bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison and sequential study of long pulsed Nd:YAG 1,064 nm laser and sclerotherapy in leg telangiectasias treatment
Authors: Levy Jean Luc , Elbahr Chantal , Jouve Elisabeth , Mordon Serge
Published: March 2004

Background and Objectives

Millisecond pulsed 1,064 nm Nd:YAG lasers have been developed for the treatment of leg telangiectasias. To date there have been very few side by side comparison studies of laser versus the gold standard sclerotherapy in treating small leg veins. This study aims to compare a long pulsed Nd:YAG laser with contact cooling to sclerotherapy for treating small diameter leg telangiectasias by evaluating objective and subjective clinical effects.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Fourteen patients were selected with leg telangiectasias ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm at four comparable sites. One site was treated with long pulsed Nd:YAG alone, the second received sclerotherapy alone, the third laser then sclerotherapy, and the last one sclerotherapy then laser. The patients were followed up at 3 months after the last treatment. Photographs were taken pre‐operatively and at 3 months after the last session. They were used for objective and comparative analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Friedman's test controlling for subject.

Results

Improvement was tabulated from the photographic assessment on an improvement scale from 0 (no change) to 4 (greater than 75% clearing). There were clinical improvements in the laser group than sclerotherapy without statistical significance. Side effects were minimal and included hyperpigmentation.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates that the Smartepil LS long pulse Nd:YAG 1,064 nm laser can yield results similar to sclerotherapy in the treatment of small leg telangiectasias. Combination of both methods could increase response to treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:273–276, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of single and multiple applications of GaAlAs laser on rat medial collateral ligament repair
Authors: Ng Gabriel Y.F. , Fung Dicky T.C. , Leung Mason C.P. , Guo Xia
Published: March 2004

Background and Objectives

To examine single versus multiple applications of the gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) laser on the healing of surgically injured medial collateral ligaments (MCLs) in rats.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Sixteen rats were studied, with 12 receiving surgical transection to their right MCL and 4 receiving a sham injury. Group 1 (n = 4) received a single dose of GaAlAs laser therapy (wavelength 660 nm, average power 8.8 mW, pulse 10 kHz, dosage 31.6 J/cm2) directly to their MCL during surgery. Group 2 (n = 4) received 9 doses of GaAlAs laser therapy applied transcutaneously on alternate days (wavelength 660 nm, average power 8.8 mW, pulse 10 kHz, dosage 3.5 J/cm2). The controls (Group 3, n = 4) received one session of placebo laser at the time of surgery, with the laser equipment shut down, while the sham injured Group 4 (n = 4) received no treatment. Biomechanical tests for structural stiffness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and load‐relaxation were done at 3 weeks after injury. The stiffness and UTS data were normalized by expressing as a percentage of the left side of each animal before statistical analysis.

Results

The load‐relaxation data did not show any differences between the groups (P = 0.18). The normalized stiffness levels of Groups 2 (81.08±11.28%) and 4 (92.66±13.19%) were significantly higher (P = 0.025) than that of the control Group 3 (58.99±15.91%). The normalized UTS of Groups 2 (81.38±5.68%) and 4 (90.18±8.82%) were also significantly higher (P = 0.012) than that of the control (64.49±9.26%). Although, Group 1 had higher mean stiffness and UTS values than the control, no statistically significant difference was found between these two groups.

Conclusions

Multiple laser therapy improves the normalized strength and stiffness of repairing rat MCLs at 3 weeks after injury. The multiple treatments seem to be superior to a single treatment when the cumulative dosages are comparable between the two modes of application. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:285–289, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A first trial in the clinical application of photodynamic therapy for the prevention of restenosis after coronary‐stent placement
Authors: Usui Mikio , Miyagi Manabu , Fukasawa Shinya , Hara Takeshi , Ueyama Naoya , Nakajima Hitoshi , Takata Ryu , Sasame Atsuko , Tamura Ken , Naitou Yuuichi , Yamashina Akira
Published: March 2004

Background and Objectives

The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the safety of local delivery of a photosensitizer followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT), to determine its effectiveness in reducing in‐stent restenosis.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Porfimer sodium was administered via a local delivery catheter to five coronary‐stent implanted lesions followed by irradiation with a pulse laser. Coronary angiography (CAG) was performed at the baseline, after the procedure and at a 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

By the 18‐month clinical follow‐up, no adverse events such as photodermatosis, or myocardial ischemia had occurred. At the follow‐up, no coronary embolization, dissection, or aneurysmal dilatation was observed in the CAG. In‐stent diameter stenosis, late loss, and loss index were 19.16±8.20%, 0.37±0.18 mm, and 0.19±0.12, respectively. No in‐stent restenosis was observed.

Conclusions

This study suggests that PDT, with local delivery of Porfimer sodium, is safe and may be a feasible technique in preventing in‐stent restenosis. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:235–241, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bond strength to dentin of primary teeth irradiated with varying Er:YAG laser energies and SEM examination of the surface morphology
Authors: Monghini Elisângela M. , Wanderley Rosimeyri L. , Pécora Jesus D. , Palma Dibb Regina G. , Corona Silmara A.M. , Borsatto Maria C.
Published: March 2004

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to assess in vitro the influence of Er:YAG laser energy on the shear bond strength of a total‐etch adhesive to lased dentin of primary teeth, and observe under SEM the morphological appearance of laser‐ablated dentin surfaces.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

For SBS, specimens were irradiated with the energies 60 mJ/2 Hz (G2), 80 mJ/2 Hz (G3), 100 mJ/2 Hz (G4). Control (G1) was not irradiated. Dentin surfaces were acid‐etched, Single Bond® adhesive (3 M) was applied, and resin cylinders were fabricated from Z250® resin (3 M). Bond strength was tested in shear (0.5 mm/min). For morphological analysis, specimens were irradiated using the same energies, either or not acid‐etched, and observed by SEM.

