bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicidal ideation and its correlates among elderly in residential care homes
Authors: Malfent Daniela , Wondrak Tanja , Kapusta Nestor D. , Sonneck Gernot
Published: November 2009

Objective

The highest suicide rates are found among the elderly, therefore suicidal ideation is prevalent in long‐term care facilities. Despite these facts and multiplying losses, most residents show no signs of suicidal ideation. There is a lack of information on which factors protect against suicidal thoughts among the elderly. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation with risk and protective factors among older residential care home residents in Vienna.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 15 Viennese residential care homes. Participants completed a self‐report questionnaire containing sociodemographic factors, physical health, mental health, and protective factors like optimistic attributional style, self‐efficacy, and internal locus of control as well as satisfaction with life and were finally asked about active and passive suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Results

With the voluntary participation of 129 residents aged 60 years or more, active suicidal ideation during the last month was identified in 7% of the elderly, 11% reported active suicidal ideation during the past year. Primarily, we found that protective factors like internal locus of control, self‐efficacy, and satisfaction with life were important single predictors of active suicidal ideation during the past month. Depressive symptoms and current psychotherapeutic treatment were additionally important predictors.

Conclusions

Suicidal ideation is prevalent in Viennese residential care homes; consequently it is necessary to recognize and treat suicidal ideation in an adequate way. Our findings suggest that research and prevention strategies could not merely target risk, but also include protective factors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a brief educational program for dementia carers: The AENEAS Study
Authors: Kurz Alexander , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Hallauer Johannes , Schneider‐Schelte Helga , Jansen Sabine ,   for the AENEAS Study Group
Published: November 2009

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a practical, easily implemented, educational intervention in group format for informal carers of persons with dementia.

Methods

Multi‐centre, randomised, controlled, single‐blind trial involving 292 family caregivers of patients with moderate dementia in Alzheimer's disease.

Results

Participants valued program components which had a practical impact on their caring role. The intervention achieved minor effects on the participants' psychological quality of life and did not reduce carer depression. It was also not associated with a lower rate of patient nursing home admissions. A subgroup analysis suggested that the intervention actually promoted the decision for nursing home placement in caregivers who were over‐burdened and not coping well when they entered the study.

Conclusion

To improve dementia carer support, educational components might be intergrated into more comprehensive and individualised interventions which include problem solving and behavioural management strategies, ensure the transfer of newly acquired skills into the everyday context, and adequately deal with the emotional consequences of the caring role. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroimaging predictors for depressive symptoms in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Fu Jian Hui , Wong Kelvin , Mok Vincent , Hu Xintao , Xiong Yunyun , Chen Yangkun , Tang Wai Kwong , Chen Xiangyan , Wong Adrian , Chu Winnie , Wong Ka Sing , Wong Stephen
Published: November 2009

Objective

Although cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is closely associated with late life depression, patients with even severe SVD may have no depressive symptoms. We postulate that concurrent brain atrophy may also involve in the pathogenesis of depressive symptoms in SVD. We aimed to investigate the relevance of brain atrophy in predicting depressive symptoms among patients with severe SVD.

Methods

We recruited 45 lacunar stroke patients who had diffuse white matter lesion (WML) and varying severity levels of depressive symptoms. We used a quantitative hybrid warping method to determine the volume of 99 brain regions for each patient. We assessed severity of depressive symptoms using the depression score of the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS‐D). We first performed correlation analysis of each brain variable with the depression score. Significant variables were then entered separately into linear regression analysis to explore predictors of HADS‐D, with adjustment of relevant clinical variables.

Results

The mean age (SD) of the 45 participants was 74.6 (8.3) years. The mean HADS‐D score was 3.5, with score ranging from 0 to15. Variables that had a significant correlation coefficient with HADS‐D were gender, hypertension, Oxford handicap scale, left inferior frontal gyrus, right subthalamic nucleus, left posterior limb of internal capsule, and right cerebellum. Regression analyses showed that only left inferior frontal gyrus atrophy (β = −0.354, p = 0.017) predicted HADS‐D score after adjusted for other relevant clinical variables.

Conclusion

Concurrent atrophy of left inferior frontal gyrus is associated with depressive symptoms in elderly patients with severe SVD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shared decision‐making in the primary care treatment of late‐life major depression: a needed new intervention?
Authors: Raue Patrick J. , Schulberg Herbert C. , Lewis‐Fernandez Roberto , Boutin‐Foster Carla , Hoffman Amy S. , Bruce Martha L.
Published: November 2009

Objective

We suggest that clinicians consider models of shared decision‐making (SDM) for their potential ability to improve the treatment of major depression in the primary care setting and overcome limitations of collaborative care and other interventions.

Methods

We explore the characteristics and techniques of patient–clinician SDM, with particular emphasis on this model's relevance to the unique treatment concerns of depressed older adults.

Results

We describe a SDM intervention to engage older adults in depression treatment in the primary care sector.

