bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A commercial line probe assay for the rapid detection of rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Morgan Maureen , Kalantri Shriprakash , Flores Laura , Pai Madhukar
Published: July 2005

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosisis a leading cause of death worldwide. In multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) infectiousness is frequently prolonged, jeopardizing efforts to control TB. The conventional tuberculosis drug susceptibility tests are sensitive and specific, but they are not rapid. The INNO-LiPA Rif. TB®(LiPA) is a commercial line probe assay designed to rapidly detect rifampicin resistance, a marker of MDR-TB. Although LiPA has shown promising results, its overall accuracy has not been systematically evaluated.

Methods

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of LiPA for the detection of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis among culture isolates and clinical specimens. We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, BIOSIS, and Google Scholar, and contacted authors, experts and the manufacturer. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 11 studies used culture isolates, one used clinical specimens, and three used both. We used a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve and Q* index to perform meta-analysis and summarize diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Twelve of 14 studies that applied LiPA to isolates had sensitivity greater than 95%, and 12 of 14 had specificity of 100%. The four studies that applied LiPA directly to clinical specimens had 100% specificity, and sensitivity that ranged between 80% and 100%. The SROC curve had an area of 0.99 and Q* of 0.97.

Conclusion

LiPA is a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of rifampicin resistance in culture isolates. The test appears to have relatively lower sensitivity when used directly on clinical specimens. More evidence is needed before LiPA can be used to detect MDR-TB among populations at risk in clinical practice.
Agricultural, domestic and handicraft folk uses of plants in the Tyrrhenian sector of Basilicata (Italy)
Authors: Salerno Giovanni , Guarrera Paolo Maria , Caneva Giulia
Published: July 2005

Background

Research was carried out into agricultural and domestic-handicraft uses in folk traditions in the Tyrrhenian sector of the Basilicata region (southern Italy), as it is typically representative of ethnobotanical applications in the Mediterranean area. From the point of view of furnishing a botanical support for the study of local "material culture" data was collected through field interviews of 49 informants, most of whom were farmers.

Results

The taxa cited are 60, belonging to 32 botanical families, of which 18 are employed for agricultural uses and 51 for domestic-handicraft folk uses. Data show a diffuse use of plants for many purposes, both in agricultural (present uses 14%; past uses 1%) and for domestic-handicraft use (present uses 40%; past uses 45%); most of the latter are now in decline.

Conclusion

60 data look uncommon or typical of the places studied. Some domestic-handicraft folk uses are typical of southern Italy (e.g. the use of Ampelodesmos mauritanicus for making ties, ropes, torches, baskets or that of Acer neapolitanum for several uses). Other uses (e.g. that of Inula viscosa and Calamintha nepeta for peculiar brooms, and of Origanum heracleoticum for dyeing wool red) are previously unpublished.
A guide to cost-effectiveness acceptability curves
Authors: Fenwick Elisabeth , Byford Sarah
Published: July 2005

Use of cost-effectiveness acceptability curves, as a method for summarising information on uncertainty cost-effectiveness, has become widespread within applied studies. This includes several studies in the mental health field. This editorial uses examples from recent papers to illustrate how cost effectiveness acceptability curves are constructed, what they represent and how they should be interpreted.
Changes and predictors of change in objective and subjective quality of life
Authors: Ruggeri Mirella , Nosè Michela , Bonetto Chiara , Cristofalo Doriana , Lasalvia Antonio , Salvi Giovanni , Stefani Benedetta , Malchiodi Francesca , Tansella Michele
Published: July 2005

Background

There is little knowledge of the predictors of objective and subjective quality of life.

Aims

To describe changes at 2 and 6 years in objective and subjective quality of life in 261 individuals attending a community mental health service and to identify predictors of change in each life domain.

Method

Prospective study of demographic, diagnostic and service utilisation characteristics, psychopathology, functioning, disability, self-esteem, affect balance and service satisfaction.

Results

Female gender, unmarried status, older age, less education and greater disability predicted a worsening of objective quality of life over time, but explain a small amount of variance. The variance in subjective quality of life was higher (>40%). Greater clinician-rated anxiety and depressive symptoms had a negative effect on satisfaction with health and general well-being. Psychological status, self-esteem and satisfaction with service were the most important predictors in almost all subjective domains; these variables should be important targets for treatment.

Conclusions

This study is the first to provide information to enable clinicians to make prognostic judgements about quality of life and plan effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life.
Perceived functioning, well-being and psychiatric symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia treated with long-acting risperidone for 1 year
Authors: Fleischhacker W. Wolfgang , Rabinowitz Jonathan , Kemmler Georg , Eerdekens Mariëlle , Mehnert Angelika
Published: July 2005

Background

The extent to which antipsychotics improve patients' well-being is uncertain.

Aims

To examine psychopathology and patient-rated functioning and well-being in patients treated with risperidone.

