bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Mellitus Non-Glucose Monitoring: Point-of-Care Testing
Authors: Armor Becky L , Britton Mark L
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To review and evaluate reimbursable point-of-care testing devices yielding immediate results, other than glucometers, that are available to evaluate and monitor diabetes and its complications and to describe how pharmacists may use these devices.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search (1966-March 2003) was performed using the following search terms: point-of-care systems, clinical diabetes monitoring, decision support systems, glycosylated hemoglobin, and microalbumin. Pertinent company and product Web sites and customer service departments were accessed for information about point-of-care devices and supplies.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All descriptive, evaluative, and comparative articles and product information were reviewed, and relevant information was included.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Diabetes mellitus is a complex, chronic metabolic disease that is a challenging management problem and requires routine monitoring for disease control and screening for complications. Point-of-care tests are available to monitor hemoglobin A1c, glucose, fructosamine, ketones, lipid profiles, urinary microalbumin concentrations, and alanine aminotransferase concentrations. Many of these tests are Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)—waived and, therefore, practical for pharmacists to use in a variety of settings. Tests for measuring sensation are also discussed. Pharmacists should consider each of these tests in the establishment of a comprehensive diabetes care service.

CONCLUSIONS:

The availability of many new point-of-care testing methods creates new opportunities for pharmacists to monitor drug therapy and screen for complications in patients with diabetes. Reimbursement is possible since many of these tests are CLIA-waived.
LMWH for Perioperative Anticoagulation in Patients on Chronic Warfarin Therapy
Authors: Heuts Luke M , Arvik Beth M McLendon , Cender Dawn E
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To review current data regarding low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) use for perioperative anticoagulation in patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy.

DATA SOURCES:

Data were obtained from the Sixth American College of Chest Physicians Consensus Conference on Antithrombotic Therapy guidelines and a MEDLINE search (1996-January 2003). Search terms included heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, warfarin, perioperative care, and anticoagulants.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Heparin is the most common agent used as bridge therapy for perioperative anticoagulation in patients on chronic warfarin therapy; LMWHs are also used. Studies that evaluated enoxaparin and/or dalteparin were reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although published studies demonstrate efficacy and safety of LMWHs, more data are needed to support their use as bridge therapy.
Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion of Opiates at End-of-Life
Authors: Anderson Stacey L , Shreve Scott T
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To review pertinent controlled trials using the continuous subcutaneous infusion of opioids (CSIO) at end-of-life and offer insight to pharmacists and clinicians into the appropriate use of this route of administration.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search for information regarding the subcutaneous administration of opioids in terminally ill patients (1975-December 2002) was conducted using the key words subcutaneous, narcotics, morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, pain, hospices, and palliative care. Additional references were located through review of bibliographies of the articles cited. Case reports and postsurgical studies were excluded. Searches were limited to English-language studies using humans.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

Experimental and observational studies were evaluated, using prospective trials as the evidence base for conclusions and including pertinent retrospective trials as they relate to the subcutaneous infusion of opioids at end-of-life.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

CSIO is effective and safe for use in terminal illness. Appropriate situations for consideration of CSIO are when difficulties arise in using the oral route, standard oral opiate therapy has failed adequate trials, the patient has limited intravenous access, adequate supervision of the CSIO is present, and CSIO will not unduly limit the functional activity of the patient.

CONCLUSIONS:

CSIO has a proven role in the management of pain at end-of-life. CSIO should not be considered the first route for administration of opiates, but does offer distinct advantages in the appropriate setting. CSIO continues to be a choice for end-of-life patients and is gradually becoming a standard practice in palliative medicine.
Evaluation of a Physician-Focused Educational Intervention on Medicaid Children with Asthma
Authors: Lee Euni , McNally Diane L , Zuckerman Ilene H
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND:

The 1990 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act mandated drug utilization review in response to inappropriate drug use. In the Pennsylvania Medicaid program, pediatric asthma is associated with high healthcare utilization and cost.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effects of a physician-focused educational intervention on asthma drug use and healthcare utilization.

METHODS:

Pre- and postintervention comparison design was used in children 5–18 years of age who were enrolled in the Pennsylvania Medicaid fee-for-service program from July 1, 1998, to March 31, 1999 (preintervention), and July 1, 1999, to March 31, 2000 (postintervention). The intervention packet included patients' drug profiles, medical history, monograph with national asthma management guidelines, and patient education materials to physicians. Main outcome measures are changes in asthma drug utilization among high-users of short-acting β2-agonists (SAB).

RESULTS:

The intervention focused on 2 asthma drug use criteria: (1) high-use of quick-relief medication and (2) use of salmeterol without the availability of a quick-relief medication. The intervention reduced quick-relief medication use by 26% among patients with higher use without significant changes in long-term control drugs. In addition, 82% of the recipients evaluated had a positive change in salmeterol utilization as either having an SAB inhaler added after the intervention or salmeterol discontinued after the intervention. There was no significant change in asthma-related emergency department visits or hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the physician responders agreed on the usefulness of the educational materials, the results suggest that the intervention had limited success in improving the pharmacologic management and no effect on the health outcomes. We believe that mailed educational materials to physicians can be effective to change prescribing behavior; however, a more multifaceted intervention may be necessary to improve health outcomes.
Evaluation of Community Pharmacists' Recommendations to Standardized Patient Scenarios
Authors: Rutter Paul M , Horsley Emma , Brown David T
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND:

Recent trends in the global nonprescription drug market show a massive increase in medicine availability to the general public. This places greater responsibility on community pharmacists to ensure that patients exercise self-care appropriately. This small study examined pharmacist performance in facilitating patient self-care.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether an appropriate course of action was taken by UK community pharmacists practicing in one geographic area when presented with 1 of 2 case scenarios: headache or abdominal pain.

