bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B e antigen in sera from individuals infected with hepatitis B virus of genotype G
Authors: Kato Hideaki , Orito Etsuro , Gish Robert G. , Bzowej Natalie , Newsom Margaret , Sugauchi Fuminaka , Suzuki Seiji , Ueda Ryuzo , Miyakawa Yuzo , Mizokami Masashi
Published: August 2002

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype G (HBV/G) was detected in sera from four individuals by polymerase chain reaction with hemi-nested primers deduced from an insertion of 36 nt in the core gene that is specific for this genotype. Despite two stop codons in the precore region characteristic of HBV/G, all patients were positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in serum. When 10 HBV clones were propagated from one patient, and sequenced within precore region and a section of the core gene, 6 clones were HBV/G while 2 were genotype A (HBV/A); a recombination between HBV/G and HBV/A occurred in the remaining 2 clones. Mixed infection of HBV/G and HBV/A, as well as the recombination, was demonstrated in the sequence of preS1 and preS2 regions also. Coinfection with HBV/G and HBV/A was demonstrated in the other three patients, and their recombination in two patients. Ten HBV clones were propagated from one patient at two time points separated by 1 year. Clones of HBV/A, HBV/G and their recombination were found in 9 : 1 : 0 when the patient was positive for HBeAg, while the proportion shifted to 0 : 8 : 2 after the patient seroconverted to anti-HBe. In conclusion, HBV/G is frequently found as a coinfection with HBV/A. This coinfection would explain the presence of HBeAg in individuals infected with HBV/G. Along with seroconversion to anti-HBe, HBV/G would be selected accompanied by the recombination with HBV/A. Further studies should be performed to confirm these findings.
Current and Future Trends in Transfusion Therapy
Authors: Rossetto Carol L. , McMahon Julie E.
Published: August 2002

The increase in intensive treatment for cancer has impacted blood product transfusion practices. Transfusion guidelines are primarily institution specific, but the general concepts and theories are universal. Blood product screening has decreased the risk of transfusion-acquired infections; however, the risk is not obsolete. This article reviews current approaches to platelet, white blood cell, and red blood cell transfusions, as well as risks associated with these therapies (e.g., infection and transfusion-associated graft-versus-host dis ease). Pertinent laboratory studies, patient assessment, blood product adminis tration, and patient education is discussed. The current approaches to platelet, white blood cell, and red blood cell transfusions are constantly changed and evaluated. Pediatric oncology nurses must stay up to date with these changes to provide optimal patient care.
Evaluation of the Clinical and Histologic Features of Renal Allograft Rejection in Cats
Authors: Kyles Andrew E. , Gregory Clare R. , Griffey Stephen M. , Galvez Jose , Ramsamooj Rajen , Morris Randall E.
Published: August 2002

Objectives—To describe the clinical signs and histopathologic features of renal allograft rejection in cats, and to provide a historical, untreated control group for use in future studies of feline renal allograft rejection.

Animals—Fourteen adult research cats.

Methods—Renal transplantation and bilateral nephrectomy were performed in pairs of immunogenically mismatched cats. A physical examination was performed, and packed cell volume, total protein, and plasma creatinine concentrations were measured each day after surgery. The cats were euthanatized when plasma creatinine concentration exceeded 7 mg/dL or when weight loss exceeded 20%. Renal histopathology was scored according to the Banff 97 criteria by 3 pathologists.

Results—Nine cats completed the study. Plasma creatinine exceeded 7 mg/dL in 5 cats, weight loss exceeded 20% in 3 cats, and 1 cat was found dead. Clinical signs in cats with rejection were nonspecific or absent. Rectal temperature decreased by 0.8 ± 0.5°C in the 24 hours before euthanasia. The pathologists agreed on the allograft histopathologic category in 6 of 9 cats. The histologic concensus was acute/active rejection in 8 cats and normal in 1 cat. Median survival time of the 8 cats with histologically confirmed allograft rejection was 23 days (range, 8–34 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Renal allograft rejection is associated with minimal clinical signs. Therefore, plasma creatinine concentration should be measured routinely in patients with a functioning allograft. An increase in plasma creatinine concentration is highly suspicious for allograft rejection, although a biopsy of the renal allograft is needed for definitive diagnosis.
Open Peritoneal Drainage Versus Primary Closure for the Treatment of Septic Peritonitis in Dogs and Cats: 42 Cases (1993–1999)
Authors: Staatz Andrew J. , Monnet Eric , Seim Howard B.
Published: August 2002

Objective—To determine survival rates in dogs and cats with septic peritonitis treated with open peritoneal drainage (OPD) versus primary closure (PC) after laparotomy.

Study design—Retrospective analysis of medical records from Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1993 to 1999.

Sample population—Thirty‐six dogs and 6 cats with septic peritonitis documented by cytological examination or microbiological culture of abdominal fluid.

Methods—Medical records of dogs and cats with septic peritonitis treated by OPD or PC were reviewed. Age, weight, species, white blood cell (WBC) count, band neutrophil count, platelet count, serum glucose concentration, heart rate, body temperature, duration of hospitalization, and clinical outcome were recorded for each animal. Differences in treatments administered between the OPD and PC groups as well as the underlying cause of septic peritonitis were determined.

