bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo leukocyte cytokine mRNA responses to biomaterials are dependent on surface chemistry
Authors: Brodbeck William G. , Voskerician Gabriela , Ziats Nicholas P. , Nakayama Yasuhide , Matsuda Takehisa , Anderson James M.
Published: January 2003

An in vivo mouse cage implant system was used to determine whether leukocyte cytokine mRNA responses to implanted biomaterials were dependent on surface chemistry. Surfaces displaying various chemistries (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, anionic, and cationic) were placed into stainless steel cages and implanted subcutaneously. Semiquantitative RT‐PCR analyses revealed that hydrophilic surfaces showed a decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, IL‐6 and IL‐8, and pro‐wound healing cytokines, IL‐10 and TGF‐β by adherent cells, and mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β, and the pro‐wound healing cytokine IL‐13 were decreased in surrounding, exudate cells. Cytokine responses by adherent and exudate cells to hydrophobic, anionic and cationic surfaces were similar and indicative of a strong inflammatory response at the earliest time point followed by a wound healing response at later time points. However, no differences in the types or levels of exudate cells for any of the surfaces or the empty cage at each of the respective time points were observed, indicating their respective biocompatibility. These studies identify hydrophilic surface chemistries as having significant effects on leukocyte cytokine responses in vivo by decreasing the expression of inflammatory and wound healing cytokines by inflammatory cells adherent to the biomaterial as well as present in the surrounding exudate. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 64A: 320–329, 2003
Formation and growth of clusters in conventional and new kinds of simulated body fluids
Authors: Oyane Ayako , Onuma Kazuo , Ito Atsuo , Kim Hyun‐Min , Kokubo Tadashi , Nakamura Takashi
Published: January 2003

Simulated body fluid (SBF) with ion concentrations approximately equal to those of human blood plasma has been widely used for the in vitro assessment of the bioactivity of artificial materials and for the formation of bonelike apatite on various substrates. Ion concentrations of conventional SBF (c‐SBF) are, however, not exactly equal to those of blood plasma, and hence the apatite formed in c‐SBF is not the same as bone apatite in its composition and structure. Recently, the present authors prepared new kinds of SBFs (r‐SBF, i‐SBF, and m‐SBF) with ion concentrations nearer to those of blood plasma. The r‐SBF and i‐SBF have ion concentrations equal to those of blood plasma in total and dissociated amounts, respectively. The m‐SBF has ion concentrations equal to those of blood plasma in total amount except for the HCO−3 concentration, which was set to the saturated level with respect to calcite. In the present study, the stabilities of c‐SBF, r‐SBF, i‐SBF and m‐SBF were examined in terms of cluster formation in the fluids by means of dynamic light scattering photometry. The c‐SBF and m‐SBF were found to form only calcium phosphate clusters, whose initial hydrodynamic diameter was ∼1 nm, and this did not change with storage time at 36.5°C. Besides the calcium phosphate clusters, r‐SBF and i‐SBF formed calcium carbonate clusters, whose initial hydrodynamic diameters were 10–30 nm, and these increased significantly with storage time. The formation and growth of calcium carbonate clusters in r‐SBF and i‐SBF can be attributed to their supersaturation with respect to calcite. These indicate that r‐SBF and i‐SBF lack long‐term stability. The m‐SBF is recommended for the assessment of bioactivity of artificial materials as well as the formation of bonelike apatite on various substrates from the viewpoint of stability as well as similarity to blood plasma. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 64A: 339–348, 2003
Optical spectroscopy and imaging of the dentin–enamel junction in human third molars
Authors: Gallagher R. R. , Demos S. G. , Balooch M. , Marshall G. W. , Marshall S. J.
Published: January 2003

A 351‐nm laser excitation source was used to perform autofluorescence microscopy of dentin, enamel, and the dentin–enamel junction (DEJ) to obtain information regarding their morphology and spectral characteristics. The emission spectra of these calcified dental tissues were different from one another, and this enabled the DEJ to be imaged and dimensionalized. The DEJ displayed sharp and clearly delineated borders at both its enamel and dentin margins. The dentinal tubules and the enamel prisms appeared to terminate abruptly at the DEJ. The median DEJ width was 10 μm, ranging from 7 to 15 μm, and it did not appear to depend on intratooth position. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 64A: 372–377, 2003
Estimates of coefficients of chromatic polynomials and numbers of cliques of (c,n,m)‐graphs
Authors: Pitteloud Philippe
Published: January 2003

This paper is mainly concerned with classes of simple graphs with exactly c connected components, n vertices and m edges, for fixed c,n,m ∈ ℕ. We find an optimal lower bound for the ith coefficient of the chromatic polynomial of a graph in such a class and also an optimal upper bound for the number of j‐cliques contained in such a graph. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 81–94, 2003
Vertex‐distinguishing edge colorings of graphs
Authors: Balister P. N. , Riordan O. M. , Schelp R. H.
Published: January 2003

