bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of photodegradation and metastability in solution‐processed and plasmatic polysilylenes
Authors: Schauer F. , Dokoupil N. , Horváth P. , Kuřitka I. , Nešpůrek S. , Pospíšil J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis study deals with photodegradation and metastability of polysilylenes. Physical properties of chemically prepared poly[methyl(phenyl)silylene] and polysilylenes prepared in radio‐frequency and microwave discharges are compared. The position and width of the photoluminescence band due to the main chain excitations for both materials preserve but its intensity strongly depends on the preparation conditions and changes considerably during the photodegradation. The difference in photodegradation rate of both materials is explained by their different susceptibility to silyl radical formation and reverse recombination due to the chain and side groups rigidity.
Facile synthesis of exfoliated and highly conductive poly(arylene disulfide)/graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Du X. S. , Xiao M. , Meng Y. Z. , Hay A. S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractExfoliated graphite has been synthesized by first synthesizing H2SO4 intercalated compound in a H2O2‐H2SO4 mixture, followed by exfoliation under microwave irradiation. Poly(arylene disulfide)/graphite nanocomposites were then fabricated by absorbing cyclic(arylene disulfide) oligomers into the pores of exfoliated graphite. Subsequently, the nanocomposite precursor was subjected to heat treatment to carry out the in situ ring‐opening polymerization of the oligomers via free radical mechanism. The as‐prepared nanocomposite exhibited a exfoliated nanostructure as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The nanocomposite with a very small amount of graphite, 5 wt%, possesses a highly electrical conductivity of 4 S/cm, therefore, many applications can be found as conductive materials. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of thermally crosslinkable fluorine‐containing poly(arylene ether ketone)s—II. Propargyl ether terminated poly(arylene ether ketone)s
Authors: Kimura Kunio , Nishichi Ai , Yamashita Yuhiko 
Published: May 2004

AbstractNovel thermally crosslinkable fluorine‐containing poly(arylene ether ketone)s comprised of 2,3,5, 6‐tetrafluoro‐1,4‐phenylene moiety were synthesized by the termination of polymer chain ends with propargyl ether groups in order to improve solvent resistance. Crosslinking reaction occurred over 250°C through the formation of both chromen ring and polyene structure. This structure change brought about not only the outstanding solvent resistance but also the increase in glass transition temperature (Tg). The cured films also exhibited excellent thermal stability, transparency and hydrophobicity derived from fluorine atoms. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/zein blends
Authors: Corradini E. , Mattoso L. H. C. , Guedes C. G. F. , Rosa D. S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBlends of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with zein (PCL/zein) in different proportions (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100 wt% containing 5 wt% glycerol) were compared based on their mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus), and on their thermal properties, the latter determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The morphology of the materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Blends of PCL/zein showed reduced tensile strength and elongation at break, but increased Young's modulus compared to the pure polymers, in agreement with the DMTA and SEM results. These findings indicated that PCL and zein were incompatible. TGA showed that the thermal stability was enhanced by the addition of zein to PCL, whereas SEM showed a poor interfacial interaction between the polymers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal overgrowth and mosaic trisomy 15q25‐qter including the IGF1 receptor gene
Authors: Faivre Laurence , Rousseau Thierry , Laurent Nicole , Gosset Philippe , Sanlaville Damien , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Cusin Véronica , Lionnais Stéphanie , Callier Patrick , Khau Van Kien Philippe , Huet Frédéric , Turleau Catherine , Sagot Paul , Mugneret Francine 
Published: May 2004

