bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple pulmonary aneurysms secondary to Hughes‐Stovin syndrome: Demonstration by MR angiography
Authors: Balci N. Cem , Semelka Richard C. , Noone Tara C. , Worawattanakul Suvipapun
Published: March 2007

We report a case of a 41‐year‐old patient with multiple pulmonary aneurysms secondary to Hughes‐Stovin syndrome. Conventional pulmonary angiography could not be performed, because thrombus in both the inferior and superior vena cavae prevented catheter passage. Contrast‐enhanced three‐dimensional (3D) MR angiography (MRA) showed two segmental pulmonary aneurysms in the right lung. The affected segments of the lung were resected successfully, predicated on the MRA findings.
Cardiovascular catheters and accessories: Ex vivo testing of ferromagnetism, heating, and artifacts associated with MRI
Authors: Shellock Frank G. , Shellock Vincent J.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MR safety of cardiovascular catheters and accessories. Intravascular cardiovascular catheters and accessories were tested for MR safety at 1.5 T using previously described techniques with respect to the evaluation of magnetic field attraction (deflection angle method), heating (temperature measured immediately before and after performing MRI), and artifacts (using a fast spoiled gradient‐recalled acquisition in steady state [GRASS] pulse sequence). Two devices were attracted (RV pacing lead and Oximetrix 3 SO2 optical module) by the static magnetic field. Each of the other objects displayed no attraction. Heating was +0.2°C for the sample cardiovascular catheter tested (Opticath). Artifacts varied from moderate to severe, depending on the amount and type of metal present in the device. Despite these ex vivo test results, further safety consideration should be given to the cardiovascular devices that have a conductive wire component (ie, certain types of the cardiovascular catheters) because of the potential for inducing current and excessive heating in these devices during MRI, especially using a high‐field‐strength MR system. The cardiovascular catheters evaluated in this study or those with a similar design are not recommended for use in patients undergoing MRI procedures.
A Phantom for diffusion‐weighted imaging of acute stroke
Authors: Laubach Hans. J. , Jakob Peter M. , Loevblad Karl O. , Baird Alison E. , Bovo Maria Picone , Edelman Robert R. , Warach Steven
Published: March 2007

A tissue phantom for diffusion‐weighted imaging was developed, basing its contrast between two compartments on different apparent diffusion coefficients, without contrast due to T2 relaxation and proton density. These contrast properties of the phantom simulate the situation found in normal gray matter and areas of acute ischemia. A possible application of the phantom was demonstrated for the investigation of the accuracy of volume measurements based on diffusion‐weighted images.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Nanofibers Made by Sea–Island‐Type Conjugated Melt Spinning and Laser‐Heated Flow Drawing
Authors: Nakata Kazuhiro , Fujii Kenji , Ohkoshi Yutaka , Gotoh Yasuo , Nagura Masanobu , Numata Miyuki , Kamiyama Mie
Published: March 2007

Nylon‐6/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) ultra‐multi‐island sea–island conjugated melt‐spun fibers are flow‐drawn at a draw ratio of 174 with heating by CO2 laser irradiation. Continuous PET nanofibers that have a diameter of 39 nm could be obtained from the flow‐drawn fiber with further drawing and removal of the sea component. In addition, the drawn fiber has a strength of 0.54 GPa. This result shows that a PET nanofiber having a strength almost equal to that of a conventional PET fiber can be obtained by the combination of conjugate‐melt‐spinning and laser‐heated flow‐drawing.

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Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Polycaprolactone‐block‐Polystyrene via Macromolecular Chain Transfer Reagents
Authors: Kerep Patrick , Ritter Helmut
Published: March 2007

ε‐Caprolactone (CL) was enzymatically polymerized with 2‐mercaptoethanol as the initiator, both in an oil bath and under microwave (MW) irradiation. The polymerization performed under MW irradiation maintaining equal conditions led to higher yields and less formation of side products, i.e., a higher chemoselectivity was observed. The resulting polyester with a terminal SH moiety had a of 3 600 g · mol−1, determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and was used as a chain transfer reagent. Subsequent copolymerization with styrene in different ratios led to polycaprolactone‐block‐polystyrene. SEC analysis and polarization microscopy of crystallized samples with different styrene contents proved the formation of block copolymers.

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Ionic Liquid Modification of Layered Silicates for Enhanced Thermal Stability
Authors: Byrne Cormac , McNally Tony
Published: March 2007

A natural and synthetic layered silicate (LS) was modified with trihexyltetradecyl‐phosphonium tetrafluoroborate (an ionic liquid) via a cationic exchange reacation. The exchange reaction and loading of modifier was investigated using a combination of WAXD, inductively coupled plasma‐optical emmission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The thermal stability of the modified LS was enhanced by up to 150 °C, when compared with conventional quaternary ammonium cations, making melt mixing of such modified nanoclays possible with poly(ethylene‐terephthalate) (PET).

