bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment ofRetama sphaerocarpaL. seedlings on a degraded semiarid soil as influenced by mycorrhizal inoculation and sewage‐sludge amendment
Authors: del Mar Alguacil María , Caravaca Fuensanta , Díaz Gisela , Marín Purificación , Roldán Antonio
Published: September 2004

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of mycorrhizal inoculation with three arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus intraradicesSchenck & Smith,Glomus deserticola(Trappe, Bloss. & Menge), andGlomus mosseae(Nicol & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe) and the addition of composted sewage sludge (SS) with respect to the establishment ofRetama sphaerocarpaL. seedlings, in a semiarid Mediterranean area. Associated changes in soil chemical (nutrient content and labile carbon fractions), biochemical (enzyme activities), and physical (aggregate stability) parameters were observed. Six months after planting, both the addition of composted SS and the mycorrhizal‐inoculation treatments had increased total N content, available‐P content, and aggregate stability of the soil. Values of water‐soluble C and water‐soluble carbohydrates were increased only in the mycorrhizal‐inoculation treatments. Rhizosphere soil from the mycorrhizal‐inoculation treatments had significantly higher enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, protease‐BAA, acid phosphatase, and β‐glucosidase) than the control soil. In the short‐term, mycorrhizal inoculation with AM fungi was the most effective treatment for enhancement of shoot biomass, particularly withG. mosseae(about 146% higher with respect to control plants). The addition of the composted SS alone was sufficient to restore soil structural stability but was not effective with respect to improving the performance ofR. sphaerocarpaplants.
Real‐Time Scanning Force Microscopy of Macromolecular Conformational Transitions
Authors: Gallyamov Marat O. , Tartsch Bernd , Khokhlov Alexei R. , Sheiko Sergei S. , Börner Hans G. , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof , Möller Martin
Published: September 2004

Summary: Comb‐like macromolecules were adsorbed on mica and imaged by scanning force microscopy in real time as they underwent a transition from an extended worm‐like conformation to globuli and vice versa. The conformational transition was effected by coadsorption of ethanol and water molecules. Coadsorption of the small molecules allowed manipulation of the adherence and spreading of the macromolecules, thus effecting the reptation like stretching and collapse of the single molecules.

SFM images of three individual PMA‐g‐PnBuA brush molecules on mica 27 min (left, first collapse cycle) and 18 min (right, second collapse cycle) after injection of ethanol into the sample space.

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SFM images of three individual PMA‐g‐PnBuA brush molecules on mica 27 min (left, first collapse cycle) and 18 min (right, second collapse cycle) after injection of ethanol into the sample space.
Effect of Surface‐Hydroxylated CdS Nanoparticles on the Morphological Transformation of Polystyrene‐block‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Thin Films
Authors: Yeh Siao‐Wei , Chang Yao‐Te , Chou Chia‐Hung , Wei Kung‐Hwa
Published: September 2004

Summary: Polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (SEO) block copolymer thin films, in which CdS clusters have been sequestered into the PEO domains of the SEO block copolymers, are found to induce the morphological transformation of PEO from cylinders to spheres, as shown by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This transformation is caused by the presence of hydrogen‐bonding interactions between surface‐hydroxylated CdS and PEO, as confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies.

Morphological transformation of PEO cylinders into CdS/PEO spheres by hydrogen‐bonding interactions between surface‐hydroxylated CdS and PEO.

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Morphological transformation of PEO cylinders into CdS/PEO spheres by hydrogen‐bonding interactions between surface‐hydroxylated CdS and PEO.
Grip force behavior during object manipulation in neurological disorders: Toward an objective evaluation of manual performance deficits
Authors: Nowak Dennis A. , Hermsdörfer Joachim
Published: September 2004

The control of prehensile finger forces is an essential feature of skilled manual performance. The basic aspects of healthy grip force behavior have been well documented. In healthy subjects, grip force is precisely adjusted to the mechanical object properties. Grip force is always slightly higher than the minimum necessary to prevent the object from slipping. When we move a hand‐held object, grip force is modulated in parallel with movements‐induced load fluctuations without an obvious delay. The absence of a temporal delay between grip and load force profiles suggests that the central nervous system is able to predict the load variations before the intended manipulation and consequently regulates grip force in anticipation. Feedback from the grasping fingertips is used to adjust the level of applied fingertip force efficiently to the actual loading requirements. Pathologic grip force control affects the efficiency of produced force and the precision of the temporal coupling between grip and load force profiles. Here, we review the characteristics of pathologic grip force behavior in various neurological disorders. Detailed examination of grip force control is simple and well suited for the objective evaluation of impaired motor function of the hand and its rehabilitation. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Minimum k‐geodetically connected digraphs
Authors: Plesník Ján
Published: September 2004

