bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health nurse supplementary prescribing: mapping progress 1 year after implementation
Authors: Gray Richard , Parr Ann-Marie , Brimblecombe Neil
Published: July 2005

Aims and Method

A postal questionnaire survey was conducted of the directors of nursing of all mental health NHS trusts in England, in order to examine current activities and attitudes regarding nurse supplementary prescribing (NSP) in psychiatric settings.

Results

Fifty-four per cent of nurse directors returned the questionnaire. They perceived that NSP was an important means for improving patient care and treatment, particularly in community settings. In their opinion, psychiatrists were generally not opposed to its introduction. To date, relatively few mental health nurses have received training in NSP.

Clinical Implications

Directors of nursing have positive views and experiences of NSP. Widespread implementation of NSP is likely to occur over the next few years and psychiatrists will need to consider how this will impact on their role.
A medication error reporting scheme: analysis of the first 12 months
Authors: Maidment Ian D. , Thorn Angie
Published: July 2005

Aims and Method

A new medication error reporting scheme (‘Safemed’) was introduced within the East Kent NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust. All medication incidents reported using this system in the first year were analysed by the Chief Pharmacist.

Results

Over a 12-month period a total of 66 incidents were reported through Safemed, compared with 55 incidents under the previous system. The low level of reporting made detailed statistical analysis and drawing meaningful conclusions problematic. There was a large variability in reporting between similar sites.

Clinical Implications

The low level of reporting was associated with cultural factors, in particular the failure to fully implement a ‘no blame’ culture. Until such a culture is established, reporting will remain variable and a systems approach to preventing medication errors will not be adopted, leading to significant clinical risk.
Lessons from and for Japan on service delivery
Authors: Kennedy Peter
Published: July 2005

On a recent visit to Japan, I saw some good quality care of patients with chronic schizophrenia in a rural mental hospital. The Japanese staff were keen to hear about community care alternatives being developed in Britain. However, being a strong protagonist of community care, who has managed the closure of three English mental hospitals, I found myself recommending caution. There are lessons for Japan from the mistakes we have made; and there may be lessons for us in the ways Japan manages delivery of its mental health services.
The steep learning curve of medical education
Authors: El-Sayeh Hany George , Waller Robert , Budd Simon , Holmes John
Published: July 2005

This article focuses on the complex issues surrounding the need for adequate training in medical education for all clinicians. Many recent landmark papers, including guidance from the General Medical Council, have expressed the importance of formal training. Although the article points out that the majority of clinicians will probably not need to attend such courses, a few generic skills in teaching large and small groups may be of benefit to most. The authors call for the recognition of teaching duties in psychiatrist's contracts and discuss the wider implications of sound medical teaching for the recruitment and retention crisis in psychiatry.
Noninvasive Measures of Reproductive Function and Disturbance in the Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Spotted Owl
Authors: WASSER SAMUEL K. , HUNT KATHLEEN E.
Published: July 2005

Abstract: There is an urgent need for noninvasive methods to study reproduction and environmental stress in at‐risk species such as the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Two related owl species (barred owl and great horned owl) were used as surrogates to validate hormone assays for fecal metabolites of progesterone, 17β‐estradiol, testosterone, and corticosterone. Infusions of radiolabeled hormones showed that the owls excreted most hormone within 6 h. Feces and urine contained roughly equal amounts of hormone, and most fecal hormone metabolites were quite polar. The testosterone and corticosterone assays in this study bound to the major excreted metabolites of these hormones, but two progesterone assays did not appreciably bind to the major progesterone metabolites. All assays showed excellent parallelism with hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed samples and with previously dried or undried fecal samples. Thus, samples do not require hydrolysis or prior drying. Samples from a female barred owl had significantly higher fecal estrogen, lower fecal testosterone, and higher fecal estrogen/testosterone ratio than samples from two male barred owls. The fecal estrogen/testosterone ratio was the most accurate predictor of owl gender, particularly if two or more samples are available from the same individual. Fecal corticosterone metabolites also demonstrated considerable utility for wild northern spotted owls. Fecal glucocorticoid levels varied by gender and breeding stage, being highest in male northern spotted owls early in the breeding season and highest in females when nestlings were fledging. Collectively, these studies show that noninvasive fecal hormone measurements show great promise for noninvasive assessment of reproduction and stress in wild owls.
Synthesis of Measuring Steroid Metabolites in Goose Feces
Authors: HIRSCHENHAUSER KATHARINA , KOTRSCHAL KURT , MÖSTL ERICH
Published: July 2005

Abstract: The reliability of noninvasively measuring steroid hormones from feces in greylag geese (Anser anser) and domestic geese (A. domesticus), both qualitatively and quantitatively, was tested experimentally. Geese are mainly herbivorous birds with a short gu‐passage time (2–3 h). Groups of eight outdoor‐housed male domestic geese were subjected to two different experiments, injection of either GnRH or ACTH, which were replicated in three different seasons (spring, summer, and fall). GnRH stimulation resulted in significant increases of response fecal testosterone metabolites (TM; 17β‐OH‐androgens) in spring and fall, but not during the summer photorefractoriness. Testosterone response patterns obtained from plasma samples paralleled those from feces; however, no direct correlation between individual immunoreactive plasma and feces contents was observed. To improve the sample handling during extraction and the assay sensitivity, we promote the use of a group‐specific antibody against 17‐oxoandrogens that does not require deconjugation prior to the analysis. ACTH robustly increased fecal corticosterone in all seasons. The polar nature of glucocorticoids, however, seems to make a distinction between conjugated and nonconjugated types difficult, and the available avian literature on this topic is discussed.
Corticosterone in Chicken Eggs
Authors: RETTENBACHER S. , MÖSTL E , HACKL R , PALME R
Published: July 2005

