bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus: New therapeutic options in neuroimmunological diseases
Authors: Schneider‐Gold Christiane , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Gold Ralf
Published: March 2006

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus are novel immunosuppressive drugs, both first established in transplantation medicine and now used increasingly in neuroimmunological diseases including myasthenia gravis, dysimmune polyneuropathies, and myositis. In myasthenia gravis, the efficacy and safety of MMF has been shown by one open‐label trial; one small, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial; and a few retrospective analyses. Similarly, for tacrolimus the greatest experience and evidence for efficacy and safety have been gathered in myasthenia gravis. MMF and tacrolimus have both been used as an alternative treatment for various other autoimmune diseases in which azathioprine or cyclosporine were not sufficiently effective. However, experience with tacrolimus in dysimmune polyneuropathies and myositis is limited. At this time, the available data suggest that MMF and tacrolimus are well suited for long‐term immunosuppression in patients with myasthenia gravis. The spectrum of neuroimmunological diseases in which these drugs may be used has not been finally delineated and will require further controlled studies. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Single‐fiber electromyography shows terminal axon dysfunction in Miller Fisher syndrome: A case report
Authors: Lange Dale J. , DeAngelis Tracy , Sivak Mark A.
Published: March 2006

We studied a patient with ophthalmoparesis and pupillary areflexia 2 weeks after a viral syndrome. Miller Fisher syndrome was suspected but GQ1b antibodies were not detected. To define neuromuscular involvement we performed electrodiagnostic studies. Single‐fiber electromyography (SFEMG) in the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) showed abnormal jitter and axonal blocking, suggesting terminal axon dysfunction. Subsequent GQ1b antibody titers were elevated to borderline levels. Clinical symptoms gradually resolved. SFEMG may help characterize neuropathies associated with antibodies to neuronal ganglioside and identify involvement of the terminal axon and neuromuscular junction. Muscle Nerve 2006
Enzyme replacement therapy and intraepidermal innervation density in Fabry disease
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael , Hauer Peter , Freeman Barbara , Ries Markus , Scott Leland J. C. , Polydefkis Michael , Brady Roscoe O. , McArthur Justin C. , Wagner Kathryn
Published: March 2006

We prospectively evaluated the effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on the intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and thermal threshold in patients with Fabry disease, an X‐linked disorder associated with a painful small‐fiber neuropathy and decreased linear IENFD in a length‐dependent pattern. Twenty‐five hemizygous male patients with Fabry disease were enrolled in a 6‐month, randomized, placebo‐controlled ERT trial of 0.2 mg/kg of α‐galactosidase A (agalsidase‐alfa) every 2 weeks followed by an additional 12 months of open‐label ERT for both populations. IENFD and thermal threshold were measured in the distal thigh at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months from initiation of the trial. We found no significant difference in IENFD between the treatment groups at 6 months. After an additional year of ERT, there was a significant reduction in IENFD in the patient group as a whole, attributable to the declining glomerular filtration rate. Thermal thresholds remained unchanged. We conclude that epidermal nerve fiber regeneration, as measured in the distal thigh, does not occur in this patient population after 12–18 months of ERT. Muscle Nerve, 2006
The role of occupational therapy in providing person‐centred transition services: implications for school‐based practice
Authors: Michaels Craig A. , Orentlicher Meira L.
Published: March 2006

Two case study vignettes are presented to demonstrate the potential role of occupational therapy in the provision of person‐centred transition services. Related to the study, the five aspects of performance described by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): performance skills, performance patterns, client factors, activity demands, and contexts, are examined. Based on the results of the study, the following suggestions are offered for incorporating person‐centred principles into school‐based occupational therapy service delivery. These are: (1) increasing the number and variety of community places students know and use; (2) assisting students in developing and expressing autonomy in both everyday and life‐defining matters; (3) building experiences and supports so students can perform functional, age‐appropriate, and meaningful activities; (4) ensuring that students develop valued roles and places in community life; and (5) creating access for students to the social network of community and ensuring the development of personal relationships and friendships. Since the transition experiences of only two students are presented in an anecdotal fashion rather than through more formal quantitative or qualitative research the results are limited and further research is recommended. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
High‐level expression, activation, and subcellular localization of p38‐MAP kinase in thyroid neoplasms
Authors: Pomérance M , Quillard J , Chantoux F , Young J , Blondeau J‐P
Published: March 2006

