bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C in the United States is also applicable to a population of young Japanese women
Authors: Ihara Hiroshi , Shino Yoshio , Hashizume Naotaka
Published: November 2004

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for ascorbic acid (AA) in Canada and the United States has been set for several years at 75 mg/day for women 19–30 years old. Recently this level was questioned, and an increase to 90 mg/day was suggested. For Japanese women in the same age group, we found that the RDA for AA is currently 100 mg/day. Our goal was to determine which RDA is sufficient for maintaining a serum concentration of AA in young Japanese women above the lower reference limit of 7.0 mg/L. We measured serum AA concentrations by an ascorbate oxidase method in 176 healthy Japanese women (19–26 years old). We also performed an ROC analysis to estimate the optimal cutoff value for oral dosage to distinguish individuals with hypovitaminosis‐C (<7.0 mg/L) from those with a normal serum AA. We evaluated the Japanese RDA using the 75 or 90 mg/day U.S. RDA and the weight ratio between Japanese and U.S. women, and discovered that the RDA value ranged between 66 and 79 mg/day. From the ROC analysis, we found that the optimal daily dosage of AA is approximately 75 mg/day. This value gave the highest efficiency, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio, and the lowest negative likelihood ratio. Therefore, an RDA of 100 mg/day may be unnecessarily high for young Japanese women. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 18:305–308, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased SFHR gene correction efficiency with sense single‐stranded DNA
Authors: Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Harashima Hideyoshi , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: November 2004

Background

The correction of a mutated gene by the small fragment homologous replacement (SFHR) method is a highly attractive approach for gene therapy. However, the current SFHR method with a heat‐denatured double‐stranded PCR fragment yielded a low correction efficiency.

Methods

Single‐stranded (ss) DNA fragments were prepared from ss phagemid DNA and tested in a gene correction assay with an inactivated Hyg‐EGFP fusion gene, as a model target.

Results

A 606‐nt sense, ss DNA fragment dramatically (12‐fold) improved the gene correction efficiency, although the antisense strand showed only minimal correction efficiency.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the use of a sense, single‐stranded DNA fragment is useful in the SFHR method for the correction of mutated genes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FVIII gene delivery by muscle electroporation corrects murine hemophilia A
Authors: Long Yun Chau , Jaichandran S. , Ho Liam Pock , Tien Sim Leng , Tan Soo Yong , Kon Oi Lian
Published: November 2004

Background

Hemophilia A treatment relies on costly factor VIII (FVIII) replacement that may transmit iatrogenic viral diseases. Viral vectors and cell implants are being developed as improvements. We investigated in vivo electroporation of naked DNA as a safe and simple method for correcting FVIII deficiency.

Methods

B‐domain‐deleted murine FVIII cDNA expression plasmids were constructed with CMV and elongation factor 1α promoters for characterisation in murine C2C12 myoblasts. The construct conferring highest in vitro FVIII secretion was electroporated into skeletal muscle of FVII null mice in vivo for phenotypic correction using a protocol that minimised tissue injury.

Results

B‐domain‐deleted murine FVIII cDNA plasmids induced FVIII secretion from stably transfected C2C12 myoblasts (0.54 ± 0.20 mU/day/105 cells). Phenotypic correction of hemophilic mice was more consistently achieved using a protocol for in vivo electroporation of gastrocnemius muscle with FVIII cDNA that reduced tissue injury by the use of plate electrodes, hyaluronidase pre‐treatment and lower field strength. This technique was associated with <10% muscle necrosis. Activated partial thromboplastin time decreased from 51.4 ± 3.3 to 34.7 ± 1.1 (mean ± s.e.m.) seconds (p = 0.0004) following in vivo electroporation (0.1 mg plasmid/limb; 8 × 20 ms pulses, 175 V/cm, 1 Hz) of hemophilic mice. All hemophilic mice (8/8) survived hemostatic challenge after muscle electroporation with FVIII cDNA, whereas all (9/9) untreated hemophilic mice died. Plasmid DNA was detectable only in electroporated muscle and not in all other organs tested, including gonads.

Conclusion

In vivo intramuscular electroporation of naked FVIII plasmid successfully corrects murine hemophilia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene transfer into skeletal muscle using novel AAV serotypes
Authors: Louboutin Jean‐Pierre , Wang Lili , Wilson James M.
Published: November 2004

Background

Skeletal muscle is an interesting target for gene delivery because of its mass and because the vectors can be delivered in a noninvasive way. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors are capable of transducing skeletal muscle fibers and achieving stable and safe transgene expression. To date, most animal experiments using AAV have been based on AAV serotype 2, but some recent studies have demonstrated that AAV1 is more efficient than AAV2/2 in transducing muscle fibers. Recently, novel AAVs (AAV7 and AAV8) were isolated from rhesus macaques.

Methods

We injected three different muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, biceps femoris) of immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice with different pseudotyped AAV serotypes (AAV2/1, AAV2/2, AAV2/5, AAV2/7 and AAV2/8) and quantitatively compared the different gene transfer efficiencies.

