bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEK hyperphosphorylation coincides with cell cycle shut down of cultured smooth muscle cells
Authors: Vogel Sabina , Kubin Thomas , von der Ahe Dietmar , Deindl Elisabeth , Schaper Wolfgang , Zimmermann René
Published: August 2005

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) form the backbone of arteries and their proliferation hallmarks collateral vessel growth, a process termed arteriogenesis, as well as pathogenic responses such as restenosis. Since signaling pathways in SMCs are the main targets for therapeutic interventions, we aimed to determine how and to what extent the activation of the ubiquitous MEK–ERK signaling pathway correlates with important in vivo phenomena such as dedifferentiation, nuclear activation, and proliferation of SMCs. Specificity of this pathway was monitored using MEK inhibitors UO126 and PD98059 in platelet derived growth factor‐AB (PDGF‐AB) and fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2)‐stimulated SMCs. PDGF‐AB induced a rapid MEK activation followed by phosphorylation of the MEK substrates ERK1/2, while FGF‐2 showed a less pronounced and delayed activation. Both growth factors triggered a marked phosphorylation of c‐Myc and expression of Egr1. Pretreatment with MEK inhibitors suppressed the activation of the ERK cascade, abolished the downregulation of desmin and led to cell‐cycle arrest. However, the reversibility of p27Kip1 downregulation by UO126 was mainly observed after PDGF‐AB stimulation, indicating MEK independent p27Kip1 downregulation by FGF‐2. Surprisingly, treatment of SMCs with UO126 or PD98059 increased the level of MEK phosphorylation in a dose‐dependent manner at serine residues 217/221 in the presence as well as in the absence of both growth factors. Our results strongly imply that depending on the environmental context phosphorylation of serines 217/221 serves as an “on” as well as an “off ” switch. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published online on 26 May 2005 J Cell Physiol 2005;DOI 10.1002/jcp.20437.
Morphological variation of the thoracolumbar vertebrae inMacropodidaeand its functional relevance
Authors: Chen Xinmin , Milne Nick , O'Higgins Paul
Published: September 2005

The present study was designed to investigate how the form of the marsupial thoracolumbar vertebrae varies to cope with the particular demands of diverse loading and locomotor behaviors. The vertebral columns of 10 species ofMacropodidae, with various body masses and modes of locomotion, together with two other arboreal marsupials, koala and cuscus, were selected. Seventy‐four three‐dimensional landmark coordinates were acquired on each of the 10 last presacral vertebrae of the 70 vertebral columns. The interspecific variations of the third lumbar vertebra (L3, which approximates the mean) and the transitional patterns of the thoracolumbar segments were examined using the combined approach of generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) and principal components analysis (PCA). The results of analyses of an individual vertebra (L3) and of the transitional patterns indicate significant interspecific differences. In the L3 study the first PC shows allometric shape variation, while the second PC seems to relate to adaptation for terrestrial versus arboreal locomotion. When the L3 vertebrae of the common spotted cuscus and koala are included for comparison, the vertebra of the tree kangaroo occupies an intermediate position between the hopping kangaroo and these arboreal marsupials. The L3 vertebrae in the arboreal marsupials possess a distinct dorsoventrally expanded vertebral body, and perpendicularly orientated spinous and transverse processes. The results of the present study suggest that vertebral shape in the kangaroo and wallaroos provides a structural adaptation to hopping through a relatively enlarged loading area and powerful lever system. In contrast, the small‐sized bettongs (or rat kangaroos) have a relatively flexible column and elongated levers for the action of back muscles that extend and laterally flex the spine. The complex pattern of vertebral shape transition in the last 10 presacral vertebrae was examined using PCAs that compare between species information about vertebral shape variation along the thoracolumbar column. The results reinforce and emphasize important aspects of the patterns of variation seen in the detailed analysis of the third lumbar vertebra. The results also imply that size, spinal loading pattern, and locomotor behavior exert an influence on shaping the vertebra. Further, the morphological adaptations are consistent within these marsupials and this opens up the possibility that this kind of analysis may be useful in making functional inferences from fossil material. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uniaxial Drawing of Poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate]/Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Blends and Their Orientation Behavior
Authors: Park Jun Wuk , Tanaka Toshihisa , Doi Yoshiharu , Iwata Tadahisa
Published: August 2005

Summary: Miscible blends of PHB and CAB were prepared by the solvent‐casting method with various blend compositions, and their orientation behavior was investigated during uniaxial drawing. X‐ray analysis revealed that the orientation of the crystallizable PHB component in the drawn PHB/CAB blends was changed from c‐axis‐orientation to a‐axis‐orientation with increasing CAB content. The a‐axis‐orientation was a result from the a‐axis‐oriented crystal growth caused by the intramolecular nucleation and the confined crystal growth. For quantitative assessment of the chain orientation, the Hermans orientation functions of the two respective components were obtained from the polarized FT‐IR measurements. The orientation function of pure PHB stretched to 5 times of its initial length was approximately 0.8. However the value decreased rapidly with increasing CAB content, and it turned to a negative value from 30 wt.‐% CAB content. This indicates that the PHB chains were aligned perpendicular to the drawing direction. On the contrary, the value of the CAB component remained almost unchanged at about 0.1 regardless of the blend composition and the annealing time, indicating that the CAB chains were constantly oriented parallel to the drawing direction without any chain relaxation. In addition, SAXS analysis suggested that the lamellar stacking direction also changed from parallel to perpendicular in the stretching direction with increasing CAB content.

