bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autosomal dominant inheritance of infantile myofibromatosis
Authors: Zand Dina J. , Huff Dale , Everman David , Russell Karen , Saitta Sulagna , McDonald‐McGinn Donna , Zackai Elaine H.
Published: March 2004

We present three families with infantile myofibromatosis (IM; OMIM no. 228550) inherited in an autosomal dominant (AD) manner. These three pedigrees prompted re‐assessment of pedigrees available within the genetic, oncologic, surgical, and pathologic literature, which suggest autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance. All familial IM may be interpreted as AD or, alternatively, there may be genetic heterogeneity for IM. As most nodules tend to regress spontaneously, familial history may be difficult to obtain and/or confirm. Clinical diagnosis and establishment of inheritance pattern can be important for prognosis and the recognition that other family members may be affected. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ala67Thr polymorphism in the Agouti‐related peptide gene is associated with inherited leanness in humans
Authors: Marks Daniel L. , Boucher Nathalie , Lanouette Christian‐Marc , Pérusse Louis , Brookhart Gregor , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Chagnon Yvon C. , Cone Roger D.
Published: March 2004

A role for melanocortin signaling in the regulation of body weight in humans has been clearly established. Haploinsufficiency of the type 4 melanocortin receptor is associated with early‐onset obesity, implying that this receptor provides an important tonic inhibition of weight gain. Agouti‐related peptide (AGRP) is an endogenous antagonist of melanocortin signaling. Therefore, loss of AGRP function could lead to the expression of a lean phenotype. We investigated the potential role of AGRP in human weight regulation by examining the association between the Ala67Thr AGRP polymorphism and indices of body composition. Significant associations were found between homozygosity for this mutation (n = 8) and body composition phenotype in 874 subjects of the Quebec family study (QFS). By PCR‐RFLP analysis, we have identified eight individuals who are homozygous for the 67Thr variant allele within the QFS population, where none were observed in SAFHS. The eight QFS homozygote individuals have lower weight (−16%; P = 0.02), body mass index (−17%; P = 0.01), fat free mass (−9%; P = 0.002), fat mass (FM) (−20%; P = 0.04), and leptin (−20%; P = 0.02) when compared to those carrying at least one 67Ala allele. Individuals homozygous for the 67Thr allele had a BMI that was either at or slightly below an ideal range for their age. Thus, the Ala67Thr AGRP polymorphism is associated with lower body weight in humans, with the largest effect being observed on body FM. We did not observe any difference in the stability or cellular distribution of the mutant protein in a heterologous expression system, thus the mechanism of this effect requires further investigation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ectopia lentis phenotypes and the FBN1 gene
Authors: Adès Lesley C. , Holman Katherine J. , Brett Maggie S. , Edwards Matthew J. , Bennetts Bruce
Published: March 2004

Mutations of the fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) gene on chromosome 15 have been described in patients with classical Marfan syndrome (MFS), neonatal MFS, the “MASS” phenotype, autosomal dominant ascending aortic aneurysms, autosomal dominant ectopia lentis (EL), Marfanoid skeletal features [Milewicz et al., 1995: J Clin Invest 95:2373–2378], familial arachnodactyly, Shprintzen–Goldberg syndrome [Hayward et al., 1994: Mol Cell Probes 8:325–327; Furthmayr and Francke, 1997: Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 9:191–205], and severe progressive kyphoscoliosis [Adès et al., 2002: Am J Med Genet 109:261–270]. We report the use of denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) to facilitate the characterization of a previously elusive FBN1 mutation in the large autosomal dominant EL kindred described by Edwards et al. [1994: Am J Med Genet 53:65–71]. This isolated EL kindred remains the largest for which detailed clinical data is available. Nine years on, we present an update of the clinical status of the family. We report a recurrent FBN1 mutation, R240C, in the kindred. This mutation has been reported three times before, once in a family with classic MFS [Loeys et al., 2001: Arch Intern Med 161:2447–2454], once in one member of a multi‐generation EL kindred, [Körkkö et al., 2002: J Med Genet 39:34–41], and once in an adult from a familial EL kindred who had EL, and involvement of the integument, without cardiovascular involvement [Comeglio et al., 2002: Br J Ophthalmol 86:1359–1362]. This is the second report of the R240C mutation in association with isolated EL, and supports the existing evidence that the R240C mutation can result in two quite distinct, yet related, phenotypes. It also raises the possibility that R240C may prove to be a relative mutational “hot‐spot” for isolated EL. We review the current literature regarding EL (isolated and other) and FBN1 mutations. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Death‐associated protein kinase expression in human temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Henshall David C. , Schindler Clara K. , So Norman K. , Lan Jing‐Quan , Meller Robert , Simon Roger P.
Published: March 2004