Results—There was no significant difference in survival between animals in the OPD versus PC groups (P= .26) with an overall survival rate of 71%. White blood cell count, band neutrophil count, platelet count, serum glucose and total bilirubin concentrations, heart rate, age, and weight were not significantly different between groups (P> .05). A significantly greater number of animals in the OPD group received plasma (P= .009), blood (P= .037), and a jejunostomy tube (P= .02) than animals in the PC group. There was a significant difference in the number of days spent in critical care unit with a mean of 6.0 ± 4.1 days for the OPD group and 3.5 ± 2.3 days for the PC group (P= .02).

Conclusions—Open peritoneal drainage for the management of septic peritonitis in dogs and cats is an acceptable alternative to PC.
Sustainable economic growth and exhaustible resources: A model and estimation for the US
Authors: Scholl Almuth , Semmler Willi
Published: August 2002

This paper studies current models on sustainable economic growth with resource constraints and explores to what extent resource constraints can be overcome by substitution and technological change. We also study the problem of intergenerational equity and the different criteria that have been suggested in the literature. The central part of this paper is the presentation of stylized facts on exhaustible resources and an estimation of a basic model with resource constraints for US time series data. The estimated years left until depletion and the empirical trends of the ratios of capital stock and consumption to resources seem to indicate that there might be a threat to sustainable growth in the future. In our estimation, we obtain parameter values, which help to interpret the extent to which growth with exhaustible resources is sustainable.
Stabilizing high‐order discrete dynamical systems by a lagged adaptive adjustment mechanism
Authors: Huang Wiehong
Published: August 2002

A lagged adaptive adjustment mechanism has been developed to stabilize a high‐order discrete system. Theoretical proofs and computer simulations have been provided to show the effectiveness and efficiency of this new mechanism in practice. The mechanism ensures that the adjusted system converges to its generic fixed points and achieves the convergence with a high speed. Besides, it requires neither a priori information about the system itself nor any external generated control signal.
Mathematical Modelling of Venom Immunotherapy
Authors: Richter Jan , Metzner Gerhard , Behn Ulrich
Published: August 2002

Allergic hypersensitivity of type I for hymenoptera venoms is the most frequent reason for acute IgE‐mediated anaphylactic reactions. The subcutaneous injection of increasing doses of purified allergen followed by long‐term administration of an adequate maintenance dose over a period of 3–5 years called venom immunotherapy (VIT) has been proven to be a very effective treatment achieving protection in about 96% of allergic patients. Even though the principle of hyposensitisation has been introduced already 90 years ago, the underlying immunoregulatory mechanisms of VIT remain poorly understood. Recent studies suggest a shift in cytokine production from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine profile during therapy. In this paper, a mathematical model for T‐cell regulation and a model for mast cell/basophil desensitisation are presented and analysed to explain the mechanism of conventional rush and ultra‐rush VIT.
A Parallel Residue‐to‐binary Converter for the Moduli Set {2m−1111,220m+,221m+,…,22km+}
Authors: Wang Wei , Swamy M. N. S. , Ahmad M. O. , Wang Yuke
Published: August 2002

In this paper, a high‐speed parallel residue‐to‐binary converter is proposed for a recently introduced moduli set for a general value of k. The proposed converter uses simple cyclic shift and concatenation operations and does not require any multiplier. Individual converters for the cases of k = 0 and k = 1 are derived from the general architecture and compared with those existing in the literature. The converter for S0 is twice as fast requiring only one‐half of the hardware, while that of S1 is three times as fast, but requiring only 60% of the hardware, as compared to the corresponding ones existing in the literature. Furthermore, the proposed converters are implemented using 0.5‐micron CMOS VLSI technology. Based on S0 , the layouts for 8‐bit, 16‐bit, 32‐bit and 64‐bit converters are generated, and the corresponding simulation results obtained.
Power Efficient Hierarchical Scheduling for DSP Transformations
Authors: Merakos P. K. , Masselos K. , Goutis C. E.
Published: August 2002

In this paper, the problem of scheduling the computation of partial products in transformational Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms, aiming at the minimization of the switching activity in data and address buses, is addressed. The problem is stated as a hierarchical scheduling problem. Two different optimization algorithms, which are based on the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP), are defined. The proposed optimization algorithms are independent on the target architecture and can be adapted to take into account it. Experimental results obtained from the application of the proposed algorithms in various widely used DSP transformations, like Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), show that significant switching activity savings in data and address buses can be achieved, resulting in corresponding power savings. In addition, the differences between the two proposed methods are underlined, providing envisage for their suitable selection for implementation, in particular transformational algorithms and architectures.
An Empirical Algorithm for Power Analysis in Deep Submicron Electronic Designs
Authors: Huang May , Kwok Raymond , Chan Shu-park
Published: August 2002

