bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expressive writing intervention for young adult cigarette smokers
Authors: Ames Steven C. , Patten Christi A. , Offord Kenneth P. , Pennebaker James W. , Croghan Ivana T. , Tri Diane M. , Stevens Susanna R. , Hurt Richard D.
Published: September 2005

This investigation examined the feasibility and magnitude of the effect of a stress management intervention involving expressive writing as an adjunct to brief office smoking cessation intervention for young adults. Participants aged 18–21 years were randomized to brief office intervention (N = 30) or expressive writing plus brief office intervention (N = 30). Biochemically confirmed 30‐day point‐prevalence tobacco abstinence, smoking reduction, perceived stress, negative affect, and treatment compliance were assessed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post randomization. The expressive writing adjunct was not found to be effective. The 30‐day smoking abstinence rates were 0% versus 0% ( p = 1.000) at week 4, 20% versus 3% ( p = 0.103) at week 12, and 20% versus 10% ( p = 0.472) at week 24 for the brief office intervention only versus expressive writing plus brief office intervention groups, respectively. Participants stated they benefited most from the support and structure associated with the brief office intervention. Enthusiasm was lacking for the expressive writing treatment adjunct. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 61: 1555–1570, 2005.
New upper bounds on the decomposability of planar graphs
Authors: Fomin Fedor V. , Thilikos Dimitrios M.
Published: September 2005

It is known that a planar graph on n vertices has branch‐width/tree‐width bounded by $\alpha \sqrt {n}$. In many algorithmic applications, it is useful to have a small bound on the constant α. We give a proof of the best, so far, upper bound for the constant α. In particular, for the case of tree‐width, α < 3.182 and for the case of branch‐width, α < 2.122. Our proof is based on the planar separation theorem of Alon, Seymour, and Thomas and some min–max theorems of Robertson and Seymour from the graph minors series. We also discuss some algorithmic consequences of this result. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory
Simultaneous measurement of blood and myocardial velocity in the rat heart by phase contrast MRI using sparse q‐space sampling
Authors: Wise Richard G. , Al‐Shafei Ahmad I.M. , Carpenter T. Adrian , Hall Laurance D. , Huang Christopher L.‐H.
Published: September 2005

Purpose

To measure cardiac blood flow patterns and ventricular wall velocities through the cardiac cycle in anesthetized Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats.

Materials and Methods

A gradient‐echo cine pulse sequence incorporating pulsed field gradients (PFGs) provided phase contrast (PC) motion encoding. We achieved a range of velocity sensitivity that was sufficient to measure simultaneously the large flow velocities within the cardiac chambers and aortic outflow tract (up to 70 cm s−1 during systole), and the comparatively small velocities of the cardiac wall (0–3 cm s−1). A scheme of sparsely sampling q‐space combined with a probability‐based method of velocity calculation permitted such measurements along three orthogonal axes, and yielded velocity vector maps in all four chambers of the heart and the aorta, in both longitudinal and transverse sections, for up to 12 time‐points in the cardiac cycle.

Results

Left ventricular systole was associated with a symmetrical laminar flow pattern along the cardiac axis, with no appearance of turbulence. In contrast, blood showed a swirling motion within the right ventricle (RV) in the region of the pulmonary outflow tract. During left ventricular diastole a plume of blood entered the left ventricle (LV) from the left atrium. The ventricular flow patterns could also be correlated with measurements of left ventricular wall motion. The greatest velocities of the ventricular walls occurred in the transverse cardiac plane and were maximal during diastolic refilling. The cardiac wall motion in the longitudinal axis demonstrated a caudal‐apical movement that may also contribute to diastolic refilling.

Conclusion

The successful measurements of blood and myocardial velocity during normal myocardial function may be extended to quantify pathological cardiac changes in animal models of human cardiac disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusion‐weighted MR study of femoral head avascular necrosis in severe acute respiratory syndrome patients
Authors: Hong Nan , Du Xiangke , Nie Zhongshi , Li Sijun
Published: September 2005

Purpose

To evaluate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐nine SARS patients with hip pain underwent both conventional and diffusion‐weighted MRI (b‐value = 0–1000 seconds/mm2). The abnormal regions on the diffusion‐weighted images were outlined by using the conventional images as guides, and the ADCs were calculated. The ADC differences between normal and AVN femoral heads were compared.

Results

Of the 158 hips examined, 28 had AVN (11 with bilateral hip AVN, three with right hip AVN, and three with left hip AVN). The mean ADC was markedly greater in the AVN femoral head (1.66 × 10–3 mm2/second ± 0.20) than in the normal femoral head (0.47 × 10–3 mm2/second ± 0.082; P < 0.0001). There was no overlap between the normal and AVN femoral heads.