Results

The efficiencies of transduction in skeletal muscle with AAV2/7 and AAV2/8 were similar to AAV2/1, and higher than that seen with AAV2/2 and AAV2/5. All serotypes were able to transduce both slow and fast muscle fibers similarly at the vector titer used (1 × 1011 genome copies per mouse). Despite a limited inflammatory response (slightly higher when using AAV2/2, AAV2/7 and AAV2/8 vectors than AAV2/1 and AAV2/5), transgene expression was observed throughout the length of the experiment.

Discussion

These results show that AAV2/7 and AAV2/8 are able to transduce muscle fibers of immunocompetent mice very efficiently, offering new perspectives in gene transfer of skeletal muscle. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and molecular characterization of chronic hepatitis B in Albania: A country that is still highly endemic for HBV infection
Authors: Kondili L.A. , Brunetto M.R. , Maina A.M. , Argentini C. , Chionne P. , La Sorsa V. , Resuli B. , Mele A. , Rapicetta Maria
Published: November 2004

Albania is a Mediterranean country, still with a high endemicity level of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The chronic hepatitis B profile was characterized in this geographical area and used as a model to investigate the impact of endemicity level on the prevalence of the two major forms of chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B). A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 62 chronic hepatitis B patients consecutively admitted to the most important tertiary health care center for the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease in Albania. HBV‐DNA was measured with an in‐house PCR with a sensitivity of 104 copies/ml which uses primers encompassing the pre‐core/core region. PCR products were subjected to sequencing and oligohybridization assay. Of the 62 patients, 75.8% had HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B. Genotype D was found in all 39 patients with detectable HBV viremia, for whom the heterogeneity of the region modulating HBeAg expression was assessed. Basic core promoter (BCP) mutations (1762/1764) were observed more often in anti‐HBe‐positive and older patients. In more than 90% of the HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients with detectable viremia, HBV that carries the G to A pre‐core mutation at nucleotide 1896 was found. Patients with HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B were younger than HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients, and for symptomatic and asymptomatic liver‐disease patients, the age of peak prevalence was at least 10 years lower for HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B patients. In conclusion, the virological and clinical pattern of chronic hepatitis B in Albania is similar to that observed in other Mediterranean countries; it seems to be independent of the HBV endemicity level. J. Med. Virol. 75:20–26, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes in women from three clinical settings
Authors: Chaturvedi Anil K. , Dumestre Jeanne , Gaffga Ann M. , Mire Kristina M. , Clark Rebecca A. , Braly Patricia S. , Dunlap Kathleen , Beckel Tracy E. , Hammons Ansley F. , Kissinger Patricia J. , Hagensee Michael E.
Published: November 2004

Prevalence of 27 human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes was assessed in 1,331 women in three clinical settings: Family planning clinic (low‐risk HIV−, n = 202, 21.3% HPV+), colposcopy clinic (high‐risk HIV−, n = 854, 34.3% HPV+), and HIV outpatient clinic (HIV+, n = 275, 48.7% HPV+). Compared to women from both family planning and colposcopy clinics, HIV+ women revealed significantly higher prevalence of infection with oncogenic, non‐oncogenic, and multiple HPV types. HPV types 52 and 51 were most prevalent in the low‐risk HIV− women, whereas in the high‐risk HIV− women, HPV types 16, 52, 58, and 35 were most prevalent. Interestingly, in the HIV+ women, less characterized types 83, 53, and 54 were most prevalent. The distinct profiles of genotype prevalence persisted after stratification by Pap smear status. After adjustment for concurrent infections with other types, HPV type 51 in the low‐risk HIV− women, and types 16, 35, 39, 45, 52, and 58 in the high‐risk HIV− women were significantly associated with cytologic abnormalities (exact P < 0.05). In HIV+ women across CD4 cell count strata, HPV types 42, 16, and 82 revealed significant decreasing trends with increasing CD4 counts (exact P for trend < 0.05). These data suggest distinct genotypic prevalence profiles in women at diverse risk for cervical cancer. The association of several genotypes with cytologic abnormalities underscores the need for vaccines targeting a wide range of HPV types. J. Med. Virol. 75:105–113, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of PDE5 splice variants during ontogenesis of chick dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Giordano Daniela , Giorgi Mauro , Tata Ada Maria , Modica Anna , Augusti‐Tocco Gabriella
Published: November 2004