A strong digraph is k‐geodetically connected (k‐GC) if the removal of at least k vertices is required to increase the distance between at least one pair of vertices or reduce it to a single vertex. Such digraphs can serve as models of distance invulnerable networks (immune to k – 1 or fewer vertex failures) for a system with one‐way communications. For every integer n, we determine the minimum size 2‐GC digraphs of order n. Further, we find the minimum size of a k‐GC digraph of order n if n ≡ 0 (mod k) and give good bounds for all n. Also, several operations on and constructions of k‐GC digraphs are presented. We show that the problem of finding a minimum size k‐GC spanning subdigraph of a given digraph is NP‐hard. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 44(4), 243–253 2004
Ca2+ influx into identified leech neurons induced by 5‐hydroxytryptamine
Authors: Dierkes Paul Wilhelm , Schlue Wolf‐Rüdiger
Published: September 2004

The role of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) in the control of leech behavior is well established and has been analyzed extensively on the cellular level; however, hitherto little is known about the effect of 5‐HT on the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in leech neurons. As [Ca2+]i plays a pivotal role in numerous cellular processes, we investigated the effect of 5‐HT on [Ca2+]i (measured by Fura‐2) in identified leech neurons under different experimental conditions, such as changed extracellular ion composition and blockade of excitatory synaptic transmission. In pressure (P), lateral nociceptive (N1), and Leydig neurons, 5‐HT induced a [Ca2+]i increase which was predominantly due to Ca2+ influx since it was abolished in Ca2+‐free solution. The 5‐HT‐induced Ca2+ influx occurred only if the cells depolarized sufficiently, indicating that it was mediated by voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. In P and N1 neurons, the membrane depolarization was due to Na+ influx through cation channels coupled to 5‐HT receptors, whereby the dose‐dependency suggests an involvement in excitatory synaptic transmission. In Leydig neurons, 5‐HT receptor‐coupled cation channels seem to be absent. In these cells, the membrane depolarization activating the voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels was evoked by 5‐HT‐triggered excitatory glutamatergic input. In Retzius, anterior pagoda (AP), annulus erector (AE), and median nociceptive (N2) neurons, 5‐HT had no effect on [Ca2+]i. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005
On application of two superconvergent recovery procedures to plate problems
Authors: Boroomand B. , Ghaffarian M. , Zienkiewicz O. C.
Published: September 2004

In this paper a study is performed on application of two recovery methods, i.e. superconvergent patch recovery (SPR) and the recovery by equilibrium of patches (REP), to plate problems. The two recovery methods have been recognized to give similar results in adaptive solutions of two dimensional stress problems. While the former applies a least square fit over a set of values at the so called superconvergent points, the latter does not need any knowledge of such points and thus has a wider application especially in non‐linear problems. The formulation of REP is extended to Reissner–Mindlin plate problems. The convergence rates of the recovered fields of the gradients obtained from application of the two methods are compared using series of regular triangular and rectangular meshes for thick and thin plate solution cases. Assumed strain formulation based elements, i.e. the elements formulated by mixed interpolation of tensorial components, as well as conventional from of elements based on selective integration schemes are employed for the study.

In order to investigate the possibility of any improvement in the results by adding equilibrium constraints to SPR, as some authors suggest for simple two‐dimensional problems, some weighted forms of such conditions are designed and added to the formulation. Comprehensive study has been given first by varying the weight terms to obtain the best enhanced results and then using the optimal values to investigate the effects of the constraints on the rate of convergence. It is observed that despite of the cost of this approach, due to the coupling of the gradient terms, no significant improvement is achieved. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Removal of ungrafted monomer from polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride via supercritical carbon dioxide extraction
Authors: Clark Kelly , Lee Sunggyu
Published: September 2004

The removal of spent initiator, excess initiator and unbound monomer from newly synthesized polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) has typically been carried out using Soxhlet extraction. Standard solvents used in the Soxhlet process are xylene, toluene, acetone or methanol. These chemicals are not only hazardous to some degree, but also lead to undesirable maleic anhydride (MA) ring opening. This paper establishes that supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction of residuals prevents anhydride ring opening and eliminates the need for post‐extraction vacuum‐drying of the copolymer product. An added benefit of this innovative process is that environmentally friendly carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in place of harmful solvents. The successful extraction of the residuals is established by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), whereas FTIR spectroscopy is used to compare the anhydride content of Soxhlet‐extracted PP‐g‐MA to that of scCO2‐extracted copolymer. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1636–1641, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Three‐dimensional polymer flow in the calender bank
Authors: Luther S. , Mewes D.
Published: September 2004

The velocity and pressure field that forms within the gap of a calender is numerically calculated. The numerical calculations are based on a decoupled calculation method for the free surface of the bank. The transport equations for mass and momentum are solved numerically. The position of the free surface of the bank is determined by shifting it until it matches a streamline. The resulting three‐dimensional velocity field gives the vortex patterns within the volume of the bank for fluids with non‐Newtonian and Newtonian rheological behavior. The shape of the free surface of the bank and its position are determined by the gap height, the circumferential speed of the rolls, the speed ratio, the feed mass flow into the gap and the rheological behavior of the polymer. Additionally, there are special requirements to be considered that determine the product quality, such as the thickness of the produced sheet, its uniformity and surface appearance, air inclusions and the mixing of the polymer. The calendering process itself requires limited operating windows for the variation of the process parameters in order to meet the product quality requirements. These operating windows are discussed and graphically plotted. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1642–1647, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Rotational molding of polypropylene/ultra‐low‐density ethylene‐α‐olefin copolymer blends
Authors: Wang W. Q. , Kontopoulou M.
Published: September 2004

This work investigates the performance of blends in rotational molding, by using an industrially relevant system consisting of polypropylene (PP) and an ultra‐low‐density ethylene‐α‐olefin copolymer (or polyolefin plastomer, POP). Specifically, the effect of POP content and PP type on the sintering and densification behavior, as well as the rotomolded part properties and morphology, was examined. The sinter‐melting curves of these blends exhibited bimodality, due to the wide melting point difference between the two polymers. Increasing POP content resulted in higher sintering and densification rates, as well as improved impact properties and elongation at break, counteracted by lower stiffness. Selection of a polypropylene component with lower viscosity led to better sintering and densification characteristics, due to enhanced flow properties. Better overall performance in terms of mechanical properties was obtained when polypropylene/polyethylene impact copolymers, as opposed to a PP homopolymer, were used. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1662–1669, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Spectroscopic, transport, and morphological studies of polyaniline doped with inorganic acids
Authors: Kulkarni Milind V. , Viswanath Annamraju Kasi , Marimuthu R. , Seth Tanay
Published: September 2004

A conducting polymer, polyaniline, was synthesized by chemical polymerization using different inorganic acids, such as HCl, H2SO4, HClO4, HNO3, and H3PO4, as protonic acid media. The synthesized polymers were characterized using UV‐visible and FT‐IR spectroscopy. A granular type of morphology was observed under SEM for HCl, HNO3, and H3PO4 doped polyanilines. However, HClO4 doped polyaniline shows the folded lamellar structure derived from the fibers. The thermal stability of these polymers was investigated with the help of thermogravimetric (TG/SDTA) analysis. The formation of a greater fraction of the conducting emeraldine salt phase is observed in HClO4 as a protonic acid media. The thermal stability of H3PO4 doped material is found to be better as compared with other acids. An increase in conductivity with an increase in temperature was observed in all the samples except for HClO4 doped polyaniline. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1676–1681, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Investigation of phase behavior during melt processing of novel inorganic‐organic polymer hybrid material
Authors: Guschl Peter C. , Otaigbe Joshua U. , Loong Chun‐Keung
Published: September 2004

The phase behavior of novel, binary organic‐inorganic hybrids consisting of an ultra‐low Tg tin‐based phosphate glass (Pglass) and polystyrene (PS) was investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the glass transition peaks of the PS changed slightly with Pglass volume fraction, leading to a broad peak at the phase inversion point. The phase inversion and degree of phase continuity of the hybrid were studied through solvent extraction, optical/scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic rheology. The Jordhamo and Utracki viscosity ratio models provided reliable estimates of the inversion point. Torque rheometry revealed a trend toward linear additivity within the temperature range 200°C–230°C. Small‐angle neutron scattering experiments gave further evidence of the hybrid phase incompatibility. The results of this study point to a promising new class of blend materials with the potential to present a unique combination of properties impossible to achieve with classical polymer blends. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1692–1701, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Effects of ZnO nano particles on thermal stabilization of polymers
Authors: Cho Kwang Soo , Hong Jung‐Il. , Chung Chan I.
Published: September 2004

It was reported that a nanocrystal ZnO had a thermal stabilizing effect for branched low‐density polyethylene (BLDPE). In this study, the thermal stabilizing effect of the nanocrystal ZnO was studied in more detail in comparison to a conventional, micron‐size ZnO using several polymers and a common antioxidant. The experimental results in this investigation suggest that the nanocrystal ZnO particles have different surface properties from micron‐size particles because of their extremely small size, and the particular surface properties are responsible for the thermal stabilizing effect. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1702–1706, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Influence of ionomeric compatibilizers on the morphology and properties of amorphous polyester/polyamide blends
Authors: Gemeinhardt Gregory C. , Moore Ashley A. , Moore Robert B.
Published: September 2004

The utilization of sulfonated polyester ionomers as minor‐component compatibilizers in blends of an amorphous polyester and polyamide was investigated. The blends were prepared using twin‐screw extrusion and compared to solution blends to investigate the effect of elevated temperatures and shear mixing on blend miscibility and/or phase behavior. The phase domain sizes of the solution blends with respect to ionomer content were studied using small angle light scattering (SALS) and phase contrast optical microscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties of the extruded blends were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile testing while the morphology was investigated using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The interactions between the sulfonate group of the ionomer and the polyamide were characterized using FT‐IR spectroscopy. Binary blends of the amorphous polyester and polyamide were immiscible with poor mechanical properties, while blends containing the polyester ionomer as a minor‐component compatibilizer showed a significant reduction in the dispersed domain sizes and enhanced ultimate mechanical properties. The compatibilization mechanism is attributed to specific interactions between the sulfonate groups on the polyester ionomer and the amide groups of the polyamide. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1721–1731, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Scratch deformation characteristics of micrometric wollastonite‐reinforced ethylene‐propylene copolymer composites
Authors: Dasari A. , Misra R. D. K. , Rohrmann J.
Published: September 2004

The scratch deformation behavior of neat and wollastonite‐containing ethylene‐propylene copolymer composites has been studied by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy techniques. The study indicates that the severity of plastic deformation during scratch testing in reinforced ethylene‐propylene copolymers is a function of debonding/detachment of wollastonite mineral particles from the ethylene‐propylene matrix. The resistance to scratch deformation was evaluated in terms of scratch hardness, scratch depth, average scratch roughness, and change in gray level before and subsequent to scratching. The data suggests that resistance to scratch deformation follows the sequence: coated + coupled wollastonite‐containing EP copolymer > fine wollastonite‐containing EP copolymer > coated wollastonite‐containing EP copolymer > coarse wollastonite‐containing EP copolymer > neat EP copolymer. EP copolymer containing coated wollastonite and coupling agent is characterized by highest scratch hardness and minimum scratch depth and scratch roughness. The visibility of scratch, quantified in terms of gray level, suggests that coated + coupled wollastonite‐containing copolymer exhibits significantly reduced susceptibility to stress whitening, and is characterized by a lower gray level in the scratch‐deformed regions. In the present case of wollastonite‐containing copolymer composites, the resistance to scratch deformation follows a trend similar to that of gray level or scratch visibility. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1738–1748, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Relating the molecular structure and crystallization behavior of polypropylene
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Yin Li , Yang Xiaoniu , Zhou Enle
Published: September 2004

The crystallization behavior of two polypropylene (PP) resins as used for biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and general injection mold applications, respectively, has been intensively investigated and compared by means of polarized light optical micrography (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It is found that both molecular weight distribution and isotacticity of polypropylene strongly affect its crystallization characteristics, e.g., the number of crystal nuclei at the initial stage, crystallization dynamics, the morphology, size and perfection of crystals in the final product, and so on. The results indicate an appropriate molecular structure is vital in producing high‐quality BOPP film. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1749–1754, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Electrically conductive thermoplastic blends for injection and compression molding of bipolar plates in the fuel cell application
Authors: Mighri Frej , Huneault Michel A. , Champagne Michel F.
Published: September 2004

This study aimed at developing highly conductive, lightweight, and low‐cost bipolar plates for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Injection and compression molding of carbon‐filled polypropylene, PP, and polyphenylene sulfide, PPS, were used to fabricate the bipolar plates. Loadings up to 60 wt% in the form of graphite, conductive carbon black, and carbon fibers were investigated. The developed compositions have a combination of properties and processability suitable for fuel cell bipolar plate manufacturing, such as good chemical resistance, sufficient fluidity, and good electrical and thermal conductivity. Two bipolar plate designs were successfully fabricated by molding the gas flow channels over aluminum plates to form a metallic/polymer composite plate or simply by direct injection molding of the conductive polymer composite. For the first design, overall plate volume resistivities of 0.2 and 0.1 Ohm‐cm were respectively attained using PP and PPS based blends as the conductive overmolded layer. A lower volume resistivity of around 0.06 Ohm‐cm was attained for the second design with injection molded plates made of the PPS‐based blend. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1755–1765, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Exfoliation and dispersion enhancement in polypropylene nanocomposites by in‐situ melt phase ultrasonication
Authors: Lee E. C. , Mielewski D. F. , Baird R. J.
Published: September 2004

A novel process using ultrasonics to enhance the exfoliation and dispersion of clay platelets in polypropylene‐based nanocomposites has been proposed and investigated. The materials studied were isotactic polypropylene of various molecular weights reinforced with organophilic montmorillonite clay (nanoclay) at 4–6 wt% loadings. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and rheological measurements, on a model system of nanoclay in mineral oil, were first used to determine ultrasonic energy requirements. The effectiveness of the proposed ultrasonic processing technique on polypropylene nanocomposites was evaluated by XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of added maleic anhydride–grafted polypropylene compatibilizer, polypropylene molecular weight, and pretreatment of the nanoclays on the nanocomposite exfoliation were also investigated. Results indicate that ultrasonic processing of polymer nanocomposites in the melt state is an effective method for improving exfoliation and dispersion of nanoclays. Issues regarding molecular weight degradation, optimization, mechanical properties, and continuous processing are beyond the scope of the present study and are currently being investigated in our laboratory. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1773–1782, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Thermal and X‐ray powder diffraction studies of aliphatic polyester dendrimers
Authors: Ropponen Jarmo , Tuuttila Tero , Lahtinen Manu , Nummelin Sami , Rissanen Kari
Published: September 2004

The syntheses and thermal and X‐ray powder diffraction analyses of three sets of aliphatic polyester dendrimers based on 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid as a repeating unit and 2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐propanediol, 1,5‐pentanediol, and 1,1,1‐tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane as core molecules are reported. These dendritic polyesters were prepared in high yields with the divergent method. The thermal properties of these biodendrimers were evaluated with thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal decomposition of the compounds occurred around 250 °C for the hydroxyl‐ended dendrimers and around 150 °C for the acetonide‐protected dendrimers. In addition, the crystallinity of the lower generation dendrimers was evaluated with X‐ray powder diffraction. The highest crystallinity and the highest melting points were observed for the first‐generation dendritic compounds. The higher generation dendrimers showed weaker melting transitions during the first heating scan. Only the glass‐transition temperatures were observed in subsequent heating scans. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5574–5586, 2004
Adolescent voting for right‐wing extremist parties and readiness to use violence in political action: parent and peer contexts
Authors: Kuhn Hans Peter
Published: September 2004

Almost all shapes of adolescent risky and deviant behaviour take place in the context of peer‐relations. The present study examined the role of parents and peer‐relations with respect to two indicators of deviant political development. In the fall 1998, directly after the German parliamentary elections, 1309 East German adolescents were asked about their voting for a right‐wing extremist party and their readiness to use violence in political action. Friend′s voting was a strong predictor of individual voting for a right‐wing extremist party, particularly when the friend was the best friend with a reciprocal nomination, and when the friends frequently communicated about political themes. In addition, voting behaviour and willingness to use violence were associated with membership in peer groups who met frequently. Finally, the violence‐disposed adolescents spent more of their spare time with peers and less with their parents. Similarities of our results with the findings of research on deviant behaviour in non‐political areas support the idea that deviant political behaviour could be an expression of a problematic life situation.
Significant difference in knowledge between English and Danish psychiatrists
Authors: Hansen Lars , McDonald John W.
Published: September 2004

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate if differences in levels of knowledge existed between Danish and English training and specialist psychiatrists. This is important in the context of the free (and growing) movement of the medical workforce across European Union (EU) countries’ borders.

Methods

A complete balanced two-way factorial study design was used. Ten training and ten specialist psychiatrists were recruited in each country from reputable, university hospitals. They answered 50 multiple choice questions (MCQs), translated into the appropriate language, consisting of four subcategories of questions: psychology (15 MCQs), psychopharmacology (10 MCQs), neuroscience (five MCQs) and psychopathology (20 MCQs). No memory or other types of aids were allowed at the knowledge test. A two-way analysis of variance was used to analyse the total knowledge score (number of correct answers) and the component subscores. Levene’s test of equality of error variances was used to test for variance homogeneity.

Results

There were significant differences in total knowledge and psychology knowledge by country and level of training. UK doctors scored 3.10 points higher than Danish doctors, with 95% confidence interval (0.97, 5.23). The knowledge of the specialists was also significantly superior to that of the training psychiatrists, with 2.30 higher score, 95% confidence interval (0.17, 4.43). In the sub-categories only the scores in the psychology section were significantly different. UK doctors scored 2.30 higher than Danish doctors, with 95% confidence interval (1.15, 3.45). Specialists scored 1.20 higher than non-specialists with 95% confidence interval (0.05, 2.35).

Conclusions

The results indicate that there is a significant difference in level of knowledge between psychiatrists in these two EU-countries, England and Denmark. This difference seemed to be chiefly the result of different knowledge of psychology. The disparity could be a result of the fundamentally different post-graduate training system in psychiatry in the two countries. Surprisingly, the differences in total knowledge and psychology knowledge between countries were larger than the differences between levels of training. The difference in knowledge is worrying taking into consideration that there is free movement of the workforce, including doctors, across the EU. The results here need further confirmation in future studies with greater numbers, more countries involved and perhaps additional measurements to MCQs.
Validity of the CAGE questionnaire in hospital
Authors: Malet Laurent , Schwan Raymund , Boussiron Didier , Aublet-Cuvelier Bruno , Llorca Pierre-Michel
Published: September 2004

Objective

The CAGE questionnaire is considered a useful screening and case-finding tool for alcohol use disorders in clinical populations. Our objectives were to validate the French version of the CAGE against DSM-IV criteria and to assess performance of each item of the scale.

Method

Data were extracted from a hospital morbidity study conducted in central France. It concerned 5452 patients—48.5% men—in short and medium-stay units. Patients answered the CAGE questionnaire as a past-year assessment. The alcohol use disorders were diagnosed by the physicians using DSM-IV alcohol abuse or dependency criteria.

Results

The CAGE questionnaire for a cut-off of 2 had a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 94%. The CAGE test was more sensitive for patients diagnosed as alcohol-dependent than for alcohol abusers (61% vs. 84%) with the same specificity (94%). These values are close to those for the English-language CAGE. The first three items (CAG) were very similar, with sensitivity 70% and specificity 94%. The eye-opening question (E) differentiated sharply between abuse and dependency, with sensitivities of 18% and 46%, respectively. A questionnaire comprising only the CAG questions of the CAGE had properties similar to the full questionnaire.

