bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can the use of different parameters and waveforms improve the results of intravesical electrical stimulation: A pilot study in the rat
Authors: De Bock Filip , De Wachter Stefan , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques
Published: December 2008

Aim

Intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) with square wave pulses, low frequencies and short pulse durations has been used for decades in diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. The results are not always satisfying. Several parameters have been studied before but not the use of other waveforms and the effect of electrical charge. This study compares the effect of changing waveforms, frequencies, pulse durations, amplitudes and derived parameters in IVES.

Methods

IVES, performed in seven female Sprague‐Dawley rats, was given for 10 sec with constant current unipolar square or sawtooth pulses with different pulse durations (10, 20, or 100 msec), frequencies (5, 20, or 10 Hz) and amplitudes (2, 4, 6, and 8mA). Bladder pressure was recorded. Electrical charge and power were calculated.

Results

Stimulation with the same frequency, same pulse duration and same amplitude showed significantly higher maximal pressure rises (max ΔP) for square wave (all P < 0.05). Stimulation with the same frequency, same pulse duration and same electrical charge, gave no different max ΔP for both waveforms (all P > 0.05). The charge and power could be reduced without changing max ΔP, by lowering frequencies and/or shortening pulse durations.

Conclusions

Sawtooth pulses are equally effective as square pulses for inducing detrusor contraction during IVES with the same electric charge. Frequency and pulse duration had, in this study, a minor influence on the efficacy of IVES. Lower frequency and/or shorter pulse duration results in lower charge and power without changing stimulation efficacy. This finding can be important for the battery life of implanted stimulators and for patient's comfort. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:246–250, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation produces effects on brain activity: Study on the modifications of the long latency somatosensory evoked potentials
Authors: Finazzi‐Agrò Enrico , Rocchi Camilla , Pachatz Christa , Petta Filomena , Spera Enrico , Mori Francesco , Sciobica Francesco , Marfia Girolama A.
Published: December 2008

Objective

Long‐latency somatosensory evoked potentials (LL‐SEP) provide information on the function of somatosensory cortical structures. Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is indicated in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Aim of this study was to evaluate LL‐SEP in patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) treated by means of PTNS.

Methods

Sixteen female patients with a diagnosis of pharmacoresistant OAB underwent PTNS while eight female patients with the same diagnosis underwent sham stimulation. LL‐SEP were performed at baseline and at the end of PTNS or sham stimulation. Peak latency and peak to peak amplitude of P80, P100, and P200 waves were measured.

Results

Mean latency of P80, P100, and P200 and mean amplitude of P200 did not show any significant change after both stimulation. Mean amplitude of P80 and P100 waves increased significantly after PTNS while it did not vary after sham stimulation.

Conclusion

The P80 and P100 amplitude increase might reflect long‐term modifications in synaptic efficiency through the somatosensory pathway. The plastic reorganization of cortical network triggered by peripheral neuromodulation can be hypothesized as a mechanism of action of PTNS. Further studies are needed to correlate LL‐SEP modifications after PTNS with the success of the treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:320–324, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The efficacy of a wetting alarm diaper for toilet training of young healthy children in a day‐care center: A randomized control trial
Authors: Vermandel Alexandra , Van Kampen Marijke , De Wachter Stefan , Weyler Joost , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques
Published: December 2008

Aims

To evaluate, in a randomized controlled way, the use of a daytime wetting alarm in a day‐care center during three consecutive weeks in healthy children.

Methods

Thirty‐nine healthy young children, between 18 and 30 months old, were selected at random for a wetting alarm diaper training (n = 27) or control wearing a placebo alarm (n = 12). Toilet behavior was observed during a period of 10 hr by independent observers before, at the end of, and 2 weeks after training. Children were defined as completing daytime toilet training when the child wore undergarments, showed awareness of a need to void, initiated the toileting without prompts or reminder from the trainer and had maximum one leakage accident per day.

Results

Children in the wetting alarm diaper training group achieved independent bladder control in 51.9% and did significantly better than in the control group (8.3%) (P = 0.013). The results were sustained during the following 14 days (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

The wetting alarm diaper training is an effective option for toilet training young healthy children in a day‐care center. It offers day‐care providers clear guidelines and limits the time to complete toilet training in many children without putting too much burden on the child and the day‐care center activities. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:305–308, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Face validity and reliability of the first digital assessment scheme of pelvic floor muscle function conform the new standardized terminology of the International Continence Society
Authors: Slieker‐ten Hove M.C.P. , Pool‐Goudzwaard A.L. , Eijkemans M.J.C. , Steegers‐Theunissen R.P.M. , Burger C.W. , Vierhout M.E.
Published: December 2008

Aims

To test the face validity and reliability of a new digital pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) assessment scheme that was designed on the basis of the recently standardized terminology of the International Continence Society.