METHODS:

A covert researcher, posing as a patient, spoke with the pharmacist on duty at each of 30 pharmacies, asking for advice on one of the scenarios. The pharmacist was interviewed and their responses were examined by an expert panel.

RESULTS:

Thirty pharmacies were visited resulting in 28 consultations, 14 each for both scenarios. Pharmacists performed better when counseling the “patient” with abdominal pain than headache. The majority of questions asked were categorized as being relevant by the panel (66% for headache, 89% for abdominal pain), although in both scenarios, the expected outcome of referral was observed only in 7 of the consultations for headache and in 8 cases for abdominal pain. Questioning centered on quantification and clarification of the presenting problem and rarely on questions related to history taking.

CONCLUSIONS:

Performance levels of the community pharmacists varied considerably. For all pharmacists to perform well, greater emphasis should be placed on eliciting information from the patient to ensure that the appropriate course of action is taken.
Intrathecal Amikacin for the Treatment of Pseudomonal Meningitis
Authors: Corpus Kimberly A , Weber Kathryn B , Zimmerman Christopher R
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of gram-negative bacillary meningitis (GNBM) secondary to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa that was treated with intravenous meropenem and intrathecal and intravenous amikacin.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 76-year-old Arabic woman with previous placement of an extraventricular device developed meningitis secondary to P. aeruginosa as a result of a previous pneumonia. The patient was treated with intravenous meropenem and amikacin, with the addition of intrathecal amikacin, until cerebrospinal cultures remained negative for 18 days. She did not experience any adverse effects as a result of the administration of the intrathecal amikacin. Although the meningitis subsequently resolved, the patient eventually died due to Candida glabrata fungemia.

DISCUSSION:

Dual therapy is recommended for patients with P. aeruginosa meningitis. In our patient, the increasing resistance to imipenem and resistance to all other potential antibiotics resulted in the use of an alternative administration technique that has not been well documented in recent literature.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients who have GNBM due to P. aeruginosa, the combination of intrathecal and intravenous amikacin may be an option for therapy, especially when clinical options are limited by resistance, severity of illness, and location of the infection. More information is required and further study is needed on this topic.
Recreational Use of Sildenafil by HIV-Positive and -Negative Homosexual/Bisexual Males
Authors: Romanelli Frank , Smith Kelly M
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To conduct an epidemiologic review of sildenafil in homosexual and bisexual males focusing on concurrent use with club drugs and/or antiretroviral medications.

DATA SOURCES:

A search of MEDLINE was conducted (1966–September 2003), and an extensive manual review of journals was performed using the key search terms club drugs, sildenafil, antiretrovirals, and HIV.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and information deemed relevant was included.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Several epidemiologic studies have reported that sildenafil is abused in a recreational fashion, typically with agents commonly known to be “club drugs.” In this setting, sildenafil may reverse the impotence-inducing effects of the club drugs and restore sexual capabilities. Many implications of both recreational and nonrecreational use of sildenafil exist in relation to HIV disease. Concern has been raised regarding the potential effects on high-risk sexual practices. Also, several researchers have documented interactions between sildenafil and various club drugs, as well as with antiretrovirals intended for HIV disease.

CONCLUSIONS:

Serious concerns exist regarding the concurrent use of sildenafil with antiretrovirals and/or club drugs. Clinicians prescribing sildenafil to patients receiving protease inhibitor—containing antiretroviral regimens should be aware of the potential for reduced sildenafil metabolism with resultant adverse effects. Additionally, untoward effects may also occur when sildenafil is used concurrently with various club drugs including amyl and butyl nitrites (“poppers”).
Cost-Effectiveness of Escitalopram versus Citalopram in the Treatment of Severe Depression
Authors: Hemels Michiel EH , Kasper Siegfried , Walter Evelyn , Einarson Thomas R
Published: May 2004

BACKGROUND:

Severe depression is associated with an extensive economic burden on both the patient and society.

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the cost-effectiveness in Austria of escitalopram compared with citalopram in the management of severe depression (Montgomery—Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score ≥30).

METHODS:

A decision model incorporated treatment paths and associated direct resource use (psychiatric hospitalization, medications, general practitioner and psychiatrist visits, treatment discontinuation, suicide attempts) associated with managing severe depression and the indirect cost of work absenteeism over a 6-month period. Main outcomes were clinical success (remission at 6 mo) and cost (2002 Euros equals ∼1.25 US) of treatment. The analysis was performed from the Austrian societal and Social Healthcare Insurance System (SHIS) perspectives. Clinical input data were derived from a meta-analysis of 8-week randomized clinical trials. Costs were derived from standard Austrian price lists or from the literature.