Cyclic GMP (cGMP)‐binding cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5) activity was found in chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG). PDE5 expression was studied at different stages of development: in embryonic day 10 (E10) and E18 embryos and in 5‐day post‐hatching chick (P5). The presence of PDE5 was suggested by the ion exchange chromatography elution profile in E18 DRG extracts, where cGMP‐specific hydrolytic calmodulin‐independent activity was found; in other stages, this activity coeluted with the PDE1 calmodulin‐stimulated isoform characterized previously. Inhibition studies supported the hypothesis that the newly identified PDE activity belongs to the PDE5 isoform. Western blot analysis using a PDE5‐specific antibody was also carried out and revealed the presence of three specific immunoreactive bands with apparent molecular weights of 98, 93, and 86 kDa, corresponding to the three described splice variants (PDE5A1, PDE5A2, and PDE5A3). The expression in DRG of the three PDE5 isoforms was also confirmed by RT‐PCR. Developmental regulation of PDE5 was revealed by the immunoblot analysis at different stages; expression was very low at E10 but an overall substantial increase occurred between E10–18 (about 12‐fold, considering the three PDE5 isoforms together). Differences were revealed, however, when a single PDE5 isoform was considered. PDE5A1 and PDE5A3 showed an increase at all stages although more pronounced between E10–18, whereas PDE5A2 underwent a marked increase (about 38‐fold) in the first period and remained nearly constant between E18 and P5. This is the first evidence of PDE5 in sensory neurons, and the distinct temporal expression patterns of enzyme isoforms may indicate different physiologic roles in developing and mature chick DRG. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Precise Synthesis and Surface Characterization of Well‐Defined Chain‐End‐Functionalized Polystyrenes with Two, Four, Eight, Sixteen and Thirty‐Two Perfluorooctyl Groups
Authors: Sugiyama Kenji , Sakai Shiko , El‐Shehawy Ashraf , Hirao Akira
Published: November 2004

A series of well‐defined chain‐end‐functionalized polystyrenes with a definite number of two, four, eight, sixteen, and thirty‐two C8F17 groups have been successfully synthesized by applying the recently developed methodology based on an iterative divergent approach. These polymers were precisely controlled in chain length and degree of end‐functionalization. The surface structures of films cast from these polymers have been characterized by XPS and contact angle measurements. Significant segregation and preferential enrichment of C8F17 group at the surfaces were observed in all films. The surface enrichment estimated from F atomic % measured by XPS increased markedly with increasing the number of C8F17 group from two to four, but almost saturated at the number of four where the F atomic % from top surface to 20 Å depths was 44.2 %. The surface enrichment was enhanced only a small extent by further increasing the number of C8F17 group, although the maximum values (49.8 %) were obtained with chain‐end‐functionalized polystyrenes with sixteen and thirty‐two C8F17 groups.
Synthesis of Star‐Shaped Polystyrenes with Glucose in the Chain‐End and Core
Authors: Kaga Harumi , Yamane Shin , Narumi Atsushi , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: November 2004

2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) was reacted with 4‐ethylphenyl 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and cobalt(II)acetate tetrahydrate in acetonitrile. The reaction provided 4‐[1′‐(2″,2″,6″,6″‐tetramethyl‐1″‐piperidinyloxy)‐ethyl]phenyl 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, glycoconjugated initiator. Star‐shaped polystyrene architectures in which glucose was covalently bonded in the core and chain‐end were successfully prepared from the glycoconjugated initiator, styrene, and 1,4‐divinylbenzene as starting materials.
Contribution of Supercritical CO2 to the Preparation of Aliphatic Polyesters and Materials Thereof
Authors: Stassin F. , Jérôme R.
Published: November 2004

This paper is a short review of the most recent achievments of CERM in the synthesis of poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polylactides (PLA) in supercritical carbon dioxide (sc CO2). In addition to the macromolecular engineering of these aliphatic polyesters, nanocomposites and PCL microspheres have been prepared with the assistance of this supercritical fluid.
Determination of Rate of Crystallinity and Thermodynamical Interaction Parameters of Polycaprolactone with Some Solvents by Gas Chromatography
Authors: Saraç Ayfer , Cankurtaran Özlem , Yilmaz Ferdane
Published: November 2004

The retention diagram of polycaprolactone for tert‐butyl acetate was obtained by inverse gas chromatography method in the temperature range of 40‐140 °C. Rate of crystallinity was determined between 45.0 percent and 37.1 percent in the temperatures at 40 and 53 °C, respectively. Thermodynamic interaction parameters were determined for cyclopentane, cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran and 1,4‐dioxane with polycaprolactone between 70 and 130 °C. Specific retention volumes, Vgo, Flory Huggins polymer‐solvent interaction parameters, χ12∞, equation of state polymer‐solvent interaction parameters, χ12*, weight fraction activity coefficients of the solvents at infinite dilution, Ω1∞, effective exchange energy parameters, X̄12were determined.
Thermo‐Oxidative Degradation during Creep Crack Growth of PE‐HD Grades as Assessed by FT‐IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Pinter Gerald , Haager Markus , Wolf Christian , Lang Reinhold W.
Published: November 2004

Creep crack growth experiments under static loads were done with two polyethylene high density (PE‐HD) types stabilised in two different ways. The degree of oxidation at the cracks was estimated by CO‐numbers measured with FT‐IR spectroscopy. The CO‐number is the ratio of the peak of oxidation products at approx. 1720 cm−1 to an inherent PE‐HD‐peak at 2020 cm−1 and represents a direct measure for oxidative damage. Higher CO‐numbers could be measured near the crack surfaces. However, this phenomenon could only be found in the low crack growth rate regime, where sufficient time is available for oxidation processes to take place. Moreover, local ageing decreases very quickly in some distance away from the crack path. A direct influence of different stabiliser systems on the degree of these local ageing processes could not be found.
The Reaction Mechanism of the Transetherification and Crosslinking of Melamine Resins
Authors: Rätzsch Manfred , Bucka Hartmut , Ivanchev Sergey , Pavlyuchenko Valery , Leitner Paul , Primachenko O.N.
Published: November 2004

