bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variational assimilation of radar reflectivities in a cirrus model. II: Optimal initialization and model bias estimation
Authors: Benedetti Angela , Stephens Graeme L. , Vukićević Tomislava
Published: February 2003

In this paper the microphysical model of cirrus clouds introduced in a related study is used to assimilate radar data. A variational approach is developed, based on a method of optimal estimation which makes use of the gradient information provided by the adjoint of the model to minimize a quadratic cost function. Multiple experiments to probe different solutions to the assimilation problem are conducted using both synthetic reflectivities and real observations. Various model and environment parameters are tested as control variables. Results indicate that specific humidity is a viable control variable at cloud levels. Even though this field is only indirectly related to the radar signal, information about the ambient humidity in which the cloud formed may be extracted from the radar reflectivities by using the cloud model in conjunction with the observations. The adjustment of the specific‐humidity profile brings the model solution closer to the observed values by increasing the crystal number concentration. Systematic errors in the prognostic variables are also estimated as part of the optimization process by including a model bias term in the cost function. This is equivalent to relaxing the assumption of ‘perfect’ model, and allows for better assimilation results when both model bias evaluation and optimal initialization are performed. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Otomycosis in Turkey: predisposing factors, aetiology and therapy
Authors: Ozcan K. Murat , Ozcan Muge , Karaarslan Aydin , Karaarslan Filiz
Published: February 2003

Otomycosis usually requires long-term treatment and tends to recur. This study was performed on 87 patients with the clinical diagnosis of otomycosis and 20 controls in order to determine the pathogenic agents, predisposing factors and a cost-effective treatment. The predisposing factors included wearing head clothes (74.7 per cent), presence of dermatomycoses (34.5 per cent) and swimming (27.6 per cent). The most common pathogenic fungus was Aspergillus niger (44.8 per cent) in the otomycosis group. The only isolate was Candida albicans in the control group (2.5 per cent). We concluded that administration of four per cent boric acid solution in alcohol and frequent suction cleaning of the ear canal might be a cost-effective treatment for otomycosis since 77 per cent of the patients were treated effectively this way. Eighty per cent of the resistant cases had mixed fungal-bacterial infections, and 50 per cent of them had dermatomycoses. These resistant cases were treated by administration of tioconazole
ointment.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin and trovafloxacin for the treatment of acute, bacterial maxillary sinusitis in adults
Authors: Klossek J.-M. , Siegert R. , Nikolaidis P. , Arvis P. , Leberre M.-A. ,   Sinusitis Study Group
Published: February 2003

In this multicentre, multinational, comparative, double-blind clinical trial, out-patients with both symptoms and radiographic evidence of acute sinusitis were randomly assigned to receive either a seven-day, once daily (o.d.) oral regimen of moxifloxacin (400 mg) or a 10-day o.d. oral regimen of trovafloxacin (200 mg). Among 452 patients considered valid for clinical efficacy, moxifloxacin treatment was found to be statistically equivalent to trovafloxacin (96.9 per cent vs 92.1 per cent -95 per cent CI = 0.6 per cent; 8.9 per cent) at the seven to 10 days post-therapy assessment. At follow-up, the success rate in the moxifloxacin group was 94.9 per cent and that for the trovafloxacin group was 97.6 per cent (95 per cent CI = -4.9 per cent; 1.3 per cent). The predominant causative organisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus followed by Enterobacteriaceae and Moraxella catarrhalis. The bacteriological success rate at the post-therapy evaluation was similar in both treatment groups: 94.4 per cent and 90.1 per cent in the moxifloxacin and trovafloxacin groups respectively (95 per cent CI = −3.0 per cent; 11.9 per cent). Only three of the 103 baseline isolated pathogens still persisted in the moxifloxacin group, whereas there were 10 of the 121 isolates that failed to respond in the trovafloxacin treatment group. At least one drug-related event was reported by 16.9 per cent of the moxifloxacin-treated patients and by 22.3 per cent of those who received trovafloxacin. CNS events such as dizziness and vertigo were reported more than five times more often in patients receiving trovafloxacin than in the moxifloxacin group. Trovafloxacin recipients were also more than twice as likely to discontinue treatment due to adverse events than moxifloxacin-treated patients. Overall, moxifloxacin was at least as effective clinically and bacteriologically as trovafloxacin and better tolerated.
Polyflex stent: is it radiopaque enough?
Authors: Jog M. , Anderson D. E. , McGarry G. W.
Published: February 2003

We report a case of tracheal stenosis in which a migrated Polyflex (Rusch AG, Germany) stent entered the right main bronchus but could not be identified on the chest radiograph. The stent was identified at bronchoscopy and removed under general anaesthesia.