RESULTS:

Six months after the start of treatment, the overall clinical success remission rate was higher for escitalopram (53.7%) than for citalopram (48.7%). From the SHIS perspective, the total expected cost per successfully treated severely depressed patient was €924 (32.1%) lower for escitalopram (€2879) compared with citalopram (€3803). From the societal perspective, the total expected cost per successfully treated severely depressed patient was €1369 (24.4%) lower for escitalopram (€5610) than for citalopram (€6979). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the model was robust and that, even if citalopram had no acquisition cost, escitalopram remained the dominant strategy for both perspectives.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment with escitalopram was the dominant strategy. These data suggest that escitalopram is a cost-effective antidepressant compared with citalopram in the management of severe depression in Austria.
Simultaneous Determination of α-Fetoprotein and Free β-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin by Element-Tagged Immunoassay with Detection by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Sichun , Zhang Chao , Xing Zhi , Zhang Xinrong
Published: May 2004

Background: An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-based immunoassay has been proposed independently by Baranov et al. (Anal Chem 2002;74:1629–36) and our group, but the applicability of this method for multianalyte analysis in clinical samples has not been fully illustrated. We developed a dual-label immunoassay method for the simultaneous determination of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) in human serum.

Methods: Monoclonal antibodies immobilized on microtiter plates captured AFP and hCGβ, which were detected by use of Eu3+-labeled anti-AFP and Sm3+-labeled anti-hCGβ monoclonal antibodies. Eu3+ and Sm3+ were dissociated from the immunocomplex with HNO3 solution (10 mL/L) and delivered by peristaltic pump to the ICP mass spectrometer.

Results: The measurable ranges of AFP and hCGβ were 4.6–500 and 5.0–170 μg/L, respectively, with detection limits of 1.2 and 1.7 μg/L (3 SD above mean of zero calibrator), respectively. The intraassay imprecision (CV) for AFP was 8.3%, 4.0%, and 2.7% at 16.3, 86, and 354 μg/L, respectively, and the interassay CV was 10%, 5.7%, and 3.5%. For hCGβ, the intraassay CV was 5.4%, 6.4%, and 3.1%, respectively, at 10.5, 45.2, and 105 μg/L, and the interassay CV was 7.2%, 8.0%, and 3.7%. Comparison with IRMAs for AFP and hCGβ yielded correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.97 and 0.95.

Conclusions: Two proteins can be measured simultaneously by immunoassays using two rare earth elemental tags (Eu3+ and Sm3+) and ICP-MS detection. The multielement capability and the multiple potential elemental labels make ICP-MS attractive for multianalyte immunoassays. Implementation of ICP-MS-linked immunoassays may be relatively straightforward because the labeling and immunoreaction procedures have been well developed for clinical time-resolved immunofluorometric assays.
When Corporate Image Affects Product Evaluations: The Moderating Role of Perceived Risk
Authors: Gürhan-Canli Zeynep , Batra Rajeev
Published: May 2004

In two experiments, the authors show that corporate image associations with innovation and trustworthiness (but not social responsibility) influence product evaluations more when consumers perceive high (versus low) risk in the product purchase. Their findings extend previous research by identifying perceived risk as a moderator of the effects of corporate image on product evaluations. The authors discuss implications for the conditions governing the “flow-through” of corporate image to individual product evaluations.
Ontogeny of the VATER kidney in a rat model
Authors: Temelcos Catherine , Hutson John M.
Published: April 2004

By exposing rat fetuses to adriamycin prenatally, a rat model of VATER association has been created. Absence of the fetal bladder is prominent and the kidneys show features of chronic obstruction with hydronephrosis/hydroureter, loss of parenchyma, fewer glomeruli, and less differentiation. The aim of this study was to elucidate this rat model, to determine exactly when the changes in the kidneys develop, hopefully thereby to expand our understanding of congenital obstructive uropathy. Timed‐pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with adriamycin on days 6–9 of gestation. The control group received saline. Fetuses were recovered on gestational days (GDs) 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 12, and 10 (total, 120 control, 121 treated). Macroscopic features were determined. Serial sections were then taken and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Comparisons were made under light microscopy. The metanephric kidney first became apparent at GD12. The development of the control and treated kidneys appeared similar till GD18. Beyond this day, the treated kidneys exhibited increasing degrees of distension of Bowman's capsule, ducts, and subsequently pelvis and ureter. There were fewer levels of glomeruli, which were also less differentiated. Less differentiation was also noted in the medulla, and with time this became thin in comparison to the control kidneys. By GD20, the renal pelvis was grossly dilated with a blunted papilla, and the renal parenchyma was thin. Prenatal exposure of rat fetuses to adriamycin results in kidneys that are chronically obstructed, as the majority of the fetuses show absence of the bladder. Absence of renal dysmorphology until GD18, when urine is first produced, suggests strongly that the effect of adriamycin on the kidney is indirect, via agenesis of the bladder and secondary to backpressure from early urine production. This is a unique, simple, and reliable model of fetal obstructive uropathy and will be very useful to facilitate further investigation into its pathophysiology and to explore new treatment options. Anat Rec Part A 278A:520–527, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructure of the osteocyte process and its pericellular matrix
Authors: You Li‐Dan , Weinbaum Sheldon , Cowin Stephen C. , Schaffler Mitchell B.
Published: April 2004