Abstract: Birds are discussed as models for prenatal stress. In this study, several experiments were conducted to gain basic knowledge of if, how, and when maternal adrenocortical activity is reflected by corticosterone concentrations in the egg. Radiolabeled corticosterone was administered to 10 laying hens to investigate the uptake into as well as the distribution within the eggs. The yolk was dissected in concentric layers and analyzed. Less than 1% of the administered radioactivity entered the egg but was, however, not evenly distributed. On the day after injection, highest radioactivity (Bq/g) was detected in the albumen and the outmost layer, whereas concentration peaked –7 days later in the inner layers. In two other experiments, increased plasma levels of corticosterone were induced by injection of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or feeding of corticosterone. Again, yolk disks were cut in layers and analyzed with a corticosterone enzyme immunoassay. No effect of the ACTH administration was detected, whereas feeding of corticosterone resulted in increased immunoreactive corticosterone concentrations in the yolk. Straight‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separations were also performed to characterize immunoreactive steroids in the yolk. Two close‐eluting peaks at the approximate elution position of corticosterone could be observed after the feeding experiment, whereas in untreated control eggs they were absent. It was concluded that transfer from plasma to egg is low for corticosterone and that further investigations concerning the transport mechanisms and the exact nature of yolk steroids are necessary.
Spatial Behavior of Medium and Long‐Distance Migrants at Stopovers Studied by Radio Tracking
Authors: CHERNETSOV NIKITA
Published: July 2005

Abstract:Spatial behavior and range of movements at daytime stopovers of three species of passerine nocturnal migrants (European robins, sedge warbler, and pied flycatchers) were studied by radio tracking. Both in spring and in fall, 94% of European robins remained within 35–400 m of their landing location (n= 51and 65, respectively). Movements of robins became more area‐restricted with more time spent at stopover. Sedge warblers never moved more than 335 m (n= 12). A reason for this could be their relatively narrow habitat use. However, four of seven pied flycatchers tracked covered at least several kilometers during their daytime movements. Pied flycatchers that moved longer distances also showed higher linearity of movements. Spatial behavior of three species of migrants was probably a result of a complex interaction between their habitat use, foraging habits, and weather conditions. No evidence is available that long‐distance versus short‐distance migratory habits are involved in shaping the spatial behavior of passerine migrants at stopovers.
Estrogen-Induced Abnormally High Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Expression Results in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Authors: Ajonuma Louis Chukwuemeka , Tsang Lai Ling , Zhang Gui Hong , Wong Connie Hau Yan , Lau Miu Ching , Ho Lok Sze , Rowlands Dewi Kenneth , Zhou Chen Xi , Ng Chuen Pei , Chen Jie , Xu Peng Hui , Zhu Jin Xia , Chung Yiu Wa , Chan Hsiao Chang
Published: July 2005

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) remains one of the most life-threatening and potentially fatal complications of assisted reproduction treatments, arising from excessive stimulation of the ovaries by exogenous gonadotropins administrated during in vitro fertilization procedures, which is characterized by massive fluid shift and accumulation in the peritoneal cavity and other organs, including the lungs and the reproductive tract. The pathogenesis of OHSS remains obscure, and no definitive treatments are currently available. Using RT-PCR, Western blot, and electrophysiological techniques we show that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel expressed in many epithelia, is involved in the pathogenesis of OHSS. Upon ovarian hyperstimulation, rats develop OHSS symptoms, with up-regulated CFTR expression and enhanced CFTR channel activity, which can also be mimicked by administration of estrogen, but not progesterone, alone in ovariectomized rats. Administration of progesterone that suppresses CFTR expression or antiserum against CFTR to OHSS animals results in alleviation of the symptoms. Furthermore, ovarian hyperstimulation does not induce detectable OHSS symptoms in CFTR mutant mice. These findings confirm a critical role of CFTR in the pathogenesis of OHSS and may provide grounds for better assisted reproduction treatment strategy to reduce the risk of OHSS and improve in vitro fertilization outcome.
Pleiotrophin Cellular Localization in Nerve Regeneration after Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Blondet Brigitte , Carpentier Gilles , Lafdil Fouad , Courty Jose
Published: July 2005

Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a member of the family of heparin-binding growth factors that displays mitogenic activities and promotes neurite outgrowth in vitro. In vivo, PTN is widely expressed along pathways of developing axons during the late embryonic and early postnatal period. Although the level of PTN gene expression is very low during adulthood, activation of the gene may occur during recovery from injury and seems to play an important role in tissue regeneration processes. In this study, we investigated whether PTN was involved in the regenerative process of injured peripheral nerves. To refer localization of the fluorescent markers to myelinated axons, we developed a specific computer tool for colocalization of fluorescence images with phase contrast images. Immunohistochemical analysis showed PTN in different types of nonneural cells in distal nerve segments, including Schwann cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells, but not in axons. Schwann cells exhibited PTN immunoreactivity as early as 2 days after injury, whereas PTN-positive macrophages were found 1 week later. Strong PTN immunoreactivity was noted in endothelial cells at all time points. These findings support the idea that PTN participates in the adaptive response to peripheral nerve injury. A better understanding of its contribution may suggest new strategies for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.
Uruguay on the World Stage
Authors: Birn Anne-Emanuelle
Published: July 2005

The evolution of international health has typically been assessed from the standpoint of central institutions (international health organizations, foundations, and development agencies) or of one-way diffusion and influence from developed to developing countries.