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Non‐Catalyst Synthesis of Functionalized Biodegradable Polycarbonate
Authors: Feng Jun , Wang Xu‐Li , He Feng , Zhuo Ren‐Xi
Published: March 2007

The thermal ring‐opening polymerization of 5‐benzyloxy‐trimethylene carbonate (BTMC) in bulk in the absence of any catalyst resulted in high molecular weight poly(BTMC) ( = 80 300) and subsequent catalytic hydrogenolysis resulted in functional poly(5‐hydroxyl‐trimethylene carbonate) (PHTMC). Similar spontaneous polymerization of BTMC in the presence of PEG ( = 2 000) as a macroinitiator can provide amphiphilic block polymers. The results revealed that the thermal non‐catalyst (co)polymerization of BTMC is a highly attractive preparative method because of the lack of usage of toxic initiators or catalysts. Furthermore, an evaluation of the degradation and cytotoxicity of PHTMC demonstrated enhanced degradability compared to poly(trimethylene carbonate) and similar toxicity compared to PLGA, showing PHTMC to be a promising biomaterial.

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A Facile Two‐Step Route to Branched Polyisoprenes via ABn‐Macromonomers
Authors: López‐Villanueva Francisco‐Javier , Wurm Frederik , Kilbinger Andreas F. M. , Frey Holger
Published: March 2007

A facile two‐step synthesis for branched poly(isoprene)s (PI) based on polyaddition of ABn‐type macromonomers is described. The synthesis of the macromonomers was achieved by anionic polymerization of isoprene and subsequent end‐capping of the polymers by addition of chlorodimethylsilane to the living carbanions. This led to PI‐based macromonomers with narrow polydispersity (/ < 1.15) and molecular weights in the range of 1 700 – 22 100 g · mol−1. Synthesis of the branched polymers was carried out by a hydrosilylation‐based polymerization of the macromonomers. Characterization via SEC, SEC‐MALLS, coupled SEC‐viscosimetry and 1H‐NMR‐spectroscopy supported the formation of branched structures. Interestingly, these branched polymers exhibited α‐values that were similar to those reported for hyperbranched polymers based on AB2‐monomers.

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A Mechanochemical Approach to Nanocomposites Using Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes and Poly(L‐lysine)
Authors: Kim Jong‐Beom , Premkumar Thathan , Giani Olivia , Robin Jean‐Jaques , Schue Francois , Geckeler Kurt E.
Published: March 2007

A simple method to fabricate polymer nanocomposites with single‐walled carbon nanotubes is reported, in which the nanotubes were reacted with poly(L‐lysine) by using high‐speed vibration milling. The nanocomposites obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric methods. The morphology as well as the dispersion of the carbon nanotubes were determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

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An Efficient Blue‐Emitting Conjugated Copolymer Based on Fluorene and Carbazole with a Peripheral Dendritic Carbazole Pendant at the 9‐Position
Authors: Peng Qiang , Li Mingjun , Lu Shiqiang , Tang Xinghua
Published: March 2007

A new fluorene‐co‐carbazole‐based copolymer (PFCD), with a bulky peripheral dendritic carbazole pendant at the 9‐position, has been designed and synthesized through a Suzuki polycondensation reaction. The resulting copolymer exhibits desirable properties, such as excellent solubility, good thermal stability, and electrochemical properties. PFCD also shows efficient blue light‐emitting properties with excellent color purity and high photoluminescent quantum yield. The results of the photophysical properties indicate that the large side dendron with peripheral carbazole groups can not only efficiently suppress the π‐stacking of polymer chains but also raise the HOMO level of the resulting polymer material. Thus, PFCD is expected to be a promising pure blue light‐emitting material and further experiments on electroluminescent properties, film morphology, and aggregation behaviors are in progress.

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Single Base Pair Mismatch Detection Using Cationic Conjugated Polymers through Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Tian Ning , Tang Yanli , Xu Qing‐Hua , Wang Shu
Published: March 2007

A simple method using water‐soluble conjugated polymers and a DNA intercalator has been proposed for single base pair mismatch detection with enhanced detection efficiency. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used as an indicator for unwinding of dsDNA due to base pair mismatch at elevated temperatures. The optical amplification effect of the CPs helps to achieve enhanced detection efficiency.

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Yttrium Complexes as Catalysts for Living and Immortal Polymerization of Lactide to Highly Heterotactic PLA
Authors: Amgoune Abderramane , Thomas Christophe M. , Carpentier Jean‐François
Published: March 2007

Amino‐alkoxy‐bis(phenolate) yttrium complexes act in the presence of an excess of alcohol (up to 50 equiv. vs. Y) as highly active and stereoselective catalysts for rac‐lactide and rac‐β‐butyrolactone polymerizations. These versatile systems enable the production of large quantities of polymer with small amounts of catalyst, optimizing productivity, and also allow the preparation of polymers with functional end groups, which may be employed as intermediates for macromolecular engineering applications.

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Poly(4‐vinylbenzoyl azide): A New Isocyanato Group Generating Polymer
Authors: Klinger Daniel , Chang Ji Young , Theato Patrick
Published: March 2007

4‐Vinylbenzoyl azide was synthesized from p‐vinylbenzoic acid and polymerized by free radical polymerization. The obtained polymer contained acyl azide groups which were thermally transformed to the corresponding isocyanato groups. Reactions on these polymers with ethanol, hydroxyethyl methacrylate and 1‐pyrenebutanol proceeded quantitatively. Time‐resolved FT‐IR studies of the reactions with ethanol were carried out by varying the concentration and temperature. The effect of the solvent polarity on the Curtius rearrangement was investigated.

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Thioketone‐Mediated Polymerization of Butyl Acrylate: Controlling Free‐Radical Polymerization via a Dormant Radical Species
Authors: Junkers Tanja , Stenzel Martina H. , Davis Thomas P. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: March 2007

It is demonstrated by experiment and simulation that the commercially available thioketone 4,4‐bis(dimethylamino)thiobenzophenone is capable of controlling AIBN‐initiated bulk butyl acrylate polymerization at 80 °C. On the basis of molecular weight data and from monomer conversion versus time curves, the associated rate parameters are estimated. The addition rate coefficient, kad, for the reaction of a propagating chain with the thioketone is close to 106 L · mol−1 · s−1 and the fragmentation rate coefficient, kfrag, is around 10−2 s−1 giving rise to large equilibrium constants in the order of 108 L · mol−1. Furthermore, cross‐ and self‐termination of the dormant radical species are identified to be operational.

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Macromol. Rapid Commun. 6/2007
Authors: López‐Villanueva Francisco‐Javier , Wurm Frederik , Kilbinger Andreas F. M. , Frey Holger
Published: March 2007

Front Cover: The cover image shows the facile two‐step synthesis of branched poly(isoprene)s, based on the polyaddition of ABn‐type macromonomers. The macromonomers were obtained by anionic polymerization of isoprene and subsequent end‐capping with chlorodimethylsilane. Subsequent hydrosilylation leads to branched polyolefins. Further details can be found in the article by F.‐J. López‐Villanueva, F. Wurm, A. F. M. Kilbinger, and H. Frey* on page 704.
Back Cover: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 6/2007
Authors: Klinger Daniel , Chang Ji Young , Theato Patrick
Published: March 2007

Back Cover: The cover picture shows schematically the successful Curtius rearrangement of poly(4‐vinylbenzoyl azide) (P4VBA), which could be thermally transformed into the corresponding isocyanate containing polymer. Reactions on the resulting polymer with various alcohols proceeded quantitatively, making P4VBA a powerful tool as a thermally activated reactive precursor polymer. Further details can be found in the article by D. Klinger, J. Y. Chang, and P. Theato* on page 718.
Nonphysicians' and physicians' knowledge and care preferences for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Swarztrauber Kari , Graf Eric
Published: March 2007

We compared nonphysician and physician health care providers' knowledge of the pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease (PD) and their preferences for referring PD patients to specialists. A survey instrument was mailed in 2003 to all geriatric, neurology, mental health, and primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in the Pacific Northwest Veterans Health Administration (n = 503). The instrument contained questions about recommended practices for the pharmacotherapy of PD and two clinical scenarios followed by questions regarding referral preferences. The overall response rate was 74%. Nonphysicians answered 46% and physicians answered 50% of questions about PD pharmacotherapy in agreement with recommended clinical practice (P = 0.14). Nonphysician and physician providers did not differ in their preference to refer a PD patient to a specialist for management, but nonphysician providers were more likely to refer a patient to a specialist for diagnostic confirmation odds ratio: 3.03; 95% confidence interval: 1.67, 5.51). Given trends for more nonphysician provider autonomy in patient care, it is reassuring that nonphysician providers have similar knowledge of PD pharmacotherapy as physicians. Policies to substitute nonphysician providers for physician providers may increase referrals to specialty providers for diagnostic confirmation. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of dyskinesia patients
Authors: Kuznetsov Yevgeniy , Khiat Abdesslem , Blanchet Pierre J. , Boulanger Yvan
Published: March 2007

Oral dyskinesias may occur spontaneously or be induced by medications such as antipsychotics and antidepressants. In this study, single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to compare metabolite levels in the striatum for (1) 12 patients with drug‐induced tardive dyskinesia (TD), (2) 12 patients with spontaneous oral dyskinesia (SOD), (3) 8 antidepressant‐treated patients without TD, and (4) 8 control subjects. Statistically significant reductions in the choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratio were measured for the drug‐treated patients with TD (−13%, P = 0.020) and SOD patients (−12%, P = 0.034) relative to control subjects. In comparison with antidepressant‐treated patients without TD, drug‐treated patients with TD showed a non statistically significant reduction in Cho/Cr (−11%, P = 0.079). All other metabolite ratios (N‐acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr, myo‐inositol (mI)/Cr, glutamine + glutamate (Glx)/Cr, macromolecule + lipid (MM+Lip)/Cr, NAA/Cho) were unaffected by either type of dyskinesia. The observed Cho/Cr reduction in dyskinesia patients suggests decreased membrane phosphatidylcholine turnover, which provides free choline as precursor of molecules responsible for cellular signal transduction. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in a patient with multiple system atrophy: A possible association with oral midodrine treatment
Authors: Kim Joong‐Seok , Lee Kwang‐Soo , Lim Sung‐Chul , Ahn Jae‐Young , Song In‐Uk , Kim Yeong‐In , Kim Bum‐Soo , Kim Hee‐Tae
Published: March 2007

We describe a 51‐year‐old man with a 3‐year history of multiple system atrophy, who developed a reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) after receiving prescription midodrine for therapeutic treatment of orthostatic hypotension. Typical reversible magnetic resonance imaging findings, following treatment with midodrine, suggested a possible relationship between midodrine treatment, supine hypertension, and RPLS, although a cause‐and‐effect relationship cannot be confirmed. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Glia cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: New clues to understanding an old disease?
Authors: Neusch Clemens , Bähr Mathias , Schneider‐Gold Christiane
Published: March 2007

In classic neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the pathogenic concept of a cell‐autonomous disease of motor neurons has been challenged increasingly in recent years. Macro‐ and microglial cells have come to the forefront for their role in multistep degenerative processes in ALS and respective disease models. The activation of astroglial and microglial cells occurs early in the pathogenesis of the disease and seems to greatly influence disease onset and promotion. The role of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells remains elusive. In this review we highlight the impact of nonneuronal cells in ALS pathology. We discuss diverse glial membrane proteins that are necessary to control neuronal activity and neuronal cell survival, and summarize the contribution of these proteins to motor neuron death in ALS. We also describe recently discovered glial mechanisms that promote motor neuron degeneration using state‐of‐the‐art genetic mouse technology. Finally, we provide an outlook on the extent to which these new pathomechanistic insights may offer novel therapeutic approaches. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Health status of the Venda, a post‐antibiotic community in rural South Africa
Authors: L'Abbé E. N. , Steyn M.
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the health status of a rural African community during the emergence of Westernisation. A total of 157 skeletons, which included 120 adults (55 males and 51 females), 37 juveniles, and 14 individuals of unknown age, were analysed. Date of death ranged from 1910 to 1999, with the majority of individuals (52%) being buried after 1960. The bones were examined for infectious diseases, trauma and degenerative changes. More than half of the individuals in the sample had no pathological lesions on their skeletal remains. No cribra orbitalia was present. One case of leprosy and three cases of osteomyelitis were recorded. The most common findings were osteophytes on the vertebral bodies (syndesmophytes) (17%) and osteoarthritis (7%). The low occurrence of chronic disease is unexpected given that malaria was endemic and intestinal worms were common. Explanations for these results include adequate intake of iron from dietary sources, death from acute infectious diseases, administration of antibiotics, and poor preservation of adult skeletal remains. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One year survival following acute myocardial infarction in diabetic subjects
Authors: Jenkins D , Krentz A. , Nattrass M. , Wright Ad , Lamb P.
Published: March 2007

Survival in diabetic patients up to one year following their admission for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was studied. Two groups of patients were analysed: one comprised all diabetic patients with AMI admitted to a coronary care unit with AMI in 1987 (before thrombolysis was routine); the other comprised patients admitted in 1990. Survival was very similar in both groups. Survival was better in those patients admitted in 1990 who were treated with thrombolytic therapy (x2 = 3.46, 0.05<p<0.1). These data suggest that thrombolysis may improve one‐year survival in diabetic subjects and indicate that this topic warrants further study.
An integrated diabetes lipid clinic: Resource implications of screening and treating hyperlipidaemia in NIDDM
Authors: Sandler D , Smellie WSA , O'Donnell J. , MacCuish AC
Published: March 2007

Three hundred and fifty non‐insulin‐dependent diabetic patients were screened for hypercholesterolaemia in an integrated diabetes lipid clinic. Forty six of the 70 patients with serum cholesterol concentrations over 7.0mmol/l were reviewed for further beta lipoprotein and endocrine assessment. After confirmatory testing or dietary therapy, only 22 of the original screened population had serum cholesterol concentrations over 7.0mmol/l. Of these, eight had both historical and biochemical evidence of poor diabetes control, two patients had significant clinical depression, two were hypothyroid, and ultimately 10 patients were started on lipid‐lowering therapy. Nine patients continued follow‐up for one year. Total costs of screening and follow‐up were £2,740, representing a non‐drug cost of £7.80 per patient screened or £468 per patient treated. These costs are also extrapolated in a sensitivity analysis for different cholesterol treatment cutoff levels. The study emphasises the need for proper assessment of diabetic patients prior to commencing lipid‐lowering therapy, not only as good clinical practice but also in view of resources involved.
A survey of patients presenting to a casualty department with severe diabetic hypoglycaemia: Is treatment unnecessarily delayed?
Authors: Sinha RN , Gill GV
Published: March 2007

Hypoglycaemia is a common complication of insulin treatment and the largest single cause of diabetic attendances in casualty departments. Thirty episodes of severe hypoglycaemia presenting over a nine month period to a large district general hospital were studied. Despite the presence of a family member, the majority (80%) received their initial treatment from a health care professional. Additionally, few patients received clear advice for the prevention of further attacks or follow‐up arrangements. We conclude that on‐going education is necessary and that closer liaison between casualty and the diabetes care team would help provide this.
Identification and management of vaginal infections in diabetic women. Vaginal infections in women with Type 1 diabetes: Is culture necessary?
Authors: Steel JM , Wu PS , Johnstone FD
Published: March 2007

In this new section of Practical Diabetes International, selected original articles and case reports will be published alongside comments by specialists. It is hoped that this occasional series will help broaden and deepen readers' understanding of the diabetes topic in question, emphasize the importance for clinicians working in a specialist field such as diabetes to keep abreast of standards of practice and research in separate but related fields of medicine, and provoke productive debate. Publication of the specialist comments will be always with the original author's knowledge and consent.