AbstractOvergrowth is rarely associated with chromosomal imbalances. Here, we report on a male foetus presenting with overgrowth and additional material on the short arm of one of the chromosome 15 in 12% of lymphocytes and 50% of amniotic cells. Parents' karyotypes were normal, indicating a de novo origin for this unbalanced rearrangement. Complementary studies using cytogenetic and FISH studies showed that this additional material resulted in a 15q25‐qter trisomy and confirmed the presence of three copies of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) gene, included in the trisomic region. Autopsy performed after termination of pregnancy revealed isolated overgrowth and absence of visceral malformations. The possible mechanisms and origins for the formation of this mosaic pure trisomy are complex. The present observation emphasises the hypothesis that the overgrowth phenotype, frequently reported in patients with trisomy including the 15q26 region, might be causally related to a dosage effect of the IGF1R gene, as well as the importance of chromosome analysis in patients with overgrowth. It also confirms that the overgrowth is of prenatal onset in those observations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High frequency of use of rofecoxib at greater than recommended doses: cause for concern
Authors: Griffin Marie R. , Stein C. Michael , Graham David J. , Daugherty James R. , Arbogast Patrick G. , Ray Wayne A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPurposeTo determine the prevalence of chronic use of rofecoxib 50 mg. Rofecoxib is unusual among nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in that the licensed dose for acute pain is double the maximum dose recommended for chronic use. The 50 mg dose is recommended for acute pain only, for a maximum of 5 days. In clinical trials of chronic use for arthritis, hypertension was more frequent in patients assigned 50 mg rofecoxib than in those assigned lower doses or other NSAIDs. Thus chronic use of high doses of rofecoxib has implications for patient safety.MethodsCross‐sectional analysis of the prevalence of chronic use of rofecoxib 50 mg in 2001, among persons aged ≥50 years, enrolled in the Tennessee Medicaid program.ResultsOn 1 July 2001, 14% of the study population had a current prescription for an NSAID, with a supply of pills for >5 days. Of all NSAID prescriptions, 25% were for rofecoxib, and 17% of these prescriptions were for >25 mg daily. Of those prescribed >25 mg daily, 71% filled prescriptions for at least 50 mg for 30 days. In this latter group, 60% and 69% filled another rofecoxib prescription within 1 and 2 weeks, respectively, of the end of their 30 days supply. Demographics and co‐morbid conditions of high dose rofecoxib users did not differ substantially from users of other NSAIDs or the total population.ConclusionUse of rofecoxib 50 mg for >5 days is relatively common. In view of dose‐related adverse effects, such use should be discouraged. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introducing triage logic as a new strategy for the detection of signals in the WHO Drug Monitoring Database
Authors: Ståhl M. , Lindquist M. , Edwards I. R. , Brown E. G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPurposeAn important role for the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring is to identify signals of international drug safety problems as early as possible. The signal detection strategy, operated at the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), gave too many drug–adverse drug reaction (ADR) combinations for individual review. Therefore additional selection strategies were needed to improve the likely signal‐to‐noise ratio and for the UMC to complement the efforts of national centres in an efficient way.MethodsThe combinations database of the first quarter of 2001 was analysed using algorithms representing different strategies for finding relevant signals using triage logic.ResultsThe strategies that together gave a manageable number of combinations, i.e. around 600, for further consideration in a single quarter were the algorithms for ‘Rapid reporting increase’, ‘Serious reaction and new drug’ and ‘Special interests’. These filters began to be used routinely on the combinations database in late 2001.ConclusionsWhile stressing that human review is essential, triage strategies are useful when attempting analysis of large amounts of data. By definition, the use of triage strategies may exclude some potential signals from consideration, although the intention is to improve the chances of detection by focussing on areas of greatest importance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors related with prescription requirement to dispense in Spain
