bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of progressive supranuclear palsy in the Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Brain Bank
Authors: Josephs Keith A. , Dickson Dennis W.
Published: September 2003

Diagnostic accuracy has been addressed previously for Parkinson's disease in a brain bank collection, but accuracy of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has not been addressed in a similar setting. Clinical and genetic features of pathologically confirmed cases of PSP were compared with misdiagnosed cases to determine ways to improve diagnostic accuracy. Medical records were reviewed for 180 cases sent to the Society of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Brain Bank that had standardized neuropathologic evaluations as well as determination of apolipoprotein E and tau genotypes. Of the 180 cases studied, 137 had PSP and 43 had other pathologic diagnoses. Corticobasal degeneration (CBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD) accounted for 70% of the misdiagnosed cases. History of tremor, psychosis, dementia, and asymmetric findings were more frequent in misdiagnosed cases. The frequency of H1 tau haplotype (93 vs. 80%) and H1H1 genotype (86 vs. 66%) were significantly greater and APOE ϵ4 carrier state was significantly less (17 vs. 41 %) in PSP compared with misdiagnosed cases. Pathologic evaluation of clinically diagnosed PSP remains important for definitive diagnosis, and CBD, MSA, and DLBD are the disorders most likely to be misdiagnosed as PSP. Tremor, psychosis, early dementia, asymmetric findings, absence of H1 haplotype, and presence of APOE ϵ4 should raise questions about a diagnosis of PSP. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for advanced PD: Correlation of intraoperative MER and postoperative MRI with neuropathological findings
Authors: Counelis George J. , Simuni Tanya , Forman Mark S. , Jaggi Jurg L. , Trojanowski John Q. , Baltuch Gordon H.
Published: September 2003

This postmortem study correlated intraoperative subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) placement and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with autopsy findings in a patient who died suddenly 4 days postoperatively from a pulmonary embolism. The study demonstrates that (1) MRI stereotactic localization combined with microelectrode recording (MER) is an accurate way to target STN; (2) multiple MER tracts do not cause significant injury to the brain; and (3) postoperative MRI accurately demonstrates location of the DBS electrodes. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Visual function in Huntington's disease patients and presymptomatic gene carriers
Authors: O'Donnell Brian F. , Wilt Marcia A. , Hake Ann Marie , Stout Julie C. , Kirkwood Sandra C. , Foroud Tatiana
Published: September 2003

Disturbances of visual cognition, visuomotor performance, and visual memory have been described frequently in Huntington's disease (HD). Early stage visual abnormalities could contribute to these deficits. We evaluated visual processing in 20 control subjects who were non‐gene carriers at risk for HD, nine presymptomatic gene‐positive subjects, and eight subjects with a recent diagnosis of Huntington's disease. Visual perceptual tests of contrast sensitivity and motion discrimination were used to probe early stage visual processing. Extraocular movements were evaluated in a neurologic examination, and the Digit Symbol test was used to test visual motor performance. Contrast sensitivity did not differ among the three groups. Motion discrimination was impaired in HD subjects but not in the presymptomatic gene carriers when compared to gene noncarriers. Among gene carriers, impaired motion discrimination performance was associated with poorer Digit Symbol performance and extraocular abnormalities. These findings suggest that the early stages of HD are associated with disturbances of motion perception as well as disruptions of visual motor and ocular motor performance. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society
Electromagnetic optimization using a mixed‐parameter self‐adaptive evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Hoorfar Ahmad , Zhu Jinhui , Nelatury Sudarshan
Published: September 2003

An evolutionary programming algorithm with a mixed continuous‐discrete parameter representation for application in electromagnetic optimization problems is presented. In our approach, the mutation operator consists of a hybrid combination of Gaussian mutation for the continuous parameters, and Poisson mutation for the discrete parameters. The implementation uses self‐adaptive schemes for updating the standard deviation of the Gaussian distribution and the mean of the Poisson distribution during the evolution. As an example, the proposed evolutionary algorithm is applied to the constraint designs of various multilayer dielectric‐filter structures. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 267–271, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11187
Optically controlled microstrip load and stub on silicon substrate
Authors: Bhadauria Avanish , Nasimuddin  , Verma A. K. , Sharma Enakshi Khular , Singh B. R.
Published: September 2003

In this paper we report the modeling and experimental measurements for optical control of a microstrip load and λg/4 stub fabricated on high‐resistivity silicon substrate. We present the basic circuit model of a photoinduced or optical load created by a laser spot at the end of an open microstrip line. The modeled optical load has been used to simulate reflections at open microstrip line terminated by the optical load. The results obtained by both simulation and measurement show that an optical load created at the open termination of a microstrip line can control the reflection parameter of the line. A similar optical load created at the end of an open λg/4 stub on a microstrip line has been shown to control the transmitted power at the design frequency. The measurement results compare well with those predicted by both a simple circuit simulation and a simulation carried out on the Ansoft Maxwell simulator using a termination obtained by an equivalent circuit model of the optical load. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 271–276, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11188
Dual wideband radiating element for mobile handsets
Authors: Le Thuc P. , Staraj R. , Kossiavas G.
Published: September 2003