The study was undertaken to look at the frequency of vaginal discharge, to establish how many women had received treatment for Candida without any investigation and to determine whether this form of management is reasonable in practice. One hundred premenopausal women over the age of 16 with Type 1 diabetes were questioned, and 22 of them, who had a discharge at the time of interview, had a vaginal examination, a high vaginal swab taken and a sample cultured for chlamydia. The majority of infections were due to Candida. A few other pathogenic organisms and a few commensals were cultured. It was concluded that culture is only necessary if the woman fails to respond to treatment, has a malodorous discharge, has a recurrent problem or is at high risk of sexually transmitted disease. It should be possible to carry out a vaginal examination on any patient with a vaginal discharge and take swabs in a diabetes clinic.
Case reports designed as an aid to professional education. Infection and diabetes: Fasciitis in a poorly controlled insulin‐dependent diabetic
Authors: Chalmers J. , Duncan C. , Campbell I.W.
Published: March 2007

Infection in diabetic patients has to be treated more aggressively than in non‐diabetics, particulary if there is a history of poor control or microvascular disease known to be present. In the case described, a severe cellulitis and fasciitis resulted from an apparently trivial infection. The patient required prolonged antibiotic therapy for more than four months to ensure complete resolution of the soft tissue infection.
Blood testing in the diabetes clinic and the patient's Charter
Authors: Jowett NI , Rattenbury JM
Published: March 2007

Within a clinic, blood testing is routine in most diabetes centres, but often causes patient delays. This is now discouraged under the terms of the Outpatient's Charter, which states that patients should be seen within 30 minutes of appointment time. Regular assessment of long‐term glycaemic control by assay of serum fructosamine or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is part of what patients with diabetes should expect (the Diabetic's Charter), with the HbA1c assay being preferred. We have developed a rapid within‐clinic HbA1c service which allows fulfilment of the Patient's and Diabetic's Charter.
An audit of diabetes care in three district general hospitals in Cardiff
Authors: Hudson CN , Peters J. , Lazarus J. , Beck P. , Sinclair A.J.
Published: March 2007

Our objective was to determine the overall prevalence of diabetes in three district general hospital inpatient populations and to compare the level of diabetes care provided, using a modification of guidelines recommended by the British Diabetic Association. The survey involved completing a standard proforma of all inpatients in the three district general hospitals in Cardiff on two separate occasions. We identified 104 diabetic patients from a total of 1,220 inpatients from the first survey, and 103 diabetic patients from of 1,236 inpatients from the second survey. The data from both groups of diabetic patients were pooled for analysis.

The mean age was 64.8 years with an even sex distribution. The percentage of hospital inpatients who had diabetes was 8.4%. Diabetes was the main cause of hospital admission in 58% of cases, with the majority of patients requiring management of the long‐term vascular complications of diabetes. The mean duration of stay of diabetic inpatients at the time of the survey was 16 days.

In more than half of all patients with diabetes, no record of examination of the feet for ulceration (56%) or the lower limbs for peripheral pulses (54%) was found. In 66% of cases, no record of fundoscopy was present and mydriasis was carried out in fewer than 15% of these cases. Visual acuity was not measured in 85% of cases. Measurement of glycated haemoglobin was performed in less than 40% of cases whilst approximately 75% of cases had no measurement of blood lipids recorded. Half of the patients with diabetes had not seen a hospital dietitian at the time of the survey. Only 44% of cases had a specific diabetes follow‐up plan recorded.

This audit has identified several important deficiencies in the medical care of patients with diabetes in three district general hsopitals in South Wales. These are considered to be representative of other hospitals in the United Kingdom and this study emphasises the importance of strategies to improve and co‐ordinate diabetes care in the secondary sector.
Psychology in diabetes care
Authors: Coles Colin
Published: March 2007

This is the first article in a major new series for Practical Diabetes International concerned with psychological aspects of diabetes care. Here Colin Coles, the Series Editor. outlines the problem. discusses why bealth professionals need to take it seriously, and gives a taste of what to expect in fortbocming issues of the journal.
Capillary blood sampling: How much pain is necessary? Part 4: Comparison of lancets for automatic lancing devices
Authors: Fruhstorfer H. , Selzer K. , Selbman O.
Published: March 2007

Six lancets for automatic lancing devices were examined for puncture pain and blood volume in 51 healthy subjects. The lancets were used in a Glucolet® device (nominal penetration depth 1 mm). All lancets caused only slight pain of similar intensity. Blood volumes, however, differed considerably between the lancets.
Case reports designed as an aid to professional education A personal experience of brittle diabetes Lessons learned and lessons still to learn
Authors: Steel JM , Campbell IW
Published: March 2007

Brittle diabetes is rare but imposes huge demands on the Health Service in terms of time and costs. It is almost always due to manipulative behaviour. These ‘nice girls’ behave in a very devious way. It is important to recognise the problem, bring it out in the open and treat it at an early stage. This can avoid numerous unnecessary investigations and admissions, and prevent the development of severe insulin resistance which is very difficult to treat and may lead to death.
Side‐chain effects on the morphology and properties of fluorene‐based alternating copolymers
Authors: Chen Peng , Yang Gui‐Zhong , Wang Chuan‐Ming , Wang Weizhi , Wang Min , Liu Tianxi
Published: March 2007

