bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MANOVA‐biplot statistical analysis of the effect of artificial ageing (freezing/thawing) on the colour of treated granite stones
Authors: Iñigo A. C. , Vicente‐Tavera S. , Rives V.
Published: January 2004

Colour is one of the parameters currently used to monitor the quality of a conservation treatment of ornamental stones, and its further ageing, whether artificially or by decay in the monuments. We report here a study of colour changes on three samples of granite, widely used in most of the buildings belonging to our Cultural Heritage in the city of Avila (Spain), once artificially aged in a simulation chamber under controlled conditions (25 freezing/thawing cycles) after treated with a consolidant and a hydrofugant (RC80), a hydrofugant only (H224) and a consolidant (RC70), with or without further application of a hydrofugant (H224); all treatments reagents are commercially available. The results of the statistical study applied (MANOVA‐Biplot) show that there are no differences in the values of the chromatic coordinates (L*,a*,b*) among the successive ageing treatments given to the samples, but differences are found among several samples grouped by combining the type of stone, treatment, and preliminary ageing to the samples before treatment or not. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 29, 115–120, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10236
Variability in Unique Hue Selection: A Surprising Phenomenon
Authors: Rolf G. Kuehni
Published: January 2004

Data from ten different experiments involving nearly 600 observers of determination of unique hues are compared. Six experiments involve determination using spectral lights; two use desaturated monitor colors, and the remaining two use color chip sets. Except for unique green, color chips result in narrower ranges of results than spectral lights. Unique green has a surprisingly large range of variation in both spectral light and color chip experiments, followed by red. Comparison of spectral light data indicates that one observer's unique blue can be another's unique green and vice versa, and the same for yellow and green. This finding raises significant questions for color appearance and color space/difference models, as well as philosophy of color. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 29, 158–162, 2004;Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10237
A Novel PECVD Procedure for the Room‐Temperature Synthesis of SiO2 Thin Films with Controlled Porosity
Authors: Barranco A. , Cotrino J. , Yubero F. , Espinós J.P. , Contreras L. , González‐Elipe A.R.
Published: January 2004

Room‐temperature synthesis of porous SiO2 is achieved using a novel PECVD procedure. Porosity of the films is found to directly correlate with the thickness of a sacrificial polymer layer which is removed during the deposition of the oxide thin film. Films prepared with this method (see Figure) are transparent with low refractive index and are very well suited for antireflective coatings and other related optical applications. Membrane‐like layers can also be prepared by this method.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Ultrapure Gallium Nitride Nanoparticles by MOCVD
Authors: Azuma Y. , Shimada M. , Okuyama K.
Published: January 2004

Nanoparticles of GaN are synthesized by MOCVD. The TEM analysis of the yellowish powder shows nanoparticles of 6.4 nm diameter and arithmetic standard deviation of 1.4 nm (see Figure). Results from elemental and SAED analyses reveal that the nanoparticles are virtually stoichiometric GaN with hexagonal crystallinity. Particle photoluminescence exhibits a peak at 370 nm which is at approximately the same wavelength produced by bulk GaN.
Fabrication and Properties of Tantalum Film Deposited on Titanium through LP‐CVD from TaCl5‐H2
Authors: Levesque A. , Bouteville A.
Published: January 2004

Tantalum films are deposited on titanium substrates in a hot wall LPCVD system from TaCl5–H2. Depositions carried out at Tsubstrate = 800 °C and Ptotal = 332.5 Pa produce well‐crystallized Ta films which contain the two phases α‐Ta and β‐Ta. No chlorine incorporation is found but some oxygen is detected at the surface of the deposit and at the Ti–Ta interface. Ta layers deposited (see Figure) are conformal and ensure excellent protection of the Ti substrate against acidic environments.
CuInS2 Thin Films Deposited by ALD
Authors: Nanu M. , Reijnen L. , Meester B. , Schoonman J. , Goossens A.
Published: January 2004

At present, chalcopyrites are widely studied as absorber materials for efficient, low‐cost, thin film solar cells. The growth of CuInS2 thin films by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is studied here. CuInS2 films are grown on glass, TCO glass (SnO2:F‐coated glass), and TiO2 substrates under pressures in the range 2–10 mbar, with temperatures between 350 °C and 500 °C, using CuCl, InCl3, and H2S as precursors. The influence of the process conditions on the properties of the material is examined, and the deposition temperature and the pulse length of the precursors are found to be the decisive parameters. The morphology and the composition of the films are investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). Depending on the process conditions, CuInS2 single phase, Cu‐poor (mixture of CuInS2 and CuIn5S8), or Cu‐rich (mixture of CuxS and CuInS2) phases are formed.
Defining the plant disulfide proteome
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Lee Jungwha , Kim Youngmin , Bae Dongwon , Kang Kyu Young , Yoon Sung C. , Lim Dongbin
Published: January 2004

