bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of hemiplegic gait using the Wisconsin Gait Scale
Authors: Turani Nur , Kemiksizoğlu Ayşe , Karataş Metin , Özker Rıdvan
Published: December 2004

Objectives : (i) To document gait improvement at walking performance and to point out the correlations between movement patterns in patients with hemiparesis using the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS, which is a visual gait analysis system that examines 14 observable variables related to the hemiplegic gait deviations); (ii) To identify correlations between function, motor performance, gait velocity and WGS results.

Design : A prospective study.

Setting : University‐affiliated rehabilitation centres.

Participants : Thirty‐five consecutively treated patients with hemiparesis were included in the study. Patient age ranged from 43 to 76 years, and time from onset of hemiplegia to admission ranged from 2 to 40 weeks.

Assessment tools : Adapted Patient Evaluation Conference System (APECS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), lower extremity Brunnström stage of recovery, time to walk 15 m, WGS.

Results : Statistical analysis revealed that patients‘ WGS scores were significantly better after they had completed the rehabilitation programme. There were significant correlations between WGS score Brunnström recovery stage and gait velocity, but gait quality assessed by using the WGS was not correlated to the overall scores of FIM and APECS.

Conclusion : In hemiplegia, the results of WGS showed that this visual scale together with the gait velocity is valuable for assessing gait deviations and monitoring gains in gait performance in patients with hemiparesis. Certain correlations between variables on the WGS pointed out the problems of dominating limb synergies.
An Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan (as of 31 December 2001)1
Authors:   Patient Registration Committee, Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Questionnaire forms for an annual survey conducted at the end of 2001 were sent out to 3520 institutions, and 3485 replies were received (response rate, 99.00%). According to the survey, the dialysis population of Japan at year end was 219 183 patients, up 6.3% (13 049) over the year before. This equals 1721.9 dialysis patients per million population. The gross mortality rate was 9.3% for the year extending from the end of 2000 to the end of 2001. The mean age of patients beginning dialysis was 64.2 years (±13.7 SD). The mean age of the overall dialysis population in the study year was 61.6 years (±13.1 SD), which was also a higher age than the year before. Among dialysis patients, the primary disease was diabetic nephropathy in 38.1% of patients, slightly down from 39.1% the previous year. Chronic glomerulonephritis was the primary disease in 32.4% of cases, a decrease from 34.7% the previous year. This survey included for the first time the items of the lowest blood pressure during hemodialysis session, vasopressor therapy before dialysis and vasopressor therapy during dialysis session. An analysis of the relationship between the type of vascular access used at the initiation of dialysis and the survival prognosis revealed a significantly higher risk of death in patients undergoing dialysis with synthetic arterio‐venous (AV) fistula, AV shunt, or catheter implantation into a central vein than in those receiving dialysis treatments with a native fistula. There was a significantly lower risk of death in the patient group in whom the vascular access was created at 3–6 months before initiation of dialysis than in those in whom such access was created at the time of initiation or within 3 months before the initiation of dialysis. An analysis of the risk factors affecting survival prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients showed that risk factors for death are post‐dialysis systolic blood pressure over 180 mm Hg and lower than 120 mm Hg, blood pressure elevating progressively from the start to the end of dialysis, serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration of less than 30 mg/dL, and a higher ultrafiltration rate. In comparisons of the death risk between the patient group with a history of intervention for ischemic heart disease and the patient group with a history of myocardial infarction or heart failure but without such intervention, among diabetes patients, those who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty had a significantly lower risk of death than those  in  whom no intervention was made.
Arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: one‐ vs. two‐tunnel technique
Authors: Houe Thomas , Jørgensen Uffe
Published: December 2004

As the techniques of arthroscopic surgery have evolved, so have the possibilities of reconstructing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). However, the indications for this procedure have been debated. We describe the results of reconstructing the PCL in 16 consecutive patients with chronic knee instability due to isolated PCL deficiency using either a patella bone–tendon–bone (pBTB) graft with proximal fixation in one femoral tunnel or double bundle hamstring grafts in two femoral tunnels. The patients were followed prospectively and had an additional evaluation after median 35 (25–51.5) months by a blinded observer. The objective stability and subjective scores increased significantly from the preoperative condition. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome between using a pBTB graft in one femoral tunnel compared with semitendinosus/gracilis grafts in two femoral tunnels.

We conclude that arthroscopic reconstruction of isolated PCL ruptures improves the activity level of patients and relieves symptoms. In our study, no difference in outcome between the two techniques could be found.
Multiple Phosphorylation Events Regulate the Subcellular Localization of GGA1
Authors: McKay Melissa M. , Kahn Richard A.
Published: December 2004