Soluble fluorene‐based alternating copolymers containing benzene as the comonomer were synthesized and characterized, in which three different side chains (hydrogen atom, linear octyloxy and bulky benzyloxy groups) were attached to the phenylene ring. The effect of the side chains with different steric hindrances on the photophysical, thermal and electrochemical properties as well as the morphology were investigated. Moreover, the chain conformation and spectroscopic properties in dilute solution were studied to understand the solvent effect. Aliphatic and aromatic solvents were demonstrated to have different influences on the spectra of the polymers owing to various interaction mechanisms in the excited states. Also, a significant decrease of up to 80 °C in the thermal degradation temperature was observed as a result of the introduction of large benzyloxy units. The energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the polymers were estimated to be − 5.76 to − 5.82 eV and − 2.19 to − 2.27 eV, respectively, from cyclic voltammetry measurements. In addition, the electronic structures of the polymers were described via quantum chemical calculations. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Polycondensation of lactic acid catalyzed by organic acid anhydrides
Authors: Bai Yanbin , Lei Ziqing
Published: March 2007

Poly(lactic acid) was prepared by the utilization of the acid anhydrides cis‐butenedoic anhydride, phthalic anhydride and pyromellitic dianhydride as catalysts. The effect of the amount of catalyst, temperature and reaction time on the polymerization was investigated in detail. The results show that the acid anhydride catalysts are very efficient in bulk polycondensation, giving poly(D,L‐lactic acid) with average molecular weights (Mw) of (1.7–2.3) × 104 in high yield. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of solvents on the photoinduced birefringence in chitosan films incorporating azo dyes
Authors: Siqueira JP , dos Santos Jr DS , Misoguti L , Oliveira ON , Mendonça CR
Published: March 2007

The photoinduced birefringence arising from trans–cis–trans isomerization has been studied in chitosan cast films doped with the azo dye Ponceau‐S. The chitosan/Ponceau‐S films are highly resistant to several solvents, which allowed the study of their optical storage features after immersion in various solvents. We demonstrate that the induced birefringence and its dynamics are influenced by the solvent. From experiments using such different solvents as water, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol, methanol and chloroform, it was found that the induced birefringence and the writing rate increase linearly with the dielectric constant of the solvent. At high dielectric constant, photoinduced molecular reorientation is facilitated, leading both to a larger birefringence and faster dynamics. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular weight determinations on polymers by electron microscopy
Authors: Quayle D. V.
Published: March 2007

A technique has been developed by which molecular weight averages and distributions may be obtained for polymer fractions of high molecular weight.

For glassy amorphous polymers, very dilute solutions in solvent‐precipitant mixtures are atomised on to a thin carbon substrate, shadowed with platinum‐carbon mixture and examined in the electron microscope. A solvent is chosen which is more volatile than the precipitant, so that on the path from the atomiser system to the substrate, and on the substrate itself, preferential evaporation of the solvent takes place. Contacts between polymer segments become more favourable than polymer‐solvent contacts, resulting in the progressive contraction of the molecular coils, and the deposition of single spherical self‐supporting molecules, the diameters of which can be determined from the lengths of the shadows cast by them.

Molecules of polymers having glass transition temperatures below room temperature, or even slightly above, show varying degrees of collapse when prepared at room temperature. A device has been constructed which allows such polymer molecules to be deposited and shadowed at temperatures down to −100°, at which temperature molecular collapse is not apparent. Molecular diameters may then be measured as for glassy polymers. An atomiser‐separator system was constructed, which produced small droplets containing, essentially, one or zero polymer molecules, when a fraction of high molecular weight was used. All the solvent was evaporated from the droplets on the path to the cooled substrate, allowing the deposition of solvent‐free molecules.

Molecular weight averages and distributions are presented for a series of high‐molecular‐weight polymer fractions, in the glass transition temperature range from 100° to —73°. The high precision of the results from this technique is demonstrated, together with the close agreement between molecular weight averages obtained by electron microscopy, and those obtained by light‐scattering and viscometry.
Peel adhesion of PVC to steel
Authors: Sherlock J. C. , Shreir L. L.
Published: March 2007

The adhesion of PVC to various steel surfaces has been studied using a simple peel test apparatus. The effects of surface cleanliness, phosphate coatings, and oxide films on adhesion have been studied, and studies of oxide film thickness indicate that forces other than those usually considered in models of adhesion may be operative.
Studies on anion‐exchange resins IV. Chelating properties of anion exchangers prepared from melamine and commercial cashewnutshell liquid
Authors: Dasare B. D. , Krishnaswamy N.
Published: March 2007

Two weakly basic anion exchangers have been investigated for the selective uptake of cations. The cashewnut‐ shell liquid ‐ tetraethylene pentamine resin absorbs copper, nickel and cobalt at different pH of external solution. The unbuffered melamine‐based resin was specific for copper, which could be separated from nickel and cobalt completely.
Chromatographic studies of some thermosetting resins
Authors: Aldersley J. W. , Bertram V. M. R. , Harper G. R. , Stark B. P.
Published: March 2007

The molecular weight distributions of resins produced by reaction of formaldehyde with phenols, melamine, or urea have been studied by gel permeation chromatography.
Synthesis and characterization of novel poly(ester carbonate)s based on pentaerythritol
Authors: Xie Zhigang , Lu Changhai , Chen Xuesi , Chen Li , Wang Yu , Hu Xiuli , Shi Quan , Jing Xiabin
Published: March 2007

