bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative evaluation of microleakage in class V cavities using one-bottle and self-etching adhesive systems
Authors: França Fabiana Mantovani Gomes , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Santos Alex José Souza dos , Lovadino José Roberto
Published: April 2005

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate quantitatively the microleakage in class V cavities restored with one-bottle and self-etching adhesive systems with and without previous acid etching. Two one-bottle adhesive systems (Single Bond and Prime & Bond 2.1) and one self-etching adhesive system (Clearfil Mega Bond) were used in this study. One hundred and twenty sound human premolar teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups, and 20 class V restorations were prepared in the root dentin to test each bonding system. Each bonding system was used with and without acid etching. Specimens were prepared, dyed with 2% methylene blue, sectioned, triturated, and evaluated with an absorbance spectrophotometer test in order to quantify the infiltrated dye. Results were statistically evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test. No statistically significant differences were found among the adhesive systems when no etching agent was used. However, the Single Bond adhesive system showed statistically significant lower microleakage means than Clearfil Mega Bond and Prime & Bond 2.1 when 37% phosphoric acid was used. Single Bond and Clearfil Mega Bond adhesive systems presented similar behavior when the manufacturers' instructions were followed.
Cell‐cell interactions in regulating osteogenesis and osteoblast function
Authors: Stains Joseph P. , Civitelli Roberto
Published: April 2005

Endochondral bone formation requires an elaborate interplay among autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signals, positional cues, and cell‐cell contacts to mediate the complex three‐dimensional architecture and function of the skeleton. Embryonic bone development occurs by migration, aggregation, and condensation of immature mesenchymal progenitor cells to form the cartilaginous anlage. Upon vascular invasion, the cartilaginous scaffold is colonized and subsequently mineralized by osteoblasts. Likewise, bone remodeling in the adult skeleton is a dynamic process that requires coordinated cellular activities among osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts to maintain bone homeostasis. This review examines the role of cell‐cell interactions mediated by adherens junctions formed by cadherins and communicative gap junctions formed by connexins in regulating bone development and osteogenic function. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 75:72–80, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further studies on knockout mice lacking a functional dynein heavy chain (MDHC7). 2. A developmental explanation for the asthenozoospermia
Authors: Woolley David M. , Neesen Juergen , Vernon Geraint G.
Published: April 2005

Male mice had been previously generated in which the inner dynein arm heavy chain 7 gene (MDHC7) was disrupted. MDHC7−/− animals show asthenozoospermia and are sterile. Very few of their spermatozoa can achieve forward progression, but for those that can, we add here the information (1) that the three‐dimensional aspects of their movement are normal; (2) that their maximum velocity is less than that of wild‐type controls; and (3) that they are entirely unable to penetrate media of raised viscosity (25–4,000 cP). However, the large majority of the spermatozoa can achieve only a low amplitude vibration. In these sperm we find, using electron microscopy, that the outer dense fibres retain attachments to the inner surface of the mitochondria. Such attachments are present in normal epididymal mouse spermatozoa but are broken down as soon as the sperm become motile on release from the epididymis. The attachments are presumed to be essential during midpiece development and, afterwards, to require a threshold level of force to loosen them and so permit the sliding displacements necessary for normal bending. We presume that the disruption of the inner dynein arm heavy chain gene, MDHC7, means that there is insufficient force to overcome the attachments, for all but a few spermatozoa. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 61:74–82, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simplified formula of Laplace inversion based on wavelet theory
Authors: Wang Jizeng , Gao Huajian
Published: April 2005

A simple formula $f(x)\approx (1/2^{n+1} \pi) \sum \nolimits_{k=-\infty}^{+ \infty}\tilde{f}(\beta +ik/2^{n})e^{x(\beta + ik/{2^{n}})}$ for Laplace inverse transform is derived based on the wavelet theory. The efficiency and robustness are demonstrated through numerical examples. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal convection and related instabilities in models of crystal growth from the melt on earth and in microgravity: Past history and current status
Authors: Lappa Marcello
Published: April 2005

The paper presents a comparative study of a number of theoretical/experimental/numerical results concerning the dynamics of natural (gravitational), Marangoni and related mixed convection in various geometrical models of widely‐used technologies for the production of single‐crystalline materials (Horizontal and vertical Bridgman growth, Czochralski method, Floating Zone Technique). Emphasis is given to fundamental knowledge provided over the years by landmark analyses as well as to very recent contributions. Such a knowledge is of paramount importance since it is validating new, more complex models, accelerating the current trend towards predictable and reproducible phenomena and finally providing an adequate scientific foundation to industrial processes which are still conducted on a largely empirical basis. A deductive approach is followed with fluid‐dynamic systems of growing complexity being treated as the discussion progresses. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Room, low, and high temperature dehydration and phase transitions of kernite in vacuum and in air
Authors: Sennova N. A. , Bubnova R. S. , Filatov S. K. , Paufler P. , Meyer D. C. , Levin A. A. , Polyakova I. G.
Published: April 2005