GGAs comprise a family of Arf‐dependent coat proteins or adaptors that regulate vesicle traffic from the trans‐Golgi network (TGN). GGAs bind activated Arf, cargo, and additional components necessary for vesicle budding through interactions with their four functional domains: VHS, GAT, hinge, and GAE. We identified three sites of phosphorylation in GGA1 by tandem mass spectrometry: S268 and T270 in the GAT domain and S480 in the hinge. Expression of HA‐GGA1 in mammalian cells and comparison to endogenous GGA1 confirmed their localization to late Golgi compartments. In contrast, mutations that mimic the phosphoprotein (HA‐GGA1[S268D] or HA‐GGA1[T270D]) at either of the sites in the GAT domain caused a decrease in the colocalization with markers of the Golgi and TGN and an increase in puncta in cytoplasm. Quantitative comparisons of the extent of colocalization of GGA1 proteins with the known components of GGA1 vesicles revealed that the composition of those markers tested in HA‐GGA1[S268D] and HA‐GGA1[T270D] vesicles were indistinguishable from those of HA‐GGA1 vesicles. We conclude that phosphorylation of the GAT domain can stabilize the coat proteins bound and thus regulate the rate of coat protein dissociation.
The Internalization of Yeast Ste6p Follows an Ordered Series of Events Involving Phosphorylation, Ubiquitination, Recognition and Endocytosis
Authors: Kelm Kellie B. , Huyer Gregory , Huang Joseph C. , Michaelis Susan
Published: December 2004

A general pathway for the internalization of plasma membrane proteins that involves phosphorylation, ubiquitination, recognition and endocytosis has recently emerged from multiple studies in yeast. We refer to this series of events as the PURE pathway. Here we investigate whether the yeast a‐factor transporter Ste6p, an ATP‐binding cassette protein, utilizes the PURE pathway. Deletion of a 52‐amino acid sequence (the ‘A box’) within the linker region of Ste6p has previously been shown to block ubiquitination and endocytosis (Kolling R, Losko S. EMBO J 1997; 16:2251‐2261). Using wild‐type and mutant forms of GFP‐tagged Ste6p, we identified two residues (T613 and S623) within the A box as likely sites of Ste6p phosphorylation important for internalization. Mutation of these residues to alanine blocked ubiquitination and endocytosis of Ste6p, similar to the effect of deleting the entire A box, while substitution with glutamic acid (to mimic phosphorylation) suppressed the ubiquitination and endocytic defects. Importantly, a translational fusion of monoubiquitin to the C‐terminus of Ste6p‐T613A, S623A or Ste6p‐ΔA restored endocytosis, providing strong evidence that the role of phosphorylation is to direct ubiquitination, which in turn is a critical signal for Ste6p internalization. We also identified multiple (five) lysine residues in the linker that are important for Ste6p ubiquitination. Our results demonstrate that Ste6p follows the PURE pathway and that GFP‐tagged Ste6p provides a powerful model protein for studies of endocytosis and post‐endocytic events in yeast.
Degradation of AP2 During Reticulocyte Maturation Enhances Binding of Hsc70 and Alix to a Common Site on TfR for Sorting into Exosomes
Authors: Géminard Charles , de Gassart Aude , Blanc Lionel , Vidal Michel
Published: December 2004

Reticulocytes release small membrane vesicles termed exosomes during their maturation in erythrocytes. The transferrin receptor (TfR) is completely lost from the red cell surface by its segregation in the secreted vesicles where it interacts with the heat shock cognate 70 kDa protein (hsc70). We have now determined a region of the TfR that can potentially interact with hsc70. The peptide P1 (YTRFSLARQV) from the TfR cytosolic domain: (i) binds to hsc70 (ii) with an increased affinity in oxidative conditions, (iii) competes for binding of an unfolded protein to hsc70, and (iv) inhibits the interaction of hsc70 with a recombinant protein corresponding to the cytosolic domain of the receptor. This peptide encompasses the internalization motif (YTRF) of the receptor, and accordingly an affinity column made with the immobilized peptide retains hsc70 and also the AP2 adaptor complex. On the other hand, we show that AP2 is degraded by the proteasome system during reticulocyte maturation and that the presence of the proteasome inhibitor during in vitro red cell maturation inhibits AP2 degradation and specifically decreases TfR secretion via exosomes. Finally, coimmunoprecipitation of Alix with the exosomal TfR, and binding of P1 peptide to the Alix homolog PalA suggest that Alix also interacts with the YTRF motif and contributes to exosomal TfR sorting.
Pregnancy Termination among South African Adolescents
Authors: Varga Christine A.
Published: December 2004

Although African adolescents' risk of undergoing abortion and of related health complications is well‐documented, little is known about the procedure's prominence in their lives and the pathways that lead to their reliance upon it. This study investigates abortion dynamics among male and female Zulu adolescents in KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa. It explores the role of abortion in young people's sexual and reproductive experience, its acceptability, the reasons and likelihood of young people's choosing abortion, and the commonly used methods of pregnancy termination. The study, a rural‐urban comparison using focus‐group discussions, narrative workshops, and role playing, involved surveys and in‐depth interviews. Factors contributing to the commonplace nature of backstreet procedures among adolescents include: social stigma, inadequate knowledge of the legal status of abortion, and a complex group decisionmaking process. Young people invoke “relative moralities” concerning adolescent abortion, recognizing and condoning it on a context‐specific basis. Age, gender, and geographic differences are examined. The methodological triangulation used offers the opportunity for alternative theoretical and methodological approaches to research on abortion‐related issues.
Contextual Influences on Reproductive Health Service Use in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Stephenson Rob , Tsui Amy Ong
Published: December 2004