Conclusions

It is timely to examine SDM models for elderly depressed primary care patients given their potential ability to improve treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypothetical versus real preferences: results from an opportunistic field experiment
Authors: Bryan Stirling , Jowett Sue
Published: November 2009

Over recent years there has been renewed interest in cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) in health care but the ‘hypothetical bias’ concern (i.e. the belief that WTP values overstate real preferences) is a remaining anxiety. This paper reports new empirical data comparing hypothetical and real preferences in a health care context, using the clinical setting of patient self‐management (PSM) of anticoagulation (warfarin) therapy. The data offer considerable support for the use of WTP and CBAs in a self‐management health care context; the hypothetical bias hypothesis is not supported by our data. The generalisability of these results to other health care settings needs to be explored. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of health needs assessment and prioritisation on District Health Board planning in New Zealand
Authors: Coster Gregor , Mays Nicholas , Scott Claudia , Cumming Jacqueline
Published: November 2009

Objectives District Health Boards (DHBs) in New Zealand are mandated to assess and prioritise the health needs of their resident populations. This paper evaluates the impact of those health needs assessments (HNAs) and prioritisation practices on health service planning and purchasing in the first 3 years of the DHBs (2001–2003).

Methods DHB HNAs, 5‐yearly strategic plans, and annual plans were evaluated using document analysis to determine the impact of needs assessments on prioritisation and planning by boards. Key informant interviews with DHB senior managers were used to identify differences between boards.

Results HNAs had relatively little influence on the direction of planning and purchasing. HNAs conducted in DHBs that focussed on planning at the service level and in relation to population subgroups using a ‘mixed‐scanning’ approach and ‘service planning groups’ had a greater impact on planning and purchasing than more comprehensive approaches. DHBs found prioritisation difficult due to the level of control exercised by central government over their actions.

Conclusions HNAs in New Zealand need to be less ambitious, more focussed and more closely institutionally linked to prioritisation, service planning and purchasing processes if they are to have an impact on the allocation of resources. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement in social competence in patients with schizophrenia: a pilot study using a performance‐based measure using virtual reality
Authors: Park Kyung‐Min , Ku Jeonghun , Park Il‐Ho , Park Ji‐Yeon , Kim Sun I. , Kim Jae‐Jin
Published: November 2009

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the possibility of the use of Virtual Reality Functional Skills Assessment (VRFSA) in a future regular clinical trial, as well as to report a preliminary result about effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics to social competence in schizophrenia.

Methods

We developed the VRFSA that measured subjects' performances automatically and used analogue scale rather than Likert scale. Twenty‐four female patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 15 healthy females were recruited. This was a 6‐week, randomized, open‐label, and flexible dose study, and 2 treatments (baseline versus post‐treatment) × 2 skills phases (receptive versus expressive) × 2 patient groups (aripiprazole versus risperidone) analysis of variance was used in the final analysis.

Results

There was a significant difference in the VRFAS between the patients and the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Eighteen patients were included in the final analysis. We found larger treatment effect than those found in previous studies, and significant treatment × skills phase × group interaction effect on the VRFAS.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the VRFAS is strongly sensitive to changes in social competence and thus especially beneficial in short‐term clinical trials. In addition, atypical antipsychotics can improve social competence and differentially improve receptive skills and expressive skills in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Augmentation of atypical antipsychotics with valproic acid. An open‐label study for most difficult patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Takefumi , Uchida Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Hiroyoshi , Nakajima Shinichiro , Nomura Kensuke , Tanabe Akira , Yagi Gohei , Watanabe Koichiro , Kashima Haruo
Published: November 2009

Objective

Most difficult inpatients with schizophrenia are in serious needs but obviously underrepresented in clinical trials.

Methods

Very challenging patients received open‐label treatment with atypical antipsychotics concurrently augmented with valproic acid. The primary outcome was the newly developed Functional Assessment for Comprehensive Treatment of Schizophrenia (FACT‐Sz). Patients improving more than 20 points were classified as responders.

Results

Mean age and illness duration of 28 participants (22male) were 42 y.o. and 20 years, respectively. They had spent a half of their life admitted after the onset. The average Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Clinical Global Impression‐Severity (CGI‐S) were very severe at 79 and 6.1, respectively, with the baseline Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) of as low as 21. As a result of augmentation, there were nine responders, 12 partial responders, and seven non‐responders including only two patients who got worse. The main antipsychotics were mostly either risperidone or olanzapine. Mean maximum oral dose and blood level of valproic acid were 1907 mg and 91.7 µg/ml, respectively. Overall significant improvements whilst to an inadequate degree were noted in clinical parameters. Valproate augmentation was generally well tolerated but serious adverse effects included thrombocytopenia, anaemia and sedation/falls.

