bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous determination of metformin and gliclazide in human plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: application to a bioequivalence study of two formulations in healthy volunteers
Authors: Zhong Guo‐ping , Bi Hui‐chang , Zhou Shufeng , Chen Xiao , Huang Min
Published: October 2005

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was developed and validated to simultaneously determine gliclazide and metformin in human plasma using huperzine A as the internal standard (IS). After acetonitrile‐induced protein precipitation of the plasma samples, gliclazide, metformin and the IS were subjected to LC/MS/MS analysis using electro‐spray ionization (ESI). Chromatographic separation was performed on a Hypersil BDS C18column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, i.d., 3 µm). The method had a chromatographic running time of 2.0 min and linear calibration curves over the concentration ranges of 10–10 000 ng ml−1for gliclazide and 7.8–4678.9 ng ml−1for metformin. The recoveries of the method were found to be 71–104%. The lower limits of quantification (LOQ) of the method were 10.0 and 7.8 ng ml−1for gliclazide and metformin, respectively. The intra‐ and interday precision was less than 15% for all quality control samples at concentrations of 100, 500, and 2000 ng ml−1. The validated LC/MS/MS method has been used to study bioequivalence in healthy volunteers. These results indicate that the method was efficient with a very short running time (2.0 min) for metformin and gliclazide compared to the methods reported in the literature. The presented method had acceptable accuracy, precision and sensitivity and was used in clinical bioequivalence study. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cut intramuscular nerve affects the recovery in the lacerated skeletal muscle
Authors: Pereira Barry P. , Tan Jessie A. C. , Zheng Ling , Tan Bee‐Leng , Lahiri Amitabha , Lim Aymeric Y. T. , Kumar V. Prem
Published: October 2005

The recovery of lacerated skeletal muscles are said to be slow and incomplete. Often the intramuscular (IM‐) nerve is concomitantly cut, but never repaired. We questioned whether the IM‐nerve should also be reanastamosed before repairing the skeletal muscle. Before answering this, it was necessary to know if the cut IM nerve would have an effect on the recovery of the segment of muscle distal to the level of the laceration. This study investigates the recovery of lacerated muscles after repair, and compares a complete muscle laceration where the main IM‐nerve was concomitantly cut and an incomplete muscle laceration where the IM‐nerve was preserved intact. The medial gastrocnemius (MG) of the adult male New Zealand White rabbit was used, with the contralateral muscle as a sham control. The laceration was at the proximal quarter of the muscle, distal to the entry point of the nerve branch from the tibial nerve into the muscle belly. Twenty‐eight weeks post‐repair, the lacerated MG with the IM‐nerve intact showed improved muscle wet weight, near normal morphology and contractile properties, and return of muscle fiber type mix and size. The repaired lacerated MG with their IM‐nerve concomitantly cut demonstrated loss of muscle wet weight, obvious fibrosis, mononuclear proliferation with fatty infiltration, increase in type‐1 fibers and muscle fiber atrophy in the distal portion. We postulate that it might be important to repair the intramuscular nerve branch by microanastomosis when repairing a vital skeletal muscle that is lacerated. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Pulsed ultrasound treatment accelerates the repair of Achilles tendon rupture in rats
Authors: Yeung Chi Keung , Guo Xia , Ng Yin Fat
Published: October 2005

A rat tenotomy model was used to investigate the effect of combined conservative management and pulsed ultrasound (PUS) on the repair of tenotomized Achilles tendon. Hemitenotomy of right medial Achilles tendon was performed in 48 rats without suture, and patella tenotomy was performed to mimic immobilization and limb disuse of an injured limb. PUS and sham PUS were applied to the healing wound for the treatment group and control group for 5 min, 3 times per week for 2 or 4 weeks, respectively. Tensile tests showed that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and stiffness of the repaired tendon in the treatment group at 2 weeks reached 48.92 ± 18.39% and 62.48 ± 32.46% of the contralateral normal tendon strength, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (UTS, 30.36 ± 15.46%; stiffness, 33.90 ± 17.59; p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, UTS increased to 77.09 ± 15.31% and stiffness to 92.48 ± 31.12% in the treatment group, significantly higher than those in the control group (UTS, 54.33 ± 18.40%, p < 0.01; stiffness, 65.02 ± 25.48%, p < 0.05). Light microscopy revealed more regular, denser, and better aligned collagen fibers in the healing scar of the PUS‐treated healing tendons. The findings suggested that PUS were able to accelerate the healing of the ruptured tendons. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Modulation of endochondral development of the distal femoral condyle by mechanical loading
Authors: Sundaramurthy Sona , Mao Jeremy J.
Published: October 2005