Wide‐ and small‐angle X‐ray diffractions of PHB/CAB blends.

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Wide‐ and small‐angle X‐ray diffractions of PHB/CAB blends.
Multiphysics Modelling of Volume Phase Transition of Ionic Hydrogels Responsive to Thermal Stimulus
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Xiaogui , Wang Zijie , Lam K. Y.
Published: August 2005

Summary: This paper presents the analysis of the volume phase transition of ionic thermo‐sensitive hydrogels to thermal stimulus through mathematical modelling. The model is termed the multi‐effect‐coupling thermal‐stimulus (MECtherm) model and it considers the effects of multi‐phases and multi‐physics. Its application to steady‐state analysis of the hydrogels in swelling equilibrium is validated against available experimental data for the relation between volume swelling ratio and temperature, in which very good agreement is achieved. The phenomenon of volume phase transition is studied for the thermal‐stimulus responsive hydrogel. The numerical studies predict well the influences of initially fixed charge density and initial volume fraction of polymeric network on the swelling equilibrium of the hydrogels.

Comparison of numerical simulations with the experimental swelling data for the thermo‐sensitive PNIPA hydrogels in pure water.

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Comparison of numerical simulations with the experimental swelling data for the thermo‐sensitive PNIPA hydrogels in pure water.
Effect of High‐Energy Vibromilling on Interfacial Interaction and Mechanical Properties of PVC/Nano‐CaCO3 Composites
Authors: Tian Manhong , Chen Guangshun , Guo Shaoyun
Published: August 2005

Summary: The effects of interfacial interaction between nano‐CaCO3 and PVC on mechanical properties and morphology of PVC/nano‐CaCO3 composites were studied. Nano‐CaCO3 was treated with vibromilling in the presence of PVC and coupling agents. The mechanical properties of PVC/treated nano‐CaCO3 are remarkably improved. Transmission electron microscopy results revealed that vibromilled nano‐CaCO3 particles are well dispersed in PVC matrix with good homogeneity and well adhered to PVC matrix. Molau test indicated that chemical reaction between newly formed surface of nano‐CaCO3 and PVC or coupling agent took place. Theoretical calculation results show that the interfacial interaction between PVC and nano‐CaCO3 are substantially improved through vibromilling treatment of nano‐CaCO3 in the presence of PVC and coupling agent.

Molau test results of the samples in THF.

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Molau test results of the samples in THF.
Preparation and Characterization of Polycarbonate/Poly(propylene)/Attapulgite Ternary Nanocomposites with the Morphology of Encapsulation
Authors: Gao Xiang , Mao Li‐xin , Jin Ri‐guang , Zhang Li‐qun , Tian Ming
Published: August 2005

Summary: Ternary nanocomposites based on polycarbonate (PC), poly(propylene) (PP), and attapulgite (AT) were prepared via the method of two‐step melt blending, by which the AT was blended with PP prior to compound with PC. Structure and properties of the ternary PC/PP/AT nanocomposites were investigated. The degradation of PC triggered by AT during direct blending process can be inhibited effectively by using two‐step melt blending. It was found that the morphology of encapsulation structure like sandbag was formed in PC matrix, where PP encapsulated AT fibrillar single crystals. DSC experiments showed that in PC/PP/AT ternary nanocomposites, AT had a strong heterophase nucleation effect on PP, resulting in the enhancement of crystallization degree and the crystallization temperature of PP. DMA and mechanical property results showed that the ternary nanocomposites exhibited good balanced toughness and stiffness.

TEM photograph of PC/PP/AT ternary nanocomposite.

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TEM photograph of PC/PP/AT ternary nanocomposite.
Ultrafine Electrospun Polyamide‐6 Fibers: Effects of Solvent System and Emitting Electrode Polarity on Morphology and Average Fiber Diameter
Authors: Supaphol Pitt , Mit‐uppatham Chidchanok , Nithitanakul Manit
Published: August 2005

Summary: In the present contribution, polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) solutions were prepared in various pure and mixed‐solvent systems and later electrospun with the polarity of the emitting electrode being either positive or negative. The PA‐6 concentration in the as‐prepared solutions was fixed at 32% w/v. Some of the solution properties, i.e., shear viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity, were measured. Irrespective of the polarity of the emitting electrode, only the electrospinning of PA‐6 solution in formic acid (85 wt.‐% aqueous solution) produced uniform electrospun fibers, while solutions of PA‐6 in m‐cresol or sulfuric acid (either 20 or 40 wt.‐% aqueous solution) did not. In the mixed‐solvent systems, formic acid (85 wt.‐% aqueous solution) was blended with m‐cresol, sulfuric acid (either 20 or 40 wt.‐% aqueous solution), acetic acid, or ethanol in the compositional range of 10–40 vol.‐% (based on the amount of the minor solvent). Generally, the average fiber diameter increased with increasing amount of the minor solvent or liquid. Interestingly, the diameters of the fibers obtained under the negative electrode polarity were larger than those obtained under the positive one.