Conclusions

While these preliminary results need to be tested against tenacious monotherapy or polypharmacy involving clozapine, augmenting atypical antipsychotics with valproic acid can be useful for very severe schizophrenia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum heme‐albumin: An allosteric protein
Authors: Ascenzi Paolo , Fasano Mauro
Published: November 2009

Heme scavenging by plasma proteins, including serum albumin (SA), provides protection against free‐heme oxidative damage, limits access by pathogens to the heme, and contributes to iron homeostasis by recycling the heme iron. In turn, serum heme‐albumin (SA‐heme) acquires heme‐based ligand‐binding and (pseudo‐)enzymatic properties. Heme binding to SA and SA‐heme reactivity are allosterically and competitively modulated by endogenous and exogenous third components, this being relevant in pharmacotherapy management. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1118–1122, 2009
The path to RNA editing in plant mitochondria: The Halifax chapter
Authors: Gray Michael W.
Published: November 2009

A single C/T difference between gene and cDNA within the 5′‐untranslated region of the wheat mtDNA‐encoded cox2 (cytochrome oxidase subunit 2) sequence catalyzed the discovery of C‐to‐U RNA editing in plant mitochondria by a group at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia [Covello and Gray, (1989) Nature 341, 662–666]. Editing of codons specifying essential copper‐binding ligands in the Cox2p CuA site provided additional insights about the amino acid residues comprising this site, as well as illustrating the functional importance of editing in wheat mitochondria. Further investigations of RNA editing in plant mitochondria led to the subsequent discovery of a case of mitochondrion‐to‐nucleus gene (cox2) transfer in soybean, mediated by reverse transcription of edited cox2 mRNA. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 61: 1114–1117, 2009
Interpreting diffuse reflectance for in vivo skin reactions in terms of chromophores
Authors: Kollias Nikiforos , Seo InSeok , Bargo Paulo R.
Published: November 2009

The measurement and quantification of skin reactions to insults involves certain assumptions about the relation between intensity of color appearance of the skin and the concentration of endogenous chromophores. The underlying assumption is that the Beer‐Lambert law is obeyed, i.e., that a linear relation exists between the absorbance and the concentration of each chromophore and that the total absorbance is the linear superposition of the contributions of each chromophore. In this paper the authors compiled the results from a number of interventions on human skin that result in changes in its appearance and small deviations from the homeostatic state, where the results may be accounted for by a single or multiple chromophores. The validity of the assumptions is found to hold for a limited range of responses. The biological constraints need to be considered in certain cases because as we move away from the homeostatic state, complex biological processes are induced. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Defining the membrane proteome of NK cells
Authors: Ghosh Dhimankrishna , Lippert Dustin , Krokhin Oleg , Cortens John P. , Wilkins John A.
Published: November 2009

The present study was initiated to define the composition of the membrane proteome of the Natural Killer (NK) like cell line YTS. Isolated membranes were treated with reagents that have been reported to remove peripheral membrane proteins. Additional steps involving trifluoroethanol (TFE) were introduced in an effort to remove remaining nonintegral membrane proteins. This treatment resulted in the release of a subset of proteins without any apparent disruption of membrane integrity. The membranes were solubilized and digested with trypsin in 25% TFE. The resulting peptides were separated using an off‐line two‐dimensional reversed phase LC technique at alkaline and acidic pHs. Mass spectrometric analysis identified 1843 proteins with high confidence scores. On the basis of the presence of transmembrane regions or evidence of posttranslational modifications and prediction algorithms, approximately 40% of the identified proteins were predicted as plausible membrane proteins. The remaining species were largely involved in cellular processes and molecular functions that could be predicted to be transiently associated with membranes. The analytical approaches presented in this study offer robust generic methods for the identification and characterization of membrane proteins. These observations highlight the fact that the membrane is a dynamic entity that is composed of integral and stably associated proteins. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cod and rainbow trout as freeze–chilled meal elements
Authors: Jensen Louise H S , Nielsen Jette , Jørgensen Bo M , Frosch Stina
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: ‘Meal elements’ are elements of a meal, e.g. portions of pre‐fried meat, sauces, frozen fish or pre‐processed vegetables typically prepared industrially. The meal elements are distributed to professional satellite kitchens, where the staff can combine them into complete meals. Freeze–chilling is a process consisting of freezing and frozen storage followed by thawing and chilled storage. Combining the two would enable the manufacturer to produce large quantities of frozen meal elements to be released into the chill chain according to demand. We have studied the influence of freeze–chilling on the quality attributes of cod and rainbow trout portions. Sensory profiling and chemical analyses were used to determine the changes in quality after slow thawing and subsequent chill storage and to find the high‐quality shelf life.

RESULTS: Cod had a consistent and high sensory quality during the first 6 days of chilled storage, and the corresponding time for rainbow trout was 10 days. After this period the sensory quality decreased and chemical indicators of spoilage were seen to increase.