Polyflex stents are radiopaque but may not always show up on radiograph. We recommend reliance on clinical symptoms rather than imaging to diagnose migration. If stent migration is suspected then imaging should include thoracic inlet films that incorporate a lateral view.
A high-capacity RNA affinity column for the purification of human IRP1 and IRP2 overexpressed inPichia pastoris
Authors: ALLERSON CHARLES R. , MARTINEZ ALAN , YIKILMAZ EMINE , ROUAULT TRACEY A.
Published: February 2003

Regulated expression of proteins involved in mammalian iron metabolism is achieved in part through the interaction of the iron regulatory proteins IRP1 and IRP2 with highly conserved RNA stem-loop structures, known as iron-responsive elements (IREs), that are located within the 5′ or 3′ untranslated regions of regulated transcripts. As part of an effort to determine the structures of the IRP–IRE complexes using crystallographic methods, we have developed an efficient process for obtaining functionally pure IRP1 and IRP2 that relies upon the improved overexpression (>10 mg of soluble IRP per liter of culture) of each human IRP in the yeastPichia pastorisand large-scale purification using RNA affinity chromatography. Despite the utility of RNA affinity chromatography in the isolation of RNA-binding proteins, current methods for preparing RNA affinity matrices produce columns of low capacity and limited stability. To address these limitations, we have devised a simple method for preparing stable, reusable, high-capacity RNA affinity columns. This method utilizes a bifunctional linker to covalently join a 5′-amino tethered RNA with a thiol-modified Sepharose, and can be used to load 150 nmole or more of RNA per milliliter of solid support. We demonstrate here the use of an IRE affinity column in the large-scale purification of IRP1 and IRP2, and suggest that the convenience of this approach will prove attractive in the analysis of other RNA-binding proteins.
Structure–function analysis of the 3′ stem-loop of hepatitis C virus genomic RNA and its role in viral RNA replication
Authors: YI MINKYUNG , LEMON STANLEY M.
Published: February 2003

Previous studies indicate that the 3′ terminal 46 nt of the RNA genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are highly conserved among different viral strains and essential for RNA replication. Here, we describe a mutational analysis of the 3′ terminal hairpin (stem-loop I) that is putatively formed by this sequence and demonstrate its role in replication of the viral RNA. We show that single base substitutions within the 6-nt loop at positions adjacent to the stem abrogate replication of a subgenomic RNA, whereas substitutions in the three apical nucleotides were well tolerated without loss of replication competence. Single point mutations were also well tolerated within the middle section of the duplex, but not at the penultimate nucleotide positions near either end of the stem. However, complementary substitutions at the −19 and −28 positions (from the 3′ end) restored replication competence, providing strong evidence for the existence of the structure and its involvement in RNA replication. This was confirmed by rescue of replicating RNAs from mutants containing complementary 10-nt block substitutions at the base of the stem. Each of these RNAs contained an additional U at the 3′ terminus. Further experiments indicated a strong preference for U at the 3′ terminal position (followed in order by C, A, and G), and a G at the −2 position. These features of stem-loop I are likely to facilitate recognition of the 3′ end of the viral RNA by the viral RNA replicase.
The role of a clinically important mutation in the fold and RNA-binding properties of KH motifs
Authors: RAMOS ANDRES , HOLLINGWORTH DAVID , PASTORE ANNALISA
Published: February 2003

We have investigated the role in the fold and RNA-binding properties of the KH modules of a hydrophobic to asparagine mutation of clinical importance in the fragile X syndrome. The mutation involves a well-conserved hydrophobic residue close to the N terminus of the second helix of the KH fold (α2(3) position). The effect of the mutation has been long debated: Although the mutant has been shown to disrupt the three-dimensional fold of several KH domains, the residue seems also to be directly involved in RNA binding, the main function of the KH module. Here we have used the KH3 of Nova-1, whose structure is known both in isolation and in an RNA complex, to study in detail the role of the α2(3) position. A detailed comparison of Nova KH3 structure with its RNA/KH complex and with other KH structures suggests a dual role for the α2(3) residue, which is involved both in stabilizing the hydrophobic core and in RNA contacts. We further show by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies in solution that L447 of Nova-1 in position α2(3) is in exchange in the absence of RNA, and becomes locked in a more rigid conformation only upon formation of an RNA complex. This implies that position α2(3) functions as a “gate” in the mechanism of RNA recognition of KH motifs based on the rigidification of the fold upon RNA binding.
Discovery and characterization of Acanthamoeba castellanii mitochondrial 5S rRNA
Authors: BULLERWELL CHARLES E. , SCHNARE MURRAY N. , GRAY MICHAEL W.
Published: February 2003

