bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic parameters and events in wild moustached Tamarins (Saguinus mystax)
Authors: Löttker Petra , Huck Maren , Heymann Eckhard W.
Published: December 2004

This paper examines demographic events in the context of population structure and genetic relationships in groups of wild moustached tamarins (Saguinus mystax). We used a combination of long‐term behavioral observations and genetic data from a total of eight groups from a population in northeastern Peruvian Amazonia. The mean group size was 6.0 (range=4–9), including 2.5 adult males and 1.8 adult females. Within‐group relatedness was generally high (r=0.3), and most nonbreeding individuals were either natal or closely related to the respective same‐sex breeder. The mean annual persistence of adults in the groups was 70% and 68% for males and females, respectively, and the reproductive tenure of one breeding pair lasted for at least 6 years. Migrations predominantly occurred after stability‐disrupting events such as the immigration of new individuals and/or the loss of breeding individuals, or when groups were rather large. Migrations of both breeding and nonbreeding males and females occurred. Our results show that the hypothesis of Ferrari and Lopes Ferrari [Folia Primatologica 52:132–147, 1989] that tamarins live in smaller and less stable groups with lower relatedness compared to marmosets does not generally hold true. In contrast, we found that tamarin groups can consist of predominantly related individuals, and are stable as well. It is also apparent that a single demographic event can produce a chain of subsequent complex demographic changes. Am. J. Primatol. 64:425–449, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin) and fondaparinux (Arixtra®) on human osteoblasts in vitro
Authors: Handschin A E , Trentz O A , Hoerstrup S P , Kock H J , Wanner G A , Trentz O
Published: December 2004

Background

The prolonged administration of heparin for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism has been associated with a risk of heparin-induced osteoporosis. Fondaparinux is a new antithrombotic drug that specifically inhibits factor Xa. Because of the known interactions of other antithrombotic agents with bone remodelling, the effects of fondaparinux on human osteoblasts were analysed in vitro.

Methods

Primary human osteoblast cell cultures were incubated with either the low molecular weight heparin dalteparin at concentrations of 30, 300 and 900 µg/ml or with fondaparinux at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 µg/ml. Cellular proliferation rate and protein synthesis were measured. Expression of genes encoding osteocalcin, collagen type I and alkaline phosphatase was examined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Incubation with dalteparin led to a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of osteoblast proliferation, inhibition of protein synthesis, and inhibited expression of phenotype markers (osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase genes) after 3 and 7 days. No inhibitory effects were observed in the fondaparinux-treated cells.

Conclusion

Fondaparinux did not inhibit osteoblast proliferation in vitro and may reduce the risk of heparin-induced osteoporosis associated with long-term heparin administration.
Randomized clinical trial assessing impact of a lightweight or heavyweight mesh on chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair
Authors: O'Dwyer P J , Kingsnorth A N , Molloy R G , Small P K , Lammers B , Horeyseck G
Published: December 2004

Background

Severe chronic pain is a long-term problem that may occur after inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this randomized study was to compare pain of any severity at 12 months after inguinal hernia repair with a partially absorbable lightweight mesh (LW group) or with a non-absorbable heavyweight mesh (HW group).

Methods

Patients were assessed for pain at 1, 3 and 12 months by questionnaire, and were examined clinically at 12 months.

Results

Some 321 patients were included in an intention-to-treat analysis, 162 in the LW group and 159 in the HW group. At 12 months, significantly fewer patients in the LW group than in the HW group had pain of any severity: 39·5 versus 51·6 per cent (difference—12·1 (95 per cent confidence interval—23·1 to—1·0) per cent; P = 0·033). The recurrence rate was higher in the LW group (5·6 versus 0·4 per cent; P = 0·037). Five of eight recurrences in LW group were associated with a single participating centre.

Conclusion

Use of lightweight mesh was associated with less chronic pain but an increase in hernia recurrence after inguinal hernia repair. The latter may be related to technical factors associated with fixation of such meshes rather than any inherent defect in the mesh.
Randomized clinical trial of open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Johansson M , Thune A , Nelvin L , Stiernstam M , Westman B , Lundell L
Published: December 2004

Background

The aim of this prospective trial was to determine whether surgical approach (open versus laparoscopic) had an impact on morbidity and postoperative recovery after cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

Methods

Seventy patients who met the criteria for acute cholecystitis were randomized to open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The type of operation was unknown to the patient and all hospital staff involved in the postoperative care.

