bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New interpretation of progression bands observed in infrared spectra of nylon‐m/n
Authors: Yoshioka Yayoi , Tashiro Kohji , Ramesh Chellaswami 
Published: May 2003

AbstractA series of progression bands observed in the infrared spectra of nylon‐m/n and their model compounds have been interpreted in a new manner on the basis of simply coupled oscillator models of zigzag alkyl chains. Nylon‐m/n possesses the methylene sequences of (CH2)m and (CH2)n−2, and so the effective models of m and n − 2 coupled oscillators, respectively, had previously been assumed for the methylene rocking–twisting mode, for example. However, the spectral patterns of progression bands predicted by this previously proposed model have been found to be inconsistent with those observed for many kinds of nylon samples with various m and n values. It is rather reasonable to assume that the effective numbers of oscillators should be m − 2 and n − 4 for the methylene rocking, twisting, and wagging modes of the (CH2)m and (CH2)n−2 sequences, respectively. In other words, the infrared progression bands observed for methylene local modes of nylon‐m/n may be interpreted reasonably with the data of n‐alkane molecules with the chemical formulae CH3(CH2)m−2CH3 and CH3(CH2)n−4CH3. For the CC stretching modes, the equivalent n‐alkanes are CH3(CH2)m−1CH3 and CH3(CH2)n−3CH3, respectively. In the simply coupled oscillator model, the vibrational mode of one methylene group is represented by an oscillator, for example. Our new concept is to isolate the terminal oscillator adjacent to the amide group from the other oscillators in the inner parts of the methylene zigzag sequence. This corresponds to a physical situation in which the methylene group adjacent to the amide group shows a different vibrational behavior of larger amplitude than those of the inner methylene sequence, as supported by broad‐line NMR data and molecular dynamics calculations reported in the literature. Another possibility is a difference in the electron structure of the methylene unit adjacent to the amide group from that of the inner methylene sequence, resulting in a difference in the force constant and giving a vibrational decoupling between these two types of methylene units. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1294–1307, 2003
Prediction and estimation of solvent diffusivities in polyacrylate and polymethacrylates
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeo , Wang Bao‐Guo , Matsuda Eriya , Suzuki Shigejiro , Nakao Shin‐Ichi 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe relationship between polymer side‐chain length and the hole free volume that is effective for solvent diffusion was investigated for polyacrylates and polymethacrylates on the basis of free‐volume theory. Measurements of a polymer's viscoelasticity and solvent diffusivity provided experimental evidence for polymer segment mobility, and the results indicated that hole free volume in a linear polymer increases with hydrocarbon side‐chain length. Because the molecular mechanisms of polymer viscoelasticity and diffusivity are identical, the free‐volume parameters obtained for polyacrylates and polymethacrylates by measuring the polymer viscoelastic‐temperature dependence can reliably be used in predicting the solvent diffusion coefficient. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1393–1400, 2003
Construct validity of newly developed quality of life assessment instrument for child and adolescent cancer patients in Taiwan
Authors: Yeh Chao‐Hsing , Hung Li‐Chen 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to test the convergent, discriminant, and clinical validity of the Quality of Life in Childhood Cancer (QOLCC) instrument for measuring the quality of life of Taiwanese children who suffer from cancer. In total, 160 patients were recruited for the study, including 105 male and 55 female. Overall, QOLCC consisted of generic measure and disease‐specific domains to assess the Quality of Life (QOL) for children treated for cancer. The QOLCC is a symptom or problem‐based questionnaire with the conceptual framework that health‐related problems can be solved from both a biomedical perspective (e.g. changing the patient's medical treatment can enhance the QOL) and from a biobehavioral perspective (e.g. problem solving on a daily basis). This QOLCC, which can be administered in 15 min, is the first documented measure of the QOL administered directly to Taiwanese Children. It demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties. Application of the QOLCC to Taiwanese children with cancer produced encouraging results, validation from a larger independent parent population is still necessary. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial efﬁcacy of Rumex nepalensis Spreng. roots
