bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of inhaled corticosteroids on sputum cell counts in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Gan Wen Qi , Man SF Paul , Sin Don D
Published: February 2005

Background

Whether inhaled corticosteroids suppress airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial. We sought to determine the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on sputum indices of inflammation in stable COPD.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Databases for randomized, controlled clinical trials that used induced sputum to evaluate the effect of inhaled corticosteroids in stable COPD. For each chosen study, we calculated the mean differences in the concentrations of sputum cells before and after treatment in both intervention and control groups. These values were then converted into standardized mean differences to accommodate the differences in patient selection, clinical treatment, and biochemical procedures that were employed across original studies. If significant heterogeneity was present (p < 0.10), then a random effects model was used to pool the original data. In the absence of significant heterogeneity, a fixed effects model was used.

Results

We identified six original studies that met the inclusion criteria (N = 162 participants). In studies with higher cumulative dose (≥ 60 mg) or longer duration of therapy (≥ 6 weeks), inhaled corticosteroids were uniformly effective in reducing the total cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts. In contrast, studies with lower cumulative dose (< 60 mg) or shorter duration of therapy (< 6 weeks) did not demonstrate a favorable effect of inhaled corticosteroids on these sputum indices.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that prolonged therapy with inhaled corticosteroids is effective in reducing airway inflammation in stable COPD.
CytoJournal′s move to fund Open Access
Authors: Shidham Vinod B , Cafaro Anthony F , Atkinson Barbara F
Published: February 2005

CytoJournalis published by an independent publisher BioMed Central, which is committed to ensuring that the peer-reviewed biomedical research is Open Access. Since its launch, BioMed Central has graciously supported the processing of all the articles published duringCytoJournal′ s first 6 months. However, for long term viability,CytoJournalhas to achieve financial viability to support publication expenses. From 1st March, 2005, authors will be asked by the publisher to pay a flat article-processing charge. This editorial discusses how a significant proportion of authors may not have to pay this fee directly under a variety of different mechanisms such as institutional and society memberships with BioMed Central.
Lewis Base-Catalyzed Michael Reactions between Trimethylsilyl Enolate and α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Nakagawa Takashi , Fujisawa Hidehiko , Nagata Yuzo , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: February 2005

Michael reactions between trimethylsilyl enolates and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by using a Lewis base catalyst such as lithium benzamide 4 or lithium succinimide 5 in DMF proceeded smoothly to afford the corresponding Michael-adducts in good to high yields (Tables 1–3). In order to extend the scope, Michael reactions catalyzed by lithium acetate (AcOLi), a weak and readily available Lewis base, were studied in detail. AcOLi behaved as an effective Lewis base catalyst in Michael reactions between trimethylsilyl enolates and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds at 0 °C or at room temperature (Tables 4–6). Hindered α,β-unsaturated ketones behaved as excellent Michael-acceptors in the above reaction at room temperature (Table 5). This catalytic Michael reaction also proceeds smoothly in the presence of other lithium carboxylates that are easily prepared in situ by treating carboxylic acids with lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) (Scheme 2). This is the first example of Lewis base-catalyzed Michael reactions between α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and trimethylsilyl enolates.
Gay men who attend sex resorts: a typology associated with high-risk sexual behaviour
Authors: Crosby Richard , Salazar Laura F , Mettey Aaron
Published: February 2005

Our objective was to determine a sociodemographic profile (typology) of men for whom a relatively greater number of sex partners was associated with engaging in unprotected anal sex. A cross-sectional survey of 150 men who have sex with men (MSM) attending a large sex resort was conducted. The sex resort was located in the Southeastern United States. Men from 14 states attended the resort and completed an anonymous, self-administered, questionnaire. The typology that emerged showed that the co-occurring risk behaviours (greater number of partners and having unprotected sex) were reported by older men ( P=0.002), men with incomes of at least US$50,000 ( P=0.018), men growing up in rural areas ( P=0.005), men who were not knowingly HIV positive ( P=0.004), and men who had received the full series of vaccinations against hepatitis B ( P=0.029). This typology may be useful for more efficient targeting of prevention and counselling programmes designed to reduce sexually transmitted infection incidence among this high-risk (and understudied) population of MSM.
The uptake of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis within a sexual assault setting in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Templeton David J , Davies S C , Garvin A L , Garsia R J
Published: February 2005

Our aim was to compare the assault characteristics of victims presenting to a sexual assault service who were prescribed HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (HIV PEP) with those not prescribed HIV PEP. A retrospective review was carried out of the medical records of victims who were seen over a 12-month period in 1999/2000.

HIV PEP may have been potentially appropriate for 117 victims, of whom nine (7.7%) were prescribed PEP (eight women, one man). There was a trend for prescription of PEP to depend on the type of assault, with those suffering anal penetration most likely to be prescribed PEP, followed by those with vaginal, and then oral penetration ( P=0.08). Those who gave a history of oral or vaginal mucosal contact with ejaculate were more likely to receive PEP compared with those in whom ejaculation occurred at a non-mucosal site ( P=0.03). Most prescribed PEP regimens involved three antiretroviral drugs.