Kernite Na2B4O6(OH)2·3H2O dehydration in air at high temperature and in vacuum at room temperature has been studied. It was found that kernite easily dehydrates forming a new phase‐I both on heating and in vacuum. The chemical formula Na2B4O6(OH)2·1.5H2O of the new phase‐I has been estimated on the basis of thermogravity analysis. It is triclinic with the unit cell parameters a = 7.047(8), b = 8.76(1), c = 13.08(2) Å, α = 93.40(9), β = 95.32(9), γ = 90.28(9)° changing slightly on pressure reduction. Due to the relatively low temperature (353 K) and reversibility of the kernite ⟷ phase‐I transition an anion of the new phase‐I likely consists of the same chains [B4O6(OH)2]2– like in kernite structure. The high anisotropy of kernite thermal expansion was explained by approaching of NaO chains due to the initial removing of water molecules from kernite crystal structure. The behaviour of the new phase‐I at low temperatures in vacuum was also investigated. A formation of an additional new phase II has been detected at the temperature of 93 K. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of substrate temperature on the properties of vacuum evaporated InSb films
Authors: Senthilkumar V. , Venkatachalam S. , Viswanathan C. , Gopal S. , Narayandass Sa. K. , Mangalaraj D. , Wilson K. C. , Vijayakumar K. P.
Published: April 2005

Indium Antimonide (InSb) thin films were grown onto well cleaned glass substrates at different substrate temperatures (303, 373 and 473 K) by vacuum evaporation. The elemental composition of the deposited InSb film was found to be 52.9% (In) and 47.1% (Sb). X‐ray diffraction studies confirm the polycrystallinity of the films and the films show preferential orientation along the (111) plane. The particle size (D), dislocation density (δ) and strain (ε) were evaluated. The particle size increases with the increase of substrate temperature, which was found to be in the range from 22.36 to 32.59 nm. In Laser Raman study, the presence of longitudinal mode (LO) confirms that the deposited films were having the crystalline nature. Raman peak located at 191.26 cm–1 shift towards the lower frequencies and narrows with increase in deposition temperature. This indicates that the crystallinity is improved in the films deposited at higher substrate temperatures. Hall measurements indicate that the films were p‐type, having carrier concentration ≅1016 cm–3 and mobility (4–7.7) ×103 cm2/Vs. It is observed that the carrier concentration (N) decreases and the Hall mobility (μ) increases with the increase of substrate temperature. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A proposal of adaptive protocol relay capability for real‐time media with allowable delay
Authors: Otsuki Hideki , Yamaoka Katsunori , Sakai Yoshinori
Published: April 2005

In the video and speech transmission using packets, the media synchronization control is applied, especially in the system for real‐time transmission. In the system containing the media synchronization, the allowable time delay is defined, and the packet after this delay limit is discarded. In protocols such as ARQ (automated repeat request), where the packet retransmission is executed for error correction, if the delay or the error rate of the channel is large, the packet delay is greatly increased when an error occurs. The packet is discarded when the packet delay exceeds the allowable delay, which produces degradation of quality. This paper proposes an adaptive protocol relay system considering the allowable delay, in order to cope with this problem. In the adaptive protocol relay system, the protocol relay is executed at the relay node, when a certain condition for each packet is satisfied. By reducing the time spent in the packet retransmission due to the error, the number of packets that do not arrive at the receiving terminal within the allowable delay is reduced. This paper examines the effect of the protocol relay on the packet discard rate, when the proposed method is used. The condition for the adaptive control at the relay node is also discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 88(8): 50–59, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10031
Coordinating interstream rate control scheme using layered multicast
Authors: Kawada Masato , Morikawa Hiroyuki , Aoyama Tomonori
Published: April 2005

In multicast delivery in a network environment with various bandwidth limitations, it is effective to apply the layered multicast technique, which realizes delivery at a reception rate matched to each receiver, although the rate is set discretely. This paper assumes a multimedia session such as a multichannel broadcast or a video conference, composed of multiple streams. In such an application, it is desirable from the viewpoint of efficient use of bandwidth that not only should the streams be transmitted with stable quality, but that the rate should be assigned according to requests, such as attention to the speaker. However, it is difficult to achieve the above goal by directly applying the conventional layered multicast rate control technique, since each stream controls the rate independently. From such a viewpoint, this paper presents a session level mechanism covering multiple layered streams. A multiple streams controller (MSC) is introduced into each receiver, and each MSC autonomously controls the reception rate with interstream coordination in the session. The MSC monitors the reception state of the multiple streams simultaneously and estimates the bandwidth information on the bottleneck link and the set of transiting streams, based on the detected congestion data. Based on the estimation, the learning efficiency of the reception rate is improved and rate assignment control over the streams is applied. An evaluation is performed by computer simulation, and it is shown that the reception quality of the stream is improved by applying the proposed method, and that the reception rate can be coordinated among the streams. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 88(8): 18–31, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20142
Essential oil composition and chemoarrays of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L. f. piperascens Malinvaud ex. Holmes) cultivars
Authors: Singh A. K. , Raina V. K. , Naqvi A. A. , Patra N. K. , Kumar Birendra , Ram P. , Khanuja S. P. S.
Published: April 2005

