bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary characterization of two atypical soluble guanylyl cyclases in the central and peripheral nervous system ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Langlais Kristofor K. , Stewart Judith A. , Morton David B.
Published: May 2004

Conventional soluble guanylyl cyclases form α/β heterodimers that are activated by nitric oxide (NO). Recently, atypical members of the soluble guanylyl cyclase family have been described that include the ratβ2 subunit and MsGC-β3 from Manduca sexta. Predictions from the Drosophila melanogaster genome identify three atypical guanylyl cyclase subunits: Gyc-88E (formerly CG4154), Gyc-89Da (formerly CG14885) and Gyc-89Db (formerly CG14886). Preliminary data showed that transient expression of Gyc-88E in heterologous cells generated enzyme activity in the absence of additional subunits that was slightly stimulated by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) but not the NO donor DEA-NONOate or the NO-independent activator YC-1. Gyc-89Db was inactive when expressed alone but when co-expressed with Gyc-88E enhanced the basal and SNP-stimulated activity of Gyc-88E, suggesting that they may form heterodimers in vivo. Here,we describe the localization of Gyc-88E and Gyc-89Db and show that they are expressed in the embryonic and larval central nervous systems and are colocalized in several peripheral neurons that innervate trachea, basiconical sensilla and the sensory cones in the posterior segments of the embryo. We also show that there are two splice variants of Gyc-88E that differ by seven amino acids, although no differences in biochemical properties could be determined. We have also extended our analysis of the NO activation of Gyc-88E and Gyc-89Db, showing that several structurally unrelated NO donors activate Gyc-88E when expressed alone or when co-expressed with Gyc-89Db.
Relationship between the energetic cost of burrowing and genetic variability among populations of the pocket gopher,T. bottae: does physiological fitness correlate with genetic variability?
Authors: Hildner K. Kelly , Soulé Michael E.
Published: May 2004

Many studies have reported relationships between genetic variability and fitness characters in invertebrates, but there is a paucity of such studies in mammals. Here, we use a statistically powerful paired sampling design to test whether the metabolic cost of burrowing, an important physiological trait in the pocket gopher, Thomomys bottae, correlates with genetic variability. Three pairs of pocket gopher populations were used, with each pair selected from a different subspecies and comprising one high genetic variability and one low genetic variability population. Genetic variability was measured using average allozyme heterozygosity and two measures of DNA fingerprint band sharing. In addition, the cost of burrowing for individuals from each population was determined from the oxygen consumption per gram of body mass per unit of work performed. Our results indicate that the cost of burrowing was significantly higher in populations with lower genetic variability (3-way ANCOVA, P=0.0150); mass-adjusted cost of burrowing in the low variability populations averaged 0.57±0.24 ml O2g–1 kgm–1 and that in the high variability populations averaged 0.42±0.19 ml O2 g–1kgm–1. The magnitude of the population differences in cost of burrowing was associated with the magnitude of difference in genetic variability. We conclude that population differences in genetic variability are reflected in physiological fitness differences for a trait that is essential to gopher survival.
Novel Plasma Methanol Decomposition to Hydrogen Using Corona Discharges
Authors: Li Hui-qing , Zou Ji-jun , Zhang Yue-ping , Liu Chang-jun
Published: May 2004

We reported in this work a simple, effective, and efficient hydrogen production from plasma methanol decomposition using DC and AC corona discharges at ambient condition. The highest hydrogen production rate was achieved with AC corona discharges. The power consumption was normally less than 0.02 Wh/Ncm3 H2. A major advantage of methanol decomposition using corona discharge is that only a very small discharge space is enough for sufficiently high decomposition.
Degradation of Methylene Blue on Carbonate Species-doped TiO2 Photocatalysts under Visible Light
Authors: Ohno Teruhisa , Tsubota Toshiki , Nishijima Kazumoto , Miyamoto Zenta
Published: May 2004

Carbonate (CO32−) species-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts were prepared. By doping carbonate species into a TiO2 lattice, the absorption edge of TiO2 was largely shifted from 400 to 700 nm. Furthermore, methylene blue was photocatalytically decomposed at high efficiency on carbonate species-doped TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light at a wavelength longer than 550 nm.
Template Synthesis of Ag2S Nanorods via an Ion-exchange Route
Authors: Wang Zhenghua , Chen Xiangying , Zhang Meng , Qian Yitai
Published: May 2004

By using CdS nanorods as template, Ag2S nanorods were synthesized via a solution-phase ion-exchange route at room temperature. It is important to control a slow reaction speed by adding thiourea into the solution to form complex with Ag+ ion during the synthetic process.
Management dilemmas in laryngeal trauma
Authors: Hwang S. Y. , Yeak S. C. L.
Published: May 2004

Laryngeal trauma is an uncommon injury. This has made it difficult for a common management pathway to evolve and controversies remain. Methods of airway control, usage of investigations and the role of stents or plates in surgical management are reviewed. It is important not to delay treatment due to the poor voice and airway outcome of chronic laryngeal stenosis.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor expression in aural polyps: predictor of cholesteatoma?
Authors: Nair Salil , Watts Simon , Flood Liam
Published: May 2004

