bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regioselective Synthesis of Indazole N1‐ and N2‐(β‐D‐Ribonucleosides).
Authors: Seela Frank , Peng Xiaohua
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
The Interaction of per‐O‐Acetylated Acyclic 1‐(1‐Butylindol‐3‐yl)‐1‐deoxy‐ketoses with Silylated Uracil.
Authors: Lavrenov S. N. , Solovyeva N. P. , Reznikova M. I. , Anisimova O. S. , Preobrazhenskaya M. N.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Enantiomeric Synthesis of Novel Apiosyl Nucleosides as Potential Antiviral Agents.
Authors: Kim Aihong , Hong Joon Hee
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
New Beauveriolides Produced by Amino Acid‐Supplemented Fermentation of Beauveria sp. FO‐6979
Authors: Matsuda Daisuke , Namatame Ichiji , Tomoda Hiroshi , Kobayashi Susumu , Zocher Rainer , Kleinkauf Horst , Omura Satoshi
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Helquinoline, a New Tetrahydroquinoline Antibiotic from Janibacter limosus Hel 1
Authors: Asolkar Ratnakar N. , Schroeder Dirk , Heckmann Rolf , Lang Siegmund , Wagner‐Doebler Irene , Laatsch Hartmut
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Total Synthesis and Structural Revision of (+)‐Amphidinolide W.
Authors: Ghosh Arun K. , Gong Gangli
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
An Asymmetric Synthesis of Hamigeran B (VIII) via a Pd Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation for Enantiodiscrimination
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Pissot‐Soldermann Carole , Chen Irwin , Schroeder Gretchen M.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Structure and Reactivity of Solid SiO
Authors: Schubert Ulrich , Wieder Thomas
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Magnetic Semiconducting Chalcogenide Spinels: Preparation and Physical Chemistry
Authors: Fedorov V. A. , Kesler Ya. A. , Zhukov E. G.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Nanocrystalline Silicon. Electron Spin Resonance
Authors: Ehara Takashi
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Solubilities of Salt—Water Systems at High Temperatures and Pressures
Authors: Valyashko Vladimir M. , Churagulov B. R.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Development of New Reagents Containing Silicon and Related Metals and Application to Practical Organic Syntheses
Authors: Hosomi Akira , Miura Katsukiyo
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Evolution of Synthetic Strategies for Highly Functionalized Natural Products: A Successful Route to Bryostatin 3
Authors: Ohmori Ken
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Metalated Heterocycles and Their Applications in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Authors: Chinchilla Rafael , Najera Carmen , Yus Miguel
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Crown Ethers: Sensors for Ions and Molecular Scaffolds for Materials and Biological Models
Authors: Gokel George W. , Leevy W. Matthew , Weber Michelle E.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Photo‐, Thermo‐, Solvato‐, and Electrochromic Spiroheterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Minkin Vladimir I.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Oligosaccharides and Derivatives: Integrating Biocatalyst Selectivity and Chemical Diversity
Authors: Buchholz Klaus , Neubauer Anja , Anders J. , Lampe E. , Walter Martin
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Recent Progress in the Synthesis of Epothilones
Authors: Zhang Ruzhou , Liu Zhiyu
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Versatile 2‐Amino‐4‐substituted‐1,3‐thiazoles: Synthesis and Reactions
Authors: Metwally M. A. , Abdel‐Latif E. , Amer F. A. , Kaupp G.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Chemistry of Calix[7]arenes
Authors: Martino Marco , Neri Placido
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Novel Tricyclic α‐Alkoxyphenyl Propanoic Acid Derivatives: Dual PPAR α/γ Agonists with Hypolipidemic and Antidiabetic Activity
Authors: Avery Mitchell A. , Chittiboyina Amar , Patny Akshay
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Introduction and Transformation of Functional Groups (2002)
Authors: Bandini Marco
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Palladium Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions for Phosphorus—Carbon Bond Formation
Authors: Schwan Adrian L.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Toward Ideal (Trans)esterification by Use of Fluorous Distannoxane Catalysts
Authors: Otera Junzo
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Taking Snapshots of Photoexcited Molecules in Disordered Media by Using Pulsed Synchrotron X‐Rays
Authors: Chen Lin X.
Published: July 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Conserved molecular program regulating cranial and appendicular skeletogenesis
Authors: Eames B. Frank , Helms Jill A.
Published: July 2004

