bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Teaching Principles Associated With Improved Motor Performance in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder? A Pilot Study
Authors: Niemeijer Anuschka S , Schoemaker Marina M , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien CM
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. Physical therapists' teaching skills often are disregarded in research studies. We examined whether the use of different teaching principles during neuromotor task training was associated with treatment effects. Subjects. Nineteen children (mean age=7 years 5 months, range=5–10 years) who had developmental coordination disorder and who performed below the 15th percentile on the age-related Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) and 11 physical therapists participated in the study. Methods. One intervention session for each child was videotaped. The frequency of the use of principles included in the motor teaching principles taxonomy (Niemeijer et al, 2003) was correlated with changes in motor performance on the M-ABC and the second edition of the Test of Gross Motor Development. Results. Providing clues on how to perform a task, asking children about a task, and explaining why a movement should be executed in a certain way were related to better movement performance. Discussion and Conclusion. Teaching principles may be associated with success in therapeutic situations.
Muscle Impairments and Behavioral Factors Mediate Functional Limitations and Disability Following Stroke
Authors: LeBrasseur Nathan K , Sayers Stephen P , Ouellette Michelle M , Fielding Roger A
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. Stroke remains the leading cause of disability in the United States. The purposes of this study were to examine whether quantitative measures of muscle strength and power in the involved lower extremity predict functional limitations and to evaluate the contributions of behavioral factors to mediating disability and quality of life in people who have survived a stroke. Subjects and Methods. A cross-sectional study design was used, and measurements of muscle impairment, lower-body function, disability, quality of life, and behavioral factors were obtained for 31 community-dwelling volunteers who had experienced a single ischemic stroke in the past 6 to 24 months. Results. Stepwise regression models including impairment and behavioral measures were strong predictors of function, disability, and quality of life. Involved-extremity muscle strength and power and self-efficacy were independently associated with function, whereas depression and self-efficacy were strong predictors of disability and quality of life. Discussion and Conclusion. The findings warrant future studies to determine whether interventions that address muscle strength and power, depressive symptoms, and low self-efficacy effectively improve function, reduce disability, and enhance quality of life in people who have survived a stroke.
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Ankle Swelling in the Early Period After Ankle Sprain
Authors: Man Ivy OW , Morrissey Matthew C , Cywinski Jozef K
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is frequently used to decrease swelling in the early period after ankle sprain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness in this treatment.

Subjects

Thirty-four subjects (11 female, 23 male; mean age=30.2 years) who were recovering from ankle sprain participated.

Methods

Outcome measures were ankle-foot volume, ankle girth, and self-assessed ankle function. Three testing raining sessions occurred within 5 days of injury. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a group that received NMES treatment, a group that received submotor ES treatment (designed to act as a control group), and a group that received sham treatment.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences among the groups for ankle-foot volume and self-assessed ankle function. The statistically significant differences for ankle girth may have been compromised due to the significantly different values among groups at baseline. Ankle girth measurements were shown to be statistically significant from session 1 to session 3 for the NMES group but not for the other 2 groups.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results indicate that NMES, as designed and used in this study, is not effective in decreasing ankle-foot volume or increasing self-assessed ankle function in the early period after ankle sprain.
Reliability, Sensitivity to Change, and Responsiveness of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–Second Edition for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Wang Hsiang-Hui , Liao Hua-Fang , Hsieh Ching-Lin
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. The psychometric properties of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales–Second Edition (PDMS-2), a revised motor test to assess both gross motor and fine motor composites in children with cerebral palsy (CP), are largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability and the responsiveness of the PDMS-2 for children with CP. Subjects. A sample of 32 children who had CP (age=27–64 months) and who received intervention participated in this study. Methods. The PDMS-2 was administered to each child 3 times (at the beginning of the study, at 1 week, and at 3 months later) by a physical therapist. The agreement between the first 2 measurements was used to examine the reliability. The change between the first and the third measurements was used to examine the responsiveness. Results. The composite scores on the PDMS-2 had good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=.88–1.00). The sensitivity-to-change coefficients ranged from 1.6 to 2.1, and the responsiveness coefficients ranged from 1.7 to 2.3. Discussion and Conclusion. Our results provide strong evidence that the 3 composites of the PDMS-2 had high test-retest reliability and acceptable responsiveness. The PDMS-2 can be used as an evaluative motor measure for children with CP and aged 2 to 5 years.
Metabolic Costs and Muscle Activity Patterns During Robotic- and Therapist-Assisted Treadmill Walking in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Israel Jeffrey F , Campbell Donielle D , Kahn Jennifer H , Hornby T George
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. Robotic devices that provide passive guidance and stabilization of the legs and trunk during treadmill stepping may increase the delivery of locomotor training to subjects with neurological injury. Lower-extremity guidance also may reduce voluntary muscle activity as compared with compliant assistance provided by therapists. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in metabolic costs and lower-limb muscle activity patterns during robotic- and therapist-assisted treadmill walking. Subjects. Twelve ambulatory subjects with motor incomplete spinal cord injury participated. Methods. In 2 separate protocols, metabolic and electromyographic (EMG) data were collected during standing and stepping on a treadmill with therapist and robotic assistance. During robotic-assisted walking, subjects were asked to match the kinematic trajectories of the device and maximize their effort. During therapist-assisted walking, subjects walked on the treadmill with manual assistance provided as necessary. Results. Metabolic costs and swing-phase hip flexor EMG activity were significantly lower when subjects were asked to match the robotic device trajectories than with therapist-assisted walking. These differences were reduced when subjects were asked to maximize their effort during robotic-assisted stepping, although swing-phase plantar-flexor EMG activity was increased. In addition, during standing prior to therapist- or robotic-assisted stepping, metabolic costs were higher without stabilization from the robotic device. Discussion and Conclusion. Differences in metabolic costs and muscle activity patterns between therapist- and robotic-assisted standing and stepping illustrate the importance of minimizing passive guidance and stabilization provided during step training protocols.
A Comparison of Physical Functional Performance and Strength in Women With Fibromyalgia, Age- and Weight-Matched Controls, and Older Women Who Are Healthy
Authors: Panton Lynn B , Kingsley J Derek , Toole Tonya , Cress M Elaine , Abboud George , Sirithienthad Prawee , Mathis Reed , McMillan Victor
Published: February 2007