The cytokine, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptors (FGFR) have a pivotal role in wound repair and have been demonstrated in the perimatrix of active cholesteatoma. Aural polyps are a recognized inflammatory reaction of middle-ear mucosa to cholesteatoma, but may arise in its absence. This study examines 28 archival aural polyp specimens, seeking an increased expression for FGFR1 and FGFR3 in polyps associated with cholesteatoma, when compared with those arising in non-cholesteatomatous, mucosal disease, but produced a null result. There was no difference demonstrated in staining intensity between those polyps associated with cholesteatoma and those without. There was a strong correlation between staining patterns of FGFR1 and FGFR3 (r = 0.4, p <0.03). The expression pattern, of nuclear and perinuclear localization, may support the view that nuclear translocation of growth factors, and their receptors, could be related to the cellular proliferation that is associated with cholesteatoma.
Ciliary count in chronic suppurative otitis media: comparative quantitative study between mucosal and squamous types using scanning electron microscopy and image analysis
Authors: Atef Ahmed , Ayad Essam Ezat
Published: May 2004

The objective of this study was to prove ciliary destruction in the middle-ear mucous membrane in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and to compare both types of chronic suppurative otitis media with regard to the degree of ciliary destruction and ciliary count using objective quantitative techniques.

The mucosa of the anterior mesotympanum over the promontory was sampled in 10 patients with mucosal CSOM and in another 10 patients with squamous type CSOM. Specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy in combination with image analysis software techniques in order to study the
cilia under higher magnifications and to calculate the ciliary area. Five patients with otosclerosis, no history suggestive of otitis media and normal ear drum appearance served as controls.

Samples were taken and studied at the Faculty of Medicine of Cairo University.

CSOM was found to be associated with significant ciliary destruction and this was more evident in the squamous type than in the mucosal type.
Prevalence of external auditory canal exostoses in Australian surfboard riders
Authors: Hurst William , Bailey Michael , Hurst Benjamin
Published: May 2004

This paper assessed 300 surfboard riders, comprising 229 males and 71 females to determine the prevalence and rate of growth of exostoses in this population. A group of cold water swimmers and a control group were also examined.

Significant obstruction, defined as two thirds or more occlusion of the ear canal was noted in 90 of the male surfers and 10 female surfers. This degree of occlusion was found in seven of the 32 cold water swimmers.

A male surfer who has surfed regularly for 20 years or more has a one in two chance of developing significant obstruction of the external ear canal resulting from exostoses and this is a three in seven chance for females.
Role of screening for infectious mononucleosis in patients admitted with isolated, unilateral peritonsillar abscess
Authors: Ryan Caroline , Dutta Chirajit , Simo Ricard
Published: May 2004

Two hundred and four cases of in-patient admission with isolated, unilateral peritonsillar abscess over the three-year period 1999–2001 were reviewed retrospectively. One hundred and fifty-one patients had been screened for infectious mononucleosis (IM) using the heterophile antibody screening test. Of these 142 (94 per cent) tested negative and nine (six per cent) positive. There were no IM-typical clinical or haematological signs in any of the IM positive patients to facilitate the prediction of the diagnosis. Due to the comparatively high prevalence of positives, the low cost of screening, the lack of predictive signs and the diversity of potential complications of IM, routine screening in all patients presenting with peritonsillar abscess is recommended.
An innovative approach to anterior rhinoscopy
Authors: Bray D.
Published: May 2004

Anterior rhinoscopy with a Thudicum’s or Killian’s speculum is essential in the assessment and treatment of anterior epistaxis. A simple technique for visualization of the nasal septum is described which enables a two-handed approach to treatment and is achieved with materials readily available in the emergency department.
Unusual complication of parotid abscess
Authors: Kishore R. , Ramachandran K. , Ngoma C. , Morgan N. J.
Published: May 2004

Temporal lobe abscess as a complication of parotid abscess is not described in the English literature. In this case report a 66-year-old gentleman is described who presented with a left-sided parotid abscess, which extended to other deep neck spaces, and advanced to develop a temporal lobe abscess and subdural parietal empyema. Treatment included intravenous antibiotics, incision and drainage of parotid abscess, and burr hole aspiration of the temporal lobe abscess. The importance of imaging to evaluate the extent of deep neck abscess and brain abscess is highlighted in this report.
Advance Booking Discount Programs Under Retail Competition
Authors: McCardle Kevin , Rajaram Kumar , Tang Christopher S.
Published: May 2004

We model a situation in which two retailers consider launching an “Advance Booking Discount” (ABD) program. In this program, customers are enticed to precommit their orders at a discount price prior to the regular selling season. However, these precommitted orders are filled during the selling season. While the ABD program enables the retailers to lock in a portion of the customer demand and use this demand information to develop more accurate forecasts and supply plans, the ABD price reduces profit margin. We analyze the four possible scenarios wherein each of the two firms offer an ABD program or not, and establish conditions under which the unique equilibrium calls for launching the ABD program at both retailers.
Who Benefits from Transshipment? Exogenous vs. Endogenous Wholesale Prices
Authors: Dong Lingxiu , Rudi Nils
Published: May 2004