Authors: Ghosh Lopamudra , Gayen Jiaur Rahaman , Sinha Sanghamitra , Pal Sanchayita , Pal M. , Saha B. P. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractThe antibacterial property of Rumex nepalensis Spreng. was evaluated against some strains of bacteria. The methanol extract of the roots (tested at 200–1000 µg/disc) showed signiﬁcant concentration‐dependent antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatoprotective phenolic constituents of Rhodiola sachalinensis on tacrine‐induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells
Authors: Song Eun‐Kyung , Kim Jung‐Hwan , Kim Jung‐Sik , Cho Hyun , Nan Ji‐Xing , Sohn Dong‐Hwan , Ko Gun‐Il , Oh Hyuncheol , Kim Youn‐Chul 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTwo hepatoprotective phenolic compounds, kaempferol (2) and salidroside (4), were isolated from the roots of Rhodiola sachalinensis together with two inactive compounds cinnamyl alcohol (1) and daucosterol (3) based on the hepatoprotective activity against tacrine‐induced cytotoxicity in human liver‐derived Hep G2 cells. The EC50 values of compounds 2 and 4 were 33.5 and 51.3 µm, respectively. Silybin as a positive control showed an EC50 value of 68.4 µm. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of mustard leaf (Brassica juncea)
Authors: Young Kim Hyun , Yokozawa Takako , Ju Cho Eun , Sik Cheigh Hong , Sue Choi Jae , Young Chung Hae 
Published: May 2003

AbstractTo investigate the antioxidant activity of mustard leaf (Brassica juncea), we prepared four fractions (CH2Cl2, EtOAc, BuOH and H2O fractions) and examined their radical scavenging activities in vitro and in vivo. Based on the in vitro results of spin trapping and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical, we carried out an in vivo study with the BuOH fraction to investigate its effect on oxidative stress in rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes. We found that in comparison with untreated diabetic control rats, oral administration of the BuOH fraction (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 days) induced a signiﬁcant decrease in serum glucose and glycosylated protein, which is glycosylated with hemoglobin as an indicator of oxidative stress. Moreover, administration of the BuOH fraction also effectively reduced the serum superoxide and nitrite/nitrate levels. Furthermore, the levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances in serum and liver were also signiﬁcantly lower than in the control group. These results indicate that the BuOH fraction of mustard leaf controls glucose metabolism and reduces lipid peroxidation as well as the level of oxygen radicals, ameliorating the damage caused by oxidative stress in diabetes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carpobrotus edulis methanol extract inhibits the MDR efﬂux pumps, enhances killing of phagocytosed S. aureus and promotes immune modulation
Authors: Ordway Diane , Hohmann Judit , Viveiros Miguel , Viveiros Antonio , Molnar Joseph , Leandro Clara , Arroz Maria Jorge , Gracio Maria Amelia , Amaral Leonard 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAlthough alkaloids from the family Aizoaceae have anticancer activity, species of this family have received little attention. Because these alkaloids also exhibit properties normally associated with compounds that have activity at the level of the plasma membrane, a methanol extract of Carpobrotus edulis, a common plant found along the Portuguese coast, was studied for properties normally associated with plasma membrane active compounds. The results of this study show that the extract is non‐toxic at concentrations that inhibit a verapamil sensitive efﬂux pump of L5178 mouse T cell lymphoma cell line thereby rendering these multi‐drug resistant cells susceptible to anticancer drugs. These non‐toxic concentrations also prime THP‐1 human monocyte‐derived macrophages to kill ingested Staphylococcus aureus and to promote the release of lymphokines associated with cellular immune functions. The extract also induces the proliferation of THP‐1 cells within 1 day of exposure to quantities normally associated with phytohaemagglutinin. The potential role of the compound(s) isolated from this plant in cancer biology is intriguing and is currently under investigation. It is supposed that the resistance modiﬁer and immunomodulatory effect of this plant extract can be exploited in the experimental chemotherapy of cancer and bacterial or viral infections. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmaceutic interaction between digoxin and Cremophor RH40
Authors: Tayrouz Yorki , Ding Reinhard , Burhenne Jürgen , Riedel Klaus‐Dieter , Weiss Johanna , Hoppe‐Tichy Torsten , Haefeli Walter Emil , Mikus Gerd 
Published: May 2003