An empirical algorithm applied to logic level power analysis in deep submicron VLSI designs is introduced in the paper. The method explores a static analysis strategy using unit functions to represent signal transitions. It can be extended to the use of a Register Transfer Level (RTL) power analysis after RTL codes are translated to Boolean equations. A new method for representing state‐dependent power models is also introduced in the paper to reduce the complexity of power modeling and to improve the performance of power analysis. The modeling method supports not only the empirical power analysis, but also general simulation‐based power analysis methods.
The Mitochondrial Production of Reactive Oxygen Species: Mechanisms and Implications in Human Pathology
Authors: Lenaz Giorgio
Published: August 2002

Mitochondria are major sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS); the main sites of superoxide radical production in the respiratory chain are Complexes III and I; however, other mitochondrial enzymes, such as Complex II, glycerol‐1‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, are also involved in production of ROS. ROS appear to be released both in the matrix and in the intermembrane space; however, their appearance outside the mitochondria may not be physiologically relevant. ROS production is increased in State 4 and in all conditions when the respiratory components are substantially in the reduced form. Accordingly, defects inducing decrease of electron transfer in the respiratory chain, as in many pathological conditions, are bound to enhance ROS production.
Synthesis of Polymers in Aqueous Solutions: Synthesis of Polyethers by Reactions of Bisphenols with Bis(4-Chloro-3-Nitrophenyl) Sulfone using Various bases in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Nishikubo Tadatomi , Kameyama Atsushi , Kimura Kentaro , Yamada Yoji
Published: August 2002

Polycondensations of bisphenols such as bisphenol-A (BPA), bisphenol-AF (BPAF) and bisphenol-S (BPS) with bis(4-chloro-3-nitrophenyl) sulfone (BCNPS) were examined using various organic or inorganic bases in mixed solvents of DMAc with water or in plain water. The reactions of bisphenols (BPA, BPAF and BPS) with BCPNS proceeded smoothly to give the corresponding polyethers (P-1, P-2 and P-3) in mixed solvents of DMAc with water at 60 °C using 1, 8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undecene-7 (DBU) as a base, although the rate of the reaction decreased gradually as the water in the solvent increased. Polyethers P-1, P-2 and P-3 can also be obtained by the reaction in plain water using appropriate organic bases such as DBU, triethylamine, and 4-( N, N-dimethylamino)pyridine. It was also found that P-1 with relatively high molecular weight was synthesized in high yield when the reaction of BPA with twice the amount of BCNPS was performed using DBU at 60 °C for 48 h in plain water.
Expression Profiling of Single Mammalian Cells – Small is Beautiful
Authors: Brady Gerard
Published: August 2002

Increasingly mRNA expression patterns established using a variety of molecular technologies such as cDNA microarrays, SAGE and cDNA display are being used to identify potential regulatory genes and as a means of providing valuable insights into the biological status of the starting sample. Until recently, the application of these techniques has been limited to mRNA isolated from millions or, at very best, several thousand cells thereby restricting the study of small samples and complex tissues. To overcome this limitation a variety of amplification approaches have been developed which are capable of broadly evaluating mRNA expression patterns in single cells. This review will describe approaches that have been employed to examine global gene expression patterns either in small numbers of cells or, wherever possible, in actual isolated single cells. The first half of the review will summarize the technical aspects of methods developed for single-cell analysis and the latter half of the review will describe the areas of biological research that have benefited from single-cell expression analysis.
Teaching Style: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Heimlich Joe E. , Norland Emmalou
Published: August 2002

Heimlich and Norland suggest a process as a means for teachers to examine their beliefs and values about teaching, gain a better understanding of who they are as teachers, and develop a personal teaching style.
Teaching All Learners As If They Are Special
Authors: Gadbow Nancy F.
Published: August 2002

This chapter considers special learning needs that adult learners may bring, along with effective strategies and accommodations that can make the difference between success and failure for many learners.
Teaching for Transformation
Authors: Cranton Patricia
Published: August 2002

Cranton provides a brief synopsis of transformative learning theory, seven facets of the transformative learning process, and teaching strategies designed to promote each of these facets.
Complexity of trauma narratives as an index of fragmented memory in PTSD: a critical analysis
Authors: Gray Matt J. , Lombardo Thomas W.
Published: August 2002

PTSD researchers and clinicians report observing fragmented and disorganized trauma memories (FDTM) in interviews with PTSD patients and more coherent, organized, and detailed trauma narratives as treatment progresses. Some hypothesize a causal role for FDTM in developing and/or maintaining PTSD symptoms. Operationally defining FDTM is difficult, but a recent study used Flesch reading formulas to gauge narrative complexity and articulation in FDTM. We evaluated the validity of this method by comparing written trauma narratives of 58 undergraduates with and without PTSD on word counts and articulation complexity. Additional narratives on unpleasant and pleasant experiences tested the specificity of group differences. Large initial effect sizes disappeared when writing skill and cognitive ability were controlled suggesting Flesch analyses may not be useful. Furthermore, trauma narrative lengths exceeded those of other memories for both groups, which is inconsistent with FDTM predictions. Most studies supporting FDTM have used oral accounts which we hypothesize may provoke more anxiety than written accounts and thereby produce more fragmented and disorganized narratives. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐adaptive control of convexly parametrized systems with application to temperature regulation of chemical reactors
Authors: Fradkov Alexander , Ortega Romeo , Bastin George
Published: August 2002