Although previous theoretical modeling studies have predicted that various mechanical stresses accelerate or inhibit the ossification process of the neonatal chondroepiphysis, there is a paucity of experimental data to verify these models. The present study was designed to provide experimental evidence on whether the ossification of the chondroepiphysis is modulated by mechanical loading on the distal femoral condyle explant of the neonatal (5‐day‐old) rabbit in organ culture. Upon aseptic dissection, the right condyle explant was immersed in and fixated to an organ culture system, and received cyclic forces at 200 mN and 1 Hz for 12 h (N = 8) directly on its slightly convex articular surface, whereas the contralateral, left condyle explant was immersed separately in organ culture (N = 8). Subsequently, both loaded and control explants were placed in a bioreactor rotating at 20 rpm for 72 h. In each mechanically loaded specimen, a structure reminiscent of the secondary ossification center (SOC) appeared with an average area of 1.17 ± 0.13 mm2, or 15.2 ± 8.2% of the total epiphysis area. In contrast, no SOC was detected in any of the unloaded contralateral control specimens. The SOC in mechanically loaded specimens was stained intensively with fast green, whereas either the rest of the loaded epiphysis or the entire control epiphysis was stained intensely to safranin‐O but lacked fast green staining. Immunolocalization revealed that the SOC of the mechanically loaded specimens expressed Runx 2 and osteopontin, both of which were absent in the unloaded control specimens. Type X collagen was expressed surrounding hypertrophic chondrocytes adjacent to the SOC, but was absent in the control specimen. Type II collagen and decorin were absent in the SOC of the loaded specimen, but were expressed throughout the rest of the loaded epiphysis and the unloaded control epiphysis. The intensity of type II collagen and decorin expression was significantly stronger among hypertrophic chondrocytes surrounding the SOC than the control. The numbers of hypertrophic chondrocytes surrounding the SOC and superior to metaphyseal bone were significantly higher in the loaded specimens than the unloaded controls. Taken together, mechanical stresses accelerate the formation of the secondary ossification center, and therefore modulate endochondral ossification. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
5.5 J pyrotechnically pumped Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 ceramic laser
Authors: Kaminskii A A , Bagayev S N , Ueda K , Takaichi K , Yagi H , Yanagitani T
Published: October 2005

We report on a high-energy ceramic
Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 laser. Under the pyrotechnic
explosion pumping, quasi-CW output power of about 1.1 KW (≈5.5 J) at 1.06415 μm wavelength (4F3/2 →
4I11/2 lasing channel) was achieved. Pyrotechnically
pumped crystalline lasers are characterized by low size and cost,
and the highest reported ratio of output energy to their weight.
Mechanical Response of Thermoset Polymers under High Compressive Loads, 2
Authors: Nordin Lars‐Olof , Marklund Erik , Ståhlberg Daniel , Varna Janis , Johansson Mats
Published: October 2005

Summary: A nonlinear viscoelastic material model was used to describe the experimental behaviour of thin vinyl ester specimens subjected to compression in thickness direction. The stress‐dependent material functions in the model were found in creep and strain recovery tests on thick cylindrical specimens. The elastic and creep response of thin thermoset polymer specimens subjected to compressive loads was simulated while varying the geometry of the test set samples. The calculated increase in the apparent elastic modulus and decrease of the creep‐strain rate due to reduced thickness‐to‐width ratio is in a good qualitative correlation with experimental results for corresponding geometries. The constraint due to friction and interaction with the material outside the loaded surface area were identified as the cause for high apparent stiffness, which converges with decreasing thickness to an asymptotic value dependent on the modulus and Poisson's ratio of the material.

The shape of a 2 mm‐thick specimen under compression.

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The shape of a 2 mm‐thick specimen under compression.
Syndiotactic Polystyrene/Organoclay Nanocomposites: Synthesis via In Situ Coordination‐Insertion Polymerization and Preliminary Characterization
Authors: Bruzaud Stéphane , Grohens Yves , Ilinca Simona , Carpentier Jean‐François
Published: October 2005

Summary: Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)/organophilic clay nanocomposites were obtained by in situ coordination‐insertion polymerization of styrene. Two cationic surfactants (alkylammonium and alkylphosphonium) were used for the intercalation of montmorillonite (MMT). For each organically modified clay, three protocols were performed using an MAO‐activated hemi‐metallocene catalyst, in order to compare the influence of experimental conditions on the composite microstructure and on its thermal stability. The microstructures of nanocomposites were investigated by wide angle X‐ray scattering and DSC. Partially exfoliated or intercalated materials were obtained in all cases and a decrease of crystallinity is observed. Thermal properties were also studied by DSC and thermogravimetric analysis. The presence of clay does not have a strong influence on the sPS thermal transitions but the thermal decomposition process of the material was slowed down in the presence of few organoclay percents, particularly in the degradation beginning. The influence of these two organically modified clays on the thermal stability of the material is discussed.

Gel and suspension formed from the combination of cloisite with toluene (left) and styrene (right), respectively.

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Gel and suspension formed from the combination of cloisite with toluene (left) and styrene (right), respectively.
Video Microscopy for the Investigation of Gas Phase Copolymerization
Authors: Ferrari Daniela , Fink Gerhard
Published: October 2005

Summary: Video microscopy as a tool for investigating olefin gas phase copolymerization is presented for the first time in this paper. The central theme of this work is the study of the comonomer effect shown by an unbridged metallocene catalyst supported on silica. By using video microscopy, it is possible to observe the increase in catalytic activity in terms of particle growth as well as monomer consumption. The observation that a more pronounced induction period in the particle growth profile is shown with increasing propylene concentration led us to investigate the copolymers obtained at different polymerization times using 13C NMR analysis and single particle energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX mapping). This allowed us to adapt the “polymer growth and particle expansion model” to the copolymerization. Besides physical causes for the comonomer effect, we wanted to determine whether the catalyst structure plays an important role in the comonomer effect. To this end we investigated two metallocenes bearing the same long bridging unit but differing in the ligand bound to the zirconium center. One metallocene bears a cyclopentadienyl ring, while the other bears an indenyl group. From a close analysis of the 13C NMR, it is clear that both catalysts insert ethylene more easily then propylene, probably due to the long bridging unit that results in a narrower aperture angle of the ligand. In addition to this, the indenyl ligand does not allow the formation of propylene blocks even at high propylene concentration.