This study examines the determinants of the use of four types of reproductive health‐care services in Uttar Pradesh, India: contraceptive services, antenatal care, delivery in a medical institution, and services dealing with reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections. The analysis uses a multilevel modeling strategy to assess the presence of household‐ and community‐level variation in service use. The influence of community‐level characteristics and reproductive health‐care service attributes on service use is examined. The results highlight strong community‐level influences on service use, although the type of community effect varies by service type. The role of some individual and household factors in determining a person's use of services is mediated by the characteristics of the community in which the individual lives. The results demonstrate the need to look beyond individual factors when examining health‐care‐seeking behavior, and illustrate that there is no singular “community” effect on service use.
Son Preference in a Rural Village in North Vietnam
Authors: Bélanger Danièle
Published: December 2004

This article explores the continuing preference for sons in the context of low fertility in Vietnam. Although the total fertility rate for Vietnam declined from 6.0 children per woman of reproductive age in 1979 to 2.2 children in 1998, demographic evidence shows that son preference remains strong and influences contraceptive and fertility behavior. This study examines the underlying factors for son preference in a rural village in North Vietnam. The methodology includes focus‐group discussions, an in‐depth study of 25 families, and ethnographic observation. Results indicate that sons are highly desired for their social, symbolic, and economic value. In spite of four decades of socialist policies aimed at reducing gender‐based inequalities and at weakening the patriarchal kinship system, the desire for sons continues to drive the family‐building process. The article also indicates a gap between discourse and social practice with respect to roles assigned to children on the basis of their sex.
Relationship between metabolic bone disease and bone mineral density measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in the green iguana (Iguana iguana)
Authors: Zotti Alessandro , Selleri Paolo , Carnier Paolo , Morgante Massimo , Bernardini Daniele
Published: December 2004

The aim of our work was to study the feasibility of using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry to obtain reference bone density values in relation to body weight, gender, and metabolic bone disease in the green iguana. The study was performed on 28 animals. The weight, age, and gender of each iguana were recorded. Each lizard was carefully examined and radiographed to detect signs of metabolic bone disease. Blood samples were collected from each animal to evaluate Ca/P and total protein. All animals, both affected (group B; n=11) and unaffected (group A; n=17) by metabolic bone disease, were individually scanned using an X‐ray densitometer. The regions of interest were the head, lumbar spine, right, and left femur. Statistical analysis was performed separately for each region of interest. Body weight had the strongest relationship with bone density (P<0.01). Within regions of interest, for iguanas of average weight (710 g), statistically significant differences between healthy and sick animals were found: head (0.140 vs. 0.090 g/cm2; P<0.01); lumbar spine (0.164 vs. 0.107 g/cm2; P<0.01); right femur (0.103 vs. 0.076 g/cm2; P<0.01); left femur (0.103 vs. 0.078 g/cm2; P<0.01). Regression equations to obtain reference values of bone density as a function of body weight for animals affected and not affected by metabolic bone disease are provided. Our data indicate that X‐ray bone densitometry is an additional tool for studying bone pathophysiology in reptiles.
Computed tomography of masses of the brachial plexus and contributing nerve roots in dogs
Authors: Rudich Stephanie R. , Feeney Daniel A. , Anderson Kari L. , Walter Patricia A.
Published: December 2004

A retrospective analysis of masses of the brachial plexus and contributing nerve roots in dogs seen at the University of Minnesota over a 17‐year period was conducted. The goal of the study was to characterize their computed tomographic (CT) appearance and determine the minimum mass size confidently detectable. Twenty‐four cases with a recorded diagnosis of brachial plexus or caudal cervical nerve root mass were found, wherein both the medical records and CT images were available for evaluation. These masses were characterized based on the presence or absence of contrast enhancement, margin character, size, extent of local invasion, and presence of vertebral canal or spinal cord involvement. Within the limits of this study, and the available histopathology, there appeared to be no clinically exploitable relationship between the tomographic appearance and the histologic interpretation. Twenty masses were noted to contrast enhance, typically with rim enhancement and a hypodense center. Only two dogs had a palpable axillary mass on physical examination. As measured, based on the largest dimension within a single slice, detectable masses ranged from 1.0 to 6.5 cm.
Ultrasound diagnosis: intra‐abdominal torsion of a non‐neoplastic testicle in a cryptorchid dog
Authors: Hecht Silke , King Ryan , Tidwell Amy S. , Gorman Stephanie C.
Published: December 2004

A 6‐month‐old male bilaterally cryptorchid Boxer was examined for acute abdominal pain. The results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and ultrasonographic examination are presented. Intra‐abdominal testicular torsion was suspected and confirmed at surgery. No evidence of neoplasia was found at histopathologic examination of the twisted testicle. A discussion of testicular torsion is presented.
Sonographic diagnosis of a presumed ureteral tear in a horse
Authors: Seco diaz Olga , Zarucco Laura , Dolente Brett , Reef Virginia B.
Published: December 2004