Method

In a 1-year, open-label, international multicentre trial of long-acting risperidone in 615 stable adult patients with schizophrenia, self-rated functioning and well-being were measured every 3 months using the Short Form 36-item questionnaire (SF–36). Psychopathology was quantified using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

Significant improvements were found on the SF–36 mental component summary score and vitality and social functioning scales. PANSS and mental component summary scores were moderately correlated.

Conclusions

Patient-reported functioning and well-being appear to differ from investigator-rated psychotic symptoms. Patient-rated well-being should be assessed with symptoms to help measure treatment outcomes.
Effect of switching antipsychotics on antiparkinsonian medication use in schizophrenia
Authors: Park Sylvia , Ross-Degnan Dennis , Adams Alyce S. , Sabin James , Kanavos Panos , Soumerai Stephen B.
Published: July 2005

Background

The extent to which atypical antipsychotics have a lower incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms than typical antipsychotics has not been well-evaluated in community practice.

Aims

To examine the effects of switching antipsychotics on antiparkinsonian medication use among individuals with schizophrenia in UK general practices.

Method

We included those switched from typical to atypical antipsychotics (n=209) or from one typical antipsychotic to another (n=261) from 1994 to 1998.

Results

Antiparkinsonian drug prescribing dropped by 9.2% after switching to atypical antipsychotics (P< 0.0001). Switching to olanzapine decreased the rate by 19.2% (P < 0.0001), but switching to risperidone had no impact. After switching from one typical antipsychotic to another, antiparkinsonian drug prescribing increased by 12.9% (P< 0.0001).

Conclusions

Reduction in antiparkinsonian medication use after switching to atypical antipsychotics was substantial in community practice but not as large as in randomised controlled trials. The rate of reduction varied according to the type of medication.
Roles of psychiatrists and other professionals in mental healthcare
Authors: Hutschemaekers Giel , Tiemens Bea , Kaasenbrood Ad
Published: July 2005

Background

Professional boundaries between psychiatrists and other mental health professionals are difficult to set. Empirical evidence for the distribution of diagnostic and treatment tasks among professionals is lacking.

Aims

This study examines the ‘collective sense of the profession’ about the relationship between patient characteristics and the contribution of tasks by disciplines.

Method

An adapted RAND appropriateness method was used. Eighty-six professionals judged 77 case descriptions of psychiatric patients on the contribution to diagnostic and treatment tasks of eight selected disciplines.

Results

In two multi-level models the variance explained by the judges' characteristics was 3.7% for diagnostic tasks and 4.5% for treatment tasks. The variance explained by the patient characteristics was zero for diagnostic and 0.5% for treatment tasks. The variance explained by the indicated disciplines was 36.8% for diagnostic and 12.6% for treatment tasks.

Conclusions

The collective sense of the profession on the contribution of psychiatrists to mental healthcare is unambiguous but not related to patient characteristics. It seems to be based on an apriori ranking order of disciplines.
Distress in Parkinson's disease: Contributions of disease factors and metacognitive style
Authors: Allott Rory , Wells Adrian , Morrison Anthony P. , Walker Richard
Published: July 2005

Research has suggested that the high levels of depression and anxiety observed in Parkinson's disease are a primary consequence of its pathophysiology. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that a psychological factor, metacognitive style, is significantly associated with distress, independent of previously identified disease-related risk factors. Distress, metacognitive style and disease factors were assessed in 44 people with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. People with a specific metacognitive style had an increased vulnerability to distress over and above previously identified disease factors; this suggests future directions for the development of psychological interventions.
Clinical detection of schizophrenia-prone individuals
Authors: Parnas Josef
Published: July 2005

Issues that undermine the early detection of schizophrenia include an inadequate grasp of the construct validity of the concept of schizophrenia, insufficient conceptualisation of psychosis and of the illness onset, and a general lack of a theoretical framework for psychopathology. Subjective experience is emphasised as a potentially promising domain for future research.
Effect of an early detection programme on duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Friis Svein , Vaglum Per , Haahr Ulrik , Johannessen Jan Olav , Larsen Tor K. , Melle Ingrid , Opjordsmoen Stein , Rund Bj⊘rn Risovd , Simonsen Erik , Mcglashan Thomas H.
Published: July 2005

Background

It is unclear whether an early detection programme increases or decreases the number of patients with a long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), and whether these differ from other patients with a long DUP.

Aims

To investigate whether the number and characteristics of patients with a long DUP in the early detection programme differ from those with along DUP in the non-earlydetection programme.

Method

We compared the number and characteristics of patients with a DUP $2 years in an early detection area and a non-early detection area.

Results

The early detection programme recruited slightly fewer patients with a long DUP than the non-early detection programme. The patients in the early detection programme had lower PANSS scores, but more frequently had a deteriorating course of premorbid social functioning.

Conclusions

An early detection programme does not seem to drain a pool of previously undetected patients with a long DUP. The patients in the early detection programme seem to have a lower symptom level at baseline and to have had a deteriorating premorbid social course.
Expressed emotion as an adaptation to loss
Authors: Patterson Paul , Birchwood Max , Cochrane Ray
Published: July 2005

Background

The factors influencing the development of expressed emotion (EE) are still unclear. Understanding the carer and patient appraisals operating during the initial adaptation to psychosis may help to clarify the early ontogenesis of EE.

