bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of ABA type tri‐block copolymers derived from p‐dioxanone, L‐lactide and poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Bhattarai Narayan , Kim Hak Yong , Lee Douk Rae , Park Soo‐Jin
Published: January 2003

A series of triblock co‐polymers, consisting of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) central block joined to two blocks of random p‐dioxanone‐co‐L‐lactide copolymers were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of p‐dioxanone (PDO) and L‐lactide (LLA) initiated by PEG in the presence of stannous 2‐ethylhexanoate catalyst. The resulting copolymers were characterized by various techniques including 1H and 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, gel permeation chromatography, inherent viscosity, wide‐angle X‐ray diffractometry (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The conversion of PDO and L‐lactide into the polymer was studied various mole ratios and at different polymerization temperature from 1H NMR spectra. Results of WAXD and DSC showed that the crystallinity of PEG macroinitiator was greatly influenced by the composition of PDO and L‐lactide in the copolymer. The triblock copolymers with low molecular weight were soluble in water at below room temperature.

© 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of filler–filler interaction on rheological behaviour of natural rubber compounds filled with both carbon black and silica
Authors: Choi Sung‐Seen , Nah Changwoon , Lee Seung Goo , Joo Chang Whan
Published: January 2003

Rubber compounds are reinforced with fillers such as carbon black and silica. In general, filled rubber compounds show smooth rheological behaviour in measurement of Mooney viscosity or Mooney scorch time. Variation in rheological behaviour was studied in terms of the filler composition using natural rubber compounds filled with both carbon black and silica (carbon black/silica = 60/20,40/40, and 20/60 phr). The compound filled with carbon black/silica of 60/20 phr showed normal rheological behaviour. However, the compounds filled with carbon black/silica of 40/40 and 20/60 phr showed abnormal rheological behaviour, in which the viscosity increased suddenly and then decreased at a certain point during the measurement. The abnormal behaviour was explained by the strong filler–filler interaction of silica. Moreover, the abnormal rheological behaviour was displayed more clearly as the storage time of compounds is increased.

© 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of intrinsic physical constants of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) from drawn filament
Authors: Kim Kap Jin , Bae Joon Hyung , Kim Young Ho
Published: January 2003

The intrinsic lateral sonic moduli of the crystalline and amorphous regions of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (3GT) (about 4.1504 ± 0.8396 GPa and 1.6096 ± 0.0368 GPa, respectively) were obtained from sonic moduli and crystallinities of unoriented 3GT filaments annealed under different conditions. Using the obtained intrinsic lateral sonic moduli of the crystalline and amorphous regions, the degree of orientation of the amorphous region of uniaxially drawn 3GT filaments could also be obtained from the crystallinity, sonic modulus, and the degree of crystalline orientation estimated from X‐ray azimuthal scan data. Thus, the intrinsic birefringences of the perfectly oriented crystalline and amorphous regions of the 3GT fibre (about 0.2057 ± 0.0160 and 0.2175 ± 0.0923, respectively) could be obtained from the appropriate combinations of birefringence, crystallinity, and the degree of orientation of the crystalline and amorphous regions.

© 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Expanding the organismal scope of proteomics: Cross‐species protein identification by mass spectrometry and its implications
Authors: Liska Adam J. , Shevchenko Andrej
Published: January 2003

Due to the limited applicability of conventional protein identification methods to the proteomes of organisms with unsequenced genomes, researchers have developed approaches to identify proteins using mass spectrometry and sequence similarity database searches. Both the integration of mass spectrometry with bioinformatics and genomic sequencing drive the expanding organismal scope of proteomics.
Application of immunoproteomics to analysis of post‐translational processing of the antiphagocytic M protein of Streptococcus
Authors: Romer Terence G. , Boyle Michael D. P.
Published: January 2003

Post‐translational modification of the antiphagocytic M1 protein of Streptococcus pyogenes can influence its binding properties for human immunoglobulin G subclasses and its invasive potential. Current methods of monitoring this modification event involve N‐terminal sequencing and are cumbersome, slow and not amenable to routine analysis. In this study we demonstrate that surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry can be used to monitor modification of the M1 protein by the secreted bacterial cysteine protease, SpeB. This method, when combined with a specific antibody capture step provides a specific, rapid and sensitive assay for key virulence factors of the important human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes.
A novel experimental design for comparative two‐dimensional gel analysis: Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis incorporating a pooled internal standard
Authors: Alban Andrew , David Stephen Olu , Bjorkesten Lennart , Andersson Christian , Sloge Erik , Lewis Steve , Currie Ian
Published: January 2003