A 14‐year‐old thoroughbredgelding was presented for the evaluation of acute abdominal pain. Rectally, there was a soft fluctuant painful swelling dorsal to the bladder and to the right of the midline. The creatinine concentration of the peritoneal fluid was 15 mg/dl. Transrectal ultrasonographic examination of the urinary tract revealed a large collection of fluid dissecting from the pelvic portion of the right ureter ventrally through the right side of the bladder wall and into the retroperitoneal space, and a thickened right ureter and bladder wall at the level of the trigone. Cystoscopically there was moderate hemorrhage within the wall of the bladder. Ultrasonography revealed air within the retroperitoneal fluid collection after ureteral catheterization, confirming the preliminary diagnosis of a tear in the right ureter. The gelding was treated medically. After 48 h of hospitalization, nuclear scintigraphy revealed normal clearance from both kidneys and no apparent leakage from the right ureter. The ureteral tear and urinoma were monitored using transrectal ultrasound until resolution. The horse was successfully returned to racing. This case establishes the value of diagnostic ultrasound in the diagnosis and monitoring of a traumatic ureteral tear in a horse.
Gene expression profiles in HEK-293 cells with low or high store-operated calcium entry: can regulatory as well as regulated genes be identified?
Authors: Zagranichnaya Tatiana K. , Wu Xiaoyan , Danos Arpad M. , Villereal Mitchel L.
Published: December 2004

Gene expression profiles were generated using cDNA microarray technology for clones of human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells selected to have either high or low levels of store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE). For five high clones, three low clones, and control HEK-293 cells, duplicate Affymetrix U133A human gene arrays were run after extraction of total RNA from cells growing in the presence of serum. Of the ∼22,000 genes represented on the microarray, 58 genes had readings at least twofold higher, while 32 genes had readings at least twofold lower, in all five high SOCE clones compared with control HEK-293 cells. In the low SOCE clones, 92 genes had readings at least twofold higher, while 58 genes had readings at least twofold lower, than in HEK-293 cells. Microarray results were confirmed for 18 selected genes by real-time RT-PCR analysis; for six of those genes, predicted changes in the low SOCE clone were confirmed by an alternative method, monitoring mRNA levels in HEK-293 with SOCE decreased by expression of small interfering (si)RNA to canonical transient receptor potential protein-1. Genes regulated by SOCE are involved in signal transduction, transcription, apoptosis, metabolism, and membrane transport. These data provide insight into the physiological role of SOCE. In addition, a potential regulator of SOCE, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2, has been identified. A reduction of IRS-2 levels by siRNA methods in two high clones dramatically reduced SOCE, whereas overexpression of IRS-2 in a low SOCE clone elevated SOCE.
Intracellular expression profiling by laser capture microdissection: three novel components of the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Nazarian Javad , Bouri Khaled , Hoffman Eric P.
Published: December 2004

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a regionally specialized area of myofibers defined, in part, by specific gene expression from underlying myonuclei. We sought to obtain a more complete picture of the mRNA transcripts and proteins playing a role in NMJ formation and maintenance using laser capture microdissection (LCM) and to define expression profiles of the nuclear domain at the NMJ. NMJs (800) were isolated from normal mouse tibialis anterior muscle by LCM, with an equal amount of adjacent non-NMJ regions isolated. Many known components of the NMJ were found significantly differentially expressed. Three differentially expressed potential novel components of the NMJ were chosen for further study, and each was validated by immunostaining with and without blocking peptides (3/3), quantitative RT-PCR (3/3), and in situ hybridization (1/3). The three genes validated were dual-specificity phosphatase-6 (DUSP6), ribosomal receptor-binding protein-1 (RRBP1), and vacuolar protein sorting-26 (VPS26). Query of each of these novel components in a 27-time point in vivo muscle regeneration series showed expression commensurate with previously known NMJ markers (nestin, α-ACh receptor). Understanding and discovering elements responsible for the integrity and function of NMJs is relevant to understanding neuromuscular diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. Our LCM-based mRNA expression profiling provided us with new means of identification of specific genes potentially responsible for NMJ stability and function and new candidates for involvement in disease pathogenesis.
Clinical Progression of Incidental, Asymptomatic Lesions Discovered During Culprit Vessel Coronary Intervention
Authors: Glaser Ruchira , Selzer Faith , Faxon David P. , Laskey Warren K. , Cohen Howard A. , Slater James , Detre Katherine M. , Wilensky Robert L.
Published: December 2004

Background—

With the reduction in restenosis rates by drug-eluting stents, there is new controversy concerning the optimal management of incidental, nontarget lesions identified during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Such lesions have been treated conservatively because of risk of restenosis but now are being considered for PCI to prevent plaque instability. However, the impact of incidental stenoses on future cardiac events remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

We performed a retrospective cohort study to determine the rate and features of clinical plaque progression using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Dynamic Registry of consecutive patients undergoing PCI at multiple centers in 1997 to 1998 and 1999. Of 3747 PCI patients, 216 (5.8%) required additional nontarget lesion PCI for clinical plaque progression at 1 year. Fifty-nine percent presented with new unstable angina, and 9.3% presented with nonfatal myocardial infarction. Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease during original PCI were more likely to require nontarget lesion PCI during follow-up (adjusted odds ratio, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.18 to 2.52] for 2 vessels; adjusted odds ratio, 3.37 [95% CI, 2.32 to 4.89] for 3 vessels). Angiographic review showed that the majority (86.9%) of lesions requiring subsequent PCI were ≤60% in severity during original PCI, with the mean lesion stenosis 41.8±20.8% at the time of the initial PCI and 83.9±13.9% during the recurrent event.