Methods

Study participants comprised 41 women, age 18–85 years. Data on age and parity were obtained. Face validity of the new assessment scheme was tested by three senior and one junior pelvic physiotherapists, using the Delphi technique. PFMF of each woman was assessed four times by three specially trained pelvic physiotherapists. Examiners were blinded to parity and other findings. To test reliability, Kappa (K) was used for the dichotomous variables and Weighted Kappa (Kw) for the items with more than two categories.

Results

Mean age of the women was 41 years (SD 10.5); 14 were nulliparous (34.1%), 6 primiparous (14.6%), and 21 multiparous (51.2%). The new assessment scheme showed satisfactory face validity and intra‐observer reliability but low inter‐observer reliability.

Conclusions

The new assessment scheme based on the terminology of the ICS showed satisfactory face validity and intra‐observer reliability. It can therefore be considered suitable for use in clinical practice. More detailed redefinition of the described outcome measures is necessary to improve the inter‐observer reliability. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:295–300, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictive value of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex
Authors: Podnar Simon
Published: December 2008

Aims

To determine the predictive values and specificity of clinical and neurophysiologic testing of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex.

Methods

A group of 22 control men and a group of 53 men with chronic cauda equina lesions (patients) were studied. The penilo‐cavernosus reflex was elicited clinically and measured neurophysiologically using single and double electrical stimulation. The sensory threshold, reflex threshold and stimulation strength in all controls, and latency of the response in all subjects, were compared to reference intervals. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex testing were calculated.

Results

Sensitivity of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex was 72–83% and 81–83%, specificity 52–57% and 90–91%, positive predictive value 83–97% and 95–96%, negative predictive value 52–57% and 66–68%, and likelihood ratios 1.9–2.8 and 8.3–9.0 for clinical (circumcised subjects: included/excluded; reflex pathologic when diminished/non‐elicitable) and neurophysiologic testing (using three stimulation modalities), respectively. Specificities of the sensory threshold, reflex threshold and stimulation strength were approximately 90% or higher.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated higher specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios of neurophysiologic testing of the penilo‐cavernosus reflex compared to clinical testing. The results support the use of clinical penilo‐cavernosus reflex testing as an addition to bladder emptying difficulties and saddle sensory loss as criteria for patient referral for uro‐neurophysiologic examination, and measurement of the reflex as a valuable part of such testing. Neurourol. Urodynam. 28:390–394, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transporting jobs through a two‐machine open shop
Authors: Lushchakova Irina N. , Soper Alan J. , Strusevich Vitaly A.
Published: December 2008

We consider the two‐machine open shop scheduling problem in which the jobs are brought to the system by a single transporter and moved between the processing machines by the same transporter. The purpose is to split the jobs into batches and to find the sequence of moves of the transporter so that the time by which the completed jobs are collected together on board the transporter is minimal. We present a $ {7 \over 5} $‐approximation algorithm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2009
Scheduling a maintenance activity on parallel identical machines
Authors: Levin Asaf , Mosheiov Gur , Sarig Assaf
Published: December 2008

We study a problem of scheduling a maintenance activity on parallel identical machines, under the assumption that all the machines must be maintained simultaneously. One example for this setting is a situation where the entire system must be stopped for maintenance because of a required electricity shut‐down. The objective is minimum flow‐time. The problem is shown to be NP‐hard, and moreover impossible to approximate unless P = NP. We introduce a pseudo‐polynomial dynamic programming algorithm, and show how to convert it into a bicriteria FPTAS for this problem. We also present an efficient heuristic and a lower bound. Our numerical tests indicate that the heuristic provides in most cases very close‐to‐optimal schedules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 2009
The continuous and discrete path‐variance problems on trees
Authors: Puerto Justo , Ricca Federica , Scozzari Andrea
Published: December 2008

In this article we consider the problem of locating path‐shaped facilities on a tree network, minimizing the variance objective function. This type of objective is generally adopted in location problems arising in public sector applications, such as the location of evacuation or mass transit routes. We consider a weighted tree, in which a positive weight is assigned to each vertex of the tree, and positive real lengths are associated with its edges. We study the general case in which the path is continuous, that is, the end points of the optimal path can be either vertices, or points along an edge, and there is an upper bound on the length of the path. Given a tree with n vertices, for this problem we provide an O(n2) algorithm, and we show how it can be applied, with the same complexity, to the discrete case, that is, when the end points of the optimal path are vertices of the tree. We improve the previous best complexity bound in (Cáceres et al., Discr Appl Math 145 (2004), 72–79), for the unrestricted length continuous path‐variance problem, by a factor of log n. We also show that the optimal point for the variance objective function does not satisfy any nestedness property with respect to the optimal path in the unconstrained (discrete or continuous) version of the problem. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by Canadian occupational therapists
Authors: Knupp Heidi M. , Esmail Shaniff , Warren Sharon
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this study was to describe the proportion of occupational therapists currently using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), or providing referrals to CAM practitioners, as well as the purposes of use/referral in one Canadian region.