There is considerable interest in redox regulation and new targets for thioredoxin and glutaredoxin are now being identified. It would be of great benefit to the field to have a list of all possible candidates for redox regulation – that is all disulfide proteins in plant. We developed a simple and very powerful method for identifying proteins with disulfide bondsin vivo.In this method, free thiols in proteins are fully blocked by alkylation, following which disulfide cysteines are converted to sulfhydryl groups by reduction. Finally, proteins with sulfhydryls are isolated by thiol affinity chromatography. Our method is unique in that membrane proteins as well as water‐soluble proteins are examined for their disulfide nature. By applying this method toArabidopsis thalianawe identified 65 putative disulfide proteins, including 20 that had not previously been demonstrated to be regulated by redox state. The newly identified, possibly redox‐regulated proteins include: violaxanthin de‐epoxidase, two oxygen‐evolving enhancer proteins, carbonic anhydrase, photosystem I reaction center subunit N, photosystem I subunit III,S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine carboxyl methyltransferase, guanylate kinase, and bacterial mutT homolog. Possible functions of disulfide bonding in these proteins are discussed.
Quantitation of mRNA levels of steroid 5α‐reductase isozymes: A method that combines one‐step reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and separation by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Torres Jesús M. , Ortega Esperanza
Published: January 2004

We developed an accurate, rapid, and modestly labor‐intensive method to precisely quantitate mRNA species by one‐step reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). This approach combines the high specificity of quantitative competitive PCR with the sensitivity of laser‐induced fluorescence capillary electrophoresis (LIF‐CE). Both cDNA synthesis and PCR amplification are performed with the same enzyme and site‐specific primers, improving the efficiency of cDNA synthesis. The specific target mRNA and a mimic DNA fragment, used as a competitive internal standard, were coamplified in a single reaction in which the same primers are used. The 5' forward primers were end‐labeled with 6‐carboxy‐fluorescein (6‐FAM). The ratio of fluorescence intensity between amplified products of the target cDNA and the competitive DNA was determined quantitatively after separation by CE and fluorescence analysis. Using this method, we have been able to precisely quantify the mean amount of steroid 5α‐reductase (5α‐R) isozyme mRNA levels in ventral prostate of the rat, detecting 10‐fold difference for 5α‐R1 and 50‐fold difference for 5α‐R2, respectively, in comparison with our previously reported two‐step method. Because the competitive RT‐PCR presented in this paper enables a more efficient quantitative determination of mRNAs, low‐level gene expression could be quantified.
On‐line concentration of neutral and charged species in capillary electrochromatography with a methacrylate‐based monolithic stationary phase
Authors: Ping Guichen , Zhang Yukui , Zhang Weibing , Zhang Lin , Zhang Lihua , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Kettrup Antonius
Published: January 2004

A method involving self‐concentration, on‐column enrichment and field‐amplified sample stacking for on‐line concentration in capillary electrochromatography with a polymer monolithic column is presented. Since monolithic columns eliminate the frit fabrication and the problems associated with frits, the experimental conditions could be more flexibly adjusted to obtain higher concentration factor in comparison with conventional particulate packed columns. With self‐concentration effect, the detection sensitivity of benzene and hexylbenzene is improved by a factor of 4 and 8, respectively. With on‐column enrichment and ultralong injection, improvement as high as 22 000 times in detection sensitivity of benzoin is achieved. Furthermore, a combination of the three above‐mentioned methods yields up to a 24 000‐fold improvement in detection sensitivity for caffeine, a charged compound. Parameters affecting the efficiency of on‐line concentration are investigated systematically. In addition, equations describing on‐line concentration process are deduced.
Electrophoretic variants of cardiac myosin heavy chain‐α in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Reiser Peter J. , Wick Macdonald , Pretzman Charles I.
Published: January 2004

Analysis of cardiac myosin revealed differences in gel electrophoretic migration patterns of the α‐isoform of myosin heavy chain, but not the β‐isoform, in Sprague Dawley rats. No differences in the migration patterns of the α‐or β‐isoforms were observed in other rat strains. Three electrophoretic migration patterns of the α‐isoforms were observed in individual rats: a slower migrating isoform alone (4% of all rats tested), a faster migrating isoform alone (55%), and both isoforms (41%). The isoform expression pattern was identical in all myocardial regions in each rat. Frequency of expression patterns suggests multiple gene sequences for α‐cardiac myosin heavy chain in Sprague Dawley rats. Sequence analysis of amplified regions of the Sprague Dawley and Brown Norway rat α‐myosin genes, specifically the 5'‐untranslated region, exons 1–3, and associated introns, showed numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms in coding and noncoding regions, including putative regulatory sites in Sprague Dawley rats, but not in Brown Norway rats. All Sprague Dawley rats varied from Brown Norway rats and no heterogeneity was observed in Brown Norway rats. Several deletions and dimorphic positions were also observed. Dimorphic positions were evident on automated sequencing comparisons. The data indicate that at least two α‐myosin heavy chain isoforms exist in Sprague Dawley rats and these rats exhibit sequence diversity within that portion of the α‐myosin heavy chain gene reported in this study.
Biochemical characterization of symbiosome membrane proteins from Medicago truncatula root nodules
Authors: Catalano Christina M. , Lane William S. , Sherrier D. Janine
Published: January 2004