Optical images of electrospun fibers from solutions of polyamide‐6 in a mixed solvent of 85 wt.‐% formic acid and 20 vol.‐% m‐cresol under positive (left) and negative (right) electrode polarity.

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Optical images of electrospun fibers from solutions of polyamide‐6 in a mixed solvent of 85 wt.‐% formic acid and 20 vol.‐% m‐cresol under positive (left) and negative (right) electrode polarity.
Swelling and Adsorption Properties of Hydrophobic Poly[(N‐(3‐(dimethylamino)propyl)methacrylamide)‐co‐(lauryl acrylate)] Hydrogels in Aqueous Solutions of Surfactants
Authors: Çaykara Tuncer , Birlik Gökçen
Published: August 2005

Summary: The swelling and adsorption behavior of a series of hydrophobic poly[(N‐(3‐(dimethylamino)propyl)methacrylamide)‐co‐(lauryl acrylate)] [P(DMAPMA‐co‐LA)] hydrogels was studied as a function of temperature in aqueous solutions of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the cationic surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). Between 0 and 41.7 mol‐% of lauryl acrylate (LA) were used as a hydrophobic comonomer in the hydrogel synthesis. In SDS solutions, the equilibrium swelling ratio of the hydrogels decreased with increasing temperature. At SDS concentrations below 0.0083 M, the hydrogels exhibited an almost linear swelling behavior. However, for SDS concentrations above 0.0083 M, non‐linear swelling behavior was observed in the range 28–36 °C. In contrast to the SDS solutions, in all DTAB solutions the equilibrium swelling ratio of the hydrogels increased with increasing temperature and a positive temperature sensitive property was shown for all P(DMAPMA‐co‐LA) hydrogels. The adsorption capacities of the hydrogels in aqueous solutions of SDS and DTAB were determined via surface tension measurements. An increase in the LA content in the hydrogel caused an increase in the amount of adsorbed surfactant molecules in both media.

Effect of the DTAB concentration on the adsorption capacities of P(DMAPMA‐co‐LA) hydrogels.

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Effect of the DTAB concentration on the adsorption capacities of P(DMAPMA‐co‐LA) hydrogels.
Thermal Degradation Behavior of Poly(propylene) with a Novel Silicon‐Containing Intumescent Flame Retardant
Authors: Li Qiang , Jiang Pingkai , Wei Ping
Published: August 2005

Summary: A novel intumescent flame retardant (PSiNII), containing silicon, phosphorus and nitrogen, has been synthesized and incorporated into poly(propylene) (PP). The flame retardancy of PP/PSiNII, evaluated by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value, can be enhanced up to 29.5 vol.‐% from 17.4 vol.‐% with 20% total loading amount of PSiNII. The thermal degradation behavior of PP/PSiNII are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under nitrogen and air, and pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC) under 1.5 MPa of oxygen. The PP/PSiNII‐3 degrades at 400 °C for different time, and the process is investigated by FTIR which indicates there is PO in the char. The morphologies of char formed at 400 °C for 10 min and after LOI test are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphological structure of the char exhibits the swollen cells in the inner and a smooth outer surface, which do good to the thermal properties and fire performance of PP. The thermal stability of PP is improved by incorporating PSiNII.

Inner surface of PP/PSiNII‐3 after LOI test.

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Inner surface of PP/PSiNII‐3 after LOI test.
Metallized Organoclays as New Intermediates for Aqueous Nanohybrid Dispersions, Nanohybrid Catalysts and Antimicrobial Polymer Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Weickmann Hans , Tiller Joerg C. , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: August 2005

Summary: The chemical metallization of aqueous bentonite dispersions afforded stable aqueous hybrid nanoparticle dispersions containing simultaneously dispersed sodium bentonite nanoplatelets together with bentonite supported silver, palladium, or copper nanoparticles with average metal nanoparticle diameters varying between 14 and 40 nm. Such aqueous bentonite/metal hybrid nanoparticle dispersions were blended with cationic PMMA latex to produce PMMA hybrid nanocomposites containing exfoliated polymer‐grafted organoclay together with bentonite supported metal nanoparticles. This dispersion blend formation was investigated with respect to the role of nanostructure formation and mechanical properties. Palladium/bentonite hybrid dispersions were used as catalysts for hydrogenation reactions and the electroless plating of copper. In contrast to the conventional organoclay nanocomposites, the PMMA hybrid nanocomposites, containing simultaneously dispersed organoclay nanoplatelets together with organoclay supported silver nanoparticles, exhibited high antimicrobial activity against the ubiquitous bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, even at low silver content.

Preparation of a polymer hybrid nanocomposite.