The chemical composition of essential oils isolated from six different cultivars of corn mint grown at CIMAP Field Station, Pantnagar, were compared: menthol (77.5–89.3%) was the main constituent of all the cultivars, followed by menthone (0.3–7.9%) and isomenthone (3.7–6.1%). The oil of MAS‐1 cultivar contained the highest concentration of menthol (89.3%) but the lowest percentage of menthone (0.3%), while isomenthone was not detected. Although the compositions of the six oils were similar, quantitative differences in the concentration of some constituents was observed. Yield and quality appraisals in the study led to the identification of the cultivars Kosi, Himalaya and Damroo as the most potent genotypes for maintaining mint crop diversity and productivity stability. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐level Haseman‐Elston regression for general pedigree data analysis
Authors: Wang Tao , Elston Robert C.
Published: April 2005

The Haseman‐Elston (HE) (Haseman and Elston [1972] Behav Genet 2:3–19) method is widely used in genetic linkage studies for quantitative traits. We propose a new version of the HE regression model, a two‐level HE regression model (tHE) in which the variance‐covariance structure of family data is modeled under the framework of multiple‐level regression. An iterative generalized least squares (IGLS) algorithm is adopted to handle the varying variance‐covariance structures across families in a simple fashion. In this way, the tHE can compete favorably with any current version of HE in that it can naturally make use of all the trait information available in any general pedigree, simultaneously incorporate individual‐level and pedigree‐level covariates, marker genotypes for linkage (i.e., the number of allele shared identically by descent [IBD]), and marker alleles for association. Under the assumption of normality, the method is asymptotically equivalent to the usual variance component model for detecting linkage. For the situation where the assumption of normality is critical, a robust globally consistent estimator of the quantitative trait locus (QTL) variance is available. Complex genetic mechanisms, including gene‐gene interaction, gene‐environmental interaction, and imprinting, can be directly modeled in this version of HE regression. Genet. Epidemiol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of the c‐Met receptor complex in fibroblasts drives invasive cell behavior by signaling through transcription factor STAT3
Authors: Cramer Alexander , Kleiner Sandra , Westermann Martin , Meissner Anja , Lange Anika , Friedrich Karlheinz
Published: April 2005

c‐Met is the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF). It mediates multiple cellular responses in development and adult life, and c‐Met hyperactivity is associated with malignant transformation of cells and the acquisition of metastatic properties. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been shown to contribute to c‐Met‐mediated cell motility and is, thus, potentially involved in the control of invasive cell behavior. We have functionally reconstituted c‐Met‐dependent signal transduction in fibroblasts with the aim of studying Met‐driven cell invasiveness and the role of STAT3 in this phenomenon. Activation of the system was achieved by means of a hybrid receptor comprising the extracellular domain of the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA, the cytoplasmic part of c‐Met and a C‐terminally fused blue fluorescent protein (BFP). In addition, a GFP‐tagged derivative of adaptor protein Gab1 was expressed. NGF‐stimulation of mouse fibroblasts expressing tagged versions of both Trk‐Met and Gab1 with NGF resulted in anchorage‐independent growth and enhanced invasiveness. By freeze‐fracture cytochemistry and electron microscopy, we were able to visualize the ligand‐induced formation of multivalent receptor complex assemblies within the cell membrane. NGF‐stimulation of the heterologous receptor system evoked activation of STAT3 as evidenced by tyrosine phosphorylation and the formation of STAT3 clusters at the cell membrane. siRNA‐mediated ablation of STAT3 expression resulted in a drastic reduction of c‐Met‐driven invasiveness, indicating an important role of STAT3 in the control of this particularly relevant property of transformed cells. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Investigating the neuroprotective mechanism of action of a CDK5 inhibitor by phosphoproteome analysis
Authors: Gillardon Frank , Schrattenholz André , Sommer Bernd
Published: April 2005

Small molecule inhibitors of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) protect neurons from cell death following various insults. To elucidate the cellular mechanism of action we investigated changes in protein phosphorylation in cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons after administration of the CDK5 inhibitor Indolinone A. By immunoblot analysis we detected enhanced phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and the Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) substrate c‐Jun. Co‐administration of U0126, an inhibitor of ERK1/2, or SP600125, an inhibitor of JNK, blocked phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or c‐Jun, but did not affect neuroprotection by the CDK5 inhibitor. By metal affinity chromatography, two‐dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis, and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry we identified several phosphoproteins that accumulated in neurons treated with Indolinone A. Among them were proteins involved in neurotransmitter release, which is consistent with a physiological function of CDK5 in synaptic signaling. Moreover, we identified proteins acting in energy metabolism, protein folding, and oxidative stress response. Similar findings have been reported in yeast following inhibition of Pho85 kinase, which is homologous to mammalian CDK5 and acts in environmental stress signaling. These results suggest that inhibition of CDK5 activates stress responsive proteins that may protect neurons against subsequent injurious stimuli. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of transcripts specific for physiological gene activation by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐B in intact brain tissue
Authors: Renner Oliver , Romero Lourdes , Carnero Amancio , Betsholtz Christer , Euler Monika
Published: April 2005