CONCLUSION: The consistent quality during storage and the high‐quality shelf life are practically applicable and cod and rainbow trout seem potential candidates for freeze–chilled meal elements. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
On the Effects of UV‐C and pH on the Mechanical Behavior, Molecular Conformation and Cell Viability of Collagen‐Based Scaffold for Vascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Achilli Matteo , Lagueux Jean , Mantovani Diego
Published: November 2009

Collagen‐based vascular substitutes represent in VTE a valid alternative for the replacement of diseased small‐calibre blood vessels. In this study, collagen gel‐based scaffolds were crosslinked combining modulation of pH and UV‐C radiation. The effects on the mechanical properties, on the molecular structure and on cell viability and morphology were investigated. The mechanical response increased as a function of pH or UV‐C dose and strongly depended on the test speed. Collagen molecular conformation resulted only slightly modified. While cell adhesion was not significantly altered, cell proliferation partially decreased in function of pH and UV‐C. These findings suggest that UV‐C treated collagen gels can represent an adequate substrate for VTE applications.

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A Perfect Couple: PLP/SEC/ESI‐MS for the Accurate Determination of Propagation Rate Coefficients in Free Radical Polymerization
Authors: Gruendling Till , Voll Dominik , Guilhaus Michael , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: November 2009

Pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) in conjunction with online size exclusion chromatography – electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SEC/ESI‐MS) has successfully been applied for the determination of accurate propagation rate coefficients, kp, in free radical polymerization. SEC/ESI‐MS is used in this context to precisely determine the molecular weight distribution of the polymer produced by the PLP‐experiment. The novel approach allows for a highly accurate internal calibration of the size exclusion system to be obtained from first principles, as the molecular weight of the polymer is determined with ppm accuracy by the mass spectrometer and allows corrections for SEC band broadening effects to be made. Molecular weight measurements can furthermore be performed regardless of the monomer class, as long as the macromolecule is amenable to electrospray ionization. The proposed approach successfully eliminates work‐steps and problems incurred in the analysis of new and poorly characterized monomers, where universal calibration or multi‐detector SEC had to be applied until now and provides an alternative also to PLP/MALDI‐MS. Applicability of the method is demonstrated for the homologous series of methyl‐, ethyl‐ and butyl methacrylate. The experimentally determined kp values were 5–10% higher than the currently available benchmark data. The experimental kp is in agreement with the results of kinetic simulations, assuming a short chain length dependency of kp, in accordance with the empirical model of Smith, Heuts and Russell.

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Singular solutions of elliptic equations with nonstandard growth
Authors: Lukkari Teemu
Published: November 2009

We prove a removability result for nonlinear elliptic equations withp(x)‐type nonstandard growth and estimate the growth of solutions near a nonremovable isolated singularity. To accomplish this, we employ a Harnack estimate for possibly unbounded solutions and the fact that solutions with nonremovable isolated singularities arep(x)‐superharmonic functions (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relaxed commutant lifting and a relaxed Nehari problem: Redheffer state space formulas
Authors: Horst S. ter
Published: November 2009

The description of all solutions to the relaxed commutant lifting problem in terms of an underlying contraction, obtained earlier in joint work of the author with A. E. Frazho and M. A. Kaashoek, is transformed into a linear fractional Redheffer state space form. Under certain additional conditions the coefficient functions in this representation are described explicitly in terms of the original data. The main theorem is a generalization of the Redheffer description of all solutions to the classical commutant lifting problem. To illustrate the result a relaxed version of the Nehari extension problem is considered, and an explicit Redheffer description of all its solutions is given, assuming that a certain truncated Hankel operator is a strict contraction (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rank 2 arithmetically Cohen‐Macaulay bundles on a general quintic surface
Authors: Chiantini Luca , Faenzi Daniele
Published: November 2009

Rank 2 arithmetically Cohen‐Macaulay vector bundles on a general quintic hypersurface of the three‐dimensional projective space are classified (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Directional maximal operators with smooth densities
Authors: Hare Kathryn E. , Roginskaya Maria
Published: November 2009

We study directional maximal operators on ℝn with smooth densities. We prove that if the classical directional maximal operator in a given set of directions is weak type (1, 1), then the corresponding smooth‐density maximal operator in that set of directions will be bounded on Lq for q suitably large, depending on the order of the stationary points of the density function. In contrast to the classical case, if q is too small, the smooth density operator need not be bounded on Lq. Improving upon previously known results, we also establish that if the density function has only finitely many extreme points, each of finite order, then any maximal operator in a finite sum of diadic directions is bounded on all Lq for q > 1 (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some applications of the Gamma and polygamma functions involving convolutions of the Rayleigh functions, multiple Euler sums and log‐sine integrals
Authors: Choi Junesang , Srivastava H. M.
Published: November 2009