Although 5S rRNA is a highly conserved and universal component of eubacterial, archaeal, chloroplast, and eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosomes, a mitochondrial DNA-encoded 5S rRNA has so far been identified only in land plants and certain protists. This raises the question of whether 5S rRNA is actually required for and used in mitochondrial translation. In the protist Acanthamoeba castellanii, BLAST searches fail to reveal a 5S rRNA gene in the complete mitochondrial genome sequence, nor is a 5S-sized RNA species detectable in ethidium bromide-stained gels of highly purified mitochondrial RNA preparations. Here we show that an alternative visualization technique, UV shadowing, readily detects a novel, mitochondrion-specific small RNA in A. castellanii mitochondrial RNA preparations, and that this RNA species is, in fact, a 5S rRNA encoded by the A. castellanii mitochondrial genome. These results emphasize the need for caution when interpreting negative results that suggest the absence of 5S rRNA and/or a mitochondrial DNA-encoded 5S rRNA sequence in other (particularly protist) mitochondrial systems.
Uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing in trypanosome mitochondria: A complex business
Authors: SIMPSON LARRY , SBICEGO SANDRO , APHASIZHEV RUSLAN
Published: February 2003

The basic mechanism of uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing in mitochondria of kinetoplastid protists has been established for some time but the molecular details remained largely unknown. Recently, there has been significant progress in defining the molecular components of the editing reaction. A number of factors have been isolated from trypanosome mitochondria, some of which have been definitely implicated in the uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing reaction and others of which have been circumstantially implicated. Several protein complexes have been isolated which exhibit some editing activities, and the macromolecular organization of these complexes is being analyzed. In addition, there have been several important technical advances in the in vitro analysis of editing. In this review we critically examine the various factors and complexes proposed to be involved in RNA editing.
Skill set analysis in knowledge structures
Authors: Gediga Günther , Düntsch Ivo
Published: February 2003

We extend the theory of knowledge structures by taking into account information about the skills a subject has. In the first part of the paper we exhibit some structural properties of the skill—problem relationship and consequences for the interpretation of concurrent theories in terms of the skill theory. The second part of the paper offers a test theory based on skill functions: we present measurements for the data consistency of the skill—problem relationship, and estimate abilities in terms of lower and/or upper boundaries of problem states and skills, given a special instance of the skill‐problem relationship. Some practical considerations are discussed, which enable the user of a skill‐based system to optimize a partial theory about the skill‐based behaviour of subjects based on empirical results.
Identification of influential cells in the analysis of ordinal square tables
Authors: Poon Wai‐Yin , Ng Sau‐Chun
Published: February 2003

For square tables arising from ordinal categorical variables which can be considered as manifestations of underlying continuous variables, it is possible to model the underlying continuous variables in a form that facilitates the comparison of their relative locations and dispersions. An efficient estimation method for such a model is available in the literature and the object of this paper is to develop an influence analysis procedure to accompany the estimation method. The local influence approach is used to obtain the diagnostic measures, and real data sets are analysed to illustrate the practicability of the proposed measures.
The comparative sensitivity of ordinal multiple regression and least squares regression to departures from interval scaling
Authors: Woodward Todd S. , Hunter Michael A. , Kadlec Helena
Published: February 2003

The comparative sensitivity of ordinal multiple regression (OMR) and least squares regression (LSR) to criterion variable deviations from interval scaling was investigated by way of computer simulation. LSR on raw scores and ranks was compared to OMR on raw scores, ranks and dominances. Simulated data sets varied on predictor variable correlations, amount of prediction error, weight distinctiveness and shape of rating‐scale distribution. The results indicated that LSR on raw scores was most affected by discretization in all conditions. In contrast, the performance of LSR approximated that of OMR when the data were first transformed to ranks. The poor performance of LSR on raw scores was most pronounced when the data discretization resulted in a symmetrical distribution. Predictor variable correlations and amount of prediction error did not affect the pattern of results. Weight distinctiveness did not interact with the other factors.
Conflicts among human values and trust in institutions
Authors: Devos Thierry , Spini Dario , Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: February 2003

Institutions contribute to maintaining social order and stability in society. At the same time, they restrain the freedom of individuals. Based on the theory of value structure and content (Schwartz, 1992), we hypothesized about the relations of people's trust in institutions to their value priorities. More precisely, we predicted and found that the level of trust in various institutions correlated positively with values that stress stability, protection, and preservation of traditional practices, and negatively with values that emphasize independent thought and action and favour change. In addition, we demonstrated that groups defined on the basis of religious affiliation or political orientation exhibited contrasting value priorities on the same bipolar dimension. Moreover, differences in value priorities accounted for the fact that religious individuals and right‐wing supporters expressed more trust in institutions than non‐religious individuals and left‐wing supporters.
The lost e‐mail: Prosocial reactions induced by uniquely human emotions
Authors: Vaes Jeroen , Paladino Maria‐Paola , Leyens Jacques‐Philippe
Published: February 2003