A questionnaire survey on CAM was sent through e‐mail and post to 1123 Canadian occupational therapists. Content, construct and face validity, as well as response, desirability/social, and instrument bias were considered and controlled through study design. A response rate of 17.1% was achieved.

Overall, 31.2% of respondents have used at least one form of CAM, with 5.5% using >1 form of CAM. Purposes for use focused on the treatment of symptoms. Reasons preventing CAM's use included lack of training (82.4%), interest (23%) and/or supporting evidence (22.3%). Considerations of incorporating CAM into occupational therapy focused on a client‐centred and holistic approach to treatment (43–63.3%), ranking above legal/employer‐related aspects (43–43.6%).

Elaborations of negative responses indicated that further supporting evidence on forms of CAM and related research may result in changes of opinion. Therefore, further research on the use of CAM is needed, allowing for evidence‐based decisions to be made. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.
A model of driver's lane‐changing behaviour at an urban signalised intersection
Authors: Ismail Amiruddin , Abdullah Shahrum , Zaharim Azami , Ahmad Ibrahim
Published: December 2008

The aim of this research is to study and develop models for driver's lane‐changing behaviour in an urban area using the logistic regression method. A pilot study was conducted using a videotape recording technique to film an approach road leading to a signalised intersection in an urban road during the morning off‐peak period. Inter‐related coding methods were designed to describe and verify the driver's lane‐changing manoeuvre. A questionnaires study to analyse the driver's background, experience, attitudes, lane‐changing practices and their driving behaviour on the road was carried out in order to develop lane‐changing behaviour models using the logistic regression method. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Settings and methods for global sensitivity analysis – a short guide
Authors: Saltelli Andrea , Saisana Michaela
Published: December 2008

Global sensitivity analysis offers a set of tools tailored to the impact assessment of certain assumptions on a models output. A recent book on the topic covers those issues [1]. Given the limited space for discussing thoroughly any of those methods, we will next summarize the main conclusions that derive from the application of various global sensitivity analysis methods on chemical models [2], econometric studies [3] financial models [4] and composite indicators [5, 6]. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stochastic perturbation of dual‐power law optimal solitons
Authors: Biswas Anjan
Published: December 2008

The propagation of solitons through an optical fiber with dual‐power law nonlinearity, in presence of stochastic perturbation term, is studied in this paper. The Langevin equations are derived. It is thus proved that solitons travel down an optical fiber with a fixed mean free velocity. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nonlinear models for the effect of pollutants on population with time delay
Authors: Hussain J.
Published: December 2008

In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed and analysed to study the effect of pollution on a population, which is living in an environment polluted by its own activities with time delay in a diffusive system. It has been assumed that the pollutants enter into the environment not directly by the population but by a precursor produced by the population itself. It has been further assumed that the larger the population, the faster the precursor is produced, and the larger the precursor, the faster the pollutant is produced. In the absence of diffusion, criteria for local stability, instability and global stability are obtained. The effect of diffusion on the positive equilibrium of the system is also investigated. Some investigations have been made in recent decades [1, 2, 3]. But, the effect of Diffusion has not been considered in the above investigations. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Probabilistic model of fuzzy subsets
Authors: Tsintsadze M. , Gachechiladze T.
Published: December 2008

On the basis of H.Weyl's and E.Wigners's theories there is constructed the fuzzy model of canonically conjugate fuzzy subsets. On the ground of introduced characteristic interval the optimal shape of information function is obtained. By this information function the formula for compatibility function is obtained, Φ(α /2), where is a parameter assigned by expert, Φ(·) is probability interval. We establish the connection between the dispersions of canonically conjugate fuzzy subsets, presented in the fuzzy form. On the base of this formula the generalized information theory is constructed, which enable to estimate the constant c. As an example it is considered the method of fuzzy differential equation solution. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ab‐initio and modeling study of some amino acid‐tRNA: NMR shielding and thermodynamic of solvent effect (Poster Presentation)
Authors: Monajemi Hadieh , Abdullah Wan Ahmad Tajuddin Wan , Zain Sharifuddin
Published: December 2008

The tRNA molecule takes suitable amino acid to the ribosome for the formation of peptide bonds. In starting the peptide chain, the first amino acid which is taken to the ribosome is methionine. We have simulated methionine‐amino acid bonding and amino acid‐tRNA bonding, using a mixed study of quantum mechanics ab‐initio and molecular mechanics. NMR shielding tensors and thermodynamic parameters and total energies are also calculated. It is important to understand the physical properties and the environmental conditions in which the dipeptides cause the tRNA to attach to a wrong amino acid. One of the properties studied is the dielectric environment of in which the bonding occurs. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A unified framework for 3D reconstruction
Authors: Montegranario Hebert
Published: December 2008