Snapshot of the polymer particles taken after 165 min of ethylene‐1‐butene copolymerization with catalyst 1.

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Snapshot of the polymer particles taken after 165 min of ethylene‐1‐butene copolymerization with catalyst 1.
New osteichthyans (bony fishes) from the Devonian of Central Australia
Authors: Young G. C. , Schultze H.-P.
Published: October 2005

Abstract. Osteichthyan remains described from two localities in Central Australia (Mount Winter, Amadeus Basin, and southern Toomba Range, Georgina Basin) include the dipnoan Amadeodipterus kencampbelli n. gen., n. sp., the osteolepidid Muranjilepis winterensis n. gen., n. sp., and the onychodontid Luckeus abudda n. gen., n. sp., as well as indeterminate holoptychiid scales, osteolepidid scales of a new type from the Georgina Basin locality, and indeterminate onychodontid remains from both localities. Amadeodipterus n. gen. is a short-headed dipterid dipnoan with bones A and H enclosed into the skull roof; Muranjilepis n. gen. is a small form with short postparietal and parietoethmoidal shields, large orbits, and large pores of the sensory line system. It is closest to Thursius, and some Chinese osteolepidid material. Luckeus n. gen. is based on an onychodontid lower jaw with Meckel’s cartilage separately ossified perichondrally from the dentary and infradentary, and carrying the parasymphysial tooth whorl. Different osteichthyan taxa at the two localities indicate a difference in age and/or palaeoenvironment within the Early-Middle Devonian. Knochenfischreste aus zwei Fundorten Zentralaustraliens (Mount Winter, Amadeus Becken und südlicher Toomba Rücken, Georgina Becken) umfassen den Lungenfisch Amadeodipterus kencampbelli n. gen., n. sp., den osteolepididen Sarcopterygier Muranjilepiswinterensis n. gen., n. sp., und den onychodontiden Sarcopterygier Luckeus abudda n. gen., n. sp., sowie unbestimmte holoptychiide und osteolepidide Schuppen eines neuen Typs aus dem Fundort im Georgina Becken und unbestimmte onychodontide Reste von beiden Fundorten. Amadeodipterus n. gen. ist ein kurz-schädeliger Lungenfisch, bei dem die Knochen A und H in das Schädeldach miteingeschlossen sind. Bei Muranjilepis n. gen. handelt es sich um einen kleinen Osteolepididen mit kurzem Postparietal- und Parietoethmoidal-Schild, großen Augenhöhlen und großen Poren des Sinneskanalsystems; er ist am nächsten mit Thursius und einigen chinesischen Osteolepididen verwandt. Ein unbestimmter onychodontider Unterkiefer zeigt ein wahrscheinlich primitives Merkmal in der perichondralen Verknöcherung des Meckelschen Knorpels getrennt von Dentale und Infradentale, der die Unterlage der parasymphysialen Zahnspirale bildet. Verschiedene Knochenfischtaxa treten an den beiden Lokalitäten auf; das deutet auf unterschiedliches Alter und/oder Palaeoenviroment an der Unter-Mitteldevongrenze zwischen beiden Lokalitäten hin. doi:10.1002/mmng.200410002
A new kentriodontid (Cetacea: Delphinoidea) from the Middle Miocene of Hungary
Authors: Kazár E.
Published: October 2005

Abstract. Mediocris commenticius n. gen., n. sp. is herein described as a kentriodontid dolphin from the Sarmatian (late Middle Miocene) of south Hungary, territory of the ancient Central Paratethys Sea. The type specimen is an incomplete skeleton including a distorted skull and mandibles with teeth, ear bones, elements of both flippers, and numerous vertebrae. Mediocris commenticius has a nasal bone morphology that differs from all delphinoid taxa, but is most similar to members of the Pithanodelphininae Barnes, 1985. The nasals are triangular, not inflated, have a faint anterolateral notch, and diverge posteriorly. On the basis of the nasal bone morphology, the new species shows affinities to Pithanodelphis, and is less derived than Atocetus and Sarmatodelphis. Due to the incompleteness of the cranial vertex of the type and only known skull, however, the species is only tentatively referred to the subfamily Pithanodelphininae. Mediocris commenticius n. gen., n. sp. wird als Kentriodontide aus dem Sarmatium (spätes Mittelmiozän) von Südungarn beschrieben, aus dem Gebiet des ehemaligen zentral-paratethyschen Meeres. Der Holotypus ist ein unvollständiges Skelett; erhalten sind der zusammengepresste Schädel, Unterkiefer mit Zähnen, Gehörknochen, Knochenelemente beider Brustflossen sowie zahlreiche Wirbel. Die Morphologie der Nasale der neuen Art unterscheidet sich von allen beschriebenen Taxa der Kentriodontidae, weist aber auf Verwandtschaft mit den Pithanodelphinen hin. Die Nasalia sind dreieckig, nicht extrem vergrößert, sie haben eine schwach ausgebildete anterolaterale Kerbe und sie divergieren in caudaler Richtung. Anhand der Morphologie der Nasale steht M. commenticius der Art Pithanodelphis cornutus nahe und ist weniger stark spezialisiert als Atocetus und Sarmatodelphis. Wegen der unvollständigen Erhaltung des cranialen Vertex ist Mediocris commenticius allerdings nur mit Vorbehalt in die Unterfamilie Pithanodelphininae einzuordnen. doi:10.1002/mmng.200410004
Real‐time blood flow imaging using autocalibrated spiral sensitivity encoding
Authors: Nezafat Reza , Kellman Peter , Derbyshire J. Andrew , McVeigh Elliot R.
Published: October 2005

