bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cover Picture: Molecular Mousetraps: Gas‐Phase Studies of the Covalent Coupling of Noncovalent Complexes Initiated by Reactive Carbenes Formed by Controlled Activation of Diazo Precursors (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 9/2003)
Authors: Julian Ryan R. , May Jeremy A. , Stoltz Brian M. , Beauchamp J. L.
Published: March 2003

Molecular mousetraps are an unprecedented class of host–guest reagents. In the example shown in the cover picture, 18‐crown‐6 ether is utilized as the “bait” to attract target molecules with a protonated primary amine functional group. Appropriate activation of the noncovalent complex springs the diazo “trap”, which leads to covalent attachment of the two molecules depicted in the reaction scheme. The research is detailed in the Communication by J. L. Beauchamp, B. M. Stoltz et al. on page 1012 ff.
Rheological study on O−carboxymethylated chitosan/cellulose polyblends from LiCl/N,N‐dimethylacetamide solution
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhuang Xupin , Liu Xiaofei , Guan Yunlin , Yao Kangde
Published: March 2003

An O−carboxymethylated chitosan (O− CMCh) water solution (I) and N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) emulsion (II) were blended with a cellulose LiCl/DMAc solution, and corresponding polyblends (Polyblends I and II) were obtained. The rheology of the three fluids, that is, the cellulose solution and Polyblends I and II, was investigated. The cellulose solution was characterized by a power‐law fluid. When an O‐CMCh water solution or DMAc emulsion was added to the cellulose solution, the power‐law curve was preserved. The power‐law indexes (n) of all three fluids increased along with the temperature. Polyblend I displays an n close to but a little higher than that of the cellulose solution, while Polyblend II shows a much higher power index than those of the other two fluids. The values of the apparent viscosity (ηa) for all the three fluids are close and decrease along with an increase in the temperature. Adding O‐CMCh microparticles into Polyblends I and II results in a decrease in the structural viscosity index (Δη) in comparison to that of the cellulose solution, and this effect is very obvious for Polyblend I. A cellulose solution's Δη declines with the augmentation of temperature, while the Δη's of both Polyblends I and II show minimum values at about 323 K. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1719–1725, 2003
Use of mid‐ and near‐infrared techniques as tools for characterizing blends of copolymers of styrene–butadiene and acrylonitrile–butadiene
Authors: Shield Stephanie R. , Ghebremeskel Ghebrehiwet N.
Published: March 2003

There is increased technological interest in using blends of various dissimilar elastomers in applications for which service, material availability, or cost of a single elastomer do not provide the necessary processing, vulcanizate, or economic properties. The properties of these polyblends are sensitive to small variations in the amounts of the individual polymers used. Accurately estimating the elastomer composition of blends is of vital importance to the elastomer industry. This study illustrates the feasibility of using mid‐infrared (MIR) and near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to estimate the amount of styrene–butadiene and acrylonitrile–butadiene copolymers in blends composed of varying ratios of the two elastomers. Sometimes it is difficult to obtain a film of an elastomer amenable to IR analysis; to address this problem, several techniques were developed in this study [MIR transmission of a film, attenuated total internal reflection (ATR)‐FTIR of a chunk, and NIR using a fiber‐optic probe]. A plot of the absorbance ratio (absorbance of the characteristic peak for styrene–butadiene rubber or acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber/absorbance of the CC stretching vibration of polybutadiene) versus the amount of each elastomer in the blend was used to predict the blend composition. In addition, the blends were also characterized by ATR‐FTIR using a plot of the characteristic peak absorbance versus the polymeric content for a series of standards. A partial least‐squares algorithm was used to develop a calibration curve for the NIR region. Finally, the accuracy of the test methods developed in this work is compared to results obtained by pyrolysis‐GC/MS and thermogravimetric analysis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88:1653–1658, 2003
Dynamic rheological properties for HDPE/CB composite melts
Authors: Wu Gang , Song Yihu , Zheng Qiang , Du Miao , Zhang Peijun
Published: March 2003

A study on the dynamic viscoelastic properties of carbon black (CB)‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) in the molten state was carried out. When the temperature was above 180°C in an air atmosphere, the storage modulus G′, loss modulus G″, and loss tangent δ showed particular characteristics. In the low‐frequency region, the modulus increased with increase of the testing time while the tan δ obviously decreased. Also, the higher the temperature, the more notable was the change. We can detect these changes from the deviation of G′ (G″) against ω plots from the linearity and the appearance of a characteristic plateau phenomenon. The width and height of the modulus plateau increased with increase of the temperature. When temperature was below 180°C, the testing time and the temperature had no effect on the viscoelastic parameters of HDPE. However, if we used 99% nitrogen gas as the atmosphere, substituting for air, the viscoelastic parameters revealed an undiscernible change, different from that in an air atmosphere. No changes were found under the protection of the antioxidant B215. This phenomenon indicated that HDPE can be oxidized at a temperature higher than 180°C. Nitrogen gas and an antioxidant agent can prevent HDPE from crosslinking. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2160–2167, 2003
Preparation of microcellular poly(ethylene terephthalate) and its properties
Authors: Guan Rong , Wang Biqin , Lu Deping
Published: March 2003

