bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Characterization of P760, a New Macromolecular Contrast Agent with High Relaxivity
Authors: Vander Elst Luce , Port Marc , Raynal Isabelle , Simonot Christian , Muller Robert N. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractP760‐Gd, a hydrophilic derivative of DOTA‐Gd with a molecular mass of 5.6 kDa, has been characterized in various media: aqueous solution, protein‐containing solution, and Zn2+‐containing solution. Several investigations have been carried out, including the determination of the number of inner‐sphere water molecules by laser‐induced luminescence of the europium complex, water 1H nuclear magnetic relaxation rates as a function of field strength, and 17O relaxometry of water of the gadolinium complex, pulsed magnetic field gradient spin echo of proton, and 2H transverse relaxation rates of the labeled lanthanum analogue. The large proton relaxivity of P760‐Gd in water results from the long rotational correlation time of the hydrated complex (τR ≈︁ 2 ns at 310 K). As with DOTA‐Gd, no significant Zn2+ transmetallation process was observed by proton relaxometry. Finally, analysis of the non‐covalent binding of P760‐Gd to serum proteins by proton relaxometry showed that P760‐Gd does not interact with human serum albumin. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
A New Thioether‐Based (N2S2)Copper(II/I) Complex Exhibiting a High Redox Potential
Authors: Torelli Stéphane , Belle Catherine , Philouze Christian , Pierre Jean‐Louis , Rammal Wassim , Saint‐Aman Eric 
Published: June 2003

AbstractFrom the new ligand bis[2‐(tert‐butylthio)benzyl](2‐pyridylmethyl)amine [N2(StBu)2], the corresponding complexes [CuI{N2(StBu)2}]CF3SO3 (1) and [CuII{N2(StBu)2}](H2O)(CF3SO3)]CF3SO3 (2) were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The Cu−S bonds are unusually shortened in 1 and elongated for the axial thioether in 2. Redox studies show that 1 and 2 interconvert during the electron transfer with a high CuII/I potential of 0.79 V vs. SCE in CH2Cl2. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Comparison of differently coated SPME fibres applied for monitoring volatile substances in vegetable oils
Authors: Doleschall Fruzsina , Recseg Katalin , Kemény Zsolt , Kővári Katalin 
Published: June 2003

AbstractCereol Group Center of Expertise, Budapest, Hungary Solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) was developed to determine volatile substances from liquid, gas or even solid materials. This technique has been successfully applied for soil, waste water, blood and urine samples, but in spite of its advantages there are still few applications for vegetable oils. SPME is applicable to determine the aroma and other volatile compounds of the oil, which are characteristic to its origin and oxidative status.In this study the sensitivity and selectivity of some commercially available SPME adsorption materials (polydimethylsiloxane, divinylbenzene, carboxen) were compared. The diverse types of stationary phases were investigated by applying standard oils containing volatile substances from 9‐90 mg/kg concentrations.SPME fibre was placed into the headspace of an oil sample in a 30‐ml headspace vial thermostated at 80 °C for 45 min. The extracted volatile materials were desorbed from the fiber in the injection port of the gas chromatograph at 250 °C. Identification of the extracted compounds is based on pure standards and mass spectra. The reliability of the SPME sampling method was studied by parallel measurements.The 2‐cm long fibre coated with divinylbenzene (50 μm) and carboxen (30 μm) proved to be the most appropriate to determine the volatile oxo‐materials from vegetable oils. The method was successfully applied to follow up the formation of volatile substances (e.g. hexanal, t‐2‐hexenal, t‐2‐heptenal, t‐2‐octenal, nonanal, t, t‐2, 4‐nonadienal, t‐2‐nonenal, t‐2‐decenal, t, c‐ and t, t‐2, 4‐decadienal, 2‐pentylfuran, 1‐octen‐3‐ol) during deep frying in sunflower oil.