Platelet‐derived growth factor‐B (PDGF‐B) and its receptors play essential roles in the complex process of blood vessel maturation and they therefore constitute promising targets for therapeutic strategies against blood vessel‐related diseases. Additionally, they are involved in the autocrine stimulation of tumor cells and have been suggested to regulate tumor stroma fibroblasts. Our study aimed to identify genes that are regulated directly by PDGF‐B, or indirectly via the recruitment of perivascular cells, in the context of an intact tissue. We used a subtractive cloning technique to compare gene transcription in the brains of wild‐type (WT) mice and syngenic mice deficient of PDGF‐B leading to a defect in the recruitment of perivascular cells. The resulting 147 differentially expressed sequences contained early and late PDGF‐B target genes, and genes implicated in blood vessel maturation‐related pathways. Additionally, gene clusters for specific biological processes such as cell migration and intracellular transport were identified. Of eight randomly selected sequences, six were found expressed in cultured cells of mesenchymal origin, two of them inducible by exogenous PDGF‐BB. The collection of cDNA presented here provides insights into the changes provoked by the removal of one growth factor of a complete tissue and might be the basis for the identification of novel players in the complex process of blood vessel maturation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectroscopic characterization of the conformational states of the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI−)
Authors: Herstedt M. , Smirnov M. , Johansson P. , Chami M. , Grondin J. , Servant L. , Lassègues J. C.
Published: April 2005

Ab initio calculations were combined with infrared and Raman studies to distinguish spectroscopically the two conformers of the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion, (TFSI−). Spectra of crystalline LiTFSI complexes with organic ligands, where the anion adopts a known conformational state, are presented to confirm the calculated spectra. Several regions are identified where either the infrared or the Raman spectra contain separate bands for the two conformers. The conformational equilibrium between the transoid and cisoid rotamers is then illustrated from the infrared spectra of solutions of LiTFSI in aprotic solvents. The transoid form is found to be more stable than the cisoid form by about 2.2 kJ mol−1, in good agreement with the present and earlier theoretical predictions. It is also shown that the IR and Raman spectral changes coming from conformational isomerism have to be carefully distinguished from those due to ionic interactions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil erosion and runoff response to plant‐cover strips on semiarid slopes (SE Spain)
Authors: Raya A. Martínez , Zuazo V. H. Durán , Martínez J. R. Francia
Published: April 2005

Over a four‐year period (1997–2000), soil loss and surface‐runoff patterns were monitored in hillside erosion plots with almond trees under different plant‐cover strips (thyme, barley and lentils) on the south flank of the Sierra Nevada (Lanjaron) in south‐eastern Spain. The erosion plots (580 m a.s.l.), located on a 35 per cent slope, were 144 m2 (24 m×6 m) in area. The plant‐cover strips, 3 m wide, ran across the slope. The most effective plant cover proved to be thyme, reducing soil loss by 97 per cent and runoff by 91 per cent, compared to bare soil. Barley reduced soil loss by 87 per cent and runoff by 59 per cent, compared to bare soil, while these percentages were 58 per cent and 18 per cent for lentils. Thyme proved 77 per cent more effective than barley and 93 per cent more effective than lentils in reducing soil loss; thyme was also 79 per cent more effective than barley and 90 per cent more than lentil in blocking runoff. The present study demonstrates the effectiveness of plant‐cover strips in controlling soil erosion and runoff on sloping agricultural land. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An open, randomized, multicenter clinical trial of oral tacrolimus in liver allograft transplantation: A comparison of dual vs. triple drug therapy
Authors: González Miguel García , Madrazo Carlos Pera , Rodríguez Ángel Bernardos , Gutiérrez Manuel Gómez , Herrero Ignacio J. , Mir Pallardó José , de Urbina Jorge Ortiz , Paricio Pascual Parrilla
Published: April 2005

Triple therapy combining an anticalcineurin agent, corticosteroids, and azathioprine (AZA) in liver transplantation has been frequently applied, particularly in Europe. Debates have arisen concerning the use of a third drug (AZA), mainly in patients receiving tacrolimus (TAC). An open-label, multicenter, prospective, and randomized trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of TAC and corticosteroids (dual therapy [D]) vs. TAC, corticosteroids, and AZA (triple therapy [T]) in liver transplantation. A total of 180 patients were randomized, 92 in D and 88 in T group. Patients were followed during 3 months for efficacy and safety and up to 24 months for patient and graft survival assessments. The rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection was higher in D than in T group (40.7% vs. 24.4%;

P

= 0.021). A higher incidence of positive HCV status in D group (55.6% vs. 40.7%;

P

= 0.049) may explain this difference, since significantly more patients of this HCV subpopulation experienced acute rejection when treated with D therapy (48% vs. 20%;

P

= 0.008). No treatment differences were apparent for HCV-negative patients. The 24-month graft survival tended to be inferior in T group, 69.8% vs. 75.8% (

P

= 0.283). Similar results were observed regarding patient survival at the same time point, with values of 72.9% vs. 76.9% (

P

= 0.573), favoring D group. Both regimens showed comparable safety profiles with the exception of hematological abnormalities, which were more frequently observed in T group. In conclusion, both regimens were shown to be effective although increased toxicity and a trend towards a lower graft and patient survival were observed in T group. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:515–524.)
Analysis of risk factors for tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Key role of immunosuppression
Authors: Vivarelli Marco , Cucchetti Alessandro , Piscaglia Fabio , La Barba Giuliano , Bolondi Luigi , Cavallari Antonino , Pinna Antonio Daniele
Published: April 2005