Conclusion

DWI can provide valuable information regarding the diffusion properties of femoral head AVN, and markedly increased diffusion was identified in AVN. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Swelling and Mechanical Properties of a Temperature‐Sensitive Dextran Hydrogel and its Bioseparation Applications
Authors: Dong Jing , Chen Li , Ding Yamei , Han Weijun
Published: September 2005

Summary: A series of temperature‐sensitive dextran hydrogels (poly(NIPA‐co‐GMA‐Dex)) were synthesized by the copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate‐derivatized dextran (GMA‐Dex) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) in aqueous solution. Their swelling and mechanical properties and bioseparation behaviors were studied. It is found that poly(NIPA‐co‐GMA‐Dex) hydrogels simultaneously exhibit much better swelling and mechanical properties. The interactions between poly(NIPA‐co‐GMA‐Dex) hydrogels and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), Rutin, and DL‐α‐alanine were different because of their different hydrophobic nature, polarity, and molecular structure, and obviously depend on the temperature: the mechanism is discussed. In addition, using poly(NIPA‐co‐GMA‐Dex) hydrogels as the absorbents, gel‐extraction separation experiments of dextran and BSA solutions showed that the separation ability of poly(NIPA‐co‐GMA‐Dex) hydrogels obviously increased upon reaching the LCST.

Temperature dependence of the swelling ratio of the PNIPA (▪) and poly(NIPA‐co‐GMA‐Dex) hydrogels (r = 0.2(•), 0.4 (▴), 0.5 (▾), 0.6(♦), 0.8 (+)).

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Temperature dependence of the swelling ratio of the PNIPA (▪) and poly(NIPA‐co‐GMA‐Dex) hydrogels (r = 0.2(•), 0.4 (▴), 0.5 (▾), 0.6(♦), 0.8 (+)).
Polymeric Toughening of Particle Filled Cyanate Ester Composites
Authors: Wooster Tim J. , Abrol Simmi , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: September 2005

Summary: The present study examines the effect of polymeric tougheners on the performance of silica filled cyanate ester composites. The polymeric tougheners used have been shown to enhance cyanate ester tougheners in binary toughener/matrix systems. Tougheners that were able to form a favourable phase‐separated morphology resulted in the greatest increase in crack resistance. The addition of these tougheners resulted in minimal loss of strength, and a slight decrease in modulus. Importantly the viscosity of the compounded systems was low enough for them to be readily processable. Whilst conserving most secondary properties, toughener addition did result in a slight increase in composite hydrolytic degradation. This issue was linked to the additive/ additive compounding processes. Removal of this extra moisture should eliminate this concern, permitting the used of these composites in electronic applications.

Effect of ETBN content on the crack resistance of particle filled cyanate ester composites and SEM image of 15 matrix wt.‐% ETBN.

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Effect of ETBN content on the crack resistance of particle filled cyanate ester composites and SEM image of 15 matrix wt.‐% ETBN.
Processability and Properties of Re‐Graded, Photo‐Oxidized Post‐Consumer Greenhouse Films
Authors: La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Tzankova Dintcheva Nadka
Published: September 2005

Summary: The recycling of post‐consumer plastics leads, in general, to secondary materials having properties worse than those of the reclaimed material and certainly worse than those of the same virgin polymer. This is because of the degradation undergone by the objects during their use and because of the thermo‐mechanical degradation undergone during the reprocessing operations. The change of the molecular architecture is responsible for this worsening of properties. The use of stabilizing systems can slow the degradation during the melt processing but cannot give any improvement of the final properties of the material. In order to enhance the properties of the recycled plastics, some rebuilding of the molecular structure is necessary. The use of suitable additives can enlarge the molecular weight distribution or can create branching and cross‐linking during the melt processing of the photo‐oxidized PE. The processability in film blowing and the mechanical properties of these secondary materials are reported in this work. The rheological behavior, the filmability and most of the mechanical properties of the secondary PE with the rebuilt molecular structure are better than those of the post‐consumer material and similar to those of the virgin polymer.

TS in the machine and in the transverse direction for all the samples extruded at 50 rpm.

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TS in the machine and in the transverse direction for all the samples extruded at 50 rpm.
A Customizable Instrument for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Thin Biomedical Membranes
Authors: Triviño Gracián , Serrano María Concepción , Pagani Raffaella , Portolés María Teresa
Published: September 2005

Summary: A customized instrument has been developed as part of multidisciplinary research work relating to the development of a biodegradable vascular scaffold. This instrument aims to measure the mechanical properties of elastic and viscoelastic thin membranes with tissue engineering applications. Uniform and omni‐directional pressure is applied on the whole membrane which is uniformly clamped and submerged into a liquid medium. The mechanical testing described in this study is focused on the stress‐strain curves of polycaprolactone (PCL) films after different treatments. The influence of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's culture medium, L929 fibroblast culture, NaOH treatment and film thickness on the mechanical properties of PCL films was evaluated after different times. These studies show that the PCL degradation process is influenced by immersion in the culture medium, inducing an increment in the slope of the pressure‐dilation curve which is indicative of an increase in the polymer stiffness. On the other hand, long NaOH treatments make PCL films have more flexible behavior.

A computerized version of the instrument: (1) Electrical compressor; (2) Filter; (3) Voltage‐pressure converter; (5) Pressure sensor; (6) Differential pressure sensor; (7–8) Main and auxiliary pipettes; (9) Printed circuit board; (10) Personal computer.