Leyens et al. (2000) have developed a theory on the role of secondary emotions as a uniquely human characteristic. An implication of this theory is that the use of secondary emotions, compared to primary emotions, will increase prosocial intentions and behaviours. Given the uniquely human character of secondary emotions, people who express themselves in terms of these emotions are tacitly seen as more human. As a consequence, these individuals share the human nature that we usually reserve for our own group or ourselves and will therefore evoke prosocial attitudes and behaviours. In two studies, French‐speaking participants were confronted with an e‐mail that started with either a primary or a secondary emotion. As expected, secondary emotion messages, compared to primary emotion messages, provoked stronger intentions to help the sender (Expt 1) and elicited ‘nicer’ responses (Expt 2). Implications for intergroup relations are discussed.
Personality, attachment and sexuality related to dating relationship outcomes: Contrasting three perspectives on personal attribute interaction
Authors: Schmitt David P.
Published: February 2003

Although people can bring personal attributes to their relationships that affect how satisfying and enduring those relationships are, it is more often personal attribute interaction that directly determines romantic relationship outcomes. In this study, three general perspectives on personal attribute interaction—similarity, complementarity and exchange perspectives—were contrasted empirically in their ability to predict dating relationship outcomes. Based on questionnaires completed by a sample of 44 heterosexual dating couples, feelings of relationship satisfaction were most closely associated with the interaction of socially valuable attributes, generally supporting the exchange perspective. Similarity of personal attributes was also connected with relationship satisfaction; however, this association was in the negative direction. That is, couples with dissimilar personality traits, attachment styles and sexual strategies were significantly more satisfied with their dating relationships. Complementarity of personal attributes had no link to satisfaction, but complementary couples experienced significantly higher ratings of relationship commitment, especially couples with complementary personalities. Discussion focused on the differences between personal attribute connections with romantic satisfaction and commitment and on the limitations of the present study.
The continuing potential relevance of equivalence and allegiance to research on psychological treatment of psychosis
Authors: Shapiro David A. , Paley Graham
Published: February 2003

In response to Tarrier and colleagues' critique of our recent paper (Paley & Shapiro, 2002), we note that the equivalent outcomes paradox and investigator allegiance problem remain of considerable potential relevance to research on psychological treatment of psychosis. We note in particular their salience to recent work reported by Tarrier and his colleagues. We also comment that our preparedness to entertain the contributions of diverse treatment models does not entail a theoretical approach.
Patients' characteristics, outcome and cost‐benefit of hospital‐based treatment for patients with personality disorder: A comparison of three different programmes
Authors: Chiesa Marco , Bateman Anthony , Wilberg Theresa , Friis Svein
Published: February 2003

In this study we aimed (a) to ascertain whether a relationship exists between different treatment programmes and settings for personality disorder and patient characteristics; (b) to give an indication of treatment effects in three personality disordered populations admitted to different treatment contexts; and (c) to compare costs in relation to outcomes. We collected and compared three samples from one in‐patient site (Cassel in England) and two day hospitals (Halliwick in England and Ulleval in Norway) on a number of demographic, diagnostic and other key clinical variables. Outcome in the areas of symptom severity (Symptom Checklist‐90‐R) and social adaptation (Social Adjustment Scale) was evaluated by comparing admission with discharge scores. Treatment costs for each sample were also estimated and compared. Significant differences were found on most baseline variables across the three sites. In general with regard to severity of psychopathology, the Halliwick sample was the most disturbed, Ulleval the least, with Cassel somewhat in between. No significant differences in improvement were found among the three sites, but treatment costs were considerably higher at Cassel than in the two day centres. The differences found in the three samples bear no clear relationship to context of treatment. These results suggest that referral of personality disorder for in‐patient or day hospital treatment is less influenced by severity of problem than had previously been supposed and may depend more on availability of treatment facility.
A cognitive therapy model of social anxiety problems: Potential limits on its effectiveness?
Authors: Hughes Ian
Published: February 2003

Cognitive therapy formulations of, and interventions for, social phobia are increasingly influential. In this article, relevant studies are reviewed and lead to a tentative conclusion that purely ‘cognitive’ interventions may, in fact, fail to provide optimum help for a large number of people likelyto present to mental health services with problems of social anxiety.
Study of psychiatric admission patterns before and after out‐patient psychotherapy in a district service setting
Authors: Pearson Stephen W. , Tillett Richard I. L. , Lloyd Keith R.
Published: February 2003

There is a need for evidence to demonstrate the clinical and economic effectiveness of psychotherapy as a component of mental health service delivery. A naturalistic cohort study was carried out in a specialist psychotherapy department in a district mental health service. Thirty‐six patients were identified with hospital admissions in the study period who had also received a course of outpatient psychotherapy. There was a significant decrease in hospital in‐patient usage temporally associated with receipt of psychotherapy and associated cost savings. Out‐patient psychotherapy leads to less in‐patient bed usage and significant health‐care savings among previously hospitalized psychiatric patients (approximately £6700 per patient).
Pathways to anaclitic and introjective depression
Authors: Reis Samantha , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: February 2003