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Preparation of a polymer hybrid nanocomposite.
Limitation of the Coalescence of Evolutive Droplets by the Use of Copolymers in a Thermoplastic/Thermoset Blend
Authors: Meynie Laure , Habrard Alexia , Fenouillot Françoise , Pascault Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2005

Summary: Polystyrene (PS)/epoxy‐amine (DGEBA‐MDEA) is a thermoplastic/thermoset precursor blend which is miscible at high temperature (177 °C), and which phase separates under the polymerization of the epoxy‐amine system. Previous studies have shown that the morphology of this blend polymerized under shear is coarse and irregular because the dispersed epoxy‐amine domains coalesce before they gel. Several styrene‐methyl methacrylate and a styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymers have been added to the PS/DGEBA‐MDEA 60/40 blend in order to limit the coalescence and thus obtain a finer morphology. Two of the copolymers used were reactive either with the epoxy or with the amine. It was shown that the addition of 15 wt.‐% of non reactive copolymer had a positive but limited effect on the size of the final epoxy‐amine particles. The copolymer remained at the interface at the early stages of the polymerization. However, it was pulled out by the shear forces around the gel point of the epoxy domains. Most of the non reactive copolymer was present in the shape of micelles at the end of the process. On the other hand, the reactive copolymers were able to establish covalent bonds with the epoxy‐amine drops and hence were not extracted at all. Consequently they allowed the decrease the size of the particles by a factor of 15. Despite this, the observation of the morphology at different stages of the polymerization has revealed that the copolymer moved at the interface of the epoxy domains during the collision of two droplets. The movements of fluids into the epoxy domains pushed the copolymer out of the inter‐droplet zone so that it could not prevent the drainage of the liquid film between the droplets and consequently their coalescence.

TEM showing that the layer of copolymer (in dark grey) has moved along the interface of epoxy‐amine drops during their successful collision in a polystyrene‐rich matrix.

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TEM showing that the layer of copolymer (in dark grey) has moved along the interface of epoxy‐amine drops during their successful collision in a polystyrene‐rich matrix.
The negative ion chemistry of nitric oxide in the gas phase
Authors: Chacko Silvi A. , Wenthold Paul G.
Published: September 2005

Nitric oxide is not only an important biological molecule with varied indispensable physiological roles but also shows interesting chemical reactivity both in gas‐phase and solution phase. Even though it is a small molecule with an extremely low electron affinity, the reactivity of NO in the gas‐phase is not just limited to electron‐transfer or adduct formation. NO can behave both as an electrophile with closed‐shell anions or as a radical with open‐shell anions. Its reactivity with open‐shell anions is characteristic and varied leading to interesting rearrangements. Nitric oxide anion undergoes spin‐forbidden proton transfer with strong acids. Also, the ability of NO to serve both as one‐electron or three‐electron donor ligand can result in adduct formation or substitution reactions with transition metal complexes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are non‐binding contracts really not worth the paper?
Authors: Irlenbusch Bernd
Published: September 2005

We experimentally investigate behavior in sequential one‐shot transactions which are governed by non‐binding contracts. In a second, incomplete information treatment, contracts are binding for some players. While according to traditional game‐theoretical analysis no trade is expected in the first treatment, full trade should result in the latter. However, we find that trade is even higher in the non‐binding contract treatment. On the one hand, non‐binding contracts—although they are cheap talk—do guide behavior, especially at the beginning of a business relationship, while reciprocal reactions prevail later on. On the other hand, in the treatment with binding contracts cooperative behavior appears to be crowded out. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplified canonical form algorithm with application to porous metal plasticity
Authors: Keavey M. A.
Published: September 2005

A canonical form for the representation of material constitutive equations within standard finite element codes has been developed which is deceptive in its simplicity. Substitution of different equation systems is trivial and a consistent material Jacobian may be obtained automatically. The process is essentially numerical and does not involve the difficult algebraic manipulation associated with more traditional approaches. It is nevertheless exact because partial derivatives are derived analytically and simple because calculation of these derivatives is the only algebraic manipulation required. The remainder of the process is generic. In this paper, the algorithm is simplified further. A much more detailed and transparent explanation of the key to the method is given, namely calculation of the consistent Jacobian. A trivial modification also extends the method to plane stress. The original algorithm was validated for a simple material model. The new form is used to implement the significantly more difficult modified Gurson model for porous metal plasticity with hydrostatic yield dependence. It is tested for single element cases involving total collapse and also used to simulate necking of a notched cylindrical bar. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a more public discussion of the ethics of federal social program evaluation
Authors: Blustein Jan
Published: September 2005

Federal social program evaluation has blossomed over the past quarter century. Despite this growth, there has been little accompanying public debate on research ethics. This essay explores the origins and the implications of this relative silence on ethical matters. It reviews the federal regulations that generally govern research ethics, and recounts the history whereby the evaluation of federal programs was specifically exempted from the purview of those regulations. Through a discussion of a recent evaluation that raised ethical concerns, the essay poses—but does not answer—three questions: (1) Are there good reasons to hold federal social program evaluations to different standards than those that apply to other research?; (2) If so, what ethical standards should be used to assess such evaluations?; and (3) Should a formal mechanism be developed to ensure that federal social program evaluations are conducted ethically? © 2005 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
Treatment of stage I, IIA, IIIA1 pediatric Hodgkin disease with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine and etoposide (DBVE) and radiation: A Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) study
Authors: Tebbi C.K. , Mendenhall N. , London W.B. , Williams J.L. , de Alarcon P.A. , Chauvenet A.R. ,   A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Published: August 2005

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of reducing therapy, while maintaining treatment efficacy, in the context of a cooperative group clinical trial that allowed for clinical staging in early stage Hodgkin disease (HD).