Results and Conclusions

SBS means, in MPa, were: G1‐17.89(±4.75); G2‐12.34(±4.85); G3‐10.30(±3.67); G4‐10.41(±4.20). Overall, Er:YAG laser irradiation of primary teeth dentin, prior to the adhesive protocol, adversely affected bond strength. Furthermore, it was noticed that even though there was no significant difference among the Er:YAG laser‐treated groups, the increase of laser energy resulted in increasingly cratered surfaces, regardless of acid‐etching association. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:254–259, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo targeted gene transfer in skin by the use of laser‐induced stress waves
Authors: Ogura Makoto , Sato Shunichi , Nakanishi Kuniaki , Uenoyama Maki , Kiyozumi Tetsuro , Saitoh Daizo , Ikeda Tomosumi , Ashida Hiroshi , Obara Minoru
Published: March 2004

Background and Objectives

Much interest has been shown in the use of lasers for nonviral targeted gene transfer, since the spatial characteristics of laser light are quite well defined. The aim of this study was to demonstrate in vivo gene transfer by the use of laser‐induced stress waves (LISWs).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

After reporter genes had been intradermally injected to rat skin in vivo, a laser target was placed on the gene‐injected skin. LISWs were generated by the irradiation of an elastic laser target with 532‐nm nanosecond laser pulses of a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser.

Results

Levels of luciferase activities for the skin exposed to LISWs were two orders of magnitude higher than those for the skin injected with naked DNA. Expressions of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and β‐galactosidase were observed only in the area that was exposed to LISWs, and in addition, epidermal cells were selectively transfected. No major side effects were observed, and luciferase activity levels as high as 105 RLU per mg of protein were sustained even 5 days after gene transfer.

Conclusion

Highly efficient and site‐specific gene transfer can be achieved by applying a few pulses of nanosecond pulsed LISWs to rat skin in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 34:242–248, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative Analysis of Hollow and Filled Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules Templated on Melamine Formaldehyde and Carbonate Cores
Authors: Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Shchukin Dmitry G. , Dong Wen‐Fei , Möhwald Helmut , Lulevich Valentin V. , Vinogradova Olga I.
Published: March 2004

Summary: A comparative study of polyelectrolyte microcapsules templated on melamine formaldehyde (MF) and manganese carbonate (MnCO3) particles was performed using confocal Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and by force measurements with an atomic force microscope. There is no significant difference between the properties of the shells templated on the MF and completely decomposable carbonate particles. In the case of capsules filled with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), the MF oligomers formed a network complex with the polymer which resulted in a gel‐like structure in the interior. The existence of such a structure was proved by characteristic MF and PSS bands in Raman spectra, the bulky morphology of the dried capsules and much stiffer resistance to applied force as compared with PSS‐filled capsules templated on carbonate particles.

SEM images of PSS‐loaded PAH/PSS capsules assembled on the on the MF template core.

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SEM images of PSS‐loaded PAH/PSS capsules assembled on the on the MF template core.
Reactive Compatibilization of NBR/EPDM Blends by the Combination of Mercapto and Oxazoline Groups
Authors: Oliveira Marcia G. , Gomes Ana C. O. , Almeida Mauricio S. M. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: March 2004

Summary: The reactive compatibilization of ethylene‐propylene‐diene (EPDM)/nitrile rubber (NBR) blends was performed using mercapto‐modified copolymers (mercapto‐modified EPDM, EPDMSH, and mercapto‐modified ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer, EVASH) in combination with oxazoline‐functionalized NBR (NBR‐ox). The best mechanical performance was achieved with the two EVASH‐based compatibilizing systems, especially the one containing the co‐reactive copolymers because of the reactivity of the oxazoline group. The presence of insoluble material in non‐vulcanized blends suggested the reactive compatibilization. The morphologies of these blends were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Blends compatibilized with the EVASH‐based systems showed finer morphologies than the non‐compatibilized blend or those compatibilized with the EPDMSH‐based systems. In non‐vulcanized NBR/EPDM (70:30 wt.‐%) blends, the presence of the co‐reactive EVASH/NBR‐ox system changes the morphology from a cocontinuous structure towards a droplet‐matrix morphology, and also results in a significant broadening of the damping curve related to the NBR transition, observed from DMTA analysis. The effect of the compatibilization on aging resistance has also been evaluated.

SEM micrograph of a non‐vulcanized NBR/EPDM blend compatibilized with a NBR‐ox/EVASH co‐reactive copolymer.