Depression may be conceptualized multidimensionally, owing to marked individual differences in developmental vulnerability and phenomenology. Blatt (Blatt, Quinlan, Chevran, McDonald, Zuroff, 1982; Blatt, Quinlan, Pilkonis, & Shea, 1995) has validated two subtypes of depression. Anaclitic depression involves excessive interpersonal concerns, including feelings of loneliness, weakness, helplessness and abandonment fears. Introjective depression denotes achievement concerns, and is characterized by a tendency towards self‐criticism and self‐evaluation. Present research examined this distinction by identifying possible differential attachment patterns for the depression subtypes. It was hypothesized that, while secure attachment would negatively relate to depression, insecure attachment would predict anaclitic and introjective subtypes, with perfectionism mediating this relationship. A sample of 245 participants completed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Questionnaire, and two measures of attachment. Regressional techniques revealed that anaclitic depression was predicted by preoccupied attachment (seeking others' acceptance to bolster low self‐worth), with socially prescribed perfectionism (striving to meet the high standards of others) partially mediating the relationship. Introjective depression was predicted by fearful‐avoidant attachment low self‐worth and expectations of rejection), with self‐oriented perfectionism (self‐imposed unrealistic standards) acting as a partial mediator. Findings further validate these depressive subtypes by indicating their different attachment‐perfectionism paths. Results are concordant with attachment theory and have implications for both theory and therapy.
Investigating individuals' motivations to become counselling psychologists: The influence of early caretaking roles within the family
Authors: DiCaccavo Antonietta
Published: February 2003

This study examines the early family experiences of a sample of trainee counselling psychologists in order to gain insight into their career motivations. Specifically, it was hypothesized that counselling students would be more likely to report early occupation of caring roles within the family and less experience of appropriate bonding with their parents compared with students training to enter a non‐counselling psychology profession. Participants completed scales to assess Parentification, Parental Bonding and Self‐efficacy toward Caring. The responses of 64 students were analysed, 32 in each respective group. Results indicated that counselling psychology trainees reported significantly lower levels of care from their mothers but reported higher levels of self‐efficacy toward caring. An investigation of the predictors of parentification indicated that a lack of care from fathers was associated with higher parentification scores for all participants. Care from mothers was shown to relate differently to parentification, depending on the gender of the participant, such that a lack of care from mothers was related to parentification for female participants, whereas greater care from mothers was related to parentification for male participants. Implications for counselling psychology training and practice are discussed in addition to future directions for parentification research.
External cause‐specific summaries of occupational fatal injuries. Part I: An analysis of rates
Authors: John Bailer A. , Bena James F. , Stayner Leslie T. , Halperin William E. , Park Robert M.
Published: February 2003

Background

Industries and occupations vary with respect to the incidence of fatal injuries and their causes.

Methods

Fatalities from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality database (years 1983–1994) serve as the basis for examining external cause of death code specific rates. Industries and occupations are compared with respect to rate and frequency of fatal injuries. In addition, external causes of injury (E‐codes) are examined across all industries and occupations as well as within industries and occupations to evaluate which events would be identified by frequency ordered comparisons versus injury rate ordered comparisons.

Results

Machinery, electric current, homicide, falls, and transportation‐related events are identified by high frequency and rate of occurrence.

Conclusions

The external cause categories of homicide, machinery‐related, motor‐vehicle‐related, electric current, and falls, account for over one‐half of all occupational fatal injuries. Targeted interventions in homicide may be especially warranted in sales and service occupations and in the retail trade and services industries. In addition, younger workers might be targeted for special interventions designed to identify hazardous practices, procedures, and solutions to reduce fatalities associated with electrocution or falls from buildings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:237–250, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Renal cell cancer risk and occupational exposure to trichloroethylene: Results of a consecutive case‐control study in Arnsberg, Germany
Authors: Brüning Thomas , Pesch Beate , Wiesenhütter Bernd , Rabstein Sylvia , Lammert Marga , Baumüller Axel , Bolt Hermann M.
Published: February 2003

Background

German studies of high exposure prevalence have been debated on the renal carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene (TRI).

Methods

A consecutive hospital‐based case‐control study with 134 renal cell cancer (RCC) cases and 401 controls was conducted to reevaluate the risk of TRI in this region which were estimated in a previous study. Exposure was self‐assessed to compare these studies. Additionally, the job history was analyzed, using expert‐based exposure information.

Results

The logistic regression results, adjusted for age, gender, and smoking, confirmed a TRI‐related RCC risk in this region. Using the database CAREX for a comparison of industries with and without TRI exposure, a significant excess risk was estimated for the longest held job in TRI‐exposing industries (odds ratio (OR) 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–3.20). Any exposure in “metal degreasing” was a RCC risk factor (OR 5.57, 95% CI 2.33–13.32). Self‐reported narcotic symptoms, indicative of peak exposures, were associated with an excess risk (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.80–7.54).

Conclusions

The study supports the human nephrocarcinogenicity of trichloroethylene. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:274–285, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pancreatic cancer mortality and organochlorine pesticide exposure in California, 1989–1996
Authors: Clary Tim , Ritz Beate
Published: February 2003

Background

Occupational studies have suggested a possible link between organochlorine pesticides and the occurrence of pancreatic cancers. California maintains a death file and a pesticide reporting system that allows examination of this relationship for residents of high use areas.