Novel poly(ester carbonate)s were synthesized by the ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide and functionalized carbonate monomer 9‐phenyl‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecan‐3‐one derived from pentaerythritol with diethyl zinc as an initiator. 1H NMR analysis revealed that the carbonate content in the copolymer was almost equal to that in the feed. DSC results indicated that Tg of the copolymer increased with increasing carbonate content in the copolymer. Moreover, the protecting benzylidene groups in the copolymer poly(L‐lactide‐co‐9‐phenyl‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecan‐3‐one) were removed by hydrogenation with palladium hydroxide on activated charcoal as a catalyst to give a functional copolymer, poly(L‐lactide‐co‐2,2‐dihydroxylmethyl‐propylene carbonate), containing pendant primary hydroxyl groups. Complete deprotection was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The in vitro degradation rate of the deprotected copolymers was faster than that of the protected copolymers in the presence of proteinase K. The cell morphology and viability on a copolymer film evaluated with ECV‐304 cells showed that poly(ester carbonate)s derived from pentaerythritol are good biocompatible materials suitable for biomedical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45:1737 –1745, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of white‐light‐emitting polyfluorenes containing orange phosphorescent moieties in the side chain
Authors: Mei Chongyu , Ding Junqiao , Yao Bing , Cheng Yanxiang , Xie Zhiyuan , Geng Yanhou , Wang Lixiang
Published: March 2007

Two orange phosphorescent iridium complex monomers, 9‐hexyl‐9‐(iridium (III)bis(2‐(4′‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐phenylquinoline‐N,C2′)(tetradecanedionate‐11,13))‐2,7‐dibromofluorene (Br‐PIr) and 9‐hexyl‐9‐(iridium(III)bis(2‐(4′‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐methylquinoline‐N,C2′)(tetradecanedionate‐11,13))‐2,7‐dibromofluorene (Br‐MIr), were successfully synthesized. The Suzuki polycondensation of 2,7‐bis(trimethylene boronate)‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene with 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene and Br‐PIr or Br‐MIr afforded two series of copolymers, PIrPFs and MIrPFs, in good yields, in which the concentrations of the phosphorescent moieties were kept small (0.5–3 mol % feed ratio) to realize incomplete energy transfer. The photoluminescence (PL) of the copolymers showed blue‐ and orange‐emission peaks. A white‐light‐emitting diode with a configuration of indium tin oxide/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/PIr05PF (0.5 mol % feed ratio of Br‐PIr)/Ca/Al exhibited a luminous efficiency of 4.49 cd/A and a power efficiency of 2.35 lm/W at 6.0 V with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.46, 0.33). The CIE coordinates were improved to (0.34, 0.33) when copolymer MIr10PF (1.0 mol % feed ratio of Br‐MIr) was employed as the white‐emissive layer. The strong orange emission in the electroluminescence spectra in comparison with PL for these kinds of polymers was attributed to the additional contribution of charge trapping in the phosphorescent dopants. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. JPolym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1746–1757, 2007
Regioregular poly[3‐(4‐alkoxyphenyl)thiophene]s
Authors: Roviello Antonio , Buono Annamaria , Carella Antonio , Roviello Giuseppina , Cassinese Antonio , Barra Mario , Biasucci Mariano
Published: March 2007

An easy synthetic procedure for soluble poly[3‐(4‐alcoxyphenyl)thiophene]s is reported. The polymers present a high regioregularity degree as determined by both UV–vis spectra and 1H and 13C NMR analysis. Furthermore, X‐ray powder diffraction analysis performed on films of the polymers suggests a π‐stacked packing structure of the macromolecules. Electrical characterization was performed on one of the synthesized polythiophenes on both undoped and doped (with FeCl3 or iodine) films. The conductivity and charge‐carrier mobility were assessed by current–voltage and field effect measurements. Well‐structured polymer films were obtained simply via spin coating from chloroform solutions and without the need of further processing, unlike other regioregular polythiophenes reported in the literature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1758–1770, 2007
Living carbocationic copolymerization of isobutylene with styrene
Authors: Puskas Judit E. , Chan Sam W. P. , Mcauley Kimberley B. , Kaszas Gabor , Shaikh Sohel
Published: March 2007

The carbocationic copolymerization of isobutylene (IB) and styrene (St), initiated by 2‐chloro‐2,4,4‐trimethylpentane/TiCl4 in 60/40 (v/v) methyl chloride/hexane at −90 °C, was investigated. At a low total concentration (0.5 mol/L), slow initiation and rapid monomer conversion were observed. At a high total comonomer concentration (3 mol/L), living conditions (a linear semilogarithmic rate and Mn–conversion plots) were found, provided that the St concentration was above a critical value ([St]0 ∼ 0.6 mol/L). The breadth of the molecular weight distribution decreased with increasing IB concentration in the feed, reaching Mw/Mn ∼ 1.1. St homopolymerization was also living at a high total concentration, yielding polystyrene with Mn = 82,000 g/mol, the highest molecular weight ever achieved in carbocationic St polymerization. An analysis of this system by both the traditional gravimetric–NMR copolymer composition method and FTIR demonstrated penultimate effects. IB enrichment was found in the copolymers at all feed compositions, with very little drift at a high total concentration and above the critical St concentration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1778–1787, 2007
The ‘thermal semi‐conductor’ effect of crushed rocks
Authors: Guodong Cheng , Yuanming Lai , Zhizhong Sun , Fan Jiang
Published: March 2007