We consider lower bounds on the the vertex‐distinguishing edge chromatic number of graphs and prove that these are compatible with a conjecture of Burris and Schelp 8. We also find upper bounds on this number for certain regular graphs G of low degree and hence verify the conjecture for a reasonably large class of such graphs. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 95–109, 2003
Coloring the square of a planar graph
Authors: van den Heuvel Jan , McGuinness Sean
Published: January 2003

We prove that for any planar graph G with maximum degree Δ, it holds that the chromatic number of the square of G satisfies χ(G2) ≤ 2Δ + 25. We generalize this result to integer labelings of planar graphs involving constraints on distances one and two in the graph. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 110–124, 2003
3‐colorability of 4‐regular hamiltonian graphs
Authors: Fleischner Herbert , Sabidussi Gert
Published: January 2003

On the model of the cycle‐plus‐triangles theorem, we consider the problem of 3‐colorability of those 4‐regular hamiltonian graphs for which the components of the edge‐complement of a given hamiltonian cycle are non‐selfcrossing cycles of constant length ≥ 4. We show that this problem is NP‐complete. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 125–140, 2003
Graham's pebbling conjecture on products of cycles
Authors: Herscovici David S.
Published: January 2003

Chung defined a pebbling move on a graph G to be the removal of two pebbles from one vertex and the addition of one pebble to an adjacent vertex. The pebbling number of a connected graph is the smallest number f(G) such that any distribution of f(G) pebbles on G allows one pebble to be moved to any specified, but arbitrary vertex by a sequence of pebbling moves. Graham conjectured that for any connected graphs G and H, f(G×H)≤ f(G)f(H). We prove Graham's conjecture when G is a cycle for a variety of graphs H, including all cycles. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 141–154, 2003
On removable cycles through every edge
Authors: Lemos Manoel , Oxley James
Published: January 2003

Mader and Jackson independently proved that every 2‐connected simple graph G with minimum degree at least four has a removable cycle, that is, a cycle C such that G/E(C) is 2‐connected. This paper considers the problem of determining when every edge of a 2‐connected graph G, simple or not, can be guaranteed to lie in some removable cycle. The main result establishes that if every deletion of two edges from G remains 2‐connected, then, not only is every edge in a removable cycle but, for every two edges, there are edge‐disjoint removable cycles such that each contains one of the distinguished edges. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 42: 155–164, 2003
Expanding access to priority health interventions: a framework for understanding the constraints to scaling‐up
Authors: Hanson Kara , Ranson M. Kent , Oliveira‐Cruz Valeria , Mills Anne
Published: January 2003

The Commission on Macroeconomics and Health recommended a significant expansion in funding for health interventions in poor countries. However, there are a range of constraints to expanding access to health services: as well as an absolute lack of resources, access to health interventions is hindered by problems of demand, weak service delivery systems, policies at the health and cross‐sectoral levels, and constraints related to governance, corruption and geography. This special issue is devoted to analysis of the nature and intensity of these constraints, and how they can best be overcome. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delivery of priority health services: searching for synergies within the vertical versus horizontal debate
Authors: Oliveira‐Cruz Valeria , Kurowski Christoph , Mills Anne
Published: January 2003

A key issue in the expansion of access to priority health services is how best to implement scaling up efforts. In this paper, we explore the relative merits of vertical and horizontal delivery modes; review the literature on the impact of vertical programmes on health systems and on experiences of integrating these programmes; and analyse health interventions in terms of their different modes of delivery within the health system infrastructure. We conclude that expanding access to priority health services requires the concerted use of both modes of delivery, according to the capacity of health systems as it changes over time. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constraints to scaling‐up health programmes: a comparative study of two Indian states
Authors: Seshadri Shreelata Rao
Published: January 2003

This paper analyses constraints to scaling‐up successful health interventions and opportunities for relaxing such constraints in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states. The analytical framework used in the paper categorizes constraints by the level at which they operate. A comparison of the implementation of selected health programmes in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is appropriate since there are good chances of replicating each others' successes. The case study indicates that in order to scale‐up interventions, a combination of actions is required, including: adequate community involvement; clear focusing of objectives and information systems for measuring achievements against them; good technical design; and specific measures to address constraints at the policy and strategic management level. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of slaughtering methods for turbot with respect to animal welfare and flesh quality
Authors: Morzel Martine , Sohier Delphine , Van de Vis Hans
Published: January 2003

After elaborating a suitable scheme to assess consciousness/unconsciousness of turbot, the effects on fish welfare of commercial and experimental slaughtering techniques were evaluated. Strong adverse reactions and slow loss of clinical reflexes were observed when fish were slaughtered by bleeding without prior anaesthesia. The efficiency of electricity (150 V for 2 s followed by 25 V for 5 min) as a stunning and killing technique was dependent on the current frequency and mode of administration, ie whether the electrical discharge was applied to the head only or throughout the whole body. Finally, percussion of the head with a mechanical device resulted in immediate and permanent loss of all responses and reflexes in all fish tested. Three methods were selected as a result of the preliminary tests (bleeding in ice slurry, whole‐body electrical treatment and percussion), and their influence on flesh quality was studied over a 9 day period. Fish killed by percussion were characterised by a higher pH and higher water content in the very early stage of post mortem storage, but also by a much delayed rigor mortis. In contrast, fish killed by electricity entered most rapidly into rigor mortis; their flesh was significantly softer (p < 0.05) throughout the entire storage time and was also redder and darker, as indicated by higher a* values (p < 0.001) and lower L* values (p < 0.01) respectively. It is suggested that automated percussion is a suitably humane method for the slaughter of farmed turbot.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of the effect of using different levels of tahinah (sesame butter) on the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of chickpea dip
Authors: Faris Moez Al‐Islam E , Takruri Hamed R
Published: January 2003