The Gamma function and its n th logarithmic derivatives (that is, the polygamma or the psi‐functions) have found many interesting and useful applications in a variety of subjects in pure and applied mathematics. Here we mainly apply these functions to treat convolutions of the Rayleigh functions by recalling a general identity expressing a certain class of series as psi‐functions and to evaluate a class of log‐sine integrals in an algorithmic way. We also evaluate some Euler sums and give much simpler psi‐function expressions for some known parameterized multiple sums (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Using Metallo‐Supramolecular Block Copolymers for the Synthesis of Higher Order Nanostructured Assemblies
Authors: Moughton Adam O. , O'Reilly Rachel K.
Published: November 2009

Many research groups have explored the properties and solution self‐assembly of main chain metallo‐supramolecular multiblock copolymers. Until recently, these metal complexes have been used to prepare mainly micelle type structures. However, the self‐assembly of such copolymers has been exploited further to create more advanced architectures which utilize the reversible supramolecular linkage of their building blocks as a key component in their synthesis. Furthermore, the incorporation of multiple orthogonal interactions and stimuli responsive polymers into their design, enables more precise external control of their properties. This feature article discusses recent developments and provides an insight into their potential exploitation and development for the creation of novel, smart, and responsive nanostructures.

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In silico methods for physiologically based biokinetic models describing bioactivation and detoxification of coumarin and estragole: Implications for risk assessment
Authors: Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Punt Ans , Schilter Benoît , Scholz Gabriele , Delatour Thierry , van Bladeren Peter J.
Published: November 2009

In chemical safety assessment, information on adverse effects after chronic exposure to low levels of hazardous compounds is essential for estimating human risks. Results from in vitro studies are often not directly applicable to the in vivo situation, and in vivo animal studies often have to be performed at unrealistic high levels of exposure. Physiologically based biokinetic (PBBK) modeling can be used as a platform for integrating in vitro metabolic data to predict dose‐ and species‐dependent in vivo effects on biokinetics, and can provide a method to obtain a better mechanistic basis for extrapolations of data obtained in experimental animal studies to the human situation. Recently, we have developed PBBK models for the bioactivation of the alkenylbenzene estragole to its DNA binding ultimate carcinogenic metabolite 1′‐sulfooxyestragole in both rat and human, as well as rat and human PBBK models for the bioactivation of coumarin to its hepatotoxic o‐hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde metabolite. This article presents an overview of the results obtained so far with these in silico methods for PBBK modeling, focusing on the possible implications for risk assessment, and some additional considerations and future perspectives.
Fabrication and characterization of electrolyte membranes based on organoclay/tripropyleneglycol diacrylate/poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrospun nanofiber composites
Authors: Jeong Kwang‐Un , Chae Hee Dong , Lim Chun Il , Lee Hong Ki , Ahn Jou‐Hyeon , Nah Changwoon
Published: November 2009

Utilizing polymer electrospinning technology, novel electrolyte membranes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/organomodified clay (OC)/tripropyleneglycol diacrylate (TPGDA) composite nanofibers with a diameter of 100–400 nm were fabricated for application in lithium batteries. Ultraviolet photo‐polymerization of electrospun PVDF/OC/TPGDA nanofibers generated chemically crosslinked TPGDA‐grafted PVDF/OC nanofibers exhibiting robust mechanical and electrochemical properties. The prepared fibrous PVDF/OC/TPGDA electrolytes were characterized in terms of morphology, crystallinity, electrochemical stability, ionic conductivity and cell cycleability. Based on differential scanning calorimetry analysis, the crystallinity of PVDF decreased by ca 10% on employing the OC and TPGDA. Compared with pure PVDF film‐based electrolyte membranes, the TPGDA‐ and OC‐modified PVDF electrolyte membranes exhibited improved mechanical properties and various electrochemical properties. The OC‐ and TPGDA‐modified microporous membranes are promising candidates for overcoming the drawbacks of the lower mechanical stability of fibrous‐type electrolytes with further improvement of electrochemical performance. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Nanofilled polyols for viscoelastic polyurethane foams
Authors: Indennidate Lorenzo , Cannoletta Donato , Lionetto Francesca , Greco Antonio , Maffezzoli Alfonso
Published: November 2009

The use of polyether polyols is common in polyurethane industry, particularly in soft PU applications. In particular, viscoelastic foams, characterized by slow recovery after compression, are obtained using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) polyols. Nanofilled polyols can be used for the production of viscoelastic foams with improved fire resistance properties. The high polarity of polyether polyols is responsible of a poor affinity with the organic modifiers used in commercial organically modified montmorillonite (omMMT). In this work, organically modified montmorillonites were prepared, having an improved affinity with the polyether polyols used for the production of soft PU foams. The montmorillonite was modified by using polyetheramines with different ethyleneoxide/propyleneoxide amounts. A strongly intercalated/exfoliated structure was obtained after mixing the polyol with the omMMT. The viscosity increased by three orders of magnitude and the diffraction angles of the MMT measured by x‐ray analysis decreased to values lower than 1.5°. The intercalated structure was preserved after the curing stage, when the isocyanate was added to the polyol/omMMT. The resulting polyurethane had an irregular open cell structure, and was characterized by a mechanical properties comparable to those of unfilled polyurethane. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Composed of Three Electrodes: Application to Tooth Bleaching
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Nam Seoul Hee , Mohamed Abdel‐Aleam H. , Kim Gyoo Cheon , Lee Jae Koo
Published: November 2009