In this study, HIV PEP, when prescribed, was in accord with existing guidelines. Future studies should aim to better document HIV seroconversions in victims of sexual assault and HIV seroprevalence in assailants.
Alcohol and sexual behaviour
Authors: Markos A R
Published: February 2005

Alcohol, the oldest drug known to the human race, is widely perceived to affect sexual behaviour. The general public, scientific, medical and judicial establishments share and express interest in the potential effects of alcohol on the sexual behaviour of individuals. The understanding of the current state of medical knowledge, regarding the effect of alcohol on sexual behaviour, is of particular interest for the development of sexually transmitted diseases control strategies, and may be called upon for investigating alleged assault and rape. The perceived effects are influenced by historical, mythological, cultural, religious, physiological, pharmacological, expectancy, personal and legislative factors. The potential effects are investigated through surveys, global/situational association studies and placebo-controlled experiments. This article provides a review of literature and a summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the correlation between alcohol and sexual behaviour.
What's in a word? Case definitions in sexual health medicine
Authors: Chan D J , Donovan B
Published: February 2005

In clinical medicine, establishing case definitions for diseases, including sexually transmitted infections, is often an inexact and arbitrary exercise. The definition is affected by the intended purpose, be it for disease surveillance, clinical care, service provision, research, or funding of services. A case must be defined precisely in order to monitor disease trends, detect outbreaks, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The definition ensures consistent measurement of disease, specificity of reporting, and improves data standardization through time and across regions. The definition itself is one of the criteria used to evaluate the quality of a surveillance system. Designing definitions is fraught with problems relating to appropriate diagnostic criteria, sensitivity and specificity, context and relevance to current knowledge, and/or clinical practice. There is also the problem of reaching a consensus, especially for complex syndromes such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
Sacral myeloradiculitis complicating genital herpes in a HIV-infected patient
Authors: Corral I , Quereda C , Navas E , Pérez-Elias M J , Jover F , Moreno S
Published: February 2005

Myeloradiculitis is a rare neurological complication of herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) infection, frequently associated with a fatal outcome. Among patients with HIV infection, HSV-2 myeloradiculitis has occasionally been reported, always associated with advanced immunosuppression and AIDS. We report a patient with HIV infection but no history of previous opportunistic infections, who developed sacral myeloradiculitis immediately after an episode of genital herpes. Magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium showed necrotizing myelitis in the conus medullaris and enhancement of sacral roots. CD4 lymphocyte count was 530/mm3. Other possible causes of myeloradiculitis in HIV-infected patients were appropriately excluded. Acyclovir therapy resulted in partial clinical improvement. This report shows that myeloradiculitis as a complication of genital herpes may occur in the early stages of HIV infection and may have a favourable outcome with antiviral treatment.
DNA gyrase gene in Neisseria gonorrhoeae as indicator for resistance to ciprofloxacin and species verification
Authors: Lindbäck Emma , Gharizadeh Baback , Ataker Ferda , Airell Åsa , Jalal Shah , Nyrén Pål , Wretlind Bengt
Published: February 2005

We have identified a unique region of eight amino acids in the quinolone resistance-determining region in the gyrA gene in Neisseria gonorrhoeae as an indicator of resistance to fluoroquinolones. We sequenced that region by the Pyrosequencing™ technology in 46 N. gonorrhoeae strains and 11 urine samples positive in AMPLICOR ™ N. gonorrhoeae polymerase chain reaction (Roche Diagnostics), with corresponding isolates of N. gonorrhoeae. The results showed that 28 samples with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin >1 mg/L had mutations in positions 91 and 95. Fifteen samples with MIC 0.125–1.0 mg/L had either one or both of the mutations. The 14 susceptible samples had no mutations. The target region also discriminates N. gonorrhoeae from other species of Neisseria. Our conclusion is that gyrA is an indicator of resistance to ciprofloxacin in N. gonorrhoeae and sequencing by Pyrosequencing technology is a suitable tool for analysis of DNA in urine samples.
Discovery of drug candidates from some Turkish plants and conservation of biodiversity
Authors: Şener Bilge , Orhan İlkay
Published: February 2005

Discovery for the advancement of medicine and understanding of life sciences constitutes one of the most powerful ways in which biodiversity can contribute to human society. Bioresources have tremendous potential in providing bioactive compounds for the development of new lead candidates for pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agrochemicals. Therefore, natural products continue to be an important source of modern drugs in clinical use as an active ingredient, starting material to produce semi-synthetic drugs as well as templates for totally synthetic drugs.

The key to success for discovering therapeutic agents from bioresources is based on bioassay-directed isolation techniques. High-throughput screening tests and mechanism-based screening protocols as well as information of folkloric utilization of plants have led to the discovery of lead compounds as drug candidates. Given the current research and development performance associated with the understanding of disease process, there is still a great need for novel compounds with unique mechanisms of action to treat diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, etc. The lecture will highlight bioactive compounds arising from the screening of some Turkish plant extracts.