Authors: Caamaño Isorna Francisco , Tomé‐Otero Manuel , Takkouche Bahi , Figueiras Adolfo 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPurposeTo identify factors associated with prescription requirement to dispense.MethodsWe carried out a cross‐sectional study on a sample of 166 pharmacists in North‐West Spain. The following independent variables were collected through a personal interview: pharmacist's education and speciality, characteristics of the pharmacy, and its socio‐economic environment. We constructed multiple regression models using as dependent variables: requirement of prescription to dispense five drugs which have to be dispensed with a prescription; and opinion on whether a prescription should be required to dispense these drugs.ResultsThe response rate was 98.8%. A proportion of 65.9% of pharmacists dispense antibiotics without any prescription. This proportion is 83.5% for nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, 46.3% for ACE inhibitors, 13.4% for benzodiazepines and 84.8% for oral contraceptives. A higher requirement prescription was found to be associated with the antecedent of a speciality training of the pharmacist (p = 0.028) and his or her age (p < 0.001). A low prescription requirement is associated with the condition of being owner of the pharmacy (p = 0.032), with a high economic level of the population attended (p = 0.016) and with the size of the pharmacy (p = 0.045).ConclusionsThe proportion of pharmacists who dispense drugs without a prescription is extremely high. Our results suggest that in order to increase quality of dispensing, it is necessary to increase pharmacist education and direct efforts of awareness primarily at pharmacists in charge, who are young and work in large pharmacies. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Refill rate of antipsychotic drugs: an easy and inexpensive method to monitor patients' compliance by using computerised pharmacy data
Authors: Rijcken C. A. W. , Tobi H. , Vergouwen A. C. M. , de Jong‐van den Berg L. T. W. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPurposeIn the literature, noncompliance to medication in patients with schizophrenia ranges from 20 to 89%. There is an urgent need for reliable and valid techniques that measure compliance in antipsychotic drug treatment. In this study, we use pharmacy‐dispensing records to assess compliance by calculating the refill rate of antipsychotic medication.MethodsRefill rates of chronic antipsychotic drug users in 1999 and in 2000 were established by dividing the number of prescribed days by the total number of calendar days that the patient was registered in a pharmacy prescription records database.ResultsMore than 50% of patients using an antipsychotic drug show a refill rate that is associated with medication compliance (0.9–1.1). The number of daily antipsychotic drug intakes was associated with a divergent refill rate, more than once daily dosing was associated with a significantly elevated refill rate (p < 0.015).ConclusionsThe refill rate is a valuable addition to the small arsenal of objective compliance measurement tools. It is an easy to obtain and inexpensive way to estimate (non)compliance. We recommend future studies to medication use in both mental and physical disorders, in order to further specify the actual value of refill rates in clinical practice. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibiotic utilization prevalence: prospective comparison between two medical departments in a tertiary care university hospital