This paper studies how transshipments affect manufacturers and retailers, considering both exogenous and endogenous wholesale prices. For a distribution system where a single manufacturer sells to multiple identical-cost retailers, we consider both the manufacturer being a price taker and the manufacturer being a price setter in a single-period setup under multivariate normal demand distribution. In the case of the manufacturer being a price taker, we provide several analytical results regarding the effects of key parameters on order quantities and profits. In the case of the manufacturer being a price setter, we characterize the Stackelberg game that arises, and provide several insights into how the game dynamics are affected by transshipments. Specifically, we find that risk pooling makes retailers’ order quantities less sensitive to the wholesale price set by the manufacturer; hence, in general, the manufacturer benefits from retailers’ transshipments by charging a higher wholesale price, while retailers are often worse off. The paper captures the effect of demand correlation and the effect of the number of retailers throughout, and it illustrates the findings by a numerical example. We also provide an interactive Web page for numerical experiments.
A Likelihood Approach to Estimating Market Equilibrium Models
Authors: Draganska Michaela , Jain Dipak
Published: May 2004

This paper develops a new likelihood-based method for the simultaneous estimation of structural demand-and-supply models for markets with differentiated products. We specify an individual-level discrete-choice model of demand and derive the supply side assuming manufacturers compete in prices. The proposed estimation method considers price endogeneity through simultaneous estimation of demand and supply, allows for consumer heterogeneity, and incorporates a pricing rule consistent with economic theory.

The basic idea behind the proposed estimation procedure is to simulate prices and choice probabilities by solving for the market equilibrium. By repeating this many times, we obtain an empirical distribution of equilibrium prices and probabilities. The empirical distribution is then smoothed and used in a likelihood procedure to estimate the parameters of the model. The advantage of this method is that it avoids the need to perform a transformation of variables. If the tastes of consumers are independent across market periods, our approach yields maximum likelihood estimates; otherwise, it yields consistent but not fully efficient partial likelihood estimates.
“Stack Them High, Let ’em Fly”: Lot-Sizing Policies When Inventories Stimulate Demand
Authors: Balakrishnan Anantaram , Pangburn Michael S. , Stavrulaki Euthemia
Published: May 2004

In some retail contexts, stocking large quantities of inventory may not only improve service levels, but can also stimulate demand. For products having demand rates that increase with inventory levels, we analyze the effect of stocking decisions on firm profitability to develop managerial insights regarding the structure of the optimal inventory policy, and to understand how this policy differs from traditional approaches. When inventories stimulate demand, iteratively applying the standard economic order quantity (EOQ) model–by setting the demand rate parameter equal to the observed average demand rate in prior cycles–yields an equilibrium order quantity that is robust to demand parameter misestimation, but is suboptimal. The profit-maximizing policy orders larger quantities, and can replenish inventory even before on-hand stock fully depletes. Using an extension of a standard inventory-dependent demand model from the literature, we first provide a convenient characterization of products that require early replenishment. We demonstrate that the optimal cycle time is largely governed by the conventional trade-off between ordering and holding costs, whereas the reorder point relates to a promotions-oriented cost-benefit perspective. We show that the optimal policy yields significantly higher profits than cost-based inventory policies, underscoring the importance of profit-driven inventory management.
Signifying Nothing: On the Aesthetics of Pure Voice in Early Venetian Opera
Authors: Calcagno Mauro
Published: May 2004

Operas written in Venice in the 1640s feature surprisingly long melismas often setting seemingly insignificant words, in opposition to (although concurrently with) traditional madrigalisms. This magnification of pure voice over word meaning is consistent with the aesthetics presented by members of the Venetian Accademia degli Incogniti, known for its pro-opera stance. In previously unexplored works the academicians advocate the controversial concept of Nothing as an all-embracing phenomenon. This includes language, in which the Incogniti emphasize sound as independent from meaning-a claim with significant consequences for music aesthetics. The academy's emblem articulates a parallel discourse on voice through visual means. By musical means, passages from works by Barbara Strozzi, Claudio Monteverdi (an oft-discussed melisma in Poppea, I, 6), and Francesco Cavalli also articulate Incogniti aesthetics. In elaborating their ideas the academicians relied upon a work that indeed presented a manifesto for sheer vocality, L'Adone (1623) by Giovanbattista Marino, an academy member. The Incogniti's Marinist aesthetics was to dominate the rest of the century until its object, pure voice, came under sharp criticism by members of yet another academy, the Arcadia.
Plainchant at Florence's Cathedral in the Late Seicento: Matteo Coferati and Shifting Concepts of Tonal Space
Authors: Dodds Michael R.
Published: May 2004