Conclusions—

Approximately 6% of PCI patients will have clinical plaque progression requiring nontarget lesion PCI by 1 year. Greater coronary artery disease burden confers a significantly higher risk for clinical plaque progression.
Recovered Pulmonary Vein Conduction as a Dominant Factor for Recurrent Atrial Tachyarrhythmias After Complete Circular Isolation of the Pulmonary Veins
Authors: Ouyang Feifan , Antz Matthias , Ernst Sabine , Hachiya Hitoshi , Mavrakis Hercules , Deger Florian T. , Schaumann Anselm , Chun Julian , Falk Peter , Hennig Detlef , Liu Xingpeng , Bänsch Dietmar , Kuck Karl-Heinz
Published: December 2004

Background—

Atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATa) can recur after continuous circular lesions (CCLs) around the ipsilateral pulmonary veins (PVs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study characterizes the electrophysiological findings in patients with and without ATa after complete PV isolation.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-nine of 100 patients had recurrent ATa after complete PV isolation by use of CCLs during a mean follow-up of ≈8 months. A repeat procedure was performed in 26 patients with ATa and in 7 volunteers without ATa at 3 to 4 months after CCLs. No recovered PV conduction was demonstrated in the 7 volunteers, whereas recovered PV conduction was found in 21 patients with recurrent ATa (right-sided PVs in 9 patients and left-sided PVs in 16 patients). The interval from the onset of the P wave to the earliest PV spike was 157±66 ms in the right-sided PVs and 149±45 ms in the left-sided PVs. During the procedure, PV tachycardia activated the atrium and resulted in atrial tachycardia (AT) in 10 patients. All conduction gaps were successfully closed with segmental RF ablation. After PV isolation, macroreentrant AT was induced and ablated in 3 patients. In the 5 patients without PV conduction, focal AT in the left atrial roof in 2 patients and non-PV foci in the left atrium in 1 patient were successfully abolished; in the remaining 2 patients, no ablation was performed because of noninducible arrhythmias. During a mean follow-up of ≈6 months, 24 patients were free of ATa without antiarrhythmic drugs.

Conclusions—

In patients with recurrent ATa after CCLs, recovered PV conduction is a dominant finding in ≈80% of patients and can be successfully eliminated by segmental RF ablation. Also, mapping and ablation of non-PV arrhythmias can improve clinical success.
Linear Cryoablation of the Left Atrium Versus Pulmonary Vein Cryoisolation in Patients With Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Gaita Fiorenzo , Riccardi Riccardo , Caponi Domenico , Shah Dipen , Garberoglio Lucia , Vivalda Laura , Dulio Alessandro , Chiecchio Andrea , Manasse Eric , Gallotti Roberto
Published: December 2004

Background—

The aim of this study was to clarify the role of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone versus left atrial linear lesions in the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with left atrial dilatation and valvular disease. The primary end point was to assess the persistence of sinus rhythm (SR) off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) at 2-year follow-up and to correlate clinical outcome with surgical results validated with electroanatomic mapping (EAM).

Methods and Results—

A total of 105 patients with permanent AF undergoing valve surgery were assigned to 3 different groups: in groups “U” and “7,” left atrial linear cryoablation was performed, whereas in group “PV” patients, anatomic cryoisolation of pulmonary veins only was performed. In groups U and 7, SR was achieved in 57% of patients, whereas it was achieved in 20% of PV patients during 2-year follow-up. In the first 51 patients, the ablation schemes were validated with EAM. The EAM showed that the U lesion was never obtained: in 59% of these patients, a complete 7 lesion was achieved instead; in the 7 group, a complete 7 lesion was present in 65% of patients, whereas a complete PVI was obtained in 71% of patients. Considering patients in whom a complete 7 lesion was demonstrated with the EAM, SR without AADs was achieved in 86% of patients, whereas only 25% of patients with complete PVI were in SR without AADs.

Conclusions—

In patients with permanent AF, left atrial dilatation and valvular heart disease linear lesions in the posterior region of the left atrium are more effective than PVI alone. With cryoablation, the surgical intent is fulfilled in only approximately 65% of the cases. Knowing the real anatomic and electrophysiological effects of surgical ablation is necessary to correctly interpret the clinical outcome.
Antibiotic Lock Technique: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Segarra-Newnham Marisel , Martin-Cooper Ellen M
Published: December 2004

OBJECTIVE:

To review the literature on the use of the antibiotic lock technique (ALT) as a treatment option for patients with highly needed catheters.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched (1980–August 2004). Search terms included antibiotic lock, catheter infection, and topical treatment.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

Articles describing use of ALT in the treatment of catheter infections in humans and studies evaluating in vitro stability of antibiotics were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