Due to human population growth and economic pressure, the loss of the earth’s biodiversity is one of the most pressing environmental and development issues today. IUPAC-approved recommendations for global cooperation on sustainable utilization and conservation of biodiversity will also be presented as the dissemination effort of the recommendation.
Biodiversity as a source of new pharmacophores: A new theory of memory III
Authors: Atta-ur-Rahman  , Choudhary M. Iqbal
Published: February 2005

Several classes of natural products with significant inhibitory activity against target enzymes involved in several diseases have been identified. Spectrophotometer and high-throughput assays were used to assess the inhibition of prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), which led us to some novel inhibitors having potential as anticancer agents. Inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes has led to the discovery of new inhibitors with potential for use in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders. We have also discovered several potent antioxidant agents from natural sources by using a battery of antioxidant assays. Anti-inflammatory activity of a number of natural products was assayed through a cell-based in vitro bioassay. This article also contains a section on a slightly different topic of chemical basis of memory as presented during the lecture. The theory of the chemical basis of memory based on hydrogen bonding in the brain is further elaborated.
Approaches to the stereoselective total synthesis of biologically active natural products
Authors: Baron Anne , Ball Matthew , Bradshaw Benjamin , Donnelly Sam , Germay Olivier , Oller Pilar C. , Kumar Naresh , Martin Nathaniel , O’Brien Matthew , Omori Hiroki , Moore Christopher , Thomas Eric J.
Published: February 2005

Total syntheses of epothilone B and pamamycin 607, which feature reactions between functionalized allylstannanes and aldehydes to introduce a (Z)-trisubstituted double-bond and remote stereocenters stereoselectively, are discussed. Recent work concerned with carrying out this chemistry without the use of allylstannanes as starting materials and progress toward a total synthesis of bryostatins are also presented.
Chemistry of tetrathiomolybdate and tetraselenotungstate: Applications in carbohydrate chemistry
Authors: Ramu Sridhar Perali , Saravanan V. , Chandrasekaran S.
Published: February 2005

An efficient one pot synthesis of thio and selenolevoglucosans from 1,6-diactivated carbohydrate derivatives has been achieved using benzyltriethylammonium tetrathiomolybdate, [BnNEt3]2MoS4, as a sulfur transfer reagent and tetraethylammonium tetraselenotungstate, [Et4N]2WSe4, as a selenium transfer reagent, respectively. The methodology has also been extended to the synthesis of 1,5-epithio and 1,5-episeleno pentoses.
Indo-U.S. collaborative studies on biocatalytic generation of novel molecular architectures
Authors: Watterson Arthur C. , Parmar Virinder S. , Kumar Rajesh , Sharma Sunil K. , Shakil Najam A. , Tyagi Rahul , Sharma Ajendra K. , Samuelson Lynne A. , Kumar Jayant , Nicolosi Robert , Shea Thomas
Published: February 2005

Biocatalytic polymerization reactions on a variety of substrates leading to value-added polymers have been summarized. The main focus of this review is on the control of molecular architecture during enzymatic polymerization reactions. Combined with chemical reactions, several extremely flexible chemo-enzymatic synthetic procedures are described to produce families of new polymeric materials with novel properties. The properties of the synthesized polymers and their applications in various fields, such as drug delivery and flame retardant materials, have also been studied and discussed.
Biocatalytic routes toward pharmaceutically important precursors and novel polymeric systems
Authors: Sharma Sunil K. , Husain Mofazzal , Kumar Rajesh , Samuelson Lynne A. , Kumar Jayant , Watterson Arthur C. , Parmar Virinder S.
Published: February 2005

The synthetic potential of enzymes related to organic synthesis has been applied profusely, especially since the introduction of their use in organic solvents. Enzymes offer the opportunity to carry out highly chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective transformations. The use of enzymes in the synthetic sequence provides unique advantages of efficiency and environmental friendliness. Owing to their low cost and applicability to a broad range of substrates, lipases have become the most versatile class of biocatalysts in organic synthesis. We have screened a battery of lipases to carry out highly selective reactions for the synthesis of a wide range of organic compounds and polymeric materials.
Biocatalytic synthesis of novel electronic and photovoltaic materials
Authors: Mosurkal Ravi , Kumar Rajesh , Bruno Ferdinando F. , Nagarajan Ramaswamy , Samuelson Lynne , Kumar Jayant
Published: February 2005

A new class of ruthenium complex-based macrodye and a dinuclear complex were synthesized via a biocatalytic route employing hematin as an efficient biocatalyst. The photovoltaic overall efficiency of the dinuclear complex was found to be 2.1 % and higher than the polymeric complex (0.33 %). Furthermore, we have developed an environmentally benign methodology for the synthesis of novel pegylated polyphenolics. The reaction conditions used do not require any organic solvents, and all the reactions were performed in aqueous media. The synthesized polymers were soluble in both organic and aqueous media, and provide further opportunity to tailor the properties. Finally, a novel biomimetic method for the synthesis of a conducting molecular complex of polypyrrole and of thiophene substitute in the presence of a polyelectrolyte, such as polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), is presented. A synthetic enzyme based on hematin was used to catalyze the polymerization of pyrrole (PYR) and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) in the presence of SPS. Copolymers of EDOT and PYR have also been synthesized, and these novel materials have been shown to exhibit high electrical conductivity.
Biocatalytic production of flavors and fragrances
Authors: Franssen Maurice C. R. , Alessandrini Laura , Terraneo Giancarlo
Published: February 2005

