bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carpal tunnel syndrome and hand configuration
Authors: Chroni Elisabeth , Paschalis Christos , Arvaniti Chrisa , Zotou Kerasia , Nikolakopoulou Anastasia , Papapetropoulos Thodoros
Published: August 2002

The likelihood that hand configuration is related to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was examined in this study. Based on neurophysiological criteria, 50 female subjects with CTS and 50 healthy female controls were selected and their external hand dimensions were measured. Our results showed that the palm length and third digit length were significantly shorter and the palm width larger in the subjects with CTS compared with controls. Regression analysis demonstrated that the hand ratio [(palm + third digit length)/palm width] was significantly correlated with median nerve conduction measurements. The hand ratio may be a simple and useful predictive measurement in determining the tendency for CTS. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 1607–1611, 2001
On failure criteria for anisotropic cohesive‐frictional materials
Authors: Pietruszczak S. , Mroz Z.
Published: August 2002

Anisotropic failure criteria are formulated using two different approaches. The first one employs a spatial distribution of strength parameters and defines the failure condition in terms of traction components acting on the critical plane. The second one incorporates a microstructure tensor and the relevant mixed invariants. Both formulations are illustrated by some numerical examples. In particular, the variation of strength with orientation of the sample is examined for a series of uniaxial compression tests. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a non‐invasive strategy to classify bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with LUTS
Authors: Pel J.J.M. , Bosch J.L.H.R. , Blom J.H.M. , Lycklama à Nijeholt A.A.B. , van Mastrigt R.
Published: August 2002

To diagnose bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), it is necessary to measure the bladder pressure via a transurethral (or suprapubic) catheter. This procedure incurs some risk of urinary tract infection and urethral trauma and is sometimes painful to the patient. We developed an external condom catheter to measure non‐invasively the bladder pressure and developed a strategy to classify bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) based on this measurement. Seventy‐five patients with a wide range of urological diagnoses underwent a pressure‐flow study followed by a non‐invasive study. We tested five different strategies to classify the patients using the provisional International Continence Society (ICS) method for definition of obstruction as the gold standard. Leakage of the external catheter occurred in eight (40%) of the first 20 tested patients. In the remaining 55 patients, only five (9%) of the measurements failed because of leakage. Of the 75 patients, 56 were successfully tested non‐invasively. According to the ICS nomogram, the PFS showed that 22 of these patients were non‐obstructed, 12 patients were equivocal, and 22 patients were obstructed. Ten of these 56 patients strained, and we found that the relatively high abdominal pressures in these patients were not reflected in the externally measured bladder pressure. Of the remaining 46 patients, 12 of 13 non‐obstructed patients and 30 of 33 combined equivocal and obstructed patients could be correctly classified. We developed a simple, non‐invasive classification strategy to identify BOO in those male patients who did not strain during voiding. Neurourol. Urodynam. 21:117–125, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of suppliers' optimal quantity discount schedules with heterogeneous buyers
Authors: Wang Qinan
Published: August 2002

Although the quantity discount problem has been extensively studied in the realm of a single supplier and a single buyer, it is not well understood when a supplier has many different buyers. This paper presents an analysis of a supplier's quantity discount decision when there are many buyers with different demand and cost structures. A common discrete all‐unit quantity discount schedule with many break points is used. After formulating the model, we first analyze buyers' responses to a general discrete quantity discount schedule. This analysis establishes a framework for a supplier to formulate his quantity discount decision. Under this framework, the supplier's optimal quantity discount schedule can be formulated and solved by a simple non‐linear programming model. The applicability of the model is discussed with an application for a large U.S. distribution network. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 49: 46–59, 2002; DOI 10.1002/nav.1052
Managing computing resources in active intranets
Authors: Chellappa Ramnath K. , Gupta Alok
Published: August 2002

The objective of this paper is to present an economic pricing‐based resource management technique for Intranets that has the capability of managing Intranet resources from an organizational perspective. We discuss the adoption of this pricing scheme at three stages: application level, node level, and data‐stream level implementations. These three levels demonstrate how a pricing based approach can be used with the current technology and also be migrated to evolving network architectures such as active networks. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pigment‐dispersing factor in the locust abdominal ganglia may have roles as circulating neurohormone and central neuromodulator
Authors: Persson Magnus G. S. , Eklund Malin B. , Dircksen Heinrich , Muren J. Eric , Nässel Dick R.
Published: August 2002