Osteocytes are believed to be the mechanical sensor cells in bone. One potential physical mechanism for the mechanosensing process is that osteocytes directly sense the deformation of the substrate to which they are attached. However, there is a fundamental paradox in this theory: tissue‐level strains in whole bone are typically <0.2%, yet an extensive range of in vitro experiments show that dynamic substrate strains must be at least an order of magnitude larger in order for intracellular biochemical responses to occur. Recently, a theoretical model was developed (You et al. J. Biomech., 2001; 34:1375–1386) that provides a possible mechanism by which mechanical loading‐induced fluid flow in the lacuno‐canalicular system, under routine physical activity, can produce cellular‐level strains on the osteocyte processes that are at least one order of magnitude larger than bone tissue deformations. This would resolve the fundamental paradox mentioned above. In this work we experimentally confirm and quantify the essential ultrastructural elements in this model: 1) the presence of the transverse elements that bridge the pericellular space surrounding the osteocyte process, which interact with the fluid flow and lead to an outward hoop tension on the process; and 2) the presence of bundled F‐actin in the osteocyte processes, which resists the outward hoop tension and limits the cell process membrane deformation. Morphological data to support these assumptions are scant. Special staining techniques employing ruthenium III hexamine trichloride (RHT) were developed to elucidate these structures in the humeri of adult mice. Anat Rec Part A 278A:505–513, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modelling changes in volatility in the North Atlantic oscillation
Authors: Mills Terence C.
Published: April 2004

The NAO index constructed from 1659 by Luterbacher et al. (2002) is analysed using time series techniques designed to model long memory and volatility. The index is found to have a positively correlated short memory in mean and to exhibit long memory in conditional variance: the ‘volatility’ of the series. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Metal‐ion‐ and pH‐induced conformational changes of acutolysin D from Agkistrodon acutus venom probed by fluorescent spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Long , Liu Xiang‐Hu , Wu Bin , Liu Yi , Liu Wen‐Qi , Xie Yong‐Shu , Liu Qing‐Liang
Published: April 2004

Acutolysin D isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus is a protein of 44 kDa with marked hemorrhagic and proteolytic activities. The metal‐ion‐ and pH‐induced conformational changes of acutolysin D have been studied by following fluorescence and activity measurements. Here we provide evidence for the fact that native holo‐acutolysin D adopts two different conformations, native state a, stable in the weak acidic pH range from 5.5 to 7.0 with low activity, and native state b, stable in the weak alkaline pH range from 8.0 to 9.0 with high activity. Holo‐acutolysin D has an optimum pH of 9.0 for caseinolytic activity and a maximum fluorescence at pH 9.0. The protein adopts the most stable conformation at pH 9.0. The addition of 1 mM Zn2+ shifts both the alkali‐induced unfolding transition curve and the alkali‐induced inactivation curve toward higher pH value but has little effect on the acid‐induced unfolding transition curve. No obvious effects on the pH‐induced unfolding transition curve and the pH‐dependent activity curve have been observed after the addition of 1 mM Ca2+ to holo‐acutolysin D. The results indicate that Zn2+ is essential for its CA, while Ca2+ is not essential for its CA. Removal of Ca2+ and Zn2+ from the protein enhances its sensitivity to pH and significantly reduces its overall stability during acid‐induced denaturation. The kinetic results of the demetalization of holo‐acutolysin D show that the demetalization rate constant K1 for a slower reaction linearly decreases with the pH increase from 5.0 to 9.0, while K2 for the faster reaction linearly increases with the pH change from 5.0 to 7.0. It is also evident from the present work that the free Zn2+‐induced inactivation in the pH range from 8.0 to 9.0 should be attributed to the effect of Zn(OH)2 precipitation on the protein. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
The schiff base of gossypol with 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24‐octaoxa‐pentacosylamine complexes and monovalent cations studied by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, as well as PM5 semiempirical methods
Authors: Przybylski Piotr , Brzezinski Bogumil , Bartl Franz
Published: April 2004

A Schiff base of gossypol with 3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24‐octaoxa‐pentacosylamine (GSOB) forms stable complexes with monovalent cations. This process of complex formation was studied by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry, 1H‐NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as well as by the PM5 semiempirical method. It was found that GSOB forms 1:6 complexes with Li+ and Na+, and 1:4 complexes with K+ as well as 1:2 complexes with Rb+ or Cs+ cations and exists in all these complexes in the enamine–enamine tautomeric form. Moreover, within these complexes only Li+ cations can fluctuate between the oxygen atoms of the octaoxaalkyl chains. The interactions of Li+ cations with hydroxyl groups of the gossypol part is also possible. All other cations are much more localized. In the complex of GSOB with protons, a 1:2 stoichiometry is realized. The two protons are localized on the N atoms of the Schiff base, and the complex exists in the imine–imine tautomeric form. The structures of the complexes are calculated by PM5 semiempirical methods and discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Structural studies of wheat flour glutenin polymers by CD spectroscopy
Authors: Fisichella S. , Amato M. E. , Lafiandra D. , Mantarro D. , Palermo A. , Savarino A. , Scarlata G.
Published: April 2004