Melamine formaldehyde resins (MFR) are well known resins in the wood board and paper coating market. Etherified MFR's are applied as crosslinkers in the automotive coating industry. In Europe the growth of the market and the research activities are relatively small. On the other side in comparison to other polymers outstanding properties are possible to realize. So the development of new melamine ether resins (MER) was started. MER is a partly methylolated and fully etherified resin with a highly stable “thermoplastic” processing range. The MER's themselves are transparent granulates with enough stability for storage and transport. The crosslinking reaction can be started either by thermal or acidic catalytic activation, without losses of formaldehyde. Transetherifications with oligomeric diols can lead to more elastic and higher molecular melamine polyether resin (MPER) structures. The reaction mechanism and the crosslinking kinetics of the partly methylolated melamine ethers of methanol in comparison to the fully methylolated hexamethylol melamine ether will be discussed in this paper.
Determining the extent to which delayed‐enhancement images reflect the partition‐coefficient of Gd‐DTPA in canine studies of reperfused and unreperfused myocardial infarction
Authors: Thornhill Rebecca E. , Prato Frank S. , Wisenberg Gerald , Moran Gerald R. , Sykes Jane
Published: November 2004

MRI after a constant infusion (CI) of Gd‐DTPA has been used to identify the extent of myocardial infarction (MI). However, Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced “viability” imaging is more commonly performed with a bolus (for “delayed‐enhancement” (DE) imaging). This study sought to determine how image delay time and time postinfarction influence the assessment of necrosis by DE. Both infusion and DE imaging was performed in dogs with reperfused (N = 6) or unreperfused (N = 4) MI. Estimates of the partition‐coefficient of Gd‐DTPA (λ) with DE were compared with those calculated after 60 min of infusion, and the comparisons were repeated until 4 (reperfused) or 8 (unreperfused) weeks postinfarction. In reperfused animals, the concordance (Rc) between DE and infusion estimates of λ was > 0.90 for most image delays > 8 min postinjection, for day 0 through week 3, with Rc at day 0 greater than at week 4 (P = 0.022). In unreperfused animals, there was an interaction between image delay time and time postinfarction (P < 0.001): Rc > 0.90 corresponded to longer image delays at week 1 than at weeks 4–8. Therefore, when image delays are selected appropriately, DE images can strongly reflect λ and identify irreversibly injured myocardium. Magn Reson Med 52:1069–1079, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
“Squashing peanuts and smashing pumpkins”: How noise distorts diffusion‐weighted MR data
Authors: Jones Derek K. , Basser Peter J.
Published: November 2004

New diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) methods, including high‐b, q‐space, and high angular resolution MRI methods, attempt to extract information about non‐Gaussian diffusion in tissue that is not provided by low‐b‐value (b ≈ 1000 s mm−2) diffusion or diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT‐MRI). Additionally, DWI data with higher spatial resolution are being acquired to resolve fine anatomic structures, such as white matter fasciculi. Increasing diffusion‐weighting or decreasing voxel size can reduce the signal‐to‐noise ratio so that some DWI signals are close to the background noise level. Here we report several new artifacts that can be explained by considering how background noise affects the peanut‐shaped angular apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) profile. These include an orientationally dependent deviation from Gaussian behavior of the ADC profile, an underestimation of indices of diffusion anisotropy, and a correlation between estimates of mean diffusivity and diffusion anisotropy. We also discuss how noise can cause increased gray/white matter DWI contrast at higher b values and an apparent elevation of diffusion anisotropy in acute ischemia. Importantly, all of these artifacts are negligible in the b‐value range typically used in DT‐MRI of brain (b ≈ 1000 s mm−2). Finally, we demonstrate a strategy for ameliorating the rectified noise artifact in data collected at higher b values. Magn Reson Med 52:979–993, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feridex labeling of mesenchymal stem cells inhibits chondrogenesis but not adipogenesis or osteogenesis
Authors: Kostura Lisa , Kraitchman Dara L. , Mackay Alastair M. , Pittenger Mark F. , Bulte Jeff W. M.
Published: November 2004

Magnetic resonance (MR) tracking of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)‐labeled cells is a relatively new technique to non‐invasively determine the biodistribution and migration of transplanted stem cells. A number of studies have recently reported encouraging results in the use of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for repair of a variety of tissues. For MR tracking of SPIO‐labeled MSCs, it is important to determine the effect that the magnetic labeling procedure may have on the differentiation capacity of labeled MSCs. Human MSCs were labeled with poly‐L‐lysine (PLL)‐coated Feridex, with Feridex being an FDA‐approved SPIO formulation in an off‐label application, and assayed for cellular differentiation using five different assays. As compared with unlabeled controls, labeled MSCs exhibited an unaltered viability, proliferated similarly, and underwent normal adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. However, there was a marked inhibition of chondrogenesis. The blocking of chondrogenic activity was mediated by the Feridex, rather than by the transfection agent (PLL). This is the first report showing Feridex blocking of cellular differentiation down a specific pathway (while not affecting viability and proliferation), and caution should thus be exercised when using Feridex‐labeled MSCs for chondrogenic MR tracking studies. On the other hand, no detrimental effects of Feridex‐labeling are anticipated for MR‐guided osteogenic or adipogenic transplantation studies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GradH‐Correction: guaranteed sizing gradation in multi‐patch parametric surface meshing
Authors: Pippa Stefano , Caligiana Gianni
Published: November 2004

In this paper a new method, called GradH‐Correction, for the generation of multi‐patch parametric surface meshes with controlled sizing gradation is presented. Such gradation is obtained performing a correction on the size values located on the vertices of the background mesh used to define the control space that governs the meshing process.

