bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two‐stage epidemiologic study on prevalence of eating disorders in female university students in Mexico
Authors: Mancilla‐Diaz Juan Manuel , Franco‐Paredes Karina , Vazquez‐Arevalo Rosalia , Lopez‐Aguilar Xochitl , Alvarez‐Rayon Georgina L. , Tellez‐Giron Ma. Trinidad O.
Published: April 2007

Objective

This study investigated the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) in women.

Method

Two samples of university students (1995, n = 522; 2002, n = 880) completed the Eating Attitudes Test and the Bulimia Test (BULIT; Stage 1). During Stage 2, the women that exceeded the cut‐off point of one or both questionnaires and a random sample of women that did not exceed the cut‐off point were interviewed.

Results

The results showed a prevalence rate of 0.49% for ED in 1995 (0.14% for bulimia nervosa [BN] and 0.35% for EDs not otherwise specified [EDNOS]) and a prevalence rate of ED of 1.15% in 2002 (0.24% for BN and 0.91% for EDNOS). Anorexia nervosa was not found in either of the evaluated periods. Nevertheless, the results must be taken with reservation since there was a high rate of loss to follow‐up (second stage).

Discussion

The data of this study support the findings of other studies, including studies with Spanish‐speaking samples, that EDNOS is the most common ED followed by BN and AN. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A Direct Borohydride/Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Cell with Reduced Alkali Crossover
Authors: Raman R. K. , Shukla A. K.
Published: April 2007

A direct borohydride/hydrogen peroxide fuel cell, employing a misch‐metal alloy anode and carbon‐supported lead sulfate (PbSO4/C) cathode with a Nafion®‐961 membrane electrolyte, is reported. The use of a Nafion®‐961 membrane electrolyte in the fuel cell lessens the crossover of aqueous sodium hydroxide from the anode to cathode. Initial results indicate that the fuel cell exhibits a maximum power density of 10 mW cm–2 at an operating voltage of 0.77 V with an oxidant utilization of about 80% at 25 °C. The fuel cell also avoids the use of noble‐metal catalysts. The unique combination of sodium borohydride and hydrogen peroxide, both of which are in aqueous from, paves the way for a convenient unitized refueling design that is inherently compact compared to fuel cells that use gaseous reactants. Such a fuel cell is expected to find application in situations where anaerobic conditions prevail, e.g., in submersible and space applications.
Redox Cycling of Ni‐Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes: A Review
Authors: Sarantaridis D. , Atkinson A.
Published: April 2007

The published literature relating to damage to SOFCs caused by redox cycling of Ni‐based anodes is reviewed. The review covers the kinetics of Ni oxidation and NiO reduction (as single phases and as constituents of composites with yttria‐stabilised zirconia, YSZ), the dimensional changes associated with redox cycling and the effect of this on the mechanical integrity and electrical performance of cells and stacks. A critical parameter is the expansion strain that is caused by oxidation. Several studies report that the first complete oxidation of a Ni/YSZ composite causes a linear expansion of the order of 1%, but the actual values vary substantially between different investigations. The oxidation strain is the result of microstructural irreversibility during the redox process and leads to strain accumulation over several redox cycles. This can cause mechanical disruption to an anode, anode support or other cell components attached to the anode.

A simplified mechanical model of the stress and damage that are likely to be caused by anode expansion is proposed and applied to anode‐supported, electrolyte‐supported and inert substrate‐supported cell configurations. This allows the maximum oxidation strain to avoid damage in each configuration to be estimated.
Care‐giver advice as a preventive measure for drinking during pregnancy: zeros, categorical outcome responses, and endogeneity
Authors: Terza Joseph V. , Kenkel Donald S. , Lin Tsui‐Fang , Sakata Shinichi
Published: April 2007

We conduct an empirical investigation of the impact of prenatal care‐giver advice on alcohol consumption by pregnant women. In the design of the model and estimator, we pay particular attention to three aspects of the data. First, a large proportion of pregnant women do not drink at all. To accommodate this aspect of the sample we base the essential formulation of the model on the modified version of the two‐part approach of Duan et al. (Journal of Business and Economic Statistics 1983; 1: 115–126.) suggested by Mullahy (Journal of Health Economics 1998; 17: 247–281.). Second, in the survey that we analyze (the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey – NMIHS), respondents were only required to report their consumption up to a specified range of values (e.g. 1–2 drinks per week, 2–5 drinks per week, and so on). For this reason, the model is cast in the grouped regression framework of Stewart (Review of Economic Studies 1983; 50: 141–149.). Third, the binary physician advice variable is likely to be endogenous and the econometric specification explicitly accounts for this possibility. To summarize the results, we find that failing to account for endogeneity leads to the counterintuitive conclusion that advice has a positive and statistically significant influence on drinking during pregnancy. When the model is extended to allow for potential endogeneity, we find that advice has a negative and statistically significant impact. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High and low dosage oxcarbazepine versus naltrexone for the prevention of relapse in alcohol‐dependent patients
Authors: Martinotti G. , Di Nicola M. , Romanelli R. , Andreoli S. , Pozzi G. , Moroni N. , Janiri L.
Published: April 2007

Introduction

Oxcarbazepine (OXC) reduces high‐voltage‐activated calcium currents, thus reducing glutamatergic transmission at corticostriatal synapses. This effect on NMDA glutamatergic transmission may play a role against the increased glutamatergic transmission determined by alcohol withdrawal. To investigate the efficacy and safety of OXC in relapse prevention we compared OXC at different dosages with Naltrexone (NAL) in a 90 days randomised open‐label trial. Craving and psychiatric symptoms improvements were the secondary endpoints.