A dissolution procedure of unreduced glutenin polymers of three wheat flour varieties (WRU 6981, Alisei 1, and Alisei 2) by sonication in the presence of SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate), after the elimination of albumins, globulins, and gliadins, was achieved, and the molecular weight distribution of glutenin polymers obtained by this method was measured by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry. A structural study by CD spectroscopy at different temperatures of WRU 6981 glutenin polymer and of 1Ax1 high‐Mr (relative molecular mass) glutenin subunit, which is the only high‐Mr subunit contained in WRU 6981 flour, was undertaken to understand if the information obtained from the single subunit were applicable to the total polymer. CD spectroscopy also has been employed to study the glutenin polymers obtained by Alisei 1 and Alisei 2 wheat flours; Alisei 1 biotype contained 1Bx7 and 1Dx2+1Dy12 high‐Mr subunits, whereas the Alisei 2 biotype contained only 1Bx7 and 1Dy12 subunits. A conformational study was undertaken by CD spectroscopy at different temperatures and in the presence of some chemical denaturant agents, such as urea and sodium dodecyl sulphate, in order to obtain information about their intrinsic stability and to verify if the 1Dx2 subunit presence determined a different structural behavior between Alisei 1 and Alisei 2 polymers. MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometric experiments showed that the glutenin polymers molecular weights were in the mass range of 500,000–5,000,000. CD spectra indicated that a single conformational state did not predominate in the temperature range studied but equilibrium between two distinct conformational states existed; moreover, all the changes induced by urea and by SDS followed a multistep transition process. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Structural evolution of regenerated silk fibroin under shear: Combined wide‐ and small‐angle x‐ray scattering experiments using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Rössle Manfred , Panine Pierre , Urban Volker S. , Riekel Christian
Published: April 2004

The structural evolution of regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin during shearing with a Couette cell has been studied in situ by synchrotron radiation small‐ and wide‐angle x‐ray scattering techniques. An elongation of fibroin molecules was observed with increasing shear rate, followed by an aggregation phase. The aggregates were found to be amorphous with β‐conformation according to infrared spectroscopy. Scanning x‐ray microdiffraction with a 5 μm beam on aggregated material, which had solidified in air, showed silk II reflections and a material with equatorial reflections close to the silk I structure reflections, but with strong differences in reflection intensities. This silk I type material shows up to two low‐angle peaks suggesting the presence of water molecules that might be intercalated between hydrogen‐bonded sheets. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
A mixed finite element solver for liquid–liquid impacts
Authors: Bertolazzi Enrico , Manzini Gianmarco
Published: April 2004

The impact of a liquid column on a liquid surface initially at rest is numerically modelled to describe air entrapment and bubble formation processes. The global quantities of interest are evaluated in the framework of the potential theory. The numerical method couples a potential flow solver based on a Mixed Finite Element Method with an Ordinary Differential Equation solver discretized by the Crank–Nicholson scheme. The capability of the method in solving liquid–liquid impacts is illustrated in two numerical experiments taken from literature and a good agreement with the literature data is obtained. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remarks on numerical prediction of wall shear stress in entry flow problems
Authors: Darbandi M. , Hosseinizadeh S. F.
Published: April 2004

Today, commercial CFD codes are widely used to simulate many different entry flow problems. The flow in the developing zone undergoes a transition from a specified velocity profile at the inlet section to a fully developed profile in the region far from the inlet. Previous investigations have shown that the hydrodynamic variables, such as velocity and pressure magnitudes, along the centreline converge to a mesh independent solution even when coarse grid distributions are utilised. However, the present work shows that the local velocity profile is highly dependent on grid resolution in the vicinity of solid boundaries. It is shown that failure to account for the grid resolution can result in significant errors in the predicted solid–fluid interaction, e.g. wall shear stress calculation. A remedy to overcome this problem is subsequently given. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transonic shock in a nozzle I: 2D case
Authors: Xin Zhouping , Yin Huicheng
Published: April 2004

In this paper we establish the existence and uniqueness of a transonic shock for the steady flow through a general two‐dimensional nozzle with variable sections. The flow is governed by the inviscid potential equation, and is supersonic upstream, has no‐flow boundary conditions on the nozzle walls, and a given pressure at the exit of the exhaust section. The transonic shock is a free boundary dividing two regions of C flow in the nozzle. The potential equation is hyperbolic upstream where the flow is supersonic, and elliptic in the downstream subsonic region. In particular, our results show that there exists a solution to the corresponding free boundary problem such that the equation is always subsonic in the downstream region of the nozzle when the pressure in the exit of the exhaustion section is appropriately larger than that in the entry. This confirms exactly the conjecture of Courant and Friedrichs on the transonic phenomena in a nozzle [10]. Furthermore, the stability of the transonic shock is also proved when the upstream supersonic flow is a small steady perturbation for the uniform supersonic flow or the pressure at the exit has a small perturbation. The main ingredients of our analysis are a generalized hodograph transformation and multiplier methods for elliptic equation with mixed boundary conditions and corner singularities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Technical basis on structural fire resistance design in building standards law of Japan
Authors: Harada Kazunori , Ohmiya Yoshifumi , Natori Akiko , Nakamichi Akiko
Published: April 2004