A novel spiral phase contrast (PC) technique was developed for high temporal resolution imaging of blood flow without cardiac gating. An autocalibrated spiral sensitivity encoding (SENSE) method is introduced and used to reconstruct PC images. Numerical simulations and a flow phantom study were performed to validate the technique. To study the accuracy of the flow measurement in vivo, a high‐resolution cardiac experiment was performed and a subset of undersampled SENSE reconstructed data were reconstructed. Good agreement between the velocity measurement from the fully‐sampled and undersampled data was achieved. Real‐time experiments were performed to measure blood velocity in the ascending aorta and aortic valve, and during a Valsalva maneuver. The results demonstrate the potential of this technique for real‐time flow imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel approach to the measurement of absolute cerebral blood volume using vascular‐space‐occupancy magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lu Hanzhang , Law Meng , Johnson Glyn , Ge Yulin , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Helpern Joseph A.
Published: October 2005

Quantitative determination of cerebral blood volume (CBV) is important for understanding brain physiology and pathophysiology. In this work, a novel approach is presented for accurate measurement of absolute CBV (aCBV) using vascular‐space‐occupancy (VASO) MRI, a blood‐nulling pulse sequence, in combination with the T1 shortening property of Gd‐DTPA. Two VASO images with identical imaging parameters are acquired before and after contrast agent injection, resulting in a subtracted image that reflects the amount of blood present in the brain, i.e., CBV. With an additional normalizing factor, aCBV in units of milliliters of blood per 100 mL of brain can be estimated. Experimental results at 1.5 and 3 T systems showed that aCBV maps with high spatial resolution can be obtained with high reproducibility. The averaged aCBV values in gray and white matter were 5.5 ± 0.2 and 1.4 ± 0.1 mL of blood/100 mL of brain, respectively. Compared to dynamic susceptibility contrast techniques, VASO MRI is based upon a relatively straightforward theory and the calculation of CBV does not require measurement of an arterial input function. In comparison with previous pre/postcontrast difference approaches, VASO MRI provides maximal signal difference between pre‐ and postcontrast situation and does not require the use of whole blood for signal normalization. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HR‐MAS of cells: A “cellular water shift” due to water‐protein interactions?
Authors: Aime Silvio , Bruno Erik , Cabella Claudia , Colombatto Sebastiano , Digilio Giuseppe , Mainero Valentina
Published: October 2005

Under HR‐MAS conditions, cells are subjected to high centrifugal forces that may cause irreversible cell damage. First, conditions have been defined to monitor and keep to a minimum unwanted effects in HR‐MAS spectra arising from the loss of cell integrity. Then, the HR‐MAS spectra of reasonably intact cells have been analyzed. Cell suspensions subjected to MAS rates as low as 1 kHz split into a two‐compartment system that is composed of a cell‐rich phase (H2Oi) and a cell‐free phase (H2Oo). Each of these phases is characterized by its own water 1H‐NMR signal. Transport of water molecules between the cell‐rich and cell‐free compartments is limited by the very low contact area between the two compartments, and water exchange dynamics consequently fall into the slow exchange limit on the NMR timescale. Since the exchange between the two water populations is “frozen,” the separation between the H2Oo and H2Oi water signals (Δνwater) detected in an HR‐MAS experiment is not affected by chemical exchange but reflects only chemical differences in the two environments. Different cell lines show a different Δνwater, leading to the concept of “cellular water shift.” This shift roughly correlates with the cellular protein content, supporting the view that the most important determinant of the cellular water shift is the interaction between water and proteins in the intracellular compartment. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution DTI with 2D interleaved multislice reduced FOV single‐shot diffusion‐weighted EPI (2D ss‐rFOV‐DWEPI)
Authors: Jeong Eun‐Kee , Kim Seong‐Eun , Guo Junyu , Kholmovski Eugene G. , Parker Dennis L.
Published: October 2005