3D reconstruction is a branch of computer vision with a broad range of applications like computer aided design, animation, medicine and many others. In this talk we use continuous linear functionals for characterizing different kinds of 3D data. These problems can be tackled in the framework of Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces and regularization of inverse problems. It can be said that 3D reconstruction is the general problem of estimating or finding functional dependencies from a three‐dimensional data set. The origin of these data covers a wide range that includes tomography, surface reconstruction from point clouds or image and signal processing. Usually the problem of reconstruction has a very close relationship with scientific visualization and computer graphics. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polymers for targeted and/or sustained drug delivery
Authors: Jagur‐Grodzinski Joseph
Published: December 2008

Recent advances in the use of polymers for passive targeting of drugs attached or incorporated into polymeric species (enhanced permeability and retention, EPR) as well as active targeting of drugs by ligands or antibodies of receptors overexpressed on the surface of the targeted cells, is discussed in the present review. Examples of sustained, slow release of a drug incorporated into a polymeric matrix are cited. Drugs used for passive modes of targeting have been described in the context of polymer‐drug conjugates, drugs in the polymer coated liposomes, and drugs inserted into polymeric micelles. Active targeting of the drugs and their internalization by receptors, on the surface of the targeted cells, was also discussed. Release of the drugs inside cells, after are broken the environmentally sensitive links attaching them to polymeric platforms was described. Examples illustrate targeting drug by local heat generated by ultrasound, or by photodynamic treatment. Delivery modes of drugs incorporated into other nanoparticles and the concept of prodrugs have been investigated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical behavior of antibiofouling additives in environment‐friendly coverglass materials for bio‐sensors and solar panels
Authors: Booth Chad , Wheeler Phil , Hancock Jesse , Ximenes Ray , Patterson Donald E.
Published: December 2008

Solar panels and bio‐optical sensors play a significant and growing role in a number of applications that are of importance to many organizations. Many of these instruments require a high transmission of radiation into the device for it to work properly. A major issue faced is that harsh marine environments often aid in the growth or development of fouling on the coverglass used to protect the instruments. Over a period of time in an ocean environment, some plant or animal may attach itself to the coverglass, ultimately obscuring the glass and rendering the instrument useless. As such, an antifouling mechanism is needed for these instruments that is inexpensive, long‐lasting, and environment friendly. The approach discussed herein involves the use of known antifouling chemicals which have been incorporated into the polymer matrix. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), bisphenol A polycarbonate (Bis A PC), and a co‐polyterephthalate (CPTE) were examined. The plaques are optically transparent and previous work has shown that, for most samples, the materials display a minimal decrease in mechanical behavior upon the addition of the algaecides. This paper will discuss the effects on the materials' optical properties when exposed to both harsh marine conditions as well as high intensity UV light. Specifically, the decrease in transmission of visible light was examined over a 6 month period of time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(aryl ether ketone)s containing diphenyl moieties by electrophilic Friedel–Crafts solution polycondensation
Authors: Cai Mingzhong , Xiao Fen , Ding Nengwen , Song Caisheng
Published: December 2008

A new monomer, 4,4′‐bis(4‐phenoxybenzoyl)diphenyl (BPOBDP), was prepared by Friedel–Crafts reaction of 4‐bromobenzoyl chloride and diphenyl, followed by condensation with potassium phenoxide. Novel poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK)/poly(ether ketone diphenyl ketone ether ketone ketone) (PEKDKEKK) copolymers were synthesized by electrophilic Friedel–Crafts solution copolycondensation of isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) with a mixture of diphenyl ether (DPE) and BPOBDP, in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride and N‐methyl‐pyrrolidone (NMP) in 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE). The copolymers obtained were characterized by various analytical techniques such as FT‐IR, DSC, TGA, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). The results showed that the resulting copolymers exhibited excellent thermal stability due to the existence of diphenyl moieties in the main chain. The glass transition temperatures are above 152°C, the melting temperatures are above 276°C, and the temperatures at a 5% weight loss are above 548°C in nitrogen. The copolymers with 50–70 mol% BPOBDP had tensile strengths of 101.5–102.7 MPa, Young's moduli of 3.23–3.41 GPa, and elongations at break of 12–17%. All these copolymers were semicrystalline and insoluble in organic solvents. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudohypopyon: Extramedullary relapse of acute myelogenous leukemia with poor prognosis
Authors: Petersen William C. , Schlis Krysta D. , Braverman Rebecca S. , Carlson Ingrid , Liang Xiayuan , Wang Michael
Published: December 2008