Engineering plastics poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is relatively difficult to process microcellularly compared to general thermal plastics because of its low melting viscosity. A new method was developed to microcellularly process PET in this study with a general hydraulic press above PET's crystallization temperature and below its melting temperature within times of a few minutes. A processing window existed in which to prepare microcellular PET under certain foaming time, pressure, temperature, and foaming reagent content scope. The effects of foaming time, temperature, pressure, and foaming reagent content on the thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical thermal properties of microcellular PET foam were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the transition temperature and crystallinity of microcellular PET had small changes with increasing foaming time. Under some processing conditions used in this study, the tensile strength and breaking extension of microcellular PET foam were both increased at the same time, indicating strengthening and toughening effects. The variation of storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ under dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was in accord with DSC analysis and mechanical measurements. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1956–1962, 2003
New polyimide–silica organic–inorganic hybrids
Authors: Huang Yi , Gu Yi
Published: March 2003

A series of polyimide–silica hybrid films with silica contents up to 30 wt % were successfully prepared by the sol‐gel reaction of tetraethoxysiliane in the presence of poly(amic acid) containing pendent hydroxyl groups. The films were yellow and transparent when the silica content was less than 11 wt %. The chemical structure of the films was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the morphology of the films was investigated by scanning electronic microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and stress–strain tests were used to measure the performance of the films. The results indicate that the glass‐transition temperatures and decomposition temperatures of the hybrid films increased with increasing silica content, whereas the tensile strength had a maximum with the variety of silica contents. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2210–2214, 2003
Chemical modification process of an atactic polypropylene by p‐phenylen‐bismaleamic acid in the melt
Authors: García‐Martínez J. M. , Cofrades A. G. , Areso S. , Collar E. P.
Published: March 2003

This study was concerned with the chemical modification process of an atactic polypropylene from polymerization reactor byproducts with p‐phenylen‐bismaleamic acid to obtain a new grafted polymer supposed to play an important role as an interfacial agent in heterogeneous systems based on polymers. The grafting process was undertaken with the aid of the Box–Wilson experimental worksheet, with two independent variables (or controlled factors), the level of polar monomer to be grafted in the polymer and the concentration of the initiator, and with the agitation rate kept constant. Each item of the experimental design was performed at four different reaction times. This latter let us ascertain the transient nature of the process and the existence of a critical point in the concentration of both reactants conducting the system to the maximum grafting yield. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2202–2209, 2003
Synthesis and characterization of copolyimides with high solubility
Authors: Leu Tsu‐Shang , Wang Chun‐Shan
Published: March 2003

A series of copolyimides were prepared from various diamines (polysiloxane and isophorone units) with aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides via a two‐step (thermal imidization) method. The monomers and polymers were produced in high yields, and the copolyimides containing SiOC bonds and asymmetric meta catenation in the polymer backbone exhibited good solubility. The glass‐transition temperatures (Tg's) of all the copolyimides were found to be 201–262 and 215–258°C by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. Thermogravimetric analyses indicated that the polymers were fairly stable up to 502–578°C (10 wt % loss in N2) and 490–574°C (10 wt % loss in air). The char yields at 800°C in N2 and air atmospheres were 26–59 and 20–53%, respectively. The copolymerization results, determined with 1H‐NMR and DSC, indicated a random copolymer. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1963–1970, 2003
Toward an understanding of the role of water‐soluble oligomers in the emulsion polymerization of styrene–butadiene–acrylic acid. Function of carboxylic acid
Authors: Yuan Xue‐Yi , Dimonie Victoria L. , Sudol E. David , El‐Aasser Mohamed S.
Published: March 2003

In a further effort to understand the role of water‐soluble oligomers formed during the emulsion terpolymerization of styrene/butadiene/acrylic acid (St/Bu/AA), the reaction temperature, initiator concentration, and ionic strength were varied and the kinetics and resulting oligomers were characterized as a function of reaction time. The rate of polymerization (Rp) was observed to increase with increasing temperature and initiator concentration; the reasons for this vary. The increase in Rp with increasing initiator concentration is mainly attributed to the increase in the number of oligomeric radicals formed and, subsequently, the resulting number of particles (Np). Increasing the temperature increases the water solubility of both monomers and polymers, which results in changes in the composition and molecular weight of the oligomeric radicals being formed. The primary reaction locus in the St/Bu/AA system was noted to shift to the aqueous phase after most of the styrene and butadiene had reacted, based on the unreacted AA profile. The role of water‐soluble oligomers (both oligomeric radicals and dead oligomers) during the emulsion polymerization of St/Bu with acrylic acid can be described by three periods: (1) particle generation and (2) before and (3) after the critical surface saturation concentration (CSSC) is reached during the particle growth period. The incorporation of AA monomer into the oligomer chains after the CSSC may cause destabilization of the latexes through a bridging flocculation mechanism. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1988–1999, 2003
Polymer blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and polystyrene compatibilized by styrene‐glycidyl methacrylate copolymers
Authors: Huang Jieh‐Ming
Published: March 2003