Results

The two groups were similar with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics. There were no significant differences in rate of postoperative complications, pain score at discharge and sick leave. In eight patients a laparoscopic procedure was converted to open cholecystectomy. Median operating time was 90 (range 30–155) and 80 (range 50–170) min in the laparoscopic and open groups respectively (P = 0·040). The direct medical costs were equivalent in the two groups. Although median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days in each group, it was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (P = 0·011).

Conclusion

Cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis can be performed by either laparoscopic or open techniques without any major clinically relevant differences in postoperative outcome. Both techniques offer low morbidity and rapid postoperative recovery.
Electrical stimulation modulates IGF binding protein transcript levels in C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Bayol S. , Brownson C. , Loughna P. T.
Published: December 2004

Electrical stimulation (ES) of skeletal muscle can produce changes in metabolic enzyme and contractile protein gene expression resulting in fast‐to‐slow phenotypic changes. The molecular mechanism by which ES induces changes in phenotype is not entirely understood but recent reports have demonstrated that the calcineurin/NF‐AT signalling pathway is involved. IGF‐1 is also capable of inducing changes in phenotype through the same calcineurin/NF‐AT pathway but little is known of the direct effect of ES on the IGF system. In this study, we examined the effects of ES on the expression of igf‐1, igf‐2 and the six igfbp genes in the C2C12 muscle cell line. Results showed that ES induced a change in phenotype that was accompanied by downregulation of igf‐2 and upregulation of igfbp‐4 mRNA levels. However, ES did not significantly alter the transcription of igf‐1, igfbp‐2, igfbp‐5 and igfbp‐6 genes. This study demonstrates that ES of muscle cells in vitro not only directly modulates the gene expression of contractile proteins but also modulates proteins that are part of the IGF regulatory system, in particular IGFBP‐4. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Unfolding and Refolding Under Force: Methodologies for Nanomechanics
Authors: Samorì Bruno , Zuccheri G. , Baschieri P.
Published: December 2004

An increasing number of inter‐ and intramolecular interactions can nowadays be probed using single‐molecule manipulation techniques. Protein unfolding and refolding is the most representative—though complex—of these interactions. Herein, we review the main modes of performing a force unfolding experiment: the velocity clamp and the new force clamp mode. We also compare some of the physical aspects behind the two most frequently used single‐molecule manipulation instrumentations: optical tweezers and atomic force microscopes.
Cytological findings in a sample of peritoneal aspirate from a case of bile peritonitis
Authors: Gupta Raj K. , Johnston Peter S. , Naran Sarla , Lallu Sharda , Fauck Robert
Published: December 2004

Bile peritonitis (BP) is a rare and serious condition warranting urgent surgical intervention to prevent the high incidence of mortality. BP is ascribed to the leakage of bile into the peritoneal cavity usually due to a perforation of the gallbladder or common bile duct caused by stones or a trauma. The radiological studies are useful in suggesting the diagnosis. The cytological findings of BP have been reported rarely in the literature characterised by the presence of lakes of stringy bile material admixed with variable numbers of histiocytes, mesothelial cells, and some inflammatory cells. Recently, we have examined an aspirate sample of peritoneal fluid (PF) obtained under ultrasound guidance in a case of BP ascribed to the perforation of the gallbladder in a 19‐yr‐old female patient in which apart from occasional bile pigment‐laden macrophages admixed with a few mesothelial cells and inflammatory cells, numerous crystalline structures of varying shapes, sizes, and colour with birefringence along with some microspheroliths were found. At operation, the abdominal cavity showed a large amount of bile and the gallbladder specimen showed two perforations and gangrenous cholecystitis with numerous yellow‐brown somewhat friable stones. The foregoing findings in the aspirate appeared to be of interest because to the best of our knowledge, numerous crystalline structures along with the cytological features of BP have not been described in the English literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:35–37. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Herpes virus infection in peritoneal fluid: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Angel Andres , Jeffries Patricia , Valente Philip , Hospodar Elizabeth , Fowler Larry
Published: December 2004

Herpetic infections in body cavity fluids are unusual and are rarely reported in the cytology literature. We report a case of a 74‐yr‐old woman who developed ascites after undergoing an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary colic. Cytology of peritoneal fluid revealed changes in a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection that was confirmed by immunocytological staining. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:44–46. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p16INK4A is a surrogate biomarker for a subset of human papilloma virus‐associated dysplasias of the uterine cervix as determined on the Pap smear
Authors: Bose Shikha , Evans Helen , Lantzy Liz , Scharre Karen , Youssef Evette
Published: December 2004