Experimental and human data suggest programmed (active) cell death may contribute to the progressive hippocampal atrophy seen in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Death‐associated protein (DAP) kinase is a novel calcium/calmodulin‐activated kinase that functions in apoptosis mediated by death receptors. Because seizure‐induced neuronal death involves both death receptor activation and calcium, we examined DAP kinase expression, localization, and interactions in hippocampal resections from patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (n = 10) and autopsy controls (n = 6). Expression and phosphorylation of DAP kinase was significantly increased in epilepsy brain compared with control. DAP kinase and DAP kinase–interacting protein 1 (DIP‐1) localized to mitochondria in control brain, whereas levels of both were increased in the cytoplasm and microsomal (endoplasmic reticulum) fraction in epilepsy samples. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis showed increased DAP kinase binding to calmodulin, DIP‐1, and the Fas‐associated protein with death domain (FADD) in epilepsy samples. Finally, immunohistochemistry determined DAP kinase was coexpressed with DIP‐1 in neurons. This study provides the first description of DAP kinase and DIP‐1 in human brain and suggests DAP kinase is a novel molecular regulator of neuronal death in epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2004;55:000–000
Familial myopathy: New insights into the T14709C mitochondrial tRNA mutation
Authors: McFarland Robert , Schaefer Andrew M. , Gardner Julie L. , Lynn Stephen , Hayes Christine M. , Barron Martin J. , Walker Mark , Chinnery Patrick F. , Taylor Robert W. , Turnbull Douglass M.
Published: March 2004

We have defined the genetic defect in a large family first described in one of the earliest reports of suspected mitochondrial myopathy, as the mutation T14709C in the mitochondrial transfer RNAGlu (mt‐tRNAGlu) gene. Extraordinarily, this mutation has attained homoplasmy (100% mutated mt‐tRNAGlu) on at least three independent occasions in this family and has done so in one individual who remains asymptomatic with no clinical evidence of disease. Heteroplasmy (dual populations of mutated and wild‐type mtDNA) usually is regarded as one of the primary diagnostic criteria for pathogenicity and previous reports of the T14709C mutation detail heteroplasmy in a variety of tissues. In contrast, homoplasmy of mt‐tRNA mutations generally has been regarded as evidence of a benign nature, with rare exceptions that result in organ‐specific phenotypes. Discovering that T14709C, a common and severe mt‐tRNA mutation, can attain homoplasmy without symptoms or clinical signs of disease has profound implications for the identification and prevalence of other pathogenic mt‐tRNA mutations. Furthermore, variation in phenotype between homoplasmic individuals implies a crucial contribution from the nuclear genetic environment in determining the clinical outcome of mt‐tRNA mutations. Ann Neurol 2004;55:000–000
Relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis: Pathology of the newly forming lesion
Authors: Barnett Michael H. , Prineas John W.
Published: March 2004

The study describes the clinical and pathological findings in 12 patients with relapsing and remitting multiple sclerosis, who died during or shortly after the onset of a relapse. Pathological changes not previously associated with the formation of new symptomatic lesions were observed in seven cases, namely, extensive oligodendrocyte apoptosis and microglial activation in myelinated tissue containing few or no lymphocytes or myelin phagocytes. No current laboratory model of multiple sclerosis, in particular, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, is known with these features, which raises the possibility of some novel process underlying new lesion formation in multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2004;55:000–000
Enzyme replacement therapy in late‐onset Pompe's disease: A three‐year follow‐up
Authors: Winkel Léon P. F. , Van den Hout Johanna M. P. , Kamphoven Joep H. J. , Disseldorp Janus A. M. , Remmerswaal Maaike , Arts Willem F. M. , Loonen M. Christa B. , Vulto Arnold G. , Van Doorn Pieter A. , De Jong Gerard , Hop Wim , Smit G. Peter A. , Shapira Stuart K. , Boer Marijke A. , Reuser Arnold J. J. , Van der Ploeg Ans T. , van Diggelen Otto P.
Published: March 2004

Pompe's disease is an autosomal recessive myopathy. The characteristic lysosomal storage of glycogen is caused by acid α‐glucosidase deficiency. Patients with late‐onset Pompe's disease present with progressive muscle weakness also affecting pulmonary function. In search of a treatment, we investigated the feasibility of enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human α‐glucosidase from rabbit milk. Three patients (aged 11, 16, and 32 years) were enrolled in the study. They were all wheelchair‐bound and two of them were ventilator dependent with a history of deteriorating pulmonary function. After 3 years of treatment with weekly infusions of α‐glucosidase, the patients had stabilized pulmonary function and reported less fatigue. The youngest and least affected patient showed an impressive improvement of skeletal muscle strength and function. After 72 weeks of treatment, he could walk without support and finally abandoned his wheelchair. Our findings demonstrate that recombinant human α‐glucosidase from rabbit milk has a therapeutic effect in late‐onset Pompe's disease. There is good reason to continue the development of enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe's disease and to explore further the production of human therapeutic proteins in the milk of mammals. Ann Neurol 2004;55:000–000
Accelerated evolution of brain atrophy and “black holes” in MS patients with APOE‐ε4
Authors: Enzinger Christian , Ropele Stefan , Smith Stephen , Strasser‐Fuchs Siegrid , Poltrum Birgit , Schmidt Helena , Matthews Paul M. , Fazekas Franz
Published: March 2004