Authors: Gendel Inna , Azzam Zaher S. , Braun Eyal , Levy Yshai , Krivoy Norberto 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to analyze prospectively antibiotic utilization, comparing two in‐patient Internal Medicine units.MethodsData on individual antibiotic utilization pattern and antibiotic costs were collected prospectively from hospitalized patient charts over a 12‐month period, using the prescription‐point prevalence method twice a month, for a total of 24 encounters for each admission unit.ResultsThe antibiotic volume/patient (number of prescriptions), using the prescription‐point prevalence methodology, was 330 and 557 in Internal Medicine B and D, respectively, resulting in 1.29 and 1.25 antibiotic courses/patient for each of the two units, respectively (p = 0.91). Thirty‐five percent and 39% of the patients received at least one anti‐microbial prescription. The total defined daily dose (DDD) and drug utilization 90% (DU90%) index for the units were 432.7 DDD, DU90% 389.7 and 727.8 DDD, DU90% 660.4, respectively (p = 0.01). The drug cost 90% index (DC90%) placed piperacillin–tazobactam in the first place in both units, while amoxycillin–clavulanic acid was in first place when the DU90% index was applied.ConclusionsA significant statistical difference was found in the anti‐microbial cost analyzes of DDD, DU90% and DC90% indexes of the two units, using the prescription‐point prevalence methodology. The intervention of a clinical pharmacology specialist in one of the units was effective in reducing the costs registered in that unit. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preface: phys. stat. sol. (b) 241/7
Authors: Shin Sung‐Chul 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe KMS/SOMMA Meeting 2003 was held 3–6 December 2003 at Spapia Hotel, Daejeon, Korea. It was the 5th SOMMA (International Symposium on Magnetic Materials and Applications) organized by ReCAMM (Research Center for Advanced Magnetic Materials) of Chungnam National University. Since 2002, the Korean Magnetics Society (KMS) winter conference has been jointly held with SOMMA. This was the second time to have a KMS/SOMMA joint meeting.The main objective of the meeting was to provide an international forum to discuss up‐to‐date results on magnetism and magnetic materials. The conference brought together 360 participants from 12 countries. Sessions of the meeting were: Theory and Fundamentals, Magnetic Random Access Memory, Spintronics, Information Storage, Nanostructured Materials, Sensors, and Interdisciplinary. In these seven sessions, 325 papers were presented including 66 oral and 259 poster presentations. Since the symposium was held in Korea, this enabled a large number of Asian scientists to attend: 239 from Korea, 41 from Japan, 7 from Taiwan, and 5 from China.The conference program had 25 invited and plenary speakers. They were Y. Ando (Tohoku U.), M. Inoue (Toyohashi U. Tech), H. Kubota (Tohoku U.), K. Mohri (Nagoya U.), M. Sahashi, M. Takahashi, K. Takanashi, M. Tsunoda (Tohoku U.), and H. Yoda (Toshiba) from Japan; A. J. Freeman (Northwestern U.), A. T. Hanbicki (NRL), F. B. Humphrey (Boston U.), and S. Sun (IBM) from the USA; J. D. Boeck (IMEC, Belgium), B. Dieny (CEA, France), N. Garcia (CSIS, Spain), G. Reiss (Bielefeld U., Germany), T. Stobiecki (U. M. & M. Krakow, Poland), and M. Wolfram (Singulus Tech, Germany) from Europe; C. G. Kim, D. J. Kim (CNU), T. W. Kim (SAIT), S. H. Lim (KIST), Sung‐Chul Shin (KAIST), and Yoon Hee Chung (POSTEC) from Korea.For the first time, the SOMMA Proceedings appear in physica status solidi. The Editors hope that the Proceedings could provide chances for deeper and wider understanding of the presentations as well as for enhanced relationship between all participants. We deeply appreciate the help of the editorial staff of physica status solidi for their efficient and kind help during the paper preparations and publications.Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Advisory Committee, Organizing Committee, referees, and KMS staff for their effort before, during, and after the meeting.
Sample sizes for clinical trials with Normal data
Authors: Julious Steven A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis article gives an overview of sample size calculations for parallel group and cross‐over studies with Normal data. Sample size derivation is given for trials where the objective is to demonstrate: superiority, equivalence, non‐inferiority, bioequivalence and estimation to a given precision, for different types I and II errors. It is demonstrated how the different trial objectives influence the null and alternative hypotheses of the trials and how these hypotheses influence the calculations. Sample size tables for the different types of trials and worked examples are given. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive Performance and Variability of the Cardiac Anesthesia Risk Evaluation Score
Authors: Ouattara Alexandre , Niculescu Michaëla , Ghazouani Sarra , Babolian Ario , Landi Marc , Lecomte Patrick , Boccara Gilles , Varnous Sheida , Leprince Pascal , Riou Bruno , Coriat Pierre 
Published: May 2004