The p38 family of MAP kinases (p38‐MAPKs) is involved in regulating the proliferation, survival, and migration of various cancer cells. The present study has investigated the expression, subcellular localization, phosphorylation, and activity of p38‐MAPKs in normal and tumoural human thyroid tissues and in thyroid cell lines. The expression and nucleo‐cytosolic compartmentalization of the α‐isoform of p38‐MAPKs (p38α‐MAPK) were studied by western blotting in the WRO and B‐CPAP cell lines, which are derived from human follicular and papillary thyroid carcinomas, respectively, and in the non‐transformed rat thyroid cell lines FRTL‐5 and PCCL3. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the expression and subcellular localization of p38α‐MAPK, and of the phosphorylated forms of p38‐MAPKs (P‐p38‐MAPKs) in human toxic adenomas (TAs), follicular adenomas (FAs), papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs). The activity of p38‐MAPKs in PTCs and FTCs was revealed by immunohistochemical detection of their typical phosphorylated substrate, MAPK‐activated protein kinase 2/3 (MK2/3). p38α‐MAPK was expressed in all cell lines and this expression was restricted to the cytosolic compartment. p38 MAPK activity was involved in regulating DNA synthesis in B‐CPAP cells. p38α‐MAPK and P‐p38‐MAPKs were strongly expressed in PTC and FTC cells, although only in the cytoplasm, whereas they were only very weakly expressed in FA cells, and absent in adjacent normal tissues. They were also expressed at a high level in TAs, but they were found in both nucleus and cytoplasm. Finally, phospho‐MK2/3 immunostaining followed very similar patterns to those of p38α‐MAPK and P‐p38‐MAPKs in PTCs and FTCs. Taken together, these results show for the first time that the p38‐MAPK signalling cascade is functional in two types of differentiated carcinoma of the thyroid. The observation that p38‐MAPK hyper‐expression occurs in FTC, but not in FA, may provide an additional diagnostic tool for malignancy in some thyroid nodules. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endomyocardial infiltration by B and NK cells foreshadows the recurrence of cardiac allograft rejection
Authors: Sorrentino C , Scarinci A , D'Antuono T , Piccirilli M , Di Nicola M , Pasquale M , Di Iorio C , Di Carlo E
Published: March 2006

Heart allograft outcome is unpredictable and acute rejection episodes still occur despite the improvement of immunosuppressive regimens. We therefore investigated whether the immunopathological profile of endomyocardial biopsies might underlie the variations in the clinical course of a graft. Biopsies from transplanted patients were analysed by histology, immunohistochemistry (associated with digital image analysis), confocal and electron microscopy to determine the type and the functional state of leukocytes infiltrating the myocardium, together with their ultrastructural features and those of the graft itself. In comparison with biopsies with grade 0R or grade 1R rejection, those from patients with grade 2R rejection displayed significant infiltration of macrophages, T lymphocytes, and CD83+ and DC‐SIGN+ dendritic cells. Fifty‐seven per cent were invaded by CD20+B lymphocytes, most of which expressed CD69 activation marker and cooperated in interleukin‐12 production, and by CD69+CD94+NK cells expressing interferon‐γ. Ultrastructural signs of myocyte degeneration and microvessel rupture by NK cells were frequent. These patients developed recurrent episodes of acute allograft rejection. Endomyocardial B and NK infiltrates are involved in the dynamics of allograft rejection and are associated with a high risk of its recurrence. Immunopathological assessment of endomyocardial biopsies may thus serve to forecast the probable outcome of a heart allograft. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chlamydia psittaci is variably associated with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma in different geographical regions
Authors: Chanudet E , Zhou Y , Bacon CM , Wotherspoon AC , Müller‐Hermelink H‐K , Adam P , Dong HY , de Jong D , Li Y , Wei R , Gong X , Wu Q , Ranaldi R , Goteri G , Pileri SA , Ye H , Hamoudi RA , Liu H , Radford J , Du M‐Q
Published: March 2006

Infectious agents play a critical role in MALT lymphoma development. Studies from Italy showed Chlamydia psittaci infection in 87% of ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas and complete or partial regression of the lymphoma after C. psittaci eradication in four of nine cases. However, C. psittaci was not demonstrated in ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas from the USA. This study was thus designed to investigate further the role of C. psittaci, and other infectious agents commonly associated with chronic eye disease, in the development of ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma. The presence of C. psittaci, C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2), and adenovirus 8 and 19 (ADV8, ADV19) was assessed separately by polymerase chain reaction in 142 ocular adnexal MALT lymphomas, 53 non‐marginal zone lymphomas, and 51 ocular adnexal biopsies without a lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD), from six geographical regions. C. psittaci was detected at similar low frequencies in non‐LPD and non‐marginal zone lymphoma groups from different geographical regions (0–14%). Overall, the prevalence of C. psittaci was significantly higher in MALT lymphomas (22%) than in non‐LPD (10%, p = 0.042) and non‐marginal zone lymphoma cases (9%, p = 0.033). However, the prevalence of C. psittaci infection in MALT lymphoma showed marked variation among the six geographical regions examined, being most frequent in Germany (47%), followed by the East Coast of the USA (35%) and the Netherlands (29%), but relatively low in Italy (13%), the UK (12%), and Southern China (11%). No significant differences in the detection of C. pneumoniae, C. trachomatis, HSV1, HSV2, ADV8, and ADV19 were found between lymphomas and controls from different geographical regions. In conclusion, our results show that C. psittaci, but not C. pneumoniae, C. trachomatis, HSV1, HSV2, ADV8 or ADV19, is associated with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma and that this association is variable in different geographical areas. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical profiles of herba saussureae involucratae by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection
Authors: Chu Qingcui , Fu Liang , Cao Yuhua , Ye Jiannong
Published: March 2006