Structural fire resistance design method came into effect due to the revision of Japan's building code (building standards law of Japan) in June 2001. The method includes standard methods to calculate (1) fire exposure to structural elements, (2) temperature rise of steel and RC elements during fire exposure and (3) structural end points such as ultimate steel temperature for buckling of columns, bending failure of beams and so on. This paper discusses the technical basis for design methods especially focused on steel framed buildings. The calculated values by design equations were compared with experimental values in order to examine the redundancies implied. In the final stage, all the redundancies were combined by Monte‐Carlo method and first‐order moment method (AFORM). Target safety index and corresponding partial safety factors were discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Characteristics of a PEM Fuel Cell Engine with 40 kW Vehicle Stacks
Authors: Hou M. , Ming P. , Sun D. , Liu Y. , Hui X. , Zhang H. , Yi B.
Published: April 2004

This paper describes a PEM Fuel Cell Engine (FCE) with 40 kW stacks designed for a car. This was developed by DICP and Sunrise Power and is funded by the Chinese “863” key project. The FCE system construction, stack performance, specifications, and operating characteristics are explained. The efficiency of the FCE is analyzed. The net power output for this FCE is 27 kW and the efficiency is 35–38%. The utilization of air and hydrogen are more than 50% and 97%, respectively.
Improving communication between health and infant mental health professionals utilizing ongoing Collaborative Peer Supervision Groups
Authors: Thomasgard Michael , Warfield Janeece , Williams Rosalind
Published: April 2004

This article discusses the use of Collaborative Peer Supervision Groups (CPSG) to promote ongoing professional development for those who work with infants, toddlers, and their families. Our model's strength and clinical utility result from its three major components: (a) a relationship‐based perspective that acknowledges the important role that feelings and emotions play across the life span, (b) a peer supervision model that helps to ensure that no individual or discipline is “the expert,” and (c) a collaborative case‐based continuing‐education experience. Salient features of forming and maintaining a CPSG group are discussed including access to a Web site containing many key start‐up and evaluation materials. Existing barriers to effective communication between disciplines are discussed as are specific methods to structure case data. Additional tools to help anchor a CPSG are considered as are methods of evaluation. Two case presentations are considered to illustrate group process. Lessons learned from such groups are highlighted. Our intent is to provide sufficient background material so that others with a similar interest will be comfortable starting and maintaining a CPSG group on their own. ©2004 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Voluntary control and a wider clinical spectrum of essential palatal tremor
Authors: Samuel Michael , Kleiner‐Fisman Galit , Lang Anthony E.
Published: April 2004

Essential palatal tremor (EPT) may not be a uniform or single entity. We present two patients who had some “voluntary control” over EPT, including entrainment. We review the English language literature on EPT to describe a wider clinical spectrum of this syndrome. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
In der Schwebe: Supraleitende Magnetlager
Authors: Ries Günter , Werfel Frank
Published: April 2004

Ein Permanentmagnet kann eigenstabil über einem Supraleiter schweben. Dieser Effekt ermöglicht seit der Entdeckung der Hochtemperatursupraleiter eine Weiterentwicklung berührungsloser Magnetlager. Vorteile dieser Lager sind vor allem geringste Reibungsverluste, kein mechanischer Verschleiß, Wegfall von Schmiermitteln, eine gut gedämpfte Rotorlagerung, und die höchsten technisch erreichbaren Drehzahlen. Das mit Flüssigstickstoff gekühlte Hochgradientenlager ist inzwischen so ausgereift, dass es technisch einsetzbar ist. Das wurde bereits an einer Reihe von Anwendungen demonstriert.
Franz Anton Mesmer — Ein begnadeter Quacksalber?: Geschichte des Biomagnetismus
Authors: Hohenester Adolf
Published: April 2004

Im 18. Jahrhundert geriet das naturwissenschaftliche Denkgebäude in einen Umbruch. Die Entdeckung statischer elektrischer und magnetischer Kräfte und des „Galvanismus”︁ beflügelte auch die Fantasie der Mediziner und Physiologen. Berühmt wurde Franz Anton Mesmer mit seinem „animalischen Magnetismus”︁. In seinen Therapieverfahren zur Heilung mischten sich einige ernst zu nehmende naturwissenschaftliche Beobachtungen mit viel Quacksalberei. Zu Lebzeiten berühmt und heftig umstritten, beeinflussten seine Ideen „Nervenforscher”︁ bis hin zu Sigmund Freund.
Vom magnetischen Bakterium zur Brieftaube: Geo‐Biomagnetismus
Authors: Winklhofer Michael
Published: April 2004