Methods

Eighty‐four detoxified alcohol dependent subjects currently meeting clinical criteria for alcohol dependence were randomised into three groups: 27 patients received 50 mg of naltrexone, 29 received 1500–1800 mg of oxcarbazepine (OXC high), 28 patients 600–900 mg of oxcarbazepine (OXC low). Craving (VAS; OCDS) and withdrawal (AWRS) rating scales were applied; psychiatric symptoms were evaluated through the SCL‐90‐R.

Results

A significantly larger number of subjects remained alcohol free in the OXC high group (58.6%) with respect to both the OXC low (42.8%) and the NAL groups (40.7%). Comparing the OCDS total scores at the end of the treatment, the improvement was significantly greater for the NAL group with respect to the OXC low group. The reduction of the Hostility‐Aggression subscore of the SCL‐90‐R was significantly greater in the OXC high group than that of the other groups. Dual diagnosis patients had a better outcome when treated with OXC high.

Discussion

OXC at a dosage of 1500–1800 mg/day might be beneficial in terms of alcohol relapse prevention. The low dosage formulation did not show the same trend, but it still remain in the same range as NAL. The mechanism involved in the efficacy of oxcarbazepine in relapse prevention could be less related to craving and more connected to the treatment of the comorbid psychiatric symptomatology and the alcohol protracted withdrawal syndrome. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of chronic drinking on verb generation: an event related potential study
Authors: Bijl Suzanne , de Bruin Eveline A. , Böcker Koen E. , Kenemans J. Leon , Verbaten Marinus N.
Published: April 2007

In alcohol dependent individuals, abnormalities in brain functioning have been revealed using event‐related potential (ERP) methods. In the present study, we investigated whether in non‐alcohol dependent drinkers functioning of the brain is also compromised as a function of recent and lifetime drinking history (LDH).

An ERP verb generation task consisting of two conditions (generating verbs describing the use of visually presented nouns versus reading nouns aloud) was used; subtracting ERPs in the latter condition from those in the former should reveal the sequence of brain processes involved in verb generation. Four groups were included, consisting of individuals drinking either lightly, moderately, heavily, or excessively (overall mean age 46.6 years). Participants were sober at the time of testing. Although the excessive group had the highest per cent retrieval errors, there was no continuous relationship between this score and amount of alcohol consumption. However, number of glasses per week affected differential ERPs associated with verb generation both at short (120–220 ms, mid‐frontal sites) and at longer latencies (from 700 ms on),left‐temporal and right‐frontal electrode sites (T7, F6).

It is concluded that moderate, heavy, and excessive drinkers, compared to light drinkers, show abnormal brain potentials associated with verb generation over frontal and temporal areas. Moderate to excessive drinking alters some but not all brain processes involved in verb generation. In particular the frontal and temporal brain areas appear to be vulnerable for the effects of chronic lifetime drinking. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The historical origins of US exchange market intervention policy
Authors: Bordo Michael D. , Humpage Owen , Schwartz Anna J.
Published: April 2007

This paper examines the historical precedents of US exchange market intervention. Before 1934 we describe operations by the Second Bank of the United States, the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve. We then examine the operations of the Exchange Stabilization Fund, created in 1934 as a Treasury Department agency. Our study, based on unique, unpublished sources, analyses ESF dealings with the Banque de France and the Bank of England before and after the Tripartite Agreement of 1936. Finally, using unique data we discuss US efforts from 1961 through 1972 to defend the dollar's parity under the Bretton Woods System. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inductive effects in radicals calculated from DFT energies; substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐1‐yloxy radicals
Authors: Böhm Stanislav , Exner Otto
Published: April 2007

Energies of a series of 4‐substituted 1‐oxybicyclo[2.2.2]octan‐1‐yloxy radicals with 18 various substituents were calculated within the framework of the DFT theory at the levels UB3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p)//UB3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) and UB3LYP/6‐311++G(2df,p)//UB3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) and compared with similar series of the parent alcohols, their deprotonated and protonated forms calculated at the levels B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p)//B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p) and B3LYP/6‐311++G(2df,p)//B3LYP/6‐311+G(d,p). The two levels are of the same performance and both are sufficient for molecules of this type according to comparison with scarce experimental gas‐phase acidities and basicities. The substituent effects were analyzed in terms of isodesmic equations. In addition to strong dependence on the substituent inductive effect, a slight dependence on the electronegativity of the first atom of the substituent was proven in certain cases. In all aspects, there is no qualitative difference between the effects on radicals and on similar closed shell species. Radicals behave as slightly electron deficient; the substituent effect is weaker than that on the ions but stronger than on neutral molecules. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007.
Computational chemistry development of a unified free energy Markov model for the distribution of 1300 chemicals to 38 different environmental or biological systems
Authors: Cruz‐Monteagudo Maykel , González‐Díaz Humberto , Agüero‐Chapín Guillermín , Santana Lourdes , Borges Fernanda , Domínguez Elena Rosa , Podda Gianni , Uriarte Eugenio
Published: April 2007