A lightweight, low‐cost antenna suitable for personal communication handsets is proposed. This antenna consists of two stacked quarter‐wavelength elements short‐circuited along the same plane. A slot was embedding in each patch to allow the achievement of two widebands, including GSM and DCS/PCS/UMTS system applications. The software design package IE3D was used and good agreement with the measured results was obtained. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 288–290, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11193
Novel semiconductor phase shifters for millimeter‐wave devices
Authors: Iqbal Sheikh Sharif
Published: September 2003

Microwave and millimeter‐wave ferrite phase shifters are essential components in phased‐array antennas for telecommunication and radar applications. However, the extremely high cost and frequency limitations have limited their use to military applications. In this study, potentially low‐cost, miniaturized semiconductor phase shifters are analyzed and compared with their ferrite counterparts. Ferrite‐semiconductor composite phase shifters are also envisaged. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 300–303, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11197
Hybrid approach to Volterra analysis for microwave MEFET amplifiers for digital wireless communications
Authors: Huang Chien‐Chang
Published: September 2003

A hybrid approach to Volterra analysis using both time‐ and frequency‐domain operations for microwave MESFET amplifiers is proposed in order to adapt continuous spectral features in digital wireless communications. The major modification is the equivalent baseband formulations in the time domain for the digital modulation signal, and frequency‐domain treatment of the nonlinear system via a Volterra series expansion. Theoretical and numerical studies indicate a great improvement in computation efficiency as compared with the pure frequency‐domain approach. The method shown has potential applications for both circuit‐ and system‐level simulations in digital wireless communications. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 314–317, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11201
L‐band active receiving antenna for automotive applications
Authors: Rabinovich Victor
Published: September 2003

This paper describes L‐band active receiving antenna for the automotive applications (DAB radio). The antenna is based on a printed dipole in 1452‐1492 MHz frequency range and has a low noise amplifier. Two different versions of the antenna are presented: one for “on‐vehicle” application (roof or trunk) and the second one for “in‐vehicle” application (glass window). Antenna directionality is measured for on‐vehicle and in‐vehicle antenna locations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 39: 319–323, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11203
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor delta expression and regulation in mouse uterus during embryo implantation and decidualization
Authors: Ding Nai‐Zheng , Teng Chun‐Bo , Ma Hong , Ni Hua , Ma Xing‐Hong , Xu Li‐Bin , Yang Zeng‐Ming
Published: September 2003

The aim of this study was to examine the expression and regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) PPARδ gene in mouse uterus during early pregnancy by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. PPARδ expression under pseudopregnancy, delayed implantation, hormonal treatment, and artificial decidualization was also investigated. There was a very low level of PPARδ expression on days 1–4 of pregnancy. On day 5 when embryo implanted, PPARδ expression was exclusively observed in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst. No corresponding signals were seen in the uterus on day 5 of pregnancy. There was no detectable PPARδ signal under delayed implantation. Once delayed implantation was terminated by estrogen treatment and embryo implanted, a strong level of PPARδ expression was induced in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst. Estrogen treatment induced a moderate level of PPARδ expression in the glandular epithelium, while progesterone treatment had no effects in the ovariectomized mice. A strong level of PPARδ expression was seen in the decidua on days 6–8 of pregnancy. PPARδ expression was also induced under artificial decidualization. These data suggest that PPARδ expression at implantation sites require the presence of an active blastocyst and may play an essential role for blastocyst implantation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 218–224, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of endogenous reverse transcriptase in murine early embryo development
Authors: Pittoggi Carmine , Sciamanna Ilaria , Mattei Elisabetta , Beraldi Rosanna , Lobascio Anna Maria , Mai Antonello , Quaglia Maria Giovanna , Lorenzini Rodolfo , Spadafora Corrado
Published: September 2003

We report that a reverse transcriptase (RT) activity is present in early cleavage stage embryos as determined by a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection assay. In an attempt to establish whether this activity plays a role in early embryonic development, we have blocked the endogenous RT by two independent approaches: (1) embryos were exposed to nevirapine, a highly specific nonnucleoside inhibitor of RT activity; (2) anti‐RT antibody was microinjected into the nucleus of one blastomere of 2‐cell embryos. When embryos were exposed to nevirapine in the developmental window between late 1‐cell and 4‐cell stages, development was arrested before the blastocyst stage. In contrast, development was not affected when embryos were exposed to nevirapine after the eight‐cell stage. Developmental arrest was also induced when anti‐RT antibody was microinjected in one blastomere of 2‐cell embryos. Analysis of gene expression by RT‐PCR in nevirapine‐arrested 2‐cell embryos revealed an extensive and specific reprogramming of gene expression, involving both developmentally regulated and constitutively expressed genes, compared to control embryos. These results support the conclusion that an endogenous RT activity is required in mouse early embryogenesis specifically between the late 1‐cell and the 4‐cell stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 225–236, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor‐beta isoform expression during bovine ovarian antral follicle development
Authors: Nilsson Eric E. , Doraiswamy Vinayak , Skinner Michael K.
Published: September 2003

Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) isoforms are important paracrine and autocrine signaling molecules for the regulation of ovarian follicle growth and physiology. Effective communication between the epithelial granulosa cells, the mesenchymal theca cells, and the oocyte is vital for ovarian function and reproductive success. The expression, localization, and regulation of TGF‐β isoforms in the developing bovine follicle was examined using both immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) procedures. TGF‐β1 protein was found to be present in the granulosa cells of early pre‐antral, early antral, and 1–2 mm follicles. Interestingly, there was no visible staining of granulosa cells of 3–5 or 5–10 mm follicles. There was also no TGF‐β1 staining of theca cells. TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3 staining were present in the granulosa and theca cells of all follicle stages examined. The levels of TGF‐β mRNA expression in granulosa and theca cells from antral follicles was measured using quantitative RT‐PCR. For each isoform mRNA expression levels did not change in different sized antral follicles. TGF‐β3 mRNA levels were much higher than those of TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 in both granulosa and theca. Expression levels were higher in theca than in granulosa for TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3. FSH was found to decrease TGF‐β1 mRNA expression in granulosa cells, but had no effect on TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3. Bovine ovarian follicles were found to have a unique pattern of TGF‐β isoform expression and regulation when compared to other species (i.e., rodent, pig, quail, and human). The similarities and differences between the various species is discussed to help elucidate common functions of TGF‐β in the ovary. In summary, observations demonstrate that as antral follicles develop, TGF‐β3 is the most abundant TGF‐β isoform and TGF‐β1 protein levels decline in large follicles. Granulosa cell TGF‐β1 expression was decreased by FSH and this correlated with reduced levels in large antral follicles. TGF‐βs involved in antral follicular growth and development appear to act as paracrine/autocrine signaling molecules having a species‐specific pattern of expression. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 237–246, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Practical pharmacovigilance analysis strategies
Authors: Lawrence Gould A.
Published: September 2003

Purpose

To compare two recently proposed Bayesian methods for quantitative pharmacovigilance with respect to assumptions and results, and to describe some practical strategies for their use.

Methods

The two methods were expressed in common terms to simplify identifying similarities and differences, some extensions to both methods were provided, and the empirical Bayes method was applied to accumulated experience on a new antihypertensive drug to elucidate the pattern of adverse‐event reporting. Both methods use the logarithm of the proportional risk ratio as the basic metric for association.

Results

The two methods provide similar numerical results for frequently reported events, but not necessarily when few events are reported. Using a lower 5% quantile of the posterior distribution gives some assurance that potential signals are unlikely to be noise. The calculations indicated that most potential adverse event–drug associations that were well‐recognized after 6 years of use could be identified within the first year, that most of the associations identified in the first year persisted over time. Other insights into the pattern of event reporting were also noted.

Conclusion

Both methods can provide useful early signals of potential drug–event associations that subsequently can be the focus of detailed evaluation by skilled clinicians and epidemiologists. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional variation in the use of medications by older Canadians—a persistent and incompletely understood phenomena
Authors: Hogan D. B. , Maxwell C. J. , Fung T. S. , Ebly E. M.
Published: September 2003

Background

We have previously reported on regional variability in medication consumption by older Canadians. In this study, we used longitudinal data to determine whether regional differences in commonly consumed medications persisted and to explore potential explanatory factors for observed differences.

Methods

We utilized data from the second phase of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging to assess the number, types, and variability of medications used between regions. Linear and logistic regressions (LRs) were used to predict the number of medications and the use of specific agents where significant regional variability was found to exist.

Results

There were significant regional differences in the number of medications consumed and in the prevalence of use of acetaminophen (p < 0.002), benzodiazepines (p < 0.020), nitrates (p = 0.040), and complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs; p < 0.020). The proportion of subjects using acetaminophen was highest in British Columbia (44.6%) and lowest in Quebec (27.3%). Benzodiazepine and nitrate consumption was highest in Quebec (35.9 and 19%, respectively) and lowest in the Praires (18.2%) and Atlantic Canada (6.6%). CAM use was highest in British Columbia (47.1%) and lowest in the Atlantic region (26.8%). Similar inter‐regional differences had been found 5 years previously. There were no significant regional differences in the prevalence of hypertension, myocardial infarction, diabetes, arthritis/rheumatism, or depression. Region remained a significant explanatory variable for the number of medications and nitrate, benzodiazepine, and CAM use in our multivariate models.