An 11‐month‐old female presented to the emergency department with a 2‐week history of fever, increasing fussiness, emesis, and decreased urine output. She was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. Systemic chemotherapy with intensified intrathecal cytarabine was started, and the patient achieved a clinical remission after the first course of induction. Towards the end of her second course of induction she developed pseudohypopyon in each eye on consecutive days, heralding a central nervous system relapse. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:885–887. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conductive polyaniline/polyacrylonitrile composite fibers: Effect of synthesis parameters on polyaniline content and electrical surface resistivity
Authors: Toptaş Nevin , Karakışla Meral , Saçak Mehmet
Published: December 2008

Conductive polyaniline/polyacrylonitrile (PAn/PAN) composite fibers were prepared by keeping PAN fibers in various solutions containing aniline and then by polymerization of aniline sorbed by fibers with potassium dichromate as an oxidant. In examined polymerization media, aqueous HCl gave composite fibers with the highest PAn amount and these fibers also had the lowest electrical surface resistivity. It was found that, as PAn content of PAn/PAN composite fibers increased, its density also increased and mechanical properties such as tensile strength and breaking elongation decreased. From optical cross‐section images of composite fibers, it was observed that PAn coating was limited only with the PAN fiber surface. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
A study on the compressive characteristics of co‐cured foam‐composite sandwich structures according to the crimp angle variations
Authors: Yoo Seong Hwan , Ho Youn Gi , Chang Seung Hwan
Published: December 2008

A foam‐composite sandwich column composed of two‐ply carbon/epoxy fabric prepreg as a skin and PVC foam for a core material was investigated to determine the effect of crimp angle variations of the fabric prepreg on the compressive characteristics of the sandwich column. The crimp angle of the composite skin was observed and measured in terms of the forming pressure and the foam density as correlated with the foam deformation regimes. End compression tests for the foam‐composite sandwich columns were carried out to obtain the values of the compressive modulus and strength depending on the crimp angle variations. From the tests and observation results, it was found that the crimp angle and compressive strength were highly correlated; as the crimp angle increased, the compressive strength decreased as a large‐crimp angle caused the composite skin to fail due to simple microbuckling of the longitudinal tows. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Moisture uptake and hygroexpansion of wood fiber composite materials with polylactide and polypropylene matrix materials
Authors: Almgren Karin M. , Gamstedt E. Kristofer , Berthold Fredrik , Lindström Mikael
Published: December 2008

Effects of butantetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) modification, choice of matrix, and fiber volume fraction on hygroexpansion of wood fiber composites have been investigated. Untreated reference wood fibers and BTCA‐modified fibers were used as reinforcement in composites with matrices composed of polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene (PP), or a mixture thereof. The crosslinking BTCA modification reduced the out‐of‐plane hygroexpansion of PLA and PLA/PP composites, under water‐immersed and humid conditions, whereas the swelling increased when PP was used as matrix material. This is explained by difficulties for the BTCA‐modified fibers to adhere to the PP matrix. Fiber volume fraction was the most important parameter as regards out‐of‐plane hygroexpansion, with a high‐fiber fraction leading to large hygroexpansion. Fiber‐matrix wettability during processing and consolidation also showed to have a large impact on the dimensional stability and moisture uptake. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Measurement of nuchal volume in the first trimester Down screening using three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Shaw Sheng‐Wen , Hsieh T'sang‐T'ang , Hsu Jenn‐Jeih , Lee Chyi‐Long , Cheng Po‐Jen
Published: December 2008

Objectives

Screening of fetuses at 11 to 14 weeks of gestation for Down syndrome using stored volumes acquired by a three‐dimensional (3D) scanner.

Method

Thirty‐four healthy singleton fetuses were recruited consecutively and prospectively during routine first trimester scans in our unit. Two‐dimensional (2D) images of nuchal translucency (NT), crown‐rump length (CRL), and biparietal diameter (BPD) were obtained by following a standard protocol. The volume of the nuchal area (NV) was obtained by a 3D scanning machine.

Results

The mean time to perform a 2D first trimester scan was 15.3 min, while the mean time to obtain and examine the stored volumes was 11.1 min (p < 0.001) in a 3D scan. There were no significant differences in NT, CRL, and BPD between the two groups. Two cases with an NT thickness > 2.5 mm also revealed increased volume data in the nuchal area. The Pearson's correlations between NT and CRL, BPD and CRL, NT and NV, and NV and CRL were moderate‐to‐high positive.

Conclusion

The nuchal volume data and the standard curve in the first trimester may be possible markers for Down syndrome screening. 3D scans can also minimize the scanning time, providing views not easily following strict NT guidelines. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient preferences for screening in the first trimester
Authors: Werner Erika F. , Pastore Lisa M. , Karns Logan B. , A. Ventura Karen , Saller Devereux N.
Published: December 2008

Objective

We theorized that a significant number of women would choose integrated screening (IS) over first trimester screening (FTS) and that demographic characteristics and baseline anxiety levels might predict which patients would choose each test. We also hypothesized that screening results might alter patients' future preferences.