Predicting tissue and environmental distribution of chemicals is of major importance for environmental and life sciences. Most of the molecular descriptors used in computational prediction of chemicals partition behavior consider molecular structure but ignore the nature of the partition system. Consequently, computational models derived up‐to‐date are restricted to the specific system under study. Here, a free energy‐based descriptor (ΔGk) is introduced, which circumvent this problem. Based on ΔGk, we developed for the first time a single linear classification model to predict the partition behavior of a broad number of structurally diverse drugs and other chemicals (1300) for 38 different partition systems of biological and environmental significance. The model presented training/predicting set accuracies of 91.79/88.92%. Parametrical assumptions were checked. Desirability analysis was used to explore the levels of the predictors that produce the most desirable partition properties. Finally, inversion of the partition direction for each one of the 38 partition systems evidences that our models correctly classified 89.08% of compounds with an uncertainty of only ±0.17% independently of the direction of the partition process used to seek the model. Other 10 different classification models (linear, neural networks, and genetic algorithms) were also tested for the same purposes. None of these computational models favorably compare with respect to the linear model indicating that our approach capture the main aspects that govern chemicals partition in different systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2007
The administration of naked plasmid DNA into the liver induces antitumor innate immunity in a murine liver metastasis model
Authors: Yonenaga Yoshikuni , Mori Akira , Fujimoto Akihisa , Nagayama Satoshi , Tachibana Tsuyoshi , Onodera Hisashi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: April 2007

Background

Gene therapy is a promising strategy against advanced cancer; however, the safety of viral vectors and the effectiveness of non‐viral vectors have not yet been established. Recently, a hydrodynamics‐based procedure was reported to be an effective and safe method to deliver and transduce DNA into the liver. Herein, we propose a strategy for liver metastasis by a hydrodynamics‐based procedure to deliver naked non‐coding plasmid DNA (pDNA) into the liver as an immunocompetent organ.

Methods and results

Mice received a rapid intravenous (i.v.) injection of naked pDNA in a large volume of saline (0.1 ml/g body weight). The single administration of a naked non‐coding pDNA by the hydrodynamics‐based procedure before tumor cell inoculation strongly suppressed liver metastasis formation. However, the usual i.v. injection (200 µl/body) of the same dose of naked pDNA could not suppress liver metastasis formation. Following the methylation of CpG sequences within the pDNA using CpG methylase, injection of the methylated pDNA by the hydrodynamics‐based procedure could not suppress liver metastasis formation. Gadolinium chloride pretreatment did not interfere with this antitumor effect, but anti‐asialo GM1 antiserum treatment did. These findings indicated that natural killer (NK) cells, not Kupffer cells, were involved in this antitumor effect. The NK cytotoxic activities of liver mononuclear cells were strongly enhanced after receiving a naked pDNA by the hydrodynamics‐based procedure.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that unmethylated CpG motifs in pDNA stimulated immune cells, resulting in the activation of NK cells in the liver to suppress liver metastases in a murine model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cause‐related marketing: a new perspective on achieving campaign objectives amongst fast moving consumer goods
Authors: Royd‐Taylor Lyvia
Published: April 2007

In recent years the UK has seen a proliferation of cause‐related marketing (CRM) campaigns amongst fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs). These campaigns present a mine‐field of choices facing brand managers, the most critical being which campaign design will meet the required objectives. This paper presents two alternative approaches to CRM, namely the persuasion and salience approaches, by which campaign objectives may be achieved.

The persuasion approach is characterized by the use of CRM as a sales promotion tool to build brand share and win consumers. The salience approach, however, seeks to utilize CRM in order to defend brand share by increasing brand meaning amongst existing consumers and encouraging brand trial amongst non‐users.

The paper explores both approaches to CRM throughout the campaign planning process and concludes that the salience route should be favoured over the persuasion alternative which threatens to undermine what is a potentially powerful tool for FMCG brand managers.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond administration: redefining the challenge of regulatory change
Authors: Hackman Katarina
Published: April 2007

The corporate and financial sectors are facing increasing regulation, however, many of the reforms to date have been criticized for being only partially successful.

This paper examines the approach used for the introduction of Financial Services Reform (FSR) for general insurers in Australia, which has received significant criticism.

It was found that the approach adopted by the regulator for implementation of FSR was largely administrative, with a focus on technical definitions and compliance by companies. However, the recognition of the diversity of stakeholders and the complexity of change involved in implementing FSR effectively was lacking.

Based on this research, it is argued that while efficient administration is necessary it is not sufficient for effective implementation of new regulations.

Change initiatives are also required for all stakeholders reinforced by appropriate incentives for regulators and companies, with measurable and relevant benefits for customers and the community.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of high‐quality rice bran proteins
Authors: Adebiyi Abayomi P , Adebiyi Ayobamitale O , Ogawa Tomohisa , Muramoto Koji
Published: April 2007

Rice bran contains 120–200 g kg−1 protein in addition to a large amount of fat, carbohydrate, and phytic acid. Rice bran protein (RBP) fractions were refined by a two‐step preparation to eliminate residual carbohydrate. The first step involved the sequential extraction of defatted rice bran into RBP fractions using their distinct solubility to give 37 g kg−1 of albumin, 31 g kg−1 of globulin, 27 g kg−1 of glutelin, and 2 g kg−1 of prolamin. In the second step, carried out by dissolving in respective solvent and isoelectric precipitation, the protein content of each fraction increased from 69% to 97% for albumin, from 71% to 90% for globulin, from 74% to 83% for glutelin, and from 18% to 20% for prolamin. The low protein content in the prolamin fraction might be due to its low solubility in the protein assay. Emulsifying stability index and surface hydrophobicity increased in the second‐step preparation of albumin and globulin, but not of glutelin. Emulsifying properties of RBPs were lower than that of a soybean protein isolate. Denaturation temperatures and enthalpy values of denaturation for albumin, globulin, glutelin, and prolamin were 50.1 °C/1.2 J g−1, 79.0 °C/1.8 J g−1, 74.5 °C/3.0 J g−1, and 78.5 °C/8.1 J g−1, respectively. No significant differences in the denaturation temperatures and enthalpy values of denaturation of RBP fractions were obtained with these two‐step preparations (P < 0.05). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrogen peroxide concentration measured in cultivation substrates during growth and fruiting of the mushrooms Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus spp.
Authors: Savoie Jean‐Michel , Salmones Dulce , Mata Gerardo
Published: April 2007

Hydrogen peroxide is suspected of being highly implicated in mushroom nutrition and in substrate bleaching during cultivation. The parameters for measuring H2O2 in compost samples were examined and the methodology was applied to samples from both compost colonized by cultivars and wild isolates of Agaricus bisporus, and wheat straw or coffee pulp colonized by Pleurotus spp. Laccase and peroxidase activities were also measured. H2O2 concentration measured after heating at 80 °C for inactivating laccases and peroxidases was probably both H2O2 pre‐existing in the compost and H2O2 generated from quinones and active oxygen species. This potential H2O2 concentration increased during the vegetative growth for all the strains, in agreement with a direct relationship between H2O2 concentration and active biomass of A. bisporus or Pleurotus spp. in their cultivation substrates. Correlations were observed between H2O2 concentration and manganese peroxidase activity in cultivation substrates at the stage of primordia formation. At this stage of development, H2O2 generation via biotic or abiotic mechanisms should be an important physiological trait of mushrooms. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of treatment with α‐galactosidase, tannase or a cell‐wall‐degrading enzyme complex on the nutritive utilisation of protein and carbohydrates from pea (Pisum sativum L.) flour
Authors: Urbano Gloria , López‐Jurado María , Porres Jesús M , Frejnagel Sławomir , Gómez‐Villalva Elena , Frías Juana , Vidal‐Valverde Concepción , Aranda Pilar
Published: April 2007

The effect of treatment with α‐galactosidase, tannase or a cell‐wall‐degrading enzyme complex under optimal conditions of pH, temperature and length of incubation time on the chemical composition and nutritive utilisation of protein and carbohydrates from pea (Pisum sativum L.) flour was studied. Soaking of pea flours in combination with enzyme treatment led to reductions of 77–90% in the levels of α‐galactosides, and of 60–80% in the levels of trypsin inhibitor activity, increasing the content of total available sugars, which was highest in the pea flour treated with the cell‐wall‐degrading enzyme complex. All the treatments assayed caused a significant improvement in daily food intake, whereas the nutritive utilisation of protein was not increased in any of the pea products tested when compared to the raw pea flour. However, all the soaking and enzymatic treatments led to a significant improvement in daily weight gain associated with a higher dietary intake of food and total available sugars. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
On the homogenization of some linear problems in domains weakly connected by a system of traps
Authors: Amaziane B. , Pankratov L.
Published: April 2007