The comparison of two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel images from different samples is an established method used to study differences in protein expression. Conventional methods rely on comparing images from at least 2 different gels. Due to the high variation between gels, detection and quantification of protein differences can be problematic. Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (Ettan™ DIGE) is an emerging technique for comparative proteomics, which improves the reproducibility and reliability of differential protein expression analysis between samples. In the application of DIGE different samples are labelled with mass and charge matched spectrally resolvable fluorescent dyes and are then separated on the same 2‐D gel. Using an Escherichia coli lysate “spiked” with varying amounts of four different known proteins, we have tested a novel experimental design that exploits the sample multiplexing capabilities of DIGE, by including a standard sample in each gel. The standard sample comprises equal amounts of each sample to be compared and was found to improve the accuracy of protein quantification between samples from different gels allowing accurate detection of small differences in protein levels between samples.
Protein arrays: The current state‐of‐the‐art
Authors: Cutler Paul
Published: January 2003

The completion of projects for sequencing whole genomes such as those of human, Saccaromyces cerevisiae and Caenorhabditis elegans has led to a rapid increase in the availability of genetic information. The technology by which such information is acquired is having a major impact on the way we think about analysing the RNA and protein products of the gene transcription. Transcriptome analysis has, via microarray technology, managed to achieve a near genomic scale quantitative analysis of mRNA levels. Several other technologies such as quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and representational differential analysis are also available for analysing gene products. Traditionally, protein analysis has been performed by assaying one particular protein at a time, with very little parallel analysis. As protein function is a direct consequence of the protein product of the gene and as mRNA levels do not always correlate well with protein, it is desirable to analyse the entire protein complement of a cell etc. on a similar scale to mRNA. Despite the clear interest in analysing the expression, structure and function of proteins at a genomic scale, they have proven less amenable to such generic, high‐throughput approaches. This review highlights the current thinking in the area of proteome analysis and considers the potential for future technology development in the area of protein arrays.
Serological and proteomic evaluation of antibody responses in the identification of tumor antigens in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Unwin Richard D. , Harnden Patricia , Pappin Darryl , Rahman Dinah , Whelan Peter , Craven Rachel A. , Selby Peter J. , Banks Rosamonde E.
Published: January 2003

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is relatively resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, reports of spontaneous regression along with promising results in clinical trials suggest that immunotherapuetic strategies may be of clinical benefit. Few RCC related antigens have been identified to date, and the technical difficulty and time constraints of current antigen identification techniques preclude the screening of large numbers of patients. A comparatively rapid strategy has been used to identify components of tumors that elicit an antibody response in the patient – the serological and proteomic evaluation of antibody responses (SPEAR) approach. This combines two‐dimensional polyarylamide gel electrophoresis of tumor and normal kidney samples with immunoblotting using autologous patient sera and protein identification by mass spectrometry. Using the SPEAR approach to screen RCC patients for naturally occurring antitumor antibody responses, a number of candidate immunogens have been identified in patients with high‐grade disease and their relative expression levels in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue have been studied. These proteins include annexins I and IV, thymidine phosphorylase (TP), carbonic anhydrase I, Mn‐superoxide dismutase and major vault protein (MVP). Downstream analysis of the tissue expression of some of these proteins shows that MVP is up‐regulated in 2/4 of RCC tumors but is also expressed in normal kidney whereas TP is up‐regulated in 100% (11/11) of RCC cases examined with no or minimal expression in normal kidney, indicating a potential use as a therapeutic target.
Antibody microarray profiling of human prostate cancer sera: Antibody screening and identification of potential biomarkers
Authors: Miller Jeremy C. , Zhou Heping , Kwekel Joshua , Cavallo Robert , Burke Jocelyn , Butler E. Brian , Teh Bin S. , Haab Brian B.
Published: January 2003

We developed a practical strategy for serum protein profiling using antibody microarrays and applied the method to the identification of potential biomarkers in prostate cancer serum. Protein abundances from 33 prostate cancer and 20 control serum samples were compared to abundances from a common reference pool using a two‐color fluorescence assay. Robotically spotted microarrays containing 184 unique antibodies were prepared on two different substrates: polyacrylamide based hydrogels on glass and poly‐1‐lysine coated glass with a photoreactive cross‐linking layer. The hydrogel substrate yielded an average six‐fold higher signal‐to‐noise ratio than the other substrate, and detection of protein binding was possible from a greater number of antibodies using the hydrogels. A statistical filter based on the correlation of data from “reverse‐labeled” experiment sets accurately predicted the agreement between the microarray measurements and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay measurements, showing that this parameter can serve to screen for antibodies that are functional on microarrays. Having defined a set of reliable microarray measurements, we identified five proteins (von Willebrand Factor, immunoglobulinM, Alpha1‐antichymotrypsin, Villin and immunoglobulinG) that had significantly different levels between the prostate cancer samples and the controls. These developments enable the immediate use of high‐density antibody and protein microarrays in biomarker discovery studies.
Proteome analysis on an early transformed human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEP2D, after α‐particle irradiation
Authors: Ying Wantao , Zhang Kaitai , Qian Xiaohong , Xie Ling , Wang Jie , Xiang Xiaoqiong , Cai Yun , Wu Dechang
Published: January 2003