ALT has been used in patients with highly needed catheters, usually for parenteral nutrition, cancer chemotherapy, or dialysis. Catheters are considered highly needed when removal is not feasible or desirable due to lack of alternative injection sites for required therapy. Success rates in saving the infected catheter have been variable and may depend on the infecting organism. In addition, there are conflicting data in terms of compatibility of antibiotics with heparin solutions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Consensus appears to be that the ALT can be tried for patients with highly needed catheters when infection with coagulase-negative staphylococci is documented and no systemic signs of sepsis, such as hypotension, are evident. Most of these patients are likely to need systemic therapy as well. Infection of the catheter associated with systemic gram-negative bacteremia or fungemia will most likely require removal of the catheter to prevent systemic complications. Additional research with the ALT is warranted given unanswered questions.
Rectifying junctions based on metallophthalocyanine thin films
Authors: Pietro William J.
Published: December 2004

The unusual electrical properties of metallophthalocyanines (M(Pc)S) have made them the centerof much interest recently, in particular as candidates for the fabrication of novel molecularelectronic devices.M(Pc)‐basedrectifiers have been known for 20 years, but now a new non‐Schottky‐type of rectification has been discovered in a junction consisting of Ni(Pc) and Cu(PcF8), see Figure. A brief look is also taken at M(Pc)‐based transistorsand future developments.

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Pore‐size‐specific modification of porous materials
Authors: Svec Frantisek , Fréchet Jean M. J.
Published: December 2004

Pore‐size‐specific functionalization is a novel approach that allowspreviously undreamed of control of the location of groups undergoing reaction in the surface modigication of preformedporous polymers. That sozespecific functionalization makes possible the simultaneous accommodation of seemingly incompatible requirements is demonstrated by the preparation of porous polyner beads with bimodal surface chemistry. Applications of this technique are foreseen in thechromatographic separation of complex miztures, sensors, catalyses, and eczyme immobilization.
Prediction of third‐order nlo properties of organic molecules
Authors: Dudis Dougls S. , Yeates A. Todd , Kost Daniel
Published: December 2004

Organic materials with large nonlinear optical (NLO) responses will be important in the development of photonic technology. In the search for such materials, the ability topredict the NLO responses of molecules will be invaluable. Techniques for the computation of the second‐order hyperpolarizability γ aredescribed, including molecularorbitalk models, semiempirical nethods, andab initio methods, The effects of structure on γ are discussed, together withthe remarkablelresult that in three classes of simple compounds γ can be linearly correlated with molecular mass, regardless of the polarity of the compounds.
Langmuir films of monodisperse 0.5 μm spherical polymer particles with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell
Authors: Fulda Karl‐Ulrich , Tieke Bernd
Published: December 2004

Densely packed monolayers of spherical polymer particles are expected to show interesting materials properties, e.g. a high permeability. It is demonstrated that relatively close‐packed Langmuir films of monodisperse 0.5 μm particles—with a hydrophilic shell and hydrophobic core—can be formed at the air‐water interface and transferred to solid substrates (see Figure) by the subphase‐lowering or Langmuir‐Blodgett technique.

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Interpreting STM and AFM Images
Authors: Magonov Sergei N. , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: December 2004

The necessity for a rational interpretation of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images is demonstrated by our recent STM/AFM studies of layered transition‐metal chalcogenides, layered transition‐metal halides, organic conducting salts, and alkanes adsorbed on graphite. To a first approximation, the STM image of a surface is described by the partial density plot ρ(r0, ef) of the surface, and the AFM image by the total density plot ρ(r0). The contribution of an atom to the ρ(r0, ef) plot increases with decreasing distance to the tip and with increasing electronic contribution to the energy levels around the Fermi level. Since the atoms that protrude more do not necessarily make greater contributions to the energy levels near the Fermi level, it is difficult to achieve a rational interpretation of STM images unless appropriate partial density plots are calculated. For a variety of layered compounds, the STM and AFM images are well simulated by the ρ(r0, ef) and ρ(r0) plots calculated by the extended Hückel tight‐binding electronic band structure method. Partial and total density plot calculations provide not only a basis for a rational interpretation of ideal STM and AFM images but also a step toward systematic studies of how tip–surface interactions and tunneling conditions affect the images.
π‐Electron delocalization in conformationally distorted oligopyrroles and ploypyrrole
Authors: Zerbi Giuseppe , Veronelli Maurizio , Martina Stefano , Schlüter Arnulf‐Dieter , Wegner Gerhard
Published: December 2004

Effective conjugation coordinate (ECC) theory has previously been used to interpret the Raman spectra of oligopyrroles and polypyrrole, providing information on conjugation and delocalization. However, the materials used in real applications have long alkaline side chains (to aid solubility), which leads to conformational distortion. ECC theory is now applied to “pro‐tected” molecules, showing that a quantitative estimate of the extent of localization in conformationally distorted polypyrrole can be obtained from their Raman spectra.
Spiroconjugation: An added dimensi in the design of organic molecular materials
Authors: Maslak Przemyslaw
Published: December 2004

Molecules with predictable electrical, optical, and magnetic properties are required for molecular devices and new materials. One approach to overcoming the disadvantages associated with the quasi‐one‐dimensional π‐conjugated acceptors and donors that have played a big part so far is to use spiroconjugated molecules that are conjugated but not planar. The concepts behind acceptors such as that shown in the Figure are explained.