Method

Patients underwent non‐directive genetic counselling and were offered FTS or IS. Prior to undergoing nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound, patients were given surveys. These questionnaires were repeated in the second trimester and postpartum. They focussed on the patients' background, motivations for screening and anxiety level.

Results

Out of 110 patients surveyed, 81 returned their initial questionnaire. 60% of these patients chose FTS and 40% chose IS. There were no demographic differences between the groups. FTS patients desired early reassurance while IS patients wanted the ‘most information’ and the lowest chance of needing diagnostic testing. In all, 47 women returned second trimester questionnaires and 35 women returned postpartum surveys. These surveys demonstrated that women's motivations remained constant over time. Of the five screen positive results, only one woman regretted her screening choice.

Conclusion

One cannot predict patients' screening preferences, thus both FTS and IS should be offered. Given non‐directive counselling, patients are generally satisfied with their screening choices. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Racial and emotional factors predicting teachers' perceptions of classroom behavioral maladjustment for urban African American male youth
Authors: Thomas Duane E. , Coard Stephanie I. , Stevenson Howard C. , Bentley Keisha , Zamel Pamela
Published: December 2008

The present study investigated the predictive influence of students' reactive emotional coping and racial socialization experiences on teachers' perceptions of classroom behavior adjustment problems. Participants were 148 African American male youth attending a secondary school in a large northeastern city. Behavioral outcomes included teacher ratings of student behavioral overactivity in different classroom situations. Results using hierarchical regression analyses show that measures of social rejection sensitivity, anger expression, and racial socialization predict teacher‐observed behavioral overactivity, with overt anger expression being the most powerful predictor. Findings suggest that racial socialization and particular styles of emotional coping are important determinants for teachers' impressions of classroom behavior for some African American adolescent males. Implications for future research and interventions with African American male youth in urban secondary schools are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The extraction of environmentally polluting cations from aqueous media with novel polyamides containing cation‐ and anion‐selective host units
Authors: Gómez‐Valdemoro Ana , Calderón Verónica , San‐José Noelia , García Félix Clemente , De La Peña José Luis , García José Miguel
Published: December 2008

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of polyamides, copolyamides, and polyamide blends containing cation‐ and anion‐selective host units in the pendant structure and their application to the extraction of environmentally polluting cations from aqueous media. The cation host unit consists of a crown ether subunit and the anion receptor is a urea group. The preparation of the copolymers involves the copolymerization of two isophthalic acid derivatives—one containing a lateral urea group and the other a crown ether moiety—with m‐phenylenediamine. The molar ratio of crown ether to urea subunits is varied from 1/1 to 1/2 and 1/3 to fit the ion and counterion ratio of metals with valences I, II, and III. The extraction effectiveness and selectivity is related to the composition of the copolymer or the polymer blend, and thus formally to the cation to anion host units ratio, which therefore permits the á la carte design of materials to be used in the decontamination and elimination of polluting cations. With regard to the cation extraction from aqueous media with polyamide solid phases, the polymer structure design leads to the extraction of high percentages of HgII (almost 100%) and moderate extraction of PbII and CrIII. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 670–681, 2009
Synthesis and self‐association behavior of poly[bis(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene]‐b‐poly(propyleneglycol) triblock copolymers
Authors: Chang Youngkyu , Cho Song Yun , Steely Lee B. , Allcock Harry R.
Published: December 2008

Amphilic triblock copolymers with varying ratios of hydrophilic poly[bis (methoxyethoxyethoxy)phosphazene] (MEEP) and relatively hydrophobic poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) blocks were synthesized via the controlled cationic‐induced living polymerization of a phosphoranimine (Cl3PNSiMe3) at ambient temperature. A PPG block can function as either a classical hydrophobic block or a less hydrophobic component by varying the nature of a phosphazene block. The aqueous phase behavior of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP block copolymers was investigated using fluorescence techniques, TEM, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The critical micelle concentrations (cmcs) of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP block copolymers were determined to be in the range of 3.7–16.8 mg/L. The mean diameters of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP polymeric micelles, measured by DLS, were between 31 and 44 nm. The equilibrium constants of pyrene in these micelles ranged from 4.7 × 104 to 9.6 × 104. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 692–699, 2009
High‐pressure‐synthesis of poly(isopropenyl alcohol) and its biocompatibilities
Authors: Nishino Takashi , Kitamura Naho , Murotani Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2008