Background and Purposes. The purpose of this study was to compare functionality and strength among women with fibromyalgia (FM), women without FM, and older women. Subjects. Twenty-nine women with FM (age [X̅±SD]=46±7 years), 12 age- and weight-matched women without FM (age=44±8 years), and 38 older women who were healthy (age=71±7 years) participated. Methods. The Continuous Scale–Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP) was used to assess functionality. Isokinetic leg strength was measured at 60°/s, and handgrip strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. Results. The women without FM had significantly higher functionality scores compared with women with FM and older women. There were no differences in functionality between women with FM and older women. Strength measures for the leg were higher in women without FM compared with women with FM and older women, and both women with and without FM had higher grip strengths compared with older women. Discussion and Conclusion. This study demonstrated that women with FM and older women who are healthy have similar lower-body strength and functionality, potentially enhancing the risk for premature age-associated disability.
Effect of a Virtual Reality–Enhanced Exercise Protocol After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Chuang Tien-Yow , Sung Wen-Hsu , Chang Hwa-Ann , Wang Ray-Yau
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. Virtual reality (VR) technology has gained importance in many areas of medicine. Knowledge concerning the application and the influence of VR-enhanced exercise programs is limited for patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a virtual “country walk” on the number of sessions necessary to reach cardiac rehabilitation goals in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Subjects. Twenty subjects who were seen for cardiac rehabilitation between January and June 2004 comprised the study sample. Methods. The protocol for this study included an initial maximum graded exercise tolerance test, given to determine the subsequent training goals for the subject, followed by biweekly submaximal endurance training sessions. All subjects were assigned by lot to 1 of 2 submaximal endurance training programs, one (group 2) with and the other (group 1) without the added VR environment. In all other respects, the 2 programs were identical. Each training session lasted for 30 minutes and was carried out twice per week for about 3 months. The primary outcome measures were maximum load during the work sessions, target oxygen consumption, target heart rate (beats per minute), and number of training sessions required to reach rehabilitation goals. Results. By the end of 20 training sessions, only 4 of the 10 control subjects had reached the heart rate target goal of 85% their maximum heart rate. In contrast, 9 of the 10 subjects in the VR program had attained this goal by 9 or fewer training sessions. When target metabolic cost (75% peak oxygen consumption) was used as the training goal, all 10 subjects in the VR program had reached this target after 2 training sessions (or, in some cases, 1 training session), but not until training session 15 did a cumulative number of 9 control subjects reach this goal. Discussion and Conclusion. These study outcomes clearly support the notion that incorporating a VR environment into cardiac rehabilitation programs will accelerate maximum recovery of patients’ cardiovascular function.
Pain, Fatigue, and Intensity of Practice in People With Stroke Who Are Receiving Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Authors: Underwood Julie , Clark Patricia C , Blanton Sarah , Aycock Dawn M , Wolf Steven L
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. There is little available information about changes in pain and fatigue status among people receiving constraint-induced movement therapy (CI therapy). This study examined such changes. Subjects. All participants were a subset of individuals with stroke enrolled in the Extremity Constraint-Induced Therapy Evaluation (EXCITE) trial and received 2 weeks of CI therapy either 3 to 9 months after stroke (subacute therapy group, n=18) or 1 year later (chronic therapy group, n=14). Methods. Pain, fatigue, and intensity of therapy were evaluated. The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the pain scale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper extremity were administered before and after training. Single-item measures for pain and fatigue were administered twice daily during therapy. Results. All participants reported low mean pain (X̅=2.0, SD=0.93) and fatigue (X̅=2.7, SD=1.23) scores. Generally, differences between the subacute and the chronic therapy groups for pain, fatigue, intensity, and WMFT change scores were nonsignificant. Discussion and Conclusion. For selected patients with stroke, the intensive practice associated with CI therapy may be administered without exacerbation of pain or fatigue, even early during the recovery process. [Underwood J, Clark PC, Blanton S, et al. Pain, fatigue, and intensity of practice in people with stroke who are receiving constraint-induced movement therapy. Phys Ther. 2006;86:1241–1250.]
Cortical Reorganization Following Bimanual Training and Somatosensory Stimulation in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Hoffman Larisa R , Field-Fote Edelle C
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