To probe the mechanism of carcinogenesis of lung cancer at the molecular level and to find potential protein markers involved in the early phase of tumorgenesis, differential proteome analysis on primary passage cell line R15H, and early transformed cell line R15H20 derived from 238Pu α‐particle irradiation of human papillomavirus (HPV) 18‐immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEP2D), was carried out using two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight mass spectrometry. Image analysis and Student's t‐test (p < 0.05) showed that three protein spots were only expressed in R15H, intensities of 43 protein spots on the gels were altered between R15H and R15H20. Two of the three spots that were only expressed in R15H were identified as high mobility group protein 1. Two proteins decreased in abundance in R15H20 were identified as maspin precursor, a tumor suppressor and aminoacylase‐1. Ornithine aminotransferase and peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase A that were increased in R15H20, were also identified. Relationships between these differentially expressed proteins and the carcinogenesis mechanism of lung cancer are discussed. The protein expression profile of the R15H cell line was also constructed during the study as a reference map for further comparative proteome analysis of the irradiation induced BEP2D cell line. Of the 90 spots analyzed with PMF in the 2‐DE gel of R15H cell line, 50 proteins were identified by searching the nonredundant protein database SWISS‐PROT/TrEMBL.
Vitamin E prevents oxidation of antiapoptotic proteins in neuronal cells
Authors: Choi Joungil , Conrad Craig C. , Dai Rong , Malakowsky Christina A. , Talent John M. , Carroll Christopher A. , Weintraub Susan T. , Gracy Robert W.
Published: January 2003

Oxidative damage to neuronal proteins appears to be central to the toxicity associated with a number of neuropathologies, including Alzheimer's disease. We have examined this by using oxidative stress to induce apoptosis in a mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT‐22). Oxidatively modified proteins were measured by high‐resolution two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with oxidation‐specific immunostains. Under these conditions the oxidatively stressed cells undergo apoptosis, and specific proteins are oxidized. The three proteins that appeared to be most susceptible to oxidation were identified by mass spectrometry. Those oxidized proteins are heat shock protein 60 and vimentin, both believed to function as antiapoptotic proteins, and a third protein with sequence homology to hemoglobin α‐chain. When the cells were pretreated with vitamin E, these proteins were not oxidized and the cells did not undergo apoptosis.
Proteome analysis of the thermoreceptive pit membrane of the western diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus atrox
Authors: Zischka Hans , Keller Heike , Kellermann Joseph , Eckerskorn Christoph , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: January 2003

Rattlesnakes detect their prey's temperature by means of a cavern‐like structure, the pit organ. The sensory component of this organ lies within a thin membrane called the pit membrane. Proteome analysis conducted on this neurosensory tissue revealed only a relatively small number of proteins, thereby depicting its high degree of specialization. In addition to containing blood serum and structural proteins, the proteome of this membrane appears to be strikingly similar to that of isolated rattlesnake brain mitochondria. Indeed, our results show that over 80% of the detected tissue proteins are of mitochondrial origin. Fluorescence microscopy studies of these organelles indicate their dense arrangement and accumulation in structures which have been previously reported to be the terminal ends of free nerve fibers of the innervating trigeminal branches. Thus, original ultrastructural observations are paralleled by our findings at the molecular level.
Proteomic analysis of human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: expression profiling of surfactant‐associated protein A isomers derived from human pulmonary alveolar proteinosis using immunoaffinity detection
Authors: He Chang
Published: January 2003

Human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) proteins from pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) obtained by washing the epithelial lining of the lung with phosphate‐buffered saline, were separated using high resolution two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) under denaturing and reducing conditions. By Western blotting, the proteins were transferred from polyacrylamide gel onto a chemical resilient membrane. The surfactant‐associated protein A (SP‐A) isomers were then identified with enhanced chemiluminescence detection (ECL) using antibody‐antigen reaction. Some of the gels were treated with silver staining after 2‐DE. The molecular masses of SP‐A isomers in BALF from PAP ranged from 20.5 to 26, 26 to 32, and 32 to 42 kDa, respectively; and isoelectric points (pI) were in pH range of 4.5–5.4 under denaturing and reducing conditions. In the mass range of 20.5–26 kDa and pI of 4.5–5.4, there were five isomers, and in mass range of 26–32 kDa and pI of 4.5 to 5.4, there were at least eight isomers on the ECL detection film. However, in the mass range of 32–42 kDa and pI of 4.5–5.4, there were three isomers separated one from another but there was also a cluster of overlapping spots on the ECL detection film. Thus, this communication describes a characteristic 2‐DE pattern of SP‐A isomers in BALF from PAP as follows. (1) The five isomers of mass 20.5–26 kDa and pI of 4.5–5.4; (2) the eight isomers of mass 26–32 kDa and pI of 4.5–5.4; and (3) the three isomers of mass 32–42 kDa and pI of 4.5–5.4.
Proteins induced by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae with leaf extract of the host plant (Passiflorae edulis)
Authors: Tahara Sandra T. , Mehta Angela , Rosato Yoko B.
Published: January 2003

Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to identify differentially displayed proteins during treatment of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. passiflorae in media containing leaf extract of the compatible (passion fruit) and incompatible (tomato) hosts. The results showed that at different times of treatment (5, 25 and 45 h) the global expression of proteins was almost identical in cells grown in minimal medium (MM) and in medium containing leaf extract of the incompatible host (MMT). The protein patterns of cells grown in medium containing passiflorae (MMP) leaf extract and MM were also compared enabling the detection of 17 differential spots. Most of the proteins were induced at earlier times of incubation (5 h) and maintained until 45 h in MMP. By using another carrier ampholyte range, seven additional proteins were identified in MMP treated cells. Five proteins, including one constitutive, two induced and two up‐regulated in MMP were microsequenced. All sequences were found in the genome of xanthomonads sharing high level of identity (88–100%). Fructose biphosphate aldolase was expressed in all media employed. A putative membrane‐related protein and a hypothetical protein were novel proteins induced specifically by the passiflorae extract. An inorganic pyrophosphatase and a hypothetical protein that showed similarity to the yciF gene of Salmonella thyphimurium were up‐regulated in MMP.
Prediction of polymerization shrinkage using molecular modeling
Authors: Tilbrook D. A. , Pearson G. J. , Braden M. , Coveney P. V.
Published: January 2003

Group interaction modeling (GIM) is used to predict the changes in the volume and, therefore, shrinkage of a wide variety of commonly encountered acrylate and methacrylate monomers during polymerization. The predictions of the model are in excellent agreement with experimental data available in the literature. It is demonstrated that, given appropriate estimations of the ultimate matrix morphology, GIM can be used to give estimates of polymerization shrinkage in three‐dimensional crosslinked polymer networks that relate well to experimental data available for dental composite matrices. GIM provides a very useful framework within which the phenomenon of polymerization shrinkage can be considered. The approach challenges certain common misconceptions relating conversion to shrinkage. The limitations of this approach are discussed, and targets for future research are clearly outlined that could extend the scope of this methodology to encompass novel systems for which morphological information is not available. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 528–548, 2003
Poly(hydroxyether of phenolphthalein) and its blends with poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Zheng Sixun , Ai Shuping , Guo Qipeng
Published: January 2003

Poly(hydroxyether of phenolphthalein) (PPH) was synthesized through the polycondensation of phenolphthalein with epichlorohydrin. It was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The miscibility of the blends of PPH with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was established on the basis of the thermal analysis results. DSC showed that the PPH/PEO blends prepared via casting fromN,N‐dimethylformamide possessed single, composition‐dependent glass‐transition temperatures. Therefore, the blends were miscible in the amorphous state for all compositions. FTIR studies indicated that there were competitive hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the addition of PEO to the system, which were involved with OH…OC〈, OH…OH, and OH vs ether oxygen atoms of PEO hydrogen bonding, that is both intramolecular and intermolecular, between PPH and PEO). Some of the hydroxyl stretching vibration bands significantly shifted to higher frequencies, whereas others shifted to lower frequencies, and this suggested the formation of hydrogen bonds between the pendant hydroxyls of PPH and ether oxygen atoms of PEO, which were stronger than the intramolecular hydrogen bonding between hydroxyls and carbonyls of PPH. The FTIR spectra in the range of carbonyl stretching vibrations showed that the hydroxyl‐associated carbonyl groups were partially set free because of the presence of the competitive hydrogen‐bonding interactions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 466–475, 2003
Model for anomalous moisture diffusion through a polymer–clay nanocomposite
Authors: Drozdov A. D. , Christiansen J. deC. , Gupta R. K. , Shah A. P.
Published: January 2003

Experimental data are reported on moisture diffusion and the elastoplastic response of an intercalated nanocomposite with vinyl ester resin matrix and montmorillonite clay filler at room temperature. Observations in diffusion tests showed that water transport in the neat resin is Fickian, whereas it becomes anomalous (non‐Fickian) with the growth of the clay content. This transition is attributed to immobilization of penetrant molecules on the surfaces of hydrophilic clay layers. Observations in uniaxial tensile tests demonstrate that the response of vinyl ester resin is strongly elastoplastic, whereas an increase in the clay content results in a severe decrease of plastic strains observed as a noticeable reduction in the curvatures of the stress‐strain diagrams. This is explained by slowing down the molecular mobility in the host matrix driven by confinement of chains in galleries between platelets. Constitutive equations are developed for moisture diffusion through and the elastoplastic behavior of a nanocomposite. Adjustable parameters in these relations are found by fitting the experimental data. Fair agreement is demonstrated between the observations and the results of numerical simulation. A striking similarity is revealed among changes in diffusivity, ultimate water uptake, and the rate of plastic flow with an increased clay content. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 476–492, 2003
Nucleation ability of multiwall carbon nanotubes in polypropylene composites
Authors: Assouline E. , Lustiger A. , Barber A. H. , Cooper C. A. , Klein E. , Wachtel E. , Wagner H. D.
Published: January 2003