The preparation of flavors and fragrances has to be done with great care. When these compounds are meant for consumption, no toxic chemicals are allowed during their preparation. For use in non-food additives, a high purity is required. Both constraints can be easily fulfilled when enzymes are used as catalyst during the production of these compounds. This paper summarizes the work that we have done regarding the preparation of branched-chain fatty acids (sheep flavors) using lipases, the production of glucosides (controlled-release flavors) using glucosidases, the formation of terpene alcohols and grapefruit flavor using enzymes from chicory, and the formation of phenolic antioxidants using lipases.
Plasmodium falciparum triosephosphate isomerase: New insights into an old enzyme
Authors: Ravindra Gudihal , Balaram Padmanabhan
Published: February 2005

Triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), a central enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, has been the subject of extensive structural and mechanistic investigations over the past 30 years. The TIM barrel is the prototype of the (β/α)8 barrel fold, which is one of the most extensively used structural motifs in enzymes. Mechanistic studies on TIM from a variety of sources have emphasized the importance of loop 6 dynamics for enzyme activity. Several conserved residues in TIM have been investigated by extensive site-directed mutagenesis of the enzyme from yeast, chicken, and trypanosoma. The cloning and sequencing of the TIM gene from the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum in 1993 revealed the unexpected mutation of a hitherto conserved residue serine (S96) to phenylalanine (F96). Subsequent results from the genome sequencing programs of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium yoelii confirmed the presence of the S96F mutation in malarial parasites. The crystal structure of PfTIM and several inhibitor complexes, including a high-resolution (1.1 Å) structure of the PfTIM 2-phosphoglycerate complex, revealed that loop 6 had a propensity to remain open, even in several ligand bound structures. Furthermore, both open and closed forms could be characterized for the same complex. Since glycolysis is the primary source of ATP for the malarial parasite during the intraerythrocytic stage, glycolytic enzymes present themselves as potential targets for inhibitors. Two distinct approaches have been explored. The use of dimer interface peptides, which interfere with assembly, has proved promising. Inactivation of the enzyme by modification of a cysteine (C13) residue, which lies close to the active site residue, lysine (K12) is another potential strategy. The differential reactivity, of the four-cysteine residues, at positions 13, 126, 196, and 217 in each subunit has been established using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Studies of single tryptophan mutants (W11F and W168F) of PfTIM provide a probe to study folding, stability, and inhibitor interactions.
Forced intercalation as a tool in gene diagnostics and in studying DNA–protein interactions
Authors: Köhler Olaf , Jarikote Dilip V. , Singh Ishwar , Parmar Virinder S. , Weinhold Elmar , Seitz Oliver
Published: February 2005

Aromatic and heteroaromatic groups that are forced to intercalate at specific positions in DNA are versatile probes of DNA–DNA and DNA–protein recognition. Fluorescent nucleobases are of value since they are able to report on localized alterations of DNA duplex structure. However, the fluorescence of the vast majority of base surrogates becomes quenched upon intercalation in DNA. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based probes are presented in which the intercalator dye thiazole orange (TO) serves as a fluorescent base surrogate. In these probes, fluorescence increases (5–60-fold) upon hybridization. PNA-bearing TO as fluorescent base surrogate could hence prove useful in real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) applications and in live cell analysis. Forced intercalation of aromatic polycycles can help to explore the binding mechanism of DNA-modifying enzymes. We discuss studies of DNA-methyltransferases (MTases) which commence methylation of nucleobases in DNA by flipping the target nucleotide completely out of the helix. A method for probing the base-flipping mechanism is suggested. It draws upon the observation that large hydrophobic base surrogates in the face of the swung-out base can enhance the DNA-enzyme binding affinity possibly by disrupting target base-stacking and stabilizing the apparent abasic site.
Age-Related Variations in Acylcarnitine and Free Carnitine Concentrations Measured by Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cavedon Catia Testa , Bourdoux Pierre , Mertens Karl , Van Thi Hong Vien , Herremans Nadine , de Laet Corinne , Goyens Philippe
Published: February 2005

Background: The acylcarnitine profiles obtained from dried blood spots on “Guthrie cards” have been widely used for the diagnosis and follow-up of children suspected of carrying an inherited error of metabolism, but little attention has been paid to potential age-related variations in the reference values. In this study, we evaluated the variations in free carnitine and acylcarnitine concentrations with age, as measured by tandem mass spectrometry.

Methods: Filter-paper blood spots were collected from 433 healthy individuals over a period of 17 months. Eight age groups were defined: cord blood, 3–6 days (control group), 15–55 days, 2–18 months, 19–59 months, 5–10 years, 11–17 years, and 18–54 years. Free carnitine and acylcarnitines were measured for each individual. Mean values were calculated for each age group and compared with those for the control group.