Methods

We employed a mortality odds ratio design to compare deaths from pancreatic cancer (1989–1996) with a random sample of non‐cancer deaths. Using pesticide data for three agricultural counties, we classified 102 ZIP codes in quartiles of pesticide usage for 1972–1989. Using logistic regression we estimated the effect of pesticide applications by ZIP code controlling for possible confounders.

Results

Among long‐term residents, pancreatic cancer mortality was elevated for those living in ZIP codes with the highest use of four pesticides: 1,3‐dichloropropene (1,3‐d), captafol, pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB), and dieldrin. No dose‐response relationship was observed.

Conclusions

Our study suggests increased pancreatic cancer mortality among long‐term residents in areas of high application rates of 1,3‐d (an EPA‐classified probable human carcinogen), captafol, pentacholoronitrobenzene (PCNB), and dieldrin. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:306–313, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
External cause‐specific summaries of occupational fatal injuries. Part II: An analysis of years of potential life lost
Authors: Bailer A. John , Bena James F. , Stayner Leslie T. , Halperin William E. , Park Robert M.
Published: February 2003

Background

Fatal injury surveillance data provide an opportunity to assess the impact of occupational injuries and may indicate which industries or occupations are appreciably more hazardous than others, and thus should be given priority in public health intervention.

Methods

Fatalities from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatality surveillance system served as the basis for examining external cause (E‐code) specific impact summaries. Years of potential life lost (YPLL) were calculated for fatal injuries in the years 1983–1994. Industries and occupations were compared with respect to frequency of fatal injuries. In addition, injuries in categories of external causes are examined across all industries and occupations.

Results

Machinery, electric current, homicide, falls, and transportation‐related are the external cause groups highlighted by high frequency/rate of occurrence. Electric current event groups are also characterized by high average YPLL. Poisoning, conflagration, and lightning were also identified in several occupations as having high associated average YPLL.

Conclusions

The external‐cause‐specific analysis of average YPLL identified industries and occupations where, on average, younger workers were dying in fatal injuries. Noteworthy in this assessment were homicides and falls. The YPLL measure coupled with more commonly employed indices (e.g., rates) may provide a fuller description of the impact of occupational fatal injuries. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:251–261, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RE: An alternate characterization of hazard in occupational epidemiology: years of life lost per years worked. Am J Ind Med 42:1–10, 2002
Authors: Park Robert M. , Bailer A. John , Stayner Leslie T. , Halperin William , Gilbert Stephen J. , Smith Randal J. , Bena James F.
Published: February 2003

To the Editor:

We thank Dr. Morfeld for his interest and appreciate the careful and detailed effort that he has undertaken in analyzing our recent study on work‐related years of potential life lost [Park et al., 2003]. Dr. Morfeld is concerned that our approach, while "attractive in its simplicity," may suffer from several sources of bias. However, upon examination, his specific example appears to us to be inappropriate.

A key element in Dr. Morfeld's argument for two of the sources of bias is a hypothetical population in which deaths resulting from an exposure are arbitrarily postulated to have been moved forward in time by 5 years. This stipulation was not derived from empirical evidence or a failure‐time model, and ignores the reference population's survival characteristics as summarized in a relevant life‐table.
Synthesis of polystyrene/poly(butyl acrylate) core–shell latex and its surface morphology
Authors: Kim Sang Hern , Son Won Keun , Kim Yong Joo , Kang Eu‐Gene , Kim Dong‐Won , Park Chang Woo , Kim Whan‐Gi , Kim Hyung‐Joong
Published: February 2003

A polystyrene (PS)/poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) composite emulsion was produced by seeded emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) with PS seed particles which were prepared by emulsifier‐free polymerization of styrene with potassium persulfate (KPS) under a nitrogen atmosphere at 70°C for 24 h with stirring at 60 rpm and swelled with the BA monomer in an ethanol/water medium. The structure of the PS/PBA composite particles was confirmed by the presence of the characteristic absorption band attributed to PS and PBA from FTIR spectra. The particles for pure PS and PS/PBA with a low content of the BA monomer were almost spherical and regular. As the BA monomer content was increased, the particle size of the PS/PBA composite particles became larger, and more golf ball‐like particles were produced. The surface morphology of the PS/PBA composite particles was investigated by AFM and SEM. The Tg's attributed to PS and PBA in the PS/PBA composite particles were found at 110 and −49°C, respectively. The thermal degradation of the pure PS and PS/PBA composite particles occurred in one and two steps, respectively. With an increasing amount of PBA, the initial thermal decomposition temperature increased. On the contrary the residual weight at 450°C decreased with an increasing amount of PBA. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 595–601, 2003
Synthesis of poly(glycerol methacrylate) and its application to dimensional stabilization of wood
Authors: Soulounganga Patrice , Marion Catherine , Huber Francoise , Gerardin Philippe
Published: February 2003

The dimensional stabilization of wood is investigated using poly(glycerol methacrylate) (PGMA) prepared from polyglycerol and glycidyl methacrylate instead of the well‐known poly(ethylene glycol). PGMA allows waterborne treatment of wood, which after polymerization leads to the formation of a wood polymer composite with improved dimensional stability. Microscopic observations and a picture analysis permit the location of PGMA in the wood cell walls and explains the dimensional stabilization by its bulking effect. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 743–749, 2003
Synthesis and properties of copolyesters of p,p′‐bibenzoic acid, dimer acid, and alkylene glycol
Authors: Tsai Hong‐Bing , Lee Da‐Kong , Tsai Ruey‐Shi
Published: February 2003

Copolyesters of p,p′‐bibenzoic acid, dimer acid, and an alkylene glycol are prepared by melt polycondensation of of dimethyl p,p′‐bibenzoate, dimer acid, and an alkylene glycol. The copolyesters are characterized by the inherent viscosity, FTIR, proton NMR, DSC, polarized microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The polymer composition and sequence distribution of the copolyesters can be seen from the NMR spectra. The copolyesters exhibit a degree of randomness of about 1, indicating that they are random copolymers. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) and the melting point (Tm) of the copolyesters are found from the DSC heating curves. When the content of the flexible dimer acid unit increases, the Tg of the copolyesters decreases significantly. The copolymerization effect decreases the crystallinity and the Tm of the copolyesters. It can be seen from the DSC, polarized microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction data that some copolyesters derived from 1,6‐hexanediol and 1,5‐pentanediol exhibit a monotropic smectic phase. As the molar content of the dimer acid unit increases, the isotropic–mectic transition temperature and the smectic order decreases significantly. The liquid crystallinity is completely destroyed at certain molar contents of the dimer acid unit. The smectic order of the copolyesters derived from 1,6‐hexanediol is significantly higher than that of the copolyesters derived from 1,5‐pentanediol, and it is described as an odd–even effect. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 750–758, 2003
Blends of liquid crystalline polyester–polyurethane and epoxy: Preparation and properties
Authors: Tan Song Ting , Wei Chun , Wang Xia Yu , Zhang Ming Qiu , Zeng Han Mim
Published: February 2003

A novel liquid crystalline polyester–polyurethane (LCPU) that contains polyester mesogenic units was synthesized in the present work. Through a careful investigation of the structure and morphology of the LCPU, it was found that the home‐synthesized LCPU is a highly birefringent thermotropic nematic liquid crystal. After being blended with bisphenol‐A epoxy, the liquid crystalline polymer can, simultaneously, improve the impact strength and the glass transition temperature as well as the tensile strength and the tensile modulus of the blends. It was proved to be an efficient toughening agent for epoxy without the expense of other properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 783–787, 2003
Synthesis of unsaturated polyester resin from postconsumer PET bottles: Effect of type of glycol on characteristics of unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Pimpan V. , Sirisook R. , Chuayjuljit S.
Published: February 2003

Postconsumer PET bottles including water and soft‐drink bottles were depolymerized by glycolysis in excess glycols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and diethylene glycol, in the presence of a zinc acetate catalyst. The obtained glycolyzed products were reacted with maleic anhydride and mixed with a styrene monomer to prepare unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. These resins were cured using methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO) as an initiator and cobalt octoate as an accelerator. The physical and mechanical properties of the cured samples were investigated. It was found that the type of glycol used in glycolysis had a significant effect on the characteristics of the uncured and cured UPE resins. Uncured EG‐based UPE resin was a soft solid at room temperature, whereas uncured PG‐ and DEG‐based resins were viscous liquids. In the case of the cured resins, the EG‐based product exhibited characteristics of a hard and brittle plastic, while the PG‐based product did not. The DEG‐based product exhibited characteristics of hard and brittle plastic after strain‐induced crystallization had occurred. In addition, it was also found that no separation of the type of bottles was needed before glycolysis, since UPE resins prepared from water bottles, soft‐drink bottles, and a mixture of both bottles showed the same characteristics. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 788–792, 2003
Solution miscibility and phase‐change behavior of a polyethylene glycol–diacetate cellulose composite
Authors: Guo Yuanqiang , Tong Zhen , Chen Mingcai , Liang Xuehai
Published: February 2003

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and diacetate cellulose (CDA) exhibit good miscibility in acetone solution. The miscibility is related to the molecular weight of PEG, which increases as miscibility decreases. The phase‐change behavior of PEG in composite with CDA prepared from the miscible solution was found to be completely different from that of pure PEG. When the PEG fraction in the composites was less than 85%, PEG within the composite did not melt into liquid; even when the temperature was 40°C higher than the melting point of PEG, the PEG–CDA composite exhibited solid–solid phase‐change behavior. Thermal analysis indicated that the PEG–CDA composite had greater enthalpy and exhibited good thermal stability. The PEG–CDA composite that exhibited solid–solid phase‐change behavior can be used as a new kind of phase‐change material for thermal energy storage and temperature control. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 652–658, 2003
Compounding and injection molding of polybutene‐1/polypropylene blends
Authors: Kalay G. , Kalay C. R.
Published: February 2003