In this paper, we are interested in the problem of adaptive control of non‐linearly parametrized systems. We investigate the viability of defining a stabilizing parameter update law for the case when the plant model is convex on the uncertain parameters. We show that, when the only prior knowledge is convexity, there does not exist an adaptation law—derivable from the standard separable Lyapunov function technique of Parks—applicable for all the state space. Therefore, we propose a semi‐adaptive state feedback controller where adaptation takes place only in the region of the state space where convexity can be used to reduce parameter uncertainty. In the remaining part of the state space we freeze the adaptation and switch to a robust controller. This scheme ensures semi‐global stability for convexly parametrized non‐linear systems with matched uncertainty. The proposed controller is then applied to the problem of temperature regulation of continuous stirred exothermic chemical reactors where reaction heat is convex in the uncertain parameters. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of single doses of subcutaneous pegylated human G‐CSF mutant (Ro 25‐8315) in healthy volunteers: Comparison with single and multiple daily doses of filgrastim
Authors: van der Auwera Phillippe , Platzer Erich , Xu Z.‐X. , Schulz Rainer , Feugeas Olivier , Capdeville Renaud , Edwards David J.
Published: August 2002

Ro 25‐8315 is produced by conjugation of rhG‐CSF mutant with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The purpose of this study was to examine the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Ro 25‐8315 in comparison with Filgrastim (rhG‐CSF). Subjects received single subcutaneous doses of Ro 25‐8315 ranging from 10 to 150 μg/kg using a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled design. Filgrastim was administered as a single dose (5 or 10 μg/kg) and, following a 14‐day washout period, daily for 7 days. Ro 25‐8315 increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) by 6‐ to 8‐fold and CD34+ cell count more than 30‐fold at the highest doses tested. Single doses (60–150 μg/kg) of Ro 25‐8315 and multiple doses of Filgrastim had similar effects on ANC and CD34+, although Ro 25‐8315 had a greater effect on CFU‐GM. The pharmacokinetics of Ro 25‐8315 were dose‐dependent, with peak concentrations and area under the serum concentration–time curve (AUC) increasing 100‐fold over the range of doses studied. Time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) and half‐life of Ro 25‐8315 averaged 20–30 hr at all doses, approximately three times longer than with Filgrastim. Adverse events were not serious and occurred with similar frequency with both products. Pegylation of rhG‐CSF mutant results in more desirable pharmacokinetic properties and a longer duration of action with effective increases in ANC and measures of peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization for at least 1 week. Am. J. Hematol. 66:245–251, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful treatment with recombinant factor VIIa of therapy‐resistant severe bleeding in a patient with acquired von Willebrand disease
Authors: Friederich Philip W. , Wever Peter C. , Briët Ernest , Doorenbos Cornelis J. , Levi Marcel
Published: August 2002

We describe an elderly man who presented with life‐threatening hematuria and gastrointestinal bleeding caused by acquired von Willebrand disease associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Standard therapy with desmopressin, von Willebrand factor‐containing factor VIII concentrate, tranexamic acid, and immunoglobulin failed to achieve adequate hemostasis. However, treatment with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) arrested the bleeding completely. Since acquired von Willebrand disease can lead to life‐threatening hemorrhage, clinicians should consider rFVIIa as an effective treatment option if standard therapy fails. Am. J. Hematol. 66:292–294, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationships between thrombohemorrhagic complications and platelet function in patients with essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Raszeja‐Specht Anna , Skibowska Anna , Bieniaszewska Maria , Szutowicz Andrzej
Published: August 2002

Three subgroups have been distinguished in essential thrombocythaemia (ET) patients, on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings. ET patients with bleeding incidents had smaller platelet volume, lower concentrations of β‐thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 in their plasma, 10%, 26%, and 26% lower compared to patients without complications, respectively. ATP secretion from platelets of bleeders, clotters, and “no‐complications” ET patients was found to be 75%, 36%, and 45%, respectively, lower than in healthy people. Spontaneous platelet aggregation appeared to be normal in about 90% of ET patients with no complications and in all bleeders but only in 35% patients with clotting incidents. All bleeders had abnormal agonist‐evoked aggregation assays. Among remaining ET patients 30%–60% displayed normal values of different evoked aggregation tests. Thus, clinically distinguished group of bleeding ET patients may be differentiated from other subgroups on the basis of laboratory findings. Am. J. Hematol. 68:32–36, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stress and work‐related upper extremity disorders: Implications for prevention and management
Authors: Pransky Glenn , Robertson Michelle M. , Moon Sam. D.
Published: August 2002

Background

A causal link between stress and work‐related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities (WRUEDs) has been established, but there is less evidence for a beneficial effect of stress reduction interventions on WRUED symptoms and incidence.

Methods

Searches of Medline, Ergonomics Abstracts, and Psychlit from 1990 to 2001 identified studies that either targeted stress and measured WRUED outcomes, or described other interventions with both stress and WRUED outcomes.