BackgroundThe pharmacokinetics of digoxin is modulated by the efflux pump P‐glycoprotein. Cremophor EL (BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Ludwigshafen, Germany) (polyoxyl 35 castor oil), a castor oil derivative used to improve the solubilization of drugs and vitamins, has been shown to inhibit this membrane transporter in vitro and in vivo. So far, no study in humans has evaluated the effect of Cremophor RH40 (BASF Aktiengesellschaft) (polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil) on P‐glycoprotein.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study in 12 healthy individuals was performed with a single oral dose of 0.5 mg digoxin in a hard gelatin capsule in combination with multiple doses of oral Cremophor RH40 (600 mg 3 times daily) or placebo. A digitized electrocardiogram with 12 standard leads was recorded to assess the pharmacodynamics of digoxin.ResultsCremophor RH40 delayed and enhanced the absorption of digoxin in the first 5 hours after dosing. During Cremophor RH40 administration, digoxin lag time was significantly prolonged compared with placebo (0.53 ± 0.25 hour versus 0.36 ± 0.19 hour, P = .04). The peak concentration of digoxin increased by 22%, from 2.21 ± 0.94 ng/mL to 2.69 ± 1.28 ng/mL (P = .06). Similarly, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to 5 hours significantly increased by 22% (5.23 ± 1.63 h · ng/mL versus 4.30 ± 1.12 h · ng/mL, P = .03). Digoxin did not cause a clinically significant change in the dynamic parameters during both periods.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a pharmacokinetic and pharmaceutic interaction between the emulgent Cremophor RH40 and digoxin, caused by P‐glycoprotein inhibition and prolongation of the dissolution time of digoxin tablets by Cremophor RH40, respectively. Our in vivo study in humans supports the validity of in vitro observations on P‐glycoprotein.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2003) 73, 397–405; doi: 10.1016/S0009‐9236(03)00059‐6
The social determinants of youth gambling in South Australian adolescents
Authors: Delfabbro Paul , Thrupp Letitia 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTRecent Australian studies (Moore, S.M., and Ohtsuka, K. (1997). Journal of Gambling Studies, 13, 207–236) have revealed a strong youth interest in gambling in Australia, as reflected in current participatation levels, future intentions and attitudes. Implicit in much of this attitudinal research is that youth gambling is strongly influenced by the familial, social and cultural norms to which young people are exposed. In this paper, we investigate the hypothesis that gambling can be understood in terms of variations in economic socialization, namely, the way in which children learn about money, risk, and saving. A school survey of 505 adolescents (aged 15–17 years) showed that over 60% of adolescents were gambling annually and that 3.5% scored in the problematic range on the DSM‐IV‐J (Fisher, S.E. (1999). Addiction Research, 7, 509–538). More frequent gambling was associated with parental and peer gambling and pro‐gambling attitudes, but unrelated to adolescents’ attitudes towards economic concepts. Nevertheless, in partial support of the hypotheses, adolescents whose parents taught them about keeping to a budget, saving money, and maintaining their finances were less likely to express an interest in future gambling.
Leaving high school: the influence and consequences for psychological well‐being and career‐related confidence
Authors: Creed Peter A. , Muller Juanita , Patton Wendy 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the well‐being and career decision‐making self‐efficacy (CDMSE) of adolescents before and after leaving school, and tests for the changes in these variables as a result of leaving school. While at high school, 309 students were assessed on levels of school achievement, well‐being (psychological distress, self‐esteem, life satisfaction) and CDMSE. Nine months after leaving school, 168 of these students completed the above surveys and measures of their access to the latent (e.g. social contact, time structure) and manifest (i.e. financial) benefits of employment, and work commitment. At T2, 21% were full‐time students, 35% were full‐time students who were also working part‐time, 22% were employed in full‐time jobs, and 21% were in the labour market but not employed full‐time. These groupings were differentiated at T2 on aspects of well‐being, self‐efficacy, and access to the latent and manifest benefits of work, and at T1 on aspects of well‐being and confidence. Leaving school improved well‐being and confidence for some. One group was disadvantaged by having poorer well‐being while at school, which predisposed them to disadvantage in the labour market. Results are discussed in relation to models of well‐being and drift/social causation.