Recently, p16INK4A has been identified as a biomarker for human papilloma virus (HPV)‐induced dysplastic lesions of the cervix and it has been suggested that it may be a useful diagnostic aid for these lesions. This study therefore was performed to determine the utility of p16 expression in a series of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears collected in liquid medium and to determine its benefit, if any, over HPV testing. One hundred seven cases, including 23 negative cases, 34 with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 16 with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 29 with atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance (ASC‐US), and 5 cases with ASC suspicious for HSIL (ASC‐H), were evaluated for both p16 expression and HPV DNA. We observed p16 expression in only 36% of all cases with abnormal cytology (30/84) and in 40% of all cases associated with high‐risk HPV. The highest rate of positivity (80%) and the highest levels of expression (more than three to five positive cells/10× field) were seen in HSIL. Similar results were observed with ASC‐H cases. This suggests that in equivocal cases, p16 may be used for confirmation of the diagnosis. On the other hand, p16 positivity was noted in only 21% of LSIL and ASC‐US cases. This raises the interesting possibility, given that only a minority of LSIL cases progress on to higher‐grade lesions, that p16 might be useful for triaging these patients for closer follow‐up and/or further evaluation. Additional studies are required for confirmation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:21–24. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration of renal angiomyolipoma: Cytological findings and diagnostic pitfalls in a series of five cases
Authors: Crapanzano John P.
Published: December 2004

Diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) may be difficult because cytological and radiological findings sometimes overlap with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and liposarcoma. Five FNAs of AMLs were studied. Epithelioid and spindle stromal cells were arranged in loosely cohesive clusters and singly. The chromatin was evenly distributed and bland. Occasionally nuclear atypia was identified. Nuclei were oval to elongated, nucleoli were inconspicuous or absent, naked nuclei were present in three specimens, and intranuclear inclusions were present in two specimens. The cytoplasm was delicate and sometimes finely vacuolated. Adipose tissue was observed in two specimens. Thick‐walled vessels, mitoses, and necrosis were absent. Corresponding surgical material showed typical features of AML. In FNA, bland chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli distinguish renal AML from RCC and liposarcoma. Adipose tissue is not universally present. Cellular atypia in conjunction with overlapping radiological findings with RCC and liposarcoma are potential diagnostic pitfalls. Immunocytochemical (ICC) stains may elucidate the correct diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:53–57. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Gallophosphate Prepared in the Presence of Glycine
Authors: Hasnaoui Mohammed Abdelkrim , Simon‐Masseron Angélique , Gramlich Volker , Patarin Joël , Bengueddach Abdelkader
Published: December 2004

A new layered gallophosphate, Ga4P4O16(C2H5NO2)4, known as Mu‐32 has been synthesised hydrothermally using the amino acid glycine (H2NCH2CO2H) as an original template. Such a template has never been used before for the synthesis of microporous and phosphate‐based materials such as gallophosphates. The structure was determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study and further characterised by scanning electron microscopy, elemental and thermal analyses and by 13C and 31P solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The compound crystallises in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 9.177(2), b = 5.1540(10), c = 12.513(3) Å and β = 90.67(3)°. The inorganic layer is built up from four‐membered rings sharing T−O−T bonds. In addition to the nature of the template, the original properties of this new gallophosphate come from the coordination environment of the Ga which is only pentacoordinated with oxygen atoms and has strong bonds (Ga−O−C) between the organic template and the inorganic sheet. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
High‐Field EPR Study of Frozen Aqueous Solutions of Iron(III) Citrate Complexes
Authors: Biaso Frédéric , Duboc Carole , Barbara Bernard , Serratrice Guy , Thomas Fabrice , Charapoff Denis , Béguin Claude
Published: December 2004