To confirm recent observations about the relationship between immunosuppression and the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT), we retrospectively analyzed 70 consecutive HCC patients who underwent LT and received cyclosporine (CsA)–based immunosuppression. CsA trough blood levels, measured with the same technique (fluorescence polarization immunoassay), were analyzed at different time points after transplantation. The exposure to the drug was calculated with the trapezoidal rule in each patient. CsA was associated with steroids in 26 patients and steroids and azathioprine in 44 patients. HCC recurred in 7 patients (10.0%). Different immunosuppressive schedules (CsA and steroids vs. CsA, steroids, and azathioprine) or the cumulative dosage of steroids and azathioprine did not influence HCC recurrence that was associated instead with CsA exposure (278.3 ± 86.4 ng/mL in recurrent vs. 169.9 ± 33.3 in tumor-free patients;

P

< 0.001); CsA exposure above 189.6 ng/mL was related to HCC recurrence at the receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). The relationship between CsA exposure; various clinical (sex, age, viral- vs. non–viral-related cirrhosis, preoperative vs. incidental diagnosis of HCC, alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] blood level), pathologic (pathologic tumor staging [pT] stage, presence of Milan criteria), and histologic (grading, presence of microvascular tumor invasion) parameters; and tumor recurrence were assessed. AFP (

P

= 0.032), microvascular tumor invasion (

P

= 0.044), and CsA exposure (

P

< 0.001) influenced recurrence-free survival at the univariate analysis; CsA exposure was the only independent prognostic determinant at multivariate analysis (

P

< 0.001). High CsA exposure favors tumor recurrence; CsA blood levels should be kept to the effective minimum in HCC patients. In the presence of pathologic and histologic risk factors, specific immunosuppressive protocols should be considered. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:497–503.)
Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and allocation of donor livers.
Authors: Neuberger James , Thorburn Douglas
Published: April 2005

Background and aims: A consensus has been reached that liver donor allocation should be based primarily on liver disease severity and that waiting time should not be a major determining factor. Our aim was to assess the capability of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score to correctly rank potential liver recipients according to their severity of liver disease and mortality risk on the OPTN liver waiting list. Methods: The MELD model predicts liver disease severity based on serum creatinine, serum total bilirubin, and INR and has been shown to be useful in predicting mortality in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. In this study, we prospectively applied the MELD score to estimate 3-month mortality to 3437 adult liver transplant candidates with chronic liver disease who were added to the OPTN waiting list at 2A or 2B status between November, 1999, and December, 2001. Results: In this study cohort with chronic liver disease, 412 (12%) died during the 3-month follow-up period. Waiting list mortality increased directly in proportion to the listing MELD score. Patients having a MELD score <9 experienced a 1.9% mortality, whereas patients having a MELD score > or =40 had a mortality rate of 71.3%. Using the c-statistic with 3-month mortality as the end point, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the MELD score was 0.83 compared with 0.76 for the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These data suggest that the MELD score is able to accurately predict 3-month mortality among patients with chronic liver disease on the liver waiting list and can be applied for allocation of donor livers.(Gastroenterology 2003;124:91–96.)
Living donor liver transplantation with noninvasive ventilation for exertional heat stroke and severe rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Takahashi Ken-ichi , Chin Kazuo , Ogawa Kohei , Kasahara Mureo , Sakaguchi Takanori , Hasegawa Satoshi , Sumi Kensuke , Nakamura Takaya , Tamaki Akira , Mishima Michiaki , Nakamura Takashi , Tanaka Koichi
Published: April 2005

A 16-year-old male with exertional heat stroke (EHS) had extensive hepatocellular damage, severe rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and coma. Hemodiafiltration was started on day 2 and living donor liver transplantation was performed on day 3. He received continuous mechanical ventilation with intubation before and after the surgery. As his mental status improved, he could not tolerate intubation, and he was extubated on postoperative day (POD) 26. He received facial noninvasive positive pressure ventilation until POD 50. Hemodiafiltration was discontinued on POD 52. He was discharged on POD 67 and is currently well more than a year after transplantation. A literature search indicates that this patient is the first long-term survivor (>1 year) after liver transplantation for exertional heat stroke. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:570–572.)
Antibodies against cytokeratin 8/18 in a patient with de novo autoimmune hepatitis after living-donor liver transplantation
Authors: Inui Ayano , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Haruki , Miyakawa Hiroshi , Fujisawa Tomoo
Published: April 2005

Graft dysfunction mimicking autoimmune hepatitis rarely develops after liver transplantation for nonautoimmune disease. The mechanism(s) and causes of de novo autoimmune hepatitis are unknown. We examined autoantibodies serially in a patient with de novo autoimmune hepatitis and in patients without de novo autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation. Anticytokeratin 8/18 antibodies were detected in the first patient's sera after the onset of de novo autoimmune hepatitis, whereas other patients without de novo autoimmune hepatitis were seronegative throughout the follow-up period even with acute cellular rejection or other cause of liver dysfunction. In conclusion, the changes in cytokeratin 8/18 in hepatocytes might be one of the sources of pathogenesis of de novo autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:504–507.)
Nonischemic cardiomyopathy after orthotopic liver transplantation: A report of three cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Stewart Kenneth S. , Rhim Chun H. , Bahrain Michelle L. , Ashkezari Zahra D. , Ozdemirli Metin , Fishbein Thomas M. , Johnson Lynt B. , Lu Amy D. , Plotkin Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2005