Die Fähigkeit, das Erdmagnetfeld wahrzunehmen und sich an ihm zu orientieren, ist im Tierreich weit verbreitet. Durch welche physikalischen Mechanismen magnetische Sinnesreize in Nervensignale umgesetzt werden, ist jedoch weitgehend ungeklärt. Bei magnetotaktischen Bakterien üben zum Beispiel biogene ferrimagnetische Kristalle als mikroskopische Kompassnadeln ein Drehmoment auf die Zelle aus. Magnetit findet sich im Gewebe zahlreicher Tiere. Doch erst bei zwei Arten, der Brieftaube und der Regenbogenforelle, konnten auch entsprechende Sinneszellen gefunden werden. Diese unterscheiden sich allerdings in ihren magnetischen Eigenschaften fundamental voneinander. Die Identifizierung der physikalischen Mechanismen des Geo‐Biomagnetismus bleibt eine Herausforderung für Biophysik und Sinnesphysiologie.
Frequenzabstimmbarer Gummilaser entwickelt
Authors: Leute Angelika
Published: April 2004

In der Faseroptik sind Laser gefragt, die spezielle mechanische Eigenschaften besitzen, zum Beispiel Flexibilität. Maßgeschneiderte Polymermaterialien werden deshalb als Matrix benutzt, um Laserelemente zu integrieren. Solche Laser auf Kunststoffbasis sind einfach herzustellen und wurden bereits in unterschiedlichen Konfigurationen realisiert. Forscher der Technischen Universität Graz haben kürzlich einen flexiblen Gummilaser vorgestellt, der Laserlicht nach dem Prinzip der verteilten Rückkopplung emittiert und dabei durch elastische Verformung frequenzabstimmbar ist [1].
Array assessment of phage‐displayed peptide mimics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 gp41 immunodominant epitope: Binding to antibodies of infected individuals
Authors: Arnaud Marie‐Claire , Gazarian Tatyana , Rodriguez Yadira Palacios , Gazarian Karlen , Sakanyan Vehary
Published: April 2004

An array of phage‐displayed mimetic peptides representing 18 sequences from the HIV‐1 gp41 immunodominant epitope was fabricated on a nitrocellulose membrane. It used to compare the antibody‐binding affinity of the peptide and to monitor the immune response of four patients prior to and after the initiation of Highly Active Anti‐Retroviral Therapy in parallel assays with several probes using near‐infrared fluorescence detection. The proposed multiplexed approach is highly sensitive, consumes less sample and can be used to analyze the immune repertoires of virus‐infected individuals.
Predotar: A tool for rapidly screening proteomes for N‐terminal targeting sequences
Authors: Small Ian , Peeters Nemo , Legeai Fabrice , Lurin Claire
Published: April 2004

Probably more than 25% of the proteins encoded by the nuclear genomes of multicellular eukaryotes are targeted to membrane‐bound compartments by N‐terminal targeting signals. The major signals are those for the endoplasmic reticulum, the mitochondria, and in plants, plastids. The most abundant of these targeted proteins are well‐known and well‐studied, but a large proportion remain unknown, including most of those involved in regulation of organellar gene expression or regulation of biochemical pathways. The discovery and characterization of these proteins by biochemical means will be long and difficult. An alternative method is to identify candidate organellar proteins via their characteristic N‐terminal targeting sequences. We have developed a neural network‐based approach (Predotar – Prediction of Organelle Targeting sequences) for identifying genes encoding these proteins amongst eukaryotic genome sequences. The power of this approach for identifying and annotating novel gene families has been illustrated by the discovery of the pentatricopeptide repeat family.
Prediction of sequence signals for lipid post‐translational modifications: Insights from case studies
Authors: Eisenhaber Birgit , Eisenhaber Frank , Maurer‐Stroh Sebastian , Neuberger Georg
Published: April 2004

In silico annotation techniques for post‐translational modifications (PTMs) are important to generate biologically meaningful descriptions for sequences of experimentally uncharacterized proteins. Having previously contributed with predictors for lipid PTMs, we summarize our methodological experience. Rather than only looking for the sequence pattern in substrate sequences, a strategy aimed at creating a generalized model of substrate protein/enzyme interaction appears more appropriate since the number of known substrate sequences is small, and some of them are not sufficiently verified experimentally. Such a physical approach (in contrast to a mere textual analysis of substrate sequences) can also take into account other, heterogeneous biological data (mutations of substrate sequences, kinetic data, enzyme sequences/structures) with simple analytical expressions in the score function. Several lipid PTMs are encoded in the form of a small sequence region (with pronounced amino acid type preferences) that is connected to the substrate protein by a linker region with many conformationally flexible, hydrophilic residues. A score function composed of terms penalizing sequence properties known to be incompatible with productive substrate protein/enzyme complexes essentially unselects inappropriate queries. Also, we estimate the number of nonredundant sequences necessary for robust profile computation with statistical criteria, a number that is not reached in most cases of PTM prediction. Finally, we discuss the usage of evolutionary information in evaluating the functional importance of predicted PTMs in cases of motif conservation within sequence families.
Potent antitumor activity after systemic delivery of a doubly fusogenic oncolytic herpes simplex virus against metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Nakamori Mikihito , Fu Xinping , Pettaway Curtis A. , Zhang Xiaoliu
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Although conventional radiation therapy and surgery are potentially curative treatments for organ‐confined prostate cancer, there are few effective treatments for metastatic disease. Oncolytic viruses have shown considerable promise for the treatment of solid tumors including prostate cancer. We recently demonstrated that incorporation of a cell membrane fusion capability into an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) can significantly increase the antitumor potency of the virus.