Free radical polymerization under ambient conditions gives very low‐molecular weight homopolymer of isopropenyl acetate (IPAc). On the other hand, poly (isopropenyl acetate) (PIPAc) with a weight average molecular weight over 104 was found to be synthesized by high‐pressure (1 GPa) radical polymerization. Poly(isopropenyl alcohol) (PIPOH) was then derived from PIPAc by saponification. The structure and properties of PIPAc and PIPOH were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, thermal analyses, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and dynamic contact angles. Though PIPOH is insoluble in water, the surface free energy (55 mJ/m2) was comparable with that of poly(vinyl alcohol). To utilize the peculiar combination of “aqueous insolubileity and high hydrophilicity” of PIPOH, biocompatibilities of PIPOH surface was investigated. The PIPOH surface was found to show high repellencies to albumin adsorption, whole thrombogenesis, and cell adhesion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 754–761, 2009
Heterogeneous catalysis by new bead‐shaped polymer‐supported multisite phase transfer catalysts
Authors: Murugan Eagambaram , Gopinath Prakash
Published: December 2008

Three different new insoluble bead‐shaped polymer‐supported multisite phase transfer catalysts containing two, four and six active sites have been prepared and characterized by FTIR, TGA, [chloride ion] and SEM analyses. The presence of number of active sites in each catalyst and their corresponding catalytic ability were studied by determining pseudo‐first order rate constants for C‐alkylation of phenylacetonitrile (PAN) and four different substituted PAN as the substrate using a low concentration of NaOH (25% w/w) at 50 °C. The observed rate constants were compared with rate constants of same reactions catalyzed by single‐site catalyst under identical reaction conditions. From comparative study, the efficiency of catalysts were found to be in the order six‐site>four‐site>two‐site>single‐site thus confirming number of active sites in each catalyst. Further, the detailed kinetic profile of C‐alkylation of PAN has been investigated using the superior six‐site catalyst by varying stirring speed, [substrate], [catalyst], [NaOH], and temperature. Based on the observed kinetic and activation parameters, an interfacial mechanism was proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 771–785, 2009
Psychosocial interventions and quality of life in gynaecological cancer patients: a systematic review
Authors: Hersch Jolyn , Juraskova Ilona , Price Melanie , Mullan Barbara
Published: December 2008

Objective: Women with gynaecological cancer are at risk of poor quality of life outcomes. Although various psychosocial interventions have been developed to address these concerns, such interventions have not yet been systematically evaluated in this population. The current review provides an up‐to‐date and comprehensive summary of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in women with gynaecological cancers.

Methods: Relevant studies were identified via Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases (1980 to June 2008), reference lists of articles and reviews, grey literature databases, and consultations with physicians and other experts in the field. Only controlled trials comparing a psychosocial intervention with a control group in a gynaecological cancer population, with at least one quality of life variable as a main outcome, were included in the review. Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

Results: Twenty‐two studies involving 1926 participants were included. There was substantial variability in study quality and results. Evidence was mixed regarding intervention effects on social and sexual functioning, distress, depression, anxiety, attitude to medical care, self‐esteem and body image. Interventions generally did not improve physical or vocational outcomes.

Conclusions: There was limited evidence in support of healing touch, whereas information‐based interventions seemed largely unable to provide meaningful benefits. Cognitive‐behavioural interventions had some positive effects. Counselling appeared to be the most promising intervention strategy for addressing quality of life concerns for women with gynaecological cancers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptation process and psychosocial resources of Chinese colorectal cancer patients undergoing adjuvant treatment: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Hou Wai Kai , Lam Wendy W. T. , Fielding Richard
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To examine how Chinese patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) dynamically adapt to diagnosis and treatment and explore how patients evolve and deploy different resources throughout the illness trajectory.

Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 16 histologically diagnosed Chinese CRC patients about to complete or who had very recently completed all treatment without recurrence. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using grounded theory techniques.

Results: Three major adaptation‐related themes were identified: (1) utilization of medical resources, (2) transition of resource utilization, and (3) continuous resistance to demands. Initial prevailing fatalistic views of diagnosis associated predominantly with frequent medical surveillance and with respondents' weighting of treatment and expertise of medical professionals. As treatment progressed, there was a shift toward reliance on personal and social resources to field cancer‐related demands concurrent with a gradual distancing from medical care. Upon treatment completion, fatalism re‐emerged regarding disease recurrence, which, like diagnosis, was seen as not amenable to individual control, even with close adherence to medical follow‐ups and dietary adjustment. Maintaining positive states of mind and good relationships with family and friends were cores strategies respondents adopted to preserve psychological well‐being.

Conclusions: Maintenance and enhancement of personal and social resources throughout the CRC trajectory may have considerably more utility than traditional descriptive studies hitherto suggested. Considering personal and social resources within dynamic rather than static models could avoid the pitfall of attributing maladaptive responses to initial dispositions and socioeconomic conditions that are seemingly unalterable and enduring over time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring social relational quality in colorectal cancer: the Social Relational Quality Scale (SRQS)
Authors: Hou Wai Kai , Lam Wendy Wing Tak , Law Chi Ching , Fu Yiu Tung , Fielding Richard
Published: December 2008

Objectives: Social relationships are central in Asian communities. Despite colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence increasing in Asian populations the roles of social activity in facilitating adjustment and optimizing coping resources in Asian peoples remains largely unknown. We derived and validated among Chinese CRC patients, an instrument assessing social relational quality to enable study of these social processes.