Results

Workplace interventions, including discrete improvements in technology, work organization and ergonomics, and more comprehensive approaches can reduce levels of stress. In a few studies, these interventions have been associated with decreases in WRUED symptoms. Similar effects are noted in stress‐related interventions targeting individuals before WRUEDs have appeared, and at several stages of these conditions.

Conclusions

Health care providers can recognize stress–WRUED interactions through careful, directed inquiry. Both individual as well as workplace‐targeted interventions, delivered in the primary care setting or workplace, may be helpful. Future research priorities include prospective studies of well‐defined interventions, with ample measures of subject, intervention and workplace characteristics that can impact outcomes, and adequate follow‐up to determine sustained effects. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:443–455, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meta‐analysis of systemic sclerosis and exposure to solvents
Authors: Aryal Bishwa K. , Khuder Sadik A. , Schaub Eric A.
Published: August 2002

Background

Although systemic sclerosis is a rare disease, incidence rates have increased recently in the United States. This study investigated the association between systemic sclerosis and exposure to solvents.

Methods

A Medline search of articles published between 1966 and 2000 dealing with solvent exposure and systemic sclerosis identified eight studies that met inclusion criteria of the meta‐analysis. The studies included seven case‐control studies and one cohort study published between 1989 and 1998. A series of meta‐analyses of studies on systemic sclerosis and solvent exposure were performed for all studies and for case‐control studies. A random effect model was used to calculate a combined estimator of relative risk.

Results

The combined estimator of relative risk for all studies was 2.91, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.60 to 5.30. The combined estimator of relative risk for the seven case‐control studies was 3.14 (95% CI, 1.56–6.33).

Conclusions

A statistically significant increased relative risk for all studies and for case‐control studies suggests that exposure to organic solvent may be a risk factor for developing systemic sclerosis. Further studies using other study designs and better control of confounders are needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:271–274, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic screen and follow‐up analysis for autistic disorder
Authors: Shao Yujun , Wolpert Chantelle M. , Raiford Kimberly L. , Menold Marisa M. , Donnelly Shannon L. , Ravan Sarah A. , Bass Meredyth P. , McClain Cate , von Wendt Lennart , Vance Jeffery M. , Abramson Ruth H. , Wright Harry H. , Ashley‐Koch Allison , Gilbert John R. , DeLong Robert G. , Cuccaro Michael L. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A.
Published: August 2002

Autistic disorder (AutD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairment in social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. A genetic basis for AutD is well established with as many as 10 genes postulated to contribute to its underlying etiology. We have completed a genomic screen and follow‐up analysis to identify potential AutD susceptibility loci. In stage one of the genome screen, 52 multiplex families (two or more AutD affected individuals/family) were genotyped with 352 genetic markers to yield an approximately 10 centimorgan (cM) grid, inclusive of the X chromosome. The selection criterion for follow‐up of interesting regions was a maximum heterogeneity lod score (MLOD) or a maximum nonparametric sib pair lod score (MLS) of at least 1.0. Eight promising regions were identified on chromosomes 2, 3, 7, 15, 18, 19, and X. In the stage two follow‐up study we analyzed an additional 47 multiplex families (total = 99 families). Regions on chromosomes 2, 3, 7, 15, 19, and X remained interesting (MLOD ≥ 1.0) in stage two analysis. The peak lod score regions on chromosomes 2, 7, 15, 19, and X overlap previously reported peak linkage areas. The region on chromosome 3 is unique. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further evidence for the association between attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase gene
Authors: Roman Tatiana , Schmitz Marcelo , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Eizirik Mariana , Rohde Luis A. , Hutz Mara H.
Published: August 2002

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a very common and heterogeneous psychiatric disorder of childhood with marked inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive symptoms. The DBH gene, the locus that encodes the enzyme dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase (DβH), seems to be an important candidate gene for association studies, since DβH catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. The aim of this study was to test for association between the DBH gene and ADHD in a sample of 88 Brazilian nuclear families. Haplotype relative risk (HRR) analysis of the DBH TaqI restriction site polymorphism showed a preferential transmission of the TaqI A2 allele in our whole ADHD sample (χ2 = 3.61, one‐tailed P = 0.03). The significant effect of the A2 allele was stronger when only families with no ADHD parental diagnosis were considered (χ2 = 5.42, one‐tailed P = 0.01). Our results suggest a contribution of this gene to ADHD susceptibility, partially replicating previous findings that have demonstrated an association between the DBH TaqI A2 allele and ADHD. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigation of the CACNA1A gene as a candidate for typical migraine susceptibility
Authors: Lea Rod A. , Curtain Robert P. , Hutchins Colin , Brimage Peter J. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: August 2002