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SEM micrograph of a non‐vulcanized NBR/EPDM blend compatibilized with a NBR‐ox/EVASH co‐reactive copolymer.
Effects of the Reaction Conditions on the Syndiospecific Polymerization of Propene Promoted by Bis(phenoxyimine) Titanium Catalysts
Authors: Lamberti Marina , Pappalardo Daniela , Mazzeo Mina , Pellecchia Claudio
Published: March 2004

Summary: The propene polymerization behavior of two typical bis(phenoxyimine) titanium catalysts has been investigated by varying reaction conditions, such as the monomer concentration, the solvent, and the cocatalyst. The experimental results indicate that the stereoregularity and regioregularity of the obtained poly(propylene)s are significantly affected by the reaction conditions. Fractionation of some poly(propylene) samples indicates the formation of macromolecules of different stereoregularity in the same run, suggesting that different active complexes can be generated in situ from these bis(phenoxyimine) titanium precatalysts.

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Chain Extension of Carboxy‐Terminated Aliphatic Polyamides and Polyesters by Arylene and Pyridylene Bisoxazolines
Authors: Néry Laurent , Lefebvre Hervé , Fradet Alain
Published: March 2004

Summary: The bulk reactions between carboxy‐terminated polyamide‐12 (PA12) or carboxy‐terminated poly(butane‐1,4‐diyl adipate) (PBDA) and 2,2′‐(1,3‐phenylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (mbox), 2,2′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (pbox), 2,2′‐(2,6‐pyridylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (pybox) as chain‐coupling agents were studied by size exclusion chromatography, carboxy end‐group titration, and NMR spectroscopy. The chain‐coupling reaction yielded high‐molar mass polymers within 20 to 180 min, depending on reaction temperature, starting oligomer molar mass, bisoxazoline/oligomer molar ratio, and the nature of bisoxazoline. No side‐reactions were observed. Bisoxazoline pybox, used for the first time in the bulk chain extension of carboxy‐terminated polymers, exhibited the highest reaction rates. The thermal properties of the resulting polymers, studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, are also discussed.

The reaction of PBDA and PA12 with mbox, pbox, and pybox to give rise to the polymers studied here.

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The reaction of PBDA and PA12 with mbox, pbox, and pybox to give rise to the polymers studied here.
Synthesis and Surface Attachment of ABC Triblock Copolymers Containing Glassy and Rubbery Segments
Authors: Pyun Jeffrey , Jia Shijun , Kowalewski Tomasz , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: March 2004

Summary: The synthesis of an ABC triblock copolymer containing glassy and rubbery segments was conducted using a combination of living anionic and atom transfer radical polymerizations (ATRP). A poly(dimethylsiloxane) (pDMS) macroinitiator ($\overline M _{{\rm n}\quad {\rm SEC}\;}$ = 6 200; $\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.19) was prepared by living anionic ring‐opening polymerization, followed by hydrosilation reactions to incorporate 2‐bromoisobutyrate end groups for initiation of ATRP. The ATRP of styrene (S) using the pDMS macroinitiator yielded a diblock copolymer ($\overline M _{{\rm n}\quad {\rm SEC}\;}$ = 66 730; $\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.38). Chain extension of the pDMS‐b‐pS macroinitiator with 3‐(dimethoxymethylsilyl)propyl acrylate (DMSA) by ATRP yielded an ABC triblock copolymer. The latter reactive segment was covalently attached to silanol groups on a silicon wafer. The presentation of either glassy pS or flexible pDMS segments of the brushes attached to the surface was reversibly controlled by treatment with selective solvents for each segment.

Surface immobilization of pDMS‐b‐pS‐b‐pDMSA triblock copolymer to Si wafer. Treatment of brush with toluene, methanol, or annealing yields brush with hard pS surface. Treatment with hexane selectively solvates pDMS, and the soft layer is presented to the brush surface.

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Surface immobilization of pDMS‐b‐pS‐b‐pDMSA triblock copolymer to Si wafer. Treatment of brush with toluene, methanol, or annealing yields brush with hard pS surface. Treatment with hexane selectively solvates pDMS, and the soft layer is presented to the brush surface.
Advanced 1H Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy on Hydrogels, 2
Authors: Díez‐Peña Eva , Quijada‐Garrido Isabel , Barrales‐Rienda José Manuel , Schnell Ingo , Spiess Hans Wolfgang
Published: March 2004

Summary: Advanced 1H solid‐state NMR methods are applied for studying the hydrogen bond formation occurring in polymer hydrogels based on N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and methacrylic acid (MAA). For P(NIPAAm‐co‐MAA) copolymers collapsed at low pH, two populations of water can be distinguished in 1H magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra, one of which is probably situated near stable hydrogen‐bonded regions, while the other behaves similarly to free water. The pH‐induced polymer collapse can be followed in detail using 2D 1H‐1H double quantum (DQ) MAS NMR experiments on dried samples. For collapsed copolymers as well as interpenetrating polymer networks, the appearance of characteristic signals shows that hydrogen bonding takes place between NIPAAm and MMA monomers. The temperature dependence of the DQ spectra indicates that acid‐amide hydrogen bonds formed between both comonomers are more stable than the acid‐acid hydrogen bonds formed among MAA moieties alone. Correspondingly, by analyzing 1H‐1H DQ sideband patterns, a relatively short distance of 270 pm is found for the NIPAAm‐MMA hydrogen bond. Finally, the pH dependence of the DQ spectra demonstrates that hydrogen bonding phenomena are directly related to the polymer collapse.