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A computerized version of the instrument: (1) Electrical compressor; (2) Filter; (3) Voltage‐pressure converter; (5) Pressure sensor; (6) Differential pressure sensor; (7–8) Main and auxiliary pipettes; (9) Printed circuit board; (10) Personal computer.
A Novel Inorganic Polymer as Cathode Material for Secondary Lithium Batteries
Authors: Xu Guo‐Xiang , Yu Bi‐Tao , Lu Qi
Published: September 2005

Summary: This paper introduces a new inorganic poly(phosphazene disulfide) material. With unique element composition and molecular structure, the polymer has noncombustible safety and preferable conductivity. When used as cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries, the polymer's first discharge capacity is as high as 467.9 mAh · g−1, which can be retained at 409.9 mAh · g−1 after 60 repeated cycles. Therefore, it has a great application potential in the field of lithium batteries.

Replacement of the Cl atoms by SS groups by refluxing Na2S2 and linear poly(dichloro‐phosphazene).

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Replacement of the Cl atoms by SS groups by refluxing Na2S2 and linear poly(dichloro‐phosphazene).
Conformational Study on Thin Films of Symmetric AnB2nAn Triblock Copolymer
Authors: Nie Zhihong , Su Zhaohui , Sun Zhaoyan , Shi Tongfei , An Lijia
Published: September 2005

Summary: The behavior of symmetric AnB2nAn triblock copolymer films confined between two hard neutral walls was explored by Monte Carlo simulation. The thicknesses of the films were between ≈1Rg0 and ≈7Rg0, where Rg0 is the unperturbed radius of gyration in the bulk. The confinement leads to a lamellar structure normal to the wall and the order‐disorder transition (ODT) temperature was found to be a function of film thickness. When the film thickness (D) was less than a critical value, DC, which is between 3Rg0 and 4Rg0, the ODT temperature (T*ODT) reduced by chain length N (T*ODT/N) decreased with decreasing film thickness. However, T*ODT/N was nearly independent of the film thickness when it was greater than DC. In the case of strong confinement (D < DC), the B block shrinks along the direction perpendicular to the wall and stretches along the direction parallel to the wall with decreasing film thickness, and the volume occupied by the B block shrinks. Under weak confinement conditions (D > DC), the volume of the B block is nearly independent of film thickness. The conformations of the B block in the disordered state are quite different from those in the lamellae. If the film is thick enough, the volume of the B block approaches its value in the unperturbed state, regardless of the morphology. When temperature decreases, the B block stretches in the direction perpendicular to the A/B interface and shrinks in the other two directions. In addition, decreasing the temperature leads to the chains adopting two main extreme conformations, coiling or stretching as much as they can. The scaling behavior of the fraction of bridge chains vs. the temperature obtained in the weak segregation limit was different from that predicted in the strong segregation limit.

Schematic diagram of the X, Y and Z axis definition.

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Schematic diagram of the X, Y and Z axis definition.
Movement disorders associated with encephalitis lethargica: A video compilation
Authors: Vilensky Joel A. , Goetz Christopher G. , Gilman Sid
Published: September 2005

Encephalitis lethargica (EL; epidemic encephalitis; von Economo's disease) often presented with a movement disorder, and the motor consequences of postencephalitic parkinsonism (PEP) were characteristic of the chronic sequelae of this condition. PEP was similar to Parkinson's disease but was more variable and had some distinct features such as oculogyric crises. Although two previous publications have included video images of the movement disorders associated with EL and PEP, the sequences presented were typically short, showed only a few patients, and did not include the work of several neurologists who had the foresight to preserve filmed images of their patients. We describe the most complete record of EL and PEP moving images that have been preserved and make them available in edited form. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
New experimental setup for studying strictly noninvasively skeletal muscle function in rat using 1H‐magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and 31P‐MR spectroscopy
Authors: Giannesini Benoit , Izquierdo Marguerite , Le Fur Yann , Cozzone Patrick J. , Fingerle Jürgen , Himber Jacques , Künnecke Basil , Von Kienlin Markus , Bendahan David
Published: September 2005

Traditional setups for in situ MR investigation of skeletal muscle function in animals use invasive systems for muscle stimulation and force measurement. These systems require surgical preparation and therefore exclude repetitive investigations on the same animal. This article describes a new experimental setup allowing strictly noninvasive MR investigations of muscle function in contracting rat gastrocnemius muscle using 1H‐MR imaging and 31P‐MR spectroscopy. The novelty of this setup is the integration of two noninvasive systems allowing muscle contraction by transcutaneous stimulation and force measurement with a dedicated ergometer. Muscle function was investigated in 20 rats (275–300 g) through a fatiguing stimulation protocol, either with this noninvasive setup (n = 10) or with a traditional MR setup (n = 10). T2‐weighted images demonstrated that transcutaneous stimulation activated mainly the gastrocnemius muscle. Moreover, the changes in force development and in energy metabolism obtained with the noninvasive setup were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to those obtained with the traditional setup. This noninvasive setup is thus suitable for investigating skeletal muscle function in situ. It offers the possibility to repeat investigations in the same animal, avoiding individual variability and enabling longitudinal follow‐up studies. This opens up new perspectives in various research areas including pharmaceutical research. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
k‐t GRAPPA: A k‐space implementation for dynamic MRI with high reduction factor
Authors: Huang Feng , Akao James , Vijayakumar Sathya , Duensing George R. , Limkeman Mark
Published: September 2005