In 2002 there were more than 5,000 liver transplantations performed in the United States. As of February 2004 there were more than 17,000 registrations for liver transplantation. As more organs are transplanted and surgical techniques improve, unique causes of morbidity and mortality will become apparent. We describe three cases of postoperative nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), one of whom underwent diagnostic myocardial biopsy. This paper will discuss the three patients, including biopsy results, and briefly review the relevant literature. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:573–578.)
Liver transplantation with monosegments. Technical aspects and outcome: A meta-analysis
Authors: Enne Marcelo , Pacheco-Moreira Lucio , Balbi Elizabeth , Cerqueira Alexandre , Santalucia Giuseppe , Martinho José Manoel
Published: April 2005

The shortage of organ donors for low-weight liver transplant recipients, especially small children, has led to the development of new surgical techniques to increase the donor pool. Almost all of these techniques use the left lateral segment (Couinaud's segments II and III), but even this graft could be too large for children under 10 kg, and further reduction could be necessary. Few articles address the issue of monosegmental liver transplantation. Available articles are with small sample sizes or even case reports, which makes it difficult to draw conclusions about indication and outcome for monosegmental grafts. A search of the MEDLINE databases using the terms “Liver Transplantation” and “Monosegmental” or “Monosegments” limited to title or abstract with publication in the English language was conducted. The data from each study were selected and analyzed, regarding donor status (living or cadaveric), donor weight, surgical techniques used in left lateral further reduction, recipient indication for liver transplantation, age and recipient weight, graft-to-recipient body weight ratio, segment utilized, type of abdominal closure, postoperative complications, and survival. Seven publications were identified from 1995 to 2004 and fulfilled the criteria. A total of 27 pediatric patients who received a monosegment transplant were identified, median age 211 days (range, 27 to 454 days) and median weight 4.6 kg (range, 2.45 to 7.4 kg). Segment III was utilized in 21 (78%) and segment II in 6 (22%). Patient survival was 85.2%. In conclusion, monosegment liver transplantation appears to be a satisfactory option for infants weighing less than 10 kg who require a liver transplant. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:564–569.)
Management of hepatitis C virus infection in the setting of liver transplantation
Authors: Rodriguez-Luna Hector , Vargas Hugo E.
Published: April 2005

Key Points

1. Posttransplantation recurrence of hepatitis C virus infection is a universal phenomenon with a highly variable natural history.

2. Approximately 10% to 25% of hepatitis C virus– infected recipients of liver allografts will develop cirrhosis within 5 years' after transplantation.

3. The 1-year actuarial risk of hepatic decompensation after recurrence of cirrhosis approximates 42%.

4. Some of the factors associated with aggressive recurrence include donor and recipient age, recent year of transplantation, recipient gender and race, the use of antithymocyte globulin, and high dose of corticosteroids.

5. Highly aggressive recurrent hepatitis C virus infection leading to cirrhosis fares poorly after retransplantation in the presence of hyperbilirubinemia and renal failure, with a 1-year survival of approximately 40%.

6. Elevated serum aminotransferases are a poor indicator or recurrent disease.

7. Current sustained virological response after combination pegylated alpha interferon and ribavirin treatment is approximately 25%.

8. There is no consensus on initiation time point, duration of treatment, or dosage. Given immunosuppression, at least 48 weeks of therapy is a reasonable approach.

9. Treatment for 48 weeks is cost effective. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for men aged 55 years is $29,100 per life-year saved.
Prediction of Polymer Properties in LDPE Reactors
Authors: Wells Gary J. , Ray W. Harmon
Published: April 2005

Summary: A new analysis tool is presented that uses the governing kinetic scheme to predict properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) such as the detailed shape of the molecular weight distribution (MWD). A model that captures mixing details of autoclave reactor operation is used to provide a new criterion for the onset of MWD shouldering. Kinetic effects are shown to govern the existence of MWD shoulders in LDPE reactors, even when operation is far from perfectly‐mixed. MWD shoulders occur when the mean reaction environment has a relatively high radical concentration and has a high polymer content, and is at a low temperature. Such conditions maximize long chain formation by polymer transfer and combination‐termination, while limiting chain scission. For imperfectly‐mixed reactors, the blending of polymer‐distributions produced in different spatial locations has a small effect on the composite MWD. However, for adiabatic LDPE autoclaves, imperfect mixing broadens the stable range of mean reactor conditions, and thereby increases the possibility for MWD shouldering.

Polymer MWD produced in an LDPE autoclave reactor by various kinetic mechanisms.