Results: Free carnitine was significantly higher in older children than in newborns (P <0.05), but the concentrations of several acylcarnitines tended to be significantly lower in cord blood and in groups of older children than in the control group. Only minor sex-related differences were observed.

Conclusion: Although the risk of underdiagnosis of fatty acid oxidation disorders with the use of newborn values as reference can be considered as small, in some circumstances the use of age-related reference values may have a potential impact on the diagnosis and management of inherited errors of metabolism.
Canadian Liquefaction Experiment (CANLEX): Blast-Induced Ground Motion and Pore Pressure Experiments
Authors: Al-Qasimi EMA , Charlie WA , Woeller DJ
Published: February 2005

As part of the Canadian Liquefaction Experiment (CANLEX), single and multiple explosive charges were detonated in a level deposit of loose, saturated, sand-size mine tailings. Empirical equations were developed from pore pressure and ground motion recorded at several locations. A condition of zero effective stress was induced at a depth of 6 m when peak particle velocity exceeded 0.65 m/s for single detonations and 0.13 m/s for twelve detonations having millisecond delays. Little or no excess pore pressure was induced from single or multiple detonations when peak particle velocity or peak compressive strain was less than 0.01 m/s or 0.001 %, respectively. The blasting experiments were conducted and analyzed to determine blast-induced ground motion and pore pressure response in a level deposit and to determine the possibility of using explosives to trigger flow-liquefaction in tailings located below an embankment, while keeping peak particle velocities within limits set by Syncrude Canada, Ltd.
Consolidation Test at Constant Rate of Strain for Radial Drainage
Authors: Yune C-Y , Chung C-K
Published: February 2005

A consolidometer for radial drainage under constant rate of strain (CRS) loading was developed. Theoretical solutions for determining the consolidation parameters, such as the coefficient of consolidation, compression index, recompression index, and preconsolidation pressure, from the test results were also proposed. Comparative experiments with CRS loading and incremental loading (IL) were carried out in radial drainage and also in vertical drainage. The results obtained from the developed CRS loading test agreed well with those of the conventional incremental loading test for radial drainage. They also showed that the CRS test enables the whole consolidation test to be completed in 2–6 h for commonly encountered fine grained soils.
A Non-Resonance Method for Measuring Dynamic Soil Properties
Authors: Rix GJ , Meng J
Published: February 2005

A non-resonance (NR) test method is introduced to determine dynamic soil properties at low strain amplitudes over a broad frequency range using a conventional resonant column/torsional shear (RC/TS) apparatus. The theoretical background of the NR method is presented and it is shown that the shear modulus and material damping ratio can be obtained from frequency response measurements between the applied torque and resulting rotational displacement of the specimen. By properly accounting for inertia effects, the NR method allows measurements at frequencies (e.g., 2–30 Hz) that fill the gap between conventional RC and TS tests. Experimental results are presented for aluminum alloy, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and soil specimens over the frequency range of 0.01–30 Hz. Values for aluminum alloy and PMMA, used as calibration materials, obtained with the NR method agree well with reference values from the literature and help validate the approach. Tests on two soil specimens indicate that the NR method permits continuous measurements of shear modulus and material damping ratio of soils over a broad frequency range, which has the potential to yield improved understanding of viscoelastic soil behavior and provide dynamic soil properties over a range of frequencies appropriate for a variety of natural and man-made vibration sources.
The Shrink Swell Test
Authors: Fityus SG , Cameron DA , Walsh PF
Published: February 2005

Although the assessment of the expansive potential of clay soils has been the subject of active research for the past 40 years, its treatment in routine geotechnical practice around the world remains inconsistent. This paper describes the shrink swell test, which is used routinely in Australian geotechnical practice as the principal method for the experimental assessment of the expansive potential of clay soils. The test procedure and its underlying assumptions are described and discussed in the context of the historical development of the test and its routine application. It is shown that the shrink swell test is a simple and economical means of assessing soil expansiveness, which is achieved largely through the adoption of several simplifying assumptions that effectively circumvent the measurement of soil suction. The significance of these assumptions is discussed, and it is concluded that the shrink swell test can be conveniently and reliably employed to guide the routine design of foundations in expansive soils.
Filtration Performance of Two-Layer Geotextile Systems
Authors: Emin Kutay M , Aydilek AH
Published: February 2005

Nonwoven geotextiles are commonly used in filtration applications. For some applications, however, a nonwoven geotextile filter may not have the required mechanical properties to withstand deformations, and an additional woven geotextile is usually employed in design. While reinforcement is an important function expected from these two-layer geotextile systems, filtration is another function that is critical for the long-term performance. Recent observations in geotextile filter design suggested that the filtration characteristics of these systems can be highly different than those of single-layer systems. A laboratory test program was undertaken to evaluate the filtration performance of four different woven/nonwoven geotextile combinations with fly ash and bottom-sea dredged sediments. For comparison, these geomaterials were also tested with two single-woven geotextiles. The results indicated that both fly ash and dredged sediments could be successfully filtered by a variety of woven geotextiles and nonwoven/woven combinations. Results also showed that use of a two-layer geotextile system, rather than a single-woven geotextile, significantly increased the filtration capacity. Higher amounts of fines accumulated at the sediment-geotextile interface than the fly ash-geotextile interfaces, indicating that geotextiles are more prone to clogging during filtering dredged sediments.
Contrast Enhancing Filters in Ski Sports
Authors: Lingelbach B , Jendrusch G
Published: February 2005