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of using different proportions of tahinah (0–25%) on the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of chickpea dip and to evaluate this parameter when chickpea dip is consumed with wheat bread. Protein quality was evaluated using the methods of amino acid score and true protein digestibility in weanling Sprague–Dawley rats. The levels of tahinah that provided the best true protein digestibility and protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score were 20 and 25%. Values of true protein digestibility were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than for the other types of chickpea dip (0.87 and 0.88 respectively). The consumption of wheat bread with chickpea dip led to a marked improvement in the true protein digestibility of the protein mixture (0.90); however, the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score did not change in the same manner owing to the relatively low amino acid score. It can be concluded that the addition of tahinah to chickpea led to an increase in the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score of chickpea dip (based on laboratory rat requirements for essential amino acids) and that the consumption of chickpea dip with bread led to an improvement in the protein digestibility of chickpea dip but not in the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing‐induced changes in total phenolics and procyanidins in clingstone peaches
Authors: Asami Danny K , Hong Yun‐Jeong , Barrett Diane M , Mitchell Alyson E
Published: January 2003

Clingstone peaches contain a wide array of complex secondary plant metabolites and polyphenolics, and increasing evidence indicates that many of these components are important in human health. Oligomeric flavan‐3‐ol metabolites (procyanidins) are particularly interesting owing to their potent antioxidant activity and protective cardiovascular effects. To date, little information is available on how postharvest and processing conditions impact levels of phenolics and procyanidins in fruit. This research addresses the impact of lye peeling, freezing, storage temperature (4 and 30 °C) and three different time–temperature sterilisation combinations on levels of total phenolics (TPs) in Ross clingstone peaches. Additionally, we describe the profile of procyanidin oligomers (monomers through heptamers) in clingstone and freestone peaches and demonstrate a dramatic decrease in procyanidins in thermally processed peaches. TP levels ranged between 316 and 397 mg kg−1 in peeled peaches and between 376 and 609 mg kg−1 in unpeeled peaches. Cold storage at 4 °C for 14 days or freezing and storing at −12 °C for 3 months produced no loss in TPs. Peaches stored at 30 °C for 24 h resulted in a 1.7‐fold increase in TPs. Studies of TPs in peaches processed at temperatures of 213 °F for 40 min, 220 °F for 10 min and 230 °F for 2.4 min indicate that processing above 213 °F decreases levels of both TPs (up to 21%) and procyanidins (up to 100%). Processing at 213 °F for 40 min produced no significant loss in TPs. Furthermore, studies reveal that a 30–43% loss in phenolic levels occurs during the first 3 months in storage after canning. It is clear that both storage and thermal processing conditions profoundly impact the levels of polyphenolics in peaches. More interestingly, these studies indicate that peaches are a rich source of procyanidins, having profiles similar to those found in cocoa, apples, wine and tea.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of gamma irradiation on the microbial load, mineral concentration and sensory characteristics of liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L)
Authors: Al‐Bachir Mahfouz , Lahham George
Published: January 2003

Ground liquorice roots were exposed to various doses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kGy) of gamma radiation from a 60Co source. Irradiated and non‐irradiated samples were stored at room temperature. Microbial population, viscosity, concentrations of some minerals and the sensory properties of the extracts were evaluated after 0 and 12 months of storage. Tests carried out immediately after irradiation showed that the microbial count had been reduced and that the dose required to reduce the count by 1 log cycle (D10) was about 2 kGy. No effect was observed on the total dissolved solids in extracts of liquorice roots. Glycyrrhizinic acid concentration in the extracts and the viscosities of suspensions produced from irradiated roots were lower than those from non‐irradiated ones. Sensory evaluation indicated that there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in colour, taste or flavour between extracts produced from irradiated and non‐irradiated roots. However, after 12 months of storage, some mineral ion (Na+, Ca2+ and K+) concentrations in extracts produced from irradiated roots were lower than in those from non‐irradiated ones; no significant differences (P < 0.05) in viscosity were found between suspensions of irradiated and non‐irradiated roots.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Volatile constituents of essential oils isolated from different parts of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume)
Authors: Kaul Pran N , Bhattacharya Arun K , Rajeswara Rao Bhaskaruni R , Syamasundar Kodakandla V , Ramesh Srinivasaiyer
Published: January 2003