High‐field electron paramagnetic resonance spectra have been measured for frozen aqueous solutions of FeIII citrate at acidic and neutral pH values. At high fields (up to 12 T) and high frequencies (95, 190 and 285 GHz), fine‐structure peaks due to resonance between Kramers doublets (±1/2, ±3/2, ±5/2) of an S = 5/2 species can be observed when the experiments are performed at high temperatures. A full‐matrix diagonalisation approach has been used to derive the spin‐Hamiltonian parameters for the S = 5/2 spin state. In acidic media (pH = 2), the spacing of the fine structure reveals that the value of the axial zero‐field splitting (ZFS) parameter D is −0.12 cm−1 without rhombicity. A small but significant g anisotropy can be observed which depends slightly on the frequency and the temperature (gx = 2.014, gy = 2.014 and gz = 1.983, at 60 K and 285 GHz). In neutral media (pH = 6), complete rhombic HF‐EPR spectra were observed with a fivefold lower |D| value (0.024 cm−1) and E = 0.008 cm−1. A satisfactory simulation of the experimental data was obtained with a g value equal to 2.00. The different ZFS parameters obtained under neutral and acidic conditions are discussed in terms of the symmetry of the complex. At low temperatures, a spin transition from 5/2 to 1/2 occurs at all frequencies. The transition temperature is pH‐ and field‐dependent. A model including magnetoelasticity has been suggested in order to interpret the field dependency of the spin transition observed for the two systems. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Anion and Solvent Effects upon the Structures of Platinum(II) Complexes with Thiacrown Ligands: The Crystal Structures of [Pt(9S3)2](PF6)2·2 CH3NO2, [Pt(9S3)2](BF4)2·2 CH3NO2, [Pt(9S3)2](OTf)2·2 CH3NO2, and [Pt(18S6)](BF4)2
Authors: Grant Gregory J. , Chen Weinan , Goforth Andrea M. , Baucom Clarilyn L. , Patel Ketankumar , Repovic Pavle , VanDerveer Donald G. , Pennington William T.
Published: December 2004

The synthesis and crystal structures of four mononuclear PtII homoleptic complexes with two thiacrown ligands are presented. The binding mode for both macrocycles to the platinum center contrasts with previous structural reports involving identical complex cations but differing anions or crystallization solvents. All three bis(1,4,7‐trithiacyclononane(9S3))platinum(II) complexes (with tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, and triflate as counterions) are centrosymmetric, with endodentate binding of the trithioether resulting in [S4 + S2] coordination. The PtII complex of 1,4,7,10,13,16‐hexathiacyclooctadecane(18S6) shows an elongated square pyramidal structure with one exodentate sulfur in a [S4 + S1] mode. Our work illustrates how changes of counterion and solvent dramatically affect the crystal structures for such complexes, suggesting that packing forces are more important than ligand conformation in determining solid‐state structures. In addition, the full spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of the complex [Pt(18S6)](BF4)2 are reported. The electronic spectrum shows a d−d transition near 430 nm, and an irreversible PtII/PtIII couple occurs at +564 mV vs. Fc/Fc+ in cyclic voltammetry. Both these data are consistent with other hexakis(thioether) PtII complexes. 13C NMR measurements show a non‐fluxional 18S6 ligand in the complex while the platinum‐195 NMR resonance at −4152 ppm indicates a mixed orientation of lone pair electrons on the sulfur donors. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Causes of Nonplanarity in Fluorinated 1,3λ4δ2,2,4‐Benzodithiadiazines: Gas‐Phase Electron Diffraction, Ab initio and DFT Structures
Authors: Turner Andrew R. , Blockhuys Frank , Van Alsenoy Christian , Robertson Heather E. , Hinchley Sarah L. , Zibarev Andrey V. , Makarov Alexander Yu. , Rankin David W. H.
Published: December 2004

The gas‐phase molecular structures of 6,8‐difluoro‐1,3λ4δ2,2,4‐benzodithiadiazine and 5,6,7‐trifluoro‐1,3λ4δ2,2,4‐benzodithiadiazine have been determined using quantum chemical calculations and electron diffraction via the SARACEN method of structural analysis. Of particular interest was the planarity or nonplanarity of the heterocyclic fragments of the molecules. It was shown that the difluoro compound is planar with respect to the heterocyclic fragment [folding angle: 0.0(5)° (figures in parenthesis indicate e.s.d.s in the final digits)] and that the trifluoro compound probably deviates from planarity to a small extent [folding angle: 4.0(−30;+3)°; the large uncertainty in the value of this angle is due to the low‐frequency, large‐amplitude vibrational motion associated with the folding of the heterocyclic fragment]. Pertinent structural parameters from the electron diffraction data (rh1 structure) of the difluoro compound are av[r(S=N)] = 155.7(7) pm, r(S−N) = 175.8(5) pm, r(C−S) = 176.6(8) pm and r(C−N) = 141.6(2) pm. For the trifluoro compound the equivalent structural parameters are av[r(S=N)] = 155.5(7) pm, r(S−N) = 170.7(6) pm, r(C−S) = 180.6(8) pm and r(C−N) = 140.6(2) pm. The gas‐phase electron diffraction structures have been compared with results from ab initio and DFT calculations and also with experimental solid‐state structures. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
The status of life‐cycle assessment as an environmental management tool
Authors: Curran Mary Ann
Published: December 2004