Typical migraine is a complex neurological disorder comprised of two main subtypes: migraine with (MA) and without aura (MO). The disease etiology is still unclear, but family studies provide strong evidence that defective genes play an important role. Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a very rare and severe subtype of MA. It has been proposed that FHM and MA may have a similar genetic etiology. Therefore, genetic studies on FHM provide a useful model for investigating the more prevalent types of typical migraine. FHM in some families has been shown to be caused by mutations in a brain‐specific P/Q‐type calcium channel α1 subunit gene (CACNA1A) on chromosome 19p13. There has also been a report of a CACNA1A mutation being associated with MA in a patient from a family with predominant FHM. We have previously demonstrated suggestive linkage of typical migraine in a large Australian family to the FHM region on chromosome 19p13. These findings suggest that CACNA1A may also be implicated in the etiology of typical migraine in this pedigree. To investigate this possibility, we sequenced two patients carrying the critical susceptibility haplotype surrounding CACNA1A. No disease‐causing mutations or polymorphisms were revealed in any of the 47 exons screened. To determine whether the CACNA1A gene was implicated in typical migraine susceptibility in the general Caucasian population, we also analyzed 82 independent pedigrees and a large case control group. We did not detect any linkage or association in these groups and conclude that if CACNA1A plays a role in typical migraine, it does not confer a major effect on the disease. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colony specificity in a social call of mouse lemurs (Microcebus ssp.)
Authors: Zimmermann Elke , Hafen Thomas G.
Published: August 2002

Nocturnal primate species are often difficult to discriminate by gross visual bodily characteristics. This is also true for the world’s smallest primate taxon, the Malagasy mouse lemurs. Recent findings imply that this taxon contains sibling species that can be diagnosed noninvasively by their species‐specific advertisement call. We used comparative bioacoustics in order to explore variation of this call type and to assess species status of three European colonies. Acoustic variation was compared within and between colonies as well as with known species‐specific differences. It was further related to morphological and genetic variations to investigate in how far it covaries with them. Results show that acoustic and genetic differences revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting separated colonies reliably, but were on a different level than known species‐specific differences. A Mantel test showed that acoustic differences were weakly correlated to genetic, but not to morphological differences. Our study is the first to reveal that both acoustic signaling and genetics clearly establish the species status for nocturnal primate populations. It also suggests that acoustic traits change at a more obvious and rapid pace than morphology in isolated populations, and may be used as an indication of conditions that may favor the evolution of subspecies. Am. J. Primatol. 54:129–141, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interferon‐β therapy for multiple sclerosis induces reciprocal changes in interleukin‐12 and interleukin‐10 production
Authors: Byrnes Adriana A. , McArthur Justin C. , Karp Christopher L.
Published: August 2002

Interleukin–12 is critical to the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in multiple species. Interleukin‐10, a dominant endogenous inhibitor of interleukin‐12, is largely protective in these experimental surrogates for multiple sclerosis. Such data have suggested that an interleukin‐12/interleukin‐10 immunoregulatory circuit is a key determinant of disease expression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. For multiple sclerosis itself, compatible cytokine data have been reported. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of interferon‐β in multiple sclerosis remain unclear, hampering the search for more effective therapies. Of note, interferon‐β has reciprocal effects on these cytokines in vitro, suppressing interleukin‐12 and augmenting interleukin‐10 production. To examine the effects of interferon‐β on the interleukin‐12/interleukin‐10 axis in multiple sclerosis, we characterized the production of these cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients beginning therapy with interferon‐β. Before therapy, multiple sclerosis patients exhibited increased stimulatable interleukin‐12 production compared with controls. Interferon‐β therapy leads to inhibition of interleukin‐12 and augmentation of interleukin‐10 production, significantly elevating the ratio of secreted interleukin‐10 to interleukin‐12. These effects, observed equally in patients with relapsing‐remitting and progressive disease, indicate that interferon‐β affects the interleukin‐12/interleukin‐10 axis in ways thought to be beneficial to multiple sclerosis patients. More specific therapeutic targeting of these pathways may be warranted.
Evolution of the response to levodopa during the first 4 years of therapy
Authors: Nutt John G. , Carter Julie H. , Lea Eric S. , Sexton Gary J.
Published: August 2002

The short‐duration response, long‐duration response, and dyskinetic response to levodopa change during long‐term levodopa therapy. How these responses evolve, and which changes contribute to the emergence of motor fluctuations, remain unclear. We studied 18 subjects with Parkinson's disease before they began levodopa therapy and after 6, 12, 24, and 48 months of long‐term levodopa therapy. The responses to 2‐hour levodopa infusions after overnight and after 3 days of levodopa withdrawal were studied from 6 months onward. The mean magnitude of the short‐duration response and the long‐duration response measured after overnight without antiparkinsonian medications did not change during the 4 years. However, after 3 days without levodopa, it was apparent that the short‐duration‐response magnitude was progressively increasing (p < 0.0001) and that the long‐duration response was decaying more rapidly (p = 0.0004). The short‐duration‐response magnitude at 4 years was inversely related to the long‐duration‐response magnitude (p = 0.022), suggesting that the long‐duration response was one determinant of the short‐duration‐response magnitude. Dyskinesia increased progressively in severity during the study (p = 0.013). The duration of the short‐duration response and dyskinesia did not change during the 4 years. Subject reports of motor fluctuations tended to be associated with a large short‐duration response (p = 0.054). We suggest that a larger long‐duration response, rather than a shortened one, is more important to the development of fluctuations. Improving the baseline or practical‐off motor function to reduce the magnitude of the short‐duration response may be a strategy to treat fluctuations.
Poststreptococcal acute disseminated encephalomyelitis with basal ganglia involvement and auto‐reactive antibasal ganglia antibodies
Authors: Dale Russell C. , Church Andrew J. , Cardoso Francisco , Goddard Elizabeth , Cox Tim C. , Chong W. K. “Kling” , Williams Amanda , Klein Nigel J. , Neville Brian G. , Thompson Edward J. , Giovannoni Gavin
Published: August 2002