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, syn C verum JS Presl, family Lauraceae) is an important spice and aromatic tree cultivated in Sri Lanka and India. On steam distillation, different parts of cinnamon yield volatile oils of varying composition. In the present investigation the profiles of essential oils isolated from tender twigs bearing reproductive parts, from pedicels of buds and flowers, from buds and flowers, from pedicels of fruits and from fruits were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The essential oil yields of the different plant parts were: tender twigs, 0.40%; pedicels of buds and flowers, 0.36%; buds and flowers, 0.04%; pedicels of fruits, 0.33%; fruits, 0.32%. The tender twig oil was richer in α‐phellandrene (3.4%), limonene (1.6%) and (E)‐cinnamaldehyde (4.0%). The volatile oils from pedicels were richer in neryl acetate (1.4–2.0%), (E)‐cinnamyl acetate (58.1–64.5%) and β‐caryophyllene (9.6–11.1%). Higher amounts of (Z)‐cinnamyl acetate (6.1%), α‐humulene (2.2%), δ‐cadinene (2.2%), humulene epoxide I (5.0%), α‐muurolol (4.9%) and α‐cadinol (2.4%) were observed in the oil of buds and flowers. The fruit oil showed greater concentrations of α‐pinene (4.2%), β‐pinene (1.9%) and linalool (27.4%). However, all the oils contained linalool (3.6–27.4%), (E)‐cinnamyl acetate (22.0–64.5%) and β‐caryophyllene (6.9–11.1%) as their major compounds. This is the first report on the oil profiles of pedicels and of buds and flowers of cinnamon.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of processing and storage of brined white (Nabulsi) cheese on fat and cholesterol oxidation
Authors: Al‐Ismail Khalid M , Humied Mohammad A
Published: January 2003

Brined white (Nabulsi) cheese was studied for cholesterol oxidation and for oxidative and hydrolytic rancidities during cheese processing, during storage in closed transparent and light‐protected glass jars at room temperature for 3, 6 and 9 months and during storage on an open tray exposed to atmospheric air and light for 1, 2 and 3 weeks. The peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA) content and 7‐ketocholesterol level were determined. The cheese processing steps (curd formation, salting and boiling in brine) had no significant effect on PV, FFAs and 7‐ketocholesterol. However, the storage conditions had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.5) on these parameters. Peroxides were not detected or were very low in the freshly boiled cheese, while the FFA content was 2.9 g kg−1. The PV and FFA content increased to approximately 5 meq kg−1 and 11 g kg−1 respectively after 9 months of storage in transparent or light‐protected jars. The 7‐ketocholesterol level was 1.2 µg g−1 in the freshly boiled cheese and reached maximum values of 2.3 and 5.2 µg g−1 after 9 months of storage in light‐protected and transparent jars respectively. Cheese samples displayed on an open tray showed a higher increase in PV, FFAs and 7‐ketocholesterol than samples stored in closed jars, reaching values of 6.1 meq kg−1, 6.8 g kg−1 and 8.8 µg g−1 respectively after 3 weeks of storage.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Physicochemical and functional properties of shell eggs following electron beam irradiation
Authors: Wong Peter Y Y , Kitts David D
Published: January 2003

Low dosages of electron beam irradiation (EBI) were applied to shell eggs to examine potential effects on physicochemical and functional properties. Prior to the assessment of physicochemical and functional properties, the antimicrobial efficacy of 2, 3 and 4 kGy dosages of EBI in shell eggs was established by the reduction of inoculated Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium to an undetectable level. Physicochemical changes to shell eggs receiving the same dosages of EBI were quantified by Haugh unit, free sulphhydryl groups, yolk index and lipid oxidation. Functional properties were assessed by foaming capacity, emulsifying capacity and gelling properties. A loss of thick albumen and a corresponding increase in free sulphhydryl groups in the albumen were observed after EBI, resulting in a loss of foam volume and gel hardness. Negligible changes in yolk index and lipid oxidation paralleled a retention of emulsifying capacity and gelling properties. EBI proved to be an effective method for controlling microbial growth in shell eggs without adversely affecting physicochemical and functional properties.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of genotype and harvest year on content and composition of dietary fibre in rye (Secale cereale L) grain
Authors: Hansen Hanne Boskov , Rasmussen Claus V , Bach Knudsen Knud Erik , Hansen Åse
Published: January 2003

The aim of this study was to measure the variation in dietary fibre (DF) content and composition among different rye varieties grown in the same location in three successive years and to estimate the contributions of genotype and harvest year to this variation. The study included grain from 19 different varieties of rye, of which seven varieties were analysed in all three years. The content of total DF in all samples ranged from 147 to 209 g kg−1 dry matter (dm), with 34–66 g kg−1 being water‐extractable (WE) DF and 108–159 g kg−1 being water‐unextractable (WUE) DF. The main DF component was arabinoxylan (AX) with a content of 80–121 g kg−1 dm, of which 26–41 g kg−1 dm was WE AX. The ratio of arabinose to xylose (ara/xyl) of total AX ranged from 0.59 to 0.69. The content of β‐glucan was 13–22 g kg−1 dm and that of fructan was 45–64 g kg−1 dm. Analysis of the data from seven varieties and three harvest years showed a highly significant influence of harvest year on most DF components. Significant genotype effects were found for the contents of total DF, total AX, β‐glucan and fructan and for the ara/xyl ratio of total and WUE AX. Estimation of variance components showed that yearly variations in the contents of total DF, total AX, WUE DF, WUE AX and β‐glucan were generally higher (27–55% of total variance) than genotype effects (14–19%). The ara/xyl ratio of total and WUE AX showed a high influence of genotype (46 and 43% respectively). Non‐adapted rye varieties with small kernel size had the highest contents of total DF and total AX. The content of β‐glucan was positively correlated with kernel weight (r = 0.68), whereas no overall correlation was found between kernel size and the content of DF. As a conclusion, the variation in DF content and composition in this study was significantly influenced by both harvest year and rye genotype.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
An economic analysis of the use of student evaluations: implications for universities
Authors: Kanagaretnam Kiridaran , Mathieu Robert , Thevaranjan Alex
Published: January 2003