A novel technique called “k‐t GRAPPA” is introduced for the acceleration of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Dynamic magnetic resonance images have significant signal correlations in k‐space and time dimension. Hence, it is feasible to acquire only a reduced amount of data and recover the missing portion afterward. Generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA), as an important parallel imaging technique, linearly interpolates the missing data in k‐space. In this work, it is shown that the idea of GRAPPA can also be applied in k‐t space to take advantage of the correlations and interpolate the missing data in k‐t space. For this method, no training data, filters, additional parameters, or sensitivity maps are necessary, and it is applicable for either single or multiple receiver coils. The signal correlation is locally derived from the acquired data. In this work, the k‐t GRAPPA technique is compared with our implementation of GRAPPA, TGRAPPA, and sliding window reconstructions, as described in Methods. The experimental results manifest that k‐t GRAPPA generates high spatial resolution reconstruction without significant loss of temporal resolution when the reduction factor is as high as 4. When the reduction factor becomes higher, there might be a noticeable loss of temporal resolution since k‐t GRAPPA uses temporal interpolation. Images reconstructed using k‐t GRAPPA have less residue/folding artifacts than those reconstructed by sliding window, much less noise than those reconstructed by GRAPPA, and wider temporal bandwidth than those reconstructed by GRAPPA with residual k‐space. k‐t GRAPPA is applicable to a wide range of dynamic imaging applications and is not limited to imaging parts with quasi‐periodic motion. Since only local information is used for reconstruction, k‐t GRAPPA is also preferred for applications requiring real time reconstruction, such as monitoring interventional MRI. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment results of 84 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in childhood
Authors: Küpeli Serhan , Varan Ali , Özyar Enis , Atahan İ. Lale , Yalçin Bilgehan , Kutluk Tezer , Akyüz Canan , Büyükpamukçu Münevver
Published: September 2005

Background

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, survival, and late complications in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Procedure

Eighty‐four patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma between 1972 and 2002 were retrospectively evaluated. Tumor status, lymph node involvement, metastasis, and stage were assessed according to the TNM classification. All patients were treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Chemotherapeutic regimens involved cyclophosphamide from 1972 to 1982, vincristine + cyclophosphamide + epirubicine and actinomycin‐D protocol from 1982 to 1999 and cisplatin + methotrexate + 5‐fluorouracil with leucovorine rescue after 1999. Mean and median values were used for the demographic characteristics. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used for survival analysis. The patient groups were compared in terms of survival duration using a log‐rank test.

Results

There were 51 males and 33 females with a median age of 13 years (7–17) at diagnosis. At the time of diagnosis, 78.5% of the patients were at advanced stage (stages III and IV). Overall and event‐free survival rates were 56.3% and 50.1%, respectively. Survival was inversely affected by advanced nodal status (P = 0.01). The survival rates (80%) were found higher with cisplatin + methotrexate + 5‐fluorouracil + leucovorine rescue regimen. The most frequent late complications after therapy were hypothyroidism (9.5%), dental caries (7.1%), and trismus (7.1%).

Conclusion

The cisplatin‐based regimen was the best chemotherapeutic regimen. Less toxic regimens with better survival rates should be investigated in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006, 46:454–458. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
APE chemotherapy for children with relapsed Hodgkin disease: A Pediatric Oncology Group trial
Authors: Wimmer Robert S. , Chauvenet Allen R. , London Wendy B. , Villaluna Doojduen , de Alarcon Pedro A. , Schwartz Cindy L.
Published: September 2005

Background

MOPP (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) and ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) are effective therapies for Hodgkin disease (HD) that may cause long‐term toxicities in children. APE (cytosine arabinoside, cisplatin, etoposide) is a non‐cross‐resistant regimen with limited toxicities. We evaluated this regimen for patients with recurrent or refractory disease.

Methods

Patients with recurrent Hodgkin disease who were ≤21 years of age and had previously received standard alkylating agent and doxorubicin‐based therapy, were treated with APE chemotherapy (cytosine arabinoside 750 mg/m2, cisplatin 15 mg/m2, etoposide 20 mg/m2) every 12 hr, administered three or four times per cycle. Response, Event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed.

Results

Thirty‐one patients in first (n = 25) or second (n = 6) relapse of Hodgkin disease were eligible and evaluable. APE chemotherapy was well‐tolerated, with the major toxicity consisting of short duration, grade 3/4 hematopoietic toxicity. The CR/PR response rate was 68% (42% CR, 26% PR). Allowing subsequent stem cell transplantation in some patients, 4‐year EFS and OS were 27% ± 8% and 49% ± 9%, with 8‐year EFS and OS of 23% ± 9% and 34% ± 10%.