To deepen understanding of how the international health agenda is shaped, I examined the little-known case of Uruguay and its pioneering role in advancing and institutionalizing child health as an international priority between 1890 and 1950.

The emergence of Uruguay as a node of international health may be explained through the country’s early gauging of its public health progress, its borrowing and adaptation of methods developed overseas, and its broadcasting of its own innovations and shortcomings.
Promoting Stair Use: Single Versus Multiple Stair-Riser Messages
Authors: Webb Oliver J. , Eves Frank F.
Published: July 2005

Message banners attached to stair risers produced a significant increase in pedestrian stair use, exceeding effects previously reported for conventional posters. Multiple instances of the same message banner, however, were as effective as banners featuring different messages. Therefore, greater visibility, rather than message variety, appears to account for the superiority of the banner format. Our findings indicate the feasibility of simple stair-use promotion campaigns based around the repetition of a single message.
Associations Between Obesity and Receipt of Screening Mammography, Papanicolaou Tests, and Influenza Vaccination: Results from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) Study
Authors: Østbye Truls , Taylor Donald H. , Yancy William S. , Krause Katrina M.
Published: July 2005

Objectives. Obese Americans, who receive more care for chronic diseases, may receive fewer preventive services. We evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI) and receipt of screening mammography and Papanicolaou tests among middle-aged women and the association between BMI and receipt of influenza vaccination among the elderly.

Methods. We analyzed 2 datasets: the Health and Retirement Study (4439 women aged 50–61 years) and the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) Study (4045 women and 2154 men aged 70 years or more).

Results. When BMI was greater than 18.5 kg/m2, we found an inverse dose-response relationship between BMI and receipt of screening mammography and Pap tests among White, but not Black, middle-aged women. We found a similar association between BMI and influenza vaccination among the elderly.

Conclusions. Higher BMI was associated with less frequent receipt of preventive services among middle-aged White women and elderly White women and men. The Healthy People 2010 clinical preventive service goals remain elusive, especially for overweight and obese White persons.
Recent Progress in Corrosion and Protection of Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Song G.
Published: July 2005

Magnesium alloys are advanced light structural and functional materials being increasingly used in the automotive, aerospace, electronic, and energy industries. However, their corrosion performance at the current stage of development is still not good enough for increasingly diverse practical applications. The Cooperative Research Centre for Cast Metals Manufacturing (CAST) in Australia is one of the most active research organizations in the world established to cope with the problems associated with the development and application of advanced light metals. Corrosion and prevention of magnesium and its alloys is an important part of CAST's research program. This paper presents a brief summary of recent research achievements by CAST and relevant research work in this area in the world. This overview covers “anodic hydrogen evolution”, estimation of corrosion rate, corrosion of aluminum‐ and non‐aluminum‐containing magnesium alloys, influences of composition and microstructure on corrosion, corrosion of a die‐cast magnesium alloy, galvanic corrosion, coolant corrosion, and an aluminum‐alloyed coating. The aim of this overview is to deepen the current understanding of corrosion and protection of magnesium and its alloys and to provide a base for future research work in this field.
Isolated Metal and Ceramic Micro Parts in the Sub‐Millimeter Range Made by PIM
Authors: Rath S. , Merz L. , Plewa K. , Holzer P. , Gietzelt T. , Hausselt J.
Published: July 2005

The mass production of micro parts is an important step towards the fabrication of integrated micro systems in large scale. Powder injection molding allows to produce parts not only in high quantity but also with reduced or even without finishing. The presented results show that the production of micro parts even in the sub‐millimeter range is possible with this process when specially designed feedstocks, an adapted tool concept and optimized post processing are used.
Oxidation Damage of Spark Plug Electrodes
Authors: Rager J. , Flaig A. , Schneider G. , Kaiser T. , Soldera F. , Mücklich F.
Published: July 2005

Knowledge about the erosion mechanisms of spark plug materials is of fundamental interest for the development of materials with a high resistance against electrode erosion. Endurance tests were performed to study the wear behaviour of platinum, iridium, silver and nickel as electrode materials for spark plugs between 200 and 900 °C. Oxidation must be the dominating mechanism, irrespective of the material. Additional calculations resulted in the suggestion of a plasma‐assisted oxidation process.
Nanoscale Energy Storage Materials Produced by Hydrogen‐Driven Metallurgical Reactions
Authors: Graetz J. , Reilly J. J.
Published: July 2005