Risk taking and coping strategies among Israeli adolescents
Authors: Ben‐Zur Hasida , Reshef‐Kfir Yifat 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTThe research sample consisted of 140 Israeli 10th‐ and 11th‐graders who completed questionnaires about risk‐taking behaviours and coping strategies. The study assessed the associations between risk behaviours and perceptions of benefit and risk in these behaviours as measured by a questionnaire based on the Risk Involvement and Perception Scale (Siegel, A. W., Cousins, J. H., Rubovits, P., Parsons, J. T., Lavery, B., Crowley, C. L. (1994). Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 2, 89–98); and the associations between risk measures and problem‐focused, support and avoidance coping strategies as assessed by the COPE scale (Carver, C. S., Scheier, M., Weintraub, J. K. (1989). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 56, 267–283). The data were analysed using correlations and multiple regressions. The main results showed that high involvement in risk behaviour was positively related to the perception of benefit in risk behaviour, but perception of risk was not related to involvement in risk behaviour. Most significantly, the use of avoidance coping strategies was related to high involvement in risk behaviours. The results suggest that perception of benefit and the use of avoidance coping strategies may constitute significant factors in the decision to take risks, with implications for intervention programs aimed at adolescents.
l‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric acid inhibits mitochondrial creatine kinase activity from cerebellum of developing rats
Authors: da Silva Cleide G. , Bueno Ana Rúbia F. , Schuck Patrı́cia F. , Leipnitz Guilhian , Ribeiro César A.J. , Wannmacher Clóvis M.D. , Wyse Angela T.S. , Wajner Moacir 
Published: May 2003

Abstractl‐2‐Hydroxyglutaric acid (LGA) is the biochemical hallmark of patients affected by the neurometabolic disorder known as l‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria (LHGA). Although this disorder is predominantly characterized by severe neurological findings and pronounced cerebellum atrophy, the neurotoxic mechanisms of brain injury are virtually unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of LGA, at 0.25–5 mM concentrations, on total creatine kinase (tCK) activity from cerebellum, cerebral cortex, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle homogenates of 30‐day‐old Wistar rats. CK activity was measured also in the cytosolic (Cy‐CK) and mitochondrial (Mi‐CK) fractions from cerebellum. We verified that tCK activity was significantly inhibited by LGA in the cerebellum, but not in cerebral cortex, cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle. Furthermore, CK activity from the mitochondrial fraction was inhibited by LGA, whereas that from the cytosolic fraction of cerebellum was not affected by the acid. Kinetic studies revealed that the inhibitory effect of LGA on Mi‐CK was non‐competitive in relation to phosphocreatine. Finally, we verified that the inhibitory effect of LGA on tCK was fully prevented by pre‐incubation of the homogenates with reduced glutathione (GSH), suggesting that this inhibition is possibly mediated by oxidation of essential thiol groups of the enzyme. Considering the importance of creatine kinase activity for energy homeostasis, our results suggest that the selective inhibition of this enzyme activity by increased levels of LGA could be possibly related to the cerebellar degeneration characteristically found in patients affected by l‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria.
Autonomic function in elderly patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Zi M. , Wisniacki N. , Delaney J. , Donnellan C. , Lye M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAims:Autonomic function (AF) is attenuated by heart failure (HF). Reports have been based on studies of young patients with systolic heart failure (SHF). However, HF is a disease of older patients who are more likely to have diastolic heart failure (DHF). We investigated whether age alters AF in elderly HF patients and whether the haemodynamic type of HF influences AF.Method and results:Thirty‐six elderly HF (Framingham criteria) patients (11 with SHF, 25 with DHF) and 21 matched healthy subjects underwent simple bedside AF tests. Compared with the reference values for healthy adults, the mean E:I ratios and the median 30:15 ratios standing were all essentially normal. The median 30:15 ratios tilt and the mean Valsalva ratios were all significantly below the reference value (P for all cases ≪0.050). Comparing three groups, there were no significant differences for mean E:I ratio (P=0.111), 30:15 tilt (P=0.619) and 30:15 standing (P=0.167), whereas there were significant differences for the mean Valsalva ratios (P=0.001). The mean Valsalva ratio of the SHF patients was significantly lower than that for the DHF patients (P<0.001) which in turn was significantly lower than the result of the healthy subjects (P<0.001).Conclusion:There is an age‐related impairment in AF with further impairment occurring in patients with HF. However, the severity of autonomic dysfunction is less in patients with DHF compared with patients with SHF.