While accounts of modal change in Baroque music have often focused on progressive genres such as opera, more conservative repertories may also reveal important shifts in the conceptualization of tonal space. The presence of "new" elements in a conservative context can provide an index of how deeply new ways of thinking have penetrated. For this reason, the plainchant treatises of Matteo Coferati (1638- 1708), a singer and chaplain at Florence cathedral for nearly 45 years, merit special scrutiny. Coferati's unprecedentedly detailed instructions on the use of unwritten sharps in plainchant present new solutions to old problems while implicitly reflecting the influence of polyphony in general and the alternating organ in particular. The relationship between plainchant and polyphony thus emerges as a reciprocal one. Moreover, the distance between monophonic and polyphonic modal norms turns out to be less than one might conclude by examining notated chants without considering unwritten performance practices. That Coferati's teachings represent practice at the Florence duomo is supported by a contemporaneous manuscript choir book from the cathedral's archives, containing the very sharps he advocates. In addition, new archival findings revise Coferati's long-accepted birth and death dates and provide specific information about his service as a cappellano of Florence's cathedral.
The ethics of routine antenatal screening
Authors: Stewart Fiona
Published: May 2004

This article looks at the ethics of antenatal screening for the low‐risk pregnant woman attending an antenatal clinic and the consequences thereof, and puts the debate into historical context.
Cervical screening
Authors: Duncan Ian D.
Published: May 2004

Since the introduction in the late 1980s of UK cervical screening programmes based on computerised call and recall, mortality from cervical cancer has fallen by one‐third and incidence has dropped by two‐thirds. Current methods of screening have probably reached the limits of their usefulness. However, encouraging new approaches involving liquid‐based cytology and automation are in the advanced stages of development. Roles are also being researched for entirely different technologies, including human papillomavirus testing. It is anticipated that both sensitivity and specificity will improve.
Human papillomavirus vaccines
Authors: Fiander Alison N.
Published: May 2004

Human papillomavirus‐associated anogenital neoplasia poses a major health threat worldwide, with 500 000 new cases of cervical carcinoma alone annually. The majority of deaths occur in developing countries but even in the developed world anogenital neoplasia is frequently challenging to manage and thus new treatment modalities are urgently required. The association between neoplasia and a viral infection provides the opportunity for immunological intervention, either by preventing initial infection (prophylactic vaccination) or by clearance of infected (low‐grade disease) and/or neoplastic cells (high‐grade and invasive disease). This article summarises the targets and effectors for immunological intervention, potential vaccines and the clinical trials carried out to date and considers the future for HPV vaccines.
Nanostructured High‐Entropy Alloys with Multiple Principal Elements: Novel Alloy Design Concepts and Outcomes
Authors: Yeh J.‐W. , Chen S.‐K. , Lin S.‐J. , Gan J.‐Y. , Chin T.‐S. , Shun T.‐T. , Tsau C.‐H. , Chang S.‐Y.
Published: May 2004

A new approach for the design of alloys is presented in this study. These “high‐entropy alloys” with multi‐principal elements were synthesized using well‐developed processing technologies. Preliminary results demonstrate examples of the alloys with simple crystal structures, nanostructures, and promising mechanical properties. This approach may be opening a new era in materials science and engineering.
Hypereutectic Al‐Si Binary Alloys Prepared by Melt Spinning Method
Authors: Zhao Z.K. , Li J.C. , Jiang Q.
Published: May 2004

Five quenched Al‐Si alloys with different compositions have been manufactured and whose properties and structures are determined. The results show that the alloys consist of supersaturated α‐Al nanocrystals, amorphous matrix and primary Si. When 30 %<CSi %<40 %, there is more than 50 % amorphous phase. Crystallization of the amorphous phases and Si separation from the supersaturated α‐Al nanocrystals occur as temperature increases.
SiC Foams Produced by Gel Casting: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Mouazer R. , Thijs I. , Mullens S. , Luyten J.
Published: May 2004

SiC foams were fabricated by gelcasting with a commercially available powder and agar as gelling agent. Ceramic foams processed by gel casting have dense struts and are therefore mechanically stronger than foams produced by the conventional poly‐urethane replica method. First, special attention was given to the preparation and characterization of the powder suspension using silicon carbide powders which has been recognized as a high performance material.
A New Approach for Rapid Annealing of Medium Carbon Steels
Authors: Zhang Y. , He C. , Zhao X. , Esling C. , Zuo L.
Published: May 2004

The kinetic effects of high magnetic field on the solid‐state phase transformation during cooling in medium carbon steel are investigated. Imposing of a 14‐Tesla magnetic field has promoted the proeutectoid ferritic transformation from austenite, and resulted in uniform and refined microstructure of ferrite and pearlite even under rapid cooling. Insight into the rapid magnetic annealing process contributes to the development of new heat‐treatment techniques with high productivity.
Fatigue of Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Potzies C. , Kainer K.U.
Published: May 2004

Magnesium alloys show a high specific strength and are therefore increasingly used for light‐weight constructions in transportation industry.[1,2] To predict the behaviour of the material under the influence of cyclic loading it is vital to understand the fatigue behaviour of magnesium alloys. Only when understood properly, it is possible to fully apply the potential weight reduction by using magnesium alloys. A very important aspect in fatigue of magnesium alloys is the influence of a corrosive media and elevated temperatures, of which both are relevant in automotive applications. These two factors tend to have deleterious effects on magnesium alloys and therefore also have to be considered in investigations on the fatigue behaviour of magnesium alloys.
Lack of relationship between CO2 reactivity and serotonin transporter gene regulatory region polymorphism in panic disorder
Authors: Perna Giampaolo , Bella Daniela di , Favaron Elisa , Cucchi Michele , Liperi Laura , Bellodi Laura
Published: May 2004