The aim of the paper is to study the asymptotic behaviour of solutions of second‐order elliptic and parabolic equations, arising in modelling of flow in cavernous porous media, in a domain Ωε weakly connected by a system of traps 𝒫ε, where ε is the parameter that characterizes the scale of the microstructure. Namely, we consider a strongly perforated domain Ωε ⊂Ω a bounded open set of ℝ3 such that Ωε =Ω1ε ∪Ω2ε ∪𝒫ε ∪ Wε, where Ω1ε, Ω2ε are
non‐intersecting subdomains strongly connected with respect to Ω, 𝒫ε is a system of traps and meas Wε → 0 as ε → 0. Without any periodicity assumption, for a large range of perforated media and by means of variational homogenization, we find the homogenized models. The effective coefficients are described in terms of local energy characteristics of the domain Ωε associated with the problem under consideration. The resulting homogenized problem in the parabolic case is a vector model with memory terms. An example is presented to illustrate the methodology. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spherical harmonics in a non‐polar co‐ordinate system and application to Fourier series in 2‐sphere
Authors: Nasir H. M.
Published: April 2007

A new non‐polar spherical co‐ordinate system for the three‐dimensional space is introduced. The co‐ordinate system is composed of six local co‐ordinate systems mapped from six faces of a cube on to the 2‐sphere. Weakly orthogonal and orthogonal spherical harmonics are constructed in this co‐ordinate system. The spherical harmonics are easily computable functions consisting of polynomials and square root of polynomials. Examples of finite Fourier series computations are given in terms of the new spherical harmonics to demonstrate their immediate applicability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accuracy of repetitive nerve stimulation for diagnosis of the cramp–fasciculation syndrome
Authors: Harrison Taylor B. , Benatar Michael
Published: April 2007

The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to test the hypothesis that the cramp–fasciculation syndrome (CFS) represents a disorder of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability and to evaluate the accuracy of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) for its diagnosis. A consecutive series of 108 patients were evaluated with posterior tibial RNS at 1, 2, and 5 HZ. Abnormal peripheral nerve excitability was defined by the presence of afterdischarges, cramp potentials, or continuous motor unit activity. RNS demonstrated abnormal nerve hyperexcitability in 29 of 36 subjects (81%) with CFS, defined operationally by the presence of both muscle cramps and fasciculations. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, tibial RNS correctly classified the presence or absence of CFS in 75% of subjects. These results suggest that CFS represents a form of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability and, furthermore, that RNS is a clinically useful test for CFS. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Modelling of paste flows subject to liquid phase migration
Authors: Patel M. J. , Blackburn S. , Wilson D. I.
Published: April 2007

Particulate pastes undergoing extrusion can exhibit differential velocities between the solid and liquid phases, termed liquid phase migration (LPM). This is observed experimentally but understanding and predictive capacity for paste and extruder design is limited. Most models for LPM feature one‐dimensional analyses. Here, a two‐dimensional finite element model based on soil mechanics approaches (modified Cam‐Clay) was developed where the liquid and the solids skeleton are treated separately. Adaptive remeshing routines were developed to overcome the significant mesh distortion arising from the large strains inherent in extrusion.

Material data to evaluate the model's behaviour were taken from the literature. The predictive capacity of the model is evaluated for different ram velocities and die entry angles (smooth walls). Results are compared with experimental findings in the literature and good qualitative agreement is found.

Key results are plots of pressure contributions and extrudate liquid fraction against ram displacement, and maps of permeability, liquid velocity and voids ratio. Pore liquid pressure always dominates extrusion pressure.

The relationship between extrusion geometry, ram speed and LPM is complex. Overall, for a given geometry, higher ram speeds give less migration. Pastes flowing into conical entry dies give different voids ratio distributions and do not feature static zones. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hybrid element formulation for the three‐dimensional penalty finite element analysis of incompressible fluids
Authors: Jog C. S.
Published: April 2007

This work presents a hybrid element formulation for the three‐dimensional penalty finite element analysis of incompressible Newtonian fluids. The formulation is based on a mixed variational statement in which velocity and stresses are treated as independent field variables. The main advantage of this formulation is that it bypasses the use of ad hoc techniques such as selective reduced integration that are commonly used in penalty‐based finite element formulations, and directly yields high accuracy for the velocity and stress fields without the need to carry out smoothing. In addition, since the stress degrees of freedom are condensed out at an element level, the cost of solving for the global degrees of freedom is the same as in a standard penalty finite element method, although the gain in accuracy for both the velocity and stress (including the pressure) fields is quite significant. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late cardiac effects of anthracycline containing therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rathe Mathias , Carlsen Niels L.T. , Oxhøj Henrik
Published: April 2007

Background

At present about 80% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) will be cured following treatment with multi‐drug chemotherapy. A major concern for this growing number of survivors is the risk of late effects of treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether signs of cardiomyopathy were present in patients treated in childhood with cumulative anthracycline doses of less than 300 mg/m2.

Procedure

Evaluation of cardiac function in a cohort of 63 long‐term survivors in first continuous remission following treatment of ALL with multi‐drug chemotherapy including anthracyclines was performed using standard M‐mode echocardiography and tissue doppler imaging (TDI). Associations between age at diagnosis, cumulative dose of anthracycline, sex, length of follow‐up, and deviations from normal values in M‐mode echocardiograms were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. TDI data were compared to normal values using Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks test.

