bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of heat‐exchanger network by simulated annealing and NLP procedures
Authors: Athier G. , Floquet P. , Pibouleau L. , Domenech S.
Published: June 2004

A two‐level procedure for heat‐exchanger network synthesis problems, which is related to structural optimization, is carried out by a simulated‐annealing procedure. The main control parameters, that is, the initial annealing temperature, the temperature length, and the temperature‐decreasing scheme, are extensively studied on the well‐known 10SP1 problem, and their values are used for solving a 5SP1 problem with forbidden matches and a larger scale problem, the 20SP1. In all cases, the structural search is initialized with the network involving only utilities. For each generated network, the operating conditions (temperatures and split rates) are optimized by an NLP procedure to minimize the sum of investment and operating costs. Particular attention is given to the size reduction of the NLP problem. The proposed procedure leads to a reduction by a factor of 3 of the problem size in terms of number of variables and constraints. This slave problem is solved by an SQP procedure from the IMSL Library.
Multiscale integration hybrid algorithms for homogeneous–heterogeneous reactors
Authors: Vlachos D. G.
Published: June 2004

Despite many available models at different reactor length scales, no models exist for designing homogeneous–heterogeneous reactors from first principles by linking molecular with macroscopic scales. Hybrid algorithms, based on a domain decomposition method, are proposed to couple a continuum fluid‐phase transport/reaction model with a new efficient, real‐time surface Monte Carlo model suitable for stiff problems. These algorithms properly treat surface heterogeneities and morphology and provide the exact boundary condition to the continuum fluid‐phase model. In this way, molecular‐scale information is integrated into a macroscopic chemical system. The methods are applied at atmospheric pressure to a stagnant boundary layer near a catalytic surface where heterogeneities are caused by adsorbate–adsorbate interactions. Both steady‐state and transient simulations are performed. Such numerical methods have the potential for microscopic control of chemical processes through macroscopic control of experimental parameters. Applications to homogeneous–heterogeneous processes such as catalytic reactors, control of morphology of solid materials with atomic resolution, and corrosion processes are also discussed.
Gel shrinking resulting from uneven distribution of ionic micelles between the inside and the outside of the polymer gel network
Authors: El Sayed A. Mounir , Kawasaki H. , Maeda H.
Published: June 2004

The volume change of crosslinked nonionic poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) (NIPA) polymer gel immersed in tetradecyldimethylaminoxide (C14DMAO) surfactant solutions at 0.1M NaCl, were investigated to distinguish between binding and nonbinding polymer gel/C14DMAO surfactants. Also, the aggregation behavior of C14DMAO surfactants the inside and the outside the polymer hydrogels has been studied through solubilization of Sudan III dye. For the C14DMAO surfactants at the degrees of ionization (α) of 0.5 and 1, they bind to the NIPA gel at low surfactant concentration (CD) that enhance the gel swelling due mainly to the osmotic pressure contribution from the counter ions (regime I, CD<10mM). However, the deswelling behavior was observed as the surfactant concentration increases above 10 mM (regime II). The solubilization experiments indicated that the surfactant concentration inside the gel is lower than that outside the gel in the regime II, which may be due to the large micelle size that cannot accommodate the mesh size of the gel. It was suggested that the uneven distribution of the ionic micelles leads to the reduction of the net swelling osmotic pressure of the gel (i.e., the decrease of the gel volume). In the case of the nonionic C14DMAO at α = 0, on the other hand, the deswelling behavior was not clearly observed and the surfactant concentration inside the gel and outside the gel was almost identical even at 30 mM. For the nonionic surfactant, it was also found that the gel volume increases with the surfactant concentration at low surfactant concentration less than 1mM. This may be attribute to the dipole‐dipole repulsion of N‐O headgroups. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2001–2006, 2004
Kinetic study of radical polymerization. III. Solution polymerization of acrylamide by 1H‐NMR
Authors: Mahdavian Ali‐Reza , Abdollahi Mahdi , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza
Published: June 2004

Solution and radical polymerization of acrylamide in the presence of potassium persulfate in D2O was investigated up to high conversion by high‐field 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The kinetics of reaction was studied according to the data obtained from the corresponding spectra at various times during the polymerization reaction progress. Processing of the data led us to derive the rate equation of this polymerization reaction and determine the reaction order of each component in the rate equation. The order, with respect to initiator, was consistent with the classical kinetic rate equation (0.45), whereas the order with respect to monomer was greater than unity (1.49). The effect of temperature on the polymerization rate was also investigated and the activation energy of 48.4 kJ mol−1 was obtained over the temperature range of 60–75°C. Also some mechanistic studies were discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2007–2013, 2004
Surface modification of polyethylene by plasma pretreatment and UV‐induced graft polymerization for improvement of antithrombogenicity
Authors: Chen Yashao , Liu Peng
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study was to enhance blood compatibility of polyethylene (PE) films. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was grafted onto the surface of PE by Ar plasma pretreatment and UV‐induced graft polymerization without photo‐initiator, then heparin was immobilized onto the poly (glycidyl methacrylate) segments. The surface compositions and microstructure of GMA graft polymerized PE films were studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transfer Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. It was confirmed that heparin was successfully immobilized onto the surface of PE films by XPS analysis. The antithrombogenicity of the samples was determined by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and plasma recalcification time (PRT) tests and platelet adhesion experiment. Results indicated that the antithrombogenicity of modified PE was improved remarkably. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2014–2018, 2004
Peak‐fitting analysis of cotton fiber powder X‐ray diffraction spectra
Authors: Chen Runying , Jakes Kathryn A. , Foreman Dennis W.
Published: June 2004