Nanoscale energy storage materials offer enhanced kinetics, material stability and gravimetric capacity, with respect to their bulk counterparts. Hydrogen‐driven metallurgical reactions (HDMR) represent a novel method for synthesis of these nanomaterials. Nanoscale and nanocomposite electrodes for Li‐ion batteries synthesized by HDMR demonstrate reversible lithium cycling at low temperature (298 °C). The nanocomposite electrodes are composed of an electrochemically active species (Li‐Sn, Li‐Al‐Sn and Li‐Al‐Si) imbedded within an inert Li2O matrix. These electrodes are prepared in the charged state and therefore do not suffer from the first cycle capacity loss that is characteristic of the intermetallic anodes. This novel synthesis technique may also be applied to the preparation of new hydrogen storage compounds.
Gold Nanocages: Engineering Their Structure for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Chen J. , Wiley B. , Li Z.‐Y. , Campbell D. , Saeki F. , Cang H. , Au L. , Lee J. , Li X. , Xia Y.
Published: July 2005

The galvanic replacement reaction between a Ag template and HAuCl4 in an aqueous solution transforms 30–200 nm Ag nanocubes into Au nanoboxes and nanocages (nanoboxes with porous walls). By controlling the molar ratio of Ag to HAuCl4, the extinction peak of resultant structures can be continuously tuned from the blue (400 nm) to the near‐infrared (1200 nm) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. These hollow Au nanostructures are characterized by extraordinarily large cross‐sections for both absorption and scattering. Optical coherence tomography measurements indicate that the 36 nm nanocage has a scattering cross‐section of ∼ 0.8 × 10–15 m2 and an absorption cross‐section of ∼ 7.3 × 10–15 m2. The absorption cross‐section is more than five orders of magnitude larger than those of conventional organic dyes. Exposure of Au nanocages to a camera flash resulted in the melting and conversion of Au nanocages into spherical particles due to photothermal heating. Discrete‐dipole‐approximation calculations suggest that the magnitudes of both scattering and absorption cross‐sections of Au nanocages can be tailored by controlling their dimensions, as well as the thickness and porosity of their walls. This novel class of hollow nanostructures is expected to find use as both a contrast agent for optical imaging in early stage tumor detection and as a therapeutic agent for photothermal cancer treatment.
Microcephaly is not mandatory for the diagnosis of mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome
Authors: Callier P. , Faivre L. , Cusin V. , Marle N. , Thauvin‐Robinet C. , Sandre D. , Rousseau T. , Sagot P. , Lacombe E. , Faber V. , Mugneret F.
Published: July 2005

The phenotype of mosaic variegated aneuploidy (MVA) syndrome is characterized by severe microcephaly, growth deficiency, mental retardation, and mild physical anomalies. The MVA syndrome is associated with mosaicism for several different aneuploidies involving many different chromosomes with or without premature centromere division (PCD). To date 28 cases of MVA syndrome have been reported. We report the first case of MVA syndrome without microcephaly. The clinical features in our patient included craniofacial dysmorphic features, growth retardation, and developmental delay. Cytogenetics analyses and FISH studies showed multiple aneuploidy with trisomy 18, 19, and 8, respectively in blood lymphocyte and fibroblastes without PCD. This case is compared with the other of MVA syndrome previously reported in literature. From this case report, we suggest that microcephaly is not mandatory for the diagnosis of MVA syndrome. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nomenklatur der Fullerene C60‐Ih und C70‐D5h(6)
Authors: Thilgen Carlo
Published: July 2005

Fullerene sind neue Kohlenstoffallotrope mit einer geschlossenen Käfigstruktur, die eine gerade Zahl von dreifach koordinierten Kohlenstoffatomen und keine Wasserstoffatome enthalten. Diese Verbindungsklasse war ursprünglich auf geschlossene, aus Sechsringen und exakt zwölf isolierten Fünfringen bestehende Käfigstrukturen beschränkt. Es war einerseits klar, dass sich die bestehende Nomenklatur für organische Ringverbindungen auf diese Strukturen anwenden lässt, dabei jedoch zu äußerst sperrigen und unpraktischen Namen führen würde, andererseits, dass die etablierten Prinzipien der organischen Nomenklatur, gegebenenfalls nach einer Anpassung, unter Verwendung des Klassennamens “Fulleren” eine einheitliche Nomenklatur für diese einzigartige Verbindungsklasse zuließen. Allerdings musste dazu ein völlig neues Verfahren zur eindeutigen Nummerierung der Atome geschlossener Käfigstrukturen entwickelt werden. Im Folgenden werden Empfehlungen zur Benennung und eindeutigen Bezifferung der beiden häufigsten Fullerene mit isolierten Fünfringen, C60‐Ih und C70‐D5h(6), zur Anwendung der Prinzipien organischer Nomenklatur auf nicht geschlossene Käfigstrukturen, Heterofullerene, Derivate von Hydrofullerenen und Fullerene mit anellierten organischen Ringen oder Ringsystemen, zur Benennung von Strukturen mit zwei oder mehr Fullereneinheiten sowie zur Beschreibung der Konfiguration von chiralen Fullerenen und chiralen Fullerenderivaten vorgestellt.
Application of fractional calculus to the modeling of dielectric relaxation phenomena in polymeric materials
Authors: Reyes‐Melo E. , Martinez‐Vega J. , Guerrero‐Salazar C. , Ortiz‐Mendez U.
Published: July 2005