Deficits in upper-extremity function in individuals with tetraplegia are primarily due to the loss of motor pathways. Detrimental cortical reorganization, however, may create further loss of function. The purpose of this case report is to describe the cortical changes associated with a combination intervention using bimanual massed practice training with somatosensory stimulation.

Case Description

“BR” was a 22-year-old man with C6 tetraplegia and hand impairment who participated in this training intervention for 3 weeks.

Outcomes

BR demonstrated improvements in sensory function, strength (the force-generating capacity of muscle), and performance of functional hand skills. Following the training, the cortical motor map of the biceps brachii muscle shifted anteriorly and increased in area and volume.

Discussion

This is the first documented case in which changes in the size and location of the cortical map were associated with an intervention and improvement in function in an individual with tetraplegia. This case suggests that an intensive training intervention may induce both functional and neurophysiological changes.
Impact of Continuing Education Interventions on Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Neck Pain Who Received Physical Therapy
Authors: Brennan Gerard P , Fritz Julie M , Hunter Stephen J
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose. Physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses with the goal of providing better care, yet the effectiveness of continuing education for improving outcomes has not been examined. Subjects. Data were obtained for all eligible patients (n=1,365; mean age=42.1 years, SD=14.0 years; 69.9% female) with a chief complaint of neck pain who were treated in 13 physical therapy clinics over a 24-month period. Disability data (Neck Disability Index scores) from the initial and final therapy sessions were recorded from clinical databases. Methods. Thirty-four of 57 physical therapists employed within the 13 clinics attended a 2-day continuing education course. Eleven of the 34 attendees also participated in an ongoing clinical improvement project for patients with neck pain. Clinical outcomes were compared in the pre- and post-course periods for therapists attending or not attending the course, and for therapists participating or not participating in the ongoing project. Results. There were no differences in clinical outcomes based on attendance at the continuing education course. There was an interaction between time and participation in the ongoing project, such that participants achieved greater change in disability after the course. The percentage of patients achieving at least the minimum detectable amount of change in disability with treatment increased significantly for participants after the course. Discussion and Conclusion. Attendance at a 2-day continuing education course was not associated with improvement in clinical outcomes, but participation in an ongoing improvement project did result in greater clinical improvement for patients with neck pain. Further investigation of educational methods to improve clinical outcomes is needed. These results suggest that traditional continuing education formats may not be effective for improving patient care. [Brennan GP, Fritz JM, Hunter SJ. Impact of continuing education interventions on clinical outcomes of patients with neck pain who received physical therapy. Phys Ther. 2006;86:1251–1262.]
Trunk Muscle Activation Patterns, Lumbar Compressive Forces, and Spine Stability When Using the Bodyblade
Authors: Moreside Janice M , Vera-Garcia Francisco J , McGill Stuart M
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

The objective of this study was to analyze the trunk muscle activation patterns, spine kinematics, and lumbar compressive forces that occur when using the Bodyblade, a popular tool in physical medicine clinics.

Subjects

The participants were 14 male subjects who were healthy and who were recruited from a university population.

Methods

With data collected from surface electromyography of selected trunk and shoulder muscles, video analysis, and a 3-dimensional lumbar spine position sensor, modeling methods were used to quantify L4−5 compressive forces and spine stability.

Results

Large-amplitude oscillation of a vertically oriented Bodyblade resulted in the greatest activation levels of the internal oblique and external oblique muscles (average amplitude=48% and 26% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction, respectively), which were associated with L4−5 compressive forces as high as 4,328 N. Instantaneous stability increased with well-coordinated effort, muscle activation, and compression, but decreased when subjects had poor technique.

Discussion and Conclusion

The way the Bodyblade is used may either enhance or compromise spine stability. Associated lumbar compressive forces may be inappropriate for some people with compression-intolerant lumbar spine pathology.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation at Both High and Low Frequencies Reduces Primary Hyperalgesia in Rats With Joint Inflammation in a Time-Dependent Manner
Authors: Vance Carol GT , Radhakrishnan Rajan , Skyba David A , Sluka Kathleen A
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

Clinical studies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have used a variety of outcome measures to assess its effectiveness, with conflicting results. It is possible that TENS is effective on some measures of pain and not on others. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that TENS reduces primary hyperalgesia of the knee induced by joint inflammation.