The nonisothermal crystallization of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT)/isotactic polypropylene (iPP) nanocomposites was investigated. The results derived from the differential scanning calorimetry curves (onset temperature, melting point, supercooling, peak temperature, half‐time of crystallization, and enthalpy of crystallization) were compared with those of neat iPP. The data were also processed according to Ozawa's theory and Dobreva's approach. These results and X‐ray diffraction data showed that the MWNTs acted as α‐nucleating agents in iPP. Accordingly, MWNT/iPP was significantly different from neat iPP: A fibrillar morphology was observed instead of the usual spherulites. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 520–527, 2003
Quantitative evaluation of stress distribution in bulk polymer samples through the comparison of mechanical behaviors between giant single‐crystal and semicrystalline samples of poly(trans‐1,4‐diethyl muconate)
Authors: Nakamoto Shinsuke , Tashiro Kohji , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: January 2003

The Raman shift and crystallite modulus were measured under the application of tensile force for a giant single crystal and a series of uniaxially oriented semicrystalline samples of poly(trans‐1,4‐diethyl muconate) (polyEMU). The apparent Raman shift factor αapp or a vibrational frequency shift per 1 GPa tensile stress was higher for the semicrystalline samples with lower crystallinity or lower bulk modulus. The apparent crystallite modulus E or Young's modulus along the chain axis in the crystalline region was not constant but varied remarkably between the giant single crystal and semicrystalline samples. A systematic change in αapp and E among the polyEMU samples with different preparation history could be interpreted quantitatively on the basis of a mechanical series parallel model consisting of crystalline and amorphous phases. The origin of different E and αapp was speculated to be a stress concentration on the taut‐tie chain contained as a parallel crystalline component in the mechanical model. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 444–453, 2003
Evaluation of the free‐volume theory of diffusion
Authors: Vrentas J. S. , Vrentas C. M.
Published: January 2003

General characteristics of the free‐volume theory of diffusion are discussed, and a recent data‐theory comparison involving free‐volume theory is critically evaluated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 501–507, 2003
Molecular mobility of ultrasonically devulcanized silica‐filled poly(dimethyl siloxane)
Authors: Shim S. E. , Isayev I. , von Meerwall E.
Published: January 2003

We used NMR relaxation and pulsed‐gradient diffusion measurements at 70 °C in precipitated silica‐filled poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS; silicone rubber) after crosslinking, after subsequent devulcanization by intense ultrasound, and after subsequent revulcanization. As in unfilled PDMS, transverse relaxation displays three distinct rate components attributed to an entangled and crosslinked network (similar in T2), light sol plus dangling network fragments, and unreactive trace oligomers. Ultrasound produces copious amounts of extractable sol. The T2 relaxation times decreased modestly with increasing filler content, but they and the components' proportions correlated mainly with the sol fraction, that is, the network degradation. In rupturing the network, devulcanization produces large diffusing fragments and dangling ends; revulcanization largely reverses these effects. The rates and amplitudes of the bimodal diffusivity distribution confirmed this conclusion. The weakness of the effects of filler suggests that ultrasound devulcanization is easily adaptable to the recycling of the preponderantly particulate‐filled industrial rubbers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 454–465, 2003
Quantitative prediction of phase diagrams for polymer partitioning in aqueous two‐phase systems
Authors: Croll Tristan , Munro Peter D. , Winzor Donald J. , Trau Matt , Nielsen Lars K.
Published: January 2003

Published polymer distribution data for aqueous poly(ethylene glycol)/dextran mixtures have been reassessed to illustrate the feasibility of their quantitative characterization in terms of the Flory–Huggins theory of polymer thermodynamics. Phase diagrams predicted by this characterization procedure provide better descriptions of the experimental data than those based on an earlier, oversimplified treatment in similar terms. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 437–443, 2003
Structure, morphology, and crystallization of a random ethylene–propylene copolymer
Authors: Silvestre Clara , Cimmino Sossio , Triolo Roberto
Published: January 2003