Conclusions

Regional differences in medication use persisted over the course of this longitudinal study. Much of the variability remains unexplained. The reasons for regional differences in consumption of drugs and their clinical significance should be addressed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for adverse events in analgesic drug users: results from the PAIN study
Authors: Moore Nicholas , Charlesworth Andrew , Van Ganse Eric , LeParc Jean‐Marie , Jones Judith K. , Wall Richard , Schneid Hélène , Verrière François
Published: September 2003

Background

The relative influence of various risk factors for adverse events (AE) in analgesics users have never been precisely quantified. Advantage was taken of data generated in the paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen new tolerability (PAIN) study, a large randomized double‐blinded trial of paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen for common pain in general practice to attempt this.

Objective

Identify and quantify factors associated with the occurrence of AE in users of analgesic drugs.

Method

Multivariate logistic regression analysis of potential risk factors for all AE, clinically significant AE (SAE) and clinically significant gastro‐intestinal AE (GI SAE).

Results

Of the 8677 patients included in the study, 8633 contributed data. The main risk factors for SAE were indication: compared to those treated for musculoskeletal pain, patients treated for menstrual pain had an odds ratio (95% Confidence Interval) of 0.4 (0.2–0.7), sore throat 0.6 (0.5–0.8), cold and flu 0.7 (0.6–0.8), headache 0.8 (0.7–1.0); concomitant use of medication contra‐indicated in the drugs' labeling (OR: 2.2; 1.6–2.9); increasing number of other concomitant medications: 1: OR 1.5 (1.3–1.8); 2–3: OR 1.9 (1.6–2.3); more than 3: OR (2.7; 2.1–3.5); treatment with aspirin: OR 1.4; (1.2–1.6) but not ibuprofen: OR 0.9; (0.8–1.1) compared to paracetamol; history of previous GI disorder OR 1.4 (1.0–1.8); female gender: OR 1.3 (1.1–1.4). Age was not significantly associated with AE in the multivariate analysis. Risk factors for all AE and GI SAE were mostly the same as for significant AE, but there were fewer GI SAE with ibuprofen than with paracetamol (OR 0.8; 0.6–0.9).

Conclusion

Apart from the analgesic used and its indication, the main risk factors identified for AE in users of first‐line analgesics for common pain were the number and nature of concomitant medication. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized controlled intervention in cardiovascular drug treatment in nursing homes
Authors: Ulfvarson Johanna , Adami Johanna , Ullman Bengt , Wredling Regina , Reilly Marie , von Bahr Christer
Published: September 2003

Objective

To study drug treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, post‐myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertonia or cardiac valvular disease) in nursing homes and assess effect of medication advice.

Intervention

The patients were randomized to an intervention or control group. Medication reviews were made by one specialist in clinical pharmacology and one in cardiology. Symptoms related to heart failure or adverse reactions to cardiovascular drugs were recorded using a questionnaire. Quality of life and activities of daily living (ADL) were assessed and follow‐ups performed after 2 weeks and 3 months. Outcome measures were changes of drug therapy and the global scores computed from symptoms scales.

Results

Eighty patients were randomized. They had a mean age of 87 years and their average number of drugs was 9.6. Changed drug therapy was suggested in 40 patients and the advice was followed by the responsible physicians in 19 patients. The physicians mostly followed advice for changed furosemide therapy but not for introducing an ACE‐inhibitor, probably due to uncertain diagnosis and need for follow‐up after initiation of such therapy. No significant changes from baseline to later follow‐up were found in the mean total scores of any questionnaire.

Conclusion

Intervention did not affect cardiovascular symptoms. Drug revisions should involve more than one class of drugs in order to be cost‐effective. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pattern of prescriptions issued by nursing home‐based physicians versus office‐based physicians for frail elderly patients in German nursing homes
Authors: Pittrow David , Krappweis J. , Rentsch A. , Schindler C. , Hach I. , Bramlage P. , Kirch W.
Published: September 2003

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the physician prescription pattern for frail elderly patients in German nursing homes and to identify differences, if any, between that of physicians based in the nursing homes (A) and those with office‐based practices (B).

Methods

Retrospective, longitudinal study of medication prescriptions on the basis of the database of a health insurance (Betriebskrankenkasse) in Berlin, Germany. We assessed the medication prescriptions for all 996 unselected insured individuals aged ≥ 60 years who were insured throughout 1999 and lived in nursing homes. We analyzed selected patient characteristics and prescription data. Drugs were classified according to the WHO ATC code and were assigned a mean daily defined dose (DDD).

Results

816 individuals were women and 180 were men. A total of 78% of women and 43% of men were aged 80 years or older. Two hundred sixty three patients were seen by nursing home‐based physicians (A) and 733 by office‐based physicians (B). The median of prescriptions per patient and year was 31 (A) and 37 (B) (p between groups < 0.001). Patients in Group A also received a lower number of DDDs in comparison to Group B (1109 vs 1250; p < 0.01). Costs were substantially higher in group B, and in both groups higher in the 60–69 years old in comparison to the more senior patients. The prescription pattern suggested a considerable frequency of inappropriate drug use in both groups in the following classes: psychopharmacological agents (neuroleptics, antidepressants, hypnotics), pain medication, digitalis glycosides, laxants and loop diuretics. On an average, office‐based physicians (B) prescribed relatively more medications in all major classes with the exception of non‐opiate analgesics, laxants and anxiolytics.