Three‐electrode plasma jet system consisting of a perforated dielectric tube with two outer and one floating inner electrodes was developed and employed for tooth bleaching. Lowered gas breakdown voltage and increased discharge current were achieved by using the floating inner electrode. Optical emission spectra analysis showed that the rotational temperature of the second positive nitrogen bands was ≈290 K and vibrational temperature was ≈2 500 K, which means this plasma is in highly non‐quilibrium state and nonthermal. The presence of excited He, N2, N and O in the plasma plume was revealed. The plasma jet was used in combination with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to remove stains from extracted teeth stained by either coffee or red wine. Combining the plasma jet and H2O2 improved the bleaching efficacy by a factor of 3.1 (coffee) and 3.7 (red wine) compared with using H2O2 alone.

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Semi‐quantitative Study on the Inclusion in Cooling Crystallization of RDX Using Various Solvents
Authors: Kim Doo‐Yong , Kim Kwang‐Joo , Kim Hyoun‐Soo
Published: November 2009

Inclusion entrapped inside the crystals prepared in the cooling crystallization of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) from solution was studied. Effect of supersaturation on the inclusion formation was also studied in crystallization using solvents. Solvents such as acetone (AC), cyclohexanone (CH), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP), γ‐butyrolactone (BL), and their mixtures with water were investigated. The quantitative amount of inclusions entrapped in the RDX crystallized in various solvents was related to the supersaturation. The inclusion fraction in the crystals was affected by the supersaturation and the solvent. In order to decrease the inclusion fraction, in the low supersaturation, AC and CH were recommended, while in high supersaturation, NMP and DMSO were desirable. Eventually the solvent effect on the inclusion was grasped by considering the supersaturation effect.
Species determination of Malaysian Bactrocera pests using PCR‐RFLP analyses (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Chua Tock H , Chong Yi Vern , Lim Saw Hoon
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Identification of Bactrocera carambolae Drew and Hancock, B. papayae Drew and Hancock, B. tau Walker, B. latifrons Hendel, B. cucurbitae Coquillett, B. umbrosa Fabricius and B. caudata Fabricius would pose a problem if only a body part or an immature stage were available. Analysis of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene using primers COIR, COIF, UEA7 and UEA10 and restriction enzymes (MseI, RsaI and Alu1) was carried out. The banding profiles in the electrophoresis gel were analysed.

RESULTS: The COI gene in six Bactrocera spp. was successfully amplified by COIR and COIF, as well as UEA7 and UEA10, while B. caudata was amplified successfully only by UEA primers. Using COI amplified PCR products and restriction enzymes, distinct banding profiles for B. tau, B. latifrons, B. cucurbitae and B. umbrosa were observed, but not for B. carambolae and B. papayae. However, using UEA7, UEA10 and RsaI, B. caudata could be identified, while B. carambolae and B. papayae might possibly be separated from one another. It was also shown that adult body parts or immature life stages of B. carambolae, B. papayae, B. latifrons and B. cucurbitae produced the same banding profiles as the adults.

CONCLUSION: PCR‐RFLP analyses are able to identify positively five Bactrocera species, while B. papayae and B. carambolae might possibly be separated from one another, even if immature life stages or adult body parts are used. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
(Photo‐)conduction measurements during the growth of evaporated bulk heterojunctions of a subphthalocyanine donor and a perfluorinated phthalocyanine acceptor
Authors: Klaus D. , Knecht R. , Dragässer A. , Keil C. , Schlettwein D.
Published: November 2009

Mixed thin films of donor‐ and acceptor‐type molecular semiconductors were prepared by physical vapour deposition and studied by conduction measurements in the dark during film growth and under illumination at three distinct wavelengths across the visible range of the solar spectrum. The molecules were chosen to provide both, good spectral coverage of the solar spectrum and appropriate differences in the electronic energy levels to allow charge carrier separation. Photocurrents were observed that indicated the expected contributions to the net photoconduction but also anomal, negative contributions were found, leading to a decreased conduction under illumination, showing the presence of isolated clusters. Ripening of the mixed films in vacuum and conditioning the films at air were studied subsequently and consequences on conduction and photoconduction discussed. The applicability of such films in evaporated organic bulk heterojunctions as photoconductors or in photovoltaic cells is discussed.