Changes in the function of the serotonergic system influence both panic phobic symptoms and carbon dioxide (CO2) reactivity in patients with panic disorder. Schmidt et al. [2000: J Abnorm Psychol 109(2):308–320] recently reported a predictive role of the genetic variants of the 5‐HTTLPR on the fearful response to CO2 in healthy controls. We tested the hypothesis that the heterogeneity of CO2 reactivity in patients with panic disorder could be related to the allelic variation of the 5‐HTT promoter. Ninety‐five patients with panic disorder were challenged with 35% CO2. 5‐HTTLPR allelic variation in each subject was determined using a PCR‐based method. There were no differences for all the measures of CO2 reactivity among the genotype groups. CO2 reactivity of patients with panic disorder seems not to be influenced by the genetic variants of the 5‐HTTLPR; this finding does not support a role for the serotonin transporter in the etiopathogenesis of CO2 reactivity in panic disorder. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ProtocadherinX/Y, a candidate gene‐pair for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: A DHPLC investigation of genomic sequence
Authors: Giouzeli Maria , Williams Nic A. , Lonie Lorne J. , DeLisi Lynn E. , Crow Timothy J.
Published: May 2004

Protocadherin X and Protocadherin Y (PCDHX and PCDHY) are cell‐surface adhesion molecules expressed predominantly in the brain. The PCDHX/Y gene‐pair was generated by an X–Y translocation approximately 3 million years ago (MYA) that gave rise to the Homo sapiens‐specific region of Xq21.3 and Yp11.2 homology. Genes within this region are expected to code for sexually dimorphic human characteristics, including, for example, cerebral asymmetry a dimension of variation that has been suggested is relevant to psychosis. We examined differences in patients with schizophrenic or schizoaffective psychosis in the genomic sequence of PCDHX and PCDHY in coding and adjacent intronic sequences using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Three coding variants were detected in PCDHX and two in PCDHY. However, neither the coding variants nor the intronic polymorphisms could be related to psychosis within families. Low sequence variation suggests selective pressure against sequence change in modern humans in contrast to the structural chromosomal and sequence changes including fixed X–Y differences that occurred in this region earlier in hominid evolution. Our findings exclude sequence variation in PCDHX/Y as relevant to the aetiology of psychosis. However, we note the unusual status of this region with respect to X‐inactivation. Further investigation of the epigenetic control of PCDHX/Y in relation to psychosis is warranted. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New GABAA receptor alpha5 subunit gene polymorphism that may confound genotyping
Authors: Vaquero C. , Baca‐Garcia E. , Diaz‐Sastre C. , Perez‐Rodriguez M.M. , Navio Acosta M. , Saiz‐Ruiz J. , de Leon J. , Fernandez‐Piqueras J.
Published: May 2004

We report the discovery of a new GABAA receptor alpha5 subunit gene polymorphism close to the polymorphism described by Glatt et al. (GT)5GCGTGC(GT)21. This new polymorphism is of great importance, because it means that non‐denaturing acrylamide gels used to separate the different alleles of the polymorphism described by Glatt et al. cannot distinguish an allele with the sequence: (GT)4GCGTGC(GT)n from another allele with the sequence: (GT)4(GCGT)4GC(GT)n−6. These gel fragments are separated by size, which would be the same in these two cases. An alternative would be to use an analysis method that can detect base changes, for instance, single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) or denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of association between 5HT2A receptor gene haplotype, bipolar disorder and its clinical subtypes in a West European sample
Authors: Etain Bruno , Rousseva Angela , Roy Isabelle , Henry Chantal , Malafosse Alain , Buresi Catherine , Preisig Martin , Rayah Fadila , Leboyer Marion , Bellivier Frank
Published: May 2004

Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is a complex psychiatric disorder with a major genetic contribution. Abnormalities in serotonergic function have been implicated in its aetiology. The 5HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) gene is a strong candidate gene for involvement in BPAD, but previous association studies have reported conflicting results. These data are difficult to interpret because most negative results were obtained with small samples. The aim of this study was to test the association between the 5HT2AR gene and BPAD in a large West European sample. We studied the −1438G/A and the His452Tyr polymorphisms, for haplotype analysis to increase both informativity and the likelihood of detecting an association between BPAD and the 5HT2AR gene. We analysed the genotype, allele and haplotype distributions of two 5HT2AR gene variants in a population of 356 BPAD patients, which we compared with 208 healthy controls. We also carried out exploratory analysis in clinical subgroups of patients defined according to personal history of mood disorders, suicidal behaviour, comorbid psychiatric disorders and family history of affective disorders. We found no difference between BPAD patients and controls for allele, genotype and haplotype distributions. Exploratory analysis in subgroups of BPAD patients showed only a marginal difference in haplotype distribution between controls and BPAD patients with antidepressant‐induced mania (P = 0.018). This difference was not significant after correction for multiple testing. Our study suggests that the 5HT2AR gene is unlikely to be involved in genetic susceptibility to BPAD but should be further investigated in a pharmacogenetic study. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐replication of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) association in bipolar affective disorder: A Belgian patient‐control study
Authors: Oswald Pierre , Del‐Favero Jurgen , Massat Isabelle , Souery Daniel , Claes Stephan , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Mendlewicz Julien
Published: May 2004