Subjects

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study.

Methods

Inflammation of the knee joint was induced by intra-articular injection of a mixture of 3% kaolin and 3% carrageenan. Primary hyperalgesia was measured as the compression withdrawal threshold of the knee joint before and after the induction of inflammation (4 hours, 24 hours, and 2 weeks) and after sham TENS treatment, treatment with high-frequency TENS (100 Hz), or treatment with low-frequency TENS (4 Hz).

Results

The compression withdrawal threshold was significantly reduced at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 2 weeks after the induction of inflammation. Either high-frequency TENS or low-frequency TENS completely reversed the compression withdrawal threshold when applied at 24 hours or 2 weeks after the induction of inflammation but not when applied at 4 hours after the induction of inflammation.

Discussion and Conclusion

These data suggest that TENS inhibits primary hyperalgesia associated with inflammation in a time-dependent manner after inflammation has already developed during both acute and chronic stages.
Gait Symmetry and Walking Speed Analysis Following Lower-Extremity Trauma
Authors: Archer Kristin R , Castillo Renan C , MacKenzie Ellen J , Bosse Michael J
Published: February 2007

Background and PurposeGait has been shown to be a major determining factor of function following limb-salvage surgery. However, little is known regarding the measures associated with gait recovery for this patient population. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical measures associated with impaired walking speed and gait asymmetry in patients with lower-extremity reconstruction. Subjects. Study subjects were 381 patients from the Lower Extremity Assessment Project (LEAP) who had undergone reconstruction following severe lower-extremity trauma. Methods. The LEAP study was a longitudinal study of outcomes following lower-extremity reconstruction. The present study used 24-month clinical follow-up data. A combined outcome measure of reduced walking speed and gait deviation was chosen to provide a comprehensive measure of impaired physical mobility. Results. The most significant clinical factors associated with decreased walking speed and gait deviation were impaired ankle plantar-flexion range of motion, knee flexion strength, and a nonreciprocal stair-climbing pattern. Discussion and Conclusion. The findings provide clinicians with specific clinical measures associated with functional recovery in patients with lower-limb reconstruction. These measures, in turn, can be considered to inform treatment decision making and to prioritize interventions.
Participant Perception of Recovery as Criterion to Establish Importance of Improvement for Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Outcome Measures: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Fritz Stacy L , George Steven Z , Wolf Steven L , Light Kathye E
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

Changes in function following constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) are characterized primarily by improvements in performance; however, the importance of these outcome measures to the participant may be unclear. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether either change scores or raw follow-up scores for the Motor Activity Log amount scale (MALa) and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) predicted participants’ self-reports of recovery of upper-extremity function at 4 to 6 months after starting CIMT.

Subjects and Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of a cohort of subjects (N=46) who participated in CIMT trials. Subjects completed measures at baseline and 4 to 6 months later. Hierarchical regression models determined whether change scores or raw follow-up scores of CIMT outcome measures were predictive of perceived recovery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined cutoff scores for measures that significantly contributed to participants’ reports of perceived recovery.

Results

The regression models indicated that raw follow-up MALa scores (β=0.80, P=.024) and WMFT scores (β=−0.37, P=.03) contributed to perceived recovery. Proposed cutoff scores for the MALa scores were less than 1.15 (negative likelihood ratio [LR]=0.17) for predicting less than 50% recovery and greater than 2.50 (positive LR=2.75) for predicting 50% or greater recovery. Proposed cutoff scores for follow-up WMFT scores were greater than 34.0 seconds (negative LR=0.24) for predicting less than 50% recovery and less than 11.0 seconds (positive LR=5.96) for predicting 50% or greater recovery.

Discussion and Conclusion

Raw follow-up scores for the MALa and WMFT were better predictors of self-report of recovery in comparison with change scores. These data also serve as a starting point for developing cutoff scores that accurately predict self-report of recovery.
Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Guiding Treatment of a Subgroup of Patients With Neck Pain: Use of Thoracic Spine Manipulation, Exercise, and Patient Education
Authors: Cleland Joshua A , Childs John D , Fritz Julie M , Whitman Julie M , Eberhart Sarah L
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose

To date, no studies have investigated the predictive validity of variables from the initial examination to identify patients with neck pain who are likely to benefit from thoracic spine thrust manipulation. The purpose of this study was to develop a clinical prediction rule (CPR) to identify patients with neck pain who are likely to experience early success from thoracic spine thrust manipulation.

Subjects

This was a prospective, cohort study of patients with mechanical neck pain who were referred for physical therapy.

Methods

Subjects underwent a standardized examination and then a series of thoracic spine thrust manipulation techniques. They were classified as having experienced a successful outcome at the second and third sessions based on their perceived recovery. Potential predictor variables were entered into a stepwise logistic regression model to determine the most accurate set of variables for prediction of treatment success.