The need to visually recognize irregularities in the terrain, such as hummocks or hollows, is necessary for the skier to react appropriately. The state of the art is to use blue attenuator filters or grey filters as sunglasses. But without knowledge of the spectra, e.g., the surface of the slope, it is impossible to choose or develop an optimal filter. We measured the spectra of snow under various conditions. These data served as a base to develop a new kind of filter suitable for skiing. Some physiological evidence is given why this new kind of filter is optimal for skiing. The filters are already used by the German Ski Federation World Cup team (women) in both training and competition.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of ASTM A 890 Gr6A Super Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Martins M , Casteletti LC
Published: February 2005

Duplex stainless steels were initially developed for the manufacture of thermomechanically formed products. However, the increasing demand for casting components of these materials has led to the application of a widely developed technology for this forming process. After undergoing a solution annealing heat treatment, these materials become thermodynamically metastable systems, since the concentration of solute atoms in solid solution is so high that they become saturated, causing them to seek a lower free energy state when exposed to different temperatures. These systems reach a more stable thermodynamic condition by the precipitation of various intermetallic phases, depending on the temperatures to which they are exposed. Thermal energy serves as a catalyst to “overcome” the energy barrier that separates the metastable and stable phases. The objective of this work was to determine the influence of several heat treatment temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an ASTM A 890/A 890M Gr6A super duplex stainless steel. The increase in hardness and the decrease in impact toughness of these materials in impact tests were found to be directly correlated with the increase in sigma phase concentration in their microstructure, which tended to precipitate into ferrite/austenite interfaces. When the sigma phase was completely dissolved by the heat treatment, the material's hardness was determined by the volumetric concentration of ferrite and austenite in the microstructure, and the energy absorbed in the impact test reached approximately 220 J at room temperature.
A Study to Investigate the Influence of Soil Properties on Suction
Authors: Sreedeep S , Singh DN
Published: February 2005

Various models that incorporate the influence of soil suction on different engineering properties of unsaturated soils have been developed. However, a systematic study of various physical parameters of the soil mass such as type of soil, particle size distribution, and the state of compaction (i.e., water content, dry unit weight, and saturation) is required to understand the influence of these parameters on soil suction, directly or indirectly. This would be of great help in understanding the unsaturated properties of the soil mass. With this in view, an effort has been made in this technical note to measure the suction of locally available silty soil and commercially available white clay, compacted at different water contents and dry unit weights, using an insertion tensiometer. Efforts have been made to determine the influence of various parameters, as stated earlier, on the soil suction. Details of the test setup used for these studies are also presented.
Second update on compounds with kröhnkite-type chains
Authors: Kolitsch Uwe , Fleck Michel
Published: February 2005

The crystal structures of five new synthetic double salt dihydrates have been determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The following three selenate(VI), sulphate(VI) and chromate(VI) compounds all contain kröhnkite-[Na2Cu(SO4)2 · 2 H2O]-type infinite tetrahedral-octahedral chains: K2Zn(SeO4)2 · 2 H2O (a = 5.571(1), b = 6.586(1), c = 7.458(2) Å, α = 111.14(3), β = 96.35(3), γ = 106.15(3)°, V = 238.26(8) Å3, R(F) = 0.037, space group P-1, no. 2, Z = 1), K2Co(SO4)2 · 2 H2O (a = 5.327(1), b = 6.566(1), c = 7.256(2) Å, α = 110.74(3), β = 95.00(3), γ = 107.02(3)°, V = 221.72(8) Å3, R(F) = 0.037, space group P-1, no. 2, Z = 1), Rb2Cd(CrO4)2 · 2 H2O (a = 6.852(1), b = 7.706(2), c = 11.362(2) Å, α = 73.07(3), β = 75.11(3), γ = 69.63(3)°, V = 529.88(18) Å3, R(F) = 0.026, space group P-1, no. 2, Z = 2). The crystal structures of the two remaining compounds, the isotypic dichromates K2Co(Cr2O7)2 · 2 H2O and Cs2Cd(Cr2O7)2 · 2 H2O (a = 6.801(1)/7.368(1), b = 7.723(1)/8.051(2), c = 7.814(1) /8.047(2) Å, α = 89.23(3)/88.68(3), β = 81.05(3)/81.12(3), γ = 64.39(3)/63.81(3)°, V = 364.93(14)/422.66(16) Å3, R(F) = 0.022/0.025, space group P-1, no. 2, Z = 1) are closely related to those of kröhnkite-type compounds; the structure contains Cr2O7 groups assuming the same bridging role that XO4 groups have in kröhnkite-type oxysalts. Both dichromates are isotypic with their K—Zn- and K—Cd-analogues although the hydrogen bonding scheme in Cs2Cd(Cr2O7)2 · 2 H2O is completely different. The atomic arrangements of the five new compounds are described and unusual features are pointed out. Structural relations with other kröhnkite-type and -like minerals and compounds are discussed with respect to our previously proposed classification (Fleck et al., 2002; Fleck and Kolitsch, 2003). The compound Rb2Cd(CrO4)2 · 2 H2O represents both the first kröhnkite-type rubidium compound and the first chromate with structure type D. Cs2Cd(Cr2O7)2 · 2 H2O is the first caesium compound known to contain kröhnkite-like chains.
On the solid state conformation of azithromycin monohydrate and dihydrate pseudopolymorphs
Authors: Montejo-Bernardo José Manuel , Garcia-Granda Santiago , Bayod-Jasanada Miguel Santos , Llavona-Díaz Lujan , Llorente Isidro
Published: February 2005