Method

Fifty patients and key carers were followed-up over 9 months and their appraisals of loss and burden were measured in relation to the evolution of high emotional overinvolvement (EOI) and critical (CC) relationships.

Results

The appraisal of loss was linked to high EOI but not high CC relationships at baseline. Loss reduced by 9-month follow-up in those changing from high EOI to high CC or low EE. Subjective burden of carers was linked to loss but not to EE status. Patients' and relatives' appraisals of loss were strongly correlated, particularly in high EOI relationships. Longer duration of untreated psychosis was associated with high CC.

Conclusions

The results are consistent with Bowlby's attachment theory, where EOI and coercive criticism maybe understood as adaptive reactions to perceived loss. Implications for family intervention in first-episode psychosis and the prevention of high EE are discussed.
Stimulant medication for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: evidence-b(i)ased practice?
Authors: Bailly Lionel
Published: July 2005

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its pharmacological treatment remain the objects of intense controversy. The conflict reaches far beyond the area of scientific debate. An article on ‘behavioural syndromes', published in The Times on 28 July 2003, was headlined: ‘Hyperactive? Just go to a park and climb a tree’. An internet search will produce equal numbers of sites warning either that the prescription of stimulant medication is a denial of children's human rights, or that not prescribing stimulant to an ADHD child denies their right to treatment.
Mind the gap: the interface between child and adult mental health services
Authors: Singh Swaran P. , Evans Navina , Sireling Lester , Stuart Helen
Published: July 2005

Adolescents with mental health problems are poorly served by mental health services, since responsibility for care often falls between child and adult services. Within the UK, there is no consensus on how service boundaries should be delineated. Some services use an age cut-off at some point between 16 and 18 years, whereas others consider child services to be appropriate only for those in full-time education. The Audit Commission (1999) reported that nationally 29% of health authorities commissioned child and adolescent mental health services for young people before their 16th birthday only, although adult services were not considered suitable for those under 17 years old. The report highlighted the poor development of adolescent services and their inadequate links with other agencies, including adult mental health services.
Measurement of Corticosterone Metabolites in Birds' Droppings: An Analytical Approach
Authors: MÖSTL ERICH , RETTENBACHER SOPHIE , PALME RUPERT
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Fecal steroid analyses are becoming increasingly popular among both field and laboratory scientists. The benefits associated with sampling procedures that do not require restraint, anesthesia, and blood collection include less risk to subject and investigator, as well as the potential to obtain endocrine profiles that are not influenced by the sampling procedure itself. In the feces, a species‐specific pattern of metabolites is present, because glucocorticoids are extensively metabolized. Therefore, selection of adequate extraction procedures and immunoassays for measuring the relevant metabolites is a serious issue. In this review, emphasis is placed on the establishment and analytical validation of methods to measure glucocorticoid metabolites for a noninvasive evaluation of adrenocortical activity in droppings of birds.
Flexible Seasonal Timing and Migratory Behavior: Results from Stonechat Breeding Programs
Authors: HELM BARBARA , GWINNER EBERHARD , TROST LISA
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Rigid schedules of long‐distance migrants could be among candidate traits for adaptive migratory syndromes. This prediction was tested on stonechats, passerines that differ widely in migratory behavior and seasonal schedules. Stonechats in Europe are short‐distance migrants and multiclutched, whereas African residents and Siberian long‐distance migrants usually raise single broods. In captivity, all subspecies displayed endogenous cycles of reproductive development and molt. The subspecies differed in time afforded to life cycle stages. Under conducive aviary conditions, African stonechats were multibrooded, whereas Siberian stonechats did not add clutches. This difference in flexibility was exclusively related to the length of breeding windows. Stonechats also differed in premigratory preparations. Postjuvenile molt started early in Siberian stonechats, but in European and African stonechats, depended strongly on hatching date. In contrast, all subspecies shortened molt duration at the same rate when hatched from late broods. Plasticity of Zugunruhe timing was identical in Siberian and European subspecies and nearly compensated for hatching late. The stonechat data suggest a refined understanding of temporal plasticity in long‐distance migrants. Overall, plasticity was not reduced, but was differently organized. Apparently rigid migrant schedules were related to short breeding cycles and inflexible molt onset. Short windows for breeding and juvenile development could provide safety measures for timely departure. Once molt was initiated, temporal plasticity of long‐distance migrants matched that of less migratory conspecifics. In addition to adjusting endogenous programs, stonechats differed in implementing them in the field. Modifying the conditions under which programs are expressed may be an efficient way to enhance seasonal plasticity.
Are Long‐Distance Migrants Constrained in Their Evolutionary Response to Environmental Change?: Causes of Variation in the Timing of Autumn Migration in a Blackcap (S. atricapilla) and Two Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) Populations
Authors: PULIDO FRANCISCO , WIDMER MICHAEL
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Long‐distance migratory birds often show little phenotypic variation in the timing of life‐history events like breeding, molt, or migration. It has been hypothesized that this could result from low levels of heritable variation. If this were true, the adaptability of long‐distance migratory birds would be limited, which would explain the vulnerability of this group of birds to environmental changes. The amount of phenotypic, environmental, and genetic variation in the onset of autumn migratory activity was assessed in two garden warbler (Sylvia borin) populations differing in breeding phenology and the length of the breeding season with the aim of investigating the effects of selection on the adaptability of long‐distance migrants. High heritabilities and additive genetic variance components for the timing of autumn migration were found in both populations. Although genetic variation in the mountain population was lower than in the lowlands, this difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, no evidence was found for reduced levels of genetic variation in the garden warbler as compared to its sister species, the blackcap (S. atricapilla). Environmental variation, however, was markedly reduced in the garden warbler, suggesting that low levels of phenotypic variation typically found in long‐distance migrants may be a consequence of environmental canalization of migratory traits. The buffering of environmental variation may be an adaptive response to strong stabilizing selection on the timing of migration. High environmental canalization of migration phenology in long‐distance migrants could potentially explain low rates of immediate phenotypic change in response to environmental change.
Phenotypic Flexibility of Skeletal Muscles during Long‐Distance Migration of Garden Warblers: Muscle Changes Are Differentially Related to Body Mass
Authors: BAUCHINGER ULF , BIEBACH HERBERT
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Mass changes of skeletal muscles occur in a variety of species during the migratory period. Phenotypic flexibility of flight muscle mass is considered to represent adaptations of the flight muscle to changing power requirements associated with changes in body mass. We analyzed the relationship between muscle masses and body mass for garden warblers (Sylvia borin) sampled during spring migration in Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Egypt, and during autumn migration in Turkey. Flight muscle mass was positively related to body mass of warblers at only one of the four sites, in Egypt where warblers had just arrived after a long migratory flight. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed a significant interaction term between sampling site and body mass (P <.001), indicating that flight muscle and body mass differed from site to site. We therefore question the idea that changing power requirements associated with changes in body mass cause mass changes of the flight muscle. We further suggest that different migration strategies across different landscapes shape the relationship between flight muscle and body mass. Flights across major ecological barriers may cause substantial catabolism of flight muscle protein until the limit necessary for flight, while migration across “common landscape,” which enables a bird to land and to feed and/or drink, may occur without the need to catabolize flight muscle protein. However, a differential relationship between flight muscle mass and body mass described here for a long‐distance migrant seems as well to occur in a short‐distance migrant and is therefore unlikely to be part of an adaptive syndrome typical for long‐distance migration.
The Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas: Development of a Functional Atlas of Nuclear Receptors
Authors: Margolis Ronald N. , Evans Ronald M. , O’Malley Bert W. ,   and the NURSA Atlas Consortium
Published: July 2005

The Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas (NURSA) was developed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); the aim of NURSA is to utilize classical approaches to validate existing hypotheses and exploit new and emerging technologies to formulate and test new hypotheses that might elucidate the program of nuclear receptor (NR) structure, function, and role in disease. The means for carrying out this ambitious program required development of interactions among investigators and the combined application of new high-throughput technologies and existing approaches to allow for both mechanistic studies and accrual of large datasets in a discovery-based research effort, all leading to advances with implications for the missions of the NIDDK, NIA, and NCI. A team-based multidisciplinary approach has allowed for both objectives to proceed simultaneously, tied together via a central bioinformatics resource and one web-accessible venue (www.nursa.org). The ultimate goals for the NURSA consortium are to: 1) establish the mechanistic principles of NR function, 2) characterize NR-coregulator complex formation and regulation, 3) map protein-protein interactions for coregulators, 4) identify candidate downstream target genes of NR action, 5) identify target tissue expression of NRs, 6) understand the regulation of NR expression and, 7) integrate existing and emerging information through NURSA bioinformatics tools.
Incidence and Remission Rates of Overweight Among Children Aged 5 to 13 Years in a District-Wide School Surveillance System
Authors: Kim Juhee , Must Aviva , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Gillman Matthew W. , Chomitz Virginia , Kramer Ellen , McGowan Robert , Peterson Karen E.
Published: July 2005

Objectives. To monitor annual changes in weight status, we determined incidence and remission rates of overweight among school-aged children with longitudinal school-based surveillance.

Methods. We estimated 1-year changes in weight status among students enrolled in public schools in Cambridge, Mass. Physical education teachers measured height and weight annually. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated via multivariate logistic regression, accounting for repeated observations of individual children across years.

Results. The 1-year incidence of overweight was 4%, and the remission rate was 15%. Among overweight children, 85% remained overweight at a 1-year follow-up, while 18% of children at risk for overweight became overweight. Overweight incidence rates were higher among children aged 7 and 8 years than among those aged 11 to 13 years (boys: OR=1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.14, 2.47; girls: OR=1.86; 95% CI=1.25, 2.77).