Discussion

APE is an efficacious regimen with minimal toxicity. Novel regimens are necessary to: (1) re‐induce remission, (2) treat newly diagnosed patients, and (3) augment therapy in patients with slow response to standard regimens. This regimen had minimal toxicity and an excellent response rate that facilitated long term survival, often in conjunction with transplantation. The Children's Oncology Group is using a similar regimen to augment therapy for slow responders on a current Hodgkin disease trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epstein‐Barr virus related opsoclonus‐myoclonus‐ataxia does not rule out the presence of occult neuroblastic tumors
Authors: Cardesa‐Salzmann Teresa M. , Mora Jaume , García Cazorla M. Angels , Cruz Ofelia , Muñoz Carmen , Campistol Jaume
Published: September 2005

Opsoclonus‐myoclonus‐ataxia (OMA) secondary to Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection has only been described in three pediatric patients. Previous reports suggested that evidence for a recent EBV infection in the absence of an occult neoplasm would predict a favorable prognosis for OMA as well as no tumor development. We present the case of a 20‐month‐old child with OMA associated with a microbiologically documented acute EBV infection and an occult thoracic ganglioneuroblastoma diagnosed 5 months later. Pediatr Blood Cancer. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endodermal sinus tumor of the vagina
Authors: Terenziani Monica , Spreafico Filippo , Collini Paola , Meazza Cristina , Massimino Maura , Piva Luigi
Published: September 2005

Malignant germ cell tumors of the vagina represent a critical site for local treatment. We report on our experience with two vaginal endodermal sinus tumors. Treatment with PEB regimen induced both tumor regression and α fetoprotein normalization. One patient had a residual lesion that was biopsed twice and no viable tumor cells were ever found. Both patients remained alive and disease‐free, without having had surgical procedures except for biopsies. Platinum‐based chemotherapy is able to achieve complete remissions and should be considered for vaginal endodermal sinus tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:577–578. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polar body biopsy and aneuploidy testing by simultaneous detection of six chromosomes
Authors: Montag Markus , Limbach Nina , Sabarstinski Mareike , van der Ven Katrin , Dorn Christoph , van der Ven Hans
Published: September 2005

Objectives

To simultaneously detect six chromosomes in a single round of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) during polar body diagnosis and aneuploidy testing in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

Methods

A commercially available five‐color FISH probe was modified by an additional chromosome probe. This kit was first tested on lymphocyte spreads and then used for polar body diagnosis (PBD) in patients with advanced maternal age and repeated implantation failure. The outcome of IVF treatment was compared with a control group.

Results

All six chromosomes could be simultaneously detected and easily distinguished by FISH analysis. PBD and aneuploidy testing were performed in 75 treatment cycles and compared with 126 controls. The biochemical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the PBD group (37.1% vs 22.9%, p < 0.05) and a trend was observed for higher clinical pregnancy and implantation rates (24.22% and 14.4% vs 18.62% and 10.8%, respectively) and lower abortion rates (20% vs 31.8%) following PBD.

Conclusions

The simultaneous detection of six chromosomes in a single FISH round is possible and can be applied to PBD. This approach may present another step towards increasing the number of chromosomes for aneuploidy testing. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photo‐oxidative dealkylation of α‐alkylbenzyl methyl ethers induced by titanium dioxide in acetonitrile
Authors: Bettoni Marta , Giacco Tiziana Del , Rol Cesare , Sebastiani Giovanni V.
Published: September 2005

TiO2‐sensitised photo‐oxidation of α‐alkylbenzyl methyl ethers in deaerated CH3CN gives the expected corresponding ketone, whereas in an aerated medium a dealkylation compound (methyl benzoate) is obtained as the principal product, with respect to the ketone, or the exclusive product (when the alkyl group is tert‐butyl). The product analysis and distribution, together with a qualitative estimate of the relative reactivity, suggest that the mechanism in deaerated CH3CN is the same as that previously hypothesized for non‐α‐alkylated benzyl ethers; in particular, the carbonyl compound should be formed through oxidation of the benzylic radical (obtained by deprotonation of the cation radical) to the corresponding cation. To justify the formation of methyl benzoate in an aerated medium, a reasonable hypothesis is that the α‐alkyl‐α‐methoxybenzylperoxy radical (obtained from the competitive attack of oxygen on the benzylic radical) undergoes a dealkylation process; in particular, this intermediate, as a tertiary peroxy radical, could form a dimer that evolves into the corresponding oxy radical, giving the ester through a β‐scission process. The general mechanism suggested in aerated medium was confirmed by evaluating the relationship between the ester/carbonyl (E/C) molar ratio and the adiabatic ionization potential of the benzylic radical intermediate. To evaluate the influence of medium heterogeneity, the E/C ratio data were compared with those obtained from an electron‐transfer photosensitised [by 9,10‐dicyanoanthracene (DCA)] oxidation in a homogeneous phase. A significant confirmation of the mechanism, in both deaerated and aerated media, was obtained by the reaction performed from 4‐methoxy‐α‐ethylbenzyl methyl ether (as a model) in the presence of H218O, sensitised by either TiO2 or DCA. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bis‐dendritic polyethylene prepared by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization in the presence of bis‐dendritic chain transfer agents
Authors: Sill Kevin , Emrick Todd
Published: September 2005