Results

Data for 78 subjects were included in the data analysis, of which 42 had a successful outcome. A CPR with 6 variables was identified. If 3 of the 6 variables (positive likelihood ratio=5.5) were present, the chance of experiencing a successful outcome improved from 54% to 86%.

Discussion and Conclusion

The CPR provides the ability to a priori identify patients with neck pain who are likely to experience early success with thoracic spine thrust manipulation. However, future studies are necessary to validate the rule.
Oxygen production using dense ceramic hollow fiber membrane modules with different operating modes
Authors: Tan Xiaoyao , Li K.
Published: February 2007

Oxygen production with three operating modes, i.e. high‐pressure operation, sweep‐gas operation, and vacuum operation, using dense La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−α (LSCF) hollow fiber membrane modules has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The results indicate that the vacuum operation is the best and the most economical operating mode to produce oxygen from air. The sweep‐gas operation using water vapor is another choice to obtain a high capacity of oxygen production, providing that problems associated with high temperature sealing can be solved. The high‐pressure operation failed to achieve the expected oxygen production capacity. For the LSCF hollow fiber membranes, the surface exchange reaction at the downstream side plays a key role in the oxygen production at operating temperatures lower than 900°C. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Scale‐up of a continuous‐jet hydrate reactor for CO2 ocean sequestration
Authors: Tsouris Costas , McCallum Scott , Aaron Douglas , Riestenberg David , Gabitto Jorge , Chow Aaron , Adams Eric
Published: February 2007

In previous work in our laboratories and in the ocean, we have investigated the formation and dissociation of composite CO2 particles made of CO2 hydrate, liquid CO2, and water. The composite is formed by partially converting liquid CO2 into hydrate at mid‐ocean depth (1000–1200 m) conditions. Partial conversion of CO2 into hydrate enables injection of CO2 in seawater in the form of a dense composite material that will drive CO2 to ocean depths well below the injection point. Thermodynamic conditions allowing the formation of negatively buoyant composite particles have been established for a laboratory‐scale, continuous‐jet hydrate reactor (CJHR). An investigation has been performed to explore the issues related to the scale‐up of the CJHR. Hydrate was formed using two CJHR geometries; the first sprayed water in CO2, and the second sprayed CO2 in water. Using a plot of Ohnesorge vs. Reynolds numbers allowed flow rates to be selected that would yield a spray regime and maximize hydrate formation. The effect of varying pressure and liquid flow rates on hydrate behavior was observed. Depending on these parameters, hydrate particles were observed to sink, float, or be neutrally buoyant. A two‐order‐of‐magnitude scale‐up in the flow rates of the two fluids has been achieved with the larger CJHR geometries without losing the important characteristics of the hydrate particles (i.e., density and cohesiveness). Temperature changes as a result of hydrate formation were also monitored. A mathematical model has been developed to predict the fate of sinking CO2 hydrate particles after release in the seawater. These results can guide further field and laboratory investigations related to the scale‐up of ocean CO2 sequestration. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Validation of bivariate DQMOM for nanoparticle processes simulation
Authors: Zucca Alessandro , Marchisio Daniele L. , Vanni Marco , Barresi Antonello A.
Published: February 2007

Since it was first proposed, the direct quadrature method of moments (DQMOM) has been employed for the solution of population balance equations in a wide range of applications. One of its most interesting features is that it can be easily employed for the solution of multivariate population balances, which are often necessary to obtain complete information on the particle population under study. In addition, DQMOM can be easily implemented in computational fluid dynamic (CFD) codes, and requires low computational costs. A bivariate formulation of the population balance equation that is particularly suited for modeling nanoparticles formation in flames is presented. The use of DQMOM for the solution of bivariate population balances is explored in detail, and the method is validated by comparison with simulations carried out with a code based on Monte Carlo methods (MCM). Particular attention is devoted to the choice of the moments to be tracked in DQMOM, in order to obtain a stable algorithm and reliable and accurate results. Eventually the method is implemented in a commercial CFD code, and a real application is studied: soot nanoparticles formation in turbulent combustion processes. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of pyridine‐containing poly(imide‐siloxane)s and their adhesion to copper foil
Authors: Ku Chun‐Kang , Ho Chang‐Hong , Chen Ting‐Shun , Lee Yu‐Der
Published: February 2007

A series of pyridine‐containing poly(imide‐siloxane) (PIS) copolymers with different amounts of PDMS with various segmental lengths were synthesized from 2,6‐diaminopyridine (DAP), α,ω′‐aminopropylpoly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), 1,3‐bis(4‐aminophenoxy)benzene (APB), and 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic dianhydride (ODPA). A modified synthetic approach was applied instead of approaches commonly reported in the literature, to ensure the incorporation of DAP and PDMS. The effects of the content and the segmental length of PDMS on the thermal glass transition temperature (Tg), dielectric constant, and surface electrical resistivity of the copolymer are investigated. The copolymers were attached to copper foil by hot‐pressing, and changes in wettability caused the peel strength of the laminates to increase with the PDMS content, but to decrease as the DAP content increased. Furthermore, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to determine the loci of failures (LOF) of the laminates and to monitor the movement of LOF, which varies with the PDMS content. For those laminates with good peel strengths, the LOF occur in the interior of PIS layer, indicating that the adhesion is cohesive rather than adhesive. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Influence of montmorillonite on syndiotactic polymerization behavior of styrene
Authors: Yang Feng , Zhang Xuequan , Zhao Haichao , Dong Weimin , Huang Baotong
Published: February 2007