Methods: Qualitative interviews (n=16) generated 22‐items subsequently administered to 166 Chinese CRC survivors. Principal components analyses identified underlying constructs. The draft instrument, plus measures of optimism, affect, physical symptoms, and perceived social support were administered to a second cohort of 234 newly diagnosed Chinese CRC patients.

Results: Three factors were extracted (54.44% of the total variance):Family Intimacy(7 items, 33.08%),Family Commitment(5 items, 14.17%), andFriendships(5 items, 7.19%). All subscales were internally consistent (α=0.75–0.82), exhibiting concurrent validity in negative correlations with anxiety and depression and positive correlations with physical and psychological well‐being. Convergent validity was indicated by significant positive correlations with optimism, and divergent validity by insignificant inverse correlations with physical symptoms and moderate correlations with perceived social support. Hierarchical regressions revealed positive correlations of the three subscales with psychological well‐being, controlling for perceived social support (β=0.13–0.28). Good criterion validity was indicated.

Conclusion: The Social Relational Quality Scale is a psychometrically sound self‐report measure of social relational quality among Chinese CRC patients and needs further validation among other Asian groups. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Habit Modifiers on Morphology and Properties of Nano‐HNS Explosive in Prefilming Twin‐Fluid Nozzle‐Assisted Precipitation
Authors: Huang Hao , Wang Jingyu , Xu Wenzheng , Xie Ruizheng
Published: December 2008

This article was published in Early View with DOI 10.1002/prep.200800071 – what is wrong. It has appeared with the correct DOI 10.1002/prep.200900071 – in Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics 2009 (34) issue 1/2009 on pp 72‐77.
Glutamine synthetase mutation conferring target‐site‐based resistance to glufosinate in soybean cell selections
Authors: Pornprom Tosapon , Prodmatee Nathinee , Chatchawankanphanich Orawan
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: Glufosinate‐resistant soybean cells were achieved through direct selection of diploid cells in the suspension culture. Here, the mutations in the glutamine synthetase (GS) gene are described to understand the evidence pointing to the functional role of the GS gene in the herbicide sensitivity of the mutant cells.

RESULTS: Based on the I50 values, dose–response experiments at the cell level showed that the resistance ratio of the resistant cell was 50‐fold, whereas the in vitro inhibition of GS activity required a 4.56‐fold greater concentration of glufosinate in the resistant cell than in the untreated control. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences identified nine point differences in the GS gene between the resistant and untreated cells, leading to eight amino acid substitutions in the deduced polypeptide sequence. Northern hybridization of the GS mRNA showed that the accumulation of GS gene mRNA transcript in resistant cells was higher than that in the untreated cells.

CONCLUSION: Changes in sensitivity to glufosinate have been related to mutations at the binding site of the herbicide on the glutamine synthetase. His249 is one of the residues implicated in the binding domain for the substrate and inhibitor, and hence the exchange of this residue with tyrosine plays a role in lowering the sensitivity of the mutated enzyme. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Building blocks for the synthesis of post‐translationally modified glycated peptides and proteins
Authors: Carganico Stefano , Rovero Paolo , Halperin Jose A. , Papini Anna Maria , Chorev Michael
Published: December 2008

Growing interest in synthetic peptides carrying post‐traslational modifications, in general, and the Amadori modification in particular, raises the need for specific building blocks that can be used in stepwise peptide synthesis. Herein, we report the synthesis of Nα‐Fmoc‐Lys‐OH derivatives containing Nε‐1‐deoxyfructopyranosyl moiety. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐at‐arrival differences in home‐ownership attainment among immigrants and their foreign‐born offspring in Canada
Authors: Mendez Pablo
Published: December 2008

This paper asks whether age at arrival matters when it comes to home‐ownership attainment among immigrants, paying particular attention to householders' self‐identification as a visible minority. Combining methods that were developed separately in the immigrant housing and the immigrant offspring literatures, this study shows the importance of recognising generational groups based on age at arrival, while also accounting for the interacting effects of current age (or birth cohorts) and arrival cohorts. The paper advocates a (quasi‐)longitudinal approach to studying home‐ownership attainment among immigrants and their foreign‐born offspring. Analysis of data from the Canadian Census reveals that foreign‐born householders who immigrated as adults in the 1970s and the 1980s are more likely to be home‐owners than their counterparts who immigrated at a younger age when they self‐identify as South Asian or White, but not always so when they self‐identify as Chinese or as ‘other visible minority’. The same bifurcated pattern recurs between householders who immigrated at secondary‐school age and those who were younger upon arrival. Age at arrival therefore emerges as a variable of significance to help explain differences in immigrant housing outcomes, and should be taken into account in future studies of immigrant home‐ownership attainment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.