Results

By standard M‐mode echocardiography the most significant findings were diastolic dilation of the left ventricle, thinner interventricular septum (IVS), decreased left ventricular mass (LVM) in females, follow‐up dependent dilation of the left ventricle in systole and follow‐up dependent decrease in ejection fraction (EF). TDI abnormalities included signs of early diastolic dysfunction and myocardial hypertrophy, and were also found in structures that appeared normal by M‐mode echocardiography.

Conclusions

This study adds to the growing evidence that even low to moderate doses of anthracyclines might lead to progressive cardiac dysfunction. It is important that children treated with anthracyclines receive life long follow‐up for signs of cardiomyopathy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:663–667. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colorectal carcinoma in children and adolescents: The experience of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan, Italy
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Rognone Alessia , Casanova Michela , Zaffignani Elena , Piva Luigi , Collini Paola , Bertario Lucio , Sala Paola , Leo Ermanno , Belli Filiberto , Gallino Gianfranco
Published: April 2007

Background

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common tumors in adults, but extremely rare in young age. This study retrospectively reports on a group of 27 patients <30 years of age, and particularly on 7 cases <18 years old, treated at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy, between 1985 and 2005.

Patients and Methods

Among the children/adolescents (age 9–18, median 12 years), 5/7 had unfavorable CRC histotypes (poorly differentiated or mucinous adenocarcinoma) and all but one had advanced disease at onset. Initial surgical resection was complete in 5/7 cases, and all patients received postoperative chemotherapy.

Results

In the subset of patients <18 years, 6/7 had tumor progression or relapse, and 5 died of their tumor: overall survival (OS) was 23% at 5 years. In the group of 19‐ to 29‐year‐olds (young adults), 5‐year OS was 72.6%.

Conclusions

This study confirms the rarity and poor prognosis of CRC in children and adolescents: advanced stage and an aggressive biology are hallmarks of this tumor in pediatric age, while clinical findings and outcome in young adults seem more similar to those observed in adult series. Therapeutic recommendations should stay the same as for adults. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and early diagnosis is crucial: it is important for pediatricians to be aware that CRC does occur in children, in order to refer suspected cases to expert physicians professionally dedicated to the management of this cancer in adults. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:588–593. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temperature Drop Turbidimetry as a Means for the Rapid Determination of the Polydispersity of Polymers Part III. Polyethylene
Authors: Hay James N. , Wiles Michael
Published: April 2007

The molecular weight averages of narrow and broad distribution polyethylene have been determined by controlled precipitation from a mixed solvent of xylene/n‐hexanol in the temperature range 433 to 33K. Estimates of the distribution (D) which compared unfavourably with and considerably under‐estimated those determined by gel permeation chromatography (g.p.c.) were obtained by a calibration procedure between the temperature of initial onset of precipitation and the weight average molecular weight which have been used previously 1,2 to characterise turbidimetric curves. However, the calibration curves gave an accurate estimate of the weight average molecular weight. There was also an accurate correlation between the reciprocal of the breadth of the turbidity‐temperature curves as measured by 1/Tmax (dτ/dT) −1 i.e. (S)−1, and the logarithm of the g.p.c. dispersity which enabled the breadth of distribution to be determined. With these two correlations molecular weight characteristics could be determined rapidly which compared favourably with g.p.c. data. The method has been applied to fractions obtained for 3 methods of fractionating polyethylene in order to compare their relative efficiencies.
A comparison of the thermal stabilities of a siloxane substituted polycarbonate with a standard polycarbonate and a polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Knight Graham J.
Published: April 2007

The thermal stability in inert and oxidising atmosphere of an aromatic polycarbonate with a siloxane side chain has been compared with those of a polycarbonate and a poly‐(dimethylsiloxane) using thermogravimetry. The presence of the siloxane side chain is seen to marginally enhance the thermal stability compared to that of the unsubstituted polycarbonate.
Lower Critical Solution Temperatures, Part II Polymethylene in binary n‐alkane solvents
Authors: Kodama Yoshinori , Swinton Findlay L.
Published: April 2007

The lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) were measured visually for linear polymethylene in twelve different binary solvents composed of various n‐alkane pairs ranging from n‐hexane to n‐hexatriacontane (C36). A reasonable correlation is found between the experimental LCST's of these pseud o‐ternary systems and the gas‐liquid critical temperatures of the binary solvents.

Full thermodynamic data are available for only one of these systems, polymethylene/ n‐hexane/n‐octane and it is found that one version of the Flory theory predicts the experimental LCST's for this mixture with acceptable accuracy. No adjustable parameters are required.
Load Bearing Polymers used in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Hastings Garth W.
Published: April 2007

One of the major contributions to orthopaedic surgery has been the use of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene in prosthetic joint replacements. The part played by this polymer is set in the context of biomechanical requirements. Work dealing with wear found in components of knee prostheses removed from patients is presented, the main mechanism being cold flow followed by abrasive wear. Surface delamination and the effect of inhomogeneous regions are described. Polyacetals, homo and copoly mers are being used as bearing surfaces and the current position is reported. Work in the author's laboratory to develop carbon fibre reinforced plastics is described briefly. The development of Standards is mentioned.
The influence of residual styrene monomer, benzaldehyde, and microbial activity on the surface properties of polystyrene latices
Authors: Wilkinson Michael C. , Sherwood Roger , Hearn John , Roy Goodall A.
Published: April 2007

The influence of residual styrene monomer and benzaldehyde on the surface properties of polystyrene latices has been considered. These materials are commonly found after emulsion polymerisation and their complete removal by dialysis is almost impossible. Steam stripping at reduced pressure (nitrogen atmosphere, < 350K) can be used to remove the last traces of styrene and benzaldehyde from polystyrene, but this process results in some degree of hydrolysis of the surface sulphate groups.