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Vacuum chamber for simultaneous evaporation of pure and mixed organic thin films equipped with in situ (photo)‐conduction measurements.
Anthracene‐containing PPE‐PPV copolymers: Effect of side‐chain nature and length on photophysical and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Jadhav Rupali , Türk Stefan , Kühnlenz Florian , Cimrova Vera , Rathgeber Silke , Egbe Daniel A. M. , Hoppe Harald
Published: November 2009

High‐molecular weight anthracene containing poly(p‐phenylene‐ethynylene)‐alt‐poly(p‐phenylene‐vinylene) (PPE‐PPV) copolymers bearing linear and/or branched alkyl side chains have been synthesized and investigated for use in polymer–fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells. By variation of the nature and length of alkyl side chains the ordering in thin films could be tuned. Besides the basic photophysical characterization, small‐angle X‐ray scattering on extruded fibers and cyclovoltammetry measurements are reported. The photovoltaic characterization indicates that improved ordering due to linear side chains on the arylene–ethynylene segment as well as lower side‐chain volume fraction yield higher photocurrents. Power conversion efficiencies of nearly 2.5% are reported for the best devices with a polymer:fullerene composition of 1:1 by weight.

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IV‐characteristics of partly optimized photovoltaic devices based on [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends with a blending ratio of 1:1 under solar simulator illumination.
Antioxidant activities of curcumin and combinations of this curcuminoid with other phytochemicals
Authors: Aftab N. , Vieira A.
Published: November 2009

Biomedical investigations of curcumin (and curcuminoids) have provided evidence of a wide range of molecular and cellular activities, most related to redox reactions and signal transduction. The main goal of the present study was to compare antioxidant activities of curcumin with those of resveratrol, a polyphenol present in some dietary plants such as Vitis vinifera (L.) and Arachis hypogaea (L.) and many other, non‐dietary plants. Combinations of the two were also examined for potential synergism in a heme‐enhanced oxidation reaction. Curcumin exhibited antioxidant effects at all time points (1–5 min; 10 μM), e.g., 30.5 ± 11.9% (SEM) oxidation relative to controls without phytochemicals (p < 0.01) at 3 min, a time chosen for comparisons. The same concentration of resveratrol exhibited about half of curcumin's activity. Curcumin and resveratrol together (5 μM each) resulted in a synergistic antioxidant effect: 15.5 ± 1.7% greater than an average of individual activities. This synergy was significantly greater (p < 0.05; about 4‐fold) than that of curcumin together with the flavonol quercetin. In conclusion, curcumin is a potent antioxidant in a reaction that may be relevant to in vivo toxicity. In relation to two other well‐known antioxidants, curcumin shows significantly greater synergism with resveratrol than with quercetin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and implementation of a control architecture for robot‐assisted orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Barkana Duygun Erol
Published: November 2009

Background

Recent research in orthopaedic surgery indicates that computer‐assisted robotic systems improve the precision and accuracy of the surgery, which in turn leads to better long‐term outcomes. Increasing demand for minimally invasive bone‐cutting operations has been encouraging surgical robot developments in orthopaedics. An orthopaedic robotic system and an intelligent control architecture that will be used in bone‐cutting operations were developed.

Methods

An orthopaedic surgical robotic system called OrthoRoby was developed. A computed‐torque low‐level control method was used for OrthoRoby to track a desired bone‐cutting trajectory. Kinematic and dynamic analysis of OrthoRoby was derived for control purposes. An intelligent control architecture was designed that systematically combines a high‐level controller with a computed‐torque low‐level controller to complete bone‐cutting operations in a desired and safe manner.

Results

A series of experimental tests were conducted on a bone model to evaluate the performance of the intelligent control architecture. Experimental results demonstrated that the intelligent control architecture could monitor the progress and the safety of the cutting operation, such that necessary dynamic modifications could be made to complete the bone‐cutting operation in a safe manner.

Conclusions

The experiments performed on the OrthoRoby robotic system and its intelligent control architecture yielded promising results. Although minor problems still exist at the prototype stage, minor modifications of the OrthoRoby and intelligent control architecture would be a significant step towards the use of the OrthoRoby and its intelligent control architecture in a surgical operation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On robust stability of uncertain systems with multiple time‐delays
Authors: Zhou Tong
Published: November 2009

On the basis of an infinite to one mapping and the structure of the null space of a multivariate matrix polynomial (MMP), a novel sufficient condition is derived in this paper for the robust stability of a linear time‐invariant system with multiple uncertain time‐delays, parametric modelling errors and unmodelled dynamics. This condition depends on time‐delay bounds and is less conservative than the existing ones. An attractive property is that this condition becomes also necessary in some physically meaningful situations, such as the case that there is only one uncertain time‐delay and neither parametric perturbations nor unmodelling errors exist. Moreover, using ideas of representing a positive‐definite MMP through matrix sum of squares, an asymptotic necessary and sufficient condition is derived for the robust stability of this system. All the conditions can be converted to linear matrix inequalities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morbidity and Mortality of 109 Consecutive Cytoreductive Procedures with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) Performed at a Community Hospital
Authors: Kerscher Alexander G. , Mallalieu Jared , Pitroff Allison , Kerscher Friderike , Esquivel Jesus
Published: November 2009

Background

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is playing an increasing role in the management of isolated peritoneal dissemination of gastrointestinal malignancies. Historically this surgery is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Recognizing this, our study was developed to prospectively evaluate morbidity and mortality after cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC performed at a community hospital.