The synthesis of ABA triblock copolymers is described, in which the A blocks are poly(benzyl ether) dendrons and the B block is polycyclooctene or polyethylene. Bis‐dendritic cis‐olefins were synthesized and used as chain transfer agents in ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene in a process that inserts the dendrons at the polymer chain‐ends. Evaluation of the polymer products by spectroscopic, chromatographic, and titration methods supports their triblock structure. Hydrogenation of the unsaturated polycyclooctene B‐block of these ABA triblock copolymers provides the first reported synthesis of bisdendritic polyethylene. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5429–5439, 2005
Synthesis of dye‐labeled poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐ethylene) (EVA) latex and polymer diffusion in their latex films
Authors: Wu Jun , Tomba J. Pablo , Oh Jung Kwon , Winnik Mitchell A. , Farwaha Rajeev , Rademacher Jude
Published: September 2005

We describe the synthesis of dye‐labeled poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐ethylene) (EVA) latexes with the purpose of understanding the polymer diffusion behavior in their latex films. Polymer diffusion was followed with experiments based upon fluorescence resonance energy transfer (ET). Both the batch and semibatch emulsion polymerizations of vinyl acetate−ethylene (VAc−E) were examined. The ethylene content of these EVA samples was designed at ˜20 wt % (50 mol %). Under batch emulsion polymerization conditions, the reaction is characterized by a rapid monomer conversion and an increment of E content with reaction time. VAc−E batch emulsion polymerization in the presence of the donor dye 9‐phenanthryl methyl methacrylate produced EVA with non‐random dye distribution, which makes these samples unsuitable for ET experiments. The semibatch emulsion polymerization of VAc−E was carried out under VAc–starved feeding conditions. The resulting EVA was characterized by constant chemical composition throughout the feed. In addition, our data suggest the presence of two components, distinct in molar mass and degree of branching, in these EVA samples. More importantly, these VAc−E polymerizations in the presence of dyes [9‐phenanthryl methyl acrylate as the donor and 2′‐acryloxy‐4′‐methyl‐4‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐benzophenone as the acceptor] produced EVA with random dye incorporation, making these samples effective for ET experiments. Unlike the typical polymer diffusion behavior in latex films, characterized by small extents of polymer diffusion in newly dried latex followed by an increase of the extent of diffusion upon annealing, our ET experiments showed that polymer diffusion in these EVA latex films was complete by the time the films were dry. We attribute this striking difference to the low glass transition temperature (Tg) of the EVA and to its low effective monomeric friction coefficient at the drying temperature. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5581‐5596, 2005
Is there a cost to poor communication in cancer care?: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Thorne Sally E. , Bultz Barry D. , Baile Walter F.
Published: September 2005

In this paper, the authors engage in a critical analysis of the existing empirical literature which addresses the impact of ineffective communication between cancer patients and clinicians. It is increasingly accepted that communication plays a significant role in many aspects of the care experience, and that poor communication can have a significantly negative influence on the patient's psychosocial experience, symptom management, treatment decisions, and quality of life. However, scant attention has been given to the idea that poor communication may also have an economic impact worthy of attention. This area has not been the focus of systematic inquiry or substantive critical consideration. On the basis of critical analysis of the limited empirical evidence that exists across a wide range of studies in related areas, the authors propose that the existential and material costs associated with poor communication in cancer care may well be considerable, and conclude with a call to mobilize a heightened enthusiasm for addressing the research challenges in this field. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma Processes and Film Growth of Expanding Thermal Plasma Deposited Textured Zinc Oxide
Authors: Groenen Roland , Linden Hans , van de Sanden Richard
Published: September 2005

Summary: Plasma processes and film growth of textured zinc oxide deposited from oxygen and diethyl zinc utilizing expanding thermal argon plasma created by a cascaded arc is discussed. In all conditions explored, an excess of argon ions and low temperature electrons is available, which represent the chemistry taking place. The plasma induced decomposition mechanism involves charge exchange with argon ions, and consecutive dissociative recombination with electrons emanating from the cascaded arc plasma source. The presence of reactive atomic species, specifically Zn* and O*, is confirmed with the help of optical emission spectroscopic measurements. The absence of residual carbon in the films suggests a mechanism involving the dissociation of the ZnC bonds in the plasma instead of at the surface. Film growth appears to proceed by the adsorption of particular zinc species, followed by subsequent reaction with oxygen, with the deposition rate being directly proportional to the arrival rate of the particular reactive species. It is suggested that atomic zinc adsorbs on the surface in a weakly bounded highly mobile state. Best intrinsic transparent conducting oxide quality, that is film conductivity, is obtained at the highest deposition rate.

Expanding thermal plasma surface textured zinc oxide film growth.

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Expanding thermal plasma surface textured zinc oxide film growth.
Functional restraints on the patterns of amino acid substitutions: Application to sequence–structure homology recognition
Authors: Chelliah Vijayalakshmi , Blundell Tom , Mizuguchi Kenji
Published: September 2005

Amino acid residues that are involved in functional interactions in proteins have strong evolutionary pressure to remain unchanged and consequently their substitution patterns are different from those that are noninteracting. To characterize and quantify the differences between amino acid substitution patterns due to structural restraints and those under functional restraints, we have made a comparative analysis of families of homologous proteins. Residues classified as having the same amino acid type, secondary structure, accessibility, and side‐chain hydrogen bonds are shown to be better conserved if they are close to the active site. We have focused on enzyme families for this analysis since they have functional sites that are easily defined by their catalytic residues. We have derived new sets of environment‐specific substitution tables, which we term function‐dependent environment‐specific substitution tables, where amino acid residues are classified according to their distance from the functional sites. The residues that are within a distance of 9 Å from the active site have distinct amino acid substitution patterns when compared to the other sites. The function‐dependent environment‐specific substitution tables have been tested using the sequence–structure homology recognition program FUGUE and the results compared with the recognition performance obtained using the standard environment‐specific substitution tables. Significant improvements are obtained in both recognition performance and alignment accuracy using the function‐dependent environment‐specific substitution tables (P‐value = 0.02, according to the Wilcoxon signed rank test for alignment accuracy). The alignments near the active site are greatly improved with pronounced improvements at lower percentage identities (less than 30%). Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple display of a protein domain on a bacterial polymeric scaffold
Authors: Craig P. O. , Berguer P. M. , Ainciart N. , Zylberman V. , Thomas M. G. , Tosar L. J. Martinez , Bulloj A. , Boccaccio G. L. , Goldbaum F. A.
Published: September 2005

The multiple display of protein domains on polymeric scaffolds is an emerging technology for many applications. BLS is a highly immunogenic protein that has an oligomeric structure formed by a 17.2 kDa subunit arranged as a dimer of pentamers. Here we describe the production as well as the structural, functional, and immunological properties of a 9 kDa double‐stranded RNA‐binding domain (RBD3) fused to the structure of BLS. We demonstrate that the BLS and RBD3 modules are stably and independently folded in the structure of the chimera and form a decameric structure of 255 kDa as the native BLS oligomers. The polymeric display of RBD3 in the structure of BLS increases the dsRNA binding strength of this domain both in vitro and in vivo, and also enhances its immunogenicity to the point that it breaks the tolerance of mice to the RBD3 self‐antigen. Our results underscore the BLS display strategy as a powerful tool for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capsicum oleoresin: development of an in‐soil repellent for pocket gophers
Authors: Sterner Ray T , Shumake Stephen A , Gaddis Stanley E , Bourassa Jean B
Published: September 2005

A pre‐ and post‐monitoring study was conducted of the potential use of capsicum oleoresin as an in‐soil repellent for northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides). Pocket gophers were captured in irrigated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L), affixed with radio transmitters, and monitored daily for location. Six plots (4.87 × 4.87 m) each were randomly assigned to capsicum oleoresin and soybean oil treatments; these were set up based upon the centers of initial core areas of gophers. Mean (±SD) volumes of capsicum oleoresin and water and soybean oil and water mixtures (10 + 90 by volume) dispensed onto plots equaled 178.5 (±4.7) and 175.7 (±14.0) liters, respectively. Movements (m) of the radio‐transmitted gophers from plot centers were computed for four daily readings (i.e., 0801–1000, 1101–1300, 1501–1700 and 1801–2000 h). Spectrophotometric analysis of soil samples from capsicum oleoresin plots validated the presence of capsicum on plots and the absence of capsicum on placebo‐ and off‐plot locations. Analysis of variance for movement distances of gophers yielded a Date main effect [F(11, 103) = 2.08, P ≤ 0.03] and a Date × Reading (time) interaction [F(32, 299) = 3.21, P ≤ 0.01]. Results showed that gophers were located farther from plot centers for the 0801–1000 and 1501–1700 h telemetry readings for ≤3 days post‐chemical application—a probable ‘disturbance’ effect rather than a chemical‐induced avoidance. In a prior laboratory study, capsicum oleoresin and soil treatments of 1.5% w/w capsicum caused nearly a 50% decrease in soil contact time by gophers relative to placebo‐exposed control animals. This implies that procedural variables warrant revision before abandoning this approach. The potential for soil insertion of repellents as a technique for expelling pocket gophers from territories and some methodological changes for future research of the technique are discussed. Published in 2005 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved performance of InGaN/GaN blue light‐emitting diodes with a SiO2/TiO2 Bragg reflector
Authors: Chen Lung‐Chien , Feng Hui‐Ching
Published: September 2005

InGaN/GaN blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) on sapphire substrates with a SiO2/TiO2 Bragg reflector were fabricated. The deposited SiO2/TiO2 Bragg reflectors exhibit a high reflectivity of up to nearly 96.9% at about 460 nm. When the InGaN/GaN LEDs with a SiO2/TiO2 Bragg reflectors were operated at a forward current of 20 mA at room temperature, the peak wavelength, the light output power, and the external quantum efficiency were measured to be 470 nm, 5.91 mW, and 11.21%, respectively. The light output power was as high as 15.33 mW at the forward current of 100 mA. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Scaling relations, virial theorem, and energy densities for long‐range and short‐range density functionals
Authors: Toulouse Julien , Gori‐Giorgi Paola , Savin Andreas
Published: September 2005