Conclusions

These data are indicative of a considerable use of inappropriate medication for frail geriatric patients. Differences between the prescribing pattern among nursing home‐based and office‐based physicians were not substantial, however, the latter group prescribed relatively more drugs. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approaches to combat with confounding by indication in observational studies of intended drug effects
Authors: McMahon Alex D.
Published: September 2003

There has been a resurgence of controversy about the usefulness of observational data to study the efficacy of drugs. Nearly every week a researcher makes some criticism of clinical trials or justifies observational research into intended effects, with other researchers offering a contradictory viewpoint. Literature reviews are not useful in this regard because the contradictory studies will not usually be carried out. Some methods are discussed which may have potential utility in the study of intended effects. There may be a marginal role for statistical techniques such as propensity scores and confounder scores. More promising techniques may include ecological analyses, restriction of subjects and blinded prospective review. Because it is currently unknown when the observational study of drug efficacy is possible, we should arguably always carry out a study of the determinants of prescribing first, and possibly consider using the various techniques that are outlined in this article. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Benefit‐risk analysis: a proposal using quantitative methods
Authors: Holden William L. , Juhaeri Juhaeri , Dai Wanju
Published: September 2003

This is the first part of a two‐article series which will introduce the theory and practice of a proposed set of quantitative methods for benefit‐risk analysis. Adjustments to number‐needed‐to‐treat (NNT) analysis and a new method, minimum clinical efficacy (MCE) analysis are presented and critically discussed. The goal of these methods is to condense into a summary metric the benefit‐risk profile of a product so that manufacturers, regulators, clinicians and patients can better understand and participate in risk management. A second article will present examples of these methods. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initiator‐fragment incorporation radical polymerization of divinylbenzene in the presence of glyoxylic oxime ether: Formation of soluble hyperbranched polymer
Authors: Sato Tsuneyuki , Sato Nobuyuki , Seno Makiko , Hirano Tomohiro
Published: September 2003

The copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) and ethylstyrene (EtSt) was carried out at 70 and 80 °C in benzene with dimethyl 2,2‐azobisisobutyrate (MAIB) at high concentrations as initiator in the presence of methyl benzyloxyiminoacetate (MBOIA), a glyoxylic oxime ether, as a retarder. The copolymerization system of DVB (0.25 mol/L), EtSt (0.25 mol/L), MBOIA (0.5 mol/L), and MAIB (0.5 mol/L) gave benzene‐soluble copolymers despite a considerably high concentration of DVB as an excellent crosslinker. The yield and molecular weight of the resulting copolymers increased with time both at 70 and 80 °C and then leveled off because of initiator consumption. The homogeneous polymerization system involved electron spin resonance (ESR), observable nitrogen‐centered polymer radicals (MBOIA·) under the actual polymerization conditions. The MBOIA· concentration increased with time despite a homogeneous polymerization system, suggesting the formation of rigid hyperbranched polymers. A benzene solution of isolated copolymer also showed an ESR signal. The copolymer was soluble in acetone, toluene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, and N,N‐dimethylformamide but insoluble in n‐hexane, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide. MAIB fragments as high as 30–40 mol % were incorporated into the copolymers through initiation and primary radical termination, on the basis of which this polymerization was named the initiator‐fragment incorporation radical polymerization. MBOIA (13–16 mol%) was also incorporated into the copolymers through an opening of the CN bond. The intrinsic viscosity of the copolymers was very low (0.08 dL/g), and the reduced viscosity was almost independent of the polymer concentration, supporting a hyperbranched structure of them. Gel permeation chromatography and multi‐angle laser light scattering and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the copolymer was formed as a hyperbranched nanoparticle. The thermal behavior of the copolymer was examined by dynamic thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3038–3047, 2003
Terpyridine‐modified poly(vinyl chloride): Possibilities for supramolecular grafting and crosslinking
Authors: Meier Michael A. R. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2003

Commercially available poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was covalently modified with terpyridine supramolecular binding units in a two‐step reaction. First, PVC was modified with aromatic thiols to introduce OH functionalities into the polymer backbone, which were subsequently reacted with an isocyanate‐functionalized terpyridine binding unit. The resulting functionalized material contained metal‐ion binding sites, which could be used for grafting and crosslinking reactions. A grafting experiment was performed with a small organic terpyridine ligand. The complexation of the modified PVC with several transition‐metal ions was studied with ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2964–2973, 2003
Immiscible polymers in double spin‐coated electroluminescent devices containing phenyl‐substituted tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline)aluminum derivatives soluble in a host polymer
Authors: Shoji E. , Miyatake K. , Hlil A. R. , Hay A. S. , Maindron T. , Jousseaume V. , Dodelet J. P. , Tao Y. , D'Iorio M.
Published: September 2003