A model based on the concept of fractional calculus is proposed for the description of the relative complex permittivity (ε*r = ε′r − iε′r, where ε′r and ε″r are the real and imaginary parts of ε*r) in polymeric materials. This model takes into account three dielectric relaxation phenomena. The differential equations obtained for this model have derivatives of fractional order between 0 and 1. Applying the Fourier transform to fractional differential equations and considering that each relaxation mode is associated with cooperative or noncooperative movements, we have calculated ε*r(iω,T) (where ω is the angular frequency and T is the temperature). The isothermal and isochronal diagrams obtained from the proposed model of ε′r and ε″r clearly show three dielectric relaxation phenomena; in the isochronal case, each relaxation mode manifests by an increase in ε′r with increasing temperature, and this behavior is associated with a peak of ε″r(T) in each case. The model is matched with the experimental data on poly(ethylene naphthalene 2,6‐dicarboxylate) (PEN) to justify its validity. Poly(ethylene 2, 6–naphthalene dicarboxylate) (PEN) is a semicrystalline polymer that displays three dielectric relaxation processes: β, β*, and α. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 923–935, 2005
Preparation and characterization of wood polyalcohol‐based isocyanate adhesives
Authors: Tohmura Shin‐Ichiro , Li Gai‐Yun , Qin Te‐Fu
Published: July 2005

Sugi (Criptmeria Japonica) wood meal was liquefied at 150°C with a mixture of poly(ethylene glycol) 400 and glycerin in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst. The resulting liquefaction products were used directly to prepare isocyanate adhesives via mixing with polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate without the removal of the residue. The properties of the liquefaction products and the performances of bonded plywood were tested. The results showed that the residue content decreased and the hydroxyl value increased as the reaction time increased. The viscosity and weight‐average molecular weight significantly changed with the reaction time. All the dry test results of the shear strength met the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS) criteria for plywood. After a cyclic steaming treatment, however, only the plywood bonding with adhesives from the liquefied wood with a reaction time of 1.5 h satisfied the JAS criteria. The wood failure was very low. The emissions of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were extremely low. Liquefied‐wood‐based isocyanate adhesives have the potential to become ideal wood adhesives because of their bond durability, safety, and recyclability.
Characterization of castor oil based polyurethane films prepared with N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone as a solvent
Authors: Malmonge J. A. , Dos Santos M. A. , Malmonge L. F. , Kanda D. H. F. , Chierice G. O. , Sakamoto W. K.
Published: July 2005

Molecular mobility in castor oil based polyurethane was investigated with thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements and alternating‐current (ac) dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. Three peaks could be observed in TSDC thermograms from 173 to 373 K. The relaxation located at 213 K could be attributed to the change in the molecular chain due to the interaction between the isocyanate and the solvent, and it was well fitted with the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equation. The other two peaks were located at 274 and 365 K and could be attributed to interfacial polarization and space charge, respectively. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 746–749, 2005
Effects of polydimethylsiloxane grafting on the calcification, physical properties, and biocompatibility of polyurethane in a heart valve
Authors: Dabagh Mahsa , Abdekhodaie M. J. , Khorasani M. T.
Published: July 2005

Segmented polyurethane (PU) has proven to be the best biomaterial for artificial heart valves, but the calcification of polyurethane surfaces causes serious problems in long‐term implants. This work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) grafting on the calcification, biocompatibility, and blood compatibility of polyurethane. A grafted polyurethane film was compared with virgin polyurethane surfaces. Physical properties of the samples were examined using different techniques. The hydrophobicity of the polyurethane films increased as a result of silicone modification. The effects of surface modification of polyurethane films on their calcification and fibroblast cell (L 929) and platelet behavior were evaluated in vitro. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the direct involvement of the polyether soft segments of the polymer in the calcification process. Scanning electron microscopy of films indicated that grafting of silicone rubber to the surface of polyurethane successfully prevented the calcification process. The morphology of fibroblast cells that adhered to the PU films and modified films was similar to that of controls and showed the same proliferation. On the other hand, grafting PDMS onto PU did not affect the amount of platelets that adhered to the polyurethane surfaces. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 758–766, 2005
Water absorption and hygrothermal aging study on organomontmorillonite reinforced polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Chow W. S. , Abu Bakar A. , Mohd Ishak Z. A.
Published: July 2005

The water absorption and hygrothermal aging behavior of organomontmorillonite (OMMT) reinforced polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP ratio = 70/30), with and without maleated PP (MAH‐g‐PP), was studied at three different temperatures (30, 60, and 90°C). The water absorption and hygrothermal aging response of the composites was studied and analyzed by tensile tests and morphology assessment (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy), indicating the effect of the immersion temperature, OMMT, and MAH‐g‐PP compatibilizer. The mathematical treatment used in analyzing the data was the single free phase model of diffusion, which assumed Fickian diffusion and utilized Fick's second law of diffusion. The kinetics of water absorption of the PA6/PP nanocomposites conformed to Fickian law behavior, whereby the initial moisture absorption follows a linear relationship between the percentage gain at any time t and t1/2 (the square root of time), followed by saturation. It was found that the equilibrium moisture content and the diffusion coefficient are dependent on the OMMT loading, MAH‐g‐PP concentration, and immersion temperatures. Both the tensile modulus and strength of the PA6/PP nanocomposites deteriorated after being exposed to hygrothermal aging. MAH‐g‐PP acted as a good compatibilizer for PA6/PP/OMMT nanocomposites, which was attributed to its higher retention ability in modulus and strength (in the wet and redried states), lower equilibrium moisture content, and reduced water diffusivity of the nanocomposites. Morphological sketches for both uncompatibilized and MAH‐g‐PP compatibilized PA6/PP/OMMT nanocomposites, toward water uptake are proposed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 780–790, 2005
Woven glass fabric/polyester composites: effect of interface tailoring on water absorption
Authors: Pavlidou S. , Krassa K. , Papaspyrides C. D.
Published: July 2005