In the presence of a multi‐patch surface, like shells of BREP solids, the proposed algorithm manages the whole composite surface simultaneously and as a unique entity. Sizing information can spread from a patch to its adjacent ones and the resulting size gradation is independent from the surface partitioning.

Theoretical considerations lead to the assertion that, given a parameter λ, after performing a GradH‐Correction of level λ over the control space, the unit mesh constructed using the corrected control space is a mesh of gradation λ in the real space (target space). This means that the length ratio of any two adjacent edges of the mesh is bounded between 1/λ and λ.

Numerical results show that meshes generated from corrected control spaces are of high quality and good gradation also when the background mesh has poor quality. However, due to mesh generator imprecision and theoretical limitations, guaranteed gradation is achieved only for the sizing specifications and not for the generated mesh. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive discretization algorithm for the weak approximation of stochastic differential equations
Authors: Rößler Andreas
Published: November 2004

Numerical methods with fixed step size have limitations if they are applied for example to stiff stochastic differential equations where the step size is forced to be very small. In this paper, an adaptive step size control algorithm for the weak approximation of stochastic differential equations is introduced. The proposed algorithm calculates an estimation of the local error in order to determine the optimal step size such that the local error is bounded by some given tolerances. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Function space interior point methods for PDE constrained optimization
Authors: Weiser Martin , Schiela Anton
Published: November 2004

A primal‐dual interior point method for optimal control problems with PDE constraints is considered. The algorithm is directly applied to the infinite dimensional problem. Existence and convergence of the central path are analyzed. Numerical results from an inexact continuation method applied to a model problem are shown. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Image analysis studies of dimensional changes in swellable hydrophilic polymer matrices
Authors: Vlachou Marilena , Naseef Hani , Efentakis Manuel
Published: November 2004

Studies of the fronts which are created by the process of swelling, their movement and the effect of drug solubility on release mechanisms, are presented. Tablets comprising solely of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (Metolose 90 SH 100 000 SR), HPMC with sodium diclofenac (relatively soluble in the buffer solution used) and HPMC with furosemide (insoluble in the buffer solution used) were prepared. The tablets were made by direct compression in a manual hydraulic press and the matrix swelling was studied by an optical analysis technique. During the experimental procedure measurements were taken of the gel layer dimensions, the movement of the swelling, and the erosion and diffusion fronts at different time points. These measurements allowed the investigation of the possible mechanisms involved in the swelling/release process. The results showed that the rate and mechanism of drug release from swellable matrices depends on the following factors: the dissolution, the diffusion of the drug, the translocation of undissolved drug particles in the gel layer, and the solubility of the drugs used. This is supported by the following: (a) the diffusion layer thickness, which is observed as a result of the presence of undissolved drug in the gel layer, increases in the case of the water insoluble drug furosemide and as a result the diffusion front converges on the erosion front; (b) from the analysis of the dissolution data it appears that sodium diclofenac is released as a result of diffusion via the gel layer as well as due to polymer relaxation and/or matrix erosion. Conversely, the release of furosemide is only dependent on the polymer relaxation and/or matrix erosion. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pilot study to build a database on seven anti‐hypertensive drugs
Authors: Fujita Toshiharu , Miura Yoshihiko , Mayama Takeshi
Published: November 2004

Purpose

In Japan, all patients are able to see freely any clinics or hospitals. So clinical data of all patients have been stored at clinics, hospitals and medical institutes respectively. These patients' clinical course data stocks have not been combined with one another. There is no large‐scale database, which has been available and has played its role in complementing spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system. We tried to build an original database using anti‐hypertensive drugs' data from Drug Use Investigation conducted for the Japanese Drug Re‐examination application by every pharmaceutical manufacturer in conformity with Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and Related Regulation.

Methods

The 43 565 case data of seven anti‐hypertensive drugs (one Ca‐antagonist, one α‐blocker, two β‐blockers, three ACE inhibitors) were kindly offered from seven manufacturers who were members of RAD‐AR Council, Japan. After examining the data items and categories, they were standardized into common codes based on Japanese Drug Category Classification (JDCC), International Classification of Diseases 9 (ICD‐9) and Japanese Adverse Drug Reaction Terminology (J‐ART). As each manufacturer had a different coding method in accordance to manufacturer's own practice of data management, the original forms were divided into several datasets. The data processing and statistical analysis were conducted using Statistical Analysis System (SAS).

Results

(1) Technology and know‐how to combine data coded by different methods were established for building a database that had never been tried in Japan. (2) The following are the by‐products of the study: a) Onset of ADR concentrated in the early stage but onset of some disorders prevailed equally throughout the investigation period. b) Although the number of collected cases of anti‐hypertensive drugs was 43 565, total number of administrated anti‐hypertensive drugs reached to 70 714 because additional anti‐hypertensive drugs were often used with subject drugs.