This patient‐control association study was conducted to investigate a possible association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), g.11757C > G and g.196G > A, in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). Two hundred seventy‐five individuals of Belgian origin (at least two generations of Belgian ancestors) were genotyped (112 BPAD and 163 controls). No significant differences were found in the frequency of genotypes and alleles of g.196G > A (P = 0.37 and 0.94, respectively) and g.11757C > G (P = 0.49 and 0.59, respectively) between controls and BPAD patients. An haplotype analysis revealed no difference between patients and controls (P = 0.44). We failed to replicate previous findings implicating BDNF in the aetiology of BPAD. However, BDNF remains an interesting target for future genetic studies and should be tested in prospective pharmacogenetic therapeutic trials. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of cerebral lateralization in control of immune processes in humans
Authors: Meador Kimford J. , Loring David W. , Ray Patty G. , Helman Sandra W. , Vazquez Blanca R. , Neveu Pierre J.
Published: May 2004

Cerebral lateralization may be important in neural control of immune function. Animal studies have demonstrated differential effects of left and right brain lesions on immune function, but human studies are inconclusive. Here, we show that resections in the language dominant hemisphere of patients with epilepsy reduce lymphocytes, total T cells, and helper T cells. In contrast, resections in the language nondominant hemisphere increased the same cellular elements. T‐cell responses to mitogens and microbial antigens were not differentially affected. Left/right arm histamine skin response ratios were altered in patients with left cerebral epileptic focus, and flare skin responses were reduced by left cerebral resections in contrast with an increase after right cerebral resections. The findings demonstrate a differential role of the left and right cerebral hemispheres on immune functions in humans. Ann Neurol 2004
The Belluš–Claisen Rearrangement
Authors: Gonda Jozef
Published: May 2004

Among the reactions available to synthetic chemists for the construction of new CC bonds, the Claisen rearrangement is one of the most powerful, elegant, and well‐characterized methods. A genuinely new variant, the Belluš–Claisen rearrangement came to light a quarter of a century ago: The reaction of an allylic ether, thioether, or amine with a ketene leads through a [3,3] sigmatropic bond reorganization of a zwitterionic intermediate to an E unsaturated ester, thioester, or amide. When applied to cyclic allylic substrates, a ring‐enlargement by four carbon atoms in one step provides medium‐ring unsaturated E‐configured lactones, thiolactones, and lactams. The scope of the Belluš–Claisen rearrangement and the optimum reaction conditions will be discussed in this Minireview.
Highly grafted polystyrene‐modified natural rubber as toughener for polystyrene
Authors: Neoh S. B. , Hashim Azanam S.
Published: May 2004

A polystyrene‐modified natural rubber (SNR) with 80% degree of grafting was evaluated against natural rubber (NR) in their blends with polystyrene (PS). The rubber loading of the PS‐SNR and PS‐NR blends was varied from 5 to 20% by volume. At 10–15% rubber loading, the PS‐SNR blends were found to be approximately 8–10% higher in tensile strength and 7–13% higher in Young's modulus than the PS‐NR blends. Over the range of rubber loading investigated, it was also observed that the PS‐SNR blends were 5–42 and 14–36% higher in flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively. The most pronounced difference between the two blend systems is in their impact strength, where the former is about 55–230% higher than the latter. Relative to the pure PS, the PS‐NR and PS‐SNR blends are approximately 50–250 and 140‐1050% higher, respectively, in impact strength. Morphological observations, which are consistent with the relative tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the two systems, indicate that SNR is more compatible with PS than NR and more homogeneously dispersed in the PS matrix. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1660–1665, 2004
Synthesis and humidity sensitivity of conducting polyaniline in SBA‐15
Authors: Li Nan , Li Xiaotian , Geng Wangchang , Zhang Tong , Zuo Yan , Qiu Shilun
Published: May 2004

Conducting polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized in mesoporous silica SBA‐15. The investigations of XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, and IR spectra confirm the existence of polyaniline in the channels of SBA‐15 hosts. The impedance of PANI/SBA‐15 composites was studied at different relative humidity (RH) levels, ranging from 11 to 95% RH. The loadings of PANI as well as the concentration of HCl solution have substantial influence on the impedance values. The variation in impedance value of all PANI/SBA‐15 composites is more obvious than that of bulk PANI samples at the same RH. All these results imply that PANI/SBA‐15 composites may have better humidity‐sensitive properties than those of bulk PANI samples. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1597–1601, 2004
Combination of bifunctional aldehydes and poly(vinyl alcohol) as the crosslinking systems to improve paper wet strength
Authors: Xu Gordon G. , Yang Charles Q. , Deng Yulin
Published: May 2004