Three new phenyl‐substituted tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (AlQ3) derivatives have been synthesized: tris(5‐phenyl‐8‐quinolinolate‐N1,O8)aluminum, tris(5,7‐diphenyl‐8‐quinolinolate‐N1,O8)aluminum, and tris[5,7‐bis(p‐fluorophenyl)‐8‐quinolinolate‐N1,O8]aluminum. These AlQ3 derivatives are easily soluble in common organic solvents and form solid‐phase solutions in a poly(aryl ether ketone) host polymer (A435). These interesting properties allow the use of soluble AlQ3 derivatives in double spin‐coated organic light‐emitting devices of the type ITO/NPB‐QP/A435 + 50 wt % soluble AlQ3 derivative/Mg, where NPB‐QP is a hole‐transporting polymer insoluble in toluene, the solvent for A435. Typical double spin‐coated organic layer devices are characterized by an emission at 530–539 nm, a threshold voltage of 6–9 V, and a maximum luminance of 1800–4000 cd/m2 at 21–25 V. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3006–3016, 2003
Use of germanium initiators in ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide
Authors: Finne Anna , Reema  , Albertsson Ann‐Christine
Published: September 2003

Three different, new germanium initiators were used for ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide. Chlorobenzene and 120 °C was a usable polymerization system for solution polymerization, and the results from the polymerizations depended on the initiator structure and bulkiness around the insertion site. The average molecular weights as measured by size exclusion chromatography increased linearly with the monomer conversion, and the molecular weight dispersity was around 1.2 for initiators 1 and 2, whereas it was around 1.4 for initiator 3. The average molecular weight of poly(L‐lactide) could be controlled with all three initiators by adding different ratios of monomer and initiator. The reaction rate for the solution polymerization was, however, overall extremely slow. With an initial monomer concentration of 1 M and a monomer‐to‐initiator ratio of 50, the conversion was 93% after 161 h for the fastest initiator. In bulk polymerization, 160 °C, the conversion was 90% after 10 h. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3074–3082, 2003
Contribution of steric and electrostatic repulsion forces to the stability of styrene latices copolymerized with acrylic acid
Authors: Reynhout X. E. E. , Hoekstra L. , Meuldijk J. , Drinkenburg A. A. H.
Published: September 2003

Acrylic acid (AA) is used in many emulsion polymerization formulations to improve the colloidal stability of the latex product. The improved stability originates from electrostatic repulsion complemented with steric repulsion. The strength of the electrostatic and steric repulsion forces in a styrene (S)/AA copolymer latex was investigated at different pH values, electrolyte concentrations, and temperatures. A comparison was made with an S homopolymer latex. Transmission electron microscopic pictures, combined with visual inspections, provided understanding of the mechanisms leading to coagulation in polystyrene (PS)/AA copolymer latices. Colloidal stability of the unswollen sodium dodecyl sulfate stabilized PS latex is based on electrostatic repulsion. Destabilization by sodium chloride resulted in aggregation. The acidic PS/AA latex remained stable against aggregation at high electrolyte concentrations because of steric repulsion. The acidic PS/AA latex showed a strong tendency to flocculate at increasing electrolyte concentrations. Flocculation was not observed for high‐pH PS/AA latices at high electrolyte concentrations. Steric repulsion of the acid PS/AA latex was lost at temperatures higher than the critical coagulation temperature (35 °C), and flocculation was followed by aggregation and coalescence. The high‐pH PS/AA latex was stable even at high electrolyte concentrations and temperatures up to 80 °C because of strong electrosteric stabilization. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2985–2995, 2003
Synthesis and cationic photopolymerization of epoxy‐functional siloxane monomers and oligomers
Authors: Jang Myoungsouk , Crivello James V.
Published: September 2003

A series of difunctional silicon‐containing monomers were prepared with a novel method consisting of the monohydrosilation of an α,ω‐difunctional SiH‐terminated siloxane with a vinyl‐functional epoxide or oxetane followed by the dehydrodimerization of the resulting SiH‐functional intermediate. This method used simple, readily available starting materials and could be conducted as a streamlined one‐pot, two‐step synthesis. This novel method was also applied to the synthesis of several epoxy–silicone oligomers. The reactivities of these new monomers and oligomers were examined with Fourier transform real‐time infrared spectroscopy and optical pyrometry. Those monomers containing epoxycyclohexyl groups displayed excellent reactivity in cationic ring‐opening polymerization in the presence of lipophilic onium salt photoinitiators. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3056–3073, 2003
Development of new dyeing photoinitiators based on benzylideneimidazopyridine dyes
Authors: Pyszka Ilona , Kucybała Zdzisław , Pączkowski Jerzy
Published: September 2003