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Advanced 1H Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy on Hydrogels, 1
Authors: Díez‐Peña Eva , Quijada‐Garrido Isabel , Barrales‐Rienda José Manuel , Schnell Ingo , Spiess Hans Wolfgang
Published: March 2004

Summary: The nature of the pH dependent collapse of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) hydrogels is investigated using recent 1H solid‐state NMR methods. In aqueous solution, PMAA changes from an expanded conformation at high pHs to a compact contracted form at low pHs, where hydrogen bonds play a central role. In solid‐state 1H NMR spectra, recorded under fast magic angle spinning (MAS), dried PMAA samples previously collapsed at low pHs show characteristic signals in the spectral region of the carboxylic acid protons. With the aid of 2D 1H‐1H double‐quantum (DQ) MAS NMR spectra, three signals can be distinguished at 8, 10.5 and 12.5 ppm, which are attributed to free carboxylic groups and two different types of hydrogen bonded forms, respectively. The 12.5 ppm signal arises from the hydrogen bond with the shortest HH distance, corresponding to the form that is most stable with respect to increasing temperature and pH. The weaker hydrogen‐bonded form (with a signal at 10.5 ppm) requires a slightly lower pH, while the free acid signal (at 8 ppm) emerges under the most acidic medium. Moreover, the stabilities of the hydrogen‐bonded carboxylic acid dimers can be inferred from the proton‐proton distances within the dimers, i.e. (275 ± 5) pm and (295 ± 15) pm for the protons at 12.5 and 10.5 ppm, respectively, which are determined by means of DQ MAS sideband patterns. Both the stability of the hydrogen bonds and the acidity of the protons may be related to the stereochemistry and the conformation of the PMAA chains.

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Controlled Radical Polymerization of Vaporized Vinyl Monomers on Solid Surfaces under UV Irradiation
Authors: Yasutake Mikio , Andou Yoshito , Hiki Shigehiro , Nishida Haruo , Endo Takeshi
Published: March 2004

Summary: In order to prepare well‐defined polymers on solid surfaces in the gas phase, a gas phase‐assisted surface polymerization (GASP) of vinyl monomers was carried out on solid surfaces pre‐coated with a photoiniferter, 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl N,N′‐dimethyldithiocarbamate, under UV irradiation. The GASP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) resulted in the formation of polymer on the surfaces and showed a proportional relationship between $\overline M _{\rm n}$ and polymer yield. Consecutive copolymerization of MMA and styrene led to the formation of a block copolymer, which was confirmed by a selective solvent fractionation method. These results demonstrate that controlled radical polymerization of vaporized monomer occurred on the solid surfaces.

Expected mechanism of GASP under UV irradiation.

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Expected mechanism of GASP under UV irradiation.
Blue Light Emission from a Fluorene‐Carbazole‐Fluorene Trimer Incorporated as the Side Chain into a Polynorbornene
Authors: Zaami Norredine , Slugovc Christian , Pogantsch Alexander , Stelzer Franz
Published: March 2004

Summary: A well defined blue electroluminescent fluorene‐carbazol‐fluorene trimer 3,6‐bis‐(9,9‐dihexyl‐9H‐fluoren‐3‐yl)‐9‐alkyl‐9H‐carbazole was synthesized using a Suzuki type cross coupling reaction as the key step. A way to attach this chromophore to a norbornene was developed and the resulting electroactive monomer was polymerised using the “3rd generation Grubbs catalyst” (N,N‐bis(mesityl) 4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene)(3‐bromo‐pyridine)2(Cl)2RuCHPh), yielding an amorphous polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution, which was used to build a light‐emitting diode exhibiting electroluminescence peaking at 410 nm.

Incorporation of the fluorene‐carbazol‐fluorene trimer as the emissive layer in an ITO/PEDOT:PSS/emitter/Ca/Al light emitting device.

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Incorporation of the fluorene‐carbazol‐fluorene trimer as the emissive layer in an ITO/PEDOT:PSS/emitter/Ca/Al light emitting device.
The Structure of the Free Volume in Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) from Positron Lifetime and Pressure Volume Temperature (PVT) Experiments
Authors: Dlubek Günter , Bondarenko Vladimir , Al‐Qaradawi Ilham Y. , Kilburn Duncan , Krause‐Rehberg Reinhard
Published: March 2004

Summary: The structure of the free volume and its temperature dependence between 25 and 190 °C of copolymers of styrene with acrylonitrile, SAN (0 to 50 mol‐% AN), is studied by pressure volume temperature (PVT) experiments and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). In this second part of the work, PALS data are reported from which the temperature dependence of the mean size and size distribution of local free volumes (subnanometer size holes) is analysed. The mean hole volume, vh, varies in PS between 105 Å3 (27 °C) and 220 Å3 (190 °C), and shows a systematic decrease with increasing AN content, at Tg from 121 Å3 for PS to 102 (±2) Å3 for SAN50. The specific number of holes, $N_{\rm h} '$, estimated from a comparison of PVT and PALS results, is independent on the temperature and the composition of SAN, $N_{\rm h} '$ = (0.56 ± 0.02) × 1021 g−1 which corresponds to Nh(Tg) = $N_{\rm h} '$/V(Tg) = 0.59 nm−3 and 1/Nh(Tg) = 1.7 nm3 for the volume which contains one hole. The analysed size distributions of the holes above Tg follow the compressibility of the free volume as it is predicted by the theory of thermal volume fluctuation. Moreover, we showed that the bulk elasticity modulus follows mastercurves as a function of vh above and below Tg.

Free volume hole radius distribution n(rh) in PS for three different temperatures.