This paper describes the crystal structure of the azithromycin monohydrate pseudopolymorph (pseudopolymorphic forms, different solvates of the same chemical compound, azithromycin in our case) crystallised from isopropanol, solved by X-ray single crystal, and called isopropanol clathrate monohydrate (Apotex, US 6,245,903). The powder diffraction patterns for this compound show a structure very similar to the azithromycin monohydrate crystallised from ethanol, called stable monohydrate (Biochemie, WO 0100640), and the X-ray single crystal confirms the fact that this new pseudopolymorph is isostructural to the previously reported, the referred stable monohydrate.

Comparing the monohydrate and the dihydrate crystalline forms, we try to explain the role played by the solvent in the final results, and find a relation between the conformation in solution and in the crystal state conformation for the antibiotic.

The crystal obtained using t-butanol as solvent, differs from the expected and certainly more factors have to be considered in addition to the solvent polarity (dipole moment
μ) to determine the final crystal form of azithromycin, contrary to that indicated in the literature. The concept of polarity itself is analyzed.
Relevance of Atypical Protein Kinase C Isotypes to the Drug Discovery Process
Authors: Jenny Marcel , Wrulich Oliver A. , Schwaiger Wolfgang , Ueberall Florian
Published: February 2005

Cell proliferation and cell death in tumours are molecular mechanisms that underlie the interplay of proliferation and apoptosis. Atypical protein kinase C isotypes possess a so‐called OPCA motif with novel regulatory domain characteristics potentially exploitable for antitumour pharmaceutical intervention.
The Interaction of Highly Helical Structural Mutants with the NOP Receptor Discloses the Role of the Address Domain of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ
Authors: Tancredi Teodorico , Carrà Giacomo , Guerrini Remo , Arduin Marika , Calò Girolamo , Regoli Domenico , Salvadori Severo , Temussi Piero Andrea
Published: February 2005

Nociceptin is a heptadecapeptide whose sequence is similar to that of Dynorphin A, sharing a message domain characterized by two glycines and two aromatic residues, and a highly basic C‐terminal address domain but, in spite of these similarities, displays no opioid activity. Establishing the relative importance of the message and address domains of nociceptin has so far been hampered by its extreme conformational flexibility. Here we show that mutants of this peptide, designed to increase the helical content in the address domain, can be employed to explain the mode of interaction with the NOP receptor. Nociceptin analogues in which Ala residues are substituted with aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) show a substantial increment of activity in their interaction with the NOP receptor. The increment of biological activity was attributed to the well‐documented ability of Aib to induce helicity. Here we have verified this working hypothesis by a conformational investigation extended to new analogues in which the role of Aib is taken up by Leu. The NMR conformational analysis confirms that all Ala/Aib peptides as well as [Leu7,11]‐N/OFQ‐amide and [Leu11,15]‐N/OFQ‐amide mutants (N/OFQ=nociceptin/orphanin FQ) have comparable helix content in helix‐promoting media. We show that the helical address domain of nociceptin can place key basic residues at an optimal distance from complementary acidic groups of the EL2 loop of the receptor. Our structural data are used to rationalize pharmacological data which show that although [Leu11,15]‐N/OFQ‐amide has an activity comparable to those of Ala/Aib peptides, [Leu7,11]‐N/OFQ‐amide is less active than N/OFQ‐amide. We hypothesize that bulky residues cannot be hosted in or near the hinge region (Thr5‐Gly6‐Ala7) without severe steric clash with the receptor. This hypothesis is also consistent with previous data on this hinge region obtained by systematic substitution of Thr, Gly, and Ala with Pro.
A Comparative Electrochemical Study of Diffusion in Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Solvents versus Acetonitrile
Authors: Evans Russell G. , Klymenko Oleksiy V. , Price Paul D. , Davies Stephen G. , Hardacre Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: February 2005