Diffusion tensor MRI (DTI), using single‐shot 2D diffusion weighted‐EPI (2D ss‐DWEPI), is limited to intracranial (i.c.) applications far from the sinuses and bony structures, due to the severe geometric distortions caused by significant magnetic field inhomogeneities at or near the tissue‐air or tissue‐bone interfaces. Reducing these distortions in single‐shot EPI by shortening the readout period generally requires a reduced field of view (and the potential of wraparound artifact) in the phase‐encoding direction and/or reduced spatial resolution. To resolve the problem, a novel 2D reduced FOV single‐shot diffusion‐weighted EPI (2D ss‐rFOV‐DWEPI) pulse sequence applicable for high resolution diffusion‐weighted MRI of local anatomic regions, such as brainstem, cervical spinal cord, and optic nerve, has been developed. In the proposed technique, time‐efficient interleaved acquisition of multiple slices with a limited FOV was achieved by applying an even number of refocusing 180° pulses with the slice‐selection gradient applied in the phase‐encoding direction. The two refocusing pulses used for each slice acquisition were separated by a short time interval (typically less than 45 ms) required for the 2D EPI echotrain acquisition. The new technique can be useful for high resolution DTI of various anatomies, such as localized brain structures, cervical spinal cord, optic nerve, heart, or other extra‐cerebral organ, where conventional 2D ss‐DWEPI is limited in usage due to the severity of image distortions. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Padé methods for reconstruction and feature extraction in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Callaghan Martina F. , Larkman David J. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: October 2005

Methods utilizing Padé approximants are investigated for implementation with magnetic resonance imaging data and are presented both for direct image reconstruction and for feature extraction. Padé approximants are a numerical tool that can be used to accelerate the convergence of a slowly converging sequence by estimating the fully converged sequence values from early data points. Padé approximants can be calculated directly from k‐space data by solving a set of linear matrix equations to produce signal values for any desired location in the image domain. This gives an estimate of the fully converged signal intensity at each pixel location in the image, raising the possibility of reconstructing a better estimate of the object from a reduced data set. These methods have been tested on phantom and human data both for image reconstruction and for feature extraction. In image reconstruction, considerable convergence acceleration can be achieved, with steep intensity boundaries reproduced in keeping with higher resolution reconstructions and oscillatory truncation artifact characteristic of Fourier reconstruction removed. The convergence acceleration is variable and there is the possibility of fine detail suppression when insufficient data are included. The use of Padé methods as a tool for feature extraction has shown good agreement with extraction from high‐resolution reference data. In this approach the edge information comes intrinsically from Padé reconstruction. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proactive consumer consultation: the effect of information provision on response to transgenic animals
Authors: Castle David , Finlay Karen , Clark Steve
Published: October 2005

A national study is reported which proactively engaged 1365 Canadian consumers and solicited their opinions concerning new transgenic salmon and pork products which have not yet entered the marketplace. Respondents were methodically requested to provide initial free‐association responses, and then scaled responses to product concepts about which progressively more information was revealed. This combined qualitative and quantitative method was pursued in order to determine initial knowledge levels and subsequent responses with a minimal amount of cueing via question probes. The results indicate that disclosure concerning benefits and risks of these new technologies did not harm judgements about them or estimates of purchase intent. A significant determinant of opinions was the gender of the respondent. Females were more negatively predisposed overall to the concepts and more sensitive to specific information regarding product benefits and risks. The research offers a methodological template for public consultation and communication pre‐testing for new biotechnological products. Implications for regulatory policy and information dissemination for new food biotechnology products are discussed.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer benefits and acceptance of genetically modified food
Authors: Knight John G. , Mather Damien W. , Holdsworth David K.
Published: October 2005

Much of the resistance towards genetically modified foods appears to stem from public perceptions that they offer no consumer benefits. In order to test whether clearly defined consumer benefits would change behaviour, a purchasing experiment has been conducted in New Zealand, where the genetically modified issue has been highly politicized. Cherries labelled as spray free‐genetically modified, organic or conventional were offered for sale in a roadside stall, with price levels manipulated to test price sensitivity of the different options. Approximately 27% of consumers proved willing to purchase genetically modified labelled cherries when all three types were priced at the prevailing market price, and this market share increased to 60% when the price was discounted by 15% and organic was priced at a 15% premium.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of anti‐GM food activism
Authors: West Gale E. , Larue Bruno
Published: October 2005

Anti‐genetically modified (GM) food organizations have often incited consumers to boycott conventional groceries and donate money to their cause. Using telephone survey data from 1008 Canadians, this study examines differences in attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and behaviours of anti‐GM food activists and non‐activists, then uses multivariate probit analysis to determine which of these characteristics predict the likelihood of such active participation in the anti‐GM movement. Food production knowledge and general concerns about health and the environment did not predict anti‐GM activism, while anti‐corporate sentiments, fear of globalization and belief that GM foods are fundamentally unnatural had the greatest predictive power.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is Europe moving from cleansing genetically modified foodstuffs to peaceful ‘co‐existence’?
Authors: Oehmke James F , Tothova Monika
Published: October 2005

From 1999 to 2004, the EU had two domestic policies in place which in reality acted as direct barriers to trade on the stated grounds of protecting human health and the environment. In recent months, the EU policies regarding genetically modified foods and crops have changed. However, the relaxation of the moratorium and the development of co‐existence guidelines will do little to help the commercialization of genetically modified organisms. Examination of the political economy in the EU shows no changes that would lead one to expect significant impacts on commerce.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shaping Brazil's emerging GMO policy: opportunities for leadership
Authors: Griffin Jennifer J. , McNulty Michael , Schoeffler William
Published: October 2005

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), when first developed, were seen as bringing hope to developing nations. In Brazil, as elsewhere in the world, many believe that the consumption of GMOs in foodstuffs, commonly referred to as ‘Franken foods’, is harmful to one's health and the environment. Yet Brazil has much to lose and much to gain. For Brazil, the GMO debate centres around growing, developing and exporting soybeans, the country's hottest cash crop. The prominence of agribusiness in Brazil's economy, its abundant farm land, and developing road and seaport systems, coupled with sweeping changes to GMO policy, both domestically and among trading partners, puts Brazil in a unique leadership position. Much is at stake as the impacts of GMOs, mandatory labelling and environmental stewardship are debated. Balancing these competing interests will have a significant impact on Brazil's future as the world's second largest producer of soybeans.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving recall crisis management: should retailer information be disclosed?
Authors: Shang Wenjing , Hooker Neal H.
Published: October 2005

Recalls of consumer products have increased in recent years, leading to questions of the efficacy of quality control and crisis management and calls for new policies. In the USA, food recalls are voluntary, with crisis communications only disclosing processors' names. Following a review of consumer recalls in several developed countries, the case for disclosure of retailer information is explored. Using survival analyses of critical timing measures of recalls, tests show that disclosure may benefit public health through a more rapid detection of contaminated foods. The potential costs of disclosure are also discussed.

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AFM study of crystalline cellulose in the cell walls of straw
Authors: Li Wan , Yan Lifeng , Yang Jinlong
Published: October 2005

Crystalline cellulose in the cell walls of straw was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The samples were first treated and then observed by AFM under dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The crystalline regions were located and two allomorphs of crystalline cellulose, triclinic Iα and monoclinic Iβ phases, were identified. In most crystalline regions, the Iα and Iβ phases are intimately associated, with the Iβ phase more abundant than the Iα phase. In some small domains only one phase with long‐range order was observed. It was demonstrated that in these one‐phase domains, Iα phase crystals always have their (010) plane lying parallel to the cell wall surface and Iβ phase crystals with (110) plane lying parallel. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Electronic and steric effects in the SNAr substitution reactions of substituted anilines with 2,4‐dinitrophenyl 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl ether in acetonitrile
Authors: Crampton Michael R. , Emokpae Thomas A. , Isanbor Chukwuemeka
Published: October 2005

Rate measurements are reported for the reactions of 12 ring‐substituted anilines with 2,4‐dinitrophenyl 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl ether (1) in acetonitrile. Formation of the products, the correspondingly substituted 2,4,6‐trinitrodiphenylamines, occurs without the observation of intermediates in detectable amounts by both base‐catalysed and uncatalysed pathways and Hammett ρ value were determined for these processes. The results show that although substituents at the 3‐ or 4‐positions of the anilines have only small steric effects, alkyl substituents at the 2‐position may result in considerable reductions in reactivity. These effects are more pronounced for the base‐catalysed pathway and in 2,6‐dimethylaniline the uncatalysed pathway takes all the reaction flux. In the case of the 2‐fluoro substituent the electronic effect, strong inductive electron withdrawal, is dominant over steric effects. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of new polyamides based on Diphenylaminoisosorbide
Authors: Caouthar Asmaa A. , Loupy Andre , Bortolussi Michel , Blais Jean‐claude , Dubreucq Ludovic , Meddour Abdelkrim
Published: October 2005

New aromatic polyamides were synthesized by the microwave‐assisted polycondensation of an optically active isosorbide‐derived diamine with different diacyl chlorides in the presence of a small amount of N‐methylpyrrolidinone. Polymers with inherent viscosities between 0.22 and 0.73 dL/g were obtained corresponding to molecular weights up to 140,000 g/mol. With interfacial polymerization or the Higashi method, lower molecular weight polymers were obtained with inherent viscosities in the range of 0.04–0.36 dL/g. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements clearly demonstrated the high thermal stability of these polymers (mp = 180–300 °C) and the absence of decomposition. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 6480–6491, 2005
Synthesis and polymerization of (E)‐p‐[(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐ethenyl]phenylacetylene with Ziegler–Natta, rhodium, and palladium complexes
Authors: Rodríguez J. Gonzalo , Lafuente Antonio , Arranz Javier
Published: October 2005

The synthesis and polymerization of (E)‐p‐[(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐ethenyl]phenylacetylene was carried out with a homogeneous vanadium acetylacetonate/aluminum triethyl catalyst system, a bis(rhodium chloride cycloocta‐1,5‐diene) complex, and a palladium/trimethylsilyl complex. In all cases, the main fraction was a polymer with a stereoregular structure. The polymerization with the vanadium catalyst gave a polymer fraction in a low yield. The polymerization of (E)‐p‐[(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐ethenyl]phenylacetylene with the soluble rhodium complex gave a polymer in a high yield. The soluble palladium/chlorotrimethylsilane complex gave a polymer in a good yield. On the basis of the spectroscopic data, the poly{(E)‐p‐[(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐ethenyl]phenylacetylene)} obtained, in all cases, showed a cis–transoidal stereoregular structure. The molecular mass of poly{(E)‐p‐[(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐ethenyl]phenylacetylene)} was determined by the matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight technique. The kinetics of the reaction were analyzed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 6438–6444, 2005
Multi‐state multi‐reference Møller–Plesset second‐order perturbation theory for molecular calculations
Authors: Franz Jan
Published: October 2005