The majority of in vivo studies on bone and cartilage differentiation are carried out using the appendicular skeleton as a model system, with the implicit assumption that skeletal formation is equivalent throughout the body. This assumption persists, despite differences in the cellular origins of the skeletogenic precursors. To test the hypothesis that a fundamental set of genes directs skeletal cell differentiation throughout the body, we analyzed cartilage and bone of the chick limb and head during mesenchymal condensation, and when the skeletal tissues had matured. First, we analyzed the expression patterns of transcription factors in early skeletogenic condensations, which revealed similarities among skeletal cell specification in the limb and head. For example, skeletogenic condensations that undergo endochondral ossification had equivalent expression patterns of skeletogenic transcription factors in both limb and head. In the head, many elements also differentiate through intramembranous ossification, or through persistent cartilage formation. Our analyses of these skeletogenic condensations revealed that a unique expression pattern of transcription factors distinguishes among three skeletal tissue fates. The vasculature was excluded from all three skeletogenic condensations, demonstrating that this is not a characteristic unique to endochondral ossification. Second, we compared three different types of more mature cartilage and bone tissue in both the limb and the head, by analyzing a variety of skeletal collagens and signaling molecules. Histological and molecular markers of cartilage and bone generally were conserved between the limb and head skeletons, although we uncovered subtle differences in signaling pathways that might influence cranial and appendicular skeletogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 231:4–13, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A study of the actual failure situation of XLPE cable and the order of priority of degradation diagnosis
Authors: Takeda Toshinao , Okamoto Tatsuki , Suzuki Hisao , Morikawa Masayuki
Published: July 2004

We analyzed statistical data on failures due to dielectric breakdowns caused by water tree degradation in 6‐kV XLPE cables using the Hazard Analysis. The data used in this report reflect actual conditions of XLPE cables. The data are classified by the conductor size of the cables. Calculated failure rates were different for cables having different conductor sizes. In this report, the failure rates were calculated based on the information regarding conductor size, cable length, and cable age. The results obtained make it possible to quantitatively establish the order of the priority of degradation diagnosis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 148(4): 50–58, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10301
Improvement of a Fourier coefficient estimation method using an adaptive algorithm and its performance analysis
Authors: Kudoh Norimasa , Tadokoro Yoshiaki
Published: July 2004

There are many applications where it is necessary to estimate accurately the amplitude and phase of signals when the information regarding the frequencies is obtained in advance. This paper presents a new algorithm for estimating more accurately Fourier coefficients of a signal contaminated by additive noise where sinusoidal frequencies of interest are not distributed uniformly. In the proposed method, Fourier coefficients are adaptive parameters. It uses averaged gradient signals and has almost the same acquisition time as the conventional LMS algorithm with more accurate estimation. The performance analysis of the proposed method is presented and its validity and limits are verified under various conditions by computer simulations. It is shown that the proposed method has especially better performance than the LMS algorithm when both the number of frequencies and the step size parameter, µ, are large. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 149(1): 52–60, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10362
Influence of molecular structure on propagation of positive streamer discharge in dielectric liquids
Authors: Nakao Yoshitaka , Hamano Noriaki , Naito Tadashi , Nakagami Yoshitake , Shimizu Rumiko , Sakai Yosuke , Tagashira Hiroaki
Published: July 2004

In this paper, streamer discharges in dielectric liquids which have various molecular structures, such as a double bond or a triple bond in the molecular formula, are observed in detail for positive point polarity under the application of an impulse voltage to the point electrode. As test liquids, four straight‐chain hydrocarbon liquids—n‐hexane, n‐heptane, n‐octane, and n‐decane—are selected and in addition the influence of a double or triple bond included in their molecular formula on the propagation of positive streamers is investigated in detail by simultaneously using a high‐speed schlieren method and an LED current measurement system.

Some differences in the mean propagation velocity and the propagation shape of positive streamers are evident. Their shape is mainly filamentary in test liquids including a double or triple bond. Also, positive streamer propagation is promoted in these liquids. It is thought that this is due to the effect of π bonds which have smaller bond energies than σ bonds. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 149(1): 15–21, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10366
Deposition of boron carbide powder by a pulsed high‐current arc plasma
Authors: Kitamura Junya , Usuba Shu
Published: July 2004

A novel high‐velocity thermal spraying was experimentally investigated using a pulsed high‐current electromagnetically accelerated arc plasma. By spraying boron carbide (B4C) powder with a pulsed high‐current arc plasma of 105 A in a coaxial plasma gun, a dense deposit of crystalline B4C with a Vickers hardness of 2600 kgf/mm2 was obtained on SUS304 substrates. The impact velocity of the sprayed B4C particles was thought to be more than 2.5 km/s for powder less than 10 µm in diameter and about 2 km/s for that of 30 ± 10 µm. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 149(1): 1–7, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20005
Position control for ultrasonic motors using backstepping control and dead‐zone compensation with fuzzy inference
Authors: Senjyu Tomonobu , Yoshida Tomohiro , Uezato Katsumi , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: July 2004