An experimental investigation was carried out to study the effect of different surface treatments on the moisture absorption behavior of glass fabric/polyester composites. The materials under study included composites containing clean glass fabrics, fabrics treated with a silane coupling agent, and fabrics coated with a poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomer. Weight gain data versus time of immersion were collected at three immersion temperatures and water uptake at equilibrium as well as apparent diffusion coefficients were calculated. The interlaminar shear strength was also measured at the initial dry state and at different stages of the absorption process to estimate the interfacial contribution to sorption behavior. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 843–851, 2005
Reactive blending of poly(L‐lactic acid) with poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Lee Choon Mee , Kim Eung Su , Yoon Jin‐San
Published: July 2005

Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) was blended with poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) in the presence of an esterification catalyst to induce reaction between the hydroxyl groups of EVOH and the terminal carboxylic group of PLLA. Nascent low‐molecular‐weight PLLA, obtained from a direct condensation polymerization of L‐lactic acid in bulk state, was used for the blending. Domain size of the PLLA phase in the graft copolymer was much smaller than that corresponding to a PLLA/EVOH simple blend. The mechanical properties of the graft copolymer were far superior to those of the simple blend, and the graft copolymer exhibited excellent mechanical properties even though the biodegradable fraction substantially exceeded the percolation level. The grafted PLLA reduced the crystallization rate of the EVOH moiety. Melting peak temperature (Tm) of the PLLA phase was not observed until the content of PLLA in the graft reaction medium went over 60 wt %. The modified Sturm test results demonstrated that biodegradation of EVOH‐g‐PLLA took place more slowly than that of an EVOH/PLLA simple blend, indicating that the chemically bound PLLA moiety was less susceptible to microbial attack than PLLA in the simple blend. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 886–890, 2005
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and AC electrical conductivity studies of chitin and its derivatives
Authors: Seoudi R. , Nada A. M. A. , Abd Elmongy S. , Hamed S. S.
Published: July 2005

The vibrational modes and the purity index of chitin and its derivatives as biopolymers are studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the wavenumber range from 4000 to 400 cm−1. The absorption bands of chitin and its derivatives are assigned. New bands appeared at 1419, 1209, 915, and 800 cm−1 for chitin derivatives due to the change of vibrational modes. The purity indexes are calculated from the ratio of the absorption band of C = O at 1662 cm−1 and OH at 3443 cm−1. Generally, the purity indexes of chitin derivatives are higher than that of chitin, which is due to the decrease of OH. The dielectric properties such as the real part of the dielectric constant (ε′) and loss tangent tan (δ) are measured as a function of temperature at different frequencies ranging from 200 to 2000 kHz. The increase of (ε′) and tan (δ) with increasing temperature is discussed on the basis of increasing polarizability and the decrease with increasing frequency can be attributed to the dielectric dispersion. AC electrical conductivities as a function of the reciprocal of the absolute temperature are also discussed. The mechanism of the charge carrier is discussed as a tunneling model in the temperature range from 300 to 360 K. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 936–943, 2005
Microbubble‐enhanced ultrasound exposure promotes uptake of methotrexate into synovial cells and enhanced antiinflammatory effects in the knees of rabbits with antigen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Nakaya Hiroyuki , Shimizu Tominaga , Isobe Ken‐Ichi , Tensho Keiji , Okabe Takahiro , Nakamura Yukio , Nawata Masashi , Yoshikawa Hideki , Takaoka Kunio , Wakitani Shigeyuki
Published: July 2005

Objective

To evaluate whether microbubble‐enhanced ultrasound (US) treatment promotes the delivery of methotrexate (MTX) into synovial cells and the enhanced antiinflammatory effects of intraarticular MTX therapy in a rabbit arthritis model.

Methods

Arthritis was induced in both knees of 53 rabbits by immunization with ovalbumin. MTX including a microbubble agent was then injected into the left and right knee joints, and the right knees were exposed to US (MTX+/US+ group), while the left knees were not (MTX+/US− group). The knee joints were evaluated histologically in 7 rabbits at 5 time points up to day 56. Quantitative gene expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in synovial tissue was measured on days 7 and 28. Eight rabbits were used for the measurement of MTX concentration in synovial tissue 12 hours after treatment. To evaluate the effect of microbubble‐enhanced US treatment in the absence of MTX, only the microbubble agent was injected into the left and right knee joints of 10 rabbits with or without US exposure, and these animals were evaluated histologically on days 7 and 28.