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In‐situ stress investigations on thin copper films with the STM
Authors: Fries Thomas , Oster Klaus , Wandelt Klaus
Published: December 2004

High‐resolution analysis of stress phenomena at surface can be carried out using a scanning tunneling microscope fitted with a sample holder that permits microsopic three‐point bending experiments. to demonstrate the reported. It is shown that details of the recovery porcesses are revealed by the root mean square surface roughness while recrystallization can be directly observed as structural changes. The rate of transport of material is also evaluated.
Surface nano‐topography of drawn polyethylene and its modification using scanning force microscopy
Authors: Wawkuschewski Alexander , Cantow Hans‐Joachim , Magonov Sergei N.
Published: December 2004

Scanning force microscopy (SFM) of oriented polyethylene reveals additional structural details that are not accessible by other techniques. For example, the Figure show that, in addition to the main fibrillar features, there exist nanofibrils oriented perpendicular to the stretching direction. The unique contribution of SFM result to studies of the structural hierarchy of oriented polymers is discussed.

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New polyether‐based ionoselective materials
Authors: Dunjic Branko , Favre‐Réguillon Alain , Duclaux Olivier , Lemaire Marc
Published: December 2004

The need to separate metalions form various media has led to a demand for ionoselective materials. One approach is to attach specific ligands to a polymeric carrier. The synthesis of the monomer show and its polymeriztion by tow different methods are reported. The cation bingding properties of the resulting polyether‐supported macrocycles as determined by competitive extraction of five alkali metal cations are described.

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Magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole contributions to second‐harmonic generation in C60—A valence effective hamiltonian study
Authors: Shuai Zhigang , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: December 2004

The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of fullereneshave attracted great attention recently. However, there is no agreement on the origin of the second‐harmonic generation (SHG) signla, for example. The work reported here could settle this dispute. A theoretical approach to calculating the electric‐dipole, magnetic‐dipole, and electic‐quadrupole transition moments SHG spectra in C60are calculated.
Angular Dependence of the Emission from a Conjugated Polymer Light‐Emitting Diode: Implications for efficiency calculations
Authors: Greenham Neil C. , Friend Richard H. , Bradley Donal D. C.
Published: December 2004

The ability to compare electroluminescence efficiencies is important now that light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) have been constructed using many different polymers and different device structures. Various ways of defining and measuring the efficiency of polymer LEDs are discussed, revealing the need to understand the nature and orgin of the angular dependence of the emission. A model for the angular distribution of the emitted light is proposed and measurements of the ligh output of a polymer LED described whose results are consitent with the model.
Membranes exhibiting molecular recognition
Authors: Bamford Clement H. , Al‐Lamee Kadem G.
Published: December 2004

Membranes with molecular recognition properties find applications in affinity separations and immunodiagnosis. The Figure illustrates the structure typical of the electrostatically spun polymer membranes considered here. The natural species that can be attached to a membrane–and their uses–are described, and it is shown that completely synthetic systems are useful for studying the details of the recognition process.

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The observation of polymer reptation
Authors: Sackmann Erich , Käs Josef , Strey Helmut
Published: December 2004

Direct visualization of reptating macromolecules has been achieved. The concept of reptation, which until recently had only been directly confirmed by computer simulations, is now supported by two separate experiments. In one, a few fluorescencelabeled actin filaments were directly observed in an unlabeled semi‐dilute entangled network. The Figure shows snapshots of a filament moving in the network.
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Polar orientation of inorganic anionic groups in the crystal lattice
Authors: Xia Younan
Published: December 2004

The search for nonlinear optical (NLO) materials continues. Many methods are known for producing oriented structures of organic molecules, e.g., self‐assembly and templating, but these do not work for inorganic materials. A formula is introduced that acts as a guideline for the synthesis of novel inorganic NLO borate materials and the properties of the first compound synthesized on the basis of this formula, SrBe2(BO3)2, are reported. It is expected that this work can be extended to other inorganic anionic groups.
Magnetic properties of ferrocene‐based conjugated polymers
Authors: Hmyene Mohamed , Yassar Abderrahim , Escorne Marcel , Percheron‐Guegan Annick , Garnier Francis
Published: December 2004

A novel route to organic ferromagnetic materials is proposed that is based on the stability of spin‐containing organometallic moieties such as ferricenium and the electronic or topological interactions contributed by a polymer. The magnetic properties of the new high‐spin polymers (see Figure) are shown to be sensitively dependent on the chemical nature of the bridge linking the ferricenium units.