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Free volume hole radius distribution n(rh) in PS for three different temperatures.
Soluble Polymethacrylates and Polystyrenes Containing Cationic Cyclopentadienyliron Moieties
Authors: Abd‐El‐Aziz Alaa S. , Todd Erin K.
Published: March 2004

Summary: Cyclopentadienyliron coordinated chloroarenes were utilized to synthesize novel classes of cationic organoiron methacrylate and styrene monomers via metal‐mediated nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions. These monomers were subsequently polymerized using a radical initiator to produce the corresponding organoiron polymers. Polymerization of olefin‐containing monomers containing terminal chloroarene complexes was also achieved by reaction with dinucleophiles yielding organoiron‐coordinated polyaromatic ethers and ether‐thioethers with pendent methacrylate or styrene moieties. These soluble polymers were subsequently crosslinked with a radical initiator, which resulted in the isolation of insoluble networks. Cyclic voltammetric investigations of these polymers showed that the pendent cationic iron centers underwent reversible reduction. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the cyclopentadienyliron complexes were cleaved from the polymer backbones at approximately 220 °C, however; depending on the architecture of the polymer backbones, their structural integrities held from 320 to 470 °C. The solubilities of the polymethacrylates were much higher in comparison to polystyrene analogues and had weight average molecular weights between 22 500 and 86 400 with polydispersities ranging from 1.4 to 2.6. The molecular weights of the cationic organoiron polymers prepared via nucleophilic aromatic substitution polymerization ranged from 10 500 to 22 800 with polydispersities of 1.2 to 1.7.

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Fast Transient Fluorescence Technique for Studying Homopolymer Mobility in a Swelling Gel
Authors: Erdogan Matem , Pekcan Önder , Yagcι Yusuf
Published: March 2004

Summary: The mobility of pyrene end‐capped polystyrene (Py‐PSt) trapped in swollen polystyrene gels (PSt) was investigated. PSt gels were prepared by free radical crosslinking copolymerization (FCC) of styrene (St) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM). The pyrene end‐capped polystyrene was produced by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). After drying, these disc‐shaped PSt gels were left in a toluene solution of Py‐PSt of various molecular weights. During this process, Py‐PSt chains were trapped in the gel. These swollen gels were re‐dried in air and then immersed in pure toluene solution for monitoring the mobility of Py‐PSt chains in and out of the gel. These reswelling experiments were performed at room temperature in real time by monitoring pyrene lifetimes outside (τ1) and inside (τ2) of the PSt gel by using in‐situ fast transient fluorescence (FTRF) measurements. It was observed that τ2 values decrease as swelling proceeds; however, τ1 values stay constant during swelling. The Li‐Tanaka equation was employed to produce the swelling parameters. The swelling time constant, τc was found to increase as the crosslinker density of the gels and the molecular weight, $\overline M _{\rm n}$ of Py‐PSt chains were increased. It was observed that the collective diffusion coefficient, Dc decreased by increasing the molecular weight $\overline M _{\rm n}$ by obeying Dc ≈ M−1 law.

Position of the PSt gel in the fluorescence quartz cell before (a) and after (b) swelling. I0 and Ip are the excitation and the emission intensities.

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Position of the PSt gel in the fluorescence quartz cell before (a) and after (b) swelling. I0 and Ip are the excitation and the emission intensities.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Chem. Phys. 4/2004
Authors: Erdogan Matem , Pekcan Önder , Yagcι Yusuf
Published: March 2004

Cover: The cover shows the mobility of pyrene end‐capped polystyrene (Py‐PSt) trapped in swollen polystyrene (PSt) gel. Py‐PSt chain was produced by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Swelling experiments were performed in real time by monitoring pyrene lifetimes, outside (τ1) and inside (τ2) of PSt gel, by using fast transient fluorescence technique (inset in the Figure). The graph shows the variation of solvent uptake, W, of PSt gel against swelling time, ts.

Further details can be found in the Full Paper by M. Erdogan, Ö. Pekcan,* Y. Yagcι on page 456.
Parkinson's prevalence estimated by a state registry
Authors: Strickland Daniel , Bertoni John M.
Published: March 2004

A solid understanding of the descriptive epidemiology of a disease is essential in etiologic investigations; this includes prevalence and incidence, as well as groups within the larger community who may have noticeably lower or higher rates. We ascertained the usefulness of a non‐traditional registry in describing Parkinson's disease (PD) patterns in a community. A passive surveillance PD registry in Nebraska began data collection on 1 January 1997. All physicians were required to report PD diagnosis, pharmacists reported new prescriptions of anti‐PD drugs (PD cases were confirmed later with the prescribing physician), and there was a patient self‐report mechanism. The overlap of reporting by the sources allowed estimation of the number not reported by any source, using the statistical technique “capture–recapture.” As of January 2000, the Nebraska PD Registry had reports of 5,062 PD patients. The number not reported by any Registry reporting source was calculated to be 117, leading to an estimated total of 5,179 cases and a prevalence of 329.3 per 100,000 population. Tabulations of age‐ and gender‐specific prevalence rates, as well as county‐level estimates, allow examination of areas of elevated or lowered prevalence. The combination of a passive surveillance system and capture–recapture technique presents a useful method for epidemiologic description, and more traditional survey methods could benefit by including capture–recapture capability. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Gestes antagonistes in psychogenic dystonia
Authors: Munhoz Renato P. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: March 2004