Patients and Methods

Between August 1992 and December 1993, 51 eligible children ≤21 years of age, 31 male and 20 female, were enrolled in this study which was designed for low stage (IA, IIA, IIIA1) HD. Laparotomy and surgical staging was optional. Five postpubertal patients with Stage IA and IIA disease received only involved‐field radiation therapy. The other 46 patients, who form the basis of this report, received combined modality therapy consisting of four courses of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, and etoposide (DBVE) followed by 2,550 cGy involved‐field irradiation.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 8.4 years, the 6‐year overall and event‐free survival rates for the 46 patients treated with combination therapy were 98 ± 2% and 91 ± 5%, respectively. All patients achieved remission after completion of therapy. There have been four recurrences and a remission death due to gunshot wound. Combined modality therapy was well tolerated. Predominant side effects were gastrointestinal and hemopoietic. There have been no clinically significant cardio‐pulmonary side effects so far.

Conclusion

In clinically staged children with early‐stage HD, DBVE and low‐dose involved‐field irradiation was effective therapy with tolerable side effects and reduced potential for long‐term adverse events. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of proteins from different organs of Japanese morning glory by an in vivo electro‐elution procedure
Authors: Yanohara Taishi , Okamoto Shigehisa , Hongye Zhao , Nakamura Yasushi , Matsuo Tomoaki
Published: September 2005

An electro‐elution procedure has been employed efficiently to collect proteins from stem segments, young leaves and roots of the Japanese morning glory. Electrophoretic conditions were optimised, including the size of segments (10–30 mm), the strength of the current for electro‐elution (2.5–10 mA), and the exposure time of electro‐elution (2–12 h). From the same quantity of organs, the in vivo electro‐elution procedure permitted the collection of an amount of protein up to six times greater than that obtained with an earlier‐reported centrifugation procedure. Both preparations were analysed by SDS‐PAGE and showed similar protein profiles. This new technique provided an interesting insight into the large differences in both the quality and quantity of proteins between different organs of the plants. The average amount of protein collected from organs was 0.1 mg/g of tissue fresh weight. It is expected that this procedure may facilitate the discovery of new proteins with unique functions in extracellular matrices involved in the response of plants to various external stimuli. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Documented tuberculin skin testing among infliximab users following a multi‐modal risk communication interventions
Authors: Shatin Deborah , Rawson Nigel S. B. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Braun M. Miles , Martin Carolyn K. , Moreland Larry W. , Becker Angela F. , Patkar Nivedita M. , Allison Jeroan J. , Saag Kenneth G.
Published: September 2005

Purpose

Following its licensure, tuberculosis (TB) was reported as a potential adverse effect of infliximab. Subsequently, the product circular was changed to recommend tuberculin skin testing before patients received infliximab, which was reinforced by several risk communication efforts. The aim of this study was to evaluate patterns and predictors of documented tuberculin skin testing in patients before and after manufacturer, federal, and academic risk communications.

Methods

Patients administered infliximab were identified from 11 health plans located throughout the United States, and claims data were examined to determine whether the patients had received a tuberculin skin test. Patients were divided into three cohorts depending on the timing of their first infliximab treatment in relation to the risk communication efforts.

Results

The overall tuberculin skin testing rate doubled from 15.4% in the first cohort to 30.9% in the last cohort, while the rate of pre‐infliximab treatment testing increased from 0 to 27.7% (Chi‐squared test for trend, p < 0.0001 for both). Tuberculin skin testing rates were significantly higher in women, those with a diagnosis of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, and those with a rheumatologist as prescriber. After multivariable analysis, only rheumatologist remained significantly associated with tuberculin skin testing.

Conclusions

Although the tuberculin skin testing rate was relatively low overall, tuberculin skin testing doubled over 30 months of ongoing risk communication efforts and under ascertainment likely occurred. We also found variation in the tuberculin skin testing rate associated with physician specialty. This study demonstrates a significant change in patient care following risk communication efforts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ATRP of butyl acrylates from functionalized carbon black surfaces
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Casado‐Portilla Rosa , Belmont James , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: August 2005

The functionalization of carbon black surface with atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating sites and subsequent ATRP of n‐butyl acrylate (n‐BA) and t‐butyl acrylate (t‐BA) from the surface of carbon black is reported. The polymerizations were carried out using CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as the primary catalytic system in anisole at 70 °C. The initiator density on carbon black surface was tuned and the effect of initiator density on the polymers grafted on the surface was illustrated. Polymerizations were also performed in the presence of a sacrificial initiator to indirectly monitor the molecular weight evolution of polymers formed in the system. Block copolymerization of t‐BA initiated from poly(n‐BA) grafted carbon black was conducted to achieve water‐dispersible carbon black composites after cleavage of the t‐butyl groups. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4695–4709, 2005
Supramolecular inclusion complexes of star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone) with α‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Jing‐Liang , Dong Chang‐Ming
Published: September 2005