The precision and accuracy of diffraction peak positions resolved from the powder X‐ray diffraction spectra of cotton fibers by means of the residuals peak‐fitting procedure of a commercial peak‐fitting software package (PeakFit®) was investigated to explore the potential of such programs in providing reliable data that are not readily apparent in diffuse X‐ray spectra. Each intensity spectrum was fitted by employing a Gaussian function as the peak profile. The precision of 15 pairs of the resolved diffraction peaks is 0.0017 mm; 9 of the 15 pairs fall into the 99% confidence interval. The precision in 2θ of four commonly identified peaks through four independent fittings is from 0.002 to 0.014°. The 2θ accuracy of the resolved peaks is good in comparison to data calculated for both the traditionally accepted and the more recently revised concepts of the cellulose I crystal structure. A peak resolved at about 15.3° may be attributed to the triclinic crystal structure component of cellulose I. Although distinct peaks are not readily apparent in the diffuse spectrum of cellulose, peak‐fitting procedures may provide additional data for structure determination. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2019–2024, 2004
Crystal structures of collagen model peptides with Pro‐Hyp‐Gly repeating sequence at 1.26 Å resolution: Implications for proline ring puckering
Authors: Okuyama Kenji , Hongo Chizuru , Fukushima Rie , Wu Guanghan , Narita Hirotaka , Noguchi Keiichi , Tanaka Yuji , Nishino Norikazu
Published: June 2004

Triple‐helical structures of (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)n (n = 10, 11) at 100 K and room temperature (RT) were analyzed at 1.26 Å resolution by using synchrotron radiation data. Totals of 49 and 42 water molecules per seven triplets in an asymmetric unit were found for the structures at 100 K and RT, respectively. These water molecules were classified into two groups, those in the first and second hydration shells. Although there was no significant difference between water molecules in the first shell at 100 K and those at RT, a significant difference between those in the second shell was observed. That is, the number of water molecules at RT decreased to one half and the average distance from peptide chains at RT became longer by about 0.3 Å. On the other hand, of seven triplets in an asymmetric unit, three proline residues at the X position at 100 K clearly showed an up‐puckering conformation, as opposed to the recent propensity‐based hypothesis for the stabilization and destabilization of triple‐helical structures by proline hydroxylation. This puckering was attributed to the interaction between proline rings and the surrounding water molecules at 100 K, which is much weaker at RT, as shown by longer average distance from peptide chains. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci), 2004
Clopidogrel‐associated autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Best Patricia J.M. , Mathew Verghese , Markovic Svetomir N.
Published: June 2004

We report the case of a 51‐year‐old male who underwent coronary stent placement for the treatment of an acute myocardial infarction. One week later, he developed symptomatic autoimmune thrombocytopenia likely related to clopidogrel use. This was successfully treated with intravenous methylprednisilone and platelet transfusions. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:339–340. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Favorable effect of γ‐radiation for in‐stent restenosis: Effect of diabetes on angiographic and clinical outcomes
Authors: Iakovou Ioannis , Mehran Roxana , Dangas George , Lansky Alexandra J. , Stone Gregg W. , Mintz Gary S. , Aymong Eve , Ashby Dale T. , Pichard Augusto D. , Satler Lowell F. , Kent Kenneth , Leon Martin B. , Waksman Ron
Published: June 2004

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vascular brachytherapy with γ‐radiation (γ‐RT) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with coronary in‐stent restenosis (ISR). In the Washington Radiation for In‐Stent Restenosis (WRIST) trial, 130 patients with ISR were treated with 192Ir or placebo. Of the patients enrolled, 44 (34%) had DM (18 of them treated with γ‐RT and 26 with placebo). γ‐radiation therapy of ISR in diabetics resulted in similar procedural success and in‐hospital outcome compared to nondiabetics. At 6‐month follow‐up, both DM and non‐DM patients treated with γ‐RT had significantly lower target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization, and major adverse cardiac event rates compared to placebo. DM remains a powerful predictor of TLR and major adverse cardiac events even after treatment of ISR with γ‐RT. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:303–307. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New echocardiographic diameter for Amplatzer sizing in adult patients with secundum atrial septal defect: Preliminary results
Authors: Carcagnì Addolorata , Presbitero Patrizia
Published: June 2004