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Polymer MWD produced in an LDPE autoclave reactor by various kinetic mechanisms.
Scale‐Free Power‐Law Distribution of Emulsion‐Polymerized Branched Polymers: Power Exponent of the Molecular Weight Distribution
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: April 2005

Summary: The molecular weight distribution (MWD), formed in emulsion polymerization that involves the polymer transfer reaction during Interval II, may approach the power‐law distribution as polymerization proceeds. The power exponent, α, of the weight fraction distribution W(M) = M−α conforms to the relationship, α = 1/Pb, where Pb is the probability that the chain end is connected to a backbone chain. The MWD of emulsion‐polymerized polyethylene reported in literature agrees reasonably well with the relationship, W(M) = M−α with α = 1/Pb. This simple relationship could be used to estimate the Pb value from the MWD data, possibly leading to determining the polymer transfer constant under well‐designed experimental conditions. Because α > 1, the number‐average MW always approaches a finite value, but the weight‐ and higher order‐averages of MWD may continue to increase as the particle grows without limit depending on the magnitude of Pb. The power‐law distributions are self‐similar, possessing the nature of fractals and lacking a characteristic scale. The i‐th moment of the MWD for the present reaction system continues to increase without limit during Interval II for Pb ≥ 1/i.

Molecular weight distribution of the emulsion‐polymerized polyethylene.

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Molecular weight distribution of the emulsion‐polymerized polyethylene.
Synthesis of an oligosaccharide–polylysine dendrimer with reducing sugar terminals leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome vaccine preparation
Authors: Baigude Huricha , Katsuraya Kaname , Tokunaga Shinichi , Fujiwara Naohiko , Satoyama Masaya , Magome Tomohiro , Okuyama Kohsaku , Borjihan Gereltu , Uryu Toshiyuki
Published: April 2005

A novel cellobiose–polylysine dendrimer with reducing sugar terminals was synthesized in which the reactive reducing end of a disaccharide cellobiose was directing outward. Hexa‐O‐benzyl‐4′‐(1‐carboxyethyl)‐cellobioside (HBCEC) was synthesized through the reaction of a 4′‐hydroxyl group of benzyl hexa‐O‐benzyl‐cellobioside with methyl 2‐chloropropionate, followed by the removal of the methyl ester group. HBCEC was reacted with polylysine dendrimer generation 3 (G3) to produce benzylated cellobiose–polylysine dendrimer G3. After debenzylation, a cellobiose–polylysine dendrimer G3 was obtained in which the reducing end of the cellobiose was the terminal group of the dendrimer. For the preparation of a dendrimer‐type acquired immunodeficiency syndrome vaccine, the cellobiose–polylysine dendrimer was reacted with a tripeptide (glycyl–prolyl–leucine) and a cyclic oligopeptide from the human immunodeficiency virus by reductive amination; this produced a tripeptide‐bound cellobiose–polylysine dendrimer and an insoluble compound, respectively. The structure analysis was carried out with NMR and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2195–2206, 2005
Simple determination of the herbicide napropamide in water and soil samples by room temperature phosphorescence
Authors: Salinas‐Castillo Alfonso , Fernández‐Sanchez Jorge Fernando , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto
Published: April 2005

A new, simple, rapid and selective phosphorimetric method for determining napropamide is proposed which demonstrates the applicability of heavy‐atom‐induced room‐temperature phosphorescence for analyzing pesticides in real samples. The phosphorescence signals are a consequence of intermolecular protection and are found exclusively with analytes in the presence of heavy atom salts. Sodium sulfite was used as an oxygen scavenger to minimize room‐temperature phosphorescence quenching. The determination was performed in 1 M potassium iodide and 6 mM sodium sulfite at 20 °C. The phosphorescence intensity was measured at 520 nm with excitation at 290 nm. Phosphorescence was easily developed, with a linear relation to concentration between 3.2 and 600.0 ng ml−1 and a detection limit of 3.2 ng ml−1. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of napropamide in water and soil samples and an exhaustive interference study was also carried out to display the selectivity of the proposed method. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantification of sifuvirtide in monkey plasma by an on‐line solid‐phase extraction procedure combined with liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Dai Shujia , Song Haifeng , Dou Guifang , Qian Xiaohong , Zhang Yangjun , Cai Yun , Liu Xiuwen , Tang Zhongming
Published: April 2005

A simple, automated and rapid method has been developed for the determination of a novel antiviral peptide sifuvirtide in monkey plasma. Raw plasma samples were directly loaded onto an on‐line solid‐phase extraction (SPE) column, which removes the time‐consuming and laborious sample pretreatment. Following a timed valve‐switching event, the analyte was eluted on‐line to a reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) column and subsequently introduced into a linear ion trap mass spectrometer, LTQ‐MS, via an electrospray ionization (ESI) interface. The multiply charged peptides were specified and quantitatively analyzed using selective reaction monitoring (SRM). A highly pure four iodine‐sifuvirtide was synthesized using an optimized iodogen method and proved to be a suitable internal standard (IS). A single analysis run takes about 18 min. Validation of the method demonstrated that the linear calibration curves covered the range of 4.88–5000 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficients were above 0.9923. The limit of detection (LOD) with the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio higher than 12 was calculated as 1.22 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐batch precisions were less than 12.7% and 9.1%, and the mean accuracy ranged from −5.2% to 3.6%, respectively. Any carry‐over effect from the system was negligible. In a pharmacokinetic (PK) study of sifuvirtide after a single intravenous or subcutaneous dose in monkeys, the on‐line SPE‐LC/MS/MS system was successfully utilized to determine hundreds of samples with only one extraction column, which indicated the feasibility and the reliability of this method for application in preclinical and clinical PK studies of peptide drugs. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric study of 2,3‐dihydro‐1,4‐benzoxazepines
Authors: Kéki Sándor , Nagy Lajos , Deák György , Lévai Albert , Zsuga Miklós
Published: April 2005