The structure, morphology, and crystallization behavior of a random ethylene–propylene copolymer, containing 2 wt % ethylene sequences, are analyzed and compared with those of a plain polypropylene sample by means of optical and scanning microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and calorimetry. For the copolymer, different polymorphs (α, γ and smectic modifications) and morphologies can be obtained through changes in the crystallization and annealing conditions. The analysis of the structural results suggests that the γ phase of isotactic polypropylene can be generated for high molecular mass samples with drastic decreases in the undercooling. The spherulite growth rate (G) data, in conjunction with the crystallization temperatures (Tc's), are obtained with the procedure suggested by Chung and Chen and modified by Silvestre et al. The results demonstrate that the presence of ethylene sequences reduces G at a given value of Tc. It is hypothesized that at atmospheric pressure and Tc = 110–128 °C, the different polymorphs have different crystallization growth rates (Gγ < Gα < Gβ). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 493–500, 2003
Interactions between inorganic salts and polyacrylamide in aqueous solutions and gels
Authors: Livney Yoav D. , Portnaya Irina , Faupin Benjamin , Ramon Ory , Cohen Yachin , Cogan Uri , Mizrahi Shimon
Published: January 2003

The swelling of poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) gels and the osmotic pressure of linear PAAm in aqueous solutions were predominantly affected by anion type and increased according to the lyotropic series ranking of sodium halide anions: F− < (H2O) < Cl− < Br− < I−. The osmotic pressure of PAAm in all examined salt solutions followed the scaling theory, with an exponent of 2.3 ± 0.1. In solutions of a sodium halide series, the value of the pre‐exponential factor seemed to depend on salt concentration, anion radius, and the apparent “anionic‐portion radius” of the water molecule. This radius, extracted from the literature data, marks a transition point of the anion radius effect. Larger anions increase the osmotic pressure of PAAm more significantly as their concentration increases and vice versa. The effects of the anions on the osmotic pressure of PAAm are related to their preferential interactions with the polymer. Iodide, which increased the osmotic pressure of PAAm with respect to its value in pure water, seemed to preferentially adsorb onto the polymer with a binding constant of Kb = 9.7 ± 2.0 M−1 determined by isothermal titration microcalorimetry. However, fluoride, which decreased the osmotic pressure, was preferentially repulsed. The mechanisms of attraction and repulsion were attributed to ion‐water‐polymer interactions and the solvent quality of the hydrated ions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 508–519, 2003
Breast cancer patients' perceptions of their husbands' support in a cross‐cultural context
Authors: Kagawa‐Singer Marjorie , Wellisch David K.
Published: January 2003

In light of the Western focus in the breast cancer literature on spouse support, this study attempted to investigate ethnic differences in their perceptions of the support provided by their spouses. Forty‐six women who had had breast cancer 6 months to 3 years prior participated in this study. These women were selected from three ethnic groups (13 Euro‐American (EA) women, 18 Chinese‐American women and 15 Japanese‐American women).

The study attempted to assess the women's perceptions at two levels of inquiry. One was based on standardized testing and scales and the second was a qualitative semi‐structured interview. It was hypothesized that few differences would exist in standardized testing, and that cultural differences would be found at the level of semi‐structured interviewing.

Results showed that in fact few differences existed among the three groups on standardized instruments. At the level of qualitative evaluation, however, it appeared that Asian‐American women were expected to be self‐sacrificing and nurturing of husband and family, while EA women were able to be dependent. Another major difference existed around the theme of harmony and intimacy, where Asian‐American women had a goal of harmony over intimacy, while EA women had a goal of intimacy over harmony.

A final major difference was in the area of communication, with both Asian groups appearing to value non‐verbal communication over verbal, while EA women appeared to value verbal communication over non‐verbal. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patients' satisfaction ratings and their desire for care improvement across oncology settings from France, Italy, Poland and Sweden
Authors: Brédart A. , Robertson C. , Razavi D. , Batel‐Copel L. , Larsson G. , Lichosik D. , Meyza J. , Schraub S. , von Essen L. , de Haes J.C.J.M.
Published: January 2003

There has been an increasing interest in patient satisfaction assessment across nations recently. This paper reports on a cross‐cultural comparison of the comprehensive assessment of satisfaction with care (CASC) response scales. We investigated what proportion of patients wanted care improvement for the same level of satisfaction across samples from oncology settings in France, Italy, Poland and Sweden, and whether age, gender, education level and type of items affected the relationships found.

The CASC addresses patient's satisfaction with the care received in oncology hospitals. Patients are invited to rate aspects of care and to mention for each of these aspects, whether they would want improvement.

One hundred and forty, 395, 186 and 133 consecutive patients were approached in oncology settings from France, Italy, Poland and Sweden, respectively.

Across country settings, an increasing percentage of patients wanted care improvement for decreasing levels of satisfaction. However, in France a higher percentage of patients wanted care improvement for high‐satisfaction ratings whereas in Poland a lower percentage of patients wanted care improvement for low‐satisfaction ratings. Age and education level had a similar effect across countries.

Confronting levels of satisfaction with desire for care improvement appeared useful in comprehending the meaning of response choice labels for the CASC across oncology settings from different linguistic and cultural background. Linguistic or socio‐cultural differences were suggested for explaining discrepancies between countries. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative assessment of psychological and psychosocial characteristics of cancer patients and their caregivers
Authors: Rossi Ferrario S. , Zotti A.M. , Massara G. , Nuvolone G.
Published: January 2003

We recruited 50 cancer patients and their caregivers with the aim of extending our knowledge of emotional, personality and psychosocial variables, and comparing their reciprocal experience of the disease. The patients and caregivers were administered four of the questionnaires included in the Cognitive Behavioral Assessment 2.0, the Family Strain Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The patients were characterised by significantly greater emotional disturbances than their caregivers, who were emotionally stable and had a relatively low level of perceived strain despite their high level of hostility and state anxiety. The intra‐scale correlations highlighted the fact that the perception of distress depends on neuroticism and the presence of anxiety and depression (which are themselves known to be connected with neuroticism).

The everyday life of the caregivers seemed to be characterised by restricted social relationships and interests; a relatively large proportion also declared that they had practical problems related to disease management, economics and some embarrassing and stigmatic aspects of the disease itself. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the breast cancer experience of Asian American women
Authors: Tam Ashing Kimlin , Padilla Geraldine , Tejero Judith , Kagawa‐Singer Marjorie
Published: January 2003

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and affects women across all ethnic groups. Although the psychosocial impact of breast cancer is being studied, there is little information on ethnic minorities.

To better understand the breast cancer experience of Asian American women, we conducted key informant and focus group interviews. Six professionals participated in the key informant interviews. A total of 34 Asian American breast cancer survivors participated in focus group interviews, including Korean (n=10), Chinese (n=11), and a mixed Asian group (n=13). The common themes identified in this series of qualitative studies included: lack of knowledge about breast cancer; medical care issues such as cost and amount of time spent with physician; cultural factors related to beliefs about illness, gender role and family obligations (e.g. self‐sacrifice) and language barriers; the importance of spirituality; and psychosocial concerns related to worry about children, burdening the family, body image and sexual health concerns. A primary source of support and coping for Asian American women with breast cancer was their spiritual beliefs. The results from this qualitative study have been used to prepare a survey instrument to examine these issues in a larger sample of Asian American women. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mental adjustment to cancer (MAC) scale: French replication and assessment of positive and negative adjustment dimensions
Authors: Cayrou Sandrine , Dickès Paul , Gauvain‐Piquard Annie , Rogé Bernadette
Published: January 2003

The Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale was validated on a heterogeneous French sample of 317 cancer patients. Internal consistency was satisfactory for the original subscales (α coefficients=0.62–0.80), except for the Fatalism subscale (α=0.40). The intercorrelations of the subscales and the correlations between the subscales and Anxiety and Depression criteria were congruent with the values reported in the literature. Multidimensional Scaling revealed three positive and three negative subsets of items revealing adjustment to cancer. Congeneric factor analysis of the subsets was performed with LISREL 8.3 and only three of them (after discarding certain items) were retained: Fighting Spirit (FS) Hopelessness/Helplessness (HH) and Anxious Preoccupation (AP). A confirmatory hierarchical factor analysis on the 21 items included showed that FS measured positive adjustment to cancer and HH and AP measured negative adjustment. A differential adjustment hypothesis was proposed in order to explain the stability and instability of the measures of the diverse constructs. The three revised subscales showed the same validity pattern as the corresponding original scales, but the magnitude of the correlations was considerably improved with respect to the original subscales. The practical and the theoretical importance of FS, HH and AP are emphasized. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between cancer locus of control and complementary and alternative medicine use by women diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Henderson Jessica W. , Donatelle Rebecca J.
Published: January 2003

Research has shown that perceptions of control influence health‐related behavior and outcomes. This study explored the influence of the control constructs in the context of the theory of cognitive adaptation to the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among 551 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Portland, Oregon. The majority of these women had high perceptions of cancer control and used one or more types of CAM therapy. Multinomial logistical regression indicated that higher perceptions of control over the course and cause of cancer significantly predicted CAM use. The model combining sociodemographic variables (age, education and type of health insurance) and control variables explained more variation (R2=0.23) in predicting CAM use than the model with only sociodemographic variables (R2=0.14), indicating that perceptions of control over the cause and the course of cancer had an independent significant influence. It was concluded that the assessment of control constructs from the theory of cognitive adaptation is useful for studying CAM use among women diagnosed with breast cancer and that understanding the meanings that lie behind the decisions to use these therapies are essential for health care providers who are promoting the health and well‐being of their patients. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone marrow donation in childhood: one donor's perspective
Authors: Parmar Gurpreet , Wu John W.Y. , Chan Ka Wah
Published: January 2003