Conclusions. Both incidence and remission rates were higher among younger children. Children who were at risk for overweight were more likely to change their weight status than those who were already overweight. Our results support targeting overweight prevention efforts toward younger children and children at risk for overweight.
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Detroit Partnership: Improving Diabetes-Related Outcomes Among African American and Latino Adults
Authors: Two Feathers Jacqueline , Kieffer Edith C. , Palmisano Gloria , Anderson Mike , Sinco Brandy , Janz Nancy , Heisler Michele , Spencer Mike , Guzman Ricardo , Thompson Janice , Wisdom Kimberlydawn , James Sherman A.
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We sought to determine the effects of a community-based, culturally tailored diabetes lifestyle intervention on risk factors for diabetes complications among African Americans and Latinos with type 2 diabetes.

Methods. One hundred fifty-one African American and Latino adults with diabetes were recruited from 3 health care systems in Detroit, Michigan, to participate in the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Detroit Partnership diabetes lifestyle intervention. The curriculum, delivered by trained community residents, was aimed at improving dietary, physical activity, and diabetes self-care behaviors. Baseline and postintervention levels of diabetes-specific quality-of-life, diet, physical activity, self-care knowledge and behaviors, and hemoglobin A1C were assessed.

Results. There were statistically significant improvements in postintervention dietary knowledge and behaviors and physical activity knowledge. A statistically significant improvement in A1C level was achieved among REACH Detroit program participants (P<.0001) compared with a group of patients with diabetes in the same health care system in which no significant changes were observed (P=.160).

Conclusions. A culturally tailored diabetes lifestyle intervention delivered by trained community residents produced significant improvement in dietary and diabetes self-care related knowledge and behaviors as well as important metabolic improvements.
Nanostructured Composite Materials with Improved Deformation Behavior
Authors: Eckert J. , Kühn U. , Das J. , Scudino S. , Radtke N.
Published: July 2005

The recent progress in the development of nanostructured composites is described for Zr‐base multicomponent alloys as a typical example for such materials. These advanced composite materials are attractive candidates for structural as well as functional applications. The combination of high strength with high elastic strain of fully nanocrystalline and glassy alloys renders them quite unique in comparison to conventional (micro‐)crystalline materials. However, one major drawback for their use in engineering applications is the often limited macroscopic plastic deformability, despite the fact that some of these alloys show perfectly elastic‐plastic deformation behavior. To improve the room temperature ductility of either fully nanocrystalline or amorphous alloys, the concept of developing a heterogeneous microstructure combining a glassy or nanostructured matrix with second‐phase particles with a different length‐scale, has recently been employed. This review describes the composition dependent metastable phase formation in the Zr‐(Ti/Nb)‐Cu‐Ni‐Al alloy system, which in turn alters the mechanical properties of the alloys. We emphasize the possibilities to manipulate such composite microstructures in favor of either strength or ductility, or a combination of both, and also discuss the acquired ability to synthesize such in‐situ high‐strength composite microstructures in bulk form through inexpensive processing routes.
The Potential of Powder Metallurgy for the Fabrication of Biomaterials on the Basis of Nickel‐Titanium: A Case Study with a Staple Showing Shape Memory Behaviour
Authors: Krone L. , Mentz J. , Bram M. , Buchkremer H.‐P. , Stöver D. , Wagner M. , Eggeler G. , Christ D. , Reese S. , Bogdanski D. , Köller M. , Esenwein S. A. , Muhr G. , Prymak O. , Epple M.
Published: July 2005

A staple from nickel‐titanium shape memory alloy for foot surgery was prepared by metal injection moulding (powder metallurgy). After a thorough characterisation with a multitude of physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological methods, the prototype appears to be well suited for clinical use where a shape‐memory effect is useful.
Cover Picture: Thermal Conductivity Imaging of Thermal Barrier Coatings (Adv. Eng. Mater. 7/2005)
Authors: Zheng X. , Cahill D. G. , Zhao J.‐C.
Published: July 2005

The cover shows a SEM backscattered electron image of a cross‐sectional thermal barrier coating (TBC) system on the bottom and its correspondent thermal conductivity image on the top. The thermal conductivity image was collected using a novel time‐domain thermoreflectance technique with a femtosecond laser and it reveals the conductivity variation in the TBC system, especially in the bond coat. The thermal conductivity value of each point/pixel has an accuracy of 8 % and a spatial resolution of ∼ 3 mm. More on thermal condcutivity imaging can be found in the article by J.‐C. Zhao et al. on page 622.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of ring chromosome 22
Authors: Jeffries Aaron R , Curran Sarah , Elmslie Frances , Sharma Ajay , Wenger Sharon , Hummel Marybeth , Powell John
Published: July 2005

We performed a phenotype study of 35 individuals (19 males, 16 females) with ring chromosome 22 or r(22) with a mean age of 10 years. In common with other studies, a phenotype of moderate‐to‐profound learning difficulties and delay or absence of speech affected all individuals with the exception of the case with the smallest deletion. Autistic traits were significantly associated with r(22), as shown by an autism screening questionnaire. Mild and variable dysmorphic features, predominantly craniofacial and distal limb, were observed. Internal organ involvement was uncommon. Even though ring chromosomes are reportedly associated with growth abnormalities, only 2 out of 24 individuals showed evidence of growth failure, while 2 showed accelerated growth. Chromosome 22 long arm deletions, as determined by hemizygosity for informative microsatellite markers, varied from <67 kb to 10.2 Mb in size (or <0.15 to 21% of total chromosome length), with no significant differences in the parental origin of the ring chromosome. Few phenotypic features correlated with deletion size suggesting a critical gene, or genes, of major effect lies close to the telomere. Loss of the SHANK3/PROSAP2 gene has been proposed to be responsible for the main neurological developmental deficits observed in 22q13 monosomies. This study supports this candidate gene by identifying a phenotypically normal r(22) individual whose ring chromosome does not disrupt SHANK3. All other r(22) individuals were hemizygous for SHANK3, and we propose it to be a candidate gene for autism or abnormal brain development. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cost comparison of genetic and clinical screening in families with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Cohen Justine H. , Faughnan Marie E. , Letarte Michelle , Vandezande Kirk , Kennedy Shelley J. , Krahn Murray D.
Published: July 2005

Endoglin (ENG) and ALK‐1 mutations cause hereditary hemorrhagic telangiecstasia (HHT), an autosomal dominant disorder leading to vascular dysplasia in the form of mucocutaneous telangiectasia and visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We proposed to compare two alternative strategies for management of HHT: screening HHT families with molecular diagnostic tests followed by targeted clinical screening versus conventional clinical screening. A decision analytic model was constructed to compare screening strategies for a hypothetical HHT family. The family consists of 1 index case and 13 relatives. The clinical screening protocol in use at the Canadian HHT Center in Toronto was assumed to be the standard of care. Unit costs for clinical screening (in Canadian dollars) were obtained from the 2003 Ontario Health Insurance Schedule of Benefits. Genetic screening costs were estimated for quantitative multiplex PCR and sequencing of Endoglin (ENG) and ALK‐1 genes, as performed at HHT Solutions, Toronto. The genetic screening strategy resulted in a net cost of $4,060 per individual versus $5,975 for the clinical screening strategy. The genetic screening strategy would save $1,915 per family member or $26,810 saved per family. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the genetic screening strategy was cost saving over all plausible ranges of input variables for all hypothetical families tested. We concluded that a genetic screening strategy with targeted clinical screening is more economically attractive than conventional clinical screening and results in a reduction in the number of clinical tests for family members who do not have HHT. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A mitochondrial tRNA aspartate mutation causing isolated mitochondrial myopathy
Authors: Seneca Sara , Goemans Nathalie , Coster Rudy Van , Givron Patrice , Reybrouck Tony , Sciot Raf , Meulemans Ann , Smet Joel , Van Hove Johan L.K.
Published: July 2005

Several mutations in mitochondrial transfer RNA (tRNA) genes can cause mitochondrial myopathy. We describe a young girl who presented with pronounced exercise intolerance. The anaerobic threshold and the maximal oxygen consumption were decreased. She had decreased complex I and IV enzyme activity and ragged red fibers on muscle biopsy. An A to G transition at nucleotide position 7526 in tRNA Aspartate (tRNAAsp) gene was heteroplasmic in several of the patient's tissues. We were unable to detect the mutation in muscle tissue from the patient's mother. This case adds a new genetic etiology for mitochondrial myopathy. It also illustrates for patients with combined deficiency of the complex I and IV enzyme activity the value of sequencing in the affected tissue muscle, and not only in blood, all mitochondrial tRNA genes including those not commonly affected, such as in this case mt tRNAAsp. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Cucurbit[n]uril‐Familie
Authors: Lagona Jason , Mukhopadhyay Pritam , Chakrabarti Sriparna , Isaacs Lyle
Published: July 2005

Im Jahre 1981 tauften Mock und Mitarbeiter das makrocyclische methylenverbrückte Glycoluril‐Hexamer (CB[6]) auf den Namen “Cucurbituril” – da ihre Form einem Kürbis ähnelt, dem bekanntesten Mitglied der Cucurbitaceae‐Familie in der Pflanzenwelt. In den folgenden Jahren wurden die grundlegenden Bindungseigenschaften von CB[6] – die hohe Affinität und Selektivität sowie der Einschluss von Gästen – in bahnbrechenden Arbeiten der Gruppen von Mock, Kim und Buschmann aufgezeigt; es folgten Anwendungen in der Wasseraufarbeitung, künstlichen Enzymen und molekularen Schaltern. Erst vor kurzem wuchs die Cucurbit[n]uril‐Familie um Homologe (CB[5]–CB[10]), Derivate, Verwandte und Analoga, sodass sie nun die Molekülgrößen von α‐, β‐ und γ‐Cyclodextrinen umfasst und übersteigt. Auch die Formen, Löslichkeiten und chemischen Funktionalitäten können inzwischen durch spezielle Synthesen den Erfordernissen angepasst werden. Durch diese Eigenschaften sind die Cucurbiturile prädestiniert für eine zentrale Rolle in molekularer Erkennung, Selbstorganisation und Nanotechnologie. Dieser Aufsatz stellt Synthesen, Erkennungseigenschaften und Anwendungen dieser einzigartigen Makrocyclen vor.
Titelbild: Synthesis of Nanoscopic Optical Fibers Using Lipid Membranes as Templates (Angew. Chem. 31/2005)
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Gopakumar , Segura Jean‐Manuel , Stamou Dimitrios , Gaillard Cédric , Gjoni Marinela , Hovius Ruud , Schenk Kurt J. , Stadelmann Pierre A. , Vogel Horst
Published: July 2005