Latices are easily contaminated by microorganisms, especially those which are airborne. This can occur during cleaning and/or storage. Microorganisms can survive and multiply in suitable latex environments and can result in the destabilisation and subsequent flocculation of the latex. Controlled experiments with a latex dosed with various levels of a penicillium type fungus demonstrated the possibility that enzymes (classified as aryl sulphate sulphohydrolases ‐ E. C. 3.1.6.1.) were produced which resulted in the rapid hydrolysis of surface sulphate groups. Fungal growth was accompanied by the release of weak acids and metabolites which were titrated in the aqueous phase.

Careful consideration should be given to the conditions of latex preparation, cleaning and storage, e.g. use of autoclaved water and γ‐irradiation techniques, which will reduce the possibility of microbial contamination. Routine tests for bacteria and fungi should be carried out by plating on microbiological media, since the usual tests for protein such as the Folin‐Ciocalteu are insensitive at the low levels of contamination which may be present.
Contribution to pivalolactone polymerisation
Authors: Bier Gerard , Vollkommer Norbert
Published: April 2007

The bulk polymerisation of pivalolactone (PVL) has been investigated using tertiary and quaternary phosphorus compounds as initiators. The quaternary P‐compounds were found to be essentially more active than the tertiary ones.

The polymerisation mechanism with the two classes of initiators is as follows: Tertiary phosphines (and amines) form zwitterions and macro‐zwitterions with PVL, or: positive and negative charges are fixed on the same macromolecule. By chain transfer agents a separation of the charges onto two molecules takes place; the zwitterion character disappears.

Using quaternary phosphonium (ammonium) compounds the anion starts the reaction; it is built into the polymeric chain. The gegenion retains its low molecular weight during the entire propagation reaction. During this stage an anion of high and a cation of low molecular weight are present side by side. The mechanism is not changed by any chain transfer reaction.

The different reaction rates during propagation in the presence of these initiators are explained on one hand by a macrocation and on the other hand by a cation of low molecular weight. The degree of dissociation, which is higher in quaternary compounds than in tertiary ones, might also influence the reaction. The initiator molecule influences the start reaction as well as the total propagation reaction.
Epoxide resins as adhesives: Past and present
Authors: Garnish Edward W.
Published: April 2007

Epoxide resins were introduced commercially thirty‐three years ago. One of the first formulations was an adhesive. There has been continuous development of the systems since then based on an increasing range of materials used in their constitution and an increasing knowledge of their chemistry and cured properties. This paper examines some of the scientific topics that contribute to the present day knowledge of these high strength adhesives and that are now used when advances are sought in the technology.
Some problems associated with the application of thermal methods to polymers
Authors: Still Richard H.
Published: April 2007

The scope of thermal methods and their application to polymeric substrates are reviewed. The general application of these methods to polymers is discussed and illustrated by reference to: (i) the problems associated with thermal methods and the apparatus used to obtain thermal responses; (ii) the problems associated with calibration and the standardisation of reporting procedures; (iii) the specific problems associated with polymeric materials. Problems associated with crystallinity determinations and thermal stability assessment are also discussed.
Crystallisation kinetics and melting studies
Authors: Hay James N.
Published: April 2007

Methods for determining the crystallisation characteristics of polymer by differential scanning calorimetry are discussed, particularly in terms of their limitations. Isothermal and non‐isothermal crystallisation thermogrphs are analysed to determine crystallisation mechanism and compared with other techniques. The inadequacies of current theories of crystallisation rates are developed. Melting studies on oligomers and polymers are developed in terms of recent theories of melting, and a method suggested for quantifying the quality of crystallinity in polymeric material in terms of the averages of the lamellae thickness.
The reaction of dimethyldichlorosilane with polyorganosiloxanes derived from pseudowollastonite
Authors: Atwal Rajinder , Bola Tarlok S. , Cook Colin B. , Currell Brian R. , Midgley Henry G. , Parsonage John R.
Published: April 2007

The interaction of dimethyidichlorosilane with polyorganosiloxanes prepared by the trimethylsilylation of mineral silicates is catalysed by ferric chloride hexahydrate and results in the formation of higher molecular weight polyorganosiloxanes and also trimethylchlorosilane. The nature of the products and particularly the molecular weight depends on the relative amounts of reactants. It is also shown that during the course of the reaction a substantial proportion of the ferric chloride is reduced to ferrous.
Thermotropic liquid‐crystalline polyesters and polyesteramides
Authors: McIntyre James E. , Milburn Alexander H.
Published: April 2007