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Synthesis of functionalized poly(dithienylpyrrole) derivatives and their application in amperometric biosensors
Authors: Röckel Harald , Huber Johanna , Gleiter Rolf , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2004

Biosensors require a method of fixing the sensor components to the transducer surface. For amperometric enzyme electrodes, this means that functionahzed electrode surfaces have to be developed in order to covalently bond enzymes to the electrode surface. The synthesis and electrochemical polymerization of new dithienyl‐pyrrole derivatives are described and the biosensor characteristics of the resulting electrodes are demonstrated using immobilized glucose oxidase as a model enzyme.
The role of absorbing nonlinear optical chromophores in photorefractive polymers
Authors: Bolink Henk J. , Krasnikov Victor V. , Malliaras George G. , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: December 2004

Organic photorefractive materialshave only recently been considered as alternatives to inorganic crystals such as lithium niobate, despite the fact that they offer possible advantages, such as mechanical flexibility, low fabrication costs, and the ability to chemically tune the properties of the material. The influence of the nonlinear optical chromophore on various phenomena observed in a photorefractive polymer is reported on the basis of a study of samples derived from poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) sensitized with 2,4,7‐trinitro‐9‐ fluorenone.
The new materials research program of the german federal ministry for research and technology
Authors: Roemer‐Mähler Jürgen , Bremer Franz‐Josef
Published: December 2004

The German Federal Ministry for Research and Technology (BMFT) has put together a new program of materials research and development support covering the period 1994–;1999. The program, known as Ma Tech, sets priorities in, for example, information, energy, transport, and production technology, medical engineering, and new fields, providing over DM 800m as a follow up to the successful Matfo program. The details and philosophy of the new program are presented.
Junction electroluminescence from microscopic diode structures in CuInSe2, prepared by electric field‐assisted doping
Authors: Chernyak Leonid , Jakubowicz Abram , Cahen David
Published: December 2004

Light emitting diodes where the efficiency of the junction electroluminescence has been improved over devices fabricated using thermal in‐diffusion methods, is demonstrated for structures such as that shown in the figure, which is an electric‐field‐induced device. As E‐field produced transistors are already available, combined monolithic LED/transistor structures produced using E‐field‐Induced doping of semiconductors could be possible.

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Bimetallic Fe/Ga thin films from single sources; molecular control of the thin film stoichiometry
Authors: Fischer Roland A. , Miehr Alexander , Schulte Markus M.
Published: December 2004

Single source CVD precursors for FeGa thin films (e.g. see Fig.) are reported. The precursors are volatile, give clean deposits, and allow the use of unprecedented mild deposition conditions, at temperatures well below the decomposition temperature of the GaAs substrate. It is also shown that single‐source precursors for binary materials should be designed with the strongest bond joining the atoms which make up the final material.

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On the conjugation length in poly(para‐phenylene)‐type polymers
Authors: Grimme Julian , Kreyenschmidt Martin , Uckert Frank , Müllen Klaus , Scherf Ullrich
Published: December 2004

The study of well‐defined, monodisperse model PPP oligomers (e.g. see Figure) has revealed that, contrary to expectations, the planarization of the π system in these oligomers leads to a decrease in the effective conjugation length. This result has profound influence on the design of conducting organic materials.

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Nature of the optical transitions in charged oligothiophenes
Authors: Cornil Jérôme , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: December 2004

The charge transport and storage mechanisms in π‐doped oligothiophenes can be better understood through a more profound knowledge of their optical excitations. These materials have been investigated using a quantum‐chemical approach, results which can also be applied to the interpretation of the experimental data reported for other conjugated oligomers based on the pyrrole, phenylene and phenylenevinylene systems.
Promising new precursors for the CVD of gold
Authors: Jansen Frank , Kruck Thomas
Published: December 2004

High deposition rates for the CVD of gold at low temperatures are reported. The synthesis and use of methyl(alkyldimethoxyphosphine)gold(I) compounds in the chemical vapor deposition of gold (see Figure) is described, and the precursors are found to be easily handled in air, and to result in comparable deposition rates and higher yields compared to currently used materials.

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Anisotropic network stabilized ferroelectric gels
Authors: Hikmet Rifat A. M. , Michielsen Marion
Published: December 2004

Displays based on ferroelectric gels offer the possibility to, for example, suppress helical rotation and to improve the shock resistance of thin cells, two important disadvantages of bulk ferroelectric materials. Anisotropic gels of ferroelectric molecules have been produced by in‐situ polymerization of reactive LCs in the presence of non‐reactive ferroelectric LCs. Their synthesis, characterization, and use in displays is discussed.
Document delivery services—the future today?
Authors: Hing Trevor
Published: December 2004

The world's literature delivered to your desk within hours or even minutes of a request. That is the dream of many researchers and the aim of a number of suppliers, including publishers, journal agents, and even telecommunication companies. The last five years have seen an explosive rowth in the demand and availability for such services. Thse trends are assessed from the point of view of Blackwells, one of the major developers of the services.
Nanoporous tin(IV) chalcogenides: Flexible open‐framework nanbmaterials for chemical sensing
Authors: Ahari Homayoun , Bowes Carol L. , Jiang Tong , Lough Alan , Ozin Geoffrey A. , Bedard Robert L. , Petrov Srebri , Young David
Published: December 2004

Nanoporous sensor materials based on tin chalcogenides are shown to respond to be absorption of guest molecules by a measurable deformation of their open‐framework structures which results in changes in heir optical absorption properties. The magnitude and type of deformation depends on the identity of the guest species. The materials and their response to a variety of guests are described.