Measurements on the diffusion coefficient of the neutral molecule N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐para‐phenylenediamine and the radical cation and dication generated by its one‐ and two‐electron oxidation, respectively, are reported over the range 298–348 K in both acetonitrile and four room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). Data were collected using single and double potential step chronoamperometry at a gold disk electrode of micrometer dimension, and analysed via fitting to the appropriate analytical expression or, where necessary, to simulation. The variation of diffusion coefficient with temperature was found to occur in an Arrhenius‐type manner for all combinations of solute and solvent. For a given ionic liquid, the diffusional activation energies of each species were not only closely equivalent to each other, but also to the RTIL's activation energy of viscous flow. In acetonitrile supported with 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate, the ratio in diffusion coefficients of the radical cation and dication to the neutral molecule were calculated as 0.89±0.05 and 0.51±0.03, respectively. In contrast, amongst the ionic liquids the same ratios were determined to be on average 0.53±0.04 and 0.33±0.03. The consequences of this dissimilarity are considered in terms of the modelling of voltammetric data gathered within ionic liquid solvents.
Visual, auditory and cross‐modal processing of linguistic and nonlinguistic temporal patterns among adult dyslexic readers
Authors: Meyler Ann , Breznitz Zvia
Published: February 2005

This study examined visual, auditory, and cross‐modal temporal pattern processing at the nonlinguistic and sublexical linguistic levels, and the relationships between these abilities and decoding skill. The central question addressed whether dyslexic readers are impaired in their perception of timing, as assessed by sensitivity to rhythm. Participants were college‐level adult dyslexic and normal readers. The dyslexic adults evidenced generalized impairment in temporal processing: they were less accurate and slower than normal readers when required to detect the temporal gap that differentiated pairs of patterns. Impairment was greatest when processing visual syllables. Temporal pattern processing correlated to decoding ability only among normal readers. It is suggested that high‐functioning dyslexics may cope with temporal processing problems by adopting a predominantly holistic, orthographic strategy when decoding. It is proposed that there may be cumulative effects of processing demands from different sources including modality, stimulus complexity, and linguistic demands, and that combinations of these may interact to impact temporal processing ability. Moreover, there may be fundamentally distinct and dissociable temporal processing abilities, each of which may be differently linked developmental dyslexia. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling catchment‐scale erosion patterns in the East African Highlands
Authors: Vigiak Olga , Okoba Barrack O. , Sterk Geert , Groenenberg Sander
Published: February 2005

Prompt location of areas exposed to high erosion is of the utmost importance for soil and water conservation planning. Erosion models can be useful tools to locate sources of sediment and areas of deposition within a catchment, but the reliability of model predictions of spatial patterns of erosion at catchment scale has seldom been validated against observations. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a simple empirical model (Morgan, Morgan and Finney model, MMF) in predicting spatial patterns of erosion at two small catchments in the East African Highlands: Kwalei (Tanzania) and Gikuuri (Kenya). Erosion maps predicted by the MMF model were compared with erosion maps obtained by direct survey. In Kwalei, erosion features were especially frequent in fields of annual crops. In Gikuuri, slope was the critical erosion factor, with estimated erosion rates >10 kg m−2 a−1 on slopes >18 per cent. Predicted erosion rates were mainly transport‐limited and ranged from <0·01 to 13·50 kg m−2 a−1 in Kwalei and 9·29 kg m−2 a−1 in Gikuuri. The performance of the MMF model in predicting the spatial patterns of erosion was acceptable in Kwalei, but poor in Gikuuri. However, by excluding the elements at the valley bottoms in Gikuuri Catchment, the performance of the model improved dramatically. The spatial pattern of erosion predicted by the MMF model was driven by the accumulation of surface runoff, which did not consider the possibility of re‐infiltration along the slope. As a result, the MMF erosion patterns predicted by the model increased invariably from the ridges to the valley bottoms, hampering the model suitability for locating areas subjected to high and very high erosion. It is concluded that the model predictions could be substantially improved by introducing a more realistic hydrological component for the prediction of surface runoff along the hill‐slope. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of both process descriptions and runoff patterns on predictions from a spatially distributed soil erosion model
Authors: Takken Ingrid , Govers Gerard , Jetten Victor , Nachtergaele Jeroen , Steegen An , Poesen Jean
Published: February 2005

Spatially distributed, process‐based erosion models have been built to predict both erosion and deposition rates and patterns. However, predictions by these models often do not meet our expectations. There are several possible reasons for this, which can be subdivided into three groups: (i) process descriptions within the models may be incomplete or incorrect, leading to structural errors (model error); (ii) parameterization is difficult leading to a high degree of uncertainty regarding model inputs (input error); and (iii) the spatial implementation of the model (the spatial discretization and the routing methods used) may be inadequate. Hitherto, most studies of erosion model performance have focused on input parameter uncertainty: the effects of process description and spatial implementation of the model have often been neglected. In this study an attempt is made to compare some aspects of the effects of process description, parameter uncertainty and model implementation on model performance. A series of model runs was carried out to evaluate to what extent the predictions of the spatially distributed erosion model LISEM are affected by the description of the hydraulic resistance, the parameter values used to characterize hydraulic resistance as well as the routing algorithm used to generate the runoff pattern.

The process description used for overland flow resistance and velocity has a clear effect on the erosion and deposition rates predicted by the model. However, relatively minor variations in a single parameter value (hydraulic roughness) appear to affect model output more strongly than variations in the process description itself. The use of different routing algorithms leads to notably different erosion and deposition patterns, but total erosion and deposition rates are much less affected. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.