Background
The Cardiac Anesthesia Risk Evaluation (CARE) score, a simple Canadian classification for predicting outcome after cardiac surgery, was evaluated in 556 consecutive patients in Paris, France. The authors compared its performance to those of two multifactorial risk indexes (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation [EuroSCORE] and Tu score) and tested its variability between groups of physicians (anesthesiologists, surgeons, and cardiologists).

Methods
Each patient was simultaneously assessed using the three scores by an attending anesthesiologist in the immediate preoperative period. In a blinded study, the CARE score category was also determined by a cardiologist the day before surgery, by a surgeon in the operating room, and by a second anesthesiologist at arrival in intensive care unit. Calibration and discrimination for predicting outcomes were assessed by goodness-of-fit test and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, respectively. The level of agreement of the CARE scoring between the three physicians was then assessed.

Results
The calibration analysis revealed no significant difference between expected and observed outcomes for the three classifications. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for mortality were 0.77 with the CARE score, 0.78 with the EuroSCORE, and 0.73 with the Tu score (not significant). The agreement rate of the CARE scoring between two anesthesiologists, between anesthesiologists and surgeons, and between anesthesiologists and cardiologists were 90%, 83%, and 77%, respectively.

Conclusions
Despite its simplicity, the CARE score predicts mortality and major morbidity as well the EuroSCORE. In addition, it remains devoid of significant variability when used by groups of physicians of different specialties.
Recovery from Sleep Deprivation Occurs during Propofol Anesthesia
Authors: Tung Avery , Bergmann Bernard M. , Herrera Stacy , Cao Dingcai , Mendelson Wallace B. 
Published: May 2004

Background
Some neurophysiologic similarities between sleep and anesthesia suggest that an anesthetized state may reverse effects of sleep deprivation. The effect of anesthesia on sleep homeostasis, however, is unknown. To test the hypothesis that recovery from sleep deprivation occurs during anesthesia, the authors followed 24 h of sleep deprivation in the rat with a 6-h period of either ad libitum sleep or propofol anesthesia, and compared subsequent sleep characteristics.

Methods
With animal care committee approval, electroencephalographic/electromyographic electrodes and intrajugular cannulae were implanted in 32 rats. After a 7-day recovery and 24-h baseline electroencephalographic/electromyographic recording period, rats were sleep deprived for 24 h by the disk-over-water method. Rats then underwent 6 h of either propofol anesthesia (n = 16) or ad libitum sleep with intralipid administration (n = 16), followed by electroencephalographic/electromyographic monitoring for 72 h.

Results
In control rats, increases above baseline in non-rapid eye movement sleep, rapid eye movement sleep, and non-rapid eye movement delta power persisted for 12 h after 24 h of sleep deprivation. Recovery from sleep deprivation in anesthetized rats was similar in timing to that of controls. No delayed rebound effects were observed in either group for 72 h after deprivation.

Conclusion
These data show that a recovery process similar to that occurring during naturally occurring sleep also takes place during anesthesia and suggest that sleep and anesthesia share common regulatory mechanisms. Such interactions between sleep and anesthesia may allow anesthesiologists to better understand a potentially important source of variability in anesthetic action and raise the possibility that anesthetics may facilitate sleep in environments where sleep deprivation is common.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor β2 Subunit Mediates the Hypothermic Effect of Etomidate in Mice
Authors: Cirone Jennifer , Rosahl Thomas W. , Reynolds David S. , Newman Richard J. , O'Meara Gillian F. , Hutson Peter H. , Wafford Keith A. 
Published: May 2004

Background
The authors have previously described that the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor beta 2N265S mutation results in a knock-in mouse with reduced sensitivity to etomidate. After recovery from etomidate anesthesia, these mice have improved motor performance and less slow wave sleep. Because most clinically used anesthetics produce hypothermia, the effect of this mutation on core body temperature was investigated.

Methods
The effect of etomidate and propofol on core body temperature were measured using radiotelemetry in freely moving GABAA receptor beta 2N265S mutant mice and wild-type controls.

Results
beta 2N265S mutant mice have a reduced hypothermic response to anesthetic doses of etomidate compared with wild-type controls and after a transient loss of righting reflex regain normothermia more rapidly compared with wild-type controls. Subanesthetic doses of etomidate produce hypothermia, which was not observed in the mutant mice. Vehicle administration resulted in a stress-induced hyperthermic response in both genotypes. Propofol produced a hypothermic response that was similar in both genotypes.

Conclusions
The GABAA receptor beta 2 subunit mediates a significant proportion of the hypothermic effects of etomidate. As the beta 2 subunit mediates postrecovery ataxia and sedation, anesthetic agents that do not have in vivo potency at beta 2 subunit-containing receptors offer the potential for surgical anesthesia with improved recovery characteristics.