The ultrasonic motor has comparatively high nonlinearity which varies with driving conditions, and possesses a variable dead zone in control input associated with the applied load torque. The dead zone is a problem for industrial applications and it is important to eliminate the dead zone in order to improve control performance. This paper proposes a new position control scheme for ultrasonic motors to overcome the dead zone. The dead zone is compensated by fuzzy inference, and backstepping control performs accurate position control. Compared with model reference adaptive control, which uses an augmented error, backstepping control can analyze a transient response. Mathematical models are formulated and experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed position control scheme. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 149(1): 69–77, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20016
Relationships between cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes of Helicobacter pylori and DNA damage in the gastric mucosa
Authors: Ladeira Marcelo S.P. , Rodrigues Maria A.M. , Salvadori Daisy M.F. , Neto Pedro Padulla , Achilles Pedro , Lerco Mauro M. , Rodrigues Paulo A. , Gonçalves Írio , Queiroz Dulciene M.M. , Freire‐Maia Dértia V.
Published: July 2004

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is believed to predispose carriers to gastric cancer by inducing chronic inflammation. The inflammatory processes may result in the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that damage DNA. In this study, we investigated the relationships between DNA damage in the gastric mucosa and cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes of H. pylori. The study was conducted with biopsies from the gastric antrum and corpus of 98 H. pylori‐infected and 26 uninfected control patients. H. pylori genotypes were determined by PCR and DNA damage was measured in gastric mucosal cells by the Comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis). All patients were nonsmokers, not abusing alcohol, and not using prescription or recreational drugs. Levels of DNA damage were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the H. pylori‐infected patients than in uninfected patients. In comparison with the level of DNA damage in the uninfected controls, the extent of DNA damage in both the antrum (OR = 8.45; 95% CI = 2.33–37.72) and the corpus (OR = 6.55; 95% CI = 2.52–17.72) was related to infection by cagA+/vacAs1m1 and iceA1 strains. The results indicate that the genotype of H. pylori is related to the amount of DNA damage in the gastric mucosa. These genotypes could serve as biomarkers for the risk of extensive DNA damage and possibly gastric cancer. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 44:91–98, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intrinsic bubbles revisited: evidence from nonlinear cointegration and forecasting
Authors: Ma Yue , Kanas Angelos
Published: July 2004

This paper offers strong further empirical evidence to support the intrinsic bubble model of stock prices, developed by Froot and Obstfeld (American Economic Review, 1991), in two ways. First, our results suggest that there is a long‐run nonlinear relationship between stock prices and dividends for the US stock market during the period 1871–1996. Second, we find that the out‐of‐sample forecasting performance of the intrinsic bubbles model is significantly better than the performance of two alternatives, namely the random walk and the rational bubbles model. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human judgments in New York state sales and use tax forecasting
Authors: Kuo Yu‐Ying , Liang Kuo‐Yuan
Published: July 2004

Human judgments have become quite important in revenue forecasting processes. This paper centres on human judgments in New York state sales and use tax by examining the actual practices of information integration. Based on the social judgment theory (i.e., the lens model), a judgment analysis exercise was designed and administered to a person from each agency (the Division of the Budget, Assembly Ways and Means Committee Majority and Minority, and the Senate Finance Committee) to understand how information integration is processed among different agencies. The results of the judgment analysis exercise indicated that revenue forecasters put different weight on cues. And, in terms of relative and subjective weights, the cues were used differently, although they were presented with the same information. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecast accuracy after pretesting with an application to the stock market
Authors: Danilov Dmitry , Magnus Jan R.
Published: July 2004

In econometrics, as a rule, the same data set is used to select the model and, conditional on the selected model, to forecast. However, one typically reports the properties of the (conditional) forecast, ignoring the fact that its properties are affected by the model selection (pretesting). This is wrong, and in this paper we show that the error can be substantial. We obtain explicit expressions for this error. To illustrate the theory we consider a regression approach to stock market forecasting, and show that the standard predictions ignoring pretesting are much less robust than naive econometrics might suggest. We also propose a forecast procedure based on the ‘neutral Laplace estimator’, which leads to an improvement over standard model selection procedures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting the spot prices of various coffee types using linear and non‐linear error correction models
Authors: Milas Costas , Otero Jesús , Panagiotidis Theodore
Published: July 2004

This paper estimates linear and non‐linear error correction models for the spot prices of four different coffee types. In line with economic priors, we find some evidence that when prices are too high, they move back to equilibrium more slowly than when they are too low. This may reflect the fact that, in the short run, it is easier for countries to restrict the supply of coffee in order to raise prices, rather than increase supply in order to reduce them. Further, there is some evidence that adjustment is faster when deviations from the equilibrium level get larger. Our forecasting analysis suggests that asymmetric and polynomial error correction models offer weak evidence of improved forecasting performance relative to the random walk model. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The balance sheet channel of monetary policy: first empirical evidence for the euro area corporate bond market
Authors: de Bondt Gabe
Published: July 2004

The balance sheet channel of monetary policy working through the euro area corporate bond market is important, as shown by empirical results based on different methods for the first two and a half years since the introduction of the euro. The external finance premium on corporate bonds reflects, among other factors, monetary policy and leads real economic activity in the euro area. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming growth factor‐β1‐dependent activation of Smad2/3 and up‐regulation of PAI‐1 expression is negatively regulated by Src in SKOV‐3 human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Wakahara Kiyoshi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Yagyu Tatsuo , Matsuzaki Hidenori , Kondo Toshiharu , Kurita Noriyuki , Sekino Hideo , Inagaki Kiyokazu , Suzuki Mika , Kanayama Naohiro , Terao Toshihiko
Published: July 2004

The net balance between urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 (PAI‐1) has been implicated in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. To elucidate the mechanism of the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐dependent up‐regulation of PAI‐1 expression, we investigated which signaling pathway transduced by TGF‐β1 is responsible for this effect. Here, we show (1) nontoxic concentrations of TGF‐β1 up‐regulates uPA expression in HRA and SKOV‐3 human ovarian cancer cells, (2) TGF‐β1 activates Smads (phosphorylation of Smad2 and nuclear translocation of Smad3) and subsequently up‐regulates PAI‐1 expression in HRA cells, whereas TGF‐β1 neither activates Smads nor up‐regulates PAI‐1 in SKOV‐3 cells, (3) pharmacological Src inhibitor PP2 or antisense (AS) c‐Src oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) treatment significantly induces TGF‐β1‐dependent activation of Smads, leading to PAI‐1 synthesis, compared with controls, in SKOV‐3 cells, (4) combination of TGF‐β1 and PP2, which activates PAI‐1 expression and reduces uPA expression in SKOV‐3, results in decreased invasiveness, (5) pharmacological inhibitors for mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) (PD98059) and phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K) (LY294002 and wortmannin) or AS‐PI3K ODN transfection do not affect TGF‐β1‐induced Smad signaling and up‐regulation of PAI‐1 expression in SKOV‐3 cells pretreated with PP2, and (6) the induction of PAI‐1 protein was partially inhibited by an inhibitor of Sp1‐DNA binding, mithramycin, implicating, at least in part, Sp1 in the regulation of this gene by TGF‐β1. In conclusion, TGF‐β1‐dependent activation of Smad2/3, leading to PAI‐1 synthesis, may be negatively regulated by Src, but not its downstream targets MAPK and PI3K in SKOV‐3 cells. These data also reflect the complex biological effect of uPA‐PAI‐1 system. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of serum‐stimulated mitogen activated protein kinase by 1α,25(OH)2‐vitamin D3 in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Capiati Daniela A. , Rossi Ana M. , Picotto Gabriela , Benassati Silvia , Boland Ricardo L.
Published: July 2004

1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3], the hormonally active form of vitamin D3, has been shown to be a potent negative growth regulator of breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. 1α,25(OH)2D3 acts through two different mechanisms. In addition to regulating gene transcription via its specific intracellular receptor (vitamin D receptor, VDR), 1α,25(OH)2D3 induces rapid, non‐transcriptional responses involving activation of transmembrane signal transduction pathways, like growth factors and peptide hormones. The mechanisms that mediate the antiproliferative effects of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in breast cancer cells are not fully understood. Particularly, there is no information about the early non‐genomic signal transduction effectors modulated by the hormone. The present study shows that 1α,25(OH)2D3 rapidly inhibits serum induced activation of ERK‐1 and ERK‐2 MAP kinases. The tyrosine kinase Src is involved in the pathway leading to activation of ERK 1/2 by serum. Furthermore, 1α,25(OH)2D3 increases the tyrosine‐phosphorylated state of Src and inhibits its kinase activity, while induces the association of the VDR with Src, either in the presence or absence of serum. In parallel, the hormone rapidly increases the amounts of VDR associated to plasma membranes (PM). Pretreatment with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors orthovanadate or bpV (phen) prevented mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition by 1α,25(OH)2D3. These data altogether suggest that 1α,25(OH)2D3 inhibits the MAPK cascade by inactivating Src tyrosine kinase through a mechanism mediated by the VDR and tyrosine phosphatases. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutation of the highly conserved Arg165 and Glu168 residues of human Gsα disrupts the αD–αE loop and enhances basal GDP/GTP exchange rate
Authors: Hinrichs María Victoria , Montecino Martin , Bunster Marta , Olate Juan
Published: July 2004