Conclusion

There is no large‐scale database of patients' clinical course in Japan. However, since the Japanese Drug Re‐examination System started in 1979, almost eight million cases of Drug Use Investigation on about 700 drugs have been collected with enormous human power and huge expenditure for Japanese Drug Re‐examination application by pharmaceutical manufacturers. New and more appropriate information will be detected by the database, built using Drug Use Investigation data that were collected only for the Japanese Drug Re‐examination application. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shrinkage and warpage prediction of injection‐molded thin‐wall parts using artificial neural networks
Authors: Liao S. J. , Hsieh W. H. , Wang James T. , Su Y. C.
Published: November 2004

This study demonstrates the successful use of back‐propagation artificial neural networks (BPANNs) in predicting the shrinkage and warpage of injection‐molded thin‐wall parts. The effects of structural parameters of a BPANN on the predictionaccuracy and the capability of a BPANN in determining the optimal process condition are also discussed. The training and testing data are obtained experimentally based on a Taguchi L27 (313) test schedule. The results show that the trained BPANN can successfully predict the shrinkage and warpage of injection‐molded thin‐wall parts. Comparing the prediction accuracies of the trained BPANN and C‐Mold software, it is noted that the trained BPANN predicts more accurately. In terms of determining the optimal process condition for minimizing the shrinkage and warpage of injected thin‐wall parts, the trained BPANN is also shown to give a better optimal process condition than Taguchi's method. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2029–2040, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of vinylester resin nanocomposites with various organo‐modified montmorillonites
Authors: Someya Yoshihiro , Shibata Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2004

New nanocomposites based on a vinylester resin (VER) and the organo‐montmorillonites (ODA‐M, BHL‐M, DEM‐M, BHLV‐M) modified with octadecylammonium, bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)lauryl ammonium, diethyl[2‐(methacryloyloxyl)ethyl]ammonium, and bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)lauryl(vinylbenzyl)‐ammonium chlorides, respectively, were prepared by dispersing the organoclays in VER, and subsequent crosslinking at finally 120°C. X‐ray diffraction studies and morphological studies using transmission electron microscopy revealed that exfoliation occurs for the VER/ODA‐M and BHL‐M composites, intercalation occurs for the VER/BHLV‐M composite, and neither intercalation nor exfoliation occur for the VER/DEM‐M and unmodified montmorillonite composites. On the whole, although the enhancement in flexural modulus was observed for the exfoliated ODA‐M and BHL‐M composites, the flexural strength was rather lowered. Dynamic viscoelastic measurement revealed that the ODA‐M, BHL‐M, and BHLV‐M nanocomposites have significantly higher storage modulus at the rubbery state than the other composites. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2041–2046, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Solubility of butane and isobutane in molten polypropylene and polystyrene
Authors: Sato Yoshiyuki , Wang Ming , Takishima Shigeki , Masuoka Hirokatsu , Watanabe Taku , Fukasawa Yoshihito
Published: November 2004

The solubility of butane and isobutane in molten polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) was measured at pressures up to 3 MPa and along four isotherms from 438 to 483 K for PP and from 348 to 473 K for PS. The solubility increased with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. At 438 K and 2 MPa, the solubilities of butane and isobutane in PP were 0.15 and 0.11 g‐gas/g‐polym, respectively. At 423 K and 2 MPa, the solubilities of butane and isobutane in PS were 0.08 and 0.05 g‐gas/g‐polym, respectively. Solubility could be correlated with the Sanchez‐Lacombe equation of state with temperature‐dependent binary interaction parameters to within 4.4% average relative deviation. Henry's constant for these gases in the PP and PS obtained in this work were used to determine correlation equations along with literature data. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2083–2089, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Shear‐induced migration of conductive fillers in injection molding
Authors: Hong Chang‐Min , Kim Jongdae , Jana Sadhan C.
Published: November 2004

The effect of shear‐induced conductive filler migration on surface and volume conductivity of injection molded articles of polystyrene and polypropylene with carbon black was investigated. It was found that the loss of conductivity was most significant when the mean particle concentration was at or slightly above the percolation threshold. The compounds with mean particle concentration well above the percolation threshold showed no loss at all. The conductivity decreased with the increase of shear rate used in molding. The removal of surface layers by excimer laser led to restoration of the conductivity to the value of well‐mixed, compression‐molded specimens. The thickness of surface layer removed before conductivity was restored was found to be a strong function of the shear rate and the nature of polymer used. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2101–2109, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Sequential injection overmolding of an elastomeric ethylene‐octene copolymer on a polypropylene homopolymer core
Authors: Arzondo L. M. , Pino N. , Carella J. M. , Pastor J. M. , Merino J. C. , Póveda J. , Alonso C.
Published: November 2004