Thermotropic behaviour is observed in a number of aromatic polyesteramides containing p‐phenylene or substituted p‐phenylene groups. In such polymers, a substantial proportion of co‐polymerised units lacking rigid rod structure can be tolerated without loss of thermotropic behaviour. Anisotropic melts can be formed at very short average chain length. The upper temperature limit of stability of the anisotropic phase is lower the shorter the average chain length and the greater the proportion of relatively flexible units. Some polyesteramides formally derived from p‐N‐methylaminophenol also exhibit thermotropic behaviour.
The determination of active centres in olefin polymerisation
Authors: Caut Anthony D.
Published: April 2007

The kinetics of Ziegler‐Natta polymerisations can be described in terms of a spectrum of active sites, each with differing propagation rates and stereospecificity. It is therefore necessary to use complementary methods of measuring active centres to get the whole picture. Higher activity in polymerisation of propylene using TiCl3 ‐ Et2AlCl systems can be achieved by varying the catalyst preparation so that the effective surface area is increased or by removing inhibitors. When Et3Al is used as activatior in place of Et2 AlCl higher activity is due to a combination of increase in number of centres per mole TiCl3 and of increase in their propagation rate.
Condensation polymerisations with unequal reactivity in segregated continuous‐flow stirred tank reactors
Authors: Gupta A. Sen , Kumar Anil , Gupta Santosh K.
Published: April 2007

A parametric study of the molecular weight distribution and its moments has been made on the irreversible condensation polymerisation of ARB type monomers which do not obey the equal reactivity hypothesis. The reactions are simulated for a continuous‐flow stirred‐tank reactor with distributed residence times, the mean residence time being the operating variable. Two different kinetic schemes have been proposed which represent the limiting cases of the actual situations (models I and II) which are usually encountered and the effect of segration in a CSTR has been studied. The molecular weight distributions, number average chain lengths and the polydispersity indices have been computed. Results are found to lie intermediate between batch reactors and homogeneous, continuous‐flow stirred tank reactors. Plots between the poly dispersity index and the monomer conversion with the reactivity ratio, R, and the number average chain length as parameters indicate that results are far more sensitive to variations in R for model II than for model I.
Thermal degradation of methyl and ethyl cyanoacrylate oligomers
Authors: Rooney John M.
Published: April 2007

Thermal degradation of methyl and ethyl cyanoacrylate polymers of number‐average molecular weights 370–1350 is shown to proceed by depolymerisation at temperatures in the range 140°–180°C. Under the conditions of the thermogravimetric analysis technique employed, weight loss kinetics appear to be governed by diffusion of monomer vapour through the liquid sample. A mathematical model of this process is postulated.
Dispersing silicon nanoparticles in a stirred media mill – investigating the evolution of morphology, structure and oxide formation
Authors: Reindl A. , Aldabergenova S. , Altin E. , Frank G. , Peukert W.
Published: April 2007

Silicon nanoparticles were dispersed for 24 hours in 1‐butanol using a stirred media mill. Via this process intrinsically stable suspensions (in regard to aggregation) of Si nanoparticles were produced after 6 hours of dispersing. The evolution of morphology, particle size and structure was investigated by dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy as a function of dispersing time. The average crystallite size decreased from about 18 nm down to about 10 nm within 24 hours of milling as determined by X‐ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements. In addition careful analysis of the Raman spectra revealed a decrease of the crystalline volume fraction from 75% down to 24% and a corresponding increase of the amorphous phase. The microstructural development with varying crystallite size and crystalline volume fraction was directly confirmed by transmission electron microscopy measurements. Elemental analysis showed an increase of oxygen content that was directly proportional to the increase in specific surface area of the silicon nanoparticles during the dispersing process. The surface chemistry of the Si nanoparticles was analyzed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy that indicated vibrational bands of HSi–Si3–x Ox , SiOx , and residual 1‐butanol. The final product of the dispersing process seems to be a two‐phase mixture of amorphous Si and Si nanocrystallites covered with SiOx on the surface. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of annealing temperature on the electrical transport properties of CaRuO3–δ thin films directly deposited on the Si substrate
Authors: Paik Hanjong , Kim Youngha , No Kwangsoo , Cann David P. , Yoon DongJoo , Kim ByungIl , Kim Yangsoo
Published: April 2007

We investigate the effect of annealing temperature on the preferentially (110)‐oriented CaRuO3–δ (CRO) thin films directly prepared on Si(100) substrate by rf magnetron sputtering. Crystalline quality and electrical transport properties of the CRO thin films were modified by post‐annealing treatment. It was obvious that 700 °C post‐annealing brought about excellent metallic characteristics with the elevation of carrier concentration and mobility. From this result, we suggested that enhanced (110) orientation, and the ratio of chemical composition Ru4+/Ca2+ ion were responsible for the transport properties of CRO thin film. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)