Several dyes containing benzylideneimidazopyridine moiety (BIPDs) were synthesized and evaluated as photoinitiators for free‐radical polymerization induced with the visible emission of an argon‐ion laser. One method of dye structure change was applied in our study. The modification was based on the character of the substituent introduced into both the imidazopyridine skeleton and phenyl ring. Several different groups were tested including heavy atoms (CI, Br) as well as electron‐accepting (NO2), and electron‐donating groups [N(CH3)2, OCH3]. Analysis of the dye properties demonstrated that there is a significant heavy atom effect on the photoinitiation ability of the novel dyes in both cases, for example, when a heavy atom is introduced into the phenyl ring as well as into the imidazopyridine part of the molecule. The introduction of an electron‐acceptor or electron‐donor group into the phenyl part of the dye caused a dramatic decrease in its photosensitivity. The type of applied counterion had no effect on the overall sensitivity of a dye. BIPDs are not particularly good photoinitiators. Further modification of the dye structure involved the elimination of the motion of a CC bond by the coplanarization of the styrylium residue with other parts of the dye. This approach decreased the degree of branching of the dye, which stabilized the molecule in its excited state. The formed dye, quinoline[2,3‐b]‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridinium bromide (QDIPB), exhibited dramatically enhanced sensitivity. QDIPB possessed broad structured spectra with a long‐wavelength part shifted to the blue as compared to other BIPD dyes. The change of the absorption spectra and its high photoinitiation ability makes QDIPB a good candidate for the photoinitiating system applied in dental restorative materials. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3048–3055, 2003
Synthesis and spectral and thermal properties of copolymers of (2‐cyclopentylidene‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4‐yl)methyl methacrylate with styrene and acrylonitrile and the determination of the monomer reactivity ratios
Authors: İlter Zülfiye , Soykan Cengiz , Koca Murat
Published: September 2003

The monomer (2‐cyclopentylidene‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4‐yl)methyl methacrylate (CPDMMA) was synthesized by the reaction of (2‐cyclopentylidene‐5‐hydroxymethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane) with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of pyridine at 0 °C. The radical‐initiated copolymerization of CPDMMA with styrene and acrylonitrile was carried out in a 1,4‐dioxane solution at 60 °C with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator with different monomer‐to‐monomer ratios in the feed. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and 1H and 13C NMR spectral studies. The copolymer composition was evaluated by the nitrogen content, and the peak integrations of 1H NMR signals in the polymers led to the determination of the reactivity ratios. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of the Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös linear methods and the Tidwell–Mortimer nonlinear method. The glass‐transition temperatures of the two copolymer systems decreased with an increase in the molar fraction of CPDMMA in the copolymers. The thermogravimetric analysis of the copolymers revealed that the thermal stability of the two copolymer systems decreased with an increase in the molar fraction of CPDMMA in the copolymers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2996–3005, 2003
Synthesis and polymerization of fluorinated monomers bearing a reactive lateral group. XIV. Radical copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride with methyl 1,1‐dihydro‐4,7‐dioxaperfluoro‐5,8‐dimethyl non‐1‐enoate
Authors: Ameduri Bruno , Bauduin Gérard
Published: September 2003

The radical copolymerization in solution of vinylidene fluoride (VDF; or 1,1‐difluoroethylene) with methyl 1,1‐dihydro‐4,7‐dioxaperfluoro‐5,8‐dimethyl non‐1‐enoate (MDP) initiated by di‐tert‐butyl peroxide is presented. Six copolymerization reactions were investigated with initial [VDF]0/[MDP]0 molar ratios of 35/65 to 80/20. Both of these comonomers copolymerized in this range of copolymerization. Moreover, these comonomers homopolymerized separately under these conditions. The copolymer compositions of these random copolymers were calculated by means of 19F NMR spectroscopy, which allowed the quantification of the respective amounts of each monomeric unit in the copolymers. The Tidwell–Mortimer method was used for the assessment of the reactivity ratios (ri) of both comonomers, which showed a higher incorporation of MDP in the copolymers (rMDP = 2.41 ± 2.28 and rVDF = 0.38 ± 0.21 at 120 °C). The Alfrey–Price Q and e values of the trifluoroallyl monomer MDP were calculated to be 0.024 (from QVDF = 0.008) or 0.046 (from QVDF = 0.015) and 0.70 (vs eVDF = 0.40) or 0.80 (vs eVDF = 0.50), respectively, indicating that MDP was an electron‐accepting monomer. The thermal properties of these fluorinated copolymers were also determined. Except for those containing a high amount of VDF, the copolymers were amorphous. Each showed one glass‐transition temperature (Tg) only, and with known laws of Tg's, Tg of the MDP homopolymer was assessed. It was compared to that obtained from the direct radical homopolymerization of MDP and discussed. Indeed, these two values were close (Tg = −3 °C). Thermogravimetric analyses were performed, and they showed that the copolymers were rather thermostable because the thermal degradation occurred at 280 °C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3109–3121, 2003
Statistical models for the analysis of controlled trials on acute migraine
Authors: Vandenhende François , Lambert Philippe , Ramadan Nabih
Published: September 2003