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is an established treatment modality for leukemia, hematologic disorders and inborn errors of metabolism. while the focus of attention is the transplant recipient, the bone marrow donor (often a sibling) is both physically and emotionally involved in the process. Few reports have been written from the donor's perspective, however. One of the authors of this report (G.P.) was a marrow donor as a child, and he reflects on this experience at the completion of his first year of training in medical school. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The emotional response of families to children with leukemia at the lower socio‐economic level in central Mexico: A preliminary report
Authors: Rocha‐García Arnoldo , Álvarez Del Río Asunción , Hérnandez‐Peña Patricia , Martínez‐García María Del Carmen , Marín‐Palomares T , Lazcano‐Ponce Eduardo
Published: January 2003

Little research has been done in developing countries on the emotional impact experienced by families who have a child diagnosed with leukemia. This preliminary study looked at parents in Mexico who had to cope with their child's leukemia in the face of meager financial and social resources. The 51 children in the study were under 15 years and being treated for leukemia in hospitals affiliated with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) where their parents were interviewed using a questionnaire to ascertain their emotional responses to the illness. The data are analyzed and reported in five domains: perceived illness; psychological impact; coping strategies; family relationships; socio‐economic impact. A strengthening of family bonds was found the most common response (82.4%). The second most common responses were concern for the expenses incurred by the illness and the time dedicated to caring for the sick child (both 78.4%). It is especially important to assess families with meager social and financial resources as to their emotional responses to life‐threatening illness because these limitations impose greater burdens and make coping more difficult. Psychosocial interventions are key to ensuring adequate treatment of the child in these circumstances. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinvasive, antiangiogenic and antitumour activity of Ephedra sinica extract
Authors: Nam Nguyen‐Hai , Lee Chang‐Woo , Hong Dong‐Ho , Kim Hwan‐Mook , Bae Ki‐Hwan , Ahn Byung‐Zun
Published: January 2003

A water fraction (EW), the remaining water phase from the methanol extract of Ephedra sinica after extraction with ethyl acetate and butanol, has been investigated for its antiangiogenic, antiinvasive and antitumour activities. It was observed that EW, at 30 μg/mL, a non‐cytotoxic concentration, inhibited the tube formation induced by human umbilical venous endothelial cells and the invasion of B16F10 melanoma cells through a matrix membrane by more than 90%. At 30  mg/kg/day, the inhibitory activity of EW on the growth of a tumour mass in BDF1 mice inoculated with B16‐F10 murine melanoma cells was comparable to that of adriamycin (ADR) administered at 2  mg/kg/day. From these results, it could be postulated that the antitumour activity of the water fraction might be attributed to its antiangiogenic and antiinvasive activities. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Legal and ethical considerations for genetic clinical research
Authors: Beach Judith E. , Goolsby William A.
Published: January 2003

From the trend in modern medicine toward the study of genes and their contribution to the development of disease has evolved an increased awareness of ‘the diversity of genetic fingerprints among individuals’ [1]. The incorporation of this knowledge into the technologies of the pharmaceutical industry has led to the emerging field of ‘pharmacogenomics’; that is, the process of identifying the differences in genetic sequences between individuals and developing therapies [2] as ‘personal medicines’ [3]. For example, a drug used as a muscle relaxant during surgery, suxamethonium, was found to be lethal to patients who possessed a rare version of a gene involved in nerve transmission so that now those who receive this drug are tested for this specific gene [4].

Although pharmacogenomics promises great possibilities for the future of medicine, it does involve ethical and legal considerations that must be considered. Indeed, potential misuses of genetic information, such as discrimination in obtaining health insurance and in the workplace, need to be addressed. Genetic testing practices remain more advanced than the national and international laws governing the appropriate use of genetics. Although there is no national law in the United States that specifically addresses DNA and genetic privacy, several federal regulations would apply indirectly to the protection of this information and state legislators have successfully passed numerous state laws. Professional associations and private organizations have issued several guidelines for genetic testing practices.

The purpose of this report is to provide a picture of the legal and ethical ramifications of genetic testing in clinical research. The genetic testing issue is presented herein in the categories of national, international, and state laws, policies, regulations and guidelines. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlocal energy density functionals: Models plus some exact general results
Authors: March N. H.
Published: January 2003

Holas and March (Phys Rev 1995 A51, 2040) gave a formally exact expression for the force −∂Vxc(r)/∂r associated with the exchange‐correlation potential Vxc(r) of density functional theory. This forged a precise link between first‐ and second‐order density matrices and Vxc(r). Here models are presented in which these low‐order matrices can be related to the ground‐state electron density. This allows nonlocal energy density functionals to be constructed within the framework of such models. Finally, results emerging from these models have led to the derivation of some exact “nuclear cusp” relations for exchange and correlation energy densities in molecules, clusters, and condensed phases. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003