The influence of montmorillonite (MMT) on the syndiotactic polymerization behavior of styrene was studied. To avoid the hydrophilic surface of the MMT coming into contact with the catalyst, which could poison it, SAN was introduced between the MMT and Cp*Ti (OCH3)3. MMT was introduced into the catalytic system as a supporter for the Ti catalyst (supported catalytic system) or just dispersed in the polymerization solvent directly (in situ polymerization system). The polymerization results showed that surface modification of MMT dramatically affected the catalytic activity as well as the syndiotacticity of the polymers. This is mainly explained by the insulator SAN preventing the formation of the inactive/little active species SiOTi and other atactic active species resulting from the reaction of the OH on the MMT layer surface with Cp*Ti(OCH3)3. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Effect of the particle size of finishing chemicals on the color assessment of treated cotton fabrics
Authors: Güneşoğlu Cem , Kut Dilek , Orhan Mehmet
Published: February 2007

Color change is one of the important side effects of textile treatments to consider. This article evaluates the effect of the particle size of commonly used finishing chemicals (fluorocarbon resins and dimethyloldihydroxylethylene urea reagents) on color assessment by studying instrumental analyses, and it is reported that the smaller the particle size is, the higher the surface reflectance is, and the less the color change can be achieved. On the other hand, the effect of the particle size is not significant on color assessment after abrading cycles. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Chemiluminescence of the peroxomonosulphate–cobalt(II)–aliphatic monocarboxylic acids system
Authors: Wang Min , Zhao Lixia , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: February 2007

A weak chemiluminescence (CL) emission was observed due to the production of singlet oxygen (1O2) during the decomposition of peroxomonosulphate (HSO5−) catalysed by cobalt(II). Low molecular mass aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, such as formic, acetic, propionic, butyric and valeric acids, influenced the CL emission, and the reaction of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with HSO5−/Co2+ solution was further investigated using a flow injection analysis (FIA) CL method. The results indicated that the CL intensities of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids were improved with increase in the carbon chain length in the potassium peroxomonosulphate–cobalt(II) sulphate system. Generation of singlet oxygen was confirmed by the fact that the CL emission of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with the HSO5−/Co2+ solution was quenched by NaN3, and from the CL spectrum of the reaction system. Additionally, a possible mechanism of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids CL emission enhancement was proposed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced cutinase production with Thermobifida fusca by two‐stage pH control strategy
Authors: Du Guo‐cheng , Zhang Shou‐liang , Hua Zhao‐zhe , Zhu Yang , Chen Jian
Published: February 2007

A mutant of Thermobifida fusca ATCC 27730 was used for cutinase production. Acetate was the most suitable carbon source for cell growth and cutinase production compared with others. The pH was one of the most important factors affecting cutinase yield and productivity. Batch cutinase fermentations by mutant Thermobifida fusca WSH04 at various pH values ranging from 7.0 to 7.9 were studied. Based on the effects of different pH values on the specific cell growth rate and specific cutinase formation rate, a two‐stage pH control strategy was developed, in which the pH was set at 7.3 for the first 20 h, and switched to 7.6 afterwards. By applying this two‐stage pH control strategy for cutinase fermentation, the maximal cutinase activity reached 19.8 U/mL.
Thermodynamic analysis of conformational transitions in oligonucleotide complexes in presence of Na+and Mg2+ions, using “Staggering Zipper” model
Authors: Blagoi Yurii , Zozulya Victor , Egupov Sergey , Onishchenko Vladimir , Gladchenko Galina
Published: February 2007

Curves of transitions in double (2→1 transition) and triple (3→2 transition) complexes of oligonucleotides dAN1with dTN2in solutions with Na+and Mg2+are calculated for the case of oligomer lengths from 10 to 500 nucleotides in the wide range of ion concentrations. The calculated curves of transitions and their differential analogs reflect rather exactly the position and form of experimental curves and describe dependences of transition temperatures on the length of molecules, their concentration, and ionic conditions. Values of the nucleation parameter β for the systems studied are determined by comparison of the calculated and experimental data obtained in a number of works. The average β value equal to 10−3l/mole is in an agreement with values reported for similar systems earlier. It is shown that disordering of duplex and triplex ends (“end fraying”) has an essential influence on the form of melting curves, their asymmetry and the increase of the transition interval. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 32–41, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Clinical anatomy of celiac artery compression syndrome: A review
Authors: Loukas Marios , Pinyard Jeremy , Vaid Sumreen , Kinsella Christopher , Tariq Afreen , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: February 2007