Evaluation of predictors of mortality in Frontotemporal Dementia—methodological aspects
Authors: Gräsbeck A. , Horstmann V. , Englund E. , Passant U. , Gustafson L. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo retrospectively evaluate pre‐diagnostic clinical features (predictors) of mortality in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The main aim was to investigate if there were indications against interpreting missing data as signs of absence.Material and methods96 cases with FTD, here defined as Dementia in Pick's disease according to ICD‐10. The predictors were behavioural/psychiatric features, language impairment and neurological deficits up to the date of diagnosis. Each predictor was rated as present (Yes), absent (No) or not recorded (Missing), and evaluated according to its distribution and mortality pattern: if a feature was not recorded because it was absent, the mortality of the Missing and the No‐category should hypothetically be close. Statistical methods included Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and Cox regression analyses.ResultsNeurological deficits and language impairments were frequently recorded as present or absent, while non‐recordings were more prevalent among the behavioural/psychiatric features. Some features were excluded as predictors because they showed too little variation. Analyses of the survival pattern indicated that in some features, the observations of the Missing‐category could be interpreted as absence of the symptoms. In other features these observations had to be regarded as truly missing.ConclusionsIn the retrospective evaluation of predictors of mortality a method for treating missing data was applied. The interpretation of non‐recordings as signs of absence was supported by the analyses of the survival patterns in some of the studied features. However, the study underscores the importance of systematic estimations of pre‐diagnostic clinical features in dementia. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of mortality in frontotemporal dementia: a retrospective study of the prognostic influence of pre‐diagnostic features
Authors: Gräsbeck A. , Englund E. , Horstmann V. , Passant U. , Gustafson L. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractObjectivesTo find associations between predictors and survival in frontotemporal dementia (FTD).Methods96 patients with FTD, here defined as Dementia in Pick's disease, were studied. The predictors included psychiatric/behavioural features, language impairment and neurological deficits present up to the time of diagnosis. The influence on mortality was studied by means of Cox regression analyses.ResultsMost of the behavioural/psychiatric features were associated with longer survival. Among these features, anxiety and suicidal ideation were associated with a statistically significant decreased mortality. Semi‐mutism/mutism and neurological deficits were associated with a statistically significant increased mortality. Analyses of the dementia‐specific mortality strengthened the already significant results and revealed dysphagia as significantly related to increased mortality.ConclusionsTwo groups of predictors with different influence on survival were identified in FTD. Most behavioural/psychiatric features were associated with longer survival. These features may indicate a slower disease progress and a better preserved cerebral function. By contrast, semi‐mutism/mutism, neurological deficits and dysphagia were associated with shorter survival, indicating an aggressive, degenerative process. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with depression in a representative sample of 14 217 people aged 75 and over in the United Kingdom: results from the MRC trial of assessment and management of older people in the community
Authors: Osborn David P. J. , Fletcher Astrid E. , Smeeth Liam , Stirling Susan , Bulpitt Christopher J. , Breeze Elizabeth , Ng Edmond SW , Nunes Maria , Jones Dee , Tulloch Alistair 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBackgroundSeveral social, demographic and physical factors have been shown to be associated with depression in later life, but results have been inconsistent. We aimed to assess factors associated with depression in old age, using data from the MRC trial of assessment and management of older people in the community.MethodAnalysis of cross‐sectional data. Depression was measured with a threshold of <6/6+ on the GDS‐15. Independent associations with social, demographic, physical and social network variables were assessed by logistic regression.ResultsIn a fully adjusted analysis, odds ratios (OR) for depression were greater in older people, (adjusted OR for those aged 80–84 years = 1.1, 85–90 years = 1.5 and 90+ years = 1.8), those in rented (OR:1.3) or sheltered/residential accommodation (OR:1.5), and those