In this paper, we develop an analytical model of joint maximizing behavior on the part of students and professors to develop policy rules for universities who use student evaluations as tools for increasing professor effort and, thereby, student knowledge. More precisely, we examine the potential benefits of student evaluations, the consequences of over‐emphasizing them and the optimal level of emphasis that should be placed on them. This exercise allows us to determine conditions under which student evaluations would result in an increase in teaching effort and student knowledge, and environments where it would result in professors manipulating grading schemes to obtain higher student ratings, i.e., grade inflation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An analysis of UK franchise contracting 1989–1999
Authors: Seaton Jonathan S.
Published: January 2003

This paper examines UK franchise contracts over the period 1989–1999. Franchising is modelled as comprising three main variables, contract length, royalty rate and initial franchise fee. Up to now most authors have concentrated on the latter two variables, but with the data in this paper it is possible to assess the characteristics that impact on all three. Further, our analysis looks at what affects the probability of contract change. We take account of the limited dependent variable nature of the data and exploit sectoral heterogeneity. Our main findings are that the focus of attention on ‘aggregate’ variables is inappropriate and that contract length appears to be an important aspect of the franchise contract which is theoretically obvious, but until now has not been empirically tested. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver histology after current intensified therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: microvesicular fatty change and siderosis are the main findings
Authors: Halonen Päivi , Mattila Jorma , Ruuska Tarja , Salo Matti K. , Mäkipernaa Anne
Published: January 2003

Background

During modern intensified therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) serum liver enzymes reach fairly high levels. Since no recent data on liver histopathology after therapy are available, we conducted a study of the subject.

Procedure

Liver biopsy specimens were evaluated and serum liver function tests and lipid profiles measured from 27 consecutive children, aged 3.5–17.6 years, treated according to the regimens for standard (SR) and intermediate risk (IR) ALL.

Results

None of the patients had entirely normal liver histology. Fatty infiltration was detected in 25 out of 27 (93%) and siderosis in 19 out of 27 patients (70%). Fourteen (52%) had both. Three (11%) also had mild portal and/or periportal fibrosis in addition to fatty change and siderosis. Fatty change was mainly microvesicular. Siderosis was in most cases grade II/IV to III/IV (in 16/19 or 84%). No hepatitis or cirrhosis was found. Serum total and LDL‐cholesterol levels were higher in the patients with fibrosis than in the patients with fatty change (P = 0.036, P = 0.042) or with siderosis ± fatty change (P = 0.036, P = 0.042). In serial ALT measurements a value of 300 U/L or more was oftener reached in the fibrosis than in the fatty change or siderosis groups (in 33 vs. in 12 or in 4% of the measurements, respectively, P = 0.014, in Kruskall–Wallis test).

Conclusions

Microvesicular fatty change and siderosis are the main liver findings after current therapy for childhood ALL. Fibrosis occurs rarely. High values in serial serum ALT measurements repeatedly or a disturbed serum lipid profile may facilitate decisions about the need for a liver biopsy. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:148–154. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of overt extraocular retinoblastoma
Authors: Chantada Guillermo , Fandiño Adriana , Casak Sandra , Manzitti Julio , Raslawski Elsa , Schvartzman Enrique
Published: January 2003

Background

Overt extraocular retinoblastoma is common in developing countries and little information about its treatment is available. The aim of this study is to report our experience in the treatment of these cases using a uniform approach.

Procedure

Patients with overt extraocular retinoblastoma including orbital extension, preauricular lymph node invasion and/or metastatic disease on diagnosis or after extraocular relapse admitted to the Hospital JP Garrahan from August 1987 to December 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were treated according to two different protocols (1987–1993 and 1994–2000). Treatment included: neoadjuvant combination chemotherapy followed by limited surgery in case of orbital extension (enucleation or resection of residual orbital mass) and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy included cyclophosphamide, vincristine, etoposide, doxorubicin (in protocol 87), idarubicin (in protocol 94), cisplatin (in protocol 87), and carboplatin (in protocol 94).

Results

Forty‐one patients were included. Fifteen of them had orbital or preauricular disease and had a 5‐year event‐free survival (pEFS) of 84%. Twenty‐six had distant metastatic disease and non survived 5‐years. One patient died of toxicity and one died in complete remission. One patient had a secondary leukemia. The remaining adverse events included CNS and/or systemic relapse.

Conclusions

This treatment strategy was highly efficacious for patients with orbital and/or lymph node extension. Orbital exenteration is not necessary for these patients. Those patients with distant metastatic or CNS disease were not curable with this approach. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:158–161. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments of three labdane diterpenoids isolated from Leonotis ocymifolia and six other related compounds
Authors: Hussein Ahmed A. , Meyer Marion J. J. , Rodríguez Benjamín
Published: January 2003

Unambiguous and complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts for three structurally complex labadane diterpenoids isolated from Leonotis ocymifolia (leonotin, leonotinin and nepetaefolin) and six other related compounds (hispanolone, 7α‐ and 7β‐hispanols, marrubiin, villenol and andalusol), previously isolated from Labiatae species, are presented. The assignments are based on 2D shift‐correlated [1H, 1H‐COSY, 1H, 13C‐gHSQC–1J(C,H), 1H,13C‐gHMBC–nJ(C,H) (n = 2 and 3)] and DPFGSE 1D‐NOE experiments. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural analysis of pentacyclic triterpenes from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Belsner Klaus , Büchele Berthold , Werz Udo , Syrovets Tatiana , Simmet Thomas
Published: January 2003

3α‐Acetyl‐β‐boswellic acid (1), 3α‐acetyl‐α‐boswellic acid (2), 3α‐acetyl‐9,11‐dehydro‐β‐boswellic acid (3), 3α‐acetyl‐9,11‐dehydro‐α‐boswellic acid (4) and 3α‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid (5) were isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata. 1D and 2D NMR (COSY45, HMQC, HMBC, ROESY) spectra at 500 MHz were used for shift assignments and structure verification. All boswellic acids investigated share the cis conformation at ring D/E and the 3α orientation of the acetyl ester group. Owing to high‐order spectra, NMR could not determine the exact conformation of H‐20/H‐30 of the β‐boswellic acids. 3α‐Acetyl‐β‐boswellic acid methyl ester (1′) was synthesized for experiments with a shift reagent, Eu(fod)3, that enhanced the resolution considerably. The oxygen atoms of the 3α‐acetyl group form the apparent complex binding site for the shift reagent. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
N‐Alkenyl amide rotational barriers by 2D EXSY NMR
Authors: Aguirre Gerardo , Somanathan Ratnasamy , Hellberg Lars H. , Dwyer Tammy J. , North Robert
Published: January 2003

The rotational barriers of some N‐alkenylamides were measured by 2D exchange spectroscopy (2D EXSY) NMR techniques. It was found that the conjugated double bond lowers E,Z barriers by 2.6 kJ mol−1. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and spectral assignment by 2D NMR of a new prenylated benzopyrancarboxylic acid and structural reassignment of a related compound
Authors: Burke Sharon J. , Jacobs Helen , Mclean Stewart , Reynolds William F.
Published: January 2003

A new prenylated benzopyrancarboxylic acid, 1a (3,4‐dihydro‐5‐hydroxy‐2,7‐dimethyl‐8‐(2‐methyl‐2‐butenyl)‐ 2‐(4‐methyl‐1, 3‐pentadienyl)‐2H‐1‐benzopyran‐6‐carboxylic acid) was isolated from Peperomia amplexicaulis and fully characterized by 1D and 2D NMR and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. In the course of this investigation, the structure of a related compound (minus the carboxylic acid group) which was previously assigned as 2b was corrected to structure 1b. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assignment of the E,Z configurational isomers of platinum complexes of N,N‐dialkyl‐N′‐acyl(aroyl)thioureas by means of triple resonance 1H/13C/195Pt PFG correlation NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Argyropoulos Dimitris , Hoffmann Eberhard , Mtongana Sibusiso , Koch Klaus R
Published: January 2003

Unsymmetrical, dialkyl‐substituted N,N‐dialkyl‐N′‐acyl(aroyl)thioureas show E,Z configurational isomerism at room temperature in solution, which is also expressed in the existence of cis‐[Pt(ZZ‐L‐S,O)2], cis‐[Pt(EZ‐L‐S,O)2] and cis‐[Pt(EE‐L‐S,O)2] complexes derived from these ligands. These configurational isomers were assigned by means of a double magnetization transfer 1H/13C/195Pt correlation NMR experiment, despite the fact that the long‐range 5J(195Pt, 1H) and 4J(195Pt, 13C) scalar couplings are not directly observable in their 1H and 13C spectra at high field. Depending on the ligand structure, the relative amounts of cis‐[Pt(ZZ‐L‐S,O)2], cis‐[Pt(EZ‐L‐S,O)2] and cis‐[Pt(EE‐L‐S,O)2] complexes are in the ranges 40–42% ZZ, 46–47% ZE and 12–13% EE. The cis‐bis[N‐methyl‐N‐(tert‐butyl)‐N′‐(2,2‐dimethylpropanoyl)thioureato]platinum(II) complex is found to occur exclusively as the ZZ isomer. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalization of PAMAM dendrimers with nitronyl nitroxide radicals as models for the outer‐sphere relaxation in dentritic potential MRI contrast agents
Authors: Francese Giancarlo , Dunand Frank A. , Loosli Claudia , Merbach André E. , Decurtins Silvio
Published: January 2003