G protein signalling regulates a wide range of cellular processes such as motility, differentiation, secretion, neurotransmission, and cell division. G proteins consist of three subunits organized as a Gα monomer associated with a Gβγ heterodimer. Structural studies have shown that Gα subunits are constituted by two domains: a Ras‐like domain, also called the GTPase domain (GTPaseD), and an helical domain (HD), which is unique to heterotrimeric G‐proteins. The HD display significantly higher primary structure diversity than the GTPaseD. Regardless of this diversity, there are small regions of the HD which show high degree of identity with residues that are 100% conserved. One of such regions is the α helixD–α helixE loop (αD–αE) in the HD, which contains the consensus aminoacid sequence R*‐[RSA]‐[RSAN]‐E*‐[YF]‐[QH]‐L in all mammalian Gα subunits. Interestingly, the highly conserved arginine (R*) and glutamic acid (E*) residues form a salt bridge that stabilizes the αD–αE loop, that is localized in the top of the cleft formed between the GTPaseD and HD. Because the guanine nucleotide binding site is deeply buried in this cleft and those interdomain interactions are playing an important role in regulating the basal GDP/GTP nucleotide exchange rate of Gα subunits, we studied the role of these highly conserved R and E residues in Gα function. In the present study, we mutated the human Gsα R165 and E168 residues to alanine (A), thus generating the R165 → A, E168 → A, and R165/E168 → A mutants. We expressed these human Gsα (hGsα) mutants in bacteria as histidine tagged proteins, purified them by niquel‐agarose chromatography and studied their nucleotide exchange properties. We show that the double R165/E168 → A mutant exhibited a fivefold increased GTP binding kinetics, a higher GDP dissociation rate, and an augmented capacity to activate adenylyl cyclase. Structure analysis showed that disruption of the salt bridge between R165 and E168 by the introduced mutations, caused important structural changes in the HD at the αD–αE loop (residues 160–175) and in the GTPaseD at a region required for Gsα activation by the receptor (residues 308–315). In addition, other two GTPaseD regions that surround the GTP binding site were also affected. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study on the recognition of templates and their analogues on molecularly imprinted polymer using computational and conformational analysis approaches
Authors: Wu Liqing , Li Yuanzong
Published: July 2004

A simplified computational model was proposed to simulate the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), removal of template and recognition of the template and its analogues by MIP. The MIPs with nicotinamide and iso‐nicotinamide as templates were prepared using methacrylic acid as functional monomer. Based on our computational model, the interaction energies between the monomer and the template or its analogues were calculated, which were well correlated with the retention factors and imprinting factors obtained on HPLC columns packed with the corresponding MIP particles. The imprinting effects of the template and its analogues were also investigated from the viewpoint of conformational analysis. The computational data were successfully used to predict the chromatographic behaviour of some chemicals in separation on HPLC columns. We believe that the computational method will find application in designing monomers for MIP synthesis and in studying recognition of templates and their analogues on MIP. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of leg veins with the long pulse dye laser using variable pulse durations and energy fluences
Authors: Kono Taro , Yamaki Takashi , Erçöçen Ali Rıza , Fujiwara Osamu , Nozaki Motohiro
Published: July 2004

Background and Objectives

Attempts at using the pulsed dye laser (PDL) operating at 585 nm wavelength and 0.45 milliseconds pulse duration to treat leg veins have been notably unsuccessful. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and complications of the 595 nm long PDL in the treatment of leg veins.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Fourteen patients with 38 lesions were treated using a long PDL equipped with a cryogen spray cooling (CSC) device. Variable pulse durations ranging from 1.5 to 20 milliseconds and energy fluences from 10 to 20 J/cm2 were utilized depending on the size of treated vessels. All patients received two laser treatments at an interval of 2 months.

Results

Of patients with veins type 1A and type 1, 6 (100%) and 3 (13%) had complete clearing, respectively. Of patients with veins type 1 and type 2, 18 (78.3%) and 2 (22.2%) lesions showed excellent response, respectively. Hyperpigmentation was the only observed complication lasting several months in 57.9% of treated sites.

Conclusions

The long PDL operating at 595 nm is a safe and effective treatment for leg veins, especially in type 1A and type1 vessels. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:62–67, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long pulse Nd:YAG laser for treatment of leg veins in 40 patients with assessments at 6 and 12 months
Authors: Trelles Mario A. , Allones I. , Martín‐Vázquez M.J. , Trelles O. , Vélez M. , Mordon S.
Published: July 2004

Background and Objectives

This study assessed subjectively and objectively the efficacy of a long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser system in clearing dermal leg veins, successful treatment of which remains problematic.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Forty female patients (24–58 years old, skin types II–IV) with leg veins were treated with synchronized micropulses from a long‐pulsed 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser, 6 mm diameter spot size, 130 and 140 J/cm2. One to three treatments were given at 6‐week intervals, with post‐treatment assessments at 6 and 12 months. Patients assessed improvement subjectively with a satisfaction index (SI). Objective assessment was based on the clinical photography, and in addition on computer‐generated data from a Canny operator‐based edge‐detection program.

Results

The overall patient satisfaction rates and objective assessments at the 6 and 12 month assessments were 42.5 and 57.5%, and 75 and 82.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser offered efficient treatment of leg veins. Side effects were minimal and transient. The edge‐detection program may help patients appreciate better the actual results of the treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:68–76, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On appropriate pathology for photothermal surgery
Authors: Shaco‐Levy Ruthy , Gordon Jeffrey M. , Feuermann Daniel , Huleihil Mahmoud , Mizrahi Solly
Published: July 2004

Background and Objectives

The standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain can yield dramatic underestimates of tissue death when pathology is performed immediately after radiative surgery. Our objectives were to identify an accurate, consistent histology, and to understand under what conditions the problem is manifested.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Photothermal surgery with highly concentrated sunlight was performed ex vivo on chicken livers, and in vivo on healthy live rats that were sacrificed at periods of 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Pathology with both H&E and an alternative NADH‐diaphorase (NADH) stain were prepared.

Results

H&E pathology performed shortly after surgery errs by close to an order of magnitude in appraising lesion volume, but the shortfall is mitigated when histological examination is postponed for 24 hours. The biochemical signals missed by the H&E technique at short times can be captured by the NADH stain which reveals the cessation of enzymatic activity, albeit at greater expense and complexity.

Conclusions

The significance lies in avoiding false positives in surgery, providing reliable estimates of photothermal surgical efficacy, and highlighting the relative merits of alternative histological practices with photothermal surgery. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:28–34, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CO2 laser resurfacing and photocarcinogenesis: An experimental study
Authors: Hedelund Lene , Haedersdal Merete , Egekvist Henrik , Heidenheim Michael , Wulf Hans Christian , Poulsen Thomas
Published: July 2004

Background and Objectives

To examine whether carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment has a carcinogenic potential or may influence ultraviolet (UV)‐induced carcinogenesis.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Hairless mice (n = 211) were treated with a Sharplan CO2 laser with FeatherTouch scanner. Simulated solar irradiations were administrated either pre‐operatively or pre‐ and post‐operatively. Weekly clinical assessments of skin tumors were performed blinded during the entire observation period of 12 months.

Results

No tumors appeared (a) in mice just treated with CO2 laser, (b) in mice exposed to UV irradiation only before CO2 laser treatment or (c) in untreated control mice. Tumors developed in CO2 laser treated mice that were exposed to UV‐irradiation both pre‐ and post‐operatively and in UV‐irradiated control mice. The time to first, second, and third tumors ranged from 18 to 20 weeks and no significant differences were demonstrated.

Conclusions

CO2 laser treatment does not have a carcinogenic potential in itself, nor does CO2 laser treatment influence UV‐induced carcinogenesis. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:58–61, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal therapy of canine cerebral tumors using a 980 nm diode laser with MR temperature‐sensitive imaging feedback
Authors: Kangasniemi Marko , McNichols Roger J. , Bankson James A. , Gowda Ashok , Price Roger E. , Hazle John D.
Published: July 2004

Background and Purpose

The laser‐induced thermal therapy (LITT) of cerebral tumors has conventionally been performed using Nd:YAG lasers and is associated with a risk of high focal temperatures potentially followed by cavitation that could result in boiling and/or explosive char. We have developed small diffusing laser fiber tips to better distribute the energy deposition and a computer controlled feedback system to monitor therapy and prevent excess temperature buildup. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using magnetic resonance temperature imaging (MRTI)‐based feedback system for the thermal treatment of experimental intracerebral tumors using 980 nm laser irradiation delivered through these diffusing tips.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Transmissible venereal tumors (TVTs) were grown via inoculation in the right cerebral hemisphere of seven canines. The laser fiber tips were inserted into a total of 10 independent TVT‐suspected regions in the seven animals. Margins for the target area in each animal were prescribed on the basis of pretreatment MR images. MRTI‐based feedback software was used to measure and regulate both temperature and the delivered thermal dose to achieve the desired thermal ablation and prevent excess heating. The effects of treatment were verified by results of histologic analyses.

Results

Treatments resulted in contiguous areas of thermal necrosis in tumors and adjacent brain margin. The feedback software successfully cut off the laser power once the desired treatment volume was achieved, and prevented focal temperatures from exceeding predefined thresholds. Follow‐up MRI studies showed 1.4‐ to 2.9‐fold LITT‐induced lesion expansion within 1–6 days after treatment.

Conclusions

Targeted thermal coagulation of small intracerebral tumors is feasible using MRTI‐based feedback and diffused 980 nm diode laser light. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:41–50, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Closure of skin incisions in rabbits by laser soldering II: Tensile strength
Authors: Brosh Tamar , Simhon David , Halpern Marisa , Ravid Avi , Vasilyev Tamar , Kariv Naam , Nevo Zvi , Katzir Abraham
Published: July 2004

Background and Objectives

The basic characteristic property of wound closure is the immediate and long‐term tensile strength (LTS). The objective of the current study was to compare tissue laser soldering to other available methods (i.e., cyanoacrylate glues and sutures) in the performance and outcome of wound closure and reparative healing process, with an emphasis on the immediate and LTS.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The animals were divided into three groups according to the type and details of the closure procedure. Group A: laser treatments at different temperatures were compared to sutured incisions, emphasizing the LTS after 10 days. Group B: laser soldering at 65 ± 5°C was compared to chemical glues (i.e., Histoacryl® and Dermabond®), emphasizing the immediate tensile strength (ITS). Group C: LTS of laser soldered incisions was compared to that of sutured incisions at various time intervals emphasizing LTS (3, 7, 14, 28 days).

Results

Group A: LTS at 60°C exhibited the highest values (0.48 MPa). Group B: no ITS difference was detected between laser soldering and chemical glues. Group C: soldered incisions at 65°C exhibited higher LTS (1.81 MPa) than that of sutured incisions (1.08 MPa) (P < 0.043).

Conclusions

Temperature‐controlled laser soldering at 65°C provided sufficient ITS and higher bonding LTS values compared with sutures, resulting in better wound healing characteristics. The laser soldering system presented here should be tested on larger animal models before adopting it for clinical usage. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:12–17, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing teratogenicity of antiretroviral drugs: monitoring and analysis plan of the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry
Authors: Covington Deborah L. , Tilson Hugh , Elder Jenna , Doi Peggy
Published: July 2004

This paper describes the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry's (APR) monitoring and analysis plan. APR is overseen by a committee of experts in obstetrics, pediatrics, teratology, infectious diseases, epidemiology and biostatistics from academia, government and the pharmaceutical industry. APR uses a prospective exposure‐registration cohort design. Clinicians voluntarily register pregnant women with prenatal exposures to any antiretroviral therapy and provide fetal/neonatal outcomes. A birth defect is any birth outcome ≥20 weeks gestation with a structural or chromosomal abnormality as determined by a geneticist. The prevalence is calculated by dividing the number of defects by the total number of live births and is compared to the prevalence in the CDC's population‐based surveillance system. Additionally, first trimester exposures, in which organogenesis occurs, are compared with second/third trimester exposures. Statistical inference is based on exact methods for binomial proportions. Overall, a cohort of 200 exposed newborns is required to detect a doubling of risk, with 80% power and a Type I error rate of 5%. APR uses the Rule of Three: immediate review occurs once three specific defects are reported for a specific exposure. The likelihood of finding three specific defects in a cohort of ≤600 by chance alone is less than 5% for all but the most common defects. To enhance the assurance of prompt, responsible, and appropriate action in the event of a potential signal, APR employs the strategy of ‘threshold’. The threshold for action is determined by the extent of certainty about the cases, driven by statistical considerations and tempered by the specifics of the cases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of PBT nanocomposites compounded with different montmorillonites
Authors: Acierno Domenico , Scarfato Paola , Amendola Eugenio , Nocerino Giuseppe , Costa Giovanna
Published: July 2004

Because of their superior mechanical and thermal properties, light weight, and favorable cost/performance ratio, nanocomposite materials appear to be suitable replacements for metals and alloys in many industrial applications in fields such as automotive, structural plastics, electronics, packaging, and so on (1). The technological relevance of this large‐scale market for polymers is evidenced by the numerous patents issued over the last few years, even though only few applications have entered the market. Polymer‐clay nanocomposite systems were successfully prepared by melt compounding using several thermoplastic matrices (polyamides, polyolefins, etc.), but few data are reported in the scientific literature on polyester‐based nanocomposites (2). Because of the high commercial relevance of polyesters, we have investigated the effect of organoclay inclusion on the structure and properties of these hybrid systems. In particular, we have studied the relationships between processing conditions, hybrid composition (organoclay type and content), nanoscale morphology and properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nanocomposites based upon several commercial organo‐modified montmorillonites at different weight percentages. The melt compounding was performed using a twin‐screw extruder, at extrusion rates of 90 or 150 rpm. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1012–1018, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation and properties of polyolefin‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Lew C. Y. , Murphy W. R. , McNally G. M.
Published: July 2004

Polyolefin‐organoclay nanocomposites containing a synthetic tetrasilisic fluoromica were prepared from metallocene‐catalyzed and conventional Ziegler‐Natta‐catalyzed linear low‐density polyethylenes (LLDPE) by means of melt‐compounding. The effects of maleic‐anhydride grafted compatibilizer (PE‐g‐MA) level, clay concentration, and blending procedure were investigated and compared. Morphology and structural analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) suggested the clay exfoliation was more intense in the metallocene LLDPE matrix, conceivably because of the controlled short‐chain branching and viscosity effects. When exfoliated, these silicate sheets were shown to restrict the lamellar crystallization, as seen by the decrease in crystallinity using differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC). The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) study suggested that the three α, β, and γ‐relaxations of the LLDPE were affected by polymer chain branching and clay exfoliation level. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1027–1035, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Extrusion processing of TPO nanocomposites
Authors: Fasulo Paula D. , Rodgers William R. , Ottaviani Robert A. , Hunter Douglas L.
Published: July 2004