widowed, divorced or separated (OR:1.2). Life events, (OR:1.4), smoking (OR:1.6), having two or more physical illnesses (OR:1.6) or no confiding relationship (OR:3.4) were also significantly associated with depression. Higher alcohol consumption was not predictive. Female sex and living alone were associated with depression in a crude analysis, but not after full adjustment for confounding.ConclusionsThe importance of these results lies in the large size and representative nature of the sample. In contrast to some previous reports, increasing age was associated with increasing risk of depression, but sex, living alone and alcohol were not associated. Social isolation was more important than living alone per se. Other associations largely concurred with previous work. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process intensification in wastewater treatment: ferrous iron removal by a sustainable membrane bioreactor system
Authors: Pekdemir Turgay , Keskinler Bulent , Yildiz Ergun , Akay Galip 
Published: June 2003

AbstractBiooxidation of ferrous iron (Fe2+) from strongly acidic industrial wastewater with a high Fe2+ content by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in a packed bed reactor and subsequent removal of ferric iron (Fe3+) by a crossflow microfiltration (membrane) process have been investigated as functions of wastewater flowrate (54–672 cm3 h−1), Fe2+ concentration (1.01–8.06 g dm−3), and pH (1.5–5.0). A natural (vegetable) sponge, Luffa cylindrica, was used as support matrix material. The fastest kinetic performance achieved was about 40 g Fe2+ dm−3 h−1 at a true dilution rate of 19 h−1 corresponding to a hydraulic retention time of 3.16 min. Steady state conversion was observed to be about 10% higher at pH 2.3 than that at pH 1.5. Increasing the flowrate of the inlet wastewater caused a reduction in conversion rate. The oxidation rate reduced along the reactor height as the wastewater moved towards the exit at the top but conversion showed the opposite trend. Increasing Fe2+ concentration up to a critical point resulted in an increased oxidation rate but beyond the critical point caused the oxidation rate to decrease. Luffa cylindrica displayed suitable characteristics for use as a support matrix for formation of a Thiobacillus ferrooxidans biofilm and showed promising potential as an ecological and sustainable alternative to existing synthetic support materials. Membrane separation was shown to be a very effective means of Fe3+ removal from the wastewater with removal changing from 92% at pH 2.3 to complete removal at pH 5.0. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Decomposition of 1,2‐dichloroethane in an RF plasma environment
Authors: Li Chun‐Teh , Yang Renbo , Shih Minliang , Chen Chuh‐Yung , Hsieh Lien‐Te 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA radio frequency (RF) plasma system has been used to decompose 1,2‐dichloroethane (DCE). Final products were identified by a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The main products of DCE decomposition in O2/Ar plasma were CO2, CO, and HCl. Other minor chlorinated products were CCl4, C2HCl3, C2H3Cl, C2Cl4, CHCl3, C2HCl5, and COCl2. Nonchlorinated products were C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, and HCOOH. The plasma reactor with a brass electrode had a higher decomposition fraction of DCE [η, (Cin − Cout)/Cin × 100%] than that obtained with other materials (Au, Ni, and Cr). Different electrode configurations (inner and outer) were also evaluated for the decomposition of DCE. Argon plus oxygen was found to be the most suitable carrier/auxiliary gas for DCE decomposition. In addition, operational parameters for DCE decomposition in RF plasma including concentration, operational pressure, and total gas flow rate were evaluated. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies of the interactions between the anticytokeratin 8 monoclonal antibody TS1, its antigen and its anti‐idiotypic antibody αTS1
Authors: Erlandsson Ann , Holm Patrik , Ullén Amanda , Stigbrand Torgny , Sundström Birgitta E. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe monoclonal antibody TS1 against cytokeratin 8 and its antiidiotype αTS1 have been used for immunotargeting and therapy of carcinomas in experimental tumor model systems. The interaction surfaces between mab TS1, the cytokeratin 8 epitope, and its anti‐idiotypic antibody, αTS1, were studied in detail in order to make future veneering of the interactions possible. The V‐genes of TS1 and αTS1 were cloned and sequenced and the CDRs and the framework residues were identified. Amino acids participating in the interactions were identified following chemical modifications of residues in non‐protected and protected molecules of cytokeratin 8, αTS1 and TS1. From the sequences, the three‐dimensional structures were generated