Pigment‐dispersing factor (PDF) is a neuropeptide that has been indicated as a likely output signal from the circadian clock neurons in the brain of Drosophila. In addition to these brain neurons, there are PDF‐immunoreactive (PDFI) neurons in the abdominal ganglia of Drosophila and other insects; the function of these neurons is not known. We have analyzed PDFI neurons in the abdominal ganglia of the locust Locusta migratoria. These PDFI neurons can first be detected at about 45% embryonic development and have an adult appearance at about 80%. In each of the abdominal ganglia (A3–A7) there is one pair of lateral PDFI neurons and in each of the A5–A7 ganglia there is additionally a pair of median neurons. The lateral neurons supply varicose branches to neurohemal areas of the lateral heart nerves and perisympathetic organs, whereas the median cells form processes in the terminal abdominal ganglion and supply terminals on the hindgut. Because PDF does not influence hindgut contractility, it is possible that also these median neurons release PDF into the circulation. Release from one or both the PDFI neuron types was confirmed by measurements of PDF‐immunoreactivity in hemolymph by enzyme immunoassay. PDF applied to the terminal abdominal ganglion triggers firing of action potentials in motoneurons with axons in the genital nerves of males and the 8th ventral nerve of females. Because this action is blocked in calcium‐free saline, it is likely that PDF acts via interneurons. Thus, PDF seems to have a modulatory role in central neuronal circuits of the terminal abdominal ganglion that control muscles of genital organs. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 48: 19–41, 2001
Cellular competence plays a role in photoreceptor differentiation in the developing Xenopus retina
Authors: Rapaport David H. , Patheal Sherry L. , Harris William A.
Published: August 2002

Factors in the environment appear to be responsible for inducing many of the cell fates in the retina, including, for example, photoreceptors. Further, there is a conserved order of histogenesis in the vertebrate retina, suggesting that a temporal mechanism interacts in the control of cellular determination. The temporal mechanism involved could result from different inducing signals being released at different times. Alternatively, the inducing signals might be present at many stages, but an autonomous clock could regulate the competence of cells to respond to them. To differentiate between these mechanisms, cells from young embryonic retinas were dissociated and grown together with those from older embryos, and the timing of photoreceptor determination assayed. Young cells appeared uninfluenced by older cells, expressing photoreceptor markers on the same time schedule as when cultured alone. A similar result was obtained when the heterochronic mixing was done in vivo by grafting a small plug of optic vesicle from younger embryos into older hosts. Even the graft cells at the immediate margin of the transplant failed to express photoreceptor markers earlier than normal, despite their being in contact with older, strongly expressing host cells. We conclude that retinal progenitors intrinsically acquire the ability to respond to photoreceptor‐inducing cues by a mechanism that runs on a cell autonomous schedule, and that the conserved order of histogenesis is based in part on this competence clock. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 49: 129–141, 2001
Composite material design of two‐dimensional structures using the homogenization design method
Authors: Fujii D. , Chen B. C. , Kikuchi N.
Published: August 2002

Composite materials of two‐dimensional structures are designed using the homogenization design method. The composite material is made of two or three different material phases. Designing the composite material consists of finding a distribution of material phases that minimizes the mean compliance of the macrostructure subject to volume fraction constraints of the constituent phases, within a unit cell of periodic microstructures. At the start of the computational solution, the material distribution of the microstructure is represented as a pure mixture of the constituent phases. As the iteration procedure unfolds, the component phases separate themselves out to form distinctive interfaces. The effective material properties of the artificially mixed materials are defined by the interpolation of the constituents. The optimization problem is solved using the sequential linear programming method. Both the macrostructure and the microstructures are analysed using the finite element method in each iteration step. Several examples of optimal topology design of composite material are presented to demonstrate the validity of the present numerical algorithm. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formulation and evaluation of new triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal and hexagonal discrete Kirchhoff plate/shell elements
Authors: Batoz J. L. , Zheng C. L. , Hammadi F.
Published: August 2002

The paper deals with the formulation of plate and shell elements based on the discrete Kirchhoff technique. In the first part we review the flat facet shell elements which have been formulated during the last 30 years. In the second part, we present the formulation of a new family of discrete Kirchhoff plate/shell elements based on the free formulation. The triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal andhexagonal elements belong also to the family of semi‐Loof elements having only displacements at the corner nodes and one tangential rotation along each side. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐isothermal ‘2‐D flow/3‐D thermal’ developments encompassing process modelling of composites: flow/thermal/cure formulations and validations
Authors: Ngo Nam D. , Tamma Kumar K.
Published: August 2002

In the manufacturing process of large geometrically complex components comprising of fibre‐reinforced composite materials by resin transfer molding (RTM), the process involves injection of resin into a mold cavity filled with porous fibre preforms. The overall success of the RTM manufacturing process depends on the complete impregnation of the fibre mat by the polymer resin, prevention of polymer gelation during filling, and subsequent avoidance of dry spots. Since a cold resin is injected into a hot mold, the associated physics encompasses a moving boundary value problem in conjunction with the multi‐disciplinary study of flow/thermal and cure kinetics inside the mold cavity. Although experimental validations are indispensable, routine manufacture of large complex structural geometries can only be enhanced via computational simulations, thus eliminating costly trial runs and helping the designer in the set‐up of the manufacturing process. This study describes the computational developments towards formulating an effective simulation‐based design methodology using the finite element method. The specific application is for thin shell‐like geometries with the thickness being much smaller than the other dimensions of the part. Due to the highly advective nature of the non‐isothermal conditions involving thermal and polymerization reactions, special computational considerations and stabilization techniques are also proposed. Validations and comparisons with experimental results are presented whenever available. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business ethics—grounded in systems thinking
Authors: Roth William
Published: August 2002

While organizations can act ethically because of strong leadership by example, sustaining an ethical culture
requires more structural underpinnings. The system by which goals are set, decisions are made, and actions are
taken needs to be coherently founded on human values. These shape the ethical climate of an organization. Human
values—which are the foundation of sustainable business value—center around respect for employees,
respect for their potential, and the belief that it is management's responsibility to facilitate the
realization of that potential. Applying such values requires a determinedly systematic approach, with
built‐in checks and balances, encompassing every organizational function. © 2002 Wiley
Periodicals, Inc.
A finite difference interpretation of the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Junk Michael
Published: August 2002

Compared to conventional techniques in computational fluid dynamics, the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) seems to be a completely different approach to solve the incompressible Navier–Stokes equation. The aim of this article is to correct this impression by showing the close relation of LBM to two standard methods: relaxation schemes and explicit finite difference discretizations. As a side effect, new starting points for a discretization of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equation are obtained. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 17:383 402, 2001
Exercise among blue‐collar workers: Application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Blue Carolyn L. , Wilbur JoEllen , Marston‐Scott Mary'Vesta
Published: August 2002

The purpose of this study was to identify cognitive predictors of blue‐collar workers' (N = 468) intention to exercise and their self‐reported exercise behavior. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) provided the framework for the study. A cross‐sectional sample of skilled and unskilled workers from the physical facilities department of a large, Midwestern state university completed a questionnaire containing measures of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intention, and self‐reported leisure exercise behavior. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that workers' attitude toward exercise and perceived behavioral control explained 61.7% of the variance of intention, whereas intention and perceived behavioral control explained 51.3% of the variance of exercise behavior. Subjective norm was not a significant predictor of intention to exercise. The findings support the use of the TPB in identifying cognitive factors that explain exercise behavior and suggest that interventions to promote exercise behavior in blue‐collar workers should address their attitude toward exercise and their perceptions of behavioral control. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 24:481–493, 2001
Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses to academic stress
Authors: Kang Duck‐Hee , Fox Charity
Published: August 2002

Predominant Th2 profiles are associated with the worsening of asthma, and stress is speculated to induce a Th2 profile. The goals of this study were to examine the responses of the cytokines Th1 (IFN‐γ and IL‐2) and Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐6) to a stressor and to look at the relationships between cytokine and psychological responses. Twenty‐four students with and without a history of asthma completed questionnaires and gave blood samples during nonexam and exam periods. Cytokines were measured by ELISA from supernatants of stimulated mononuclear cells (MNC) and whole blood. During examinations, there were a significant decrease in IL‐2 and a significant increase in IL‐6 production (both cultures) and a significant decrease in IFN‐γ production (MNC cultures). Baseline IL‐2 levels showed significant negative correlations with several stress and mood scores. Findings of this study indicate a down‐regulation of Th1 and a selective up‐regulation of Th2 cytokines during a stressful exposure. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 24:245–257, 2001
Escaping poverty: behind the numbers
Authors: Schelzig Karin
Published: August 2002

Head counts of poverty are the most commonly used indicator of poverty level. While not ideal, the analysis of poverty head counts informs conclusions about whether households move in or out of poverty over time. Longitudinal data from repeated surveys show that, at the country level, some countries have lifted their populations out of poverty, while the populations of other countries have either remained poor or become poorer. How these scenarios come to be is the key question that challenges the development community. What mix of country characteristics, policies, structural features and external influences conspire to either improve or deteriorate well‐being and to affect overall poverty levels? Unfortunately, changes in poverty levels might sometimes be the result of changes in poverty measurement methodology, with no real change in the well‐being of the population. For this reason, poverty assessment should begin with an analysis of the measurement methodology – particularly given the increased global enthusiasm for poverty reduction. This article examines panel data from Mongolia and the Philippines to show how seemingly slight variations in survey methodology can have a rather significant impact on poverty results. In order to make a robust comparison of poverty head counts from different surveys, the basic building blocks of the poverty measures must be identical. This is not always the case. Given the difficulties identified with money‐metric head counts, this study concludes by arguing for a move beyond economic statistics, toward multidisciplinary approaches to poverty assessment. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revenue authorities: are they the right vehicle for improved tax administration?
Authors: Devas Nick , Delay Simon , Hubbard Michael
Published: August 2002

It is now well recognised that reforms to tax administration are as important as tax policy changes for overall fiscal reform. One institutional model of tax administration, which has been quite widely adopted in Africa in recent years, is that of the semi‐independent Revenue Authority. This approach is based on the executive agency model, widely adopted in the UK and elsewhere, as a way of improving performance of certain governmental functions. This article looks at the arguments for and against the Revenue Authority model, and examines a number of practical issues in the design of such an agency. It draws on the recent experience of Revenue Authorities in a number of countries. It concludes that the Revenue Authority model can offer an appropriate institutional framework for reforming tax administration, particular where low pay rates and rigid civil service systems inhibit effective management. However, Revenue Authorities do not solve all problems, and can only be expected to deliver results if they form part of a wider reform. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Government–nonprofit partners for health sector reform in Central Asia: family group practice associations in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Brinkerhoff Derick W.
Published: August 2002

Faced with limited resources, governments in developing and transitioning countries are struggling to find the resources to provide basic health services. Increasingly, governments are turning to the private and nonprofit sectors as partners. This article examines the experience of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in creating new nonprofit organizations as part of health sector reform. Family Group Practice Associations (FGPAs) serve as intermediaries between public sector health agencies and newly created family group practices (FGPs), which are providing improved levels of primary health care. The FGPAs have helped to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of health service delivery, and have contributed to making the top‐heavy and cumbersome health systems in both countries more flexible and responsive. Although their policy advocacy role is still relatively incipient, FGPAs provide a potential avenue for increasing external input into policy decisions. The weight of the past has made progress relatively slow, with large power differentials between the nonprofits and their government partners, a constrained legal framework for non‐governmental entities, and weak capacity among the newly created FGPAs and FGPs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The extraction of imperialine and imperialine‐3β‐glucoside from Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk and quantitative determination by HPLC‐evaporative light scattering detection
Authors: Li Ping , Zeng Ling‐jie , Li Song‐lin , Lin Ge
Published: August 2002

The extraction procedure and quantitative determination by HPLC‐evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) of the main bioactive components, namely, imperialine (1) and imperialine‐3β‐glucoside (2), of bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk have been investigated. The most efficient method for the simultaneous extraction of 1 and 2 involved pre‐treatment of the bulb powder with ammonia, followed by reflux with dichloromethane:methanol at 90°C for 4 h. Simultaneous determination of non‐chromophoric 1 and 2 by HPLC‐ELSD employed a Kromasil™ C18 column eluted with acetonitrile:water:diethylamine. The assay was accurate and reproducible with an overall variation lower than 4% and a sample recovery higher than 98%. The methods described have been successfully used to evaluate the quality of three batches of the crude traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the bulbs of F. pallidiflora. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative analysis of the active components and the by‐products of eight dry extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. (St John's wort)
Authors: Eggelkraut‐Gottanka S. G. von , Abed S. Abu , Müller W. , Schmidt P. C.
Published: August 2002

The major components of eight different batches of commercially available dry extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. were quantified. Hyperforin (1), hypericin (2) and flavonoids, which are considered to play key roles in the treatment of mild and moderate depressive disorders, were determined by HPLC methods. The contents of 1, 2 and flavonoids were found to be in the range of 1.3–3.9%, 0.19–0.30%, and 4.8–11.4%, respectively. Generally extracts contained, besides the so‐called active components, a wide variety of by‐products which may act partially as co‐effectors and affect the technological properties of the extracts. Water‐soluble sugars form one of the main groups of these by‐products, and a procedure for the purification and quantification of such sugars in H. perforatum using HPLC with refractive index detection has been established. Native fructose, glucose and sucrose, as well as lactose added during the processing of the extracts, were determined. The total sugar content in the dry herbal extracts varied from 19 to 25% by weight. Further, citric acid (0.9–2.3%) and malic acid (2.3–3.1%) were determined by HPLC, tannins (6.2–9.0%) and total ash (4.9–8.4%) were quantified according to the methods described in the European Pharmacopoeia, and the content of the total protein (3.9–8.3%) was estimated by elemental analysis. Thus, 60–70% of the compounds of the H. perforatum dry extracts have been quantified. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of cardiac defects: where we've been, where we are and where we're going
Authors: Friedman Alan H. , Kleinman Charles S. , Copel Joshua A.
Published: August 2002

There has been tremendous development in the field of prenatal diagnosis of cardiac disease in the last 30 years. Early work centered on the technical aspects of providing an accurate assessment of cardiac structure and function. Techniques of fetal cardiac screening have been developed and utilized throughout the world. More recently, investigators have begun to explore the ramifications of fetal cardiac diagnosis by assessing measures of outcome. In this article, the field of fetal echocardiography, as a screening tool for identifying congenital heart disease, and its impact on disease outcome is reviewed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: ‘the silent killer’
Authors: Campbell Ian W.
Published: August 2002

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is best regarded as a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors contributing to accelerating atherosclerotic (macrovascular) disease, often present for many years before the onset of clinical diabetes. It is better referred to as the metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance syndrome, leading to premature cardiovascular death, unless aggressive risk factor reduction targeting blood glucose, blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and the pro‐coagulant state is implemented. As type 2 DM is expected to double world‐wide over the next 25 years, the burden of type 2 DM presents a major challenge to health authorities to improve the prognosis of those subjects with type 2 DM. It is not a ‘mild disease’ but rather a ‘silent killer’. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive patient‐held record for diabetes. Part two: Large‐scale assessment of the Diabetes Databank by patients and health care workers
Authors: Davis Timothy M.E. , Bridgford Anna
Published: August 2002

After initial development and patient assessment (Phase 1), a modified patient‐held diabetes record or ‘databank’ was distributed to 885 patients (Phase 2). A sample of 400 health professionals was also asked to assess the modified databank. At the end of the 4‐month assessment period, 70% of the patients were using the databank. In a subset of 102 of these, 47% had taken it to health care appointments, a similar response to that in Phase 1 (53%). However, databank records were updated more often at appointments during Phase 2 (86% vs 71% in Phase 1; P=0.007), especially by general practitioners. Of 100 health professionals who had encountered the databank, >66% found it easy to follow and supported its routine use, 83% had updated information and 43% stated that it assisted management. A comprehensive patient‐held record was supported by most patients and health professionals. Although information technology may revolutionize medical records, the diabetes databank could complement new information storage media. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diet and lifestyle in type 2 diabetes: the patient's perspective
Authors: Frandsen Kirstine Brown , Kristensen Jørgen Smedegaard
Published: August 2002

Patient compliance with diet, lifestyle and medication regimens is an essential part of the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Issues and barriers relating to patient compliance were investigated in group discussions with a total of 123 patients with type 2 diabetes in four European countries and the USA. Patients were found to be well motivated to comply with advice on diet and lifestyle, but many felt they had received insufficient information about their disease and prescribed treatments. In addition, patients often felt that the reasons behind the lifestyle and dietary advice had not been adequately explained, and that dietary advice was vague. Consequently, patients' understanding of the reasons for the changes they believed they had to make was often poor, and they found some lifestyle changes difficult to make. Eating at regular times, not missing meals, reducing alcohol intake or favourite foods, and taking tablets at the same time each day without fail were all directives where a degree of non‐compliance was admitted. There was confusion between diet and lifestyle changes aimed at improving metabolic control and risk profile, and those required to offset the risk of hypoglycaemia inherent in some antidiabetic therapies (e.g. long‐acting sulphonylureas), such as eating meals at set times. It is unfortunate that, by imposing additional diet and lifestyle restrictions, such hypoglycaemic therapies compromise patients' lifestyles and divert their energy and commitments from genuinely beneficial behaviour changes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying hospital admissions due to adverse drug events using a computer‐based monitor
Authors: Jha Ashish K. , Kuperman Gilad J. , Rittenberg Eve , Teich Jonathan M. , Bates David W.
Published: August 2002

Background

Hospital admissions due to adverse drug events (ADEs) are expensive, and many may be preventable, yet few institutions have ongoing surveillance for these events.

Objective

To evaluate the use of a computer‐based ADE monitor to identify admissions due to ADEs and to measure the associated costs.

Design

Prospective cohort study in one tertiary care hospital.

Participants

All patients admitted to nine medical and surgical units in a tertiary care hospital over an 8‐month period.

Main outcome measure

Admissions to the hospital due to an adverse drug event.

Methods

A computer‐based monitoring program generated alerts suggesting that an ADE might be present. A trained reviewer then evaluated the record.

Results

Among the 3238 admissions, 76 (2.3%, 1.4% after adjusting for sampling) were found to be caused by an ADE. Of these ADEs, 78% were severe and 28% were preventable. Estimated costs were $16,177 per ADE, and $10,375 per preventable ADE; annualized costs to the hospital were $6.3 million per year for all ADEs, and $1.2 million for preventable ADEs.

Conclusions

Many admissions were caused by ADEs, although our point estimate undoubtedly represents a lower bound. These events were mostly severe, often preventable, and expensive. The computer‐based monitoring system represents a practical approach for identifying ADEs that occur in outpatients and cause admission to the hospital. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ion exchange resins from phenol/formaldehyde resin‐modified lignin
Authors: Zoumpoulakis L , Simitzis J
Published: August 2002

Phenol/formaldehyde resin, commonly sulfonated, is used as ion exchanger. Lignin, which is the phenolic polymer matrix in wood, was isolated from olive stone biomass by alkaline hydrolysis of weak ether bonds (Kraft lignin, KRL). It was then hydroxymethylated (KRLH) with an aqueous solution of formaldehyde. Novolac resin (N) was synthesized from phenol and formaldehyde under acidic conditions. KRL or KRLH was incorporated into phenol/formaldehyde during polymerization (N‐KRL, N‐KRLH). The products of polymerization (N, N‐KRL and N‐KRLH) were sulfonated with concentrated H2SO4 (1:3 w/w as typical proportion according to literature or 1:6 w/w as an excess of H2SO4) and then cross‐linked with formaldehyde. The different products were characterized by IR spectroscopy, swelling in ethanol, acetone and in an aqueous solution of 1 N NaOH. The ion‐exchange capacity, the moisture retention capacity and the titration curves of the sulfonated and cured products were determined. The ion‐exchange capacity and the uptake of metal ions (mainly Co2+ and Cu2+) detected by atomic absorption spectroscopy, on the sulfonated materials, prepared in an excess of H2SO4, is higher for N‐KRL and N‐KRLH than for N and it takes place at the same rate or faster. The latter shows a medium acidic behaviour according to the titration curves, in contrast with the sulfonated N‐KRLH and N‐KRL which show a strongly acidic behaviour.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of thermal treatment and processing on the structure and morphology of poly(propylene‐ran‐1‐butene) copolymers
Authors: Marega Carla , Marigo Antonio , Saini Roberta , Ferrari Paolo
Published: August 2002

New poly(propylene‐ran‐1‐butene) copolymers were analyzed to study the influence of different processing techniques on their structure and morphology. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction allowed determination of the percentage of the γ form and the crystallinity in the samples and also the influence of the percentage of 1‐butene on the cell parameters. Furthermore, it was possible to appraise the contributions of different stacks of lamellae to the small‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Dielectric and conduction properties of pure polyimide films
Authors: Muruganand S , Narayandass Sa K , Mangalaraj D , Vijayan T M
Published: August 2002

Capacitors with an Al–polyimide–Al sandwich film structure have been fabricated: the top and the bottom aluminium electrodes were deposited by vacuum evaporation and the polyimide film was deposited by an isothermal immersion method. An X‐ray diffractogram of the film indicates the amorphous nature of the polyimide film. Dielectric and ac conduction properties of polyimide capacitors in the frequency range 10 kHz to 10 MHz at various temperatures (303–423 K) are reported; the dc conduction at different voltages and at various temperatures (303–423 K) is given. The capacitance of the film decreases with increasing frequency but increases with increasing temperature. The ac conduction studies suggest that electron hopping is responsible for conduction while the dc conduction studies reveal that Poole–Frenkel conduction is predominant at high fields. The activation and zero field activation energies are also calculated.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Contemporary practices in school psychology: A national survey of roles and referral problems
Authors: Bramlett Ronald K. , Murphy John J. , Johnson Jenna , Wallingsford Leah , Hall John D.
Published: August 2002

Eight hundred school psychologists who were members of the National Association of School Psychologists were mailed a survey designed to assess their roles, types of referrals, consultation practices, and crisis team involvement. Three hundred seventy (49%) completed surveys were analyzed. Assessment was the most common role followed distantly by consultation. Academic problems were the most frequent type of referral with reading being the most common concern. Of the behavioral referrals, externalizing problems were more frequent than internalizing concerns. Behavioral consultation was the most common model used but less than half of respondents follow all of the stages. Only forty percent use an evaluative component in consultation. A majority of the informants had some involvement with their schools' crisis team. Implications of these findings for training, professional development, and future roles are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactional models of learning disabilities: Evidence from students entering foster care
Authors: Evans Larry D.
Published: August 2002

Children are increasingly entering foster care due to primary or secondary neglect in the home environment. They provide a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between learning and extrascholastic environments. Achievement and intelligence scores were obtained for 3483 school‐age children during the first 30 to 60 days of foster care placement. Results showed average to low‐average mean achievement and IQ, with primary academic deficits in basic skill areas. One or more severe (≥1.75 SD) regressed discrepancies was found for 25.4% of children, and 76.6% showed one or more areas of academic underachievement (≤25th percentile). Results are interpreted as supporting interactional models of learning disability etiology that recognize environmental, neurologic, instructional, and behavioral variables. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparation of functionalized montmorillonites and their application in supported zirconocene catalysts for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Liu Chengbin , Tang Tao , Zhao Zhongfu , Huang Baotong
Published: August 2002

Ethylene polymerization was carried out with zirconocene catalysts supported on montmorillonite (or functionalized montmorillonite). The functionalized montmorillonite was from simple ion exchange of [CH3O2CCH2NH3]+(MeGlyH+) ions with interlamellar cations of layered montmorillonites. The functionalized montmorillonites [high‐purity montmorillonite (MMT)‐MeGlyH+] had larger interlayer spacing (12.69 Å) than montmorillonites without treatment (9.65 Å). The zirconocene catalyst system [Cp2ZrCl2/methylaluminoxane (MAO)/MMT‐MeGlyH+] had much higher Zr loading and higher activities than those of other zirconocene catalyst systems (Cp2ZrCl2/MMT, Cp2ZrCl2/MMT‐MeGlyH+, Cp2ZrCl2/MAO/MMT, [Cp2ZrCl]+[BF4]/MMT, [Cp2ZrCl]+[BF4]−/MMT‐MeGlyH+, [Cp2ZrCl]+[BF4]−/MAO/MMT‐MeGlyH+, and [Cp2ZrCl]+[BF4]−/MAO/MMT). The polyethylenes with good bulk density were obtained from the catalyst systems, particularly (Cp2ZrCl2/MAO/MMT‐MeGlyH+). MeGlyH+and MAO seemed to play important roles for preparation of the supported zirconocenes and polymerization of ethylene. The difference in Zr loading and catalytic activity among the supported zirconocene catalysts is discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1892–1898, 2002
Preparation of oriented β‐form poly(L‐lactic acid) by solid‐state extrusion
Authors: Sawai Daisuke , Takahashi Kazuyo , Imamura Toshiyuki , Nakamura Koh , Kanamoto Tetsuo , Hyon Suong‐Hyu
Published: August 2002

Melt‐crystallized, low molecular weight poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) consisting of α crystals was uniaxially drawn by solid‐state extrusion at an extrusion temperature (Text) of 130–170 °C. A series of extrusion‐drawn samples were prepared at an optimum Text value of 170 °C, slightly below the melting temperature (Tm) of α crystals (∼180 °C). The drawn products were characterized by deformation flow profiles, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) melting thermograms, wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXD), and small‐angle X‐ray scattering as a function of the extrusion draw ratio (EDR). The deformation mode in the solid‐state extrusion of semicrystalline PLLA was more variable and complex than that in the extensional deformation expected in tensile drawing, which generally gave a mixture of α and β crystals. The deformation profile was extensional at a low EDR and transformed to a parabolic shear pattern at a higher EDR. At a given EDR, the central portion of an extrudate showed extensional deformation and the shear component became progressively more significant, moving from the center to the surface region. The WAXD intensities of the (0010)α and (003)β reflections on the meridian as well as the DSC melting thermograms showed that the crystal transformation from the initial α form to the oriented β form proceeded rapidly with increasing EDR at an EDR greater than 4. Furthermore, WAXD showed that the crystal transformation proceeded slightly more rapidly at the sheath region than at the core region. This fact, combined with the deformation profiles (shear at the sheath and extensional at the core), indicated that the crystal transformation was promoted by shear deformation under a high pressure rather than by extensional deformation. Thus, a highly oriented rod consisting of only β crystals was obtained by solid‐state extrusion of melt‐crystallized, low molecular weight PLLA slightly below Tm. The structure and properties of the α‐ and β‐form crystals were also studied. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 95–104, 2002
Contact of elastic solids with rough surfaces
Authors: Kim Ho‐Cheol , Russell Thomas P.
Published: August 2002

The effect of surface roughness on the adhesion of elastic solids was examined with artificially roughened surfaces and crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane). The amplitudes (σ) and lateral correlation lengths (ξ) of the surface roughness were determined with the height–height correlation function calculated from atomic force microscopy images. The work of adhesion (W) did not change significantly for surfaces where σ ≤ 6 nm. However, with increasing σ and (ξ2/σ)1/3, W increased. Maximal adhesion was found for surfaces that produced the greatest indentation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 1848–1854, 2001
Aging and cold crystallization of melt‐extruded poly(trimethylene terephthalate) films
Authors: Cho Jae Whan , Woo Kyung Sik
Published: August 2002

We analyzed the thermal crystallization, glass‐transition behavior, and mechanical properties of melt‐extruded poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) films to investigate their physical aging and annealing effects. The physical aging and annealing of PTT films had an influence on the glass‐transition temperature, recrystallization behavior, and mechanical properties. When samples were aged at an ambient temperature, the crystallization temperature decreased largely within 5 h, the heat of crystallization increased, and the breaking stress and breaking elongation increased. The glass‐transition temperature of annealed samples, which was obtained from differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical measurements, increased with increasing annealing temperature below 80 °C but decreased above that temperature. In addition, the glass‐transition temperature and modulus of annealed samples were largely affected by the annealing time; in particular, they increased sharply within 1 h on annealing at 50 °C. Consequently, the change in the glass‐transition temperature on annealing was ascribed to the fact that the molecular constraint due to recrystallization and the mobility of rigid amorphous PTT chains competed with each other, being dependent on the annealing temperature. The mechanical properties of aged samples were closely related to their cold‐crystallization behavior. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 1920–1927, 2001
Dynamic mechanical relaxation behavior of block copolymers at high temperatures
Authors: Mohammady S. Z. , Mansour A. A. , Stoll B.
Published: August 2002

We carried out dynamic mechanical measurements to investigate three different examples of block copolymers: styrene–isoprene diblock copolymers and styrene–butadiene–styrene and styrene–(styrene butadiene)–styrene triblock copolymers. Isochronal and isothermal measurements of the real and imaginary parts of the complex shear modulus were performed over wide ranges of temperature and frequency. The measurements showed the presence of an additional relaxation process appearing at temperatures higher than those of the glass relaxation of the polystyrene phase, which has been misinterpreted by some authors as an order–disorder transition. The frequency dependence revealed that this process was a relaxation process and did not belong to a first‐order transition. Moreover, the influence of crosslinking via dicumylperoxide was measured, and we constructed complete master curves to confirm the presence of two relaxation processes. The high‐temperature relaxation process was strongly suppressed by crosslinking. Therefore, it was possible to detect the glass relaxation process of the polystyrene phase in a precise manner. The results were compared with those of homopolymers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2198–2206, 2001
Predicting major depression in brain tumor patients
Authors: Wellisch David K. , Kaleita Thomas A. , Freeman Donald , Cloughesy Timothy , Goldman Jeffrey
Published: August 2002

Very few studies have been performed utilizing DSM criteria to diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult brain tumor patients. This study aimed to diagnose MDD in this population using DSM‐IV criteria.

Eighty‐nine adult brain tumor patients were examined in an ambulatory neuro‐oncology clinic setting using a structured psychiatric interview which followed current DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria for MDD. This sample was interviewed and evaluated on a one‐time basis. The patients were referred for evaluation on a consecutive basis. Multiple regression was used to model critical independent variables to predict MDD.

Twenty‐eight percent of the sample (N=89) were found to have major depressive disorder using DSM‐IV criteria. Key predictors of MDD included frontal region of tumor location (p=0.001), combined sadness and lack of motivation symptoms (p=0.0001), and family psychiatric history (p=0.006). The multiple regression models account for 37% of variance in predicting MDD (R2=0.37).

A substantially higher incidence of MDD was found in this sample of adult brain tumor patients compared with other adult, ambulatory cancer patients previously evaluated with DSM criteria. The incidence of MDD was about triple that found in other published studies using DSM criteria. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Five years later: a cross‐sectional comparison of breast cancer survivors with healthy women
Authors: Tomich Patriciav L. , Helgeson Vicki S.
Published: August 2002

Although a number of studies have focused on initial adjustment to cancer, less is known about long‐term survival issues. The present study compared breast cancer survivors with age‐matched healthy controls (N=328) in terms of more subtle indicators of psychological well‐being as well as their general quality of life 5 yrs post‐diagnosis. Results indicated survivors generally perceive the world as less controllable and more random compared to healthy women. However, survivors perceive the same control over their daily lives as healthy women. Beliefs about personal control are most strongly associated with quality of life in both groups of women. Survivors also indicated that they derived some benefits from their experience with cancer, but these benefits had only a modest impact on quality of life. However, the belief that the experience had lasting harmful effects was associated with poor quality of life for survivors. In both groups, a continued search for meaning in life had a negative impact on quality of life. The strongest and most consistent correlate of quality of life for both survivors and healthy women was having a sense of purpose in life. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Salbutamol dry powder inhaler: Efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability study*
Authors: O'Callaghan Chris , Everard Mark L. , Bush Andrew , Hiller Elizabeth J. , Ross‐Russell Robert , O'Keefe Peter , Weller Peter
Published: August 2002

Dry powder inhaler (DPI) devices are frequently used in children over 5 years of age in order to avoid coordination difficulties often seen with the use of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI). This study assessed the efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability of salbutamol delivered via two delivery systems, in a population of pediatric patients. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the bronchodilator efficacy of a single dose (100 μg) of salbutamol administered via a dry powder inhaler (Clickhaler®) compared to a similar dose administered by a pressurized metered dose inhaler via a large‐valved holding chamber (VHC) to children with asthma. The study comprised two phases: the first comparator phase, followed by an open 4‐week treatment period.

Sixty‐one children with a mean (SD) age of 11.3 years (2.9) (range, 6–17) and mild or moderate asthma completed the study. The primary efficacy endpoint, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), indicated that there was no clinically or statistically significant difference between the bronchodilator effects of salbutamol delivered via either device, with a maximum posttreatment percentage change in FEV1 (SD) of 12.4% (10.0) and 14.15 (9.3) for Clickhaler® and pMDI plus VHC, respectively. Most patients rated the Clickhaler as easy to use (97%) and liked the device (84%). Both treatments were well‐tolerated.

These results support the suitability of salbutamol Clickhaler® as an acceptable, well‐tolerated, and effective alternative to a pMDI plus VHC in mild to moderate asthmatic children over age 6 years. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2002; 33:189–193. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.