Methods

From January 19, 2005 to January 9, 2008, 109 consecutive patients successfully underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for peritoneal surface malignancies. All cases were performed by a single surgeon at a 323‐bed community hospital. Using an institutional review board approved study we prospectively evaluated postoperative complications using the standard National Institutes of Health morbidity and mortality grading system.

Results

There was no 30‐day or inpatient mortality. Overall grade III and IV morbidity was 30.2% (33 of 109 patients); 29.3% of the patients had at least one grade III complication, with the most common being postoperative anemia requiring a blood transfusion in 20 of the 109 patients (18.3%). Eight patients (7.3%) had wound infections, and three patients (2.7%) developed pneumonia. One patient required computerized tomography guided drainage of a pelvic abscess. There were 3 (2.7%) grade IV complications, with only one patient requiring reoperation.

Conclusions

Recent studies at tertiary medical centers have shown acceptable morbidity and mortality with this procedure. Our study demonstrates that this procedure can be safely performed in the community setting as well if surgeons, other medical professionals, and ancillary caregivers have great experience in this procedure.
Mechanical Compression Versus Subcutaneous Heparin Therapy in Postoperative and Posttrauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Eppsteiner Robert W. , Shin Jennifer J. , Johnson Jonas , van Dam Rob M.
Published: November 2009

Background

The risk of postoperative venous thromboembolic disease is as high as 30%, with an associated fatality risk of 1%. Therefore, prophylaxis is essential, but the optimal regimen remains controversial. This study was designed to systematically review and quantitatively summarize the impact of mechanical compression versus subcutaneous heparin on venous thromboembolic disease and posttreatment bleeding in postsurgical and posttrauma patients.

Methods

Computerized searches of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through November 2008 were performed and supplemented with manual searches. We included studies that had: (1) a patient population undergoing surgery or admitted immediately posttrauma, (2) a randomized comparison of prophylaxis with mechanical compression versus subcutaneous heparin, (3) outcome measured in terms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or bleeding.

Results

Two reviewers independently extracted data from the original articles, which represented 16 studies, including a total of 3,887 subjects. Meta‐analysis was performed using a random effects model. The pooled relative risk for mechanical compression compared with subcutaneous heparin was 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72, 1.61) for DVT and 1.03 (95% CI 0.48, 2.22) for PE. Mechanical compression was associated with a significantly reduced risk of postoperative bleeding compared with subcutaneous heparin (risk ratio 0.47; 95% CI 0.31, 0.70). Subgroup analyses by heparin type suggested that low molecular weight heparin may reduce risk of DVT compared with compression (relative risk 1.80; 95% CI 1.16, 2.79) but remains similarly associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the overall bleeding risk profile favors the use of compression over heparin, with the benefits in term of venous thromboembolic disease prophylaxis being similar between groups. Subgroup analyses suggest that low molecular weight heparin may have a differential effect; this observation should be further evaluated in future studies.
Ratio Between Metastatic and Examined Lymph Nodes (N Ratio) May Have Low Clinical Utility in Gastric Cancer Patients Treated by Limited Lymphadenectomy: Results from a Single‐Center Experience of 526 Patients
Authors: Pedrazzani Corrado , Sivins Armands , Ancans Guntis , Marrelli Daniele , Corso Giovanni , Krumins Viesturs , Roviello Franco , Leja Marcis
Published: November 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the ratio of metastatic to examined lymph nodes (N ratio) in gastric cancer patients who underwent limited lymphadenectomy and had a small number (≤15) of analyzed nodes.

Methods

The prognostic value of the actual AJCC/UICC pN staging system and the N ratio (0%, 1–25%, > 25%) were analyzed by means of univariate and multivariate analyses for 526 patients who underwent R0 resection for gastric adenocarcinoma at the Latvia Oncology Center.

Results

The mean (SD) number of analyzed nodes was 5.6 (2.8). The number of positive nodes significantly increased with the number of analyzed nodes (p < 0.001). No significant differences in survival (p = 0.508) and risk of death (p = 0.224) were observed between pN1 and pN2 subsets. When the N ratio (1–25% vs. > 25%) was taken into account, a significant difference was demonstrated between pNR1 and pNR2 with respect to survival (p = 0.017) and risk of death (p = 0.012). Nonetheless, the joint allocation of the two classifications demonstrated that only a minority of patients (28 cases) belonged to the pNR1 subset and none of these belonged to the AJCC/UICC pN2 subset.

Conclusions

When a small number of lymph nodes are analyzed, the N ratio can discriminate patients better than TNM classification. However, because a small number of retrieved nodes produced only a small number of pNR1 patients, the N ratio classification cannot be justified for clinical use.