using computer modelling of the antibody variable regions. Several charged amino acid, histidine and tyrosine residues were displayed in the antibody surfaces implicated in the interactions and chemical modification confirmed the importance of these amino acids. The cytokeratin 8 epitope has previously been identified by Johansson et al. and it displays negatively charged amino acid residues which could be identified in the chemical modification. It was also revealed that the TS1 binding to cytokeratin 8 and αTS1 respectively are partly overlapping; a histidine identified in TS1 is probably involved only in the interaction with αTS1. Furthermore, the chemical modification demonstrated that exchanging aspartic–glutamic acids to asparagine–glutamine residues in TS1 increased the binding of TS1 to cytokeratin 8, indicating that there is at least one acidic amino acid that is an obstacle in the TS1–CK8 binding. The detailed assembly of the interaction surfaces will facilitate the future use of site directed mutagenesis to improve the TS1–CK8 association rate and the clearing of TS1 with αTS1 in vivo. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I antibodies recognizing platelet factor 4–heparin complex in antiphospholipid syndrome in patient substantiated with mouse Model
Authors: Bourhim Mustapha , Darnige Luc , Legallais Cécile , Arvieux Josiane , Cevallos Ramiro , Pouplard Claire , Vijayalakshmi Mookambeswaran A. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies associated with arterial and/or venous thrombosis, and recurrent abortion accompanied often by thrombocytopenia. These antibodies are heterogeneous and react against phospholipid‐binding proteins such as β2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) and prothrombin. The recognition of anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I (anti‐β2GPI) by platelet factor 4–heparin complex (PF4–Hc) has been previously evoked and partially confirmed by the present inhibition studies. Further, the anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I antibodies were purified from a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome using Affi‐gel®‐10‐β2GPI immunoaffinity chromatography. The purified anti‐β2GPI IgM as well as patient serum equally recognized PF4–Hc in ELISA mode. In order to substantiate this data and to better understand we studied an animal model using mouse active immunization with the purified human anti‐β2GPI. The mice showed a significant decrease in their platelet count. In addition the ELISA responses of the immunized mice sera were positive against both β2GPI and PF4–Hc, substantiating the double recognition. Despite many previous reported animal model studies, this is the first time we have shown the specific recognition of anti‐β2GPI antibodies by PF4–Hc, the results in the induced mice correlating the data observed with some patients. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetic foot salvage with microsurgical free‐tissue transfer
Authors: Musharrafieh Ramzi , Saghieh Said , Macari George , Atiyeh Bechara 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe efficacy of microsurgical free‐tissue transfer for the treatment of chronic nonhealing infected diabetic foot ulcers was evaluated in a retrospective study. Between January 1992–December 1997, 10 patients underwent surgery at the American University of Beirut. Muscular free flaps were used to salvage 8 feet, and fasciocutaneous free flaps were used in 2 feet. The flap survival rate was 90%, a result that is equivalent to other series of microvascular tissue transfer in nondiabetic patients; the postoperative morbidity rate was comparable to that of nondiabetic patients. Infection control was achieved in 87.5% of patients. Seven of the 9 surviving patients had bipedal gait and were ambulatory, with full weight‐bearing on their flaps at the end of the 2‐year follow‐up period. Microvascular free‐tissue transfer can be used successfully for the salvage of infected diabetic foot ulcers. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:257–261 2003
Serratus anterior‐rib free flap in limb bone reconstruction
Authors: Georgescu Alexandru V. , Ivan Ovidiu 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe authors present their experience in surgical reconstruction of bone lesions in posttraumatic bone defects, pseudarthrosis, and osteitis by using the free serratus anterior‐rib flap. The flap was used in 12 cases: 7 cases in the upper limb, and 5 cases in the lower limb. The overall immediate success rate in our series was of 91.7%. We had only one failure, due to a venous thrombosis. In all successful cases, the rib showed good integration. This procedure seems to be very useful in the reconstruction of small and medium bone defects, especially in the upper limb. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:217–225 2003