The compatibilizing effects of styrene‐glycidyl methacrylate (SG) copolymers with various glycidyl methyacrylate (GMA) contents on immiscible blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and polystyrene (PS) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and 13C‐solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The epoxy functional groups in the SG copolymer were able to react with the PTT end groups (COOH or OH) to form SG‐g‐PTT copolymers during melt processing. These in situ–formed graft copolymers tended to reside along the interface to reduce the interfacial tension and to increase the interfacial adhesion. The compatibilized PTT/PS blend possessed a smaller phase domain, higher viscosity, and better tensile properties than did the corresponding uncompatibilized blend. For all compositions, about 5% GMA in SG copolymer was found to be the optimum content to produce the best compatibilization of the blend. This study demonstrated that SG copolymers can be used efficiently in compatibilizing polymer blends of PTT and PS. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2247–2252, 2003
Technique development and measurement of Poisson's ratio, lateral creep behavior, and thermal and hygroscopic expansion of individual layers in magnetic tapes
Authors: Ma Tiejun , Bhushan Bharat
Published: March 2003

An experimental technique was developed to measure the Poisson's ratio (lateral contraction over longitudinal elongation), lateral creep, and both thermal and hygroscopic expansion of thin polymeric films. A so‐called profile‐matching method was developed to measure the lateral and longitudinal deformation with the help of a laser scan micrometer. A thermomechanical analyzer was used to measure the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The laser scan technique was also used to measure the coefficient of hygroscopic expansion (CHE). The measurements were performed on magnetic tapes, substrates, and tapes with front coat or back coat, or with both coats stripped. A model based on the rule of mixtures was developed to determine the Poisson's ratio, lateral and longitudinal deformation behavior, and thermal expansion of the front coat and back coat. To investigate the mechanical degradation of the substrates during tape manufacturing, the data for substrate with the front and back coats removed from the tape, were compared with the data for the never‐coated virgin film. The relationship between the molecular structure and the degradation mechanism of the substrates is discussed. The magnetic tapes used in this research include two metal particle (MP) tapes and two metal evaporated (ME) tapes that use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates. Longitudinal and lateral deformation tests were performed at 25 ± 0.5°C and 50 ± 2%RH, and thermal expansion was measured from 15 to 70°C. The CHE was measured at 25 ± 0.5°C and 15–80%RH. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2082–2096, 2003
Coral communities of Biscayne Bay, Florida and adjacent offshore areas: diversity, abundance, distribution, and environmental correlates
Authors: Lirman Diego , Orlando Beth , Maciá Silvia , Manzello Derek , Kaufman Louis , Biber Patrick , Jones Tahzay
Published: March 2003

Hardbottom habitats of Biscayne Bay, a shallow lagoon adjacent to the city of Miami, Florida, USA, contain a limited number of coral species that represent a small subset of the species found at nearby offshore hardbottom and reef habitats of the Florida Reef Tract. Although the physical characteristics of this basin make it a marginal environment for coral growth, the presence of dense populations of Siderastrea radians and Porites furcata indicate that these, as well as other corals that are found at lower densities, are able to tolerate extreme and fluctuating conditions. Three factors, temperature, sedimentation, and salinity, appear to limit coral abundance, diversity, and distribution within Biscayne Bay.

Temperatures exhibit high frequencies of extreme high and low values known to cause coral stress and mortality elsewhere. Similarly, sedimentation rates are very high and sediment resuspension caused by currents, storms and boating activities commonly bury corals under sediment layers. Sediment burial was shown experimentally to influence growth and mortality of S. radians.

The salinity of Biscayne Bay is influenced by freshwater inputs from canal, sheetflow and groundwater sources that create a near‐shore environment with low mean salinity and high salinity fluctuation. Coral communities along this western margin have the lowest coral density and species richness. Chronic exposure to low salinity was shown experimentally to cause a decrease in the growth of S. radians.

The location of Biscayne Bay, downstream of a large restoration effort planned for the Everglades watershed, highlights the need to understand the relationship between the physical environment and the health of benthic communities. The data presented here provide the type of scientific information needed so that management decisions can take into account the potential impacts of human activities on the health of coral populations that are already near their tolerance limits for temperature, salinity, and sedimentation.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trabecular rod thickness by direct measurement from 3D SEM anaglyphs
Authors: Vijayapalan Vinotha , Sutton‐Smith Peter , Parkinson Ian H. , Martin R. Bruce , Fazzalari Nicola L.
Published: March 2003

This study presents a methodology for measuring the thickness of trabecular rods directly from anaglyphs. Macerated sagittal slices of T12 vertebral bodies from 15 subjects were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two digital images (the second image tilted 5°) were recorded, and a 3D anaglyph was created. The thickness of the trabecular rods (Tb.Th(rods)), and the anatomical orientation of the trabecular rods were measured using an image analyser. Conventional 2D histomorphometry was performed on adjacent bone slices. A total of 1,559 rod measurements were made from the 15 vertebral bone slices, with a mean Tb.Th(rods) of 123 ± 36μm. The rod thickness in males (128 ± 34 μm) was significantly greater than that in females (119 ± 37 μm, P < 0.001). Tb.Th(rods) changed significantly with age in the males: the thicker rods in the younger men reduced with age to a thickness similar to that in women. 3D measurements were significantly larger than the 2D estimates, and there was no correlation between the two methods of measurement. An inverse correlation was found between the number of rods and the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), indicating that decreased BV/TV is associated with an increased number of rods. The vertical rods (132 ± 39 μm) were significantly thicker than the horizontal rods (116 ± 33 μm, P < 0.001). The determination of rod numbers, and their orientation and individual thicknesses enables a greater understanding of cancellous bone architecture in both individuals and populations, and will allow more reliable finite element modelling. Direct measurements from 3D anaglyphs of intact specimens provide new data that show previously unrecognised age‐ and sex‐related changes. Anat Rec Part A 271A:286–290, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connexin43 is expressed in mouse fetal ovary
Authors: Pérez‐Armendariz E. Martha , Sáez Juan C. , Bravo‐Moreno J. Francisco , López‐Olmos Victoria , Enders George C. , Villalpando Irma
Published: March 2003

Developmental studies have shown that connexin43 (Cx43) is expressed in the ovary from the first day of life and throughout the rest of postnatal development. In both mouse embryonic ovaries and testes, target‐directed deletion of Cx43 gene induces a significant decrease in germinal cells, but the exact mechanism determining this reduction remains unknown. Moreover, recently we found that Cx43 is abundantly expressed in mouse testes from the earliest stages of its fetal development. In the present work we investigate whether Cx43 transcript and protein are expressed in mouse embryonic ovaries. Total RNA was analyzed with specific Cx43 oligonucleotides in RT‐PCR studies. A Cx43 PCR product was detected in ovaries at 16.5 and 18.5 days postcoitum (dpc). Bands of 43‐45 kDa, characteristic of Cx43, were detected in immunoblots of total homogenates of ovaries at 14.5 and 18.5 dpc. Cell type‐specific expression of Cx43 was investigated using double‐labeled sections incubated with specific antibodies against Cx43 and the enzyme 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) or a germ cell nuclear antigen (GCNA1), which are cell markers of steroidogenic and germinal cells, respectively. At 18.5 dpc, Cx43 was found in conglomerates of 3βHSD‐positive cells. Cx43 was also localized at homocellular junctions between parenchyma pregranulosa cells, and at heterocellular junctions between pregranulosa and germinal cells. At these two latter localizations, Cx43 was traced back to 12.5 dpc. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that from the earliest stages of embryonic ovary development, Cx43 is expressed in principal cell types involved in control of female fertility. These data suggest that the gap junctions formed with Cx43 between somatic and germinal cells may be necessary for prenatal expansion of germinal cells at initial stages of fetal gonadal development. Anat Rec Part A 271A:360–367, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computerized measurement of magnetic resonance imaging erosion volumes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A comparison with existing magnetic resonance imaging scoring systems and standard clinical outcome measures
Authors: Bird Paul , Lassere Marissa , Shnier Ron , Edmonds John
Published: March 2003

Objective

One of the major aims of therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to prevent erosive disease and subsequent disability. One of the important goals of therapy assessment must therefore be the accurate measurement of damage progression. We undertook this study to assess the feasibility, reliability, and validity of measuring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) erosion volumes and synovial volumes in the wrists of RA patients with the use of a semiautomated computerized method.

Methods

Twelve subjects with seropositive RA were chosen to reflect a spectrum of RA severity as determined by the clinical Joint Alignment and Motion (JAM) Scale. MRI of the dominant wrist was performed at the same time of day at baseline and at 48 hours. Images were transferred to a workstation. Erosion volumes and synovial volumes were measured on the coronal images using OSIRIS imaging software. All images were reread in random order at 72 hours by 1 observer. The results were compared with erosion scores and global synovitis scores obtained by the same observer using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials MRI RA scoring system. Radiographs were performed at baseline and were read on 2 occasions by 1 observer using the Scott modification of the Larsen method.

Results

Total erosion volume per subject ranged from 0 cm3 to 4.7 cm3. The total synovial membrane volume per subject ranged from 0.1 mm3 to 12.1 cm3. Intraclass correlation coefficients for erosion volumes and synovial volumes demonstrated excellent intraobserver reliability and interoccasion reliability. There was a strong positive correlation between the total erosion volume and the total erosion score. The correlation between the synovial volumes and synovitis score was less favorable (r = 0.53–0.86). Positive correlations were demonstrated between the erosion volumes, the JAM score, and the modified Larsen scores. No significant correlation was demonstrated between the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein level, swollen joint count, tender joint count, or the Disease Activity Score in 28 swollen and 28 tender joints and the synovial volumes or synovitis scores.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility, reliability, and validity of computerized MRI erosion volume measurements in the wrists of RA patients. The method will require further evaluation in terms of interobserver reliability, with examination of responsiveness in longitudinal studies, but the method demonstrates excellent interoccasion and intraobserver reliability and compares favorably with existing RA clinical outcome measures. Synovial volume measurements demonstrated good intraobserver reliability and appeared to be more responsive to synovial change over a 48‐hour period in this group of patients.
Comparison of tibial cartilage volume and radiologic grade of the tibiofemoral joint
Authors: Cicuttini F. M. , Wluka A. E. , Forbes A. , Wolfe R.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To compare tibial cartilage volume as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with radiologic assessment of the tibiofemoral joint.

Methods

The MRI‐determined tibial cartilage volume was compared with the radiologic grade of individual features of osteoarthritis (osteophytes and joint space narrowing [JSN]) in 252 subjects (mean ± SD age 60.2 ± 10 years, 62% female) who were participating in studies of knee cartilage.

Results

JSN seen on both medial and lateral radiographs of the tibiofemoral joint was inversely associated with the respective tibial cartilage volume. This inverse relationship was strengthened with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and bone size. After adjustment for these confounders, for every increase in JSN grade (0–3), the medial tibial cartilage volume was reduced by 257 mm3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 193–321) and the lateral tibial cartilage volume by 396 mm3 (95% CI 283–509). The relationship between mean cartilage volume and radiologic grade of JSN was linear. Based on results in the subgroup of subjects with normal radiographic findings, we have proposed a model to estimate average “normal” cartilage volume in men and women for a given age, BMI, and bone size.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate a strong negative, linear association between medial and lateral tibial cartilage volume and increasing grade of JSN. Using data from radiographically normal subjects, we have proposed a simple model for estimating “normal” cartilage volume. However, larger studies will be needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether they are valid in younger subjects.
Role of the tissue factor pathway in synovial inflammation
Authors: Busso Nathalie , Morard Carole , Salvi Roberto , Péclat Veronique , So Alexander
Published: March 2003

Objective

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that extravascular fibrin deposition in arthritic joints is prominent and deleterious. The aim of this study was to investigate the contributions of tissue factor (TF) and its inhibitor, TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI), in arthritis.

Methods

Synovial tissue specimens obtained from 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 12 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were scored histologically for inflammation and fibrin content. TF and TFPI levels were assayed at antigenic and functional levels. TF messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were determined using RNase protection assays. The effect of TF inhibition in murine antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) was assessed by administering systemically active site–blocked activated factor VIIa (FVIIai).

Results

Functional TF activity was significantly increased in synovial membranes from RA patients compared with those from OA patients. In contrast, no difference in TF mRNA and TF antigenic levels was observed between these 2 groups. This discrepancy can be accounted for by TFPI, because we observed a negative correlation between TF activity and TFPI activity. There was a significant difference between the RA and OA groups in terms of synovial inflammation, with more inflammation observed in the RA group. Most importantly, TF activity was associated with fibrin (P = 0.024) and with histologic inflammation (P = 0.03) scores. In AIA, inhibition of TF‐induced coagulation by FVIIai led, on day 9 of arthritis, to decreased synovial thickness and decreased articular cartilage damage, although only the latter difference between controls and treated mice reached significance (P < 0.04). Finally, in FVIIai‐treated mice, there was a strong negative association between the prothrombin time and intraarticular fibrin deposition.

Conclusion

Our results show that TF expression in arthritic synovial tissue favors extravascular coagulation and may play a role in inflammation in RA. In this context, TF inhibitors may be of therapeutic value.
Intraarticular corticosteroids, supervised physiotherapy, or a combination of the two in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: A placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Carette Simon , Moffet Hélène , Tardif Johanne , Bessette Louis , Morin Frédéric , Frémont Pierre , Bykerk Vivian , Thorne Carter , Bell Mary , Bensen William , Blanchette Caty
Published: March 2003

Objective

To compare the efficacy of a single intraarticular corticosteroid injection, a supervised physiotherapy program, a combination of the two, and placebo in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Methods

Ninety‐three subjects with adhesive capsulitis of <1 year's duration were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment groups: group 1, corticosteroid injection (triamcinolone hexacetonide 40 mg) performed under fluoroscopic guidance followed by 12 sessions of supervised physiotherapy; group 2, corticosteroid injection alone; group 3, saline injection followed by supervised physiotherapy; or group 4, saline injection alone (placebo group). All subjects were taught a simple home exercise program. Subjects were reassessed after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The primary outcome measure was improvement in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score.

Results

At 6 weeks, the total SPADI scores had improved significantly more in groups 1 and 2 compared with groups 3 and 4 (P = 0.0004). The total range of active and passive motion increased in all groups, with group 1 having significantly greater improvement than the other 3 groups. At 3 months, groups 1 and 2 still showed significantly greater improvement in SPADI scores than group 4. There was no difference between groups 3 and 4 at any of the followup assessments except for greater improvement in the range of shoulder flexion in group 3 at 3 months. At 12 months, all groups had improved to a similar degree with respect to all outcome measures.

Conclusion

A single intraarticular injection of corticosteroid administered under fluoroscopy combined with a simple home exercise program is effective in improving shoulder pain and disability in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Adding supervised physiotherapy provides faster improvement in shoulder range of motion. When used alone, supervised physiotherapy is of limited efficacy in the management of adhesive capsulitis.
Analysis of performance variation using query expansion
Authors: Alemayehu Nega
Published: March 2003

Information retrieval performance evaluation is commonly made based on the classical recall and precision based figures or graphs. However, important information indicating causes for variation may remain hidden under the average recall and precision figures. Identifying significant causes for variation can help researchers and developers to focus on opportunities for improvement that underlay the averages. This article presents a case study showing the potential of a statistical repeated measures analysis of variance for testing the significance of factors in retrieval performance variation. The TREC‐9 Query Track performance data is used as a case study and the factors studied are retrieval method, topic, and their interaction. The results show that retrieval method, topic, and their interaction are all significant. A topic level analysis is also made to see the nature of variation in the performance of retrieval methods across topics. The observed retrieval performances of expansion runs are truly significant improvements for most of the topics. Analyses of the effect of query expansion on document ranking confirm that expansion affects ranking positively.
Time line visualization of research fronts
Authors: Morris Steven A. , Yen G. , Wu Zheng , Asnake Benyam
Published: March 2003

Research fronts, defined as clusters of documents that tend to cite a fixed, time invariant set of base documents, are plotted as time lines for visualization and exploration. Using a set of documents related to the subject of anthrax research, this article illustrates the construction, exploration, and interpretation of time lines for the purpose of identifying and visualizing temporal changes in research activity through journal articles. Such information is useful for presentation to members of expert panels used for technology forecasting.
Effects of cysteine on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in rats with protein‐calorie malnutrition
Authors: Lee Ae K. , Ahn Choong Y. , Kim Eun J. , Kwon Jong W. , Kim Sang G. , Chung Suk J. , Shim Chang‐K. , Lee Myung G.
Published: March 2003

The effects of cysteine on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole were investigated after intravenous, 20 mg/kg, and oral, 50 mg/kg, administration of the drug to control rats (fed for 4 weeks on 23% casein diet) and rats with PCM (protein‐calorie malnutrition, fed for 4 weeks on 5% casein diet) and PCMC (PCM with oral cysteine supplementation, 250 mg/kg, twice daily during the fourth week). After intravenous administration of itraconazole to rats with PCM, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) of itraconazole was significantly greater (3580 compared with 2670 and 2980 µg min/ml) than those in control rats and rats with PCMC (the values between control rats and rats with PCMC were not significantly different). The above data suggested that metabolism of itraconazole decreased significantly in rats with PCM due to suppression of hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A23 in the rats. The results could be expected since in rats with PCM, the level of CYP3A23 decreased significantly as compared to control. Itraconazole was reported to be metabolized via CYP3A4 to several metabolites, including hydroxyitraconazole, in human subjects. Human CYP3A4 and rat CYP3A1 (CYP3A23) proteins have 73% homology. By cysteine supplementation (rats with PCMC), the AUC of itraconazole was restored fully to control levels. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation and Prediction of Generalized Growth Curve with Grouping Variances in AR(q) Dependence Structure
Authors: Lee Jack C. , Hsu Ying‐Lin
Published: March 2003

In this paper we consider maximum likelihood analysis of generalized growth curve model with the Box‐Cox transformation when the covariance matrix has AR(q) dependence structure with grouping variances. The covariance matrix under consideration is Σ = DσCDσ where C is the correlation matrix with stationary autoregression process of order q, q < p and Dσ is a diagonal matrix with p elements divided into g(≤ p) groups, i.e., Dσ is a function of {σ1, …, σg} and – 1 < ρ < 1 and σl, l = 1, …, g, are unknown. We consider both parameter estimation and prediction of future values. Results are illustrated with real and simulated data.
Analysis of the Binary Littermate Data in the One‐Way Layout
Authors: Lee Sunho
Published: March 2003

In certain experiments with laboratory animals like rodents, it is common to observe the binary littermate data that the fetuses in the same litter provide a set of independent Bernoulli responses conditional on the litter specific abnormal probability. For testing homogeneity of abnormal proportions of several groups, five methods are discussed in the frame of the one‐way layout with litter effects. Simulation results show a superiority of the Rao‐Scott procedure.
Incorporating Gravity Model Principles into Disease Mapping
Authors: Dreassi Emanuela , Biggeri Annibale
Published: March 2003

The space‐time variation of disease risk, considering the closeness and availability of care units, is studied by a hierarchical Bayesian model in a gravitational formulation. The pattern of mortality for Hodgkin's lymphoma over the last twenty‐five years in the Tuscany region and the evaluation of the consequences of distance from the nearest radiation‐therapy center are described. Results show a decrease in mortality for Hodgkin's lymphoma and the attraction exercised by each care units.
Levitation and movement of human tumor cells using a printed circuit board device based on software‐controlled dielectrophoresis
Authors: Altomare L. , Borgatti M. , Medoro G. , Manaresi N. , Tartagni M. , Guerrieri R. , Gambari R.
Published: March 2003

In this study we describe an original, efficient, and innovative printed circuit board (PCB) device able to generate dielectrophoresis‐based, software‐controlled cages that can be moved to any place inside a microchamber. Depending on their dielectrophoretic properties, eukaryotic cells can be “entrapped” in cages and moved under software control. The main conclusion gathered from the experimental data reported is that the PCB device based on dielectrophoresis permits levitation and movement of different tumor cells at different dielectrophoresis conditions. The results presented herein are therefore the basis for experiments aimed at forced interactions or separation of eukaryotic cells using “lab‐on‐a‐chip.” In fact, because many cages can be controlled at the same time, and two or more cages can be forced to share the same or a different location, it is possible, in principle, either to bring in contact cells of a differing histotype or to separate them. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 82: 474–479, 2003.
Impact of operating variables on the expanded bed adsorption of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells using a concanavalin A derivatized perfluorocarbon
Authors: Clemmitt R. H. , Chase H. A.
Published: March 2003

The use of fluidizable affinity adsorbents for the adsorption of cells in expanded mode is investigated. Affinity adsorbents have been synthesized by immobilizing the lectin Concanavalin A onto the surface of triazine‐activated perfluorocarbon‐solids. The adsorbents were found to adsorb Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from solution with adsorption capacities of up to 6.8 × 109 cells mL−1. Adsorption kinetics were rapid with a time constant of ≤8 min. The adsorbed cells could be eluted using 500 mM methyl α,D‐mannopyranoside, although the kinetics of release were slowed by the multipoint nature of the interaction. The dynamic capacity of the Con A PVA FEP in expanded mode was up to 4.5 × 109 cells mL−1. The operating parameters of bed height, application flow rate, and adsorbent size distribution were investigated for any potential improvements in throughput, which may improve utility for more fragile cells. A decrease in settled‐bed height from 20 to 5 cm resulted in a decrease in dynamic capacity of 27% from 4.5 to 3.3 × 109 cells mL−1. An increase in application flow rate from 0.7 to 2.0 mL/min−1 (resulting in an expansion increase from two‐ to fourfold) resulted in a 40% decrease in dynamic capacity from 4.0 to 2.4 × 109 cells mL−1. An increase in the mean size distribution of the perfluorocarbon from 42 to 69 μm and therefore the flow rate needed for twofold expansion of 0.7 to 1.5 mL/min−1 resulted in a 56% decrease in dynamic capacity from 4.0 to 1.8 × 109 cells mL−1. The expanded bed, using certain combinations of the operating parameters, therefore shows significant potential for the robust, high efficiency and high capacity capture and separation of cells. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 82: 506–516, 2003.
Insurance as an alternative environmental regulator: findings from a retrospective pollution claims survey
Authors: Minoli D. M. , Bell J. N. B.
Published: March 2003

Little inquiry has occurred on insurance as an alternative environmental regulator, despite a growing interest in the subject. This paper presents the findings from a survey and questionnaire on two leading UK insurance companies' pollution claims. Insurers' initial underwriting assessments and post‐loss investigations and insureds' environmental management practices are poorly developed regarding pollution issues. Insurance is currently a weak financial instrument to prevent pollution losses. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment
Comparative Study of the Influence of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous (Multi‐Phase) Precipitation Processes on the Particle Size Distribution
Authors: Aguiar R. , Muhr H. , Plasari E. , Burty M. , Rocabois P.
Published: March 2003

A Plexiglas vessel of a 0.30 m diameter filled with a diluted barium chloride solution and mixed by bubbling of an inert gas is used to model an industrial process. Solid sodium sulfate or sodium sulfate solution are added into the reactor to provoke the precipitation of barium sulfate. Two precipitation models, homogeneous and heterogeneous, are proposed. Especially, the heterogeneous precipitation model (much more complex than the homogeneous one) takes into account all elementary phenomena such as the dissolution of the solid phase, the nucleation in the liquid‐solid boundary layer and the nucleation and crystal growth in the bulk of liquid phase. Both models well predict the precipitate mean particle sizes. The decrease of the particle size in the case of the heterogeneous process is due to higher nucleation rate compared to the homogeneous process because of higher values of the sodium sulfate concentration in the boundary layer than those existing in the bulk.
Crystallization of Supramolecular Complexes as an Alternative Route for the Separation of Racemic p‐X‐phenylethanol
Authors: Grandeury A. , Tisse S. , Gouhier G. , Agasse V. , Petit S. , Coquerel G.
Published: March 2003

A partial chiral discrimination of racemic p‐halogenated derivatives of phenylethanol is observed during the crystallization in water of host‐guest supramolecular compounds with permethylated β‐cyclodextrin. Enantioenrichment with this chiral host is however highly sensitive to crystallization durations and to the chemical nature of the halogenated substituent of the guest. Structural determinations performed for the complexes formed with (R) and (S) p‐bromo‐phenylethanol indicate that stereodifferenciation for this guest is associated to distinct inclusion features. The understanding of the underlying chiral recognition mechanisms, the careful design of suitable crystallization conditions, and the use of a procedure involving successive crystallizations allows to envisage a complete resolution of racemic mixtures by means of supramolecular complexations.
Messung und numerische Berechnung der Partikelbewegung im Elektroabscheider
Authors: Böttner C.‐U. , Sommerfeld M.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Der Ärger mit cflp
Authors: Kleiber M. , Schadler N.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Ultraschalllevitation zur Untersuchung von Gas/Feststoffreaktionen
Authors: Kavouras A. , Krammer G.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Faseroptisches Sensorray zur Untersuchung von Gas/Flüssig‐Mehrphasenströmungen
Authors: Landwehr F. , Walzel P.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Synthese und Gaspermeationseigenschaften metallgestützter Silicalith‐1‐Membranen
Authors: Hanebuth M. , Dittmeyer R. , Mabande G. , Schwieger W.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Niederdruck‐Zerstäuben von Flüssigkeiten an Sieben
Authors: Groom S. , Landwehr F. , Walzel P.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Reaktive Verdampfung formaldehydhaltiger Mischungen und Process Monitoring mit Online‐NMR‐Spektroskopie
Authors: Schilling K. , Sohn M. , Ströfer E. , Hasse H.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Mechanochemischer Polymerabbau in einer Schwingmühle und einem Ultraschallreaktor – Ein Vergleich
Authors: Böhme K. , Weber M. , Schmidt‐Naake G.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Trennung von Glucoseoxigenaten durch Reaktivextraktion
Authors: Hirth J. , Bicker M. , Vogel H.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Stabilisierung von Enzymen mit unlöslichen Trägersubstanzen bei der Sprühtrocknung
Authors: Karner F. , Adamitsch B.F. , Macheiner D. , Hampel W.A.
Published: March 2003

No abstracts.
Health care disparities in older patients with breast carcinoma
Authors: Maly Rose C. , Leake Barbara , Silliman Rebecca A.
Published: March 2003

BACKGROUND

Little is known about how disparities in the treatment of patients with breast carcinoma based on patient age and ethnicity are effected or mitigated at the patient‐physician interaction level. The objectives of this study were to document physician provision of informational support to patients at the time of a new diagnosis of breast carcinoma and to assess differences according to patient age and ethnic group in terms of the information received and desired.

METHODS

Participants were 222 patients with breast carcinoma in Los Angeles County, California, age ≥ 55 years who were interviewed within 6 months of their diagnosis of breast carcinoma and/or within 1 month posttreatment. Respondents were asked about receipt and helpfulness of 10 tangible informational support items (e.g., whether booklets, videotapes, medical records, etc. were provided by physicians) and 15 interactive informational support items (e.g., whether physicians discussed breast cancer topics, such as risk of recurrence or treatment options). An index of the tangible informational support items and a scale of the interactive informational support items received were created for summary analyses. Patients' medical records were abstracted for breast carcinoma stage and treatment type; surgeons also were surveyed about sociodemographic and practice characteristics.

RESULTS

In multiple linear regression analyses, older age (β coefficient [β] ± standard error [SE], − 0.08 ± 0.02; P = 0.001) and Latina ethnicity (β ± SE, − 1.21 ± 0.40; P = 0.003) had a negative association with physician provision of interactive informational support, controlling for patient and physician sociodemographic characteristics, practice characteristics, breast carcinoma stage, comorbidity, number of physicians seen, visit length, social support, and patient self‐efficacy in interacting with physicians (adjusted correlation coefficient [R2] for the model, 0.33; P < 0.00001). Both older patients and ethnic minority patients, as well as their respective comparison groups, rated most breast cancer information as at least as helpful. Both groups preferred interpersonal sources of information to written sources, although they received interpersonal sources less frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients and Latina patients with breast carcinoma received less interactive informational support from their physicians compared with younger patients, differences that persisted after controlling for a wide range of sociodemographic, psychosocial, and physician factors. Improving the quality of communication at the patient‐physician interaction level may be an important avenue to reducing age and ethnic group treatment disparities among patients with breast carcinoma. Cancer 2003;97:1517–27. © 2003 American Cancer Society.

DOI 10.1002/cncr.11211