This work presents multi‐state multi‐reference Møller–Plesset second‐order perturbation theory as a variant of multi‐reference perturbation theory to treat electron correlation in molecules. An effective Hamiltonian is constructed from the first‐order wave operator to treat several strongly interacting electronic states simultaneously. The wave operator is obtained by solving the generalized Bloch equation within the first‐order interaction space using a multi‐partitioning of the Hamiltonian based on multi‐reference Møller–Plesset second‐order perturbation theory. The corresponding zeroth‐order Hamiltonians are nondiagonal. To reduce the computational effort that arises from the nondiagonal generalized Fock operator, a selection procedure is used that divides the configurations of the first‐order interaction space into two sets based on the strength of the interaction with the reference space. In the weaker interacting set, only the projected diagonal part of the zeroth‐order Hamiltonian is taken into account. The justification of the approach is demonstrated in two examples: the mixing of valence Rydberg states in ethylene, and the avoided crossing of neutral and ionic potential curves in LiF. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Solid‐phase permethylation of glycans for mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Kang Pilsoo , Mechref Yehia , Klouckova Iveta , Novotny Milos V.
Published: October 2005

A miniaturized approach was developed for quantitative permethylation of oligosaccharides, which involves packing of sodium hydroxide powder in microspin columns or fused‐silica capillaries (500 µm i.d.), permitting effective derivatization in less than a minute at microscale. Prior to mass spectrometry, analytes are mixed with methyl iodide in dimethyl sulfoxide solution containing traces of water before infusing through the microreactors. This procedure minimizes oxidative degradation and peeling reactions and avoids the need of excessive clean‐up. Picomole amounts of linear and branched, sialylated and neutral glycan samples were rapidly and efficiently permethylated by this approach and analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Female precocious puberty, obesity and polycystic‐like ovaries
Authors: Battaglia C. , De Iaco P. , Iughetti L. , Mancini F. , Persico N. , Genazzani A. D. , Volpe A. , de Aloysio D.
Published: October 2005

Objective

To evaluate the characteristics of obese girls with gonadotropin releasing hormone‐dependent precocious puberty with and without polycystic‐like ovaries.

Methods

Forty‐seven overweight (> 75th centile of the Italian reference data) girls with a diagnosis of isosexual precocious puberty underwent auxological analysis, hormonal assay and utero‐ovarian sonographic and Doppler evaluation. On the basis of sonography the patients were subdivided into two groups, girls presenting normal ovaries (Group I; n = 31) and those with polycystic‐like ovaries (Group II; n = 16).

Results

The mean body weight was significantly higher (P = 0.003) in Group II than it was in Group I. In addition, the patients with polycystic‐like ovaries fell within our definition of superobese (≥ 97th centile of the Italian reference data) in 44% of cases. The uterine and ovarian volumes were significantly greater in Group II compared with Group I patients. The Doppler evaluation showed intraparenchymal ovarian vascularization and low downstream impedance to flow in all patients in Group II.

Conclusions

Girls with precocious puberty and polycystic ovaries, compared with those without polycystic ovaries, have a higher incidence of body weight exceeding the 85th centile of the Italian reference data (obesity). Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of Z‐scores for fetal cardiac dimensions from echocardiography
Authors: Schneider C. , McCrindle B. W. , Carvalho J. S. , Hornberger L. K. , McCarthy K. P. , Daubeney P. E. F.
Published: October 2005

Objectives

Z‐scores for cardiac dimensions are well established in postnatal life, but have yet to be developed for fetal cardiac dimensions. These would be of real advantage to the clinician in accurately quantifying size and growth of cardiac dimensions and to the researcher by allowing mathematical comparison of growth in differing subgroups of a disease. The purpose of this observational study, conducted at tertiary fetal medicine and cardiology units, was to produce formulae and nomograms allowing computation of Z‐scores for fetal cardiac dimensions from knowledge of femur length (FL), biparietal diameter (BPD) or gestational age (GA) using fetal echocardiography.

Methods

Seventeen fetal cardiac dimensions were measured in 130 pregnant women with singleton fetuses of gestational age 15–39 weeks. Regression equations were derived relating all dimensions to FL, BPD and GA. From the calculations, formulae were then developed allowing fetal cardiac Z‐score computation.

Results

The relationships between cardiac dimensions and FL, BPD or GA were described following natural log transformation. From this analysis, FL (taken as an expression of fetal size) had the highest correlation to fetal cardiac dimensions. From the developed nomograms, Z‐scores of specific fetal cardiac structures could be estimated from knowledge of the FL, BPD or GA and echocardiographically derived measurements.