PAMAM dendrimers functionalized with nitronyl nitroxide radicals were characterized. Quantitative determination of substitution with radicals was performed using EPR and electrochemical methods. The study of the 1H NMR relaxation of the surrounding water showed how the outer‐sphere contribution to the relaxivity may be limited by the presence of the dendrimer core. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On evaluation of shape sensitivities of non‐linear critical loads
Authors: Parente E. , Vaz L. E.
Published: January 2003

The present paper focuses on the evaluation of the shape sensitivities of the limit and bifurcation loads of geometrically non‐linear structures. The analytical approach is applied for isoparametric elements, leading to exact results for a given mesh. Since this approach is difficult to apply to other element types, the semi‐analytical method has been widely used for shape sensitivity computation. This method combines ease of implementation with computational efficiency, but presents severe accuracy problems. Thus, a general procedure to improve the semi‐analytical sensitivities of the non‐linear critical loads is presented. The numerical examples show that this procedure leads to sensitivities with sufficient accuracy for shape optimization applications. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesh independent modelling of cracks by using higher order shape functions
Authors: Iarve E. V.
Published: January 2003

A mesh independent crack modelling approach based on displacement approximation with higher order shape functions is proposed. The Heaviside step function based local enrichment method, known as eXtended Finite Element Method, is modified by replacing the step function with a higher order shape functions approximation. Polynomial B‐spline approximation functions are used in the present paper. An advantage of the proposed method is that its implementation only involves integration of the products of original shape functions and their derivatives and does not require modification of the integration domains. A volume integral based expression is proposed to calculate the effective surface area of the crack modelled by using an approximate step function. It is shown to give the actual crack surface area in the limit of the approximate step function approaching the Heaviside function. The convergence and accuracy of the method is illustrated in examples of transverse and oblique (with respect to loading direction) crack problems in rectangular plates. Uniaxial tension of a unidirectional composite with an open hole is considered. Hoop stress relaxation due to longitudinal splitting is successfully modelled by the method proposed and compared to direct modelling by using ANSYS software. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis and design optimization of three‐dimensional non‐linear aeroelastic systems by the adjoint method
Authors: Maute K. , Nikbay M. , Farhat C.
Published: January 2003

We consider the problem of optimizing a non‐linear aeroelastic system in steady‐state conditions, where the structure is represented by a detailed finite element model, and the aerodynamic loads are predicted by the discretization of the non‐linear Euler equations. We present a solution method for this problem that is based on the three‐field formulation of fluid–structure interaction problems, and the adjoint approach for coupled sensitivity analysis. We discuss the computational complexity of the proposed solution method, describe its implementation on parallel processors, and illustrate its computational efficiency with the aeroelastic optimization of various wings. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who missed routine diabetic review? Information from a district diabetes register
Authors: McCarlie J , Anderson A , Collier A , Jaap A , McGettrick P , MacPherson N
Published: January 2003

Objective

To consider the factors which may influence the uptake of routine diabetes care.

Methods

A district diabetes register has been analysed to give information on the population not accessing routine diabetes care. The groups of patients with no record of HbAlc or fundoscopy in the previous year were identified and considered for the possible influencing factors of age, sex and socio‐economic status designated by DEPCAT score.

Results

The results suggested that older patients, over 70 years, and young people, less than 20 years, are less likely to access routine diabetes care. The analysis by deprivation category does not demonstrate the usual poorer uptake in those from deprived areas. In this population uptake was slightly worse from less deprived areas. There was no significant difference between males and females.

Conclusions

The data held on the district diabetes register suggests that age does appear to have influence on uptake of routine diabetic review, but the usual influence of deprivation is not demonstrated. Planners of healthcare may need to develop services to meet the needs of the elderly and teenagers as well as giving consideration to the needs of different socio‐economic groups. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital imaging in diabetic retinopathy screening—a comparative study of two digital cameras
Authors: Basu A , Kamal AD , Illahi W , Khan M , Stavrou P , Lusty JD , Owens DR , Ryder REJ
Published: January 2003

Aim.

The National Screening Committee (NSC) has recommended digital imaging for diabetic retinopathy screening. There have been recommendations but no consensus yet on the specifications for the digital cameras to be used for the purposes of diabetic retinopathy screening. We therefore undertook a study to evaluate two different digital cameras with different image resolutions currently being used in UK for diabetic retinopathy screening to detect any difference in their evaluation of retinal details.

Methods.