A systematic approach was used to study and compare the bonding of an ethylene‐octene random copolymer and a low‐density polymer, injection molded over polypropylene homopolymer. Wide ranges of overmolding and cooling interface temperatures and packing pressures were explored. Standard peeling tests were conducted at room temperature on overmolded samples, to measure the bonding strength. Large differences were found for bonding strength for both ethylene‐based polymers, which are explained on a molecular basis. The analysis of the experimental results gives strong indications about the bonding mechanism and the temperatures and time scaleinvolved in the process. Simple, reliable rules to design the overmolding process parameters for these polymers pairs are developed. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2110–2116, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Temperature gradients in the channels of a single‐screw extruder
Authors: Bur Anthony J. , Roth Steven C. , Spalding Mark A. , Baugh Daniel W. , Koppi Kurt A. , Buzanowski Walter C.
Published: November 2004

We used a temperature‐sensitive fluorescent dye, perylene, to monitor the true resin temperature during extrusion of polycarbonate. The measurement involved doping polycarbonate with perylene and detecting fluorescence with an optical sensor that accesses a standard instrumentation port on a barrel of a single‐screw extruder. The sensor's confocal optics design permits fluorescence intensity measurements as a function of position. Using a previously established calibration function, temperature and temperature gradients were obtained from the measured fluorescence. Because the origin of the measurement is the fluorescent dye molecule that is soluble in the resin, this method allows temperature measurement of the polymer without interference from the surrounding metal parts. With the sensor looking over the screw, temperature profiles from the barrel wall to the core of the screw were obtained as a function of screw speed, screw design and resin melt flow rate. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2148–2157, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.

This paper is a contribution from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and, thus, is not subject to copyright in the United States.
From knowledge management to knowledge building: An essential foundation journey
Authors: Schorr Lisbeth B.
Published: November 2004

By taking a bold, generous, and inclusive approach to knowledge building, foundations can equip community organizations, service providers, and policymakers at every level with actionable information that will enable them to more effectively achieve their objectives.
De Tocqueville meets eBay: Giving, volunteering, and doing good in the new social sector
Authors: Sharp Marcia
Published: November 2004

The electronic marketplace unleashes whole new ways for people and organizations to work together in the social sector and profoundly challenges the dominance and the operating styles of organized philanthropy.
New solid polymer electrolyte membranes for alkaline fuel cells
Authors: Wan Ying , Creber Katherine AM , Peppley Brant , Bui V Tam , Halliop Ela
Published: November 2004

New solid polymer electrolyte composite membranes have been prepared using chitosan as matrices and incorporating potassium hydroxide as the functional ionic source. These membranes were featured as a three‐layer structure having a porous intermediate layer while the two crosslinked surface layers are dense. Results from impedance spectroscopy analysis showed that the conductivity of some hydrated composite membranes, after hydration for 1 h at room temperature, reached about 10−2 S cm−1. Several composite membranes were then tested in alkaline fuel cells, using hydrogen as fuel, air as oxidant and platinum as the electrode catalyst. A current density of 35 mA cm−2 has been achieved at 60 °C with a flow rate of hydrogen at 50 ml min−1 and air at 200 ml min−1. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Der einfachste Elektromotor der Welt: Spielwiese
Authors: Schlichting H. Joachim , Ucke Christian
Published: November 2004

Das älteste Prinzip eines Elektromotors ist mit Hilfe moderner Materialien als Freihandexperiment einfach demonstrierbar. Es kann in wenigen Sekunden im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes “frei aus der Hand” realisiert werden und illustriert auf durchschaubare Weise die Umsetzung von elektrischer in mechanische Energie. Diese Art des Elektromotors wird auch Monopolar‐ oder Unipolarmotor genannt.
Cerebrospinal fluid protein patterns in neurodegenerative disease revealed by liquid chromatography‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Ramström Margareta , Ivonin Igor , Johansson Anders , Askmark Håkan , Markides Karin E. , Zubarev Roman , Håkansson Per , Aquilonius Sten‐Magnus , Bergquist Jonas
Published: November 2004

This study demonstrates the power of a novel proteomic approach developed for the detection and identification of biological markers in body fluids. The goal was to observe alterations in the protein patterns of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder with unknown etiology. In the experiments, tryptic digests of CSF from patients and healthy controls were analyzed by on‐line capillary liquid chromatography‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. (FT‐ICR MS) Typically, around 4000 peptides were detected in one such experiment, and a pattern recognition program was constructed for the data analysis to distinguish mass chromatograms from patients and controls. This strategy was evaluated comparing the peptide patterns of CSF spiked in vitro with a biomarker, with control CSF. The patterns were clearly separated and the tryptic peptides of the biomarker were successfully selected as characteristic peaks. Hence, the method was applied to compare mass chromatograms of CSF from 12 ALS‐patients and 10 matched healthy controls. While no biomarker alone could be identified from the characteristic peaks, we were able to assign 4 out of 5 unknown samples correctly (i.e., 80% correctly diagnosed, 20% false‐negative), and it would be 100% if we reject a possible outlier believed to be caused by an occlusion in the spinal CSF compartment. These findings are very promising, although the clinical relevance is not fully established due to the low number of unknown samples analyzed. In addition to the diagnostic potential, these results may be important steps towards understanding the neurodegenerative process.
Two‐dimensional electrophoretic analysis reveals that lipid rafts are intact at physiological temperature
Authors: Kim Ki‐Bum , Kim Sang‐Il , Choo Hyo‐Jung , Kim Ji‐Hyun , Ko Young‐Gyu
Published: November 2004