Anatomic variations are often responsible for a variety of clinical conditions. In this review we investigate compression of the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery by the median arcuate ligament (MAL), diaphragmatic crura, or the celiac nerve plexus. This clinical condition known as celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS) has proven controversial in definition and relevance. This condition was first described as chronic abdominal pain because of the mesenteric ischemia caused by extrinsic compression of the celiac artery. Dunbar and others presented surgical approaches to decompress the celiac artery by releasing the MAL. Definitive answers have been sought to classify and relieve the clinical symptoms patients experience postprandially. Persistent symptoms following surgical treatment for CACS have led investigators to question the existence of this disease. Advances in technology such as angiographic MRI and color duplex ultrasonography have refreshed the importance of considering compression of the celiac artery during differential diagnoses. Because of the varying anatomic etiologies of disease, it is not possible to pinpoint a single cause for CACS. Potential etiologies for compression of the celiac artery include a “high take off” origin of the celiac artery compressed by normal diaphragmatic crura and MAL, a normal origin of the celiac artery with long diaphragmatic crura and MAL, large bilaterally fused celiac ganglia (with or without the involvement of the superior mesenteric ganglia) compressing the celiac trunk, celiacomesenteric trunk compression by diaphragmatic crura and MAL, or combinations of the above mentioned entities. In this review we describe potential sources of compression of the celiac artery by regional structures and treatments of CACS in an effort to justify the relevance of CACS in modern medicine. Clin. Anat. 20:612–617, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Missing Link in COS Metabolism: A Model Study on the Reactivation of Carbonic Anhydrase from its Hydrosulfide Analogue
Authors: Notni Johannes , Schenk Stephan , Protoschill‐Krebs Gabi , Kesselmeier Jürgen , Anders Ernst
Published: February 2007

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is known to react with carbonyl sulfide, an atmospheric trace gas, whereby H2S is formed. It has been shown that, in the course of this reaction, the active catalyst, the His3ZnOH structural motif, is converted to its hydrosulfide form: His3ZnOH+COS→His3ZnSH+CO2. In this study, we elucidate the mechanism of reactivation of carbonic anhydrase (CA) from its hydrosulfide analogue by using density functional calculations, a model reaction and in vivo experimental investigation. The desulfuration occurs according to the overall equation His3ZnSH+H2O ⇌ His3ZnOH+H2S. The initial step is a protonation equilibrium at the zinc‐bound hydrosulfide. The hydrogen sulfide ligand thus formed is then replaced by a water molecule, which is subsequently deprotonated to yield the reactivated catalytic centre of CA. Such a mechanism is thought to enable a plant cell to expel H2S or rapidly metabolise it to cysteine via the cysteine synthase complex. The proposed mechanism of desulfuration of the hydrosulfide analogue of CA can thus be regarded as the missing link between COS consumption of plants and their sulfur metabolism.
Rare‐Earth Tricyanomelaminates [NH4]Ln[HC6N9]2[H2O]7⋅H2O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy): Structural Investigation, Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy, and Photoluminescence
Authors: Nag Abanti , Lotsch Bettina V. , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn , Oeckler Oliver , Schmidt Peter J. , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2007

The rare‐earth tricyanomelaminates, [NH4]Ln[HC6N9]2[H2O]7⋅H2O (LnTCM; Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy), have been synthesized through ion‐exchange reactions. They have been characterized by powder as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and solid‐state 1H, 13C, and 15N MAS NMR spectroscopy. The X‐ray powder pattern common to all nine rare‐earth tricyanomelaminates LnTCM (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) indicates that they are isostructural. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction pattern of LnTCM is indicative of non‐merohedral twinning. The crystals are triclinic and separation of the twin domains as well as refinement of the structure were successfully carried out in the space group P$\bar 1$ for LaTCM (LaTCM; P$\bar 1$, Z=2, a=7.1014(14), b=13.194(3), c=13.803(3) Å, α=90.11(3), β=77.85(3), γ=87.23(3)°, V=1262.8(4) Å3). In the crystal structure, each Ln3+ is surrounded by two nitrogen atoms from two crystallographically independent tricyanomelaminate moieties and seven oxygen atoms from crystal water molecules. The positions of all of the hydrogen atoms of the ammonium ions and water molecules could not be located from difference Fourier syntheses. The presence of [NH4]+ ions as well as two NH groups belonging to two crystallographically independent monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties has only been confirmed by subjecting LaTCM to solid‐state 1H, 13C, and 15N{1H} cross‐polarization (CP) MAS NMR and advanced CP experiments such as cross‐polarization combined with polarization inversion (CPPI). The 1H 2D double‐quantum single‐quantum homonuclear correlation (DQ SQ) spectrum and the 15N{1H} 2D CP heteronuclear‐correlation (HETCOR) spectrum have revealed the hydrogen‐bonded (NH⋅⋅⋅N) dimer of monoprotonated tricyanomelaminate moieties as well as H‐bonding through [NH4]+ ions and H2O molecules. The structures of the other eight rare‐earth tricyanomelaminates (LnTCM; Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been refined from X‐ray powder diffraction data by the Rietveld method. Photoluminescence studies of [NH4]Eu[HC6N9]2[H2O]7⋅H2O have revealed orange‐red (λmax=615 nm) emission due to the 5D0–7F2 transition, whereas [NH4]Tb[HC6N9]2[H2O]7⋅H2O has been found to show green emission with a maximum at 545 nm arising from the 5D4–7F5 transition. DTA/TG studies of [NH4]Ln[HC6N9]2[H2O]7⋅H2O have indicated several phase transitions associated with dehydration of the compounds above 150 °C and decomposition above 200 °C.
Self‐Assembly of Hybrid Dendrons with Complex Primary Structure Into Functional Helical Pores
Authors: Percec Virgil , Smidrkal Jan , Peterca Mihai , Mitchell Catherine M. , Nummelin Sami , Dulcey Andrés E. , Sienkowska Monika J. , Heiney Paul A.
Published: February 2007