Conclusions

This study allowed computation of Z‐scores in fetal life for 17 cardiac dimensions from FL, BPD or GA. Previous studies of normal data allowed qualitative assessment of where abnormal cardiac dimensions lay with regard to the normal range. Z‐scores from this study allow quantitative analysis of where such dimensions lie relative to the mean. This permits exact assessment of growth of fetal cardiac structures in normal hearts and particularly in congenitally abnormal hearts where quantitative assessment of the growth of cardiac structures is important in analyzing and planning treatment strategies. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Successful vesicoamniotic shunting of posterior urethral valves in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Kim S. K. , Won H. S. , Shim J. Y. , Kim K. S. , Lee P. R. , Kim A.
Published: October 2005

Prenatal ultrasonography early in gestation allows diagnosis of posterior urethral valves. We report on a fetus with posterior urethral valves treated using vesicoamniotic shunting at 13 + 5 weeks' gestation. A double‐basket catheter was used for shunting. A 2582‐g male neonate was delivered at 33 weeks' gestation, and the infant continued to show normal renal function at 3 years of age. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of successful vesicoamniotic shunt placement using a double‐basket catheter in the first trimester of pregnancy. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The fetal cerebellar vermis: anatomy and biometric assessment using volume contrast imaging in the C‐plane (VCI‐C)
Authors: Viñals F. , Muñoz M. , Naveas R. , Shalper J. , Giuliano A.
Published: October 2005

Objectives

To describe the normal appearance and study the biometry of the fetal cerebellar vermis by three‐dimensional (3D) volume contrast imaging in the coronal (C‐) plane (VCI‐C).

Methods

A total of 203 normally developed fetuses were examined prospectively at 18–33 weeks' gestation. At the level of the view used to measure the transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD), a VCI‐C plane was displayed to examine, using a transabdominal probe, the fetal mid‐saggital vermis. The volumes acquired were stored for later review and measurement of the anteroposterior (AP) diameter, craniocaudal (CC) diameter and surface area of the cerebellar vermis. Each dataset was evaluated by two independent observers. Measurements as a function of gestational age (GA), biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC) and TCD were expressed by regression equations. Interobserver variability was evaluated. Nomograms were produced. In order to validate the use of VCI in fetal biometry, datasets from 57 patients were selected arbitrarily for comparison of their VCI‐C measurements with those from mid‐sagittal sections of a stored 3D multiplanar examination. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate the agreement between these measurements.

Results

The mean maternal age was 32 years. We were able to measure mid‐sagittal CC diameter, mid‐sagittal AP diameter and cerebellar vermis surface area in all fetuses. Interobserver variability analysis showed no significant differences between the two observers (P > 0.05). Measurements of the cerebellar vermis (AP diameter, CC diameter and surface area) correlated linearly with GA, BPD, HC and TCD (r ≥ 0.82, P < 0.0001). CC and AP diameters estimated from the mid‐sagittal section of the multiplanar measurements were significantly correlated with VCI‐C measurements (r = 0.96, P < 0.00001 and r = 0.95, P < 0.00001, respectively).

Conclusions

VCI‐C is a valuable tool, allowing intrauterine assessment of the normal appearance of the fetal cerebellar vermis. The nomograms developed in this study should enable accurate evaluation of the cerebellar vermis. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal sonography in the assessment of distal ureteral calculi
Authors: Yang J.‐M. , Yang S.‐H. , Huang W.‐C.
Published: October 2005

Objectives

To explore the morphological and functional findings of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the diagnosis and management of distal ureteral calculi.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the imaging studies in seven cases of distal ureteral calculi (study group) and 20 cases of female volunteers without urinary tract infection (control group). All 27 patients had undergone TVS for assessment of the lower urinary tract. The variables measured on ultrasound included the presence or absence of distal ureteral calculi, the size and location of a calculus if present, the presence or absence of the ureter jet phenomenon, morphological changes of the ureteral papilla and adjoining tissue, and the height of the ureteral papilla, as well as vascular changes seen on Doppler imaging.

Results

In the controls, 80% of the ureteral papillae were triangular and 20% trapezoidal. The average (±SD) height of the ureteral papillae was 3.5 ± 0.7 mm on the right and 3.6 ± 0.9 mm on the left. There was no statistically significant difference between the heights of the right and left papillae (P = 0.619). In the study group, echogenic stones were identified in all seven patients and a hypoechogenic tubular structure connected to the involved papilla was identified in 6/7 patients. The average height of the involved papilla was 6.7 ± 1.6 mm. Ureteric jets were visible in all patients in both the study and control groups.

Conclusion

In patients with distal ureteral calculi, TVS provides a rapid, non‐invasive and repeatable means of assessing the morphology and function of the distal ureter. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cord entanglement of monochorionic diamniotic twins following spontaneous antepartum septostomy sonographically simulating a true knot of the umbilical cord
Authors: Sherer D. M. , Bitton C. , Stimphil R. , Dalloul M. , Khoury‐Collado F. , Abulafia O.
Published: October 2005

Spontaneous antepartum septostomy occurring in monochorionic diamniotic twins is extremely rare. We present a case in which prenatal sonography at 26 weeks' gestation depicted a monochorionic diamniotic twin gestation with concordant fetal growth and findings suggestive of a true knot of the umbilical cord. At Cesarean delivery at 34 weeks' gestation, spontaneous antepartum septostomy with entanglement of the two separate umbilical cords was noted. This case suggests that the differential diagnosis of findings considered consistent with a true knot of the umbilical cord in monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations, should include spontaneous antepartum septostomy and umbilical cord entanglement. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.