Both star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) having 4 arms (4sPCL) and 6 arms (6sPCL) and linear PCL having 1 arm (LPCL) and 2 arms (2LPCL) were synthesized and then investigated for inclusion complexation with α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD). The supramolecular inclusion complexes (ICs) were in detail characterized by 1H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, wide angle X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy using cross‐polarization and magic‐angle spinning, and Fourier transform infrared, respectively. The stoichiometry (CL:CD, mol:mol) of all ICs increased with the increasing branch arm of PCL polymers, and it was in the order of α‐CD‐6sPCL1 ICs > α‐CD‐4sPCL ICs > α‐CD‐2LPCL ICs > α‐CD‐LPCL ICs. All analyses indicated that the branch arms of star‐shaped PCL polymers were included into the hydrophobic α‐CD cavities and their original crystalline properties were completely suppressed. Moreover, the ICs of star‐shaped PCL with α‐CD had a channel‐type crystalline structure similar to that formed between the linear PCL and α‐CD. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the free PCL polymers probably controlled that of the guest polymers included in the ICs. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4721–4730, 2005
The impact of nanoindentation at room temperature upon the real structure of decagonal AlCoNi quasicrystals
Authors: Reibold M. , Belger A. , Mukhopadhyay N. K. , Gille P. , Paufler P.
Published: September 2005

Plastic deformation of the quasicrystalline decagonal phase Al72Co9Ni19, which appears macroscopically brittle at room temperature, has been performed by nanoindentation. Employing high resolution transmission electron microscopy it could be shown that near indents regions of a nanocrystalline phase appeared, which was identified as trigonal Al3(Ni,Co)2. So, for permanent deformation at room temperature no dislocation movement was needed. Instead, it seems reasonable to assume that the decagonal phase tends to decompose into a crystalline phase under stress. Values of nanohardness and elastic modulus determined during this work were found within the range of data reported so far by other authors. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microstructure of (104)‐oriented Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 and Bi3.54Nd0.46Ti3O12 ferroelectric thin films on multiply twinned SrRuO3/Pt(111) electrodes on YSZ(100)‐buffered Si(100)
Authors: Hesse Dietrich , Lee Sung Kyun , Gösele Ulrich
Published: September 2005

Uniformly (111)‐oriented, multiply twinned SrRuO3‐covered platinum electrodes have been grown on YSZ(100) buffer layers on Si(100) substrates by a combination of r.f. sputtering and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). They provide a smooth and plane substrate surface for the growth of multiply twinned, uniformly (104)‐oriented ferroelectric Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT) and Bi3.54Nd0.46Ti3O12 (BNT) thin films grown by PLD at an optimum substrate temperature of 750 °C. Microstructure, morphology and crystallographic orientation of the SrRuO3/Pt electrodes and the BLT and BNT films are characterized by XRD, AFM, TEM, and SAED. In spite of the multiply twinned structure, the entire ferroelectric film has a uniform component P⊥ of the polarization vector perpendicular to the film plane. The (104)‐oriented BLT and BNT films on electroded Si(100) are shown to have good ferroelectric properties (remanent polarization, coercive field, fatigue resistance) and are thus suitable for applications in silicon‐based technologies. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polyspherical parametrization of an N‐atom system: Principles and applications
Authors: Iung Christophe , Gatti Fabien
Published: August 2005

This study reviews the polyspherical parametrization of a N‐atom system. In this general formulation, the N‐atom system is described by any set of (N‐1) vectors {Ri, (i = 1, … , N − 1)} chosen by the user and characterized by their spherical coordinates (Ri, θi, ϕi) in the body fixed (BF) frame. Moreover, we present the method employed to establish the general expression of the kinetic energy operator (KEO) in terms of the total angular momentum Ĵ and either the angular momenta {L̂i; (i = 1, … , N − 2)} or the conjugate momenta {(p, p, p); (i = 1, … , N − 2)} associated with the polyspherical coordinates. We propose to adopt a particular definition of the BF frame, but we show how the user can easily modify its definition in order to take into account the specificity of the studied system. Symbolic calculations can be very helpful to determine the general expression of the KEO of a N‐atom system. We also demonstrate how this general formalism can be adapted by the user in order to take into account some physical properties of the studied system, e.g., how the symmetry can be introduced, how the system can be separated into two subsystems, and how the polyspherical coordinates can be coupled with an other set of coordinates more adapted to describe the system. We also show that this formulation can be coupled easily and efficiently to numerical methods that solve the time‐independent Schrödinger equation or that propagate the wave packet using the time‐dependent picture. Special emphasis is placed on concrete applications of this parametrization performed very recently by several groups to study the infrared spectroscopy of a large variety of semi‐rigid molecules, floppy or van der Waals systems, or scattering processes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Theory of chemical bonds in metalloenzymes II: Hybrid‐DFT studies in iron–sulfur clusters
Authors: Shoji M. , Koizumi K. , Kitagawa Y. , Yamanaka S. , Kawakami T. , Okumura M. , Yamaguchi K.
Published: August 2005

Important chemical reactions for life often require multistep electron transfers (ET) and strong reducing forces. In these reactions, electron transfer proteins as ferredoxins (Fds) play a key role. For elucidation of the core electronic states in these electron transfer processes, an inorganic model compound [Fe2S2(S2‐o‐xyl)2] is used as our first study. It was experimentally characterized that the model compound is in a similar electronic state to the active site core in Fds. On the reduced form, the diiron core exists in a characteristic mixed‐valence state that has mobile electron (spin). Hybrid density functional theory (HDFT) calculations are performed to investigate the chemical bond nature, electronic structures, and magnetic interactions. The spin states and energy levels are further discussed with spin Hamiltonians, which contain Heisenberg exchange term and double exchange term to describe the mixed‐valence state. We have determined their effective exchange integrals (J) and resonance parameters (B) from (HDFT) calculations in several procedures. These magnetic interactions are in good agreement with experiments. To estimate B values, we propose a new procedure using molecular orbital energies. The B values are properly evaluated compared with other procedures, using total energies. The chemical bond natures and the ground electronic structures are elucidated in terms of chemical indices defined by the occupation number of natural orbitals. Finally, implications of the computational results are discussed in relation to rational design of biomolecular devices. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Formation of phosphopeptide‐metal ion complexes in liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry and their influence on phosphopeptide detection
Authors: Liu Suya , Zhang Cunjie , Campbell J. Larry , Zhang Haixia , Yeung Ken K.‐C. , Han Victor K. M. , Lajoie Gilles A.
Published: August 2005

Despite major advances in mass spectrometry, the detection of phosphopeptides by liquid chromatography with electrospray mass spectrometry (LC/ES‐MS) still remains very challenging in proteomics analysis. Phosphopeptides do not protonate efficiently due to the presence of one or more acidic phosphate groups, making their detection difficult. However, other mechanisms also contribute to the difficulties in phosphopeptide analysis by LC/ES‐MS. We report here on one such undocumented problem: the formation of phosphopeptide‐metal ion complexes during LC/ES‐MS. It is demonstrated that both synthetic phosphopeptides and phosphopeptides from bovine β‐casein and α‐casein form phosphopeptide‐metal ion complexes containing iron and aluminum ions, resulting in a dramatic decrease in signal intensity of the protonated phosphopeptides. The interaction of phosphopeptides with metal ions on the surface of the C18 stationary phase is also shown to alter their chromatographic behavior on reversed‐phase columns such that the phosphopeptides, especially multiply phosphorylated peptides, become strongly retained and very difficult to elute. The sources of iron and aluminum are from the solvents, stainless steel, glassware and C18 material. It was also found that, upon addition of EDTA, the formation of the phosphopeptide‐metal ion complex is diminished, and the phosphopeptides that did not elute from the LC column can now be detected efficiently as protonated molecules. The sensitivity of detection was greatly increased such that a tetra‐phosphorylated peptide, RELEELNVPGEIVEpSLpSpSpSEESITR from the tryptic digestion of bovine β‐casein, was detected at a limit of detection of 25 fmol, which is 400 times lower than without EDTA. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct analysis of laser capture microdissected endometrial carcinoma and epithelium by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Guo Jingzhong , Colgan Terence J. , DeSouza Leroi V. , Rodrigues Mary Joe , Romaschin Alexander D. , Siu K. W. Michael
Published: August 2005

Direct analysis of laser capture microdissected malignant and normal endometrial epithelium using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MS) was able to detect a number of proteins that are overexpressed in malignant epithelial cells. A total of 16 physiologic and malignant endometrial samples were laser capture microdissected, including four proliferative and four secretory endometria, and eight endometrioid adenocarcinomas. Two of these proteins, at 10 834 and 10 843 Da, likely correspond to calgranulin A and chaperonin 10, two proteins that had previously been identified in endometrioid adenocarcinoma in whole tissue homogenate by MS analysis. Direct analysis by MALDI‐MS not only confirms that these proteins are overexpressed in endometrial carcinoma, but also localizes them to the epithelial cells, the expected cancer site. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of delay time and grid voltage changes on the average molecular mass of polydisperse polymers and polymeric blends determined by delayed extraction matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Mineo Placido , Vitalini Daniele , Scamporrino Emilio , Bazzano Sebastiano , Alicata Rossana
Published: August 2005

The dependence of the calculated average molecular mass of a polyethylene glycol with a large polydispersity on the instrumental parameters adopted in the acquisition of mass spectra using delayed extraction matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (DE MALDI‐TOFMS) was investigated. It has been shown that a combined effect of delay times and potential gradients can act on the ion cloud in the source chamber affecting both mass resolution and average molecular mass value of the analyzed polymeric sample. Also examined was a blend of two different polymers (a PEG and a PMMA commercial sample having a similar average molecular mass), which presents an additional problem concerning the discrimination among the different polymer species as a function of the experimental conditions. In this work, the best instrumental conditions to obtain both good resolution and a correct average molecular mass for the examined polydisperse sample are reported. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Everyday objects of learning about health and healing and implications for science education
Authors: Gitari Wanja
Published: August 2005