The symbiosome membrane represents a specialized plant membrane that forms both a structural and a functional interface between the legume plant and its bacterial counterpart. In this study, the symbiosome membrane protein profile from the model system Medicago truncatula and the corresponding bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti was examined using two‐dimensional electrophoresis and microcapillary high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) tandem mass spectrometry. The identities of 51 proteins were obtained and these proteins were categorized into functional classes to indicate biochemical roles. Symbiosome membrane proteins include an H+‐ATPase, ENOD16, ENOD8, nodulin‐25, BiP, HSP70, PDI, multifunctional aquaporin, a putative syntaxin, and other proteins of known and unknown identity and function. The majority of the proteins identified were involved with protein destination and storage. These results allow us to understand better the biochemical composition of the symbiosome membrane and thus provide a basis to hypothesize mechanisms of symbiosome membrane formation and function.
A very thin coating for capillary zone electrophoresis of proteins based on a tri(ethylene glycol)‐terminated alkyltrichlorosilane
Authors: Meagher Robert J. , Seong Jiehyun , Laibinis Paul E. , Barron Annelise E.
Published: January 2004

We describe the use of a tri(ethylene glycol)‐terminated alkyltrichlorosilane to create a very thin, protein‐resistant “self‐assembled monolayer” coating on the inner surface of a fused‐silica capillary. The same compound has been demonstrated previously on flat silica substrates to resist adsorption of many proteins. As a covalently bound capillary coating, it displays good resistance to the adsorption of cationic proteins, providing clean separations of a mixture of lysozyme, cytochrome c, ribonuclease A, and myoglobin for more than 200 consecutive runs. Electroosmotic flow (EOF) was measured as a function of pH; the coated capillary retains significant cathodal EOF, with roughly 50% of the EOF of an uncoated capillary at neutral pH, making this coating promising for applications requiring some EOF. The EOF was reasonably stable, with a 2.9% relative standard deviation during a 24 h period consisting of 72 consecutive separations of cationic proteins. Efficiencies for cationic protein separations were moderate, in the range of 190 000–290 000 theoretical plates per meter. The coating procedure was simple, requiring only a standard cleaning procedure followed by a rinse with the silane reagent at room temperature. No buffer additives are required to maintain the stability of the coating, making it flexible for a range of applications, potentially including capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry (CE‐MS).
Native and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐capillary gel electrophoresis of proteins on a single microchip
Authors: Tsai Shuo‐Wen , Loughran Michael , Suzuki Hiroaki , Karube Isao
Published: January 2004

Simultaneous electrophoresis of both native and Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) proteins was observed on a single microchip within 20 min. The capillary array prevented lateral diffusion of SDS components and avoided cross contamination of native protein samples. The planar sputtered electrode format provided a more uniform distribution of separation voltage into each of the 36 parallel microchannel capillaries than platinum wire electrodes commonly used in conventional electrophoresis. The customized geometry of the stacking capillary machined into the cover plate of the microchip facilitated reproducible sample injection without the requirement for stacking gel. Polyimide served as a mask and facilitated insulation of the anode and cathode to prevent electrode lift off and deterioration during continuous electrophoresis, even at a constant current of 8 mA. Improved protein separation was observed during capillary electrophoresis at lower currents. Ferguson plot analysis confirmed the electrophoretic mobility of native globular proteins in accordance with their charge and size. Corresponding Ferguson plot analysis of SDS‐associated proteins on the same chip confirmed separation of marker proteins according to their molecular weight.
Identifying undiagnosed dementia in residential care veterans: comparing telemedicine to in‐person clinical examination
Authors: Shores Molly M. , Ryan‐Dykes Peggy , Williams Rhonda M. , Mamerto Bless , Sadak Tatiana , Pascualy Marcella , Felker Bradford L. , Zweigle Mercedes , Nichol Paul , Peskind Elaine R.
Published: January 2004

Background

Dementia is a common but frequently undiagnosed problem in aging. Barriers to early diagnosis include a lack of routine screening for dementia and a lack of access to specialty consultative services. We conducted a pilot study to see if telemedicine could provide reliable, accurate geriatric consultative services to evaluate patients for dementia who were residing at remote sites.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study that compared the diagnostic reliability of telemedicine to an in‐person examination for dementia. Eligible subjects were residents of a Washington State Veterans' Home, age 60 years or older, with no prior diagnosis of dementia. Eligible subjects were screened for dementia using the 7‐Minute Screen. Veterans who screened positive and consented to participate in the study received an in‐person neuropsychiatric evaluation at baseline, and then both telemedicine and in‐person examinations for dementia conducted by experienced geriatric psychiatrists. The accuracy of the telemedicine diagnosis was estimated by comparing it to the diagnosis from the clinical examination. Three geriatric psychiatrists who were blinded to the results of the clinical examination conducted the telemedicine and in‐person examinations. We also assessed attitudes of the subjects and geriatric psychiatrists towards the telemedicine sessions.

Results

Eighteen of 85 subjects screened were ‘positive’ for dementia on the 7 Minute Screen. Of these, 16 consented to participate in the telemedicine study. Twelve of the 16 subjects were subsequently diagnosed with dementia by the telemedicine examination. The telemedicine diagnoses were in 100% agreement with the diagnoses from the in‐person clinical examinations. Moreover, the subjects reported a high degree of satisfaction with the telemedicine experience and that they would like to have further care through telemedicine in the future. The geriatric psychiatrists reported technical difficulties with the audio‐visual quality of telemedicine in the initial phases of the project that resolved as familiarity with the telemedicine equipment increased. None of these problems had an adverse impact on the diagnostic accuracy of telemedicine.

Conclusions

We found that telemedicine was as accurate as an in‐person clinical examination in establishing the diagnosis of dementia. In addition, subjects reported a high degree of satisfaction with telemedicine and a willingness to participate in telemedicine clinical care in the future. Given the large increase in the aging population and the shortage of geriatric psychiatrists nationally, it appears that telemedicine may be a promising means to expand the availability of geriatric psychiatric consultation to remote areas. Published 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reasons of informal caregivers for institutionalising dementia patients previously living at home: the Pixel study
Authors: Thomas Philippe , Ingrand Pierre , Lalloue Fabrice , Hazif‐Thomas Cyril , Billon Rémy , Viéban François , Clément Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2004

Context

Study of the problems and requirements of the main caregiver providing home care for dementia patients that have resulted in the patient being institutionalised.

Objectives

To determine the reasons for placing the dementia patient in an institution.

Resources

Self‐administered questionnaire of 48 questions on the patient and caregiver, including a list of complaints, given to the main caregiver. Medical questionnaire on the patient filled in by the geriatrician.

Results

Data were collected from 109 questionnaires concerning 75 females with dementia (84.7 ± 6.7 years) and 34 demented males (80.8 ± 7.4 years). In two‐thirds of cases the main caregiver was a female, aged 61.1 ± 12.1 years. Cognitive disorders were not the main reasons for institutionalising patients. The most frequent caregiver complaint at the time of institutionalisation was incontinence, followed by withdrawal. The caregiver's main problem resulting in institutionalisation was dependence, with behavioural disorders in second place. A treatment with anticholinesterase for dementia was associated with a live‐in carer being provided for 20 months longer than in the case of patients not receiving this treatment. Statistical analysis revealed 6 groups of separate caregiver‐patient situations. On the one hand there were those patients who appeared to be easy for the caregiver to cope with: those with no problems, docile patients and passive patients not opposing care. In these cases the caregiver was most often young and male, or not directly related to the patient. On the other hand there were 3 other groups: patients with inappropriate motor behaviours, violent/agitated patients and unmotivated patients who opposed care. These patients lived with an elderly caregiver who had been looking after the patient for several years.

Discussion

Caregivers' requirements are for help with coping with and preventing dependence. The caregiver suffers terribly from a lack of relief, particularly when young.

Conclusion

It is necessary to change the focus of home care for dementia patients towards preventing loss of autonomy and its consequences and to allow for periods of relief for home caregivers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient predictors of response to treatment of depression in Alzheimer's disease: the DIADS study
Authors: Steinberg Martin , Munro Cynthia A. , Samus Quincy , V.Rabins Peter , Brandt Jason , Lyketsos Constantine G.
Published: January 2004

Objective

To investigate patient predictors of response to treatment of Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Forty‐four outpatients with AD and MDE were randomized to receive either sertraline or placebo in a 12‐week placebo‐controlled, flexible‐dose clinical trial after a one week single‐blind placebo phase. All participants were evaluated for depression at entry using the 21‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD). All subjects completed baseline neuropsychological testing. Caregiver burden and depression were also measured. The forty‐two subjects who completed at least one post‐enrollment follow‐up visit were included in the analysis.

Results

No baseline demographic, mood, neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological, or caregiver variable was a statistically significant predictor of response to treatment. There were trends for African‐American patients (p=0.07) and those with milder baseline agitation/aggression (p=0.08) to respond better.

Conclusion

No baseline characteristic assessed clearly predicts response to treatment of MDE in AD. A diverse population of depressed AD patients may thus respond similarly to the same treatment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disclosing a diagnosis of dementia: a systematic review
Authors: Bamford Claire , Lamont Sharon , Eccles Martin , Robinson Louise , May Carl , Bond John
Published: January 2004

Background

The issue of diagnostic disclosure in dementia has been debated extensively in professional journals, but empirical data concerning disclosure in dementia has not previously been systematically reviewed.

Objective

To review empirical data regarding diagnostic disclosure in dementia.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched up to September 2003 (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science). Additional references were identified through hand searches of selected journals and bibliographies of relevant articles and books. The title and abstract of each identified paper were reviewed independently by two reviewers against pre‐determined inclusion criteria: original data about disclosure were presented and the paper was in English. Any disagreements were resolved by discussion until consensus was reached. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers using a structured abstraction form. Data quality were not formally assessed although each study was critically reviewed in terms of methodology, sampling criteria, response rates and appropriateness of analysis.

Results

Fifty‐nine papers met the inclusion criteria for detailed review. Many of the studies had methodological shortcomings. The studies reported wide variability in all areas of beliefs and attitudes to diagnostic disclosure and reported practice. Studies of the impact of disclosure indicate both negative and positive consequences of diagnostic disclosure for people with dementia and their carers.

Conclusions

Existing evidence regarding diagnostic disclosure in dementia is both inconsistent and limited with the perspectives of people with dementia being largely neglected. This state of knowledge seems at variance with current guidance about disclosure. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alzheimer Disease International's 10/66 Dementia Research Group—One model for action research in developing countries
Authors: Prince Martin , Graham Nori , Brodaty Henry , Rimmer Elizabeth , Varghese Mathew , Chiu Helen , Acosta Daisy , Scazufca Marcia
Published: January 2004

Background

The 10/66 Dementia Research Group (10/66) founded in 1998, is a network of over 100 researchers from mainly developing countries. 10/66 is committed to encourage more good quality research in those regions, where an estimated two‐thirds of all those with dementia live. It represents a collaboration of academics, clinicians, and an international non‐governmental organization, Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).

Method

10/66 pilot studies in 26 centres in Latin America, India, Africa and China and SE Asia suggest that education and culture‐fair diagnosis is an attainable aim. Despite extended family care networks, these studies also identified high levels of practical, psychological and economic strain upon caregivers. Population‐based studies in six centres will now estimate prevalence, describe impact and seek to identify genetic and environmental risk factors in novel settings. At a practical level, 10/66 has studied ways to circumvent the lack of help‐seeking in developing countries, and has developed a low‐level intervention to educate and train caregivers.

Conclusion

The links with ADI and its international networks, and the volunteerism of ADIs members have fostered the rapid growth of 10/66. The partnership facilitates both the raising of awareness and influence upon policy, as 10/66 research evidence can be used by ADI and national Alzheimer's Associations to direct and support advocacy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case of radiation recall mucositis associated with docetaxel
Authors: Culp Laura R. , Pou Anna M. , Jones Dennie V. , Bayouth John , Sanguineti Giuseppe
Published: January 2004

Background.

Radiation recall reactions, in particular dermatitis, are well documented in the literature. However, radiation recall mucositis is a rare clinical phenomenon.

Methods.

We report a case of a 45‐year‐old man diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue. He was treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Several months after completing treatment, he had a recurrence develop outside of the previously irradiated field. He was offered radiation therapy concurrent with docetaxel as salvage therapy.

Results.

During salvage therapy, acute recall mucositis developed corresponding to his previously irradiated fields. His chemotherapy with docetaxel was withheld, and his symptoms rapidly improved.

Conclusions.

This case describes radiation recall mucositis associated with docetaxel, a rare but potentially serious clinical situation. Given the potential severity of the reaction and increasing use of docetaxel as second‐line treatment of recurrent head and neck cancers, it is important to be aware of this phenomenon. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 197–200, 2004
Prostatic adenocarcinoma metastatic to the head and neck and the workup of an unknown epithelioid neoplasm
Authors: Hunt Jennifer L. , Tomaszewski John E. , Montone Kathleen T.
Published: January 2004

Background.

Epithelioid tumors in the head and neck are common and include both primary and metastatic lesions. For metastatic lesions, clinical factors, tumor location, and ancillary immunohistochemical studies must be taken into consideration to help the clinician and the pathologist determine the site of origin. One unusual, but important, primary tumor that can metastasize to the head and neck is carcinoma of the prostate (CAP).

Methods.

The files of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Pathology were searched for cases of metastatic CAP. All slides were examined, and clinical information was obtained from the referring physician's patient charts.

Results.

We describe 14 cases of metastatic CAP to the head and neck. Six patients had no history of CAP at the time of biopsy of the head and neck metastasis, and only eight patients had other widespread metastatic disease. Histologically, most of the tumors had epithelioid cells with prominent nucleoli and cribriform, solid, or infiltrating single cell growth patterns. PSA and PSAP immunohistochemical stains were positive in all cases. Seven of 12 patients with known follow‐up are alive after radiation or hormonal therapy.

Conclusions.

These results demonstrate a fair prognosis with possible prolonged survival with metastatic CAP to the head and neck after appropriate diagnosis and subsequent hormone and radiation therapy. Given this survival advantage with treatment, it is critical to consider the diagnosis of metastatic CAP when evaluating a metastatic malignant ephitelioid tumor in the head and neck of an elderly man. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 171‐178, 2004.
A concurrent chemoirradiation with cisplatin followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with ifosfamide, 5‐fluorouracil, and leucovorin for stage IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chua Daniel T.T. , Sham Jonathan S. T. , Au Gordon K. H.
Published: January 2004

Background.

To evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of concurrent chemoirradiation with cisplatin followed by adjuvant ifosfamide, 5‐fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with stage IVb nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)

Patients and Methods.

Between October 1998 and August 2001, 35 Chinese patients with stage IVb NPC (N3a:12, N3b:23) were treated with by concurrent chemoirradiation using cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 22, and 43 of radiotherapy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with 1.4 g/m2, ifosfamide, 450 mg/m2 5‐fluorouracil, and 20 mg/m2 leucovorin daily for 5 days and repeated every 3 weeks for three cycles. Radiotherapy was given using standard fractionation at 2 Gy/day to a total of 68 Gy to the nasopharynx and 66 Gy to the neck.

Results.

All patients completed the prescribed radiotherapy. Twenty‐three patients (66%) completed all scheduled cycles of chemotherapy. The compliance rate for concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy was 71% and 80%, respectively. Grade 3 mucositis occurred in 37%, and grade 3 dermatitis occurred in 11.5% during radiotherapy. Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in 17% during concurrent chemotherapy, and grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 48.5% during adjuvant chemotherapy. There were no treatment‐related deaths. With a median follow‐up of 31 months, the 3‐year relapse‐free rate was 60%, and the 3‐year overall survival rate was 74%. Locoregional control was excellent, with a 3‐year local and nodal relapse‐free rate of 91% and 83%, respectively. Eleven patients (31%) had developed distant metastases, and the 3‐year distant metastasis‐free rate was 66%.

Conclusions.

The chemotherapy regimen tested is practical with an acceptable compliance rate. Despite having a more advanced stage disease, the observed outcome of our patients seems to be comparable with other series using platinum‐based adjuvant chemotherapy. Further investigation to confirm the benefit of using the study regimen in advanced stage NPC is warranted. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 118–126, 2004
Prioritizing treatment outcomes: Head and neck cancer patients versus nonpatients
Authors: List Marcy A. , Rutherford Judith Lee , Stracks John , Pauloski Barbara Roa , Logemann Jerilyn A. , Lundy Donna , Sullivan Paula , Goodwin William , Kies Merrill , Vokes Everett E.
Published: January 2004

Background.

Treatment decisions in head and neck cancer (HNC) might involve consideration of uncertain tradeoffs of one late effect against another or increasing toxicity or residual impairment for increased chance of survival. Understanding how patients prioritize potential outcomes, as well as whether these preferences are similar to those of nonpatients, is important to informed decision making and treatment planning.

Methods.

Two hundred forty‐seven newly diagnosed HNC patients from nine institutions and 131 nonpatients rank ordered a set of 12 potential treatment outcomes (eg, cure; being able to swallow; normal voice) from highest (1) to lowest (12).

Results.

Patients and nonpatients were similar with respect to the three items most frequently ranked in the top three, that is, “being cured of cancer,” “living as long as possible,” and “having no pain” in that order. In contrast, patients more frequently ranked “cure” (90% vs 80%) and less frequently ranked “no pain” (34% vs 52%) in the top three.

Conclusions.

Survival seems to be of paramount importance to both patient and nonpatient groups, overshadowing associated toxicities and potential dysfunction. At the same time, patients might be more willing than nonpatients to undergo aggressive treatments and endure acute distress in the interest of potential long‐term gains (ie, cure or longer survival). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 163–170, 2004
Modelling actual, reference and equilibrium evaporation from a temperate wet grassland
Authors: Gavin H. , Agnew C. A.
Published: January 2004

Actual and reference evaporation from a wet grassland in Southeast England was studied over the spring and summer of 1999 (March to September) through changes in surface wetness. The Penman–Monteith (using resistance values for reference grass surface), equilibrium evaporation and Priestley–Taylor models were compared with output from the Bowen ratio energy balance (BREB) method. On field visits, inundation of the grazing marsh was mapped and surface soil moisture monitored in a regular grid using a capacitance probe. During the study period, the extent of flooding fell from approximately 10% to 0% and the surface soil moisture declined from over 38% to 15%. Daily averaged Bowen ratios displayed large variation but were below unity, indicating that latent energy flux was the dominant energy sink. The Penman–Monteith and equilibrium evaporation models underestimated during periods of surface inundation and overestimated when no surface water was present. Computed values of the Priestley–Taylor parameter α showed daily variability, but α was predictable with surface wetness such an average value of α = 1·25 characterized periods of inundation, and an average values of α = 0·80 represented periods of no surface water. The performance of the models in computing actual evaporation was compared with the BREB using the root‐mean‐square error and index of agreement. The optimal model was the Priestley–Taylor model. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating evapotranspiration from a reed bed using the Bowen ratio energy balance method
Authors: Peacock C. E. , Hess T. M.
Published: January 2004

An increase in demand for water for agricultural and domestic use, combined with new legislation regarding the water needs of natural habitats, has led to an increased requirement for accurate calculations of hydrological fluxes through wetlands. Evapotranspiration is one of the most important but least well understood fluxes in wetland hydrology. Research has been carried out on Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve in Kent, UK, a Ramsar site containing the largest reed beds in southern England. The objective was to quantify water loss through evapotranspiration on the site to allow more effective management of water levels and maintenance of maximum conservation potential for bird life. The Bowen ratio energy balance approach was employed, which is one of the most accurate ways of measuring evapotranspiration but has been rarely used on reed beds. These measurements were used with Penman–Monteith reference evapotranspiration in order to create crop coefficients. It was found that crop coefficients were inconsistent from day to day but were generally less than unity. The inconsistency was thought to be caused by variations in meteorological conditions: e.g. significant differences in crop coefficients were found between days with high radiation and a dry canopy, compared with days with low radiation and a wet canopy. Canopy interception of precipitation was particularly important, with crop coefficients being significantly higher on wet days, possibly due to the higher rates of evaporation of intercepted water due to the lack of stomatal resistance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impacts of sodicity on soil strength
Authors: Kyei‐Baffour N. , Rycroft D. W. , Tanton T. W.
Published: January 2004

The paper describes an investigation into the relationship between the level of sodium induced at the soil surface by the evaporation of saline water and the shear strength, both immediately after salinisation and then again after leaching. The results indicate that the strength of the surface increases during salinisation in response to increasing sodicity. The increase in shear strength on leaching became apparent once the levels of sodicity had begun to exceed values currently used to identify when swelling and dispersion are likely to exert an influence on the soil structure. It was also discovered that these effects were not merely confined to the surface but existed throughout the depth of the soil. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear and non‐linear optimization models for allocation of a limited water supply
Authors: Ghahraman Bijan , Sepaskhah Ali‐Reza
Published: January 2004

One partial solution to the problem of ever‐increasing demands on our water resources is optimal allocation of available water. A non‐linear programming (NLP) optimization model with an integrated soil water balance was developed. This model is the advanced form of a previously developed one in which soil water balance was not included. The model also has the advantage of low computer run‐time, as compared to commonly used dynamic programming (DP) models that suffer from dimensionality. The model can perform over different crop growth stages while taking into account an irrigation time interval in each stage. Therefore, the results are directly applicable to real‐world conditions. However, the time trend of actual evapotranspiration (AET) for individual time intervals fluctuates more than that for growth‐stage AETs. The proposed model was run for the Ardak area (45 km NW of the city of Mashhad, Iran) under a single cropping cultivation (corn) as well as a multiple cropping pattern (wheat, barley, corn, and sugar beet). The water balance equation was manipulated with net applied irrigation water to overcome the difficulty encountered with incorrect deep percolation. The outputs of the model, under the imposed seasonal irrigation water shortages, were compared with the results obtained from a simple NLP model. The differences between these two models (simple and integrated) became more significant as irrigation water shortage increased. Oversimplified assumptions in the previous simple model were the main causes of these differences. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drainage outflow in different pipe‐drainage variants on gleyic podzoluvisol in the Sava River Valley
Authors: Petošić D. , Tadić L. , Romić D. , Tomić F.
Published: January 2004

Five‐year investigations (1995–99) were carried out on the experimental drainage field “Jelenscak”, Kutina, in Croatia. The field is situated in the Sava River valley, on gleyic podzoluvisol. The trial involved eight pipe‐drainage variants, differing in drainpipe spacing and backfilling. Drainpipe spacings of 15, 20, 25 and 30 m with gravel backfill and spacings of 10, 15, 20 and 25 m without gravel backfill were tested. The shortest duration of drainage outflow was recorded in the variant with a drainpipe spacing of 15 m with gravel backfill and in the variant with a drainpipe spacing of 10 m without gravel backfill. These values are significantly different (P<0.01) compared to the values obtained in other variants. Average monthly drainage outflows in the said two drainage variants are also significantly higher compared to the other test variants (P<0.01). The outflow peak in the studied variants ranged from 12.3 mm d−1 up to 64.9 mm d−1. Drainage outflows during the four‐year period (1996–99), calculated using the numerical model SWAP‐93, were confirmed by direct measurements on the trial field with 95.8% precision. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluations of bioactivity and mechanical properties of poly (ε‐caprolactone)/silica nanocomposite following heat treatment
Authors: Yoo Jeong Joon , Rhee Sang‐Hoon
Published: January 2004

A composite material consisting of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and silica was prepared and evaluated as a bioactive bone substitute. The composite was synthesized by the co‐condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and PCL and end‐capped with triethoxysilane (Si‐PCL). The as‐prepared specimens were subjected to an initial heat treatment of 2 days at 60°C, followed by further heat‐treatments at 100°C, 150°C, and 200°C for 24 h. The tensile mechanical properties of the heat‐treated specimens were determined, and additional specimens were exposed to a simulated body fluid (SBF) for different periods of time. The SBF exposure led to the deposition of a layer of apatite crystals on the surface of the composites. It was found that increasing the second heat‐treatment temperature produced an increase in tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composite but a decrease in the initial rate of apatite formation. These phenomena are explained in terms of the condensation reaction that takes place between the silanol groups in the silica and Si‐PCL as the heat‐treatment temperature is increased. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 401–410, 2004
Evaluation of biocompatibility of polypyrrole in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wang Xioadong , Gu Xioasong , Yuan Chunwai , Chen Shujian , Zhang Peiyun , Zhang Tianyi , Yao Jian , Chen Fen , Chen Gang
Published: January 2004

In this study, the biocompatibility of the electrically conductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy) with nerve tissue was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The extraction solution of PPy powder, which was synthesized chemically, was tested for acute toxicity, subacute toxicity, pyretogen, quantitative measure of cell viability, hemolysis, allergen, and micronuclei. The PPy membrane was synthesized electrochemically on the indium tin oxide conductive borosilicate glass. The dorsal root ganglia from 1–3‐day‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were cultured above PPy membrane and observed by light or scanning electron microscopy. The PPy‐silicone tube (PPy membrane on the inner surface of the silicone tube) also synthesized electrochemically was used to bridge across 10‐mm sciatic nerve gap in rats. Twenty‐four weeks after the operation to rats, the regenerated tissues were observed by electrophysiological and histological techniques. PPy extraction solution showed no evidence of acute and subacute toxicity, pyretogen, hemolysis, allergen, and mutagenesis, and the Schwann cells from the PPy extraction solution group showed better survival rate and proliferation rate as compared with the saline solution control group. The migration of the Schwann cells and the neurite extension from dorsal root ganglia on the surface of PPy membrane‐coated glass was better than those of bare glass. There was only lightly inflammation during 6 months of the postoperation, when the PPy‐silicone tube bridged across the gap of the transected sciatic nerve. The regeneration of nerve tissue in the PPy‐silicone tube was slightly better than that in the plain silicone tube by means of electrophysiological and histological examination. The results of this study indicate that PPy has a good biocompatibility with rat peripheral nerve tissue and that PPy might be a candidate material for bridging the peripheral nerve gap. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 411–422, 2004
Ongoing foreign body reaction to subcutaneous implanted (heparin) modified Dacron in rats
Authors: van Bilsen Paul H. J. , Popa Eliane R. , Brouwer Linda A. , Vincent Judith , Taylor Catherine E. , de Leij Lou F. M. H. , Hendriks Marc , van Luyn Marja J. A.
Published: January 2004

Dacron‐containing heart valve repair devices trigger chronic inflammation characterized by the presence of activated macrophages, foreign body giant cells, and capsule formation. Upon blood contact, proinflammatory proteins adsorb to the material and provide a substrate for monocyte binding and differentiation. Various heparin‐coated polymers have been shown to reduce adsorption of proinflammatory proteins in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the effect of knitted, heparin‐coated Dacron on the foreign body reaction was tested subcutaneously in rats. We hypothesized that the anti‐inflammatory effect of heparin would reduce monocyte recruitment and differentiation and therefore limit the inflammatory reaction. An ongoing foreign body reaction, characterized by the presence of foreign body giant cells and high vascularization, was observed in uncoated as well as (heparin‐)coated Dacron at up to 180 days of implantation. Also, a thin capsule was formed around each material up to this time. In conclusion, although heparin coatings might have an effect on the acute inflammatory response, we were not able to show a difference between heparin‐coated and uncoated Dacron after 180 days' implantation in rats. Further research needs to be conducted to assess the difference in proinflammatory protein adsorption between the tested materials and the effect this has on the long‐term foreign body reaction. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 423–427, 2004
Effect of biomaterial properties on bone healing in a rabbit tooth extraction socket model
Authors: Fisher John P. , Lalani Zahid , Bossano Carla M. , Brey Eric M. , Demian Nagi , Johnston Carol M. , Dean David , Jansen John A. , Wong Mark E. K. , Mikos Antonios G.
Published: January 2004

In this work we sought to understand the effect of biomaterial properties upon healing bone tissue. We hypothesized that a hydrophilic polymer gel implanted into a bone tissue defect would impede the healing process owing to the biomaterial's prevention of protein adsorption and thus cell adhesion. To test this hypothesis, healing bone was investigated within a rabbit incisor extraction socket, a subcritical size bone defect that resists significant soft tissue invasion by virtue of its conformity. After removal of the incisor teeth, one tooth socket was left as an empty control, one was filled with crosslinked polymer networks formed from the hydrophobic polymer poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), and one was filled with a hydrogel formed from the hydrophilic oligomer oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) (OPF). At five different times (4 days as well as 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks), jaw bone specimens containing the tooth sockets were removed. We analyzed bone healing by histomorphometrical analysis of hematoxylin and eosin stained sections as well as immunohistochemically stained sections. The proposed hypothesis, that a hydrophilic material would hinder bone healing, was supported by the histomorphometrical results. In addition, the immunohistochemical results reflect molecular signaling indicative of the early invasion of platelets, the vascularization of wound‐healing tissue, the differentiation of migrating progenitor cells, and the formation and remodeling of bone tissue. Finally, the results emphasize the need to consider biomaterial properties and their differing effects upon endogenous growth factors, and thus bone healing, during the development of tissue engineering devices. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 68A: 428–438, 2004