Die Synthese nanoskopischer optischer Fasern aus CdCl2⋅4 H2O mithilfe multilamellarer Lipidmembranen als Template beschreiben H. Vogel et al. in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 5037 ff. Das Titelbild zeigt im Hintergrund einen Rasterelektronenmikrograph der Nanodrähte und von links nach rechts die Synthesestufen und die Lichtwellenleitung der Nanodrähte. Das Zentrum eines Nanodrahts wird bei 488 nm angeregt (grüner Laser), und orangefarbenes Licht wird am anderen Ende emittiert.
Cover Picture: Synthesis of Nanoscopic Optical Fibers Using Lipid Membranes as Templates (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 31/2005)
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Gopakumar , Segura Jean‐Manuel , Stamou Dimitrios , Gaillard Cédric , Gjoni Marinela , Hovius Ruud , Schenk Kurt J. , Stadelmann Pierre A. , Vogel Horst
Published: July 2005

Nanoscopic optical fibers of CdCl2⋅4 H2O have been synthesized using multilamellar lipid membranes as templates. The cover picture shows a scanning electron micrograph of the nanowires in the background and, from left to right, the synthetic route and the optical waveguiding properties of the nanowires. The center of the nanowire is excited at 488 nm (green laser), and orange light is emitted from the other end. For more details, see the Communication by H. Vogel and co‐workers on page 4957 ff.
Barrier properties of paper–chitosan and paper–chitosan–carnauba wax films
Authors: Despond S. , Espuche E. , Cartier N. , Domard A.
Published: July 2005

A gas barrier and biodegradable multilayer material was processed with a paper substrate, chitosan, and carnauba wax. The first step consisted of the study of the chitosan coating to obtain a dense polymer layer at the paper surface. The influence of the molecular weight and the concentration of the chitosan solution were studied, and a chitosan coating of 7 g/m2 was achieved, which led to interesting gas barrier properties in the anhydrous state. Nevertheless, the hydrophilic character of both cellulose and chitosan did not allow us to preserve these properties in the hydrated state. A layer of carnauba wax was then deposited on the chitosan face of the bilayer. Because of the hydrophobic character of this external layer, the water sorption in the multilayer decreased greatly, and CO2 and O2 permeability coefficients lower than 0.5 barrer were obtained in the hydrated state. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 704–710, 2005
Solid‐state compaction and drawing of nascent reactor powders of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene
Authors: Joo Yong Lak , Zhou Huajun , Lee Seung‐Goo , Lee Hwan‐Koo , Song Jae Kyung
Published: July 2005

The continuous production of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) filaments was studied by the direct roll forming of nascent reactor powders followed by subsequent multistage orientation drawing below their melting points. The UHMWPE reactor powders used in this study were prepared by the polymerization of ethylene in the presence of soluble magnesium complexes, and they exhibited high yield even at low reaction temperatures. The unique, microporous powder morphology contributed to the successful compaction of the UHMWPE powders into coherent tapes below their melting temperatures. The small‐angle X‐ray scattering study of the compacted tapes revealed that folded‐chain crystals with a relatively long‐range order were formed during the compaction and were transformed into extended‐chain crystals as the draw ratio increased. Our results also reveal that the drawability and tensile and thermal properties of the filaments depended sensitively on both the polymerization and solid‐state processing conditions. The fiber drawn to a total draw ratio of 90 in the study had a tensile strength of 2.5 GPa and a tensile modulus of 130 GPa. Finally, the solid‐state drawn UHMWPE filaments were treated with O2 plasma, and the enhancement of the interfacial shear strength by the surface treatment is presented. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 718–730, 2005
Application of polymer gels containing side‐chain phosphate groups to drug‐delivery contact lenses
Authors: Sato Takao , Uchida Rei , Tanigawa Haruyasu , Uno Kenji , Murakami Akira
Published: July 2005

Hydrogels that contain phosphate groups in side chains were studied for their usefulness in drug‐delivery soft contact lenses (SCLs). Naphazoline, a model drug having a cationic group, was incorporated into an SCL because of its phosphate groups and was released over a period of about 14 h. For the SCL, the naphazoline content was equivalent to the phosphate group content. It is suggested that drug‐delivery SCLs can be designed to contain the needed amount of a drug through the choice of the ionic group for the ligand. Furthermore, the SCL having amide groups and phosphate groups had high transparency and an unchanged shape. It is suggested that amide groups and phosphate groups must be introduced into the polymer in equimolar amounts to give the necessary polymer–drug interaction. Therefore, hydrogels having a drug‐delivery system were synthesized by the inclusion of a phosphate group and an amide group. These hydrogels are also applicable to SCL materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 731–735, 2005
Analysis of the crosslinking process of epoxy–phenolic mixtures by thermal scanning rheometry
Authors: Laza J. M. , Vilas J. L. , Mijangos F. , Rodríguez M. , León L. M.
Published: July 2005