The synthesis of three libraries of self‐assembling hybrid dendrons containing a primary structure based on the sequence (4‐3,4‐3,5)12G2‐CO2CH3 generated from benzyl ether, biphenyl‐4‐methyl ether, and AB2 repeat units constructed from (AB)yAB2 combinations of benzyl ethers, is reported. The structural and retrostructural analysis of their supramolecular dendrimers facilitated the discovery of new architectural principles that lead to the assembly of functional helical pores. The self‐assembly of an example of hybrid dendron containing ‐H, ‐CO2CH3, ‐CH2OH, ‐COOH, ‐COOK, ‐CONH2, ‐CONHCH3, ‐CO2(CH2)2OCH3, ‐(R) and ‐(S)‐CONHCH(CH3)C2H5 as X‐groups at the apex demonstrated that these self‐assembling dendrons provide the simplest strategy for the design and synthesis of porous columns containing a diversity of hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups in the inner part of the pore. The results reported here expand the scope and limitations of dendrons available for the self‐assembly of functional pores that previously were generated mostly from dendritic dipeptides, to simpler architectures based on hybrid dendrons.
Conformational Control of Selectivity and Stability in Hybrid Amide/Urea Macrocycles
Authors: Brooks Simon J. , García‐Garrido Sergio E. , Light Mark E. , Cole Pamela A. , Gale Philip A.
Published: February 2007

The anion‐binding properties of two similar hybrid amide/urea macrocycles containing either a 2,6‐dicarboxamidophenyl or a 2,6‐dicarboxamidopyridine group are compared. Significant differences in anion affinity and mode of interaction with anions are attributed to the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the pyridine system. In fact, remarkably, the phenyl macrocycle undergoes amide hydrolysis under neutral conditions in DMSO/water. The anion binding abilities of the receptors are compared to those of acyclic analogues of the macrocycles that show that the phenyl receptor behaves in a similar fashion to acyclic urea‐containing receptors (i.e., showing little selectivity amongst oxo anions), whilst the pyridine‐containing receptor shows a high affinity and selectivity for carboxylates.
Temperature Dependence of the Optical Rotation in Six Bicyclic Organic Molecules Calculated by Vibrational Averaging
Authors: Mort Brendan C. , Autschbach Jochen
Published: February 2007

The vibrational corrections and the temperature dependence of the specific rotation of six rigid organic molecules (α‐pinene, β‐pinene, cis‐pinane, camphene, camphor, and fenchone) were calculated at three wavelengths using hybrid time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). A technique for calculating the temperature dependence of the vibrational average of a molecular property has been applied to obtain the specific rotation of the molecules as a function of temperature. For cases in which accurate equilibrium optical rotations can be obtained as a “base value,” and for which there is little effect from solvation, accurate predictions of the trends in the temperature‐dependence of the specific rotations can be calculated. For other cases, the method can be used to extract purely vibrational contributions to the overall temperature dependence of optical rotation.
Ethnic‐racial differences in feelings of embarrassment associated with binge eating and fear of losing control
Authors: Bennett Sarah , Dodge Tonya
Published: February 2007

Objective:

Limited research exists on ethnic‐racial differences in the objective and subjective experiences of binge eating among women in the United States. The present study examined binge eating related psychopathology in a nationally representative sample of White, Black, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic women.

Method:

A subsample of 5,726 women between the ages of 19 and 27 years were selected from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

Results:

Ethnic‐racial differences in binge eating related psychopathology were found. Asians and Native Americans were more likely than Whites to report they would feel embarrassment related to binge eating. Hispanics were more likely than Whites and Blacks to report they would be afraid to start eating for fear of losing control.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that the affective dimensions associated with binge eating are differentially represented among ethnic‐racial groups. Implications for treatment and prevention programs are discussed. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007