Apolipoprotein E (APOE)–ε4 has been associated with an unfavorable course of multiple sclerosis (MS). The mechanisms responsible for this are unclear, although cross‐sectional MRI demonstrated a higher extent of “black holes” (BHs) in such patients. Here, we have studied the impact of the APOE genotype on both the longitudinal evolution of focal (BH ratio) and global (brain volume change [BVC]) brain tissue damage. Ninety‐nine MS patients underwent ApoE genotyping, clinical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 2.7 ± 1.1 years to assess lesion load (LL) and BVC. In APOE‐ε4 patients, the annual reduction in brain volume was fivefold higher (−0.65 ± 0.61%) than in those without APOE‐ε4 (−0.13 ± 0.36%; p = 0.0001). At baseline, T2 LL and T1 LL were non‐significantly higher in ε4 carriers, despite a shorter disease duration and absence of significant clinical differences. During follow‐up, T1 LL increased from 1.2 ± 2.3ccm to 1.7 ± 2.7ccm in the ε4 group, although T2 LL did not change, leading to a significantly higher increase in the BH ratio [(T1 LL/T2 LL) × 100] from 5.5 to 12.4% (p = 0.005). BH ratio remained almost constant in non‐ε4 patients (5.0 vs 5.7%). Accelerated brain tissue loss and a higher proportion of lesions evolving into BH therefore provide magnetic resonance imaging evidence for more pronounced tissue destruction in MS patients with APOE‐ε4. Ann Neurol 2004
Diffusion tensor fiber tracking shows distinct corticostriatal circuits in humans
Authors: Lehéricy Stéphane , Ducros Mathieu , Van De Moortele Pierre‐François , Francois Chantal , Thivard Lionel , Poupon Cyril , Swindale Nick , Ugurbil Kamil , Kim Dae‐Shik
Published: March 2004

A landmark of corticostriatal connectivity in nonhuman primates is that cortical connections are organized into a set of discrete circuits. Each circuit is assumed to perform distinct behavioral functions. In animals, most connectivity studies are performed using invasive tracing methods, which are nonapplicable in humans. To test the proposal that corticostriatal connections are organized as multiple circuits in humans, we used diffusion tensor imaging axonal tracking, a new magnetic resonance technique that allows demonstration of fiber tracts in a noninvasive manner. Diffusion tensor imaging–based fiber tracking showed that the posterior (sensorimotor), anterior (associative), and ventral (limbic) compartments of the human striatum have specific connections with the cortex, and particularly the frontal lobes. These results provide the first direct demonstration of distinct corticostriatal connections in humans.
Localization of white matter volume increase in autism and developmental language disorder
Authors: Herbert Martha R. , Ziegler David A. , Makris Nikos , Filipek Pauline A. , Kemper Thomas L. , Normandin Joseph J. , Sanders Heather A. , Kennedy David N. , Caviness Verne S.
Published: March 2004

Increased brain volume in autism appears to be driven mainly by an unexplained white matter enlargement, and we have reported a similar phenomenon in developmental language disorder (DLD). Localization of this enlargement would strongly guide research into its cause, tissue basis, and functional implications. We utilized a white matter parcellation technique that divides cerebral white matter into an outer zone containing the radiate compartment and an inner zone containing sagittal and bridging system compartments. In both high‐functioning autism and DLD, enlargement localized to the radiate white matter (all lobes in autism, all but parietal in DLD), whereas inner zone white matter compartments showed no volume differences from controls. Furthermore, in both autism and DLD, later or longer‐myelinating regions showed greater volume increases over controls. Neither group showed cerebral cortex, corpus callosum, or internal capsule volume differences from control. Radiate white matter myelinates later than deep white matter; this pattern of enlargement thus is consistent with striking postnatal head circumference percentile increases reported in autism. These findings suggest an ongoing postnatal process in both autism and DLD that is probably intrinsic to white matter, that primarily affects intrahemispheric and corticocortical connections, and that places these two disorders on the same spectrum.
Glutamate receptor antagonists protect from virus‐induced neural degeneration
Authors: Nargi‐Aizenman Jennifer L. , Havert Michael B. , Zhang Ming , Irani David N. , Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Griffin Diane E.
Published: March 2004

Neuronal damage during acute viral encephalomyelitis can result directly from virus infection or indirectly from the host immune response to infection. In neurodegenerative diseases and stroke, neuronal death also can result from excess release of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters, such as glutamate. To determine the role of glutamate excitotoxicity in fatal alphavirus‐induced paralytic encephalomyelitis, we treated mice infected with neuroadapted Sindbis virus (NSV) with antagonists of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) subtypes of glutamate receptors. Both apoptotic and necrotic neurons in the hippocampus were decreased in animals treated with MK‐801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, or GYKI‐52466, an AMPA receptor antagonist. However, only AMPA receptor blockade prevented damage to spinal cord motor neurons and protected mice from paralysis and death due to NSV infection. Protection was not caused by altered virus replication because treatment did not affect virus distribution and actually delayed virus clearance. These results provide evidence that NSV infection activates neurotoxic pathways that result in aberrant glutamate receptor stimulation and neuronal damage. Furthermore, AMPA receptor–mediated motor neuron death is an important contributor to paralysis and mortality in acute alphavirus‐induced encephalomyelitis.
Paroxetine retards disease onset and progression in Huntingtin mutant mice
Authors: Duan Wenzhen , Guo Zhihong , Jiang Haiyang , Ladenheim Bruce , Xu Xiangru , Cadet Jean Lud , Mattson Mark P.
Published: March 2004

We report that administration of paroxetine, a widely prescribed antidepressant drug that acts by inhibiting reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, suppresses the neurodegenerative process and increases the survival of huntingtin mutant mice, an animal model of Huntington's disease (HD). Paroxetine attenuated motor dysfunction and body weight loss and improved glucose metabolism in the HD mice. Paroxetine was beneficial when treatment was initiated before or after the onset of motor dysfunction, suggesting a potential for such antidepressant drugs in the treatment of presymptomatic and symptomatic HD patients.
Study of cationic ring‐opening photopolymerizations using optical pyrometry
Authors: Crivello J. V. , Falk B. , Zonca M. R.
Published: March 2004

Studies of the photoinitiated cationic ring‐opening polymerizations of epoxide and oxetane monomers were conducted using optical pyrometry. Using this technique, the temperature of these photopolymerizations was monitored as a function of time. The effects of photoinitiator type and monomer structure on the rates of photopolymerization were investigated. Optical pyrometry was also used to investigate the acceleration of the photopolymerizations of various epoxide and oxetane monomers. Certain mixtures of monomers displayed synergistic effects that markedly increased their overall rates of polymerizations. In all cases in which acceleration of polymerization rate was noted, it could be attributed to an increase in the speed of ring opening of the initially formed protonated cyclic ether. The effects of relative humidity on the rate of cationic ring‐opening photopolymerizations of cyclic ether monomers were also investigated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3303–3319, 2004
Modeling the curing kinetics for a modified bismaleimide resin using isothermal DSC
Authors: Guo Zhan‐Sheng , Du Shan‐Yi , Zhang Bo‐Ming , Wu Zhan‐Jun
Published: March 2004

The kinetics of curing for a modified bismaleimide (BMI) resin was investigated to ascertain a suitable cure model for the material. The resin system used in this study was composed of 4,4′‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BMIM) and 0,0′‐diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA, DABA). The BMIM was the base monomer and the DABPA was the modified agent. A series of isothermal DSC runs provided information about the kinetics of cure in the temperature range 170–220°C. Regardless of the different temperatures, the shape of the conversion curves was similar, and this modified BMI resin system underwent an nth‐order cure reaction. Kinetic parameters of this BMI resin system, including the reaction model, activation energy, and frequency factor, were calculated. From the experimental data, it was found that the cure kinetics of this resin system can be characterized by a first‐order kinetic model. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3338–3342, 2004
Effect of an obstacle during processing on the weld line of injection‐molded glassy polystyrene: Microhardness study
Authors: Nguyen‐Chung T. , Mennig G. , Boyanova M. , Fakirov S. , Baltá Calleja F. J.
Published: March 2004

The microhardness (H) technique is used to characterize the quality of the weld line in injection‐molded glassy polystyrene by means of a cylindrical obstacle. In particular, the effect of the indentation location (closer or further from the obstacle edge parallel to the injection direction and across the weld line), both on the surface and in the bulk, was examined. Only for surface measurements close to the obstacle (up to 10 mm) a well‐pronounced decrease in H (∼30%), followed by a sharp increase in a narrow distance (0.20–0.25 mm), was observed. For the bulk measurements on the same location a slight decrease in H was detected. Additional H measurements made up to 60 mm from the obstacle for both cases showed that the weld line remains undetectable. The results obtained reveal that the presence of a cylindrical obstacle causes the formation of a weld line on and near the surface only at distances not exceeding the obstacle diameter. At larger distances, because of the effective mutual interdiffusion of polymer chains, the two parallel fronts coming from the two sides of the obstacle developed a homogeneous material without any weld line according to the microhardness test. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3362–3367, 2004
Dynamic mechanical and Raman spectroscopy studies on interaction between single‐walled carbon nanotubes and natural rubber
Authors: López‐Manchado M. A. , Biagiotti J. , Valentini L. , Kenny J. M.
Published: March 2004

The effects of the incorporation of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the physical and mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR) are described. Characterization of these new materials has been performed by dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and Raman spectroscopy to obtain information about of the possible interactions between both materials as well as the dispersion of SWNTs on elastomer matrix. The results are then compared with those obtained for NR–carbon black composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicates a stronger filler–matrix interaction in the case of SWNTs incorporation, showing a noticeable decrease of the height of tan δ peak, as well as a marked shift of Tg towards higher temperatures. In particular, the increase of the storage modulus indicates a beneficial effect of SWNTs incorporation with respect to NR filled with carbon black and the pristine polymer matrix. In addition, calorimetric analysis indicates that both fillers accelerate the NR vulcanization reaction, this effect being more evident when SWNTs are added into the matrix. Raman spectroscopy indicates that SWNTs dispersion into the elastomer matrix creates residual strain on the nanotubes bundle. We demonstrate that the Raman microprobe technique provides a means for load transfer effectiveness of SWNTs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3394–3400, 2004
Eucalyptus bark lignin substituted phenol formaldehyde adhesives: A study on optimization of reaction parameters and characterization
Authors: Khan Mozaffar Alam , Ashraf Sayed Marghoob , Malhotra Ved Prakash
Published: March 2004

The major adhesive resin worldwide used in the manufacture of plywood is phenol formaldehyde resole (PF) resin. The raw material for this kind of adhesive is derived from petroleum oil. Because of rising prices of crude oil and the scarcity of petroleum products, their replacement by natural resource–based raw material has become a necessity. In the present work, the possibility of replacing phenol in PF resin with lignin was explored. The parameters for preparation of bark lignin substituted PF (LPF) adhesive, such as lignin concentration, formaldehyde to phenol molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction time, and reaction temperature, were optimized. It was found that up to 50 wt % of phenol can be substituted by lignin to give an LPF adhesive with better bonding strength compared to that of control PF resin. Prepared resins were characterized using IR, DSC, and TGA. IR spectra of LPF adhesive showed structural similarity with that of PF adhesives. Thermal stability of LPF adhesive was found to be lower compared to that of control PF (CPF) adhesive. DSC studies revealed a lower curing temperature for LPF resin than that for CPF resin. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3514–3523, 2004
Recovery in spider silk fibers
Authors: Elices M. , Pérez‐Rigueiro J. , Plaza G. , Guinea G. V.
Published: March 2004

The extreme toughness of spider silk is dependent on the silk's ability to dissipate most of the mechanical energy imparted to the fiber during loading processes through irreversible deformations. This basic property makes the tensile behavior of spider silk fibers depend on the silk's previous deformation history in a largely unpredictable way. The resulting variability often represents an insurmountable difficulty for both the characterization of the material and its practical usage. In this study, it was shown that spider silk is endowed with a property that allows to circumvent these problems: supercontraction, the large shrinkage of the longitudinal dimension of spider silk fibers in wet environments, recovers the tensile properties of deformed spider silk fibers in a repetitive and reproducible way. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3537–3541, 2004
Effects of aluminum alkyls on ethylene/1‐hexene polymerization with supported metallocene/MAO catalysts in the gas phase
Authors: Hammawa H. , Mannan T. M. , Lynch D. T. , Wanke S. E.
Published: March 2004

The effects of aluminum alkyls on the gas‐phase ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerization over polymer‐supported metallocene/methylaluminoxane [(n‐BuCp)2ZrCl2/MAO] catalysts were investigated. Results with triisobutyl aluminum (TIBA), triethyl aluminum (TEA), and tri‐n‐octyl aluminum (TNOA) showed that both the type and the amount of aluminum alkyl influenced the polymerization activity profiles and to a lesser extent the polymer molar masses. The response to aluminum alkyls depended on the morphology and the Al : Zr ratio of the catalyst. Addition of TIBA and TEA to supported catalysts with Al : Zr >200 reduced the initial activity but at times resulted in higher average activities due to broadening of the kinetic profiles, i.e., alkyls can be used to control the shape of the activity profiles. A catalyst with Al : Zr = 110 exhibited relatively low activity when the amount of TIBA added was <0.4 mmol, but the activity increased fivefold by increasing the TIBA amount to 0.6 mmol. The effectiveness of the aluminum alkyls in inhibiting the initial polymerization activity is in the following order: TEA > TIBA >> TNOA. A 2‐L semibatch reactor, typically run at 80°C and 1.4 MPa ethylene pressure for 1 to 5 h was used for the gas‐phase polymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3549–3560, 2004
Query association surrogates for Web search
Authors: Scholer Falk , Williams Hugh E. , Turpin Andrew
Published: March 2004

Collection sizes, query rates, and the number of users of Web search engines are increasing. Therefore, there is continued demand for innovation in providing search services that meet user information needs. In this article, we propose new techniques to add additional terms to documents with the goal of providing more accurate searches. Our techniques are based on query association, where queries are stored with documents that are highly similar statistically. We show that adding query associations to documents improves the accuracy of Web topic finding searches by up to 7%, and provides an excellent complement to existing supplement techniques for site finding. We conclude that using document surrogates derived from query association is a valuable new technique for accurate Web searching.
Toward wellness: Women seeking health information
Authors: Warner Dorothy , Procaccino J. Drew
Published: March 2004

As health information seekers pursue their “right to know” when investigating medical options, the question of reliable health information resources becomes paramount. Previous research has not addressed widely the connection between women as the health information seeker and quality health information, nor has women's awareness of specific health and medical resources been adequately evaluated. A study with a convenience sample of 119 women assessed the process of seeking health information (women's health information needs, the search strategies they employed for filling the information need, and the use of the health information found), and their awareness of specific health and medical information resources. Our survey instrument was based on Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (ISP) model. Results appeared to address the uncertainty stage of the ISP model, as there were conflicting responses regarding the facility of locating information, the usefulness of the information found, and whether or not the subjects' health questions were answered. The study also identified a low awareness by our respondents of specific health and medical information resources. There is an opportunity for health information providers to play a role in mediating at this uncertainty stage to connect health information seekers with reliable information.
Use of the World Wide Web for international travel: Integrating the construct of uncertainty in information seeking and the task‐technology fit (TTF) model
Authors: D'Ambra John , Wilson Concepción S.
Published: March 2004

In this study, we attempt to evaluate the performance of the World Wide Web as an information resource in the domain of international travel. The theoretical framework underpinning our approach recognizes the contribution of models of information seeking behavior and of information systems in explaining World Wide Web usage as an information resource. Specifically, a model integrating the construct of uncertainty in information seeking and the task‐technology fit model is presented. To test the integrated model, 217 travelers participated in a questionnaire‐based empirical study. Our results confirm that richer (or enhanced) models are required to evaluate the broad context of World Wide Web (the Web) usage as an information resource. Use of the Web for travel tasks, for uncertainty reduction, as an information resource, and for mediation all have a significant impact on users' perception of performance, explaining 46% of the variance. Additionally, our study contributes to the testing and validation of metrics for use of the Web as an information resource in a specific domain.
Modeling cognitive processes in information seeking: From Popper to Pask
Authors: Ford Nigel
Published: March 2004

This report explores the intellectual processes entailed during information seeking, as information needs are generated and information is sought and evaluated for relevance. It focuses on the details of cognitive processing, reviewing a number of models. In particular, Popper's model of the communication process between an individual and new information is explored and elaborated from the perspective of Pask'sConversation Theory. The implications of this theory are discussed in relation to the development of what Cole has termed “enabling” information retrieval systems.
Seeking information in order to produce information: An empirical study at Hewlett Packard Labs
Authors: Hirsh Sandra , Dinkelacker Jamie
Published: March 2004

The essential characteristic of knowledge workers is that they use information to produce information subsequently. Hence, information seeking is a knowledge worker's central aspect of work life. In a corporate research laboratory environment, this is even more pronounced because the results produced are often in the form of more information, such as publications, tech reports, patent applications, or the embodiment of these into prototypes. The practices and expectations regarding information seeking and collaboration are fundamental to productive research in a corporate setting. To this end, a survey research project sampled researchers from selected labs of Hewlett Packard and Compaq Computer shortly after their merger. This survey examined researchers' usage of information sources, their preferred means of information seeking, and the types of information assets they produced. Findings indicated that participants relied heavily on the Internet and other Web‐based resources, more so than on their colleagues inside the company. Participants chose which information resources to use based on the time it took them to track down the information as well as the authoritativeness of the sources. Most information assets were generated collaboratively by teams rather then by individuals. Findings suggested that behavior was affected by the unstable environment resulting from the merger and the process of integrating the two research organizations.
Pharmacokinetic changes of DA‐8159, a new erectogenic, after intravenous and oral administration to rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate
Authors: Shim Hyun J. , Kim Yu C. , Kim Eun J. , Kim Dong G. , Kwon Jong W. , Kim Won B. , Lee Myung G.
Published: March 2004

The pharmacokinetic parameters of DA‐8159, a new erectogenic, were compared after intravenous and oral administration of the drug at a dose of 30 mg/kg to control rats and rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate (U‐ARF). After intravenous administration to rats with U‐ARF, the plasma concentrations of DA‐8159 were higher than those in control rats. This resulted in a significantly greater area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) of DA‐8159 in rats with U‐ARF (304 compared with 365 μg min/ml for control rats and rats with U‐ARF). The significantly greater AUC in rats with U‐ARF was due to significantly slower total body clearance (Cl) of DA‐8159 (98.6 compared with 82.2 ml/min/kg). The significantly slower Cl in rats with U‐ARF was due to slower renal clearance (1.07 ml/min/kg compared with not calculable, due to impaired kidney function) and nonrenal clearance (97.5 compared with 82.2 ml/min/kg due to slower metabolism) than those in control rats. After oral administration of DA‐8159 to rats with U‐ARF, the AUC (122 compared with 172 μg min/ml) was significantly greater and ClR was slower (3.47 ml/min/kg compared with not calculable) than those in control rats. The significantly greater AUC in rats with U‐ARF could be due to slower Cl of DA‐8159 in the rats. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dose‐dependent pharmacokinetics of KR‐31378, a new neuroprotective agent for ischaemia‐reperfusion damage in dogs
Authors: Kim Sun‐O. , Kwak Sang‐H. , Lee Byung H. , Lee Dong‐H. , Lim Hong , Yoo Sung‐E. , Chung Hye J. , Lee Myung G.
Published: March 2004