Results

The MTX concentration in synovial tissue was significantly higher in the MTX+/US+ group than in the MTX+/US− group. Synovial inflammation was less prominent in the MTX+/US+ group compared with the MTX+/US− group, judging from the results of the histologic evaluation and the gene expression levels of IL‐1β in synovial tissue. It also appeared that microbubble‐enhanced US exposure itself did not affect inflammation.

Conclusion

Microbubble‐enhanced US exposure promoted the uptake of MTX into synovial cells, which resulted in enhancement of the antiinflammatory effects of the intraarticular MTX injection. These results suggest that application of this technique may have clinical benefit.
Genetically based resistance to the antiinflammatory effects of methotrexate in the air‐pouch model of acute inflammation
Authors: Delano David L. , Montesinos M. Carmen , Desai Avani , Wilder Tuere , Fernandez Patricia , D'Eustachio Peter , Wiltshire Tim , Cronstein Bruce N.
Published: July 2005

Objective

Low‐dose methotrexate (MTX), a mainstay in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is effective in only 60–70% of patients, a finding mirrored by poor antiinflammatory efficacy in some animal models, most notably collagen‐induced arthritis. To determine whether genetic factors or the model itself is responsible for the poor response to MTX, we directly compared the responses of 4 inbred mouse strains to MTX in the air‐pouch model of acute inflammation.

Methods

The exudate leukocyte count and adenosine concentration were determined in inbred mice treated with MTX (0.75 mg/kg intraperitoneally every week for 4 weeks) or vehicle 4 hours after injection of carrageenan into the air pouch using previously described methods. Quantitative trait locus mapping was performed using an in silico, or computer‐based, method to identify loci potentially associated with each phenotype.

Results

MTX significantly reduced the exudate leukocyte count in C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice, but not DBA/1J (the strain used in the collagen‐induced arthritis model) or DBA/2J mice. In a parallel manner, MTX increased adenosine concentration in inflammatory exudates of C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice, but not DBA/1J or DBA/2J mice. Antiinflammatory and adenosine responses to MTX in DBA/1J × C57BL/6J F1 and F2 offspring were most consistent with single genetic loci being responsible for each phenotype. In silico mapping identified partially overlapping loci containing candidate genes involved in both responses.

Conclusion

Genetic factors contribute to the antiinflammatory efficacy of MTX, and a single locus involved in MTX‐induced adenosine up‐regulation is likely responsible for the observed resistance to MTX in DBA/1J mice.
Exposure to ELF magnetic field tuned to Zn inhibits growth of cancer cells
Authors: Sarimov Ruslan , Markova Eva , Johansson Fredrick , Jenssen Dag , Belyaev Igor
Published: July 2005

The effects of ELF alternating magnetic fields tuned to Zn2+ on the growth of cancer cells with different status of p53 were investigated using a cell proliferation assay. Human cancer cells HeLa (cervix cancer, p53+/+), Saos‐2 and Saos‐2‐His‐273 (osteosarcoma, p53−/− and p53 His‐273 mutant, respectively), H1299tTA and H1299tTA‐His175 (lung carcinoma, p53−/− and p53 His‐175 mutant), and normal human fibroblasts VH‐10 (p53+/+) were used. Exposure parameters were calculated for the first harmonic of Zn2+ based either on the magnetic parametric resonance (MPR) model of Lednev or the ion parametric resonance (IPR) model of Blanchard and Blackman. ELF exposure was for 72 and 96 h. The vertical alternating field was 20 Hz at amplitudes of either 38.7 or 77.4 μT (peaks, IPR or MPR, respectively). The vertical static magnetic field was 43 μT, and the horizontal static magnetic field was zeroed. Treatments of cells with PRIMA‐1 and γ‐rays were used as positive controls. Growth inhibition was observed in cells after exposure to ELF at 38.7 μT. Inhibition of HeLa, VH‐10, and Saos‐2‐His‐273 cells was statistically significant, P = 0.0003, 0.02, and 0.006, respectively. No consistent ELF effects following exposure 77.4 μT were seen. PRIMA‐1 inhibited the growth of all cell lines with the strongest effect in mutant p53‐carrying cell line H1299tTA‐His175. The effects of γ‐rays were relatively weak, suggesting that the cell proliferation assay under conditions employed in this study is not very sensitive to apoptosis. In conclusion, ELF under conditions of exposure tuned to Zn2+ according to the IPR model inhibited the growth of cancer and normal cells. No clear relationship of the observed growth inhibition to p53 status was found. Further experiments, using complementary techniques, are required to test whether p53 reactivation by ELF is feasible. Bioelectromagnetics 26: 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anomaly of the supraclavicular nerve: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Salter E. George , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: July 2005

We report a male cadaver found to have his right intermediate branch of the supraclavicular nerve piercing the clavicle. No other anomalies were found in this specimen. Following a review of the literature, it appears that symptoms related to this finding are rare but do occur most commonly involving the intermediate branch of the supraclavicular nerve. Symptoms may be alleviated with surgical decompression of the entrapped nerve. Although rare, the clinician should include entrapment of the supraclavicular nerve within the clavicle in their differential diagnosis of shoulder pain. Clin. Ant. 19:599–601, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Density Functional Theory Study on the Electrocyclization of 1,2,4,6‐Heptatetraene Analogues: Converting a Pericyclic to a Pseudopericyclic Reaction
Authors: Cabaleiro‐Lago Enrique M. , Rodríguez‐Otero Jesús , García‐López Rosa M. , Peña‐Gallego Angeles , Hermida‐Ramón Jose M.
Published: July 2005

