criminal record; the association between previous non-violent criminality and later violent criminality is also analysed. The study sample comprised 4619 individuals ever diagnosed with schizophrenia. All solved offences were accessible. Data were analysed using Cox's regression. Schizophrenic men had twice the risk of schizophrenic women of committing both violent and non-violent offences. A registered substance use disorder increased the risk 1.9- to 3.7-fold, depending on the starting point for the analyses, while increasing age on first contact or when diagnosed with schizophrenia diminished the risk. Previous non-violent criminality increased the risk for later violent criminality 2.5- to 2.7-fold, depending on the starting point for the analyses. The results suggest that the psychiatric treatment system can play an active role in preventing criminality among individuals with schizophrenia. The preventive measures should be based on a thorough assessment including criminal history at intake and alertness toward young psychotic men with substance use disorders and especially if they also have a criminal history.
Spontaneous appetence for wheel-running: a model of dependency on physical activity in rat
Authors: Ferreira Anthony , Lamarque Stéphanie , Boyer Patrice , Perez-Diaz Fernando , Jouvent Roland , Cohen-Salmon Charles
Published: April 2005

According to human observations of a syndrome of physical activity dependence and its consequences, we tried to examine if running activity in a free activity paradigm, where rats had a free access to activity wheel, may present a valuable animal model for physical activity dependence and most generally to behavioral dependence. The pertinence of reactivity to novelty, a well-known pharmacological dependence predictor was also tested. Given the close linkage observed in human between physical activity and drugs use and abuse, the influence of free activity in activity wheels on reactivity to amphetamine injection and reactivity to novelty were also assessed. It appeared that (1) free access to wheel may be used as a valuable model for physical activity addiction, (2) two populations differing in activity amount also differed in dependence to wheel-running. (3) Reactivity to novelty did not appeared as a predictive factor for physical activity dependence (4) activity modified novelty reactivity and (5) subjects who exhibited a high appetence to wheel-running, presented a strong reactivity to amphetamine. These results propose a model of dependency on physical activity without any pharmacological intervention, and demonstrate the existence of individual differences in the development of this addiction. In addition, these data highlight the development of a likely vulnerability to pharmacological addiction after intense and sustained physical activity, as also described in man. This model could therefore prove pertinent for studying behavioral dependencies and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. These results may influence the way psychiatrists view behavioral dependencies and phenomena such as doping in sport or addiction to sport itself.
Patient outcomes in schizophrenia II: the impact of cognition
Authors: Hofer Alex , Baumgartner Susanne , Bodner Thomas , Edlinger Monika , Hummer Martina , Kemmler Georg , Rettenbacher Maria A. , Fleischhacker W. Wolfgang
Published: April 2005

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is increasingly considered to be the strongest clinical predictor of poor long-term outcome in schizophrenia. Associations have been found between the severity of cognitive deficits and social dysfunction, impairments in independent living, occupational limitations, and disturbances in quality of life (QOL).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the relationships of cognitive deficits and treatment outcomes in terms of QOL, needs, and psychosocial functioning were examined in 60 outpatients with schizophrenia who had a duration of illness over 2 years and had been treated with either clozapine or olanzapine for at least 6 months.

Results

The present study suggests that cognitive functioning might be a predictor of work functioning/independent living outcome in stabilized patients with schizophrenia: deficits of visual memory and working memory were negatively associated with occupational functioning, and older patients lived independently and/or in a stable partnership more often. The patients' assessments of QOL and needs for care did not show any significant associations with cognitive functioning.

Discussion

These findings suggest that cognitive functioning is a key determinant of work functioning/independent living for stable outpatients with schizophrenia.