Antibasal ganglia antibodies (ABGA) are associated with Sydenham's chorea and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. We present 10 patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with Group A β hemolytic streptococcal infection. The clinical phenotype was novel, with 50% having a dystonic extrapyramidal movement disorder, and 70% a behavioral syndrome. None of the patients had rheumatic fever or Sydenham's chorea. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, Western immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect ABGA. Neurological (n = 40) and streptococcal (n = 40) controls were used for comparison. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results showed significantly elevated ABGA in the patients with poststreptococcal ADEM. Western immunoblotting demonstrated ABGA reactivity to three dominant protein bands of 60, 67, or 80 kDa; a finding not reproduced in controls. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry demonstrated specific binding to large striatal neurones, which was not seen in controls. Streptococcal serology was also significantly elevated in the poststreptococcal ADEM group compared with neurological controls. Magnetic resonance imaging studies showed hyperintense basal ganglia in 80% of patients with poststreptococcal ADEM, compared to 18% of patients with nonstreptococcal ADEM. These findings support a new subgroup of postinfectious autoimmune inflammatory disorders associated with Group A β hemolytic streptococcus, abnormal basal ganglia imaging, and elevated ABGA.
Effects of the energy dissipation rate and surface erosion on the biodegradation of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) and its blends with synthetic polymers in an aquatic medium
Authors: Lo Wing Hung , Jian Yu
Published: August 2002

The anaerobic biodegradation of polymers by soil microorganisms was investigated in shaking flask cultures at different rotation speeds or energy dissipation rates. The polymers included poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL), polystyrene (PS), two binary PHBV/PCL blends (80/20 and 25/75 w/w), and a triple PHBV/PCL/PS blend (76/5/19 w/w/w). The specific degradation rate of PHBV found from the specimen's residual mass fraction with time was constant after a lag phase and was significantly affected by the agitation strength (<0.5 day−1 at 60 rpm or lower and >15 day−1 at 120 rpm or greater). Tiny polymer fragments were formed on the specimen surface and observed with scanning electron microscopy during degradation. The detachment of those fragments under high hydraulic shear stress caused surface erosion and renewal, resulting in the high degradation rate. The hydraulic shear stress (0.6 Pa) at an energy dissipation rate of 0.5 W/kg was a threshold level, above which the external force did not increase the degradation rate very much. PHBV degradation in the binary blends with compatible PCL was retarded, depending on the blend composition. Blending PHBV with noncompatible PS did not affect PHBV degradation, and the overall degradation rate of the triple blend was faster than the rate of PHBV alone because of the surface erosion of both PHBV and nondegradable PS fragments from the specimens. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1036–1045, 2002
The influence of processing parameters on the properties of melt‐spun polypropylene hollow fibers
Authors: De Rovere Anne , Grady Brian P. , Shambaugh Robert L.
Published: August 2002

Isotactic polypropylene hollow fibers were produced by melt spinning. Spinning speeds up to 1880 m/min were used, and sample hollowness (percentage void in cross section) ranged from 0 to 69%. The fiber samples were characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis, birefringence, tensile testing, and differential scanning calorimetry. The hollow fibers were found to have higher crystallinity, orientation, and strength than the analogous solid fibers. In general, the polymer orientation in a hollow fiber was larger than the orientation in a solid fiber, even when the spinning speed for the latter was much larger. For a fixed outer diameter, increasing the hollowness improved fiber properties. However, as hollowness was further increased, fiber properties declined slightly. At a given percentage hollowness, increased spinning speed increased modulus and tenacity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1759–1772, 2002
Synthesis and characterization of new polyureas derived from 4‐(4′‐Methoxyphenyl)urazole
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour E. , Hajipour Abdol‐Reza , Raheno Hossein
Published: August 2002

4‐(4′‐Methoxyphenyl)urazole (MPU) was prepared from 4‐methoxybenzoic acid in five steps. The reaction of monomer MPU with n‐isopropylisocyanate was performed at room temperature in N,N‐dimethylformamide solution, and the resulting bis‐urea derivative was obtained in high yield and was finally used as a model for polymerization reaction. The step‐growth polymerization reactions of monomer MPU with hexamethylene diioscyanate, isophorone diioscyanate, and toluene‐2,4‐diioscyanate were performed in N,N‐dimethylacetamide solution in the presence of pyridine as a catalyst. The resulting novel polyureas have an inherent viscosity (ηinh) in a range of 0.07–0.21 dL/g in DMF and sulfuric acid at 25°C. These polyureas were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis, and TGA. Some physical properties and structural characterization of these novel polyureas are reported. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1141–1146, 2002
Dyeing transition temperature of wools treated with low temperature plasma, liquid ammonia, and high‐pressure steam in dyeing with acid and disperse dyes
Authors: Lee Muncheul , Wakida Tomiji , Lee Myung Sun , Pak Pyong Ki , Chen Jierong
Published: August 2002