A comprehensive B3LYP/6‐31+G* study on the electrocyclization of 1,2,4,6‐heptatetraene analogues was conducted. Starting from the cyclization of (2Z)‐2,4,5‐hexatrienal, a pericyclic disrotatory process favored by the assistance of a electron lone pair, we incorporated small modifications in its molecular structure to obtain a truly pseudopericyclic process. To this purpose electronegative atoms (fluorine and nitrogen) were added to give a more electrophilic character on the carbon atom which is attacked by the electron lone pair of the oxygen atom. The complete pathway for each reaction was determined, and changes in magnetic properties were monitored with a view to estimating the aromatization associated with each process. This information, together with the energetic and structural results, allowed us to classify the reactions as pseudopericyclic or pericyclic. Among all studied reactions only one was a truly pseudopericyclic process and another was a borderline case. The features of this unequivocally pseudopericyclic case were analyzed in depth.
Anion Recognition by Neutral Macrocyclic Amides
Authors: Chmielewski Michał J. , Jurczak Janusz
Published: July 2005

Although amides often serve as anchoring groups in natural and synthetic anion receptors, the structure–affinity relationship studies of amide‐based macrocyclic receptors are still very limited. Therefore, we decided to investigate the influence of the size of the macroring on the strength and selectivity of anion binding by uncharged, amide‐based receptors. With this aim, we synthesized a series of macrocyclic tetraamides derived from 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid and aliphatic α,ω‐diamines of different lengths. X‐ray analysis shows that all ligands studied adopt expanded conformations in the solid state with the convergent arrangement of all four hydrogen‐bond donors. 1H NMR titrations in DMSO solution revealed a significant effect of the ring size on the stability constants of anion complexes; the 20‐membered macrocyclic tetraamide 2 is a better anion receptor than its both 18‐ and 24‐membered analogues. This effect cannot be interpreted exclusively in terms of matching between anion diameter and the size of macrocyclic cavity, because 2 forms the most stable complexes with all anions studied, irrespective of their sizes. However, geometric complementarity manifests in extraordinarily high affinity of 2 towards the chloride anion. The results obtained for solutions were interpreted in the light of solid‐state structural studies. Taken together, these data suggest that anion binding by this family of macrocycles is governed by competitive interplay between their ability to adjust to a guest, requiring longer aliphatic spacers, and preorganization, calling for shorter spacers. The 20‐membered receptor 2 is a good compromise between these factors and, therefore, it was selected as a promising leading structure for further development of anion receptors. Furthermore, the study of an open chain analogue of 2 revealed a substantial macrocyclic effect. X‐ray structure of the acyclic model 14 suggests that this may be due to its ill‐preorganized conformation, stabilized by two intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
When are Two Waters Worse Than One? Doubling the Hydration Number of a Gd–DTPA Derivative Decreases Relaxivity
Authors: Caravan Peter , Amedio John C. , Dunham Stephen U. , Greenfield Matthew T. , Cloutier Normand J. , McDermid Sarah A. , Spiller Marga , Zech Stephan G. , Looby Richard J. , Raitsimring Arnold M. , McMurry Thomas J. , Lauffer Randall B.
Published: July 2005

The synthesis of a novel ligand, based on N‐methyl‐diethylenetriaminetetraacetate and containing a diphenylcyclohexyl serum albumin binding group (L 1) is described and the coordination chemistry and biophysical properties of its GdIII complex Gd–L 1 are reported. The GdIII complex of the diethylenetriaminepentaacetate analogue of the ligand described here (L 2) is the MRI contrast agent MS‐325. The effect of converting an acetate to a methyl group on metal–ligand stability, hydration number, water‐exchange rate, relaxivity, and binding to the protein human serum albumin (HSA) is explored. The complex Gd–L 1 has two coordinated water molecules in solution, that is, [Gd(L 1)(H2O)2]2− as shown by D‐band proton ENDOR spectroscopy and implied by 1H and 17O NMR relaxation rate measurements. The GdHwater distance of the coordinated waters was found to be identical to that found for Gd–L 2, 3.08 Å. Loss of the acetate group destabilizes the GdIII complex by 1.7 log units (log KML=20.34) relative to the complex with L 2. The affinity of Gd–L 1 for HSA is essentially the same as that of Gd–L 2. The water‐exchange rate of the two coordinated waters on Gd–L 1 (kex=4.4×105 s−1) is slowed by an order of magnitude relative to Gd–L 2. As a result of this slow water‐exchange rate, the observed proton relaxivity of Gd–L 1 is much lower in a solution of HSA under physiological conditions (${r{{{\rm obs}\hfill \atop 1\hfill}}}$=22.0 mM−1 s−1 for 0.1 mM Gd–L 1 in 0.67 mM HSA, HEPES buffer, pH 7.4, 35 °C at 20 MHz) than that of Gd–L 2 (${r{{{\rm obs}\hfill \atop 1\hfill}}}$=41.5 mM−1 s−1) measured under the same conditions. Despite having two exchangeable water molecules, slow water exchange limits the potential efficacy of Gd–L 1 as an MRI contrast agent.