Specific efficacy criteria were defined by the International Headache Society for controlled clinical trials on acute migraine. They are derived from the pain profile and the timing of rescue medication intake. We present a methodology to improve the analysis of such trials. Instead of analysing each endpoint separately, we model the joint distribution and derive success rates in any criteria as predictions. We use cumulative regression models for each response at a time and a multivariate normal copula to model the dependence between responses. Parameters are estimated using maximum likelihood. Benefits of the method include a reduction in the number of tests performed and an increase in their power. The method is well suited to dose–response trials from which predictions can be used to select doses and optimize the design of subsequent trials. More generally, our method permits a very flexible modelling of longitudinal series of ordinal data. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent innovations in barrier technologies for plastic packaging—a review
Authors: Lange J. , Wyser Yves
Published: September 2003

The barrier solutions presently available on the market all have their drawbacks, e.g. cost, water‐sensitivity, opacity or perceived environmental bad‐will. At the same time there is a trend to use more plastic‐based packaging materials for different applications, e.g. as replacements for metal and glass containers. This situation has stimulated the industry to provide new, more efficient barrier solutions. The innovations go along five major lines: (a) thin, transparent vacuum‐deposited coatings; (b) new barrier polymers as discrete layers; (c) blends of barrier polymers and standard polymers; (d) organic barrier coatings; and (e) nanocomposite materials. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the different approaches, outlining the principle behind each barrier technology, its performance, its potential and the companies developing and producing the materials. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined effects of hot water treatment (HWT) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of tomatoes
Authors: Suparlan  , ITOH Kazuhiko
Published: September 2003

Effects of hot water treatment (HWT) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of tomatoes were studied. Prior to packaging with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film (0.02 mm in thickness), tomatoes were immersed in hot water (42.5°C) for 30 min. Control tomatoes were not treated and were stored for 2 weeks at 10°C and then for 3 days at 20°C without packaging. Steady states of O2 and CO2 concentrations inside the package were about 5 and 8%, respectively, and were reached after 6 and 4 days of storage, respectively. MAP reduced weight loss of tomatoes to about 41% of that of unpackaged fruit during a 2‐week storage period. The use of a combination of HWT and MAP reduced weight loss and decay, inhibited color development and maintained firmness of tomatoes but had no effect on soluble solids content or titratable acidity. HWT slightly reduced mold growth of tomatoes stored in MAP. Packaging of control fruit in MAP resulted in stimulation of mold growth around the stem end of the fruit after about 1 week of storage and also resulted in cracking and decay. HWT could be used as disinfectant for tomatoes prior to storage in MAP in order to reduce microbial growth, cracking and decay that may be caused by excessive water vapor inside the package. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining formal verification and conformance testing for validating reactive systems
Authors: Rusu Vlad
Published: September 2003

This paper presents a combination of verification and conformance testing techniques to support the formal validation of reactive systems. The idea is to use symbolic test selection techniques to extract subgraphs (components) from a specification, and to perform the verification on the components rather than on the whole specification. Under reasonable sufficient conditions, this constitutes a sound compositional verification technique, in the sense that a property verified on the components also holds on the whole specification. This may considerably reduce the global verification effort. Moreover, once verified, a component forms the basis of an adequate test case, i.e. when executed on an implementation, it will not issue false positive or negative verdicts with respect to the verified properties. The approach has been implemented using the STG test selection tool and the PVS theorem prover. It is demonstrated here on a smart‐card application: the Common Electronic Purse System. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Test suite minimization for testing in context
Authors: Anido Ricardo , Cavalli Ana R. , Lima Luiz Paula , Yevtushenko Nina
Published: September 2003

Testing a component embedded into a complex system, in which all other components are assumed fault‐free, is known as embedded testing. This paper proposes a method for minimizing a test suite to perform embedded testing. The minimized test suite maintains the fault coverage of the original test suite with respect to faults within the embedded component. The minimization uses the fact that the system is composed of a fault‐free context and a component under test, specified as communicating, possibly non‐deterministic finite state machines (FSMs). The method is illustrated using an example of telephone services on an intelligent network architecture. Other applications of the proposed approach for testing a system of communicating FSMs are also discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric detection and quantification of nodularin‐R in flounder livers
Authors: Karlsson Krister , Sipiä Vesa , Krause Eberhard , Meriluoto Jussi , Pflugmacher Stephan
Published: September 2003

Livers of flounders caught during August 1995 from the western Gulf of Finland and the Archipelago Sea were analyzed for nodularin‐R (NODLN) by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Results showed that NODLN was detected in samples by both MS techniques. NODLN content in samples varied between 0.082 and 0.637 μg g−1 wet weight by LC‐MS. Biotransformation products such as glutathione adduct were not found in the samples. The results showed that intact NODLN can be found in tissues after storage at −70°C for several years. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 18: 284–288, 2003.