Nanocomposites are a class of materials that use molecular‐sized particles for reinforcing the polymer matrix. These materials blend an organoclay with polymer to produce a composite with physical and mechanical properties equal to or better than their conventionally filled counterparts but at lower filler loadings. Occasionally, when the processing conditions are not optimized, compaction of the filler materials can occur. This agglomeration of the filler can affect the final properties of the composite by lowering the effective filler concentration and by the creation of stress risers around these agglomerates. This paper addresses the role of extrusion processing as it relates to the dispersion of the organoclay filler. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1036–1045, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Preparation and thermal properties of silica‐graft acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene nanocomposites
Authors: Zheng Kang , Chen Lin , Li Yong , Cui Ping
Published: July 2004

The synthesis of silica‐graft acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) nanocomposites and their thermal properties are studied. The silica nanopowders are treated with silane to introduce reactive groups onto the silica surfaces. The dispersion of modified silica nanoparticles in tetrahydrofuran (THF) is significantly improved. The silica‐graft ABS composites were prepared by an open ring reaction and radical grafting copolymerization of modified silica, styrene, and maleic anhydride (MAH) in ABS/THF solution. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of ABS‐graft‐SiO2 shifts obviously to high temperatures with increasing silica content. The TGA results indicate that the thermal stability is also improved with the increase of grafted silica. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1077–1082, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Thermoset rubber/layered silicate nanocomposites. Status and future trends
Authors: Karger‐Kocsis J. , Wu C.‐M.
Published: July 2004

This paper surveys the recent achievements with thermoset rubber/layered silicate nanocomposites considering their production methods, cure characteristics, structure and basic properties (mechanical, thermal and barrier). It was shown that the properties of the “nanoreinforced” rubbers strongly depend on the dispersion state of the silicate. The latter can be influenced by various methods related to the production route (latex, solution or melt compounding), silicate type (natural and artificial origin mostly affecting the aspect ratio), surface modification of the silicate (chemical buildup of the surfactant used for “organophilization”), recipe (curatives, activators, compatibilizers, etc.) and compounding parameters (temperature, time, shear rate, etc.). A peculiar skeleton‐type reinforcing structure can be produced by latex compounding. Solution and melt intercalation techniques usually result in nanocomposites containing silicate layers in both intercalated and exfoliated forms. To detect the related structure the combined use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques is inevitable. Confinement and deintercalation of the organophilic layered silicates occurring during compounding can be circumvented by the proper selection of the surfactants. Based on the present praxis some tendencies for future R&D activities with rubber nanocomposites were deduced and a strong impetus was forecasted to them owing to the fast development with thermoplastic/layered silicate systems. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1083–1093, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Mechanical and rheological studies on polyethylene terephthalate‐montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Sánchez‐Solís A. , Romero‐Ibarra I. , Estrada M. R. , Calderas F. , Manero O.
Published: July 2004

In this work, a detailed investigation of the rheological and mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and montmorillonite clays is presented. A series of additives [maleic anhydride (MAH), pentaerythritol (PENTA), and alkylammonium chlorides from amines of various chain lengths] were used as compatibilizers. The influence of the additives on the mechanical and rheological behavior of the PET matrix was evaluated separately, through their individual contributions. To shed more light on the reported decrease in melt viscosity of organoclay composites with respect to the matrix viscosity, observed in nylon and PET nanocomposites, the polymer molecular weight was related to the resulting rheological and mechanical properties of the systems. Results reveal that the PET nanocomposites behave quite differently in shear as opposed to elongation. The viscoelastic properties in shear present low values when the molecular weight decreases because of the processing operations. However, properties under tension increase over those of the matrix, manifesting the presence of a network formed between the clay and the polymer. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1094–1102, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Evaluation of the emotional status of patients on a waiting list for thoracic surgery during the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Authors: Wan Innes Y. P. , Wat Karen H. Y. , Ng Calvin S. H. , Thung K. H. , Lam Shirley , Lee T. W. , Wan Song , Yim Anthony P. C.
Published: July 2004

The objective of this study was to examine the emotional status of patients on the waiting list for thoracic surgery operations during the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong. Telephone interviews were conducted on patients awaiting thoracic surgery including major lung resection, mediastinal, pleural, tracheal and chest wall operations during the outbreak of SARS in April 2003 at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong. The anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Fifty‐seven patients participated in the interview (31.67 per cent response rate) of whom 18 were female. On the HADS, using the cut‐off point for psychiatric cases, 17 patients (29.82 per cent) scored above 15 for the full scale indicating significant psychiatric problems. Within the anxiety sub‐scale, 24 patients (42.11 per cent) reached the level of high anxiety (HADS score > 5). Fifteen patients (26.3 per cent) were above the cut‐off score of significant depression (HADS score > 8) for the depression sub‐scale. There was no relationship between the waiting time on the list and the level of depression and anxiety. The outbreak of SARS and the anticipation of surgery contributed to the high levels of anxiety and depression among patients awaiting thoracic surgical operations. A multi‐disciplinary and holistic approach to the management of this group of patients should be considered. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.