Anatomical atrial septal defect (ASD) diameter measured by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) underestimates the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) size for ASD closure. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a new echocardiographic diameter (procedural ASD diameter) may enable precise measurements of ASO device size. Fifty adult patients with secundum ASD were evaluated by TEE for percutaneous closure. The procedural ASD diameter was measured using the steadier rim borders where thickness was 2.5 mm. Out of the 50 patients, 12 were considered unsuitable for Amplatzer device closure. The other 38 patients underwent percutaneous closure. The mean anatomical ASD diameter was 14.8 ± 7.0 mm, the mean procedural ASD diameter measured 19.5 ± 8.1 mm, and the mean stretched balloon diameter (SBD) was 20.0 ± 8.0 mm. ASO device size was 20.1 ± 8.0 mm. At linear regression analysis, a high correlation (r = 0.99) was found between procedural ASD diameter and SBD. Procedural ASD diameter correlates with SBD and may allow reliable prediction of Amplatzer device in an adult population undergoing percutaneous ASD closure. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:409–414. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rescue angioplasty after failed intra‐arterial thrombolysis in acute middle cerebral artery stroke: A case report
Authors: Agarwal Pinky , Borden Neil , Tan Walter A. , Sen Souvik
Published: June 2004

Intra‐arterial thrombolysis is increasingly being used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with a failure rate of recanalization as high as 66%. We describe a case of acute ischemic stroke secondary to occlusion of the middle cerebral artery that failed intra‐arterial thrombolytic therapy but responded to rescue balloon angioplasty. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:396–400. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Deep vein thrombosis in the arm following transradial cardiac catheterization: An unusual complication related to hemostatic technique
Authors: Hall Ian R. , Lo Ted S.N. , Nolan James
Published: June 2004

Transradial cardiac catheterization is an increasingly popular technique mainly because of the low vascular complication rate. We report a case of arm deep vein thrombosis that may be related to a common puncture site hemostasis technique. This complication supports the use of specific unilateral compression hemostatic systems following transradial procedures. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:346–348. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous treatment of left main coronary stenosis as a late complication of bentall operation for acute aortic dissection
Authors: Balbi Manrico , Olivotti Luca , Scarano Flavio , Bertero Giovanni , Passerone Giancarlo , Brunelli Claudio , Barsotti Antonio
Published: June 2004

Severe ostial left main coronary stenosis developed 35 days after successful Bentall‐type operation for acute aortic dissection. Treatment of this kind of complication is usually performed with open chest coronary artery bypass grafting. In our case, treatment with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stenting of the lesion immediately after diagnostic coronary angiography was performed successfully, with persisting good results at 9‐month clinical follow‐up. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;62:343–345. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
γ δ T cells inhibit in vitro growth of the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum by a granule exocytosis‐dependent cytotoxic pathway that requires granulysin
Authors: Farouk Salah E. , Mincheva‐Nilsson Lucia , Krensky Alan M. , Dieli Francesco , Troye‐Blomberg Marita
Published: June 2004

Several reports have stated the ability of γ δ T cells to inhibit the growth of the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. However, little information is available about the mechanisms involved. In this study, in vitro systems were used to study the role of the granule exocytosis‐dependent cytotoxic pathway in the growth inhibition/killing of P. falciparum by human γ δ T cells. Our results show that the inhibition requires cell‐to‐cell contact and that γ δ T cells kill the asexual blood stages of P. falciparum through a granule exocytosis‐dependent cytotoxic pathway after recognition of certain ligands or molecules expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes or merozoites. The in vitro inhibitory capacity of γ δ T cells was strongly correlated with the expression of granulysin in the cytotoxic granules, while non‐inhibitory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressed very little, implicating a role for granulysin in parasite inhibition. This was further suggested by the addition of neutralizing anti‐granulysin antibodies, which abrogated the parasite inhibitory capacity of the γ δ T cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the capacity of γ δ T cells for inhibition/killing of P. falciparum is based on the granule exocytosis‐dependent cytotoxic pathway and that the presence of granulysin is essential to maintain efficient killing.
Electron‐Rich Organoantimony(III) Dithiolate Complexes
Authors: Avarvari Narcis , Fourmigué Marc , Canadell Enric
Published: June 2004

Electron‐rich dithiolene complexes of the antimony(III) PhSb moiety, formulated as [SbPh(dddt)] (1) (dddt: 5,6‐dihydro‐1,4‐ditthine‐2,3‐dithiolate) and [SbPh(EDT‐TTFS2)] (2) (EDT‐TTFS2: 4,5‐ethylenedithio‐tetrathiafulvalene‐4′,5′‐dithiolate), have been prepared by deprotection of the corresponding precursors and trapping of the intermediate dithiolates with PhSbCl2. Both complexes have been structurally characterized. The analysis of their single‐crystal X‐ray structures shows original supramolecular organizations governed by secondary Sb···S contacts, with distorted octahedral coordination geometries around the Sb center. Band‐structure calculations for complex 2 reveal only weak dispersion of the valence and conduction bands, with an energy gap of 1.68 eV. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Bonding, Metal‐Atom Dynamics and Hyperfine Interactions of η‐Phospholyl‐ and η‐Pentaphospholyliron Complexes
Authors: Herber Rolfe H. , Nowik Israel , Loginov Dmitry A. , Starikova Zoya A. , Kudinov Alexander R.
Published: June 2004

A number of structurally related sandwich compounds of iron, in which the central metal atom is ligated to rings containing one or five phosphorus atoms, have been investigated by temperature‐dependent 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The quadrupole hyperfine interaction at 90 K evidences a linear dependence on the number of ring phosphorus atoms, decreasing by about 0.35 mm·s−1 for each ring carbon atom replaced by P. This effect is directly related to the change in the overlap between metal atom d‐orbitals and ligand 3s,3p or 2s,2p orbitals due to an increase in the respective bond lengths. Several one‐electron oxidation products of these compounds, which are paramagnetic, have also been examined and show spin−lattice relaxation rates which are fast compared to the characteristic Mössbauer timescale of 98 ns at all temperatures above 90 K. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)
Prevalence of personality disorders in patients with eating disorders: a pilot study using the IPDE
Authors: Marañon Izaskun , Echeburúa Enrique , Grijalvo Jorge
Published: June 2004

Objective

The present study aims to determine the comorbidity of personality disorders (PD) with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, and to establish the major personality characteristics of eating disorders subtypes.

Method

Using the International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE), the study investigated the personality profiles of 66 outpatients with eating disorders. Statistical analyses were carried out using non‐parametric methods such as the Kruskal‐Wallis H test and Mann‐Whitney U.

Results

51.5% of the overall sample met criteria for at least one personality disorder. Purging anorexia nervosa patients were the most affected. The most common personality disorders were obsessive‐compulsive, avoidant, dependent, borderline and not otherwise specified.

Discussion

More than half of the subjects with AN and BN met the criteria for at least one PD. This finding is a challenge for clinical practice. Implications for further research in this area are commented on. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Eating disorders and general psychopathology: a comparison between young adult patients and normal controls with and without self‐reported eating problems
Authors: Ekeroth K. , Broberg A. G. , Nevonen L.
Published: June 2004

Aim

To investigate general psychopathology among women with DSM‐IV confirmed eating disorders (ED) and women from the general population with and without self‐reported eating disorder problems.

Method

Ninety‐six ED patients between 18 and 26 years (M = 21.59, SD = 2.01) were compared with 265 randomly chosen age‐matched controls (M = 20.99, SD = 2.01) with the Symptom Check List‐90 (SCL‐90).

Result

ED patients scored significantly higher on all subscales compared with women without self‐reported eating problems, and higher on several scales compared to women reporting previous eating problems. There were no differences between ED patients and controls with current eating problems. Women with self‐reported eating disorder problems scored significantly higher than women without such problems on all scales except for ‘phobic anxiety’.

Discussion

Increased psychopathology in both ED patients and women with self‐reported eating problems suggests that general psychopathology is related to eating disturbances per se, and not only to being a psychiatric patient. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
High‐resolution image cytometry on smears of normal oral mucosa: a possible approach for the early detection of laryngopharyngeal cancers
Authors: Neher Andreas , Öfner Günter , Appenroth Elisabeth , Gschwendtner Andreas
Published: June 2004

Background.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of identifying laryngopharyngeal cancers by nuclear chromatin texture feature analysis of cell nuclei from mucosal scrapings obtained from clinically and cytologically noncancerous areas of the soft palate in patients with cancer.

Methods.

The collective consisted of 68 controls and 77 cases of laryngopharyngeal carcinomas. After Feulgen staining, 3000 cell nuclei were automatically measured using a high‐resolution image analyser (CytoSavant Oncometrics, Vancouver, BC, Canada). Texture features were extracted for calculation of a discriminant function, which allows the two groups to be distinguished.

Results.

Two parameters allowed the two populations to be distinguished. The classifier reached an overall performance of 72.7% sensitivity, 82.4% specificity, a positive predictive value of 80.5%, a negative predictive value of 75.1%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of 0.7754.

Conclusion.

Our work shows that subtle changes in the chromatin distribution in cell nuclei from ostensibly normal cells in the vicinity of carcinomas are demonstrable in the oral cavity of patients suffering from laryngopharyngeal cancers. It may be possible to develop this method into a valuable clinical tool to reduce the high rate of delayed diagnosis of oral and laryngopharyngeal cancers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26: 694–700, 2004
Tumor apoptosis induced by ruthenium(II)‐ketoconazole is enhanced in nonsusceptible carcinoma by monoclonal antibody to EGF receptor
Authors: Strasberg Rieber Mary , Anzellotti Atilio , Sánchez‐Delgado Roberto A. , Rieber Manuel
Published: June 2004