We report on a patient with psychogenic craniocervical dystonia who had complete amelioration of her dystonia using typical gestes antagonistes. This exceptional case underlines the lack of specificity of these maneuvers for organic dystonia when confronted with more obvious clinical clues. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Cardiovascular effects of methamphetamine in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Pavese Nicola , Rimoldi Ornella , Gerhard Alexander , Brooks David J. , Piccini Paola
Published: March 2004

Cardiovascular responses after intravenous methamphetamine were assessed in 11 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and electrocardiogram (ECG) were monitored for 103 minutes. After methamphetamine administration, SBP and DBP increased significantly in both PD and normal controls whereas placebo had no effect. In PD patients, however, the duration of SBP and DBP responses to methamphetamine and the maximum increase from baseline was attenuated compared with the controls. A significant correlation was found between individual BP responsiveness and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score. These findings suggest that in PD there is impairment of catecholamine release from peripheral sympathetic presynaptic terminals, which correlates with motor impairment. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Reversal of hypertonic co‐contraction after bilateral pallidal stimulation in generalised dystonia: A clinical and electromyogram case study
Authors: Liu Xuguang , Tailor Jignesh , Wang Shouyan , Yianni John , Gregory Ralph , Stein John , Aziz Tipu
Published: March 2004

In a patient of generalised dystonia treated with bilateral pallidal stimulation, serial surface EMGs recorded from the neck muscles during alternating head movements revealed progressive reduction in hypertonic activity and reversal of co‐contraction to reciprocal contraction, which preceded clinical improvement. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Health‐related quality of life evaluation by proxy in Parkinson's disease: Approach using PDQ‐8 and EuroQoL‐5D
Authors: Martínez‐Martín Pablo , Benito‐León Julián , Alonso Fernando , Catalán Maria José , Pondal Margarita , Zamarbide Ivana
Published: March 2004

Patient‐ and caregiver‐based scores were compared and agreement levels ascertained to determine the reliability of proxy evaluation of Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) using the EuroQoL and PD questionnaire (PDQ)‐8. Of 72 patient‐caregiver pairs, 64 (88.88%) returned the questionnaires. The degree of agreement varied for individual dimensions. Proxy evaluation of PD patients' HRQoL showed limitations mainly with assessments using the EuroQoL and especially in patients with severe disease and depression. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Long‐term follow‐up of cervical dystonia patients treated with botulinum toxin A
Authors: Haussermann Peter , Marczoch Stefanie , Klinger Christiane , Landgrebe Michael , Conrad Bastian , Ceballos‐Baumann Andres
Published: March 2004

We followed the course in 100 consecutive patients with cervical dystonia (CD) after they were initially treated with botulinum toxin (BTX) in the form of Dysport 10 to 12 years ago. A total of 4 patients had died, and 6 were lost to follow‐up. Of the remaining 90 patients, 57 (63%) were still treated with BTX. In the patients treated at one centre over the whole period with Dysport, mean dose used during each treatment session was 833 (SD ± 339) units Dysport with a cumulative dose of 20,943 (SD ± 9462) units Dysport over a mean of 26.8 (SD ± 8.6) treatment cycles. Secondary nonresponse was detected in 3 of the 90 patients. During follow‐up, 12 patients developed blepharospasm, 13 oromandibular dystonia, and 17 patients writer's cramp. We conclude that BTX remains effective and safe for approximately 60% of CD patients for more than 10 years. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Myoclonus and generalized digestive dysmotility in triple A syndrome with AAAS gene mutation
Authors: Roubergue Anne , Apartis Emmanuelle , Vidailhet Marie , Mignot Cyril , Tullio‐Pelet Anna , Lyonnet Stanislas , De Villemeur Thierry Billette
Published: March 2004

We report on the case of a 25‐year‐old woman with triple A syndrome and gene mutation, who, during the long follow‐up period of 23 years, developed myoclonus of the face and the upper limbs (with normal brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and widespread digestive dysmotility, involving small bowels and gall bladder. These features, not previously described, illustrate an extension of the cerebral and digestive neurological involvement in this syndrome. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Asymmetrical awake bruxism associated with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Wali Gurusidheshwar M.
Published: March 2004

We describe a 51‐year‐old man who developed awake bruxism during the course of multiple system atrophy. Electromyographic studies revealed side‐to‐side amplitude asymmetry of the bursts of motor activity. The bruxism responded favourably to low‐dose levodopa–carbidopa therapy. Possible mechanisms of this rare association are discussed. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Gaze‐evoked brainstem myoclonus
Authors: Williams David R.
Published: March 2004

The clinical and electrophysiological aspects of a case where brainstem reticular reflex myoclonus was related to an enlarging pontine lesion are described. It had the unusual characteristic of being evoked by sustained up gaze and left gaze. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism Cys212Tyr mutation in parkin renders lymphocytes susceptible to dopamine‐ and iron‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Jimenez Del Rio Marlene , Moreno Sonia , Garcia‐Ospina Gloria , Buritica Omar , Uribe Carlos S. , Lopera Francisco , Velez‐Pardo Carlos
Published: March 2004

Mutations in parkin are implicated in the pathogenesis of autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (AR‐JP) disease. We show that homozygote Cys212Tyr parkin mutation in AR‐JP patients renders lymphocytes sensitive to dopamine, iron and hydrogen peroxide stimuli. Indeed, dopamine‐induced apoptosis by four alternative mechanisms converging on caspase‐3 activation and apoptotic morphology: (1) NF‐κB‐dependent pathway; mitochondrial dysfunction either by (2) H2O2 or (3) hydroxyl exposure and (4) increase of unfolded–protein stress. We also demonstrate that 17β‐estradiol and testosterone prevent homozygote lymphocytes from oxidative stressors‐evoked apoptosis. These results may contribute to understanding the relationship between genetic and environmental factors and iron in AR‐JP. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Assessing quality of life in Parkinson's disease: Can a short‐form questionnaire be useful?
Authors: Katsarou Zoe , Bostantjopoulou Sevasti , Peto Viv , Kafantari Anna , Apostolidou Elizabeth , Peitsidou Eleni
Published: March 2004

Various instruments with good psychometric properties have been developed for the assessment of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in Parkinson's disease, (PD); however, in everyday practice a brief questionnaire is needed for quick screening of patients. We present the process of development and validation of the Greek version of PD questionnaire‐8 (PDQ‐8GrV), which is an 8‐item scale derived from a well‐known measure for the evaluation of HRQoL in PD, the PD questionnaire (PDQ‐39). PDQ‐8 GrV was applied to 228 nondemented Greek PD patients. Data from PDQ‐39 were also collected from these patients for comparisons between the total scores of the two scales. Detailed statistical analysis showed that PD‐8GrV has psychometric properties analogous to its parent questionnaire. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Chorea and contraceptives: Case report with pet study and review of the literature
Authors: Vela L. , Sfakianakis G.N. , Heros D. , Koller W. , Singer C.
Published: March 2004

Chorea is a well‐recognized but rare complication of oral contraceptive use. A 27‐year‐old woman developed right hemichorea while taking an oral contraceptive (OC). No other causes of chorea were found. A positron emission tomography (PET) study with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose demonstrated a dense focus of increased glucose metabolism involving the body of the left caudate nucleus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a PET study in a patient with OC‐induced chorea in the absence of systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid antibodies. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Progressive supranuclear palsy: New disease or variant of postencephalitic parkinsonism?
Authors: Brusa Adolfo , Stoehr Rolf , Pramstaller Peter P.
Published: March 2004

We review the etiological importance of the epidemic encephalitis for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and addresses the question of whether the explosion of PSP literature in the mid‐20th century reflects the appearance of a new disease. We examined 2,000 studies on Parkinson's disease from 1861 to 1963 and found PSP‐like cases in the past, before the epidemic encephalitis era. It can be assumed that PSP is neither a new disease nor a variant of postencephalitic parkinsonism. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Objective assessment of motor slowness in Huntington's disease: Clinical correlates and 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: van Vugt Jeroen P.P. , Piet Karlijne K.E. , Vink Liesbeth J. , Siesling Sabine , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Middelkoop Huub A.M. , Roos Raymund A.C.
Published: March 2004

Functional disability of patients with Huntington's disease (HD) is determined by impairment of voluntary motor function rather than the presence of chorea. However, only few attempts have been made to quantify this motor impairment. By using a simple reaction time paradigm, we measured the time needed for movement initiation (akinesia) and execution (bradykinesia) in 76 HD patients and 127 controls. Akinesia and bradykinesia were already evident in early stages and increased linearly with increasing disease stage. Quantified motor slowness correlated with clinical impairment of voluntary movements but also with cognitive impairment and medication use. In patients without severe cognitive impairment, quantified motor slowness reflected clinical motor impairment more purely. During 1.9 years follow‐up (range, 0.8–3.8 years), quantified akinesia and bradykinesia progressed concomitantly with progression of clinical impairment of voluntary movements, cognition, and functional capacity. However, rate of change in motor slowness did not discriminate between patients whose disease stage remained stable and those whose disease stage progressed. We conclude that the reaction time paradigm may be used to quantify akinesia and bradykinesia in HD, at least in patients without severe cognitive impairment. Although reaction and movement times increased in time, these measures failed to detect functionally important changes during our follow‐up period. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Factor structure of parkinsonian signs in the community‐dwelling elderly
Authors: Louis Elan D. , Tang Ming X. , Mayeux Richard
Published: March 2004

Parkinsonian signs are present in 40% of older people. Factor analysis of the motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) has identified several principal domains, including rigidity, axial function, and rest tremor. We hypothesized that if Parkinsonian signs in the elderly were due to basal ganglia dysfunction that this same constellation of factors (rigidity, axial function, rest tremor) would emerge in a factor analysis. We carried out factor analysis, using the principal component method with orthogonal (varimax) rotation, on motor UPDRS scores in community‐dwelling elderly without PD. A modified (10‐item) version of the motor portion of the UPDRS was administered to 1,339 older adults living in the Washington Heights‐Inwood community and it was found that Parkinsonian signs were present in 537 (40.1%). Three factors (rigidity, axial function. and rest tremor) were obtained from the factor analysis and, together, explained 67.4% of the variance. A second factor analysis was carried out excluding the 26 participants with rest tremor, and two factors (rigidity, axial function) emerged. These data support the view that Parkinsonian signs in older adults might be due to basal ganglia dysfunction, a possibility that requires further exploration. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Corticospinal excitability accompanying ballistic wrist movements in primary dystonia
Authors: MacKinnon Colum D. , Velickovic Miodrag , Drafta Cristina , Hesquijarosa Alexander , Brin Mitchell F.
Published: March 2004