Emergency free flaps
Authors: Georgescu Alexandru V. , Ivan Ovidiu 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe use of top‐quality tissue in covering soft‐tissue loss, and precocity in reconstructing injuries and restoring function, are major prerequisites for obtaining a good surgical result. Earlier methods of reconstruction, based on a delay, for various periods of time, in reconstruction, have gradually become obsolete. The employment of more aggressive techniques and research supporting the “as‐early‐as possible” morphological and functional reconstruction path has become the rule in dealing with emergency reconstructive interventions. This path has been opened by data that describe and clarify the reaction of skin, muscles, and osteoarticular vascular anatomy to traumatic injury. This research, combined with the current availability of a great number of both simple and complex free flaps, has spurred the development of the concept of the “emergency free flap.” Here, the authors present a new classification of emergency free flaps, based on their experience using these procedures to treat traumatic injury. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:206–216 2003
One technique, two approaches, and results: Thoracic duct cannulation in small laboratory animals
Authors: Ionac Mihai 
Published: June 2003

AbstractExperimental studies in immunology, pharmacology, or hematology require the sampling of the total thoracic duct lymph in awake and unrestrained rats or mice. Several approaches have been described for cannulation of the thoracic duct, but they are characterized by a modest reproducibility and a low lymph flow rate. An improved technique for obtaining thoracic duct lymph is described here, emphasizing the similarities and differences concerning both rats and mice (average weights of 305 and 15 g, respectively). Rats yielded a mean of 55.6 ml/day thoracic duct lymph, while lymph output in mice reached unexpected volumes of 29.3 ml/day. The use of an operating microscope and silicone cannula, and maintenance of mobility of the animals during lymph collection, offer a reliable method for a high and constant output of thoracic duct lymph. Relevant aspects of the murine thoracic duct anatomy are also identified. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:239–245 2003
Effect of degree of saponification on structural and property change of poly(Vinyl alcohol) fibers
Authors: Dai Lixing , Yu Shaoyong 
Published: June 2003

AbstractTo improve the drawability and finally the mechanical properties, poly(vinyl alcohol)s (PVA86, PVA93, and PVA99) with respective degrees of saponification of 86, 93, and 99% were synthesized using solution polymerization. Following the synthesis dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solutions of the PVAs were gel‐spun into methanol. After extraction of DMSO from the as‐spun fibers the dried fibers were first drawn at 120 °C then at 180 °C. An analysis of the structure and properties of the fibers was performed using FT‐IR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a fiber strength tester. The degree of saponification had an effect on the formation and intensity of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds, melting, drawability and strength of the PVA fibers. Low degrees of saponification weakened the intermolecular hydrogen bonds and interfered with the formation of crystallites, causing low melting points and low heat of fusion. Generally, drawing was easier to carry out at lower temperature, and higher draw ratios could be obtained, leading to higher fiber strengths. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification studies of Kapton® HN polyimide films
Authors: Huang Xu Dong , Bhangale Sunil Madhukar , Moran Peter M , Yakovlev Nikolai L , Pan Jisheng 
Published: June 2003

AbstractSurface imide hydrolysis of Kapton HN polyimide films in a 1 M KOH aqueous solution was studied using dynamic contact angle measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS). The surface energy of Kapton HN increased quickly upon KOH treatment due to the formation of polar polyamate. Prolonged treatment led to a jump in surface energy that we ascribe to the onset of etching causing increased surface roughness. Potassium depth profiles of treated Kapton HN samples measured by XPS and TOF‐SIMS demonstrated that during the first 10 minutes of 1 M KOH treatment the modification depth increased rapidly. Thereafter the thickness of the modified layer no longer increased. For Kapton H films, however, the development of etching was much slower and a steady increase in modification depth was observed even after long treatment times. The different behaviours between Kapton HN and Kapton H films in alkali solutions are analysed and discussed. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry