bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoprocesses in polymer‐derived Si–O–C ceramics: Electronmicroscopic observations and reaction kinetics
Authors: Berger A. , Pippel E. , Woltersdorf J. , Scheffler M. , Cromme P. , Greil P. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractNickel acetate doped poly(methylphenylsilsesquioxane) with and without silicon filler loading was pyrolysed in argon atmosphere between 800 and 1500 °C. The ceramic residues were investigated with specific view of the nanoaggregates formed in pores during the polymer‐to‐ceramic conversion. After pyrolysis at 900 °C carbon nanotubes as well as nanowires with a crystalline SiC core and an amorphous SiO2 shell were found in Si filler‐free and Si filler‐loaded samples, respectively. The evolution of the microstructure and the composition of these carbon nanotubes and SiC/SiO2 nanowires were studied by HREM, SEM, EELS, EFTEM and evolved gas analysis. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Liquid‐Ga‐Filled Carbon Nanotube: A Miniaturized Temperature Sensor and Electrical Switch
Authors: Dorozhkin Pavel S. , Tovstonog Sergey V. , Golberg Dmitri , Zhan Jinhua , Ishikawa Yiji , Shiozawa Masahiro , Nakanishi Haruyuki , Nakata Keiichi , Bando Yoshio 
Published: August 2005

AbstractTemperature control on the nanometer scale is a challenging task in many physical, chemical, and material science applications where small experimental volumes with high temperature gradients are used. The crucial difficulty is reducing the size of temperature sensors while keeping their sensitivity, working temperature range, and, most importantly, their simplicity and accuracy of temperature reading. In this work, we demonstrate the ultimate miniaturization of the classic thermometer using an expanding column of liquid gallium inside a multi‐walled C nanotube for precise temperature measurements. We report that electrical conductivity through unfilled nanotube regions is diffusive with a resistance per unit length of ≈10 kΩ μm−1, whereas Ga‐filled segments of the nanotube show metallic behavior with a low resistance of ≈100 Ω μm−1. No noticeable Schottky barrier exists between the nanotube carbon shell and the inner Ga filling. Based on these findings, an individual carbon nanotube partially filled with liquid Ga is used as a temperature sensor and/or switch. The nanotube’s electrical resistance decreases linearly with increasing temperature as the metallic Ga column expands inside the tube channel. In addition, the tube resistance drops sharply when two encapsulated Ga columns approaching each other meet inside the nanotube, producing a switching action that can occur at any predetermined temperature, as the Ga column position inside the nanotube can be effectively pre‐adjusted by nanoindentation using an atomic force microscope.
Prevalence of Major Life Events among Patients and Community Dwellers
Authors: Peterson Margaret G. E. , Allegrante John P. , MacKenzie C. Ronald , Helfet David , Paget Stephen A. , Pangas Marjorie 
Published: August 2005

Background Life events have been shown to be associated with health and illness. Methods We studied the number of life events experienced by hip fracture patients, nonfracture rheumatology patients, and community-dwelling asymptomatic residents in the year before interview. Fifty-four hip fracture patients, 63 ambulatory patients, and 115 community-dwelling residents participated in the study. All were older than 65 years. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric analyses were performed. Results The number of events reported in the previous 12months was higher for hipfracture patients than for community participants ( p = 0.02). At least one bereavement was reported by 32% of hipfracture patients, 27% of ambulatory patients, and 26% of community dwellers ( p = 0.8). Ten percent of all respondents reported experiencing more than one bereavement. Conclusion This has important consequences when considering the care of these patients and the mental distress they may be experiencing, especially in the aftermath of local disasters or trauma. Medications may not always be the best treatment, and better psychosocial assessments and delivery systems are needed.
Effective maintenance treatment—breaking the cycle of bipolar disorder
Authors: Goodwin Guy , Vieta Eduard 
Published: August 2005

AbstractClinical guidelines for treatment and research of bipolar disorder greatly benefit from the synthesis of data from individual studies. The British Association for Psychopharmacology bases its guidelines on evidence from opinions (level D) to systematic reviews of primary trial data (level A). The report details conclusions of its 1-day consensus meeting to develop guidelines covering diagnosis, clinical management, pharmacotherapy for acute episodes, relapse prevention and treatment discontinuation. Monotherapy for long-term management is preferred, having reduced side-effects and drug interactions and improved compliance. Combination therapy is often preferred for acute episodes, using antipsychotics for mania or antidepressants for depression. Increased efficacy may be attributed to multiple mechanisms of action and potentially lower doses. In clinical practice, maintenance monotherapy has limited success for chronic episodes and polypharmacy is frequently used, though the best combination remains unclear. A new collaborative approach based on simple clinical trials is required to change current medical practice.
Reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease with high folate intake: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Corrada María M. , Kawas Claudia H. , Hallfrisch Judith , Muller Denis , Brookmeyer Ron 
Published: August 2005

BackgroundStudy findings have suggested an association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and several vitamins and have speculated about their use as preventive agents. Here, we examine whether total intake (intake from diet plus supplements) of antioxidant vitamins (E, C, carotenoids) and B vitamins (folate, B6, and B12) is associated with a reduced risk of AD.MethodsParticipants were 579 nondemented elderly volunteers from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who completed dietary diaries and recorded supplement intake for a 7‐day period. Cox regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of AD associated with total vitamin intake categorized into levels above or below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).ResultsAfter a mean follow‐up of 9.3 years, AD developed in 57 participants. Higher intake of folate (RR, 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22 to 0.76), vitamin E (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.30 to 1.06), and vitamin B6(RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.84) were associated individually with a decreased risk of AD after adjusting for age, gender, education, and caloric intake. When these 3 vitamins were analyzed together, only total intake of folate at or above the RDA (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.97) was associated with a significant decreased risk of AD. No association was found between total intake of vitamins C, carotenoids, or vitamin B12and risk of AD.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that total intake of folate at or above the RDA is associated with a reduced risk of AD. Additional studies are necessary to further investigate whether folate or other(s) unmeasured factor(s) may be responsible for this reduction in risk.
Vegetation and climate change Since 14,81014C yr B.P. in southeastern uruguay and implications for the rise of early Formative societies
Authors: Iriarte José 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis article presents a combined pollen and phytolith record of a 1.70-m sediment core from the wetlands of India Muerta (33°42′ S, 53°57′ W) in the lowland Pampa (grasslands) of southeastern Uruguay. Six14C dates and the pollen and phytolith content of the samples permitted the recognition of four distinct climatic periods between 14,85014C yr B.P. and the present. The Late Pleistocene period (between ca. 14,810 and ca. 10,00014C yr B.P.) was characterized by drier and cooler conditions indicated by the presence of a C3-dominated grassland. These conditions prevailed until the onset of the warmer and more humid climate of the Holocene around 945014C yr B.P. The early Holocene (between around 10,000 and 662014C yr B.P.) was characterized by the establishment of wetlands in the region as evidenced by the formation of black peat, the increase in wetland taxa, and the replacement of C3 Pooideae by C4 Panicoideae grasses. During the mid-Holocene, around 662014C yr B.P., began a period of environmental change characterized by drier climatic conditions, which resulted in the expansion of halophytic communities in the flat, low-lying areas of the wetlands of India Muerta. About 402014C yr B.P. a massive spike of Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae coupled with a radical drop in wetland species indicates another major and more severe period of dryness. After ca. 400014C yr B.P., a decrease of halophytic species indicates the onset of more humid and stable climatic conditions, which characterized the late Holocene.The findings reported in this article substantially improve our knowledge of the late Glacial and Holocene climate and vegetation in the region. The data provide a detailed record of the timing and severity of mid-Holocene environmental changes in southeastern South America. Significantly, the mid-Holocene drying trend coincided with major organizational changes in settlement, subsistence, and technology of the pre-Hispanic populations in the region, which gave rise to early Formative societies. This study also represents the first combined pollen and phytolith record for southeastern South America reinforcing the utility of phytoliths as significant indicators of long-term grassland dynamics.
Early Gastric Cancer Induced by N‐Ethyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine in a Cynomolgus Monkey Six Years after Initial Diagnosis of the Lesion
Authors: Szentirmay Zoltan , Ohgaki Hiroko , Maruyama Keiichi , Esumi Hiroyasu , Takayama Shozo , Sugimura Takashi 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTA signet ring cell carcinoma in the gastric antrum of a Cynomolgus monkey induced by N‐ethyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine was sequentially studied by endoscopy, biopsy, and autopsy. The carcinoma was first detected on the angulus of the stomach at the 38th month as a slightly elevated lesion. Sixty‐one months later this tumor was found to be still in the “early”(intramucosal) stage. Another, independent, initial gastric cancer was also discovered. This is the first example of an induced gastric carcinoma remaining in the “early’stage during a six‐year follow‐up period after the initial histologic diagnosis.
Simulation of Dynamic Changes of Human T‐Cell Leukemia Virus Type I Carriage Rates
Authors: Oguma Shigeru 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I) is transmitted via breast milk, semen, or blood transfusion. The last route was not responsible for HTLV‐I infection before the advent of modern medicine, nor will it be a major route in the future because anti HTLV‐I antibody‐positive blood is now screened out. Thus, the carriage rates in various areas of Japan have to be explained by the former two transmission methods. Based on the relationship between the two modes of transmission and carriage rates, several simulation experiments were performed. These experiments revealed that: (a) No population with a vertical transmission rate lower than 50% can be maintained as endemic for the virus. (b) Slight differences in horizontal transmission rates can cause a large change of the carriage rates. (c) A 1,000‐fold carriage rate difference would become indistinguishable within a hundred generations if both modes of transmission were operating at nearly the same rate. (d) The probability of a formerly non‐endemic population becoming endemic due to a single female carrier is not negligible. (e) Prevention of vertical transmission is much more effective in lessening the carriage rate within a short period of time than is prevention of horizontal transmission. A simulation for a real population is also presented.
Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor, Transforming Growth Factor‐α and Their Receptor Genes in Human Gastric Carcinomas; Implication for Autocrine Growth
Authors: Yoshida Kazuhiro , Kyo Eikai , Tsujino Tetsuhiro , Sano Toshiaki , Niimoto Minoru , Tahara Eiichi 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe expressions of mRNA for epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor‐α (TGF‐α) and EGF receptor (EGFR) genes were examined in 7 human gastric carcinoma cell lines and 15 gastric carcinoma tissues and the corresponding normal mucosas. All of the gastric carcinoma cell lines expressed mRNA for EGFR and TGF‐α genes. TMK‐1 and MKN‐28 cells also expressed EGF mRNA. Production of EGF, TGF‐α and EGFR protein by gastric carcinoma cell lines was also confirmed by EGF and TGF‐α specific monoclonal antibody binding. As for surgical specimens, EGFR and TGF‐α mRNA were detected at high levels in all the tumor tissues. Interestingly, EGF mRNA was detected in 5 (33.3%) of the 15 gastric carcinomas but it was not detected in normal tissues. Moreover, anti‐EGF and anti‐TGF‐α monoclonal antibodies inhibited the spontaneous 3H‐TdR uptake by gastric carcinoma cells. These results suggest that EGF and/or TGF‐α produced by tumor cells act as autocrine growth factors for gastric carcinomas.
Enhancement of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte‐mediated Tumor Cytotoxicity by Serum Factor(s)
Authors: Araki Akemi , Inoue Tomio , Kimura Seishi , Fukase Shigeru , Sendo Fujiro 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTIt has been reported that β‐1,3‐d‐glucan isolated from Alcaligenes faecalis (TAK) promoted tumor cytolysis by mouse polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). We investigated the effect of serum on mouse PMN tumor cytolysis induced by TAK and other PMN stimulators. Addition of fetal calf serum (FCS) to the cytolysis assay enhanced tumor cytolysis by PMN in a dose‐dependent manner. Sera obtained from horses, mice, and rats were also effective enhancers of PMN tumor cytolysis. When FCS was added after the assay was under way, the enhancing effect decreased proportionally to the time elapsed. The enhancing activity was detected over a broad range of fractions with a peak at 170 kD by fractionation on a Superose 6 column. The responsible factor(s) in serum was stable after treatment at 60°C, 30 min or after lowering the pH to 2. Mouse PMN stimulated with TAK increased production of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of FCS.
Revisiting drug progression: long‐range effects of early tobacco use
Authors: Vega William A. , Gil Andres G. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTAims  Drug progression models have been a cornerstone of scientific and public policy discussions for decades. These models have been criticized for their lack of causal mechanisms leading to drug dependence. Future research should focus on identification of pathways and covariates. This study re‐examines tobacco use onset and progression to drug dependence in a multi‐ethnic sample followed longitudinally from early to late adolescence (1990 to 1998–2000).Methods  Data were collected in schools (n = 1208) during early adolescence (mean age 11.07), and subsequently face‐to‐face interviews were conducted at late adolescence (mean age 20.01).Findings  Results indicated ethnic differences in rates and progression of tobacco use, with African Americans and foreign‐born Latinos having larger proportions of abstainers and lower rates of persistent use. Most early adolescent smokers progressed to regular use. The odds of progression to marijuana abuse or dependence by later adolescence were highest (O.R. = 4.9) among persistent smokers, but not significant for foreign‐born Latinos. The odds of progression to drug abuse or dependence were also highest (O.R. = 6.4) for persistent smokers, but not significant for African Americans.Conclusions  Implications for research on pathways and mechanisms of progression are discussed. Prevention programs may interrupt drug progression if they delay onset of tobacco use until mid‐adolescence. Preventing targeted marketing efforts by the tobacco industry, regulating and enforcing tobacco control laws and pricing cigarettes at cost levels that adolescents find prohibitive are effective supplements to traditional behavior change interventions.
Non‐linear relationships between cognitive function and alcohol consumption in young, middle‐aged and older adults: the PATH Through Life Project
Authors: Rodgers Bryan , Windsor Timothy D. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Dear Keith B. G. , F. Jorm Anthony , Christensen Helen 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTAims  To investigate associations, including non‐linear relationships, between cognitive function and alcohol consumption, testing for moderating effects of age and gender and for differences across outcome measures.Design  Cross‐sectional general population samples of three age cohorts.Setting  Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australia.Participants  The total sample of 7485 consisted of 2404 men and women aged 20–24 years, 2530 aged 40–44 years, and 2551 aged 60–64 years, selected from the electoral rolls.Measurements  Self‐report data using hand‐held computers provided weekly alcohol consumption from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) frequency, quantity and binge‐drinking items, and socio‐demographic factors. Spot‐the‐Word, digits backwards, the Symbol‐Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), immediate recall and reaction‐time tests were conducted by trained interviewers.Findings  Findings varied across dependent variables, but there was a general tendency for light drinkers (up to 20/10 g alcohol per day in men/women, respectively) to perform better than abstainers, occasional drinkers or those drinking at hazardous/harmful levels (>40/20 g per day in men/women). Poorer performance of hazardous/harmful drinkers was seen only in men, whereas that of abstainers was evident in both sexes but was stronger in women. After adjustment for education and race, male hazardous/harmful drinkers no longer performed significantly less well than light drinkers, whereas male and female abstainers and occasional drinkers still did so.Conclusions  Abstainers have poorer cognitive function than light drinkers and further investigation is needed to determine what factors contribute to this.
The nature, time course and severity of methamphetamine withdrawal
Authors: McGregor Catherine , Srisurapanont Manit , Jittiwutikarn Jaroon , Laobhripatr Suchart , Wongtan Thirawat , White Jason M. 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTAims  To characterize the natural history of methamphetamine withdrawal during the first 3 weeks of abstinence.Design  Cross‐sectional study with comparison group.Setting  A substance use treatment facility in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.Participants  The sample comprised 21 in‐patients undergoing treatment for methamphetamine dependence. Nine age‐ and sex‐matched non‐dependent individuals provided comparison data.Measurements  Instruments including: the Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire, a modified version of the Cocaine Selective Severity Assessment, Clinical Global Impression scale and the St Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire were completed daily for the first 3 weeks of abstinence.Findings  Methamphetamine withdrawal severity declined from a high initial peak within 24 hours of the last use of amphetamines reducing to near control levels by the end of the first week of abstinence (the acute phase). The acute phase of amphetamine withdrawal was characterized by increased sleeping and eating, a cluster of depression‐related symptoms and less severely, anxiety and craving‐related symptoms. Following the acute withdrawal phase most withdrawal symptoms remained stable and at low levels for the remaining 2 weeks of abstinence.Conclusions  This study has provided evidence of a methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome that can be categorized into two phases, the acute phase lasting 7–10 days during which overall symptom severity declined in a linear pattern from a high initial peak, and a subacute phase lasting at least a further 2 weeks.
State and diagnostic value of plasma tissue factor in early‐hospitalised patients with chest pain
Authors: van Der Putten Roy F. M. , Velthuis Henk te , de Zwaan Chris , Aarden Lucien A. , Glatz Jan F. C. , Hermens Wim T. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryTo study the state and diagnostic value of plasma tissue factor (TF) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), we quantitatively compared plasma TF antigen and TF activity in 90 early‐hospitalised patients with chest pain. Using high‐affinity antibodies, a sensitive assay for TF antigen was developed with a detection limit of 40 fmol/l. One of the antibodies was used to capture TF from plasma and, after elution and dialysis‐free reconstitution in phospholipid‐glucoside micelles, absolute amounts of TF activity could be measured with a detection limit of 80 fmol/l. All TF in plasma was found to be exposed, and a value of 2·5(1·1–14·8) pmol/l (median with range) was found for TF antigen. Most of this TF antigen (70–80%) circulated in a (potentially) functional state. Left in its in vivo state, however, TF captured from plasma was totally inactive, probably because of the lack of a procoagulant matrix. Compared with controls with non‐cardiac chest pain, TF activity was unchanged and TF antigen about 25% elevated in ACS patients. Combined with the markers prothrombin fragment F1+2 and fatty acid‐binding protein, TF did not improve the early diagnosis of ACS.
Effectiveness of a mutual support group for families of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Chien Wai Tong , Chan Sally , Morrissey Jean , Thompson David 
Published: August 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study to examine the effectiveness of a 12‐session mutual support group for Chinese families caring for a relative with schizophrenia compared with a psycho‐educational group and routine family support services in Hong Kong.Background.  Schizophrenia is a disruptive and distressing illness for patients and their families. With the current trend of community care for mental illness, there is evidence that family intervention reduces patient relapse and re‐hospitalization, satisfies the health needs of families and enhances their coping capabilities.Methods.  A randomized controlled trial was conducted from May 2002 to June 2003 with 96 Chinese families of a relative with schizophrenia selected from two psychiatric outpatient clinics in Hong Kong. Families were randomly assigned to receive mutual support (n = 32), psycho‐education (n = 33) or standard care only (n = 31). The interventions were delivered at outpatient clinics over a 6‐month period. Pre‐ and post‐ (1 week and 6 months) testing took place and families’ functioning, mental health service utilization, patients’ level of functioning and duration of re‐hospitalization were measured.Results.  At both post‐test periods, family caregivers and patients in the mutual support group reported statistically significant improvements on family and patients’ level of functioning, when compared with their counterparts in the psycho‐education and standard care groups.Conclusions.  The findings support the use of mutual support groups as an effective modality of family intervention in a Chinese population caring for a family member with schizophrenia to improve both family and patient functioning.