Ketoconazole (KTZ) has been used as a second‐line agent in hormone‐refractory cancer therapy. Since transition metal complexes including those of Ru(III), show important anticancer activity with limited toxicity, we investigated the potential antitumor efficacy of Ru(II) complexed to KTZ or clotrimazole (CTZ) compared to Ru(II) alone or uncomplexed azoles. RuCl2(KTZ)2 exerted greater apoptosis‐ associated caspase‐3 activation than RuCl2(CTZ)2, KTZ, CTZ or RuCl2(MeCN)4 against several human tumor cell monolayers. PARP cleavage and a decrease in S+G2 cells were evident after RuCl2(KTZ)2 treatment in genetically matched C8161 melanoma monolayers with unequal p53 functional status. Release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and Mn‐SOD suggest mitochondria as a target of RuCl2(KTZ)2. Treatment of WM164 melanoma monolayers with 25 μM of cisplatin or RuCl2(KTZ)2 showed that the latter is more effective than cisplatin at inducing PARP fragmentation and proapoptotic Bak expression. Such results suggest that these Ru(II) and Pt(II) metal complexes are unequally effective and act through alternative signaling pathways. In studies with multicellular spheroids, which frequently are more resistant to cytotoxic anticancer drugs than monolayers, those from wt p53 C8161 melanoma underwent PARP fragmentation in response to RuCl2(KTZ)2. In contrast, spheroids of mut p53 A431 carcinoma overexpressing EGF receptor were resistant to either RuCl2(KTZ)2 or anti‐EGF receptor C225 MAb. However, joint treatment with both agents restored growth arrest and apoptosis in these spheroids. In contrast to the antitumor action of cisplatin, which is known to be hampered by p53 dysfunction, we show that RuCl2(KTZ)2 is active irrespective of p53 functional status against several adherent tumor cells and synergizes with anti‐EGF receptor C225 MAb to kill tumor spheroids resistant to either agent. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of breast cancer in women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations: A critical review of the literature
Authors: Calderon‐Margalit Ronit , Paltiel Ora
Published: June 2004

The purpose of our study was to review the evidence for the efficacy of surveillance for early detection, bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, prophylactic oophorectomy and chemoprevention in preventing breast cancer and improving survival of BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers. A critical review of journal articles published between 1998 and 2004 identified by searches of MEDLINE, PubMed and references of retrieved articles was undertaken. None of the current evidence is based on randomized studies. The efficacy of surveillance for early detection of breast cancer among BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers is not yet established. Screening with clinical breast examination and mammography showed lower sensitivity in BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers than in the general population. Screening with MRI might offer higher sensitivity rates than mammography. Prophylactic mastectomy was shown to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer by 89.5–100%. However, of all strategies reviewed, mastectomy was the least acceptable to women at high risk. Tamoxifen use was associated with breast cancer prevention among BRCA2 carriers (RR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.06–1.56). In BRCA1 or BRCA2 carriers with breast cancer, tamoxifen use was associated with the prevention of secondary breast cancer (OR= 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.89). Prophylactic oophorectomy was associated with hazard ratios for breast cancer of 0.47 (95%CI:0.29–0.77) and 0.32 (95%CI: 0.08–1.20), in retrospective and short follow‐up prospective cohort studies, respectively. There is a pressing need for more studies in order to determine which of the 4 strategies alone, or in combination, is the most effective for the prevention of breast cancer and for the improvement of survival of BRCA mutation carriers. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HLA‐DRB alleles are differentially expressed by tumor cells in breast carcinoma
Authors: Oldford Sharon A. , Robb J. Desmond , Watson Peter H. , Drover Sheila
Published: June 2004

The biologic and prognostic significance of HLA‐DR expression and T‐cell infiltration in breast carcinoma are presently controversial. To test the hypothesis that these factors are influenced by particular HLA‐DRB alleles, 52 breast tumor samples, composed of 26 DRB1*04 and 26 non‐DRB1*04 tumors, were assessed using immunohistochemistry for expression of DR and its associated invariant chain (Ii) and for infiltrating CD3+ T cells. While DR expression by tumor cells was significantly associated with T‐cell infiltration, DRB1*04 tumors were more frequently DR+Ii+ and contained smaller CD3+ infiltrates than non‐DRB1*04 tumors. This difference was largely attributable to DRB1*07 tumors, which were typically DR−Ii−, although they contained similar numbers of T cells to DR+Ii+ tumors. Further analysis of DR+ tumors using allotype discriminating antibodies revealed that DRB1*04 alleles were always expressed, while non‐DRB1*04 alleles were inconsistently expressed. The results of this study provide the first reported evidence that DRB alleles influence DR expression and T‐cell infiltration in breast carcinoma and suggest that multiple factors contribute to DR expression. Ongoing studies aimed at elucidating the molecular and immunologic mechanisms controlling differential DR expression and implications for prognosis and outcome should further our understanding of the antitumor immune response and evasion strategies employed by tumor cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of genetic algorithms for irrigation water scheduling
Authors: Wardlaw Robin , Bhaktikul Kampanad
Published: June 2004

The development of a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve an irrigation water scheduling problem is described. The objective is to optimize the utilization of water resources in irrigation systems operating on a rotational basis. An objective function for the water scheduling problem is presented along with constraints that relate to in‐field soil moisture balances as well as canal capacities.

The approach was applied to a simple and to a more complex test system. Solutions are presented using a GA in different formulations and comparisons made between these. Results demonstrate that GAs are capable of solving water scheduling problems, including those with water stress. In water stress conditions the GA approach can provide uniformity in soil moisture content in schemes within a system if formulated with a 0–1 approach.

An application to the Pugal branch canal in the Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana (IGNP) irrigation system in north‐west India has demonstrated that the approach is robust and can produce appropriate schedules under extreme conditions of water stress. The GA approach is a useful tool for water scheduling in complex systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tessellationless integration grid for the polarizable continuum model reaction field
Authors: Pomelli Christian Silvio
Published: June 2004

A new integration grid for the Polarizable Continuum Model reaction field is presented. In this scheme (called TsLess) the molecular surface is not partitioned in tesserae, but a set of sampling points is chosen. These points are weighted according to they position on the surface. The new procedure is tested against the GEPOL tesselation method. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1532–1541, 2004
Are the solvent effects critical in the modeling of polyoxoanions?
Authors: López Xavier , Fernández Jorge A. , Romo Susanna , Paul Jean François , Kazansky Leonid , Poblet Josep M.
Published: June 2004

DFT calculations were driven for a set of differently charged polyoxoanions in the gas phase and in solution. We have calculated and analyzed their geometries and orbital energies to trace simple rules of behavior regarding the modeling of anions in isolated form. We discuss the quality of the results depending on the molecular charge, q, and the size of the cluster in terms of the number of metal centers, m. When the q/m ratio reaches a value of ∼0.8, DFT calculations for the isolated anion fail to describe the gap between the band of occupied oxo orbitals and the set of unoccupied orbitals delocalized among the metal atoms. In these cases the incorporation of the stabilizing external fields generated by the solvent through continuum models improves the geometries and orbital energies. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 25: 1542–1549, 2004
Raman studies of cubic BC2N, a new superhard phase
Authors: Hubble H. W. , Kudryashov I. , Solozhenko V. L. , Zinin P. V. , Sharma S. K. , Ming L. C.
Published: June 2004

UV and visible Raman scattering spectra of a new superhard phase, cubic BC2N, were measured for the first time. The Raman band at 1326 cm−1 was attributed to the longitudinal optical (LO) mode of cubic BC2N, whereas the transverse optic (TO) mode is missing in the spectra. Raman scattering was found to be a sensitive method for detecting new diamond‐like BCN phases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering from analytes adsorbed on gold nanoparticles inside polymer beads
Authors: Larsson Mina , Lu Jun , Lindgren Jan
Published: June 2004

Porous polymer beads with a large inner area were used as a stabilizing matrix for SERS‐active gold particles. A commercially available ion exchanger (SOURCETM) was used together with HAuCl4. Absorbance measurements and an x‐ray diffraction study confirmed that nanocrystalline gold was obtained in the polymer beads. Transmission electron microscope measurements were performed and showed that larger nanoparticles, 20–100 nm, were obtained on the surface, whereas in the interior smaller particles, approximately 2–10 nm, could be found. Three analytes, mercaptoethanesulfonate, mercaptopropionic acid and thiocyanate, were adsorbed on the gold particles inside the polymer beads. From all analytes enhanced Raman spectra could be obtained. The distribution of analytes adsorbed on gold nanoparticles was investigated by confocal Raman spectroscopy. SERS spectra from the analytes could be observed throughout the polymer bead, indicating a fairly uniform distribution of analytes adsorbed on gold nanoparticles. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of soil degradation and management practices on the surface water dynamics in the Talgua River Watershed in Honduras
Authors: Hanson D. L. , Steenhuis T. S. , Walter M. F. , Boll J.
Published: June 2004

When tropical forests are felled, subsequent land uses affect surface runoff, soil erosion, and soil compaction. In some cases, they can markedly change the hydrology of a region with disastrous effects on human life. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of rainfall on stream hydrology due to conversion of primary forests to agriculture. Near surface water dynamics were compared for three land uses on the steep hillsides in the Talgua River Watershed in Honduras: degraded grass‐covered field; traditional coffee plantation; and primary forest. Infiltration and surface runoff rates were measured using several methods. A clear difference was observed in hydraulic conductivity between the degraded and non‐degraded lands. The degraded grass‐covered hillslopes developed a surface restrictive layer with a low saturated hydraulic conductivity of 8 to 11 mm/hr, resulting in more frequent overland flow than traditional coffee plantation and primary forest. Soils under the latter two land‐use types maintained high infiltration capacities and readily conducted water vertically at rates of 109 and 840 mm/hr, respectively. Dye tests confirmed that the coffee plantation and primary forest both maintained well‐connected macropores through which water flowed readily. In contrast, macropores in the degraded soil profile were filled by fine soil particles. Soils in the degraded grass‐covered field also showed more compaction than soils in the coffee plantation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiarid land rehabilitation by direct drilling in the South Island, New Zealand—plant species and establishment technology
Authors: Wills B. J. , Trainor K. D. , Littlejohn R. P.
Published: June 2004

Large areas of the east coast and inland basins of the South Island, New Zealand, are affected by periodic drought and/or semiarid climatic conditions, particularly during cyclic El Niño climatic events. The severity of these environmental conditions places great stress on introduced and native pasture species and frequently results in poor establishment of new pastures using standard drilling techniques. The objective of this study was to determine effective, practical means of rehabilitating semiarid land (about 470 mm annual rainfall) on a site in Central Otago.

A comparison of two direct drilling methods, a novel strip‐seeder drill and a standard hoe‐coulter drill, was conducted in a trial initiated during spring 1998. Five drought‐tolerant forage species were established: wheatgrass (Thinopyron intermedium), tall oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), hairy dorycnium (Dorycnium hirsutum) and bluebush (Kochia prostrata).

For the 2000/2001 growing season, species established with the strip‐seeder drill had an overall mean herbage biomass of 235 g m −2 , three‐times that for the hoe‐coulter drill (77 g m −2 , P < 0·001). Differences in herbage biomass between species were observed, with hairy dorycnium (mean 328 g m −2 ) producing significantly (P < 0·001) more herbage biomass than the other species.

After the third spring, the percentage ground cover recorded from transects across the strip‐seeder drill plots (cf. the hoe‐coulter drill) was: wheatgrass—41 per cent (10 per cent); tall oat grass—44 per cent (25 per cent); birdsfoot trefoil—25 per cent (5 per cent); hairy dorycnium—50 per cent (19 per cent); and bluebush—4 per cent (0 per cent). The native plant content of the resident vegetation was reduced as a result of the drilling treatments and also when fertilizer was added to undistrubed pasture.

The strip‐seeder drill is capable of providing superior plant growth on dryland sites even during adverse drought conditions. It produces a furrow approximately 16 cm wider than the hoe‐coulter drill, exerts a greater shattering effect on the soil structure and places fertilizer at depth. It is suggested that this assists plant establishment by providing good seedling protection from wind and sun, and subsequent plant growth by allowing easier root penetration to the subsoil where nutrients and moisture are available. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurosyphilis masquerading as corticobasal degeneration
Authors: Benito‐León J. , Alvarez‐Linera J. , Louis E.D.
Published: June 2004

We report on a patient with a syndrome resembling corticobasal ganglionic degeneration (CBD), including slight cognitive impairment, asymmetric akinesia, rigidity with myoclonus, and arm levitation, which can be one of the features of alien limb phenomenon; however, further diagnostic testing was consistent with neurosyphilis. Syphilis, “the great imitator,” may also masquerade as CBD. Because neurosyphilis is treatable, it should be considered in the workup of patients with cognitive impairment and motor signs of CBD. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
An analytical solution of one‐dimensional consolidation for soft sensitive soil ground
Authors: Chen Yun‐Min , Tang Xiao‐Wu , Wang Jun
Published: June 2004

An analytical solution of one‐dimensional consolidation for soft sensitive soil ground is presented. The moving boundary is introduced to indicate the notable change of consolidation behaviour of sensitive soil with the increase of stress level. It is assumed that the soil structure of the upper subsoil gradually destroys downwards with the dissipation of pore pressure, and the coefficient of consolidation as well as the coefficient of permeability of the upper subsoil become small, which hinders the dissipation of pore pressure of the lower subsoil. The consolidation degree curve obtained from the present solution is found to lie between the two curves obtained from Terzaghi one‐dimensional consolidation solution with the parameters of the undisturbed soil and the remolded soil. The calculated results provide a new explanation for a general phenomenon in the consolidation of soft sensitive soil ground, as that for high loadings the consolidation is longer than for small ones. It should be pointed out from this study that both the deep mixing method and the long vertical drains methods are effective techniques for improving deep sensitive soil ground. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐domain dynamic analysis of dam–reservoir–foundation interaction including the reservoir bottom absorption
Authors: Küçükarslan Semih
Published: June 2004

In this paper, time‐domain dynamic analysis of dam–reservoir–foundation interaction is presented by coupling the dual reciprocity boundary element method (DRBEM) in the infinite reservoir and foundation domain and the finite element method in the finite dam domain. An efficient coupling procedure is formulated by using the sub‐structuring method. The effects of the reservoir bottom absorption are included in the formulations. Sharan's boundary condition for the far‐end of the infinite fluid domain is implemented. To verify the proposed scheme, numerical examples are carried out by comparing with the available exact solutions and finite–finite element coupling results for the dam–reservoir interaction. A complete dam–reservoir–foundation interaction is also studied by including the bottom absorption effects. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A semi‐implicit time‐stepping model for frictional compliant contact problems
Authors: Song Peng , Pang Jong‐Shi , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2004

In this paper, we formulate a semi‐implicit time‐stepping model for multibody mechanical systems with frictional, distributed compliant contacts. Employing a polyhedral pyramid model for the friction law and a distributed, linear, viscoelastic model for the contact, we obtain mixed linear complementarity formulations for the discrete‐time, compliant contact problem. We establish the existence and finite multiplicity of solutions, demonstrating that such solutions can be computed by Lemke's algorithm. In addition, we obtain limiting results of the model as the contact stiffness tends to infinity. The limit analysis elucidates the convergence of the dynamic models with compliance to the corresponding dynamic models with rigid contacts within the computational time‐stepping framework. Finally, we report numerical simulation results with an example of a planar mechanical system with a frictional contact that is modelled using a distributed, linear viscoelastic model and Coulomb's frictional law, verifying empirically that the solution trajectories converge to those obtained by the more traditional rigid‐body dynamic model. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.
Material instability in fatigue of fibre composites
Authors: Tesar Alexander
Published: June 2004

Research of the ultimate behaviour of the carbon fibre composites is treated in the present paper. The material instability on the basis of the fibre kinking theory is adopted for the treatment of the failure process in the problem. The micromechanical modelling adopting the FETM‐wave approach is used for the numerical analysis of the problem. Some numerical and experimental results obtained are submitted in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the procedures suggested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presidential personnel innovation for Presidential appointees in Korea: toward an institutional Presidency
Authors: Kim Pan Suk
Published: June 2004

Most presidents may come to realise that a successful individual, gifted though he may be, cannot do everything himself. The president must be assisted by a capable staff and trusted advisors. They are key to policy effectiveness. Surprisingly, in Korea, the past record of presidential performances in these respects has been less than exemplary. Under the current incumbency President Roh (2003–2008), there is accordingly growing public expectation that improvements might take place in his nascent administration.

Accordingly, this article assesses the personnel problems of Presidential appointees in the previous as well as the current administration. After a brief but critical examination of the personnel selection system, it considers the ongoing efforts to undertake reform and its innovative direction.

In conclusion, it observes that whilst the personnel system for merit‐based civil servants is reasonably well established in the Korean government, the presidential personnel system for political appointments is seriously underdeveloped. The author accordingly suggests some improvements of the system for ‘spoils‐based’ appointees. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cobaltic accelerator for the methylene blue photoinitiation system in aqueous acrylate solution
Authors: Yang Jianwen , Neckers Douglas C.
Published: June 2004

A helium‐neon laser was used as a light source to induce the photopolymerization of ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate in aqueous solution. A near‐infrared spectrometer was used to follow the polymerization. Methylene blue (MB) and triethanolamine were used as the basic photoinitiation system, and novel accelerators to the two‐component initiation system were investigated. The three‐component photoinitiation systems containing cobaltic complexes as accelerators were found to be very efficient in initiating the polymerization of the aforementioned water‐soluble monomer, and the efficiency was higher than that initiated by MB/triethanolamine/diphenyl iodonium chloride, which has been reported previously. Twin redox cycles between MB and cobaltic complexes was proposed to explain the acceleration effect of the cobaltic complexes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3836–3841, 2004
Spontaneous polymerization mechanism of electron‐accepting substituted quinodimethane with vinyl ether and cyclic ketene acetal
Authors: Mitsuda Yukihiro , Fujikawa Takashige , Nakasaka Katsumi , Uno Takahiro , Kubo Masataka , Itoh Takahito
Published: June 2004

The spontaneous reactions of 1‐(2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐dione‐5‐ylidene)‐4‐(dicyanomethylene)‐2,5‐cyclohexadiene (QM‐1) with a vinyl ether, butyl vinyl ether (BVE), and a cyclic ketene acetal, 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (MDOP), were investigated. The reaction of QM‐1 with BVE produced a terpolymer composed of QM‐1, 7‐butoxy‐8,8‐dicyanoquinodimethane, and BVE units as a hexane‐insoluble product and a one‐to‐one adduct of methylene Meldrum's acid and BVE as a hexane‐soluble product. The spontaneous reaction of QM‐1 with BVE produced, in the presence of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxy (TEMPO), a terpolymer carrying TEMPO units in the chain ends, and in the presence of methanol, a one‐to‐one‐to‐one adduct of QM‐1, BVE, and methanol was isolated. The spontaneous reaction with bulkier, electron‐donating MDOP produced a low‐molecular‐weight alternating cooligomer of QM‐1 with MDOP. The spontaneous polymerization was proposed to proceed via a zwitterionic intermediate taking two forms, gauche and trans, depending on the bulkiness of the comonomer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 3800–3811, 2004
Safety testing of new chemicals: The regulatory framework worldwide
Authors: West A. S.
Published: June 2004

Key elements of the testing requirements for new chemical substances under the various chemical control laws throughout the industrialized world are reviewed. Important issues in all of the systems are described. The influence of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is discussed. Similarities and differences in the testing requirements are outlined leading to a suggested strategy for introduction of new chemicals in the international markets.