Decomposition of the Coulomb electron–electron interaction into a long‐range and a short‐range part is described within the framework of density functional theory, deriving some scaling relations and the corresponding virial theorem. We study the behavior of the local density approximation in the high‐density limit for the long‐range and the short‐range functionals by carrying out a detailed analysis of the correlation energy of a uniform electron gas interacting via a long‐range‐only electron–electron repulsion. Possible definitions of exchange and correlation energy densities are discussed and clarified with some examples. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Electronic structure and stability of BP clusters: theoretical calculations for (BP)n (n = 2–4)
Authors: Qu Yuhui , Ma Wanyong , Bian Xiufang , Tang Hongwei , Tian Weixing
Published: September 2005

The geometry, electronic configurations, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and stability of the structural isomers of boron phosphide clusters have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT). CCSD(T) calculations show that the lowest‐energy structures are cyclic (IIt, IVs) with Dnh symmetry for dimers and trimers. The caged structure for B4P4 lie higher in energy than the monocyclic structure with D2d symmetry (VIs). The B–P bond dominates the structures for many isomers, so that one preferred dissociation channel is loss of the BP monomer. The hybridization and chemical bonding in the different structures are also discussed. Comparisons with boron nitride clusters, the ground state structures of BnPn (n = 2, 3) clusters are analogous to those of their corresponding BnNn (n = 2, 3) counterparts. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Robust trend tests for genetic association using matched case‐control design
Authors: Zheng Gang , Tian Xin
Published: September 2005

Trend tests for genetic association using a matched case‐control design are studied, which allows for a variable number of controls per case. However, the tests depend on the scores based on the underlying genetic model, thus it may result in substantial loss of power when the model is misspecified. Since the mode of inheritance may be unknown for complex diseases, robust trend tests in matched case‐control studies are developed. Simulation is conducted to compare the trend tests and the robust trend tests under various genetic models. The results are applied to detect candidate‐gene association using an example from a case‐control aetiologic study of sarcoidosis. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A symmetrized vector potential‐vorticity formulation of the Stokes system and its Finite Element Discretization
Authors: Ruas V. , Trales P.R.
Published: September 2005

The aim of this paper is to study a formulation of the Stokes system in a bounded three‐dimensional domain, expressed in terms of the vorticity and a vector potential, whose gradient is fully prescribed on the boundary of the domain. The formulation is based on an uncoupling technique following principles similar to those exploited by Glowinski & Pironneau [7] in the case of the stream function‐vorticity formulation of the two‐dimensional Stokes system. A solution scheme of the resulting system using special classes of finite elements is given.
Large‐scale simulations of acoustic‐structure interaction using the fast multipole BEM
Authors: Gaul L. , Fischer M.
Published: September 2005

For the simulation of acoustic‐structure interaction problems, the coupled field equations must be solved. The structure is commonly discretized using finite elements, whereas for the acoustic field the boundary element method (BEM) is favorable. A mortar BEM‐FEM coupling algorithm is developed that allows the combination of non‐conforming meshes. The high flexibility for the choice of discretizations offers a high efficiency, since specialized shape functions and adaptive mesh refinement can be used in the subdomains. The mortar coupling algorithm yields a saddle point problem that is solved using a preconditioned inexact Uzawa algorithm. The iterative solver enables the use of the fast multipole BEM and thus coupled simulations on large boundary element models.
Thursdays with Marion: The Therapist's Tale
Authors: Sobel Susan
Published: September 2005

We who work with people with chronic and/or terminal illnesses are often confounded about what we ought to do and what we can do for those who suffer. This paper presents a case study of my work with Marion who began therapy after her presymptomatic testing for HD to address her depression and anxiety. The approach we took is a narrative one. The impact of illness on existing family stories is described followed by an examination of the premises of a narrative model. The case description demonstrates the collaborative nature of the therapy. Some thoughts on the role of the therapist in this model are offered.
Communication Analysis of BRCA1 Genetic Counseling
Authors: Ellington Lee , Roter Debra , Dudley William N. , Baty Bonnie J. , Upchurch Renn , Larson Susan , Wylie Jean E. , Smith Ken R. , Botkin Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2005

In this study, we apply an existing medical communication coding system to BRCA1 genetic counseling sessions, describe the session dynamics, and explore variation in session communication. The sample was comprised of 167 members of an identified BRCA1 kindred whose pretest counseling session was audiotaped and coded using Roter's Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Three certified genetic counselors followed a research protocol that dictated areas to be covered in the counseling session. We found that it was feasible to code long, protocol driven BRCA1 sessions in a quantitative manner without the use of transcripts and capture the dialogue of all session participants. These findings support the use of RIAS in genetic counseling research. Our results indicate that these BRCA1 sessions were predominantly educational in nature with minimal dialogue devoted to psychosocial issues. We found that participant gender, presence of a client companion, and counselor identity influence session communication.