Two bifunctional aldehydes (i.e., glyoxal and glutaraldehyde) are used as the crosslinking agents to improve paper wet strength in the presence of fully hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a co‐reactant. These bifunctional aldehydes alone improve paper wet strength but diminish its folding endurance. The use of PVA as a co‐reactant not only improves paper wet strength but also increases its dry strength and folding endurance. Glutaraldehyde is able to impart much higher levels of wet strength to the treated paper than glyoxal when a catalyst is present. The wet strength of the treated paper increases as the amount of PVA added is increased, and it also increases as the molecular weight (Mw) of the PVA increases. The data suggest that the reaction between glutaraldehyde and PVA promotes the formation of interfiber crosslinking, thus improving the wet strength without diminishing the flexibility of the treated paper. The use of a catalyst is critical to achieve high levels of durable wet strength of the treated paper. We studied the effects of different Lewis acids as the catalysts for crosslinking of pulp cellulose by glutaraldehyde and found that Zn(NO3)2 is the most effective one. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1673–1680, 2004
MoO2(acac)2 immobilized on polymers as catalysts for cyclohexene epoxidation: Effect of the degree of crosslinking
Authors: Reyes Patricio , Borda Gloria , Gnecco Juan , Rivas Bernabé L.
Published: May 2004

Crosslinked poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐styrene) used as support for a immobilized oxomolybdenum complex was synthesized by radical polymerization. As crosslinking agent, 1,4‐divinylbenzene (DVB) was incorporated at 2, 4, and 6 mol %. Catalysts having similar MoO2(acac)2 loading on different resins were obtained by refluxing a solution of the complex with the polymeric supports at 70°C. FTIR, specific surface area, and XPS techniques were used for characterization. It was found that a significant increase in the surface area occurs as the degree of crosslinking increases, presumably due to the development of branched polymers having higher porosity. XPS showed that the complex is anchored to the pyridinic nitrogen on the resin and that that Mo was present essentially as Mo(VI) species. The Mo/C atomic surface ratio exhibits a maximum for the catalyst with medium crosslinking degree. The epoxidation of cyclohexene was studied in the temperature range 40–60°C by using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant agent. The catalysts were active and selective to the corresponding epoxide and almost no leaching of the active phase was observed. The highest catalytic activity of the studied solids was displayed by the one supported on the resin with intermedium degree of crosslinking. The results are explained in terms of the access to the active sites and surface composition. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1602–1608, 2004
Thermally stable conducting composites based on a carbon black‐filled polyoxadiazole matrix
Authors: Souza Fernando G. , Sena Maria E. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: May 2004

New thermally stable conducting materials can be obtained by dispersing conducting carbon black into poly(4,4′‐diphenylether‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) (POD–DPE) solution in NMP. The blend preparation process resulted in quite good dispersed composite and a relatively low percolation threshold (around 5 wt % of CB). The effect of the compressive stress on the resistivity of composite has been evaluated. The resistivity decreases continuously as the applied pressure is increased. In addition to the electrical conductivity, the presence of carbon black resulted in higher thermally stable materials. The thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and pressure‐sensible characteristics make this conducting material a good candidate for application in manufacture of pressure sensors for high temperature ambient. This material shows a typical semiconductor behavior, characterized by an increase of conductivity with the temperature. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1631–1637, 2004
Role of molecular weight of atactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the structure and properties of PVA nanofabric prepared by electrospinning
Authors: Lee Joon Seok , Choi Kyu Ha , Ghim Han Do , Kim Sam Soo , Chun Du Hwan , Kim Hak Yong , Lyoo Won Seok
Published: May 2004

Atactic poly(vinyl alcohols) (a‐PVAs) having number‐average degrees of polymerization [(Pn)s] of 1700 and 4000 were prepared by the solution polymerization of vinyl acetate, which was followed by the saponification of poly(vinyl acetate) to investigate the effects of molecular weights of a‐PVA on the characteristics of electrospun a‐PVA nanofabrics. A‐PVA nanofabrics were prepared by electrospinning with controlling the process parameters including the electrical field, conductivity, tip‐to‐collector distance, and solution concentration. Through a series of characterization experiments, we identified that the molecular weight of a‐PVA had a marked influence on the structure and properties of nanofabrics produced. That is, the higher the molecular weight of PVA, the superior the physical properties of PVA nanofabric. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1638–1646, 2004
Microwave‐assisted and classical heating polycondensation reaction of bis(p‐amido benzoic acid)‐N‐trimellitylimido‐L‐leucine with diisocyanates as a new method for preparation of optically active poly(amide imide)s
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Rafiemanzelat Fatemeh
Published: May 2004

A new class of optically active poly(amide imide)s were synthesized via direct polycondensation reaction of diisocyanates with a chiral diacid monomer. The step‐growth polymerization reactions of monomer bis(p‐amido benzoic acid)‐N‐trimellitylimido‐L‐leucine (BPABTL) (5) as a diacid monomer with 4,4′‐methylene bis(4‐phenylisocyanate) (MDI) (6) was performed under microwave irradiation, solution polymerization under gradual heating and reflux condition in the presence of pyridine (Py), dibuthyltin dilurate (DBTDL), and triethylamine (TEA) as a catalyst and without a catalyst, respectively. The optimized polymerization conditions according to solvent and catalyst for each method were performed with tolylene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) (7), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) (8), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) (9) to produce optically active poly(amide imide)s by the diisocyanate route. The resulting polymers have inherent viscosities in the range of 0.09–1.10 dL/g. These polymers are optically active, thermally stable, and soluble in amide type solvents. All of the above polymers were fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, specific rotation, and thermal analyses methods. Some structural characterization and physical properties of this new optically active poly(amide imide)s are reported. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1647–1659, 2004
Miscibility study of polymer blends composed of semirigid thermotropic liquid crystalline polycarbonate, poly(vinyl alcohol), and chitosan
Authors: Sato Moriyuki , Koshino Tomohiro , Kajitani Yasuko , Inamura Isamu , Kubo Yasuo
Published: May 2004

Miscibility of binary and ternary polymer blends composed of thermotropic liquid crystalline polycarbonate (LCPC), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and chitosan was investigated by viscosity method, FTIR spectrum, and scanning electron microscope techniques. Effect of addition of chitosan as a compatibilizer on miscibility and morphology of binary LCPC/chitosan and PVA/chitosan and ternary LCPC/PVA/chitosan polymer blends was discussed. These measurements indicated that addition of chitosan into the blends of LCPC with PVA leads to an increase of miscibility and a formation of clear fibril structures on fractured surfaces, which are due to intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interaction between LCPC, PVA, and chitosan chains. It was suggested that side‐chain hydroxy group of PVA and amino and hydroxy groups of chitosan play an important role in the formation of miscible phase and improvement of morphology in binary and ternary blends composed of LCPC, PVA, and chitosan. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1616–1622, 2004
Rheological quantification of molecular parameters: Application to a hydrogen bond forming blend
Authors: Cai Haijun , Ait‐Kadi Abdellatif , Brisson Josée
Published: May 2004

The component dynamics and molecular parameters were investigated for miscible poly(4‐vinyl phenol)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PVPh/PEO) blends. Global values of molecular weight between entanglements (Me) were first estimated for the blends and were compared with existing athermal model predictions. Global interchain friction coefficients (ξ) of the blends were deduced from the zero‐shear viscosity. A maximum was observed at a composition of 20–30 wt % of PEO. Chain dimensions of this phase are estimated by using a relationship between the plateau modulus and a packing length (i.e., number of individual chains present in a given small volume of the melt). A slight increase in Me is observed at low PEO weight fraction (before 0.20), followed by a sharp decrease in Me values after this concentration. Values of ξ in PVPh/PEO blends show a maximum value at 20–30 wt % of PEO. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1623–1630, 2004
Cationized milled pine bark as an adsorbent for orthophosphate anions
Authors: Tshabalala Mandla A. , Karthikeyan K. G. , Wang D.
Published: May 2004

More efficient adsorption media are needed for removing dissolved phosphorus in surface water runoff. We studied the use of cationized pine bark as a sorbent for dissolved phosphorus in water. Cationized pine bark was prepared by treating extracted milled pine bark with polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAA HCl) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) in aqueous medium. Attachment of PAA HCl to the bark was monitored by percentage of weight gain and nitrogen content. Changes in bark surface chemistry were characterized by zeta potential and inverse gas chromatography measurements. Energy dispersive x‐ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine changes in chemical composition and morphology of the cationized bark. The cationized bark showed a decrease in the dispersive component of the surface energy and a barely measurable change in the surface acid–base properties. In the pH range 2.5 to 7.9, the cationized bark showed a positive zeta potential, which changed to negative at pH 7.9 or higher. By comparison, the zeta potential of control extracted bark remained negative throughout the pH range of 2.5 to 9. We propose that the reaction of bark with PAA HCl results in a surface network of fixed cationic sites of quaternary ammonium that have mobile chloride ions as counter anions. Preliminary results from batch adsorption experiments indicate that cationized milled bark has an estimated maximum adsorption capacity of approximately 12.65 mg phosphate/g, which compares favorably with that of other well‐known phosphorus sorbents. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1577–1583, 2004
Biaxially self‐reinforced high‐density polyethylene prepared by dynamic packing injection molding. I. Processing parameters and mechanical properties
Authors: Lei Jun , Jiang Chaodong , Shen Kaizhi
Published: May 2004

Uniaxial oscillating stress field by dynamic packing injection molding (DPIM) is well established as a means of producing uniaxially self‐reinforced polyethylene and polypropylene. Here, the effects on the mechanical properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) in both flow direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) of packing modules and processing parameters in DPIM are described. Both biaxially and uniaxially self‐reinforced HDPE samples are obtained by uniaxial shear injection molding. The most remarkable biaxially self‐reinforced HDPE specimens show a 42% increase of the tensile strength in both MD and TD. The difference of stress–strain behavior and impact strength between MD and TD for the DPIM moldings indicates the asymmetry of microstructure in the two directions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1584–1590, 2004
Combining melody processing and information retrieval techniques: Methodology, evaluation, and system implementation
Authors: Melucci Massimo , Orio Nicola
Published: May 2004

The article describes the project on music information retrieval that has been carried out at the University of Padova, Italy. The research work has been characterized by the synergy of the modular integration of sound techniques of melody processing and of statistical information retrieval. After illustrating the background from which the project has originated, we describe the complete process, from methodology design through evaluation and system implementation. Conclusions, impacts on research in music information retrieval, and future directions are also described.