A high‐performance capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection method has been developed for the determination of the pharmacologically active ingredients, acacetin, rutin, umbelliferone, kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin and quercetin, in Herba Saussureae Involucratae. Under optimum conditions, the seven analytes could be completely separated within 19 min in a 75 cm length capillary at a separation voltage of 16 kV in a 50 mm borax running buffer (pH 9.2). A 300 µm diameter carbon disk electrode, positioned opposite the outlet of the capillary in a wall‐jet configuration at a potential of +950 mV (vs a saturated calomel electrode) was used as the working electrode. A good linear relationship was established between peak current and concentration of the analytes over two orders of magnitude with detection limits (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3) ranging from 1.2 × 10–7 to 4.1 × 10–8 g/mL for all analytes. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the analyses of bio‐active components of Herba Saussureae Involucratae samples after a relatively simple extraction procedure. The assay results show that the resultant electrochemical profiles are indicative of the content diversity of each electrochemically active ingredient in the various samples, and may also offer some evidence for phytotaxonomy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiling isoflavone conjugates in different organs of Lupinus exaltatus Zucc.
Authors: García‐López P. M. , Kachlicki P. , Zamora‐Natera F. , Ruiz‐Moreno J. , Stobiecki M.
Published: March 2006

The profiles of isoflavone conjugates in extracts obtained from different parts of Lupinus exaltatus Zucc. grown in Mexico were compared using HPLC‐UV and HPLC‐ESI/MSn. Collision‐induced dissociation–MSn experiments were performed using an ion trap analyser during HPLC‐ESI/MS analyses. Nineteen isoflavone conjugates were identified in samples obtained from air‐dried roots, leaves, stems and inflorescences of lupin plants. It was possible to determine the structures of the studied compounds on the basis of the MS recorded. The compounds identified were di‐ and mono‐glucosides of genistein and 2′‐hydroxygenistein with a different pattern of C‐ and O‐glycosylation. Some glucosides were acylated with malonic acid. It was not possible to establish the glycosylation sites on the basis of MS alone; however, it was possible to differentiate isoflavone C‐ and O‐glucosides. The highest levels of isoflavones and their conjugates were detected in roots and the lowest in stems. Free aglycones were identified in roots and inflorescences but they were not found in stems and leaves. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/cyanate ester composites
Authors: Fang Zhengping , Wang Jianguo , Gu Aijuan
Published: March 2006

Two types of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MW‐CNTs) with different structure and morphology were used to fabricate cyanate ester (CE) matrix composites. Mechanical, thermal, and transmission electron microscopy tests were performed to evaluate the different effects of the two types of MW‐CNTs on the structure and properties of MW‐CNT/CE composites. Results showed that the bundled MW‐CNTs were easier to be dispersed in CE matrix than single MW‐CNTs, and could improve the toughness and stiffness of CE material more significantly. Functionalization of the two types of MW‐CNTs, which was achieved by grafting triethylenetetramine groups onto the surface of MW‐CNTs, was helpful in improving the dispersion of the MW‐CNTs in CE, and thus in fabricating MW‐CNT/CE composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:670–679, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Relaxation phenomenon in epoxy glass aged under post‐yield strain
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Souda Kazuki , Nanzai Yukuo
Published: March 2006

Relaxation phenomenon in epoxy glass aged under shear strain larger than an upper yield point was studied. After aged under post‐yield strain for various aging periods, cylindrical specimens of epoxy glass were twisted clockwise (in the same direction as the prestrain) or counterclockwise (the opposite direction to the direction of the prestrain). The evolution of yield points was significantly different from that of the specimens aged under preyield strain. There exist two knee‐like yield points on stress–strain curves of specimens twisted counterclockwise: one evolved toward to an upper yield point and merged the other knee‐like yield point whose stress value was almost independent of aging time. On the basis of the experimental results, we proposed a combined relaxation model of two relaxation mechanisms: one is relaxation results in an isotropic structure whose center in stress space is the stress value in the terminal zone and the other is kinetic relaxation of the isotropic center. The combined relaxation indicated the possibility of phase transition caused by postyield strain, and therefore the higher yield stress than that of an annealed specimen was not resulted from strain‐accelerated aging, but presumably resulted from a structural change under postyield strain. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:630–634, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transition diagrams for a liquid crystalline thermoset containing a rigid‐rod epoxy
Authors: Cho Seunghyun , Douglas Elliot P. , Lee Jun Young
Published: March 2006

The liquid crystalline thermoset monomers 4,4′‐diglycidyloxy‐α‐methylstilbene (DOMS) and D2A1 that resulted from the reaction between DOMS and aniline were synthesized. DOMS was cured with sulfanilamide and D2A1 was cured with catalytic curing agent 1‐methyl imidazole. Transition diagrams have been constructed and the percent conversion data were determined from dynamic differential scanning calorimetry scan to examine the applicability of Flory's gelation theory. The results reveal that even though the amount of reaction that occurs in the liquid crystalline phase is different at different cure temperatures, the isoconversion theory of gelation fits quite well. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:623–629, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modification of bisphenol A dicyanate ester by carboxyl‐terminated liquid butadiene‐acrylonitrile and its composites
Authors: Wang Jieliang , Liang Guozheng , Zhao Wen , Lü Shenghua , Yan Hongxia
Published: March 2006

Cyanate esters with excellent high‐temperature properties and easy processing are well known as good resin materials used in aerospace and electrical industries, but the drawback of brittleness limits their usage. In this study, carboxyl‐terminated liquid butadiene‐acrylonitrile (CTBN) was introduced to improve the toughness of bisphenol A dicyanate resin (BADCy), a typical kind of the cyanate esters. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were employed to investigate the effects of CTBN on the curing behavior of BADCy; the results indicate that the addition of CTBN has a great influence on the curing behavior of BADCy at lower temperatures, but little at higher temperatures. Data from the thermogravimetric analysis and heat deflection temperature analysis showed that the thermal properties of the modified systems were poorer than that of pristine BADCy resin. On the basis of the scanning electron micrographs of the modified systems, toughening mechanism of the systems was discussed. Mechanical and dielectric properties of the cured resins and glass fiber‐reinforced composites were also studied. Modified systems exhibit attractive properties for the future applications in aerospace industries. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:581–587, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Modification of polyurethane by superfine protein powder
Authors: Xu Weilin , Fang Jian , Cui Weigang , Huang Jianhua
Published: March 2006

Physical blending was employed to prepare blend films, using superfine wool powder and polyurethane (PU) resin. Scanning electronic microscope photos showed that wool powder had good compatibility with PU in the solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide. The wool powder was uniformly distributed in the films without apparent agglomeration. In the X‐ray diffraction results, the height of the X‐ray diffraction peak decreased gradually with the addition of the wool powder, which implied that the addition of the wool powder could increase the amorphous ratio of the films. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal stability of the PU resin decreased with the increase in the wool powder ratio in it. Additionally, the dynamic mechanical analysis result indicated that the ratio of the wool powder had no significant influence on the soft‐segments, but the dynamic storage modulus of the PU films would increase with the increase in wool powder ratio. In addition, the crystal of the PU was destroyed by the wool powder during the drying process at a certain temperature, and this increased the moving probability of the macromolecule chains in PU. With the increase in the ratio of the wool powder, there was an evident decrease in the stress at break, elongation at break, and breaking energy of the blend films, but the water vapor permeability and moisture regain of the blend polyurethane films increased significantly. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:617–622, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Bubble coalescence in foaming process of polymers
Authors: Taki Kentaro , Tabata Kazuhide , Kihara Shin‐ichi , Ohshima Masahiro
Published: March 2006

This paper investigates the effect of rheological behavior on dynamics of bubble coalescence. In situ observations on polymers with different rheological behaviors were conducted to study coalescence dynamics. Four patterns of interface deformation were observed. Deformation during coalescence was analyzed by applying image‐processing schemes and rheological models to the in situ observations. Polymer with Newtonian behavior showed nucleation and coalescence of spherical bubbles that created a planar interface. The planar interface was deformed by a combination of biaxial and planar elongational flows. Coalescence in polymers with non‐Newtonian behavior is characterized by penetration with a parabolic shaped interface. The deformation of parabolic interface was due to biaxial elongational flow. However, the interface deformation of the polymer with cross‐linked structure was due to an integration of biaxial and elongational flow. Further, cross‐linking was also observed to have an effect on coalescence time. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:680–690, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrochemical polymerization of aniline in phosphoric acid
Authors: Eftekhari Ali , Afshani Roghie
Published: March 2006

The electrochemical synthesis of common conductive polymers such as polyaniline in phosphoric acid is a little different from that in other acidic media such as sulfuric acid. Electropolymerization in phosphoric acid is difficult, and this electrolyte medium is not applicable for this purpose. However, it is possible to overcome this problem by the addition of a small amount of sulfuric acid. In this case, the electropolymerization process can be successfully performed when the phosphate ion is doped. For instance, polyaniline films electrodeposited from an electrolyte solution of phosphoric acid have good stabilities and useful morphologies. Interestingly, phosphate doping results in the formation of nanostructures, whereas the polymer surface is macroscopically smooth. In an appropriate ratio, a mixed electrolyte of H3PO4 and H2SO4 can be used for the electropolymerization of aniline; thus, H2SO4 acts as a required agent for successful polymer growth, and H3PO4 acts as a doping agent. In this case, a small amount of sulfate is incorporated into the polymer matrix, which does not participate in the electrochemical insertion/extraction process. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3304–3311, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of a film‐forming, crosslinked, amphiphilic block copolymer of butadiene and acrylamide
Authors: Bajpai Anjali , Dixit Neeraj
Published: March 2006

An amphiphilic block copolymer of acrylamide and butadiene was synthesized by the polymerization of acrylamide in the presence of the crosslinker N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide initiated by a hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene/V(V) macroredox initiator. The product had good film‐forming ability. It was characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, viscosity, swelling, and microhardness measurements, scanning electron micrography, and differential scanning calorimetry. A good film was obtained from the block copolymer with a greater proportion of butadiene; it had greater permeability for nonpolar solvents, and it was poorly permeable to water and other polar solvents. The film swelled in polar and nonpolar solvents and had almost the same capacity for the loading and release of hydrophilic and hydrophobic dyes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3290–3303, 2006
Thermal‐initiated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of oxygen
Authors: Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Xiulin , Zhu Jian , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Shiping
Published: March 2006

A novel reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of oxygen was carried out for the first time without added chemical initiators. The polymerization was mediated by 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl 1‐dithionaphthalate (CPDN) or cumyl dithionaphthalenoate (CDN) as RAFT agent. The polymerization demonstrated the features of a living/controlled radical polymerization. The polymerization rate increased with oxygen concentration. Polymers with molecular weight Mn up to 520,000 g/mol, polydispersity Mw/Mn ∼1.46 and RAFT efficiency Mn,th/Mn,GPC ∼1.026 in the case of CPDN and Mn ∼331,500 g/mol, Mw/Mn ∼1.35, and Mn,th/Mn,GPC ∼1.137 in the case of CDN were obtained. The possible mechanism of the thermal‐initiated RAFT polymerization of MMA in the presence of oxygen was discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3343–3354, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of poly(arylene ether)s containing 6‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)pyridazin‐3(2H)‐one or 6‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)pyridazine moieties
Authors: Xu J. , Meng Y. Z. , Wang S. J. , Hay A. S.
Published: March 2006

A series of novel soluble pyridazinone‐ or pyridazine‐containing poly(arylene ether)s were prepared by a polycondensation reaction. The pyridazinone monomer, 6‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)pyridazin‐3(2H)‐one (1), was synthesized from the corresponding acetophenone and glyoxylic acid in a simple one‐pot reaction. The pyridazinone monomer was successfully copolymerized with bisphenol A (BPA) or 1,2‐dihydro‐4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)phthalazin‐1(2H)‐one (DHPZ) and bis(4‐fluorophenyl)sulfone to form high‐molecular‐weight polymers. The copolymers had inherent viscosities of 0.5–0.9 dL/g. The glass‐transition temperatures (Tg's) of the copolymers synthesized with BPA increased with increasing content of the pyridazinone monomer. The Tg's of the copolymers synthesized from DHPZ with different pyridazinone contents were similar to those of the two homopolymers. The homopolymers showed Tg's from 202 to 291 °C by differential scanning calorimetry. The 5% weight loss temperatures in nitrogen measured by thermogravimetric analysis were in the range of 411–500 °C. 4‐(6‐Chloropyridazin‐3‐yl)phenol (2) was synthesized from 1 via a simple one‐pot reaction. 2 was copolymerized with 4,4′‐isopropylidenediphenol and bis(4‐fluorophenyl)sulfone to form high‐Tg polymers. The copolymers with less than 80 mol % pyridazinone or chloropyridazine monomers were soluble in chlorinated solvents such as chloroform. The copolymers with higher pyridazinone contents and homopolymers were not soluble in chlorinated solvents but were still soluble in dipolar aprotic solvents such as N‐methylpyrrolidinone. The soluble polymers could be cast into flexible films from solution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3328–3335, 2006
Postmodification of poly(9‐alkyl‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl)s as a route to new main‐chain‐functionalized carbazole polymers
Authors: Iraqi Ahmed , Pegington Ruth C. , Simmance Timothy G.
Published: March 2006

The postmodification of poly[9‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl] (P1) upon its reaction with N‐bromosuccinimide affords exclusive and full bromination of the 3,6‐positions of the carbazole repeat units to yield poly[3,6‐dibromo‐9‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl] (P2). Brominated polymer P2 can be used as a precursor for further functionalization at the 3,6‐positions with the desired functional group to afford other useful polymers. Polymer P2 has hence been reacted with copper(I) cyanide to afford poly[3,6‐dicyano‐9‐(2‐hexyldecyl)‐9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐diyl] (P3). Full substitution of the bromide groups with nitrile‐functional groups has been achieved. The preparation and structural characterization of polymers P2 and P3 are presented together with studies on their electronic conjugation and photoluminescence properties. Cyclic voltammetry studies on polymer P3 indicate that the new polymer is easier to reduce (n‐dope) but more difficult to oxidize than its unsubstituted counterpart (P1) as a result of the introduction of the electron‐withdrawing nitrile‐functional groups at the 3,6‐positions on the carbazole repeat units on the polymer chains. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3336–3342, 2006
Open versus arthroscopic subacromial decompression: analysis of one‐year results
Authors: T'Jonck L , Lysens R , De Smet L , Bellemans J , Stoffelen D , Tirez B , Witvrouw E
Published: March 2006

The results of open subacromial decompression (OSD) were compared with arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) after 1 year in 32 subjects (4 bilateral), and the correlation between the two shoulder rating scales for impingement was documented. Patients were evaluated clinically on the modified University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale, and Constant scale. Scapular position and rotation were evaluated as well as a rotation and abduction shoulder strength test using the Cybex II dynamometer. No parameters revealed significant differences between the groups, except for the UCLA score which indicated an advantage for the ASD group (p=0.046). The OSD group scored 24.5 (5.45) on the UCLA scale and 73.8 (18.9) on the Constant scale, whereas the ASD group scored 28.3 (5.6) and 80.8 (16.4). To study the correlation between both scales, the Pearson correlation product‐moment coefficient was calculated and a high correlation (r=0.81) obtained. Less mobility was found in the operated arm for all parameters, with the exception of glenohumeral abduction in both groups and passive elevation in the OSD group. Only in the OSD group did the scapula in the operated extremity show more abduction of the inferior angle of the scapula. Weaker abduction strength in the operated side was found in the ASD group, whereas in the OSD group there was significantly less adduction and external rotation strength at 180°/s en 240°/s. We conclude that after one year the open group tends to catch up with the arthroscopic patients and that the main benefits after arthroscopic surgery as described in literature are more evident in the shorter period. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Intratester and intertester reliability and criterion validity of the parallelogram and universal goniometers for active knee flexion in healthy subjects
Authors: Brosseau Lucie , Tousignant Michel , Budd Julie , Chartier Nathalie , Duciaume Louise , Plamondon Sherry , O'Sullivan Joseph P , O'Donoghue Shayne , Balmer Suzanne
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

A new parallelogram goniometer was designed by the Rehabilitation Centre of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group in 1983. The advantage of using such a goniometer is that the clinician is not required to estimate the joint axis of rotation when taking a measurement. The parallelogram goniometer has obtained a good intratester and intertester reliability when measuring active range of motion of hip abduction on eight individuals with hip pathologies. However, the validity of the parallelogram goniometer has not been examined. The purposes of this study were to examine the intratester and intertester reliability and the criterion validity of the parallelogram and universal goniometers for active knee flexion on healthy individuals.

Subjects

Sixty healthy university students (44 females and 16 males; mean age of 20.6 yrs.) participated to this study.

Methods

Measurements with the universal and parallelogram goniometers were taken in two different positions, the smaller and larger angles of active knee flexion. All measurements were taken by two trained testers. A radiograph was taken in both positions to serve as the ‘gold standard’. The sequence of the measurements and radiographs were randomly selected. The intra and intertester reliability of both goniometers were established by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) using the repeated‐measures ANOVA. The criterion validity was examined by calculating Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficients (r) between each goniometric and radiologic measurements. A 0.05 level of significance was chosen for each statistical test.

Results

Intratester reliability ranged from good to excellent for the small angles (ICC=0.85 and 0.87) and the large angles (ICC=0.91 and 0.96) when using the parallelogram goniometer. Intertester reliability was fair for the small angles of flexion (ICC=0.43 to 0.52) and good to excellent for the large angles of flexion (ICC=0.82 to 0.88). The parallelogram goniometer was found to have greater validity when measuring the large angles of knee flexion (r=0.73 and 0.77) compared to the small angles of knee flexion (r=0.33 and 0.41). Similar results of reliability and validity were obtained with the universal goniometer.

Conclusion

The results of this study have clinical importance. The use of the parallelogram goniometer was found to be as reliable and valid as the universal goniometer when measuring active knee flexion. However, the parallelogram goniometer offered clinicians the advantages of obtaining precise angular measurements with fewer adjustments, and a faster application technique. Further studies on the parallelogram goniometer are necessary among individuals presenting with altered range of motion at different joints. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Ethical reasoning in physical therapy and occupational therapy
Authors: Barnitt Rosemary , Partridge Cecily
Published: March 2006

The purpose of the study was to describe and then compare ethical dilemmas reported by eight physical therapists and eight occupational therapists. A co‐operative research method was adopted with the therapists participating in the analysis of the transcripts of the interviews. The analysis was carried out using a ‘multiple’ readings methods taken from hermeneutic phenomenology. Results showed that the context or setting of the dilemma had a major effect on the therapists' reasoning. Features which emerged from the context were the site of the dilemma, the work group, the patient group and the hierarchical or power relations in operation. Physical therapists and occupational therapists showed differences in reasoning style with the former more likely to adopt a diagnostic or procedural style, and the latter a narrative style. Dealing with ethical dilemmas was found to be a skilled and stressful aspect of practice. Capacity to deal with the dilemmas was negatively influenced by uncertainty of outcome, emotional sequelae of the event, and social pressure to behave in certain ways. Positive influences included previous experience with similar dilemmas, time for reflection, and support from peers. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
High pressure – high temperature studies and reactivity of γ‐Mo2N and δ‐MoN
Authors: Machon D. , Daisenberger D. , Soignard E. , Shen G. , Kawashima T. , Takayama‐Muromachi E. , McMillan P. F.
Published: March 2006

A combination of high pressure – high temperature synthesis and laser‐heated diamond anvil cell experiments, using synchrotron X‐ray diffraction has been used to investigate the phases in the Mo2N–MoN system under these conditions. Under conditions of high nitrogen activity, δ‐MoN appears to be a limiting phase i.e. there is no evidence for formation of new compounds such as Mo3N4 or Mo3N5, that are encountered in the Zr–N, Hf–N or Ta–N systems. When γ‐Mo2N is heated or prepared under conditions of high N2 activity, δ‐MoN is formed. The results indicate (a ) that there is no stable cubic stoichiometric “γ‐MoN” phase formed even under conditions of high pressure – high temperature and high N2 activity, and (b ) that no solid solution is formed between γ‐Mo2N and δ‐MoN. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanoparticle morphology in FeCo–Al2O3 granular films with tunneling giant magnetoresistance
Authors: Wang Changzheng , Zhang Yiqing , Xiao Xiaoguang , Hu Haiquan , Rong Yonghua
Published: March 2006

A series of FeCo–Al2O3 granular films were prepared by a magnetron‐controlled sputtering system. The tunneling giant magnetoresistance and nanoparticle morphology of FeCo particles in FeCo–Al2O3 granular films were directly determined utilizing a conventional four‐probe method and TEM (HRTEM) observation, respectively. The results indicated that the tunneling giant magnetoresistance can reach a maximum of 6.9% at about 32.8 vol% FeCo particles, so far the highest value reported at room temperature and under an applied field of 12.5 kOe. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of TMR also reaches a maximum at about 32.8 vol% FeCo particles. In addition, TEM and HRTEM observation disclosed that FeCo–Al2O3 films consist of FeCo nanoparticles with bcc structure or amorphous FeCo phase dispersed in amorphous or crystalline Al2O3 matrix. For films with lower volume fraction of FeCo particles, the size distribution of FeCo particles satisfied a log‐normal function. With increasing volume fraction of FeCo particles, the size distribution of FeCo particles deviated gradually from a log‐normal function. Meanwhile, the average size of FeCo particles increased monotonically with increasing volume fraction of FeCo particles, leading to the fact that TMR can reach a peak value at a certain middle particle size. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Charge selective contact on ultra‐thin In(OH)xSy/Pb(OH)xSy heterostructure prepared by SILAR
Authors: Gavrilov S. , Oja I. , Lim B. , Belaidi A. , Bohne W. , Strub E. , Röhrich J. , Lux‐Steiner M.‐Ch. , Dittrich Th.
Published: March 2006

Ultra‐thin In(OH)x Sy /Pb(OH)x Sy heterostructures were formed by the wet chemical SILAR (successive ion layer adsorption and reaction) technique. ERDA (elastic recoil detection analysis) was used for stoichiometry analysis. The heterocontacts were conditioned by joint annealing of the two layers at different low temperatures in air. The charge selectivity was demonstrated with various small area solar cell structures. The results are discussed on the base of formation of bonds between sulphide clusters and passivation of defects with hydrogen containing species in hydroxy‐sulphides. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spectroscopic investigation of YAG crystal doped with tetrahedrally coordinated V3+ ions
Authors: Ma Jian , Du Maolu , Miao Feng
Published: March 2006

Crystals of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) doped with tetrahedrally coordinated V3+ ions were grown using the Czochralski method in a highly pure argon atmosphere. The absorption and transmission spectra of trivalent vanadium in YAG crystals have been measured at room temperature. Seven bands were observed in which two bands centered at 370 nm (27027 cm–1), 800 nm (12500 cm–1) are reported for the first time. We also present the crystal‐field calculations of tetrahedrally coordinated V3+ impurity systems in YAG crystal. These calculation results are in good agreement with the optical experiment data. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure, stability and electronic properties of composite Mo1–xNbxS2 nanotubes
Authors: Ivanovskaya V. V. , Heine T. , Gemming S. , Seifert G.
Published: March 2006

The effect of Mo → Nb substitution on the electronic structure of MoS2 nanotubes has been investigated using the density functional tight binding method (DFTB). It has been found that composite Mo1–x Nbx S2 nanotubes (with Nb contents of 5, 10 and 25 at%) are more stable than the corresponding pure tubes, especially for larger tube diameters. The defect‐formation energy indicates that the most stable dopant arrangement is a NbS2 stripe along the tube direction. However, entropy effects may favor a random arrangement of Nb dopant atoms at high temperatures in the tubes with a larger diameter. All of the studied Mo1–x Nbx S2 nanotubes have metallic properties, independent of their chirality, diameters and ordering type of substitutional atoms. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic states and local structures of Cu ions in electrodeposited thin films of Cu and Cu2O from X‐ray absorption spectra
Authors: Wijesundera R. P. , Hidaka M. , Siripala W. , Choi Sun‐Hee , Sung Nark Eon , Kim Min Gyu , Lee Jay Min
Published: March 2006

X‐ray absorption spectra near Cu K edges have been obtained for Cu and Cu2O thin films potentiostatically electrodeposited in an acetate bath. The electronic states of Cu ions and the local structures around these ions are studied using X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, respectively. The inner strains in micro‐size crystals of the electrodeposited Cu thin film are less than those of a commercial Cu foil. The partial electronic states of Cu ions near the Fermi level (E F) and the local structure around these ions show a systematic transformation from a Cu2O single phase (Phase I), to a Cu2O–Cu intermediate phase (Phase II) and a Cu single phase (Phase III) in thin films electrodeposited on titanium substrates for the deposition potential range of –100 to –900 mV. Phase II consists of independent Cu2O‐like and Cu‐like local structures, but not a Cu2O–Cu complex. Phase II is also characterized by a transition region from the semiconductor Cu2O to the metal Cu for the Cu electronic state having a p‐like character near the Fermi level in the oxygen O‐2p conduction band. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Critical behavior studies in La1–xAgxMnO3 double‐exchange ferromagnet
Authors: Kar Manoranjan , Perumal A. , Ravi S.
Published: March 2006

A systematic low‐field ac susceptibility measurement was carried out to study the critical phenomena of La1–x Agx MnO3 (x = 0.10 and 0.15) system near its ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase transition by determining the Curie temperature and asymptotic magnetic susceptibility critical exponent. The obtained values of critical exponent in the actual critical region (ACR) are in good agreement with the values predicted by the three‐dimensional Heisenberg Model. The width of the ACR decreases with increasing Ag concentration. The observed critical behavior is discussed based on the finite clusters plus ferromagnetic matrix model. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vale of tears or vale of soul making? Keats' gnostic vision as an alternative to mainstream mental health care
Authors: Wilkin Peter
Published: March 2006

As the general pace of living in the western world continues to shift up the gears, mental health care has become the industry that both treats and maintains what society collectively refers to as ‘mental illness’. The message broadcast on life's plasma screen is that solutions and coping mechanisms necessary for 21st‐century survival are manufactured and available ‘out there’. Many of the difficulties that, at one time, would have become fodder for our growing souls have now become disorders that must be treated – even the very personality that carries our psyche through ‘this mortal coil’ has been targeted. The poet Keats' gnostic concept of soul making that served as foundation for his own brief life journey offers us an alternative way of being and ‘becoming’. Focusing on the fundamentals of negative capability, disinterestedness, imagination and empathy, this article offers a pathway through the pain and suffering that is inextricably woven into the fabric of our lives. More importantly, perhaps, it celebrates the life process that provides us with our sense of purpose – the discovery and schooling of our souls. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
System and software architecture reconciliation
Authors: Maier Mark W.
Published: March 2006

Large, complex systems today are increasingly software‐intensive. As a result, it is commonly essential that system development methods strongly facilitate good software development, even where to do so departs from traditional systems engineering practice. Unfortunately, the traditional state of the practice in systems engineering and system architecture descriptions are often not well suited to support complex software developments. For example, traditional systems engineering practice is to take a function‐first approach to definition, while software architectures are typically driven from the external interfaces inward, and are more often data‐based than function‐based. Moreover, the most successful very large system architectures typically take a strongly layered approach, with deliberate selection of convergence layers, a concept not typically found in traditional systems engineering practice. Each of these issues can be addressed through understanding of the elements of a good software architecture, appropriate ordering of systems engineering activities, and modeling methods extended to encompass layered system descriptions. While the example here is specific to software‐intensive systems, the methods applied can be extended to other types of domain integration. © 2006 Syst Eng 9: 146–159, 2006
Effect of location and seed rate on three genotypes of mungbean
Authors: Singh Guriqbal , Sekhon HS , Sandhu JS , Singh SJ , Gumber RK , Randhawa AS
Published: March 2006

Mungbean sown at four sites in the Punjab on 12 and 24 July gave higher yields than earlier or especially later sowings. A seed rate of 17.5 kg/ha was recommended for July, but 20 kg/ha seed rate is advisable for later sowings. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Use of agricultural wastes as substrate for the mushroom Volvariella volvacea
Authors: Obodai M , Cleland‐Okine J , Johnson P‐NT
Published: March 2006

The biological efficiencies of two strains of the mushroom Volvariella volvacea, V99 and VVO, were evaluated using banana leaves, cocoyam peelings and oil‐palm pericarp as substrates. Primordia were observed after 11–12 days on banana leaves. Both strains showed their highest production on banana leaves, with biological efficiencies of 43 and 72%. V99 fruited on all the substrates but VVO fruited only on banana leaves as it had mycogone infection on the other substrates. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd
Biological control of major seedborne fungal pathogens of African yam bean
Authors: Nwachukwu Eunice O
Published: March 2006

African yam bean seeds infected with Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium moniliforme and Botryodiplodia theobromae were treated with the biocontrol agents Chaetomium globosum, Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens. All the agents reduced the fungal incidence, and increased seed germination and seedling growth. The biocontrol agents were more effective than benomyl. Copyright © 2003 Whurr Publishers Ltd