Coarse rock layers are widespread in periglacial environments and can lower the temperature of underlying ground. We show that the cooling effect of closed and sloping rock layers is in the form of Rayleigh‐Bénard convection, while that of open and inclined rock layers is via the ‘chimney effect’ and wind‐forced convection. Cooling has been observed in numerical simulations, laboratory models and field mock‐up experiments. Coarse rocks were widely used in the construction of the Qinghai‐Xizang Railroad and temperature monitoring of their performance indicates that they do have a cooling effect on embankments. The advantages of utilising such materials are many, including high efficiency, ease of installation, environmental friendliness and relatively low cost. It is recommended that they be used in engineering projects in sensitive permafrost areas as a cooling agent and/or a countermeasure against possible global warming. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the RSL1‐dependent conditional expression system in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and development of a single vector format
Authors: Lessard Julie , Aicha Sonia ben , Fournier Andréa , Calvo Ezequiel , Lavergne Éliane , Pelletier Mélissa , Labrie Claude
Published: March 2007

Background

Conditional expression systems are useful tools for the study of gene function but the use of these systems in prostate cancer cells is limited by the undesired biological effects of the inducing ligands. The RheoSwitch system employs RheoSwitch Ligand 1 (RSL1), a non‐steroidal analog of the insect hormone ecdysone, to activate a modified nuclear receptor heterodimer that controls target gene expression via GAL4 response elements. This system has not been tested in prostate cancer cells.

Methods

We established LNCaP human prostate cancer cell lines that constitutively express RheoSwitch transcription factors to quantify RSL1‐dependent expression and assess the effects of RSL1 on cell proliferation and endogenous gene expression. Potential RSL1‐responsive genes were identified using Affymetrix microarrays and validated by Northern blot hybridization. A single‐vector format was developed to establish cell lines that conditionally produce a recombinant protein.

Results

Stable cell lines displayed tight and potent (over several orders of magnitude) RSL1‐dependent regulation of a transiently transfected luciferase reporter gene. RSL1 did not affect basal or androgen‐stimulated cell proliferation and exerted minimal effects on the expression of endogenous genes. Cell lines established using the single‐vector system also displayed strictly RSL1‐dependent production of the recombinant protein encoded by the stably integrated RSL1‐responsive expression cassette.

Conclusions

The RheoSwitch system is well suited for conditional gene expression in prostate cancer cells. The single‐vector format should facilitate the production of stable cell lines. This system should be useful for the study of proteins involved in prostate cancer in both cell and animal models of the disease. Prostate 67: 808–819, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The quinoline‐3‐carboxamide anti‐angiogenic agent, tasquinimod, enhances the anti‐prostate cancer efficacy of androgen ablation and taxotere without effecting serum PSA directly in human xenografts
Authors: Dalrymple Susan L. , Becker Robin E. , Isaacs John T.
Published: March 2007

PURPOSE

Tasquinimod is a second‐generation orally active quinoline‐3‐carboxamide analog with enhanced potency against prostate cancer via its anti‐angiogenic activity. It is presently undergoing clinical trials. Androgen ablation and taxanes are standard therapies for metastatic prostate cancer. This raises the issue of whether combining tasquinimod with either of these approaches enhances therapeutic efficacy.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The tumor growth of a series of human prostate cancer xenografts (CWR‐22Rv1, CWR‐22R‐H, LAPC‐4, LNCaP, PC‐3 and DU‐145) in male nude mice given nothing versus tasquinimod alone or in combination with androgen ablation or with androgen ablation plus taxotere were evaluated as model systems to resolve these issues.

RESULTS

These studies documented that daily oral treatment with tasquinimod consistently, statistically (P < 0.05) inhibited the tumor growth of each of the xenografts in a dose‐dependent manner via an anti‐angiogenic response as monitored by a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the tumor blood vessel density. Tasquinimod's anti‐prostate cancer efficacy is enhanced when combined with androgen ablation and this enhancement was observed even when androgen ablation was either subsequent to or proceeded by tasquinimod treatment. In addition, tasquinimod also enhanced the tumor growth inhibition and survival when combined with androgen ablation plus taxotere. Companion studies documented that tasquinimod has no direct effect on serum PSA in these xenografts.

CONCLUSIONS

These results documented that differences in serum PSA in tasquinimod‐treated hosts are related to inhibition in tumor growth. This suggests that in clinical trials, changes in PSA slope or doubling time are indicative of therapeutic response to tasquinimod. Prostate 67: 790–797, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cation–aromatic database
Authors: Reddy A. Srinivas , Sastry G. Madhavi , Sastry G. Narahari
Published: March 2007

Cation–aromatic database (CAD) is a publicly available web‐based database that aims to provide further understanding of interaction between a cation and the π interactions. A tool to identify the interactions in a user‐given protein is also added to the database. CAD is freely accessible via the Internet at http://203.199.182.73/gnsmmg/databases/cad/ Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.