Conclusion

CAGE is a good screening tool for alcohol abuse or alcohol dependency. Given the frequent—and insufficiently diagnosed—alcohol problems among inpatients, CAGE is indicated as a first-line tool for screening for the most severe alcohol use disorders in hospital. It should ideally be used systematically. A positive reply to any of the first three items should alert the clinician and prompt further investigation.
Involuntarily and voluntarily admitted patients’ experiences of psychiatric admission and treatment—a comparison before and after changed legislation in Sweden
Authors: Wallsten Tuula , Kjellin Lars
Published: September 2004

Objective

– The Swedish Compulsory Mental Care Act (LPT) of 1992 emphasises the participation of patients and relatives in the treatment of the patients. The purpose of this study was to compare patients' experiences under the LPT with patients' experiences under the previous law.

Method.

– Samples of 44 committed patients and 40 voluntarily admitted patients in 1991 and 49 committed and 49 voluntarily admitted patients in 1997/98 were interviewed at admission and at discharge, or after 3 weeks of care.

Results.

– There were similar proportions of committed and voluntarily admitted patients, respectively, in 1991 and 1997/98 who reported participation in treatment planning and participation of relatives and who reported deprivation of liberty, but more committed patients in 1997/98 reported coercive measures.

Conclusion.

– There were few differences of the patient's experiences between the study occasions. The fundamental aims of the legislation have not been fulfilled.
Structure prediction, evolution and ligand interaction of CHASE domain
Authors: Pas Jakub , von Grotthuss Marcin , Wyrwicz Lucjan S. , Rychlewski Leszek , Barciszewski Jan
Published: September 2004

Cytokinins are plant hormones involved in the essential processes of plant growth and development. They bind with receptors known as CRE1/WOL/AHK4, AHK2, and AHK3, which possess histidine kinase activity. Recently, the sensor domain cyclases/histidine kinases associated sensory extracellular (CHASE) was identified in those proteins but little is known about its structure and interaction with ligands. Distant homology detection methods developed in our laboratory and molecular phylogeny enabled the prediction of the structure of the CHASE domain as similar to the photoactive yellow protein‐like sensor domain. We have identified the active site pocket and amino acids that are involved in receptor–ligand interactions. We also show that fold evolution of cytokinin receptors is very important for a full understanding of the signal transduction mechanism in plants.
Conformational stability of amyloid fibrils of β2‐microglobulin probed by guanidine‐hydrochloride‐induced unfolding
Authors: Narimoto Takehiro , Sakurai Kazumasa , Okamoto Azusa , Chatani Eri , Hoshino Masaru , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Naiki Hironobu , Goto Yuji
Published: September 2004

Although the stability of globular proteins has been studied extensively, that of amyloid fibrils is scarcely characterized. β2‐microglobulin (β2‐m) is a major component of the amyloid fibrils observed in patients with dialysis‐related amyloidosis. We studied the effects of guanidine hydrochloride on the amyloid fibrils of β2‐m, revealing a cooperative unfolding transition similar to that of the native state. The stability of amyloid fibrils increased on the addition of ammonium sulfate, consistent with a role of hydrophobic interactions. The results indicate that the analysis of unfolding transition is useful to obtain insight into the structural stability of amyloid fibrils.
GalNAc pretreatment inhibits trapping of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac on the peritrophic membrane of Bombyx mori
Authors: Hayakawa Tohru , Shitomi Yasuyuki , Miyamoto Kazuhisa , Hori Hidetaka
Published: September 2004

Bombyx mori (Shunrei × Shogetsu) is sensitive to Cry1Aa and resistant to Cry1Ac, both insecticidal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis. Cry1Aa passed through the peritrophic membrane (PM) much faster (0.37 μg/mm2 PM/h) than Cry1Ac (0.05 μg/mm2 PM/h) during the initial observation period. Both Cry1Aa and Cry1Ac bound to the PM but only the binding of Cry1Ac was specifically inhibited by N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). When Cry1Ac was pretreated with GalNAc, Cry1Ac permeated the PM much faster. These results suggested that Cry1Ac bound a PM protein via GalNAc on a sugar side chain. The role of the PM on Cry1Ac resistance of B. mori was briefly discussed.
Thyroid hormone potentiates glucocorticoid‐evoked airway Na+ transport without affecting α‐ENaC transcription
Authors: Richard K. , Ramminger S.J. , Forsyth L. , Burchell A. , Wilson S.M.
Published: September 2004

Glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones (T3) are important for the development of the lungs' Na+ absorbing phenotype, which is essential for the integrated functioning of the respiratory tract. Electrometric studies of H441 airway epithelial cells confirmed that dexamethasone increases apical Na+ conductance (G
Na) and demonstrated that T3 facilitates this control over G
Na. Assays of transcriptional activity showed that dexamethasone caused concentration‐dependent activation of the human α‐ENaC promoter (EC50∼5 nM) but, despite its clear effect on G
Na, T3 had no effect upon the transcriptional response to dexamethasone. The facilitation of Na+ transport may thus reflect control over events downstream to transcription.
A novel method of analyzing proline synonymous codons in E. coli
Authors: Wang Ming-Lei , Song Jiang-Ning , Xu Wen-Bo , Li Wei-Jiang
Published: September 2004

Proline is a special imino acid in protein and the isomerization of the prolyl peptide bond has notable biological significance and influences the final structure of protein greatly, so the correlation between proline synonymous codon usage and local amino acid, the correlation between proline synonymous codon usage and the isomerization of the prolyl peptide bond were both investigated in the Escherichia coli genome by using a novel method based on information theory. The results show that in peptide chain, the residue at the first position C‐terminal influences the usage of proline synonymous codon greatly and proline synonymous codons contain some factors influencing the isomerization of the prolyl peptide bond.
Reduced amino acid alphabet is sufficient to accurately recognize intrinsically disordered protein
Authors: Weathers Edward A. , Paulaitis Michael E. , Woolf Thomas B. , Hoh Jan H.
Published: September 2004

Intrinsically disordered proteins are an important class of proteins with unique functions and properties. Here, we have applied a support vector machine (SVM) trained on naturally occurring disordered and ordered proteins to examine the contribution of various parameters (vectors) to recognizing proteins that contain disordered regions. We find that a SVM that incorporates only amino acid composition has a recognition accuracy of 87 ± 2%. This result suggests that composition alone is sufficient to accurately recognize disorder. Interestingly, SVMs using reduced sets of amino acids based on chemical similarity preserve high recognition accuracy. A set as small as four retains an accuracy of 84 ± 2%; this suggests that general physicochemical properties rather than specific amino acids are important factors contributing to protein disorder.
Toward an integrative approach to designing service experiences
Authors: Stuart F. Ian , Tax Stephen
Published: September 2004

A critical element in designing a new service and ultimately achieving customer delight and loyalty, particularly for competitive services where the customer–service provider interface is high, deals with the delivery of memorable personal experience. Since many such services rely on attributes of theatre‐like performance, this research examines the process by which theatre plays are chosen, designed and developed with the objective of better understanding how performance excellence is realized. Theatre plays were chosen as a basis for study because of their long history of mastering the critical elements of performance staging and the reputation for opening on time at near peak performance levels. Using a case‐based, qualitative research approach, the theatre play process is described, implications are extracted and a corresponding management process model is presented. Research and management implications for new service design and service delivery excellence are suggested.
Celebrating the Future – Adelaide Style
Authors: McWilliam Claire
Published: September 2004

Claire McWilliam reports on her trip down under to attend the Asia Pacific Special Health and Law Librarians' Conference.
Law Librarians' Ethics in Perspective: a review of a discussion at the 2004 Joint Study Institute
Authors: Gordon-Till Jonathan
Published: September 2004

The final morning of any conference is generally regarded as intellectually as well as physically challenging. This year's JSI was no exception, particularly for those from the northern hemisphere. Blue sky, a gentle Pacific breeze, a beautiful college set among verdant halcyon gardens, the morning after a summer barbecue, a day among the spectacular Blue Mountains beckoning, one would have expected only the hardiest of law librarians to brave an 8:30 am session on ethics!
IT in the Law
Authors: Tomlinson Jo , Mitchell Irwin
Published: September 2004

OneSource Information Services has recently launched their Synergy Solution anti-money laundering service. The service addresses the additional requirements raised by the Money Laundering Regulations and Proceeds of Crime Act, which demand that advisors and financial institutions have sufficient processes in place to identify likely money laundering activities. The service lets the user simply type in a name, the complete set of OneSource's data warehouses are searched, and the result is a report complete with an audit trail (for compliance purposes). www.onesource.com.
Successful long‐term treatment of hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase I deficiency and a novel mutation
Authors: Stoler J. M. , Sabry M. A. , Hanley C. , Hoppel C. L. , Shih V. E.
Published: September 2004

Summary: Individuals with carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT‐I) deficiency cannot metabolize long‐chain fatty acids and can develop life‐threatening hypoglycaemia. We present a boy with CPT‐I deficiency maintained on a very low‐fat diet with nighttime uncooked cornstarch feedings for 5 1/2 years with good success. He has had normal growth and no episodes of hypoglycaemia or adverse side‐effects. We found that he was homozygous for a previously undescribed mutation, T314I, in the CPT1A protein.
Congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) type Ie. A new patient
Authors: García‐Silva M. T. , Matthijs G. , Schollen E. , Cabrera J. C. , del Pozo J. Sanchez , Herreros M. Martí , Simón R. , Maties M. , Hernández E. Martín , Hennet T. , Briones P.
Published: September 2004