Fragmentations of the protonated adduct ions [M+H]+ of seven 1,4‐benzoxazepine derivatives were studied using ‘post‐source decay’ matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (PSD MALDI) and electrospray nozzle‐skimmer collisionally induced dissociation (ESI‐CID) mass spectrometric methods. It was found that both methods generated mainly product ions arising from the cross‐ring cleavages of the benzoxazepine ring. Similar product ions were generated under MALDI and ESI conditions; however, it was observed that the loss of the alkylene unit from the N‐substituted benzoxazepine, and the loss of a H2X molecule (where X = O or S), are more preferred under ESI conditions. Based on the experimental results a mechanism is also proposed for the fragmentation of the oxazepines studied. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐activated chemical ionization in the analysis of arginine in plasma samples
Authors: Cristoni Simone , Cantù Marco , Bernardi Luigi Rossi , Gerthoux Piermario , Gonella Elisabetta , Brambilla Maura , Cavalca Viviana , Zingaro Lorenzo , Guidugli Federico
Published: April 2005

Alterations of arginine plasma levels are involved in several disorders of amino acid metabolism such as hurtnup, argininosuccinic aciduria, histidinemia, citrullinuria, and cystinuria. In this work a new liquid ionization source, surface‐activated chemical ionization (SACI), has been used to analyze arginine in human and rat plasma samples. Arginine was extracted and diluted ten times through protein precipitation. The diluted arginine samples were then analyzed using an ion‐exchange chromatographic column coupled with the SACI source and an ion trap analyzer using MS3 monitoring in order to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the analysis. The multiple‐point standard additions method was used to quantify the arginine. This method was employed to eliminate the matrix effect that affects all liquid ionization sources (APCI, ESI, SACI, etc.), and also does not require use of an internal standard. High‐quality results in terms of sensitivity, limit of detection, lower limit of quantitation, linearity and reproducibility, are demonstrated. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ternary Indides REIrIn (RE = Ce, Sm, Gd–Ho), REIrIn2 (RE = La–Nd, Sm), and Yb2IrIn8
Authors: Zaremba Vasyl I. , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: April 2005

New ternary indides REIrIn (RE = Ce, Sm, Gd–Ho), REIrIn2 (RE = La–Nd, Sm), and Yb2IrIn8 were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in a high‐frequency furnace. Single crystals were grown through special annealing procedures. Except PrIrIn2, all structures have been refined on the basis of single crystal X‐ray diffractometer data. The equiatomic indides RE IrIn (RE = Ce, Sm, Gd–Ho) crystallize with the hexagonal ZrNiAl type structure, space group $P{\bar 6}{\rm 2}m$. The iridium and indium atoms in REIrIn build up a three‐dimensional network in which the RE atoms fill distorted hexagonal channels. The indium atoms in the indium‐richer intermetallics REIrIn2 (RE = La–Nd, Sm) with orthorhombic MgCuAl2 type structure, space group Cmcm, form a three‐dimensional substructure of distorted corner‐sharing In4/4 tetrahedra. Together, these tetrahedra and the iridium atoms build up a three‐dimensional network in which the RE atoms fill distorted pentagonal channels. Yb2IrIn8 adopts the tetragonal Ho2CoGa8 structure, space group P4/mmm. Geometrical motifs of this structure are layers of YbIn12 cuboctahedra and stuffed IrIn8 cubes. The crystal chemistry and the Ir–In substructures of these intermetallics are discussed.
Die Kristallstruktur von Tl3Bi2I9: Eine komplexe Ausdünnungs‐ und Verzerrungsvariante des Perowskit‐Typs
Authors: Wosylus Aron , Schwarz Ulrich , Ruck Michael
Published: April 2005

The Crystal Structure of Tl3Bi2I9: A Complex Defect and Deformation Variant of the Perovskite Structure Type

Black crystals of trithallium(I) enneaiododibismuthate(III) Tl3Bi2I9 were obtained by slow cooling of a melt with composition Tl : Bi : I = 3 : 2 : 9 from 800 K to ambient temperature. The compound is diamagnetic and decomposes peritectically at 619(2) K. X‐ray diffraction of single‐crystals revealed that Tl3Bi2I9 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with lattice parameters a = 1438.9(1), b = 771.54(7), c = 2091.0(1) pm and β = 93.309(6)°, (Z = 4). The crystal structure can be described as a defect variant of the perovskite type (ABX3), where according to the formula Tl(Bi2/3□1/3)I3 the Bi atoms occupy only two thirds of the octahedral sites B. The vacancies are located in every third plane resulting in double layers of corner sharing [BiI6] polyhedra. By distortion and rotation of the [BiI6] polyhedra the coordination of the Tl atoms (cuboctahedral sites in the perovskite type, c.n. = 12) is reduced to bicapped trigonal prisms (c.n. = 8). The group‐subgroup relation between the Tl3Bi2I9 structure and the perovskite type results in a subgroup index of 144.