The effect of shear‐controlled orientation injection molding (SCORIM) was investigated for polybutene‐1/polypropylene blends. This article reports on the methods and processing conditions used for blending and injection molding. The properties of SCORIM moldings are compared with those of conventional moldings. SCORIM is based on the application of specific macroscopic shears to a solidifying melt. The multiple shear action enhances molecular alignment. The moldings were investigated with mechanical tests, differential scanning calorimetry studies, and polarized light microscopy. The application of SCORIM improved Young's modulus and the ultimate tensile strength. The gain in stiffness was greater for higher polybutene‐1 content blends. A drastic decrease in the strain at break and toughness was observed in SCORIM moldings. The enhanced molecular orientation of SCORIM moldings resulted in a featureless appearance of the morphology. Interfacial features due to segregation were visible in the micrographs of SCORIM moldings. Both conventional and SCORIM moldings exhibited form I′ in polybutene‐1. This article explains the relationship between the mechanical properties and micromorphologies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 806–813, 2003
Thermal behavior of acrylonitrile carboxylic acid copolymers
Authors: Hajir Bahrami S. , Bajaj P. , Sen K.
Published: February 2003

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and copolymer of acrylonitrile–vinyl acids prepared by solution polymerization technique have been characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) (under dynamic as well as isothermal conditions), themograviemetric analysis (TGA), and on‐line DSC‐FTIR spectroscopy. The DSC of copolymers was carried out at 5°C/min in nitrogen and air. In nitrogen atmosphere the DSC exotherm show a very sharp peak, whereas, in air atmosphere DSC exotherm is broad, and starts at a much lower temperature compared to what is observed in nitrogen atmosphere. The initiation temperature of PAN homopolymer is higher than that for the copolymers. For instance, the initiation temperature of PAN in air is 244°C, whereas, the onset of exothermic reaction is in the range of 172 to 218°C for acrylonitrile–vinyl acid copolymers. As the vinyl acid content increases the ΔH value reduces. The ΔH value of PAN in air was 7025 J/g, whereas, for P(AN‐AA) with 5.51 mol % of acid it was 3798 J/g. As the content of acrylic acid comonomer is increased to 17.51 mol % the value of ΔH decreases further to 1636 J/g. The same trend was observed with MAA and IA as well. DSC‐FTIR studies depict various chemical changes taking place during heat treatment of these copolymers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 685–698, 2003
Structure and physical property relationships in processed polybutene‐1
Authors: Kalay G. , Kalay C. R.
Published: February 2003

The effect of SCORIM was investigated on three grades of polybutene‐1 and one grade of ethylene–butene‐1 copolymer. The methods and processing conditions used for injection molding and the properties of the moldings are reported. Phase transformations and their relationship with mechanical properties are discussed in detail. Both, conventional and shear‐controlled orientation injection molding (SCORIM) were employed to produce moldings. SCORIM is based on the application of specific macroscopic shears to a solidifying melt. The multiple shear action enhances molecular alignment. The moldings were investigated by performing mechanical tests, fractographic analysis, differential scanning calorimetry studies, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, polarized light microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The application of SCORIM improves the mechanical performance. Molecular orientation results in the formation of shish‐kebab morphology. One grade of polybutene‐1 exhibited a greater than fivefold increase in Young's modulus. The application of high cavity pressures favored the formation of the stable Form I' in polybutene‐1. The formation of Form I' led to a decrease in crystallinity and mechanical properties. However, this loss was by far smaller than the gain obtained via the formation of shish‐kebab morphology. The relationship between mechanical properties and micromorphologies of the investigated materials is explained. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 814–824, 2003
Surface treatments on Tencel fabric: Grafting with β‐cyclodextrin
Authors: Nostro Pierandrea Lo , Fratoni Laura , Ridi Francesca , Baglioni Piero
Published: February 2003

Tencel is a cellulosic fabric obtained from wood pulp that is very similar to natural cotton. For its potential performances to be expanded, Tencel needs to be processed in different ways. The ability of cyclodextrins to include hydrophobic molecules, such as fragrances, antimicrobial agents, and other chemicals, can be exploited to produce new grafted textiles with peculiar performances. We report studies on the grafting of acrylamidomethylated β‐cyclodextrin and monochlorotriazinyl‐β‐cyclodextrin to Tencel and on the inclusion of different molecules in the free cavities of cyclodextrins. The physicochemical properties and performances of the untreated and treated fabric have been determined with differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet–visible spectra, X‐ray diffractometry, and breaking load loss, aroma, and antimicrobial finishing tests. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 706–715, 2003