Summary: CDG Ie is caused by a deficiency of dolichol‐phosphate‐mannose synthase 1 (DPM1), an enzyme involved in N‐glycan assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum. Three proteins are known to be part of the synthase complex: DPM1, DPM2 and DPM3. Only mutations in DPM1, the catalytic subunit, have been described in three families. One was homozygous for the c274C>;G (R92G) mutation in DPM1 and two others were compound heterozygous for R92G and a c628delC deletion or a c331–343del13, respectively. Clinical features were a severe infantile encephalopathy, early intractable seizures, acquired microcephaly, and some dysmorphic features. We report a patient with milder symptoms: microcephaly, dysmorphic features, developmental delay, optic atrophy, and cerebellar dysfunction without cerebellar atrophy. The patient is homozygous for a new mutation in exon 9 of the DPM1 gene (c742T>;C (S248P)). Our findings extend the spectrum of CDG Ie.
Neuropsychological outcome of subjects participating in the PKU Adult Collaborative Study: A preliminary review
Authors: Brumm V. L. , Azen C. , Moats R. A. , Stern A. M. , Broomand C. , Nelson M. D. , Koch R.
Published: September 2004

Summary: Adult subjects with classical phenylketonuria (PKU) who were diagnosed and treated neonatally participated in this long‐term follow‐up study. Twenty‐four subjects received neuropsychological (NP) assessment and a subset received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to identify: (1) pattern of cognitive dysfunction; (2) effect of high blood phenylalanine (Phe) level at time of cognitive testing; and (3) treatment variables that may be associated with cognitive difficulties in adulthood. All subjects had average IQ except one subject in the borderline range. Diet was initiated by the 15th day of life. All subjects except one were on diet until age 6 years (mean years of treatment = 15). Blood Phe levels at cognitive testing ranged from 157 to 1713 µmol/L (mean = 1038); 11 subjects had levels >1000 µmol/L and 13 subjects had levels >;1000 µmol/L. Results suggest that adults with early‐treated PKU demonstrate specific cognitive deficits, a number of which are associated with the frontal and temporal area of the brain. Deficits were noted in several domains including executive functioning, attention, verbal memory, expressive naming and verbal fluency. Self‐report measures of depression and anxiety were generally in the normal/mild range. The group with a Phe level >;1000 µmol/L scored lower than the group with Phe level <1000 µmol/L on measures of focused attention, verbal fluency, reaction time, verbal recognition memory, visual memory and naming. Tests of cognitive functioning were often correlated with measures of treatment during childhood rather than with Phe level at the time of cognitive testing. Subjects with abnormal MRI scored significantly lower on two cognitive tests (Trails A and CVLT Recognition Memory). We found no significant correlation between current brain Phe level obtained through MRS (n = 10) and neuropsychological functioning. Future longitudinal investigation with a larger sample size will assist in clarifying the aetiology of neuropsychological deficits and association with treatment history.
A simple and rapid enzymatic assay for the branched‐chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase complex using high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Tajima G. , Yofune H. , Bahagia Febriani A. D. , Nishimura Y. , Ono H. , Sakura N.
Published: September 2004

Summary: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by a congenital defect of the branched‐chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase complex (BCKADC), and is one of the target disorders in newborn screening. However, it is not always easy to confirm the diagnosis; conventional methods of enzyme assay require cell culture, isolation of mitochondria, or radioisotope‐labelled reagents, and disease‐causing mutations can exist in any of the genes encoding the three enzyme subunits. To realize a practical test for diagnostic confirmation, we developed a simple and rapid enzymatic assay for BCKADC. In this procedure, the production of isovaleryl‐CoA from 2‐ketoisocaproic acid was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Detection of the BCKADC product was significantly reproducible depending on concentration of the substrates. We applied the assay to two patients with MSUD and demonstrated pathologically low levels of residual activity in both subjects. These results indicate that our method is a practical and sensitive assay for BCKADC, and that it can be a useful adjunct in newborn screening for MSUD.
Noncirrhotic portal hypertension in association with juvenile nephropathic cystinosis: Case presentation and review of the literature
Authors: DiDomenico P. , Berry G. , Bass D. , Fridge J. , Sarwal M.
Published: September 2004

Summary: We report a case of portal hypertension and oesophageal varices arising in an 18‐year‐old female renal transplant recipient with juvenile nephropathic cystinosis diagnosed at 6 years of age. The patient had a history of poor compliance with her prescribed cysteamine therapy. Routine examination revealed normal liver function without hepatomegaly but asymptomatic splenomegaly. An abdominal ultrasound suggested mild oesophageal varices, confirmed later on endoscopy. A liver biopsy revealed an abundance of cystine crystals within the hepatic Kupffer cells, with preserved hepatic architecture. Although the pathophysiology of this rare complication is unclear, in the absence of other aetiologies the likely cause is the patient's poorly controlled cystinosis. As cystinotic patients live longer with improved renal transplant management and cysteamine therapy, it is of interest to characterize the long‐term course of the illness after renal transplantation. An understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic dysfunction will be required to manage this potential late complication of the disease.