The study involved detailed assessment of 192 images taken from 48 diabetic patients recruited from two centres—City Hospital, Birmingham, and Llandough Hospital, Cardiff. Digital retinal photographs of both eyes were obtained using the Sony DXC‐950P and the JVC KY‐F70U mounted on a Canon CR6‐45 NMf non‐mydriatic retinal camera. The JVC camera has an image resolution of 1360 × 1024 pixels similar to the NSC guidelines and produces as a consequence an image with a 4 MB file size. The Sony on the other hand has an image resolution of 750 × 570 pixels and generates a file size of only 1.3 MB. The images were captured using ‘EyeCap’ software (Orion Imaging, UK) on a Pentium III PC and displayed on a Sony Trinitron colour monitor. Comparison was then made between the JVC and Sony images in bitmap (BMP) formats.

Results.

46 patients were included in the study, of whom 27 were male and 19 female subjects. The median age was 60 years (range 27–89). They were from a varied ethnic background and the majority had type 2 diabetes (n = 43). A total of 184 digital images were available for evaluation. 17 images could not be graded because of cataracts (15) and asteroid hyalosis (2). The difference in retinopathy grades between the two digital cameras were not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.943). Overall agreements in grading between the two cameras were seen in 85/92 (92.39%) images.

Conclusion.

For the purpose of screening for diabetic retinopathy, both retinal cameras are comparable, and one does not appear to have any major advantages over the other. This may also suggest that the resolution of neither camera is optimum and perhaps much higher resolution digital cameras may be needed for diabetic retinopathy screening in the future. File sizes are an important issue with regard to storage of images as well as transmission over computer networks. This may become a difficult issue, as higher resolution cameras will inevitably require larger amounts of memory for storage. Currently there appears no justification in using the JVC camera with larger file sizes instead of the lower resolution Sony DXC‐950P camera. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential scanning calorimetric study on the curing behavior of epoxy resin/diethylenetriamine/organic montmorillonite nanocomposite
Authors: Xu Weibing , Bao Suping , Shen Shijun , Wang Wei , Hang Guopei , He Pingsheng
Published: January 2003

The curing mechanisms and kinetics of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with diethylenetriamine as the curing agent and different amounts of organic montmorillonite were examined with isothermal and dynamic scanning calorimetry. The modified Avrami equation was used to calculate the activation energy and reaction orders in the isothermal experiment. A single peak was observed in each dynamic scan. The curing mechanism and kinetics of the curing reaction were also analyzed by two kinds of methods—Kissinger and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa. The results obtained from those methods under dynamic measurement agreed with those obtained from the modified Avrami equation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 378–386, 2003
Functionalization of an ethylene–propylene copolymer with allyl(3‐isocyanate‐4‐tolyl) carbamate
Authors: Ding Yongtao , Xin Zhirong , Gao Ying , Yin Jinghua , Costa Giovanna
Published: January 2003

An ethylene–propylene copolymer (EPM) was functionalized with an iso cyanate‐bearing unsaturated monomer, allyl(3‐isocyanate‐4‐tolyl) carbamate (TAI), with dicumyl peroxide as an initiator in a xylene solution. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to confirm the formation of EPM‐g‐TAI. The peak at 2273 cm−1, characteristic of NCO groups in EPM‐g‐TAI, revealed evidence of grafting. The grafting degree was determined with both chemical titration and FTIR. The grafting degree could be adjusted, and the maximum was over 6 wt % without any gelation. The molar mass distribution of EPM‐g‐TAI was narrower than that of EPM. The rheological behavior of both EPM‐g‐TAI and EPM was investigated with a rotational rheometer. The apparent viscosity of EPM‐g‐TAI was higher than that of EPM and increased with an increasing grafting degree of TAI. Surface analysis by contact‐angle measurements showed that contact angles of EPM‐g‐TAI samples to a given polar liquid decreased with an increasing grafting degree of TAI. We also obtained the dispersion component of the surface free energy (γ), the polar component of the surface free energy (γ), and the total surface free energy (γS = γ + γ) of the grafted EPM. These parameters increased with the enhancement of the grafting degree, which gave us a quantitative estimation of the polar contribution of the grafted TAI to the total surface free energy of EPM‐g‐TAI. The adhesive property of EPM‐g‐TAI with aluminum foil was studied. The peeling strength between EPM‐g‐TAI plate and aluminum foil increased dramatically with an increasing content of grafted TAI in EPM‐g‐TAI. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 387–402, 2003
Annealing behavior of gel‐spun polyethylene fibers at temperatures lower than needed for significant shrinkage
Authors: Hu Wenbing , Buzin Alexander , Lin Jar‐Shyong , Wunderlich Bernhard
Published: January 2003

The annealing at 373 K of ultrastrong, gel‐spun polyethylene (PE) has been studied. At this temperature, the fibers show no significant shrinkage. Still, a significant decrease in the mechanical properties is observed. The fibers have been analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). During the annealing, the glass transition of the intermediate phase is exceeded, as shown by DSC. When split for structure analysis by AFM, the annealed fibers undergo plastic deformation around the base fibrils instead of brittle fracture. The quasi‐isothermal TMDSC experiments are compared to the minor structural changes seen with SAXS and AFM. The loss of performance of the PE fibers at 373 K is suggested to be caused by the oriented intermediate phase, and not by major changes in the structure or morphology. The overall metastable, semicrystalline structure is shown by TMDSC to posses local regions that can melt reversibly. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 403–417, 2003