Impact of atrial fibrillation on mortality in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: van den Berg Maarten P. , van Gelder Isabelle C. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractChronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation often occur together. The aim of the study is to review the available literature on the impact of atrial fibrillation on mortality in patients with heart failure. Using MEDLINE six full papers were identified. In the studies with severe heart failure atrial fibrillation did not emerge as an independent predictor of mortality beyond standard clinical variables. In contrast, atrial fibrillation was associated with increased mortality in case of mild‐to‐moderate heart failure.
The relationship between serum trace element changes and visual function in heavy smokers
Authors: Uz Efkan , Sahin Semsettin , Hepsen Ibrahim F. , Var Ahmet , Sogut Sadik , Akyol Omer 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate serum manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels and visual functions including visual acuity, colour vision, pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs), and contrast sensitivity in heavy smokers and to compare these with the equivalent levels and functions in non‐smokers.Methods:  Data were recorded in 24 healthy, chronic and heavy cigarette smokers and 16 healthy, non‐smoking control subjects. Serum Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations in all subjects were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results:  Both study and control subjects had normal visual acuity and colour vision. Pattern visual evoked potentials were normal in all study and control subjects. Contrast sensitivity was significantly reduced in heavy smokers compared to non‐smokers (p < 0.023), despite the fact that central vision and PVEP responses were not affected. Mean serum Mn and Zn levels were significantly lower in smokers than in non‐smokers (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005, respectively).Conclusions:  Reduced contrast sensitivity values associated with low levels of serum Mn and Zn, which function as cofactors of superoxide dismutase in erythrocyte and other nucleated cells, suggest a possible role of trace elements in smoking‐induced early retinal toxicity.
Ultrasonically measured horizontal eye muscle thickness in thyroid associated orbitopathy: cross‐sectional and longitudinal aspects in a Danish series
Authors: Fledelius Hans C. , Zimmermann‐Belsing Tina , Feldt‐Rasmussen Ulla 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To analyse horizontal extraocular muscle findings by ultrasound and exophthalmometry in a tertiary endocrinology centre series of patients with thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO).Methods:  The 90 thyroid patients included underwent ultrasonic measurement of horizontal eye muscle thickness by a B‐scan based technique carried out in addition to their general ophthalmic evaluation. As an indicator of mainly advanced TAO, longterm prednisone or cyclosporine A was given to many of the patients, and drug‐resistant visual loss indicated decompression surgery in four of the 90 patients. Thirty‐four patients underwent repeated muscle recordings over 15–49 months; this allowed for cross‐sectional analysis and the outlining of longitudinal trends.Results and Conclusions:  (A) Although marginally overlapping, all four muscle groups were significantly thicker in the study group than in normal control subjects. The mean of the sum of all four muscles was 16.8 mm (range 13.6–21.7 mm) in the control group versus 22.6 mm (range 15.5–36.4 mm) in the thyroid group. (B) Using the clinical NOSPECS grading, more advanced eye involvement was found to generally result in a higher exophthalmometric measurement of protrusion and eye muscle thickness. However, slender rectus muscles and/or normal exophthalmometric values might occur even in advanced orbitopathy. (C) Over a period of 2–4 years, only a few of 34 patients with satisfactory serial ultrasonic measurements returned to their premorbid ophthalmic status. Typically, the extraocular muscles kept their abnormal size after having become clinically quiescent (fibrotic). (D) We found no safe indication regarding disease stage, active or late, from the ultrasonic appearance of the muscle tissue. (E) Discrepancies between various normative eye muscle studies are discussed with regard to computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.