Dose‐dependent pharmacokinetic parameters of KR‐31378, a new neuroprotective agent for ischaemia‐reperfusion damage, were evaluated after intravenous and oral administration of the drug at doses of 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg to male beagle dogs. After intravenous administration, the dose‐normalized (based on 5 mg/kg) areas under the plasma concentration−time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC values, 725, 1450 and 2300 µg min/ml for 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg, respectively) were significantly different among the three dose ranges studied; the value increased more proportionally as the dose increased. This could be due to slower total body clearance (Cl) with increasing doses (6.90, 3.46 and 2.17 ml/min/kg). The slower Cl value with increasing doses may be due to saturable metabolism of KR‐31378 in dogs. After oral administration, the dose‐normalized (based on 5 mg/kg) AUC values (833, 1450 and 1920 µg min/ml) at 5 mg/kg were significantly smaller than those at 10 and 25 mg/kg. Note that the AUC values were comparable (not significantly different) between intravenous and oral administration at all doses studied, indicating that the absorption of KR‐31378 from the gastrointestinal tract was essentially complete and the first‐pass (gastric, intestinal and/or hepatic first‐pass) effects were almost negligible in dogs. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics, blood partition and protein binding of DA‐7867, a new oxazolidinone
Authors: Bae Soo K. , Chung Won‐S. , Kim Eun J. , Rhee Jae K. , Kwon Jong W. , Kim Won B. , Lee Myung G.
Published: March 2004

The pharmacokinetics after single intravenous and single and consecutive 2 week oral administration, tissue distribution, in vitro tissue metabolism, stability, blood partition and protein binding of DA‐7867, a new oxazolidinone, were evaluated. After intravenous administration at a dose of 10mg/kg to rats, DA‐7867 was eliminated slowly with time‐averaged total body clearance of 0.915ml/min/kg. After consecutive 2 week oral administration at a dose of 2mg/kg/day to rats, DA‐7867 was accumulated in rats; the AUC was significantly greater (1430 versus 1880µg min/ml) than that after single oral administration at a dose of 2mg/kg. The rat tissues studied had low affinity to DA‐7867; the tissue‐to‐plasma ratios were smaller than unity after both intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 20mg/kg. The rat tissues studied had almost negligible metabolic activity for DA‐7867 based on 30min incubation of DA‐7867 with 9000g supernatant fraction of rat tissues. DA‐7867 was stable for up to 24h incubation in various buffer solutions having pHs from 1 to 11, Sørensen phosphate buffer of pH 7.4, and rat plasma, urine and liver homogenate and 3h incubation in five human gastric juices. The binding of DA‐7867 to 4% human serum albumin was 50.6% at DA‐7867 concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 20µg/ml. The equilibrium of DA‐7867 between plasma and blood cells of rabbit blood reached fast (within 30s manual mixing), and the plasma‐to‐blood cell concentration ratios were independent of initial blood concentrations of DA‐7867, 1–20µg/ml; the values ranged from 1.39 to 1.63. Protein binding of DA‐7867 in five fresh rats plasma was 72.3%. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Competition of drugs to serum albumin in combination therapy
Authors: Sułkowska Anna , Bojko Barbara , Równicka Joanna , Sułkowski Wiesław
Published: March 2004

The mechanism of cooperative binding of both cytarabine and fluorouracil, used in combination therapy, to the transporting protein [bovine serum albumin (BSA)] has been investigated. Present study shows a strategy of estimating the kind of competition between these drugs with the use of uv and NMR spectroscopy. Two mechanisms of the competition to the transporting protein are proposed. For the quantitative investigations the effect of the protein on both the line width and chemical shifts of the NMR signals of the 5‐fluorouracil and cytarabine was analyzed. The π–π interaction between the pyrimidine ring of the drugs and the aromatic residues of the protein has been postulated. The binding site for both 5‐fluorouracil and cytarabine on BSA was found to be situated in the hydrophobic IIA subdomain. The competition of these two drugs and the removal of 5‐fluorouracil by cytarabine from the common binding site in serum albumin tertiary structure are observed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Predictors of treatment outcome in dually‐diagnosed antisocial youth: an initial study of forensic inpatients
Authors: Rogers Richard , Jackson Rebecca L. , Sewell Kenneth W. , Johansen John
Published: March 2004

The safe and effective management of adolescent offenders is a top priority for inpatient forensic programs. Treatment successes were examined for adolescent offenders on four parameters, specifically hospital course, level of improvement, time to discharge, and rapidity of improvement. Hospital course was predicted primarily by the breadth of polysubstance abuse with modest but independent contributions by psychopathic characteristics, and aggressive conduct‐disorder symptoms. An important finding for treatment was that level of improvement at discharge was only marginally affected by psychopathic traits. In addition, rapidity of improvement was predicted only by decreased polysubstance abuse. Approximately one‐fourth of the adolescent offenders experienced a substantial decrease in psychopathic characteristics. This finding was unexpected because the generic treatment program did not target the core elements of psychopathy. Even in the absence of nontreatment controls, this diminution of psychopathic traits in 25% of adolescent offenders raises important questions about the temporal stability of these traits and their potential amenability to generic interventions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Death penalty support for special offender populations of legally convicted murderers: juveniles, the mentally retarded, and the mentally incompetent
Authors: Boots Denise Paquette , Heide Kathleen M. , Cochran John K.
Published: March 2004

The U.S. Supreme Court recently re‐examined the constitutionality of the death penalty in the context of two of three special offender populations of murderers (juveniles, mentally retarded, and mentally incompetent). The Court reaffirmed the imposition of the death penalty for juveniles 16 and 17, while reversing itself on the mentally retarded. In reaching its decision, the Court relied on society's “evolving standards of decency.” Using Likert‐type items, this study is the first to have prospective jurors assess support for the death penalty for these specific offender groups. The public's support for the execution of each of the groups is then compared with existing case law. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses indicate that, as expected, the levels of support for the applicability of capital punishment to the various special offender populations are much lower than that for the general adult offender. Moreover, these findings are congruent with the holdings of the Court with one notable exception: a slight majority of respondents supported executing the mentally incompetent. Reasons for the public's apparent departure from the Supreme Court holding prohibiting the execution of mentally incompetent convicted murderers are discussed. The Court's continued role in protecting marginalized populations from “cruel and unusual punishment” is explored in the context of strong public sentiment demanding justice and finality despite changes in offenders' mental capacity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Citizen coping with community notification of released sex offenders
Authors: Caputo Alicia A. , Brodsky Stanley L.
Published: March 2004

The current study investigated citizen reactions to notifications of sex offenders in the neighborhood, in an effort to determine whether sex offender notification laws are accomplishing their goal of increased protective actions against sex offenses. Lazarus's stress and coping theory provided the theoretical framework for the study. Telephone surveys were conducted with 250 Alabama residents who were notified of an offender in the neighborhood. Questions were posed regarding notification importance, fear of crime, coping, and locus of control. Notification importance predicted fear of crime, which, in turn, predicted coping. Fear of crime did not mediate the relation between notification importance and coping, however. Finally, situational locus of control did not moderate the relation between fear of crime and coping strategy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing normative approaches to communicating violence risk: a national survey of psychologists
Authors: Heilbrun Kirk , O'Neill Melanie L. , Stevens Tomika N. , Strohman Lisa K. , Bowman Quinten , Lo Yi‐Wen
Published: March 2004

There is growing attention to the importance of violence risk communication, and emerging empirical evidence of how evaluating clinicians who conduct risk assessments communicate their conclusions about the risk of violence toward others. The present study addressed the perceived value of different forms of risk communication through a national survey of practicing psychologists (N = 1,000). Responses were received from a total of 256 participants, who responded to eight vignettes in which three factors relevant to risk communication were systematically varied in a 2 × 2 × 2 within‐subjects design, counterbalanced for order: (i) risk model (prediction oriented versus management oriented), (ii) risk level (high risk versus low risk), and (iii) risk factors (static versus dynamic). Participants were asked to rate the value of six styles of risk communication for each of eight vignettes. The most highly valued style of risk communication involved identifying risk factors applicable to the individual, and specifying interventions to reduce risk. These results were consistent with findings from several previous studies in this area, and reflect an emerging trend in preferences for style and context of risk communication of violence. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transfers to civil psychiatric inpatient services from a maximum security forensic hospital
Authors: Way Bruce B. , Smith Hal , Sawyer Don
Published: March 2004

Objective

To examine inpatients discharged from a forensic psychiatric hospital to a civil hospital at the completion of their correctional sentence.

Method

Extract information from a patient database.

Results

About 20% of the discharges from the New York State forensic hospital that serves mentally ill state prison inmates, Central New York Psychiatric Center (CNYPC), are transferred to a civil psychiatric hospital; the remainder are returned to a correctional setting. Although their diagnoses, Global Assessment of Functioning scores, and number of prior inpatient admissions are similar, CNYPC transfers stay 1½ times as long in their civil hospital admission as other civil hospital admissions. If total inpatient hospitalization before release to the community at large is considered (CNYPC plus the subsequent civil hospital), the stay is about 2½ times as long. Fifty‐two percent of the CNYPC transfers had been incarcerated for violent offenses and 28% are re‐hospitalized within 12 months after release from the civil hospital.

Discussion

Longer lengths of stay in the civil hospital for these CNYPC transfers do not seem to be related to psychiatric functioning. Instead, it may be related to being harder to place in a community setting. All these CNYPC transfers have prison histories, many have a violent offense history, and all have been geographically remote from their home communities for a long time periods. As a result, the social support networks of CNYPC transfers may be weaker than those of other civil inpatients. The families and neighborhood agencies of CNYPC transfers are probably less willing to accept them on their return than those of other civil patients.

Enhanced discharge planning and support services targeted specially for correctional transfers to a civil psychiatric inpatient environment should be considered. These type of service may reduce inpatient length of stay and thereby allow the inpatient resources to be used by other patients. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.