METHODS

We used a mouse model of primary and metastatic human prostate cancer established from PC‐3M‐Pro4 to evaluate three different types of oncolytic HSVs: non‐fusogenic Baco‐1, singly fusogenic Synco‐2, and doubly fusogenic Synco‐2D.

RESULTS

Our results show that Synco‐2D has greater oncolytic activity than either Baco‐1 or Synco‐2 virus. Against lung metastases of human prostate cancer xenografts, intravenous administration of Synco‐2D had produced a significant reduction of tumor nodules by day 40 post‐inoculation as compared with Synco‐2 (P < 0.05), Baco‐1 (P < 0.01), and PBS control (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the doubly fusogenic Synco‐2D is an effective therapeutic agent for human metastatic prostate cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leveling of prostate cancer mortality in Western Europe
Authors: Levi Fabio , Lucchini Franca , Negri Eva , Boyle Peter , Vecchia Carlo La
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Mortality from prostate cancer (CaP) has increased throughout Europe until the early 1990s. Trends in 24 European countries, the European Union (EU), six selected Central and Eastern European countries, and the Russian Federation have been updated to 1999.

METHODS

Cancer death certification data for CaP were abstracted from the World Health Organization database.

RESULTS

In the EU, the peak rate (15.7/100,000) was reached in 1993, followed by a leveling off and a decline to 14.1/100,000 in 1999. Age‐standardized analysis for each subsequent age group of men aged 50 or over showed larger absolute falls in the elderly. CaP rates were lower in Central and Eastern European countries providing data, but showed a rise from 9.7/100,000 in 1980 to 11.3 in 1996, and leveled off thereafter. Rates were originally lower, but the rises larger in the Russian Federation (from 5.1/100,000 in 1980 to 8.1/100,000 in 1999). In the late 1990s, there was a threefold difference between the highest rates of 22/100,000 in Norway and those of 7.7 in Russia or 7.3 in Ukraine. Such a difference was, however, restricted to the elderly, since at age 35–64 the Russian rate (6.7/100,000) was the same as that of Norway, and only Greece and Italy had appreciably lower rates.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of trends in CaP rates observed across Europe is consistent with a favorable role of improved diagnosis, but mainly of advancements of therapy (including more widespread adoption of radical prostatectomy and androgen blockage) on CaP mortality in Western Europe. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The confined diatomic molecule problem
Authors: Pupyshev Vladimir I. , Bobrikov Vladimir V.
Published: April 2004

Rovibrational states of a diatomic molecule placed into a spherical cavity with impenetrable walls are studied within the adiabatic approximation. The finite‐difference results for the nuclear Schrödinger equation are presented for cavities of the radius 3–10 atomic units for LiF and LiCl molecules as samples. The intensities of rovibrational transitions are evaluated within a rough dipole‐like approximation. Perturbation theory gives a clue for qualitative understanding of some features of the spectrum, such as practically constant ΔG(1/2) values for confined molecules in various cavities and essential enlargement of the distance between R‐ and P‐band branches in rovibrational spectrum for small cavities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
A new static output feedback approach to the suboptimal mixedH2/H∞problem
Authors: Yu Jen‐te
Published: April 2004

In this paper we propose a new approach to solve the static output feedback suboptimal mixedH2/H∞control problem using a state fixed‐structure feedback design. We formulate the static output feedback problem as a constrained static state feedback problem and obtain three coupled design equations: one Riccati equation, one Lyapunov equation, and a gain equation. We will prove the equivalence of the proposed solution to the existing solution. A very simple iterative algorithm is then presented to solve the design equations for the stabilizing output feedback gain that minimizes an upper bound ofH2norm while satisfying theH∞disturbance attenuation requirement. A unique feature of the new approach is that it admits the Kalman gain as an initial stabilizing gain to start the above iterative solution procedure, which is computationally attractive and advantageous compared to the direct approach, as the latter has to deal with the difficult algorithm initialization problem. Some illustrative numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular cholesterol regulates MT1 MMP dependent activation of MMP 2 via MEK‐1 in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells
Authors: Atkinson Susan J. , English Jane L. , Holway Nicholas , Murphy Gillian
Published: April 2004

Unstimulated human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) constitutively secrete matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP 2) as a proenzyme requiring proteolytic cleavage by membrane type‐1 MMP (MT1 MMP) for activation. Physiological and pharmacological stimuli induce clustering of MT1 MMP/tissue inhibitor of MMP 2 “receptors”, promoting binding and activation of MMP 2. We now report that cholesterol depleted HT1080 cells accumulated MT1 MMP on the cell surface and activated MMP 2. A specific inhibitor of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibited both MMP 2 activation and extracellular signal‐related kinase phosphorylation induced by cholesterol depletion. Our data indicate that the cholesterol content of unstimulated cells is critical for secretion of MMP 2 as an inactive zymogen and control of pericellular proteolysis.