The role of science education in rural development is of great interest to science educators. In this study I investigated how residents of rural Kirumi, Kenya, approach health and healing, through discussions and semistructured and in‐depth interviews with 150 residents, 3 local herbalists, and 2 medical researchers over a period of 6 months. I constructed objects of learning by looking for similarities and differences within interpretive themes. Objects of learning found comprise four types of personal learning tools, three types of relational learning tools, three genres of moral obligation, and five genres of knowledge guarding. Findings show that rural people use (among other learning tools) inner sensing to engage thought processes that lead to health and healing knowledge. The sociocultural context is also an important component in learning. Inner sensing and residents' sociocultural context are not presently emphasized in Kenyan science teaching. I discuss the potential use of rural objects of learning in school science, with specific reference to a health topic in the Kenyan science curriculum. In addition, the findings add to the literature in the Science, Technology, Society, and Environment (STSE) approach to science education, and cross‐cultural and global science education. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 43: 172–193, 2006
Management of Biliary Ascariasis in Pregnancy
Authors: Shah Omar Javed , Robanni Irfan , Khan Fayaz , Zargar Showkat Ali , Javid Gul
Published: September 2005

Ascariasis is a helminthic infection of humans caused by the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides. Biliary ascariasis is one of the most common and well described entities caused by ascaris. In endemic areas pregnant women are prone to develop biliary ascariasis. Its management poses a great challenge to both the attending surgeon and the endoscopist. Between January 1993 and March 2003, 15 cases of biliary ascariasis were seen in pregnant patients in our institution. Ultrasonography was used as the main investigative tool. Treatment involved management by conservative, endoscopic, and surgical methods, taking due care of both the mother and the fetus. Ten patients (66.6%) were in the third trimester of pregnancy, and 10 (66.6%) patients were in their third pregnancy. Ultrasonography proved to be the best tool for diagnosing and monitoring worms inside the biliary ductal system. Nine (60%) patients responded to the conservative treatment; endoscopic extraction was successful in 4 (66.6%) patients. Surgical treatment was required in 2 (13.3%) patients. One (6.6%) patient had had spontaneous abortion at 12 weeks gestation, and one (6.6%) patient had a premature labor. The remaining patients had normal pregnancies. Management of biliary ascariasis in pregnancy is a challenge for both the attending surgeon and the endoscopist. Safe and effective management requires special attention to the gestational age and accurate recognition of the specific pathology in the patient. The majority of patients respond to conservative treatment, but endoscopic extraction may be needed in nonresponsive cases. Lead shielding of the fetus and limitation of the total fluorscopic exposure during therapeutic endoscopy can minimize the teratogenic risk of ionizing radiation. Failures of endoscopic extraction may lead to surgical intervention, which carries risks of fetal wastage and premature labor. Routine worming of women in the child‐bearing years is recommended in endemic areas of ascariasis. Though ascariasis is a problem in developing countries, because of increased travel and population migration, clinicians elsewhere should be aware of the problems associated with ascariasis.
Fatal Chest Injury with Lung Evisceration during Athletic Games in Ancient Greece
Authors: Menenakos Evangelos , Alexakis Nicholas , Leandros Emmanuel , Laskaratos Gerasimos , Nikiteas Nikolaos , Bramis John , Fingerhut Abe
Published: August 2005

The “Olympic idealism” that dominates modern athletic culture is a myth. The true aims of the athletes in ancient Greece were rewards and life‐long appointments to various positions in the military or the city administration. Competitions in the athletic games included, among others, wrestling, boxing, and pangration (a combination of wrestling and boxing). Occasionally, these games resulted in severe trauma or death. Two cases of extreme violence resulting in fatal chest trauma are presented and commented on from both surgical and social points of view.
Does Nephrectomy for Trauma Increase the Risk of Renal Failure?
Authors: Velmahos George C. , Constantinou Constantinos , Gkiokas George
Published: August 2005

Renal failure is a feared complication following operations for severe trauma. Injuries to the kidney may be managed by nephrectomy or nephrorrhaphy. Nephrectomy may increase the risk of renal failure in already at‐risk trauma patients. Nephrectomy for trauma should be avoided to the extent possible because it is associated with renal failure. From a prospectively collected trauma database, 59 patients with nephrectomy were matched at 1:1 ratio with 59 patients with nephrorrhaphy. Matching criteria were age (± 5 years), Injury Severity Score (± 3), abdominal Abbreviated Injury Score (± 1), and mechanism of injury (blunt or penetrating). The rates of renal function compromise (defined as a serum creatinine level >2 mg/dl for more than 2 days) and renal replacement therapy (continuous or intermittent) were compared in the two groups. The two groups were well‐matched and similar with regard to injury severity and organs injured. Between nephrectomy and nephrorrhaphy patients, there were no differences in renal function compromise (10% vs. 14%, p = 0.57), renal replacement therapy (5% vs. 0%, p = 0.12), length of hospital stay (19 ± 26 vs. 20 ± 21, p = 0.8), and mortality (15% vs. 12%, p = 0.59). Salvaging the injured kidney does not seem to offer an obvious clinical benefit regarding postoperative renal function. Given the increased operative complexity of nephrorrhaphy in comparison to nephrectomy and the frequent need to abbreviate the operation in patients with severe trauma, nephrectomy should not be avoided when appropriate.