Different proteins are found in lipid rafts depending on the isolation method. For example, insulin receptor was predominantly found in lipid raft fractions prepared from HepG2 cells with Brij 35, but were not present in lipid rafts isolated with Triton X‐100. In order to assess the effect of detergent type and temperature on raft isolation, raft proteins from HepG2 cells were analyzed by two‐dimensional (2‐D) electrophoresis. More raft protein spots appeared when rafts were isolated by Brij 35 than by Triton X‐100. In addition, more raft proteins were found when isolated at 37°C than at 4°C, indicating that lipid rafts are much more stable at physiological temperature (37°C) in the presence of detergents. Indeed, lipid‐modified proteins, such as Src and Lyn, were found in raft fractions even when detergent‐resistant rafts were isolated at room or physiological temperature. The 2‐D gel profile of raft proteins isolated with detergent‐free (high‐pH/carbonate) method was considerably similar to that of detergent‐resistant raft proteins but contained a greater number of distinct protein spots. Whereas many detergent‐resistant raft proteins disappeared upon cellular exposure to methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, high pH/carbonate‐resistant raft proteins did not, suggesting that many of proteins isolated by high pH/carbonate could be contaminants. Considering these data, we conclude that liquid‐ordered state of detergent‐resistant lipid rafts is not destroyed at physiological temperature.
Security vulnerability assessment in the chemical industry
Authors: Dunbobbin Brian R. , Medovich Thomas J. , Murphy Marc C. , Ramsey Annie L.
Published: November 2004

After the events of September 11, 2001, Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APCI) developed a Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) methodology, consistent with the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) guidelines. This methodology is designed for efficient and thorough evaluation of a large number of facilities, ranging from small industrial gas sites to large chemical plants. This methodology evaluates the potential consequences and attack scenarios at a facility and the attractiveness of the facility as a terrorist target. The team then provides recommendations for engineering and security improvements. Participation in early SVA development exercises with industry and governmental agencies made it clear that it is critical to have a team approach that includes process safety, security, and site operations functional expertise.

This paper presents an overview of the APCI SVA methodology and summarizes major findings and lessons learned. Findings from an SVA provide multiple levels of protection for our assets and the public. The engineering and security solutions from the evaluation are intended to deter, detect, delay, and respond to an attacker. They include:

Inherently safer alternatives such as reducing inventory, designing fail‐safe systems, and improving plant layout.

Enhanced physical security systems such as fences, access control, and monitored intrusion detection.

© 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 23: 214–220, 2004
The efficacy of spinosad against the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and its impact on associated biological control agents on greenhouse cucumbers in southern Ontario
Authors: Jones Terri , Scott‐Dupree Cynthia , Harris Ron , Shipp Les , Harris Brenda
Published: November 2004

Insecticides are the most commonly used tactic to control western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on greenhouse cucumber. However, WFT has developed resistance to several of the insecticides presently in use. In addition, some of these insecticides adversely affect greenhouse biological control agents used to control WFT, resulting in subsequent pest resurgence. Therefore, there is a need to identify novel insecticides with unique modes of action for use in integrated pest management (IPM) programs to effectively control WFT with minimal impact on associated biological control agents. In laboratory bioassays conducted in 2001, immature and adult WFT and three associated greenhouse biological control agents: Amblyseius cucumeris Oudemans (Acarina: Phytoseiidae), Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were exposed to direct, direct/residual, and residual contact applications of the novel biopesticide, spinosad (Conserve® 120 SC), and the industry standard for whitefly control, endosulfan (Thiodan® 50 WP). In all three types of assay, spinosad was effective against immature and adult WFT life stages. It showed low toxicity to A cucumeris, moderate toxicity to O insidiosus and high toxicity to E formosa. Greenhouse studies involving exposure of immature and adult WFT and adult biological control agents to cucumber leaves sprayed previously with spinosad supported the laboratory data. Spinosad showed low toxicity to A cucumeris exposed to leaves 1 day after treatment (DAT), moderate toxicity to O insidiosus 1 and 8 DAT, and high toxicity to E formosa up to 28 DAT. These data, along with spinosad's unique mode of action, suggest it would be a valuable reduced‐risk control agent for greenhouse cucumber IPM programs. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Demographic and spatial patterns of Indonesia's recent urbanisation
Authors: Firman Tommy
Published: November 2004

An Erratum has been published for this article in Population, Space and Place 10(6)2004, 421–434.

This study examines urbanisation patterns in Indonesia, using data from the National Population Census 2000. Urbanisation in Indonesia is still characterised by the high concentration of urban population in a few large cities, notably Jakarta Metropolitan Area (Jabotabek), which indicates an interurban disparity between Jabotabek and other cities, and between large and smaller cities. It might also reflect an integration of Jabotabek into the global economy. The populations on the outskirts of large cities are growing rapidly, while those in core areas have a very low rate of growth. The small towns and intermediate cities on the outer islands are experiencing higher population growth compared with those in Java, which might suggest that those towns and cities are playing a more significant role in regional development. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.