The curing reaction of different mixtures of an epoxy resin (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A type) and a phenolic resin (resole type) cured with different amine concentrations (triethylene tetramine) was studied with thermal scanning rheometry under isothermal conditions from 30 to 95°C. The gel time, defined by several criteria, was used to determine the apparent activation energy of the process. Moreover, with an empirical model used to predict the change in the complex viscosity versus time until the gel time was reached, and under the assumption of first‐order kinetics, the apparent rate constant and the apparent activation energy for the curing process were calculated. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 818–824, 2005
Reduced shrinkage polyester–montmorillonite nanocomposite
Authors: Al‐Khanbashi Abdullah , El‐Gamal Maisa , Moet Abdelsamie
Published: July 2005

A new approach is described for utilizing the swelling characteristics of montmorillonite (MMT) to compensate for polymerization‐induced shrinkage in unsaturated polyester. The naturally sorbed sodium cation, at the lamellar interface of the mineral, was exchanged with the onium salt of 12‐aminolauric acid to produce organophilic MMT, which was compatible with the host resin. The latter, boosted by a small amount of dimethylformamide, swelled into a polymerizing polyester resin, thus reducing polymerization shrinkage. The incorporation of 5% 12‐aminolauric MMT caused the shrinkage of the neat isophthalic polyester resin to be reduced from 8.7 to 2.6%. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and high resolution scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the shrinkage reduction was associated with increased interparticle spacing and uniform dispersion of the MMT domains on the nanoscale. Mechanical measurements indicated that the flexural strength of the new compound was comparable to that of the neat resin; however, a remarkable 100% increase in toughness was observed in association with a minor decrease in the modulus of elasticity. This increased toughness may be attributed to macromolecular changes associated with the monofunctional acid moiety of the 12‐aminolauric acid. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 767–773, 2005
Adhesion of microwave‐plasma‐treated fluoropolymers to thermoset vinylester
Authors: Hedenqvist M. S. , Merveille A. , Odelius K. , Albertsson A.‐C. , Bergman G.
Published: July 2005

Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and a fluoroethylene copolymer were surface treated with a 2.45‐GHz microwave plasma to enhance their adhesion to a vinylester thermoset. The plasmas were generated with an inert gas (Ar) and with reactive gases (H2, O2, and N2). The lap‐joint shear stress was measured on fluoropolymer samples glued with the vinylester. In general, the stress at failure increased with increasing plasma‐energy dose. The H2 plasma yielded the best adhesion, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that it yielded the highest degree of defluorination of the fluoropolymer surface. The defluorination efficiency declined in the order H2, Ar, O2, and N2. Contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface roughness of the fluoropolymer depended on the rate of achieving the target energy dose. High power led to a smoother surface, probably because of a greater increase in temperature and partial melting. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 838–842, 2005
Morphology control of hollow polymer latex particle preparation
Authors: He Xiao‐Dong , Ge Xue‐Wu , Wang Mo‐Zhen , Zhang Zhi‐Cheng
Published: July 2005

Hollow polymer latex particles containing a hydrophilic core fully encapsulated with a hydrophobic shell were prepared by multistage polymerization followed by neutralization with a base. The diameters of the particles were monodispersed and void fractions of the prepared latex particles as high as 50% were achieved. High instantaneous monomer conversion was found to be the key point to minimize the interdiffusion of the core–shell polymer chains. The influences of the shell crosslinking agent and shell carboxyl content on the hollow morphology were also investigated. The maximum hollow diameter was observed with crosslinking agent contents of 7.5–12.5 wt %. The shell carboxyl content had an appropriate value, and an excess of it resulted in an excentric hollow structure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 860–863, 2005
Supercritical CO2‐assisted synthesis of poly(acrylic acid)/Antheraea pernyi SF blend
Authors: Peng Qi , Xu Qun , Xu Hongyan , Pang Maizhi , Li Jianbo , Sun Dengfeng
Published: July 2005

Monomer acrylic acid (AA) and initiator azo‐bis(isobutyronitrile)were carried into Antheraea pernyi silk fibroin (SF) fibers using supercritical CO2 as a solvent and carrier, followed by free radical polymerization at a suitable temperature, resulting in PAA/SF blends. The binary system of CO2/AA and the ternary system of CO2/AA/AIBN systems were studied. Different impregnation conditions, such as time, pressure, and concentration of AA in the fluid phase on mass uptake, were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction results confirmed that PAA was indeed present in the silk and that there were intermolecular hydrogen bonds between PAA and SF. According to thermogravimetry and DTG, blending with PAA could enhance the thermal stability of SF slightly. The water retention values indicated that the hydrophilic nature of the fibers was improved. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 864–868, 2005