Current models of basal ganglia dysfunction in primary dystonia propose that the excessive muscle activity results from an increase in the excitability of the primary motor cortex. Neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies, however, have shown consistently reduced movement‐related sensorimotor cortical activity. To explore this paradox, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to examine changes in corticospinal excitability preceding and during ballistic movements of the wrist in 9 patients with primary dystonia affecting the arm and 9 matched control subjects. The onset time, rate of rise, and duration of changes in the excitability of corticospinal projections to the agonist muscle were normal in the patients with dystonia. Increases in excitability were selective to the initial agonist muscle, suggesting that the spatial recruitment of corticospinal neurons was normal. Nonetheless, movements were slower in the patients by an average of 26%. The onset of the first agonist muscle burst was normal in magnitude and timing but the activity in this muscle subsequently became attenuated as movement progressed. Muscle activity in antagonist and proximal muscles of the upper arm was reduced significantly in the dystonia patients. These findings support the view that movement preparation and initiation at the level of the primary motor cortex is normal in patients with dystonia. Bradykinesia could not be attributed to co‐contraction or overflow of activity and was associated with reduced rather than excessive muscle activity. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Preparation of benzyl acetate using polyaniline salts as catalysts ‐ Part II
Authors: Amarnath C. A. , Palaniappan S. , Saravanan C.
Published: March 2004

Polyaniline salts were prepared by oxidizing aniline in presence of acid using benzoyl peroxide as an oxidizing agent. Polyaniline salt was used as catalyst for the esterification reaction of phenyl acetic acid with methanol. The process is being reported for the first time. Preparation of catalyst, recovery and reusability of the catalyst were found to be good. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transesterification of ketoesters with alcohols using polyaniline salts as catalysts
Authors: Palaniappan S. , Chandra Shekhar R.
Published: March 2004

Polyaniline salts have been used as catalysts for the transesterification of ketoesters with alcohols in a process being reported for the first time. The catalytic use of polyaniline salts is feasible because of their easy preparation, recovery and reusability. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of filler type and content on properties of styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) compound reinforced with carbon black or silica
Authors: Choi Sung‐Seen , Park Byung‐Ho , Song Hanjong
Published: March 2004

Rubber compounds are filled with reinforcing fillers to improve their physical properties. Carbon black and silica have different surface chemistries to each other. Differences in properties of carbon black‐ and silica‐reinforced styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds were studied. Variation of properties of carbon black‐ or silica‐filled compounds with the filler content was also investigated. The silica‐filled compounds without any coupling agent and dispering agent were prepared to investigate the influence of polar materials‐adsorption on the silica surface. Viscosity and crosslink density increased with increase of the filler content. Hardness, modulus, tensile strength, and wear property were improved more and more by increasing the filler content. Viscosity of the silica‐filled compound was higher than that of the carbon black‐filled one. Cure rate of the silica‐filled compound became slower as the filler content increased, while that of the carbon black‐filled one became faster. Difference in properties between the carbon black‐ and silica‐filled compounds were explained by the poor silica dispersion and the adsorption of cure accelerator on the silica surface. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyimides reinforced with the sol‐gel derived organosilicon nanophase as low dielectric permittivity materials
Authors: Kramarenko Viktor Yu. , Shantalil Tetyana A. , Karpova Iryna L. , Dragan Kateryna S. , Privalko Eleonora G. , Privalko Valery P. , Fragiadakis Daniel , Pissis Polycarpos
Published: March 2004

Polyimide (PI) nanocomposites prepared by thein situgeneration of crosslinked organosilicon nanophase (ON) through the sol‐gel process were characterized by densities, thermally stimulated depolarization currents and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy.

Both a looser molecular packing of PI chain fragments adjacent to the ON and a loose inner structure of the spatial aggregates of ON were assumed to be responsible for a non‐additive decrease of the experimental values of dielectric permittivity for the nanocomposites. The pattern of composition dependence of the apparent dielectric permittivity of the ON suggested a probability of a morphological change around the composition PAAS/MTS = 100/16 (presumably, a sort of percolation transition from small‐size, individual clusters into large‐size, infinite clusters). Thus, PI reinforced with the sol‐gel derived nanophase may have a reasonably good potential as low dielectric permittivity materials. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal behavior and network structure of poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐crotonic acid) hydrogels prepared by radiation‐induced polymerization
Authors: Çaykara Tuncer , Kantoğlu Ömer
Published: March 2004

Poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐crotonic acid) [P(VP/CrA)] hydrogels were prepared by irradiating the ternary mixture of VP/CrA and crosslinking agent ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) in water by γ rays at ambient temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to evaluate the thermal properties of ionized networks and to establish if they showed thermal differences that could be related to the CrA content in the gel system. The volume swelling ratio of P(VP/CrA) hydrogels were investigated as a function of the pH in the immersing solution. The volume swelling ratio of these hydrogels increased with an increase in pH and a decrease CrA content in the hydrogel. The volume swelling ratio of the hydrogels was also evaluated using an equation, based on the Flory—Huggins thermodynamic theory, the phantom network theory of James–Guth and Donnan theory of swelling of weakly charged ionic gels for determination of the molecular weight between crosslinks $(\bar{M}_{{\rm c}})$ and the polymer–solvent interaction parameter (χ). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.