Wool fibers treated with oxygen low‐temperature plasma, liquid ammonia (NH3), and high‐pressure (HP) steam were dyed with two acid and three disperse dyes. Rate of dyeing, saturation dye uptake, and dyeing transition temperature were measured. Rate of dyeing of the O2 plasma, NH3, and HP steam‐treated wools increased with acid dyes, whereas it did not increase with disperse dyes. Although dyeing transition temperature for acid dyes was decreased by the plasma, NH3, and HP steam treatments, the temperature for disperse dyes was not changed by the treatments. Therefore, it seems that acid dyes penetrate by the intercellular diffusion through the interscale Cell Membrane Complex (CMC) of wool, whereas disperse dyes penetrate by the intracellular diffusion through the intrascale cuticle surface independently with CMC relaxation by the treatments. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1058–1062, 2001
Study on ultrasonic induced encapsulating emulsion polymerization in the presence of nanoparticles
Authors: Xia Hesheng , Zhang Chuhong , Wang Qi
Published: August 2002

In this paper, the ultrasonic induced encapsulating emulsion polymerization technique was used to prepare polymer/inorganic nanoparticle composites. The main affecting factors in ultrasonic induced encapsulating emulsion polymerization were studied systematically. The experimental results suggested that the pH value, the type of monomers, the type, content, and surface properties of nanoparticles, the type and concentration of surfactant have great influence on the ultrasonic induced encapsulating emulsion polymerization and the obtained latex stability. If selecting cationic emulsifier (such as cetyl trimethylammonium bromide), low water soluble monomer (such as n‐butyl acrylate and styrene), and hydrophobic nano silica, the inorganic nanoparticles could be encapsulated by polymers through ultrasonic irradiation successfully under alkalescent condition, forming a novel polymer/inorganic nanoparticles composite. The mechanism of ultrasonic induced encapsulating emulsion polymerization and the composite latex stabilization are proposed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1130–1139, 2001
Preparation of bipolar membranes (I)
Authors: Hao Ji Hua , Chen Cuixian , Li Lin , Yu Lixin , Jiang Weijun
Published: August 2002

The bipolar membranes were prepared by charged material of polysulfone as a base. The bipolar membranes were composed of a solvent‐resistant anion exchange layer with a crosslinking matrix prepared by the reaction of chloromethylated polysulfone in DMF with diamine, an interfacial layer made from chloromethylated polysulfone solution in DMF containing cation exchange resin and amine, and a cation exchange layer made from sulfonated polysulfone dispersing cation resin powder. The prepared bipolar membrane can exhibit lower voltage drop over 100 mA/cm2. The critical requirement for producing bipolar membranes of low potential drop is the creation of a thin interfacial region with a low electrical resistance and a suitable chemical structure, which act to catalyze water splitting. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1658–1663, 2001
Use of silane agents and poly(propylene‐g‐maleic anhydride) copolymer as adhesion promoters in glass fiber/polypropylene composites
Authors: Bikiaris D. , Matzinos P. , Larena A. , Flaris V. , Panayiotou C.
Published: August 2002

Two organofunctional silanes and a copolymer were used to increase the interfacial adhesion in glass fiber polypropylene (PP) reinforced composites. The performance of the coupling agents was investigated by means of mechanical property measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic mechanical analysis. The increased adhesion between the glass fibers and PP matrix observed with SEM resulted in an improvement of the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites. Coupling achieved with the copolymer poly(propylene‐g‐maleic anhydride) (PP‐g‐MA) proved to be the most successful compared with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The combination of PP‐g‐MA with the silanes resulted in further property improvements because of the ability of the MA groups to react with the amino groups of the silanes. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 701–709, 2001
Effects of ABS‐g‐MAH on mechanical properties and compatibility of ABS/PC alloy
Authors: Zhang Xiangfu , Chen Yusheng , Zhang Yong , Peng Zonglin , Zhang Yinxi , Zhou Wen
Published: August 2002

The effects of a compatibilizer, namely, an acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS) grafted with maleic anhydrade (MAH) (ABS‐g‐MAH), on the mechanical properties and morphology of an ABS/polycarbonate (PC) alloy were studied The results showed that a small quantity of ABS‐g‐MAH has a very good influence on the notched Izod impact strength of the ABS/PC alloy without compromising other properties such as the tensile strength, flexural strength, and Vicat softening temperature (VST). The impact strength of the ABS/PC alloy, to a great extent, depends on the loading of ABS‐g‐MAH and the degree of grafting (DG) of MAH in the ABS‐g‐MAH. DSC analysis and SEM observation confirmed that ABS‐g‐MAH could significantly improve the compatibility of the ABS/PC alloy. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 831–836, 2001