As environmental awareness increases, industries and businesses have responded by providing “greener” products and using “greener” processes. Many companies have found it advantageous to explore ways of moving beyond compliance, using pollution prevention strategies and environmental management systems, to improve their environmental performance. One such way is life‐cycle assessment (LCA). This concept considers the entire life cycle of a product, process, or an activity. Evaluating environmental impacts holistically from raw material acquisition, through manufacture, use, and disposal using a life‐cycle perspective is gradually being viewed by environmental managers and decision makers as an important element in achieving environmental sustainability. The use of a holistic, life‐cycle approach can help industry and government avoid the unintended trading of one environmental problem for another. This paper addresses ongoing research in LCA methodology in the US EPA's National Risk Management Research Laboratory. Two key areas of this research include life‐cycle inventory (LCI) data availability and life‐cycle impact assessment (LCIA) modeling.

To address the issue of data availability, EPA developed a website entitled LCAccess. Although LCAccess does not itself contain data, it is a searchable global directory to potential data sources. LCAccess also serves as a central source for LCA information. In addition, EPA developed TRACI (the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts), which allows the characterization of ozone depletion, global warming, acidification, eutrophication, tropospheric ozone (smog) formation, ecotoxicity, human particulate effects, human health, fossil fuel depletion, and land use effects. TRACI can be used with life‐cycle inventory to further analyze and understand the data. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004
The basidiomycete genus Polyporus – an emendation based on phylogeny and putative secondary structure of ribosomal RNA molecules
Authors: Krüger D. , Gargas A.
Published: December 2004

The fungal genus Polyporus is an assemblage of white‐rotting lignicolous basidiomycetes. It has undergone considerable expansion and contraction over a period of two and three quarter centuries. Current generic circumscription of Polyporus has kept the genus non‐monophyletic. Species of Polyporus infrageneric group Polyporellus are closely related to some species of Lentinus. We introduce data for ITS2 spacer rRNA secondary structure evolution by quasi‐independent comparison with large subunit rRNA phylogeny, and suggest a fraction of primary nuclear rDNA ITS sequence data as novel taxonomic character. A major taxonomic shift is suggested, supported by molecular and morphological characters, and allowing inclusion of species with gilled hymenophores in Polyporus. Two new names are proposed: Polyporus phyllostipes D.Krüger, nom. nov. and Polyporus gerdai D.Krüger, nom. nov. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Removal of phosphate by adsorption onto oyster shell powder—kinetic studies
Authors: Namasivayam C , Sakoda A , Suzuki M
Published: December 2004

Kinetic studies on the removal of phosphate by adsorption onto oyster shell powder have been investigated at 24 °C. The results showed that the equilibrium occurred in 10 min and the equilibrium data followed the Freundlich isotherm. Freundlich constants were found to be kf, 1.4 × 10−2, and n, 0.71. The phosphate removal was not influenced by pH over the range 5.0–10.5. Continuous agitation studies at 24 °C and 530 rpm reached equilibrium after 7.7 days, when 24 g dm−3 of oyster shell powder reduced the phosphate concentration from 50 to 7.0 mg dm−3. The Lagergren rate constant for the slow adsorption process was observed to be 3.81 × 10−4 dm3 min−1. Comparison with calcium carbonate, GR grade, showed that oyster shell powder and CaCO3 behave more or less in the same way. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Altered intracellular sorting signals do not influence the efficacy of genetic melanoma vaccines incorporating helper determinants in mice
Authors: Brück Jürgen , Steitz Julia , Strand Dennis , Tüting Thomas
Published: December 2004

Background

A genetic melanoma vaccine consisting of cDNA encoding the model self‐antigen tyrosinase‐related protein 2 (TRP2) fused in‐frame to the immunogenic enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was able to break immune tolerance and stimulate CD8+ T cells in vivo. In the present study we investigated whether alteration of the intracellular antigen localization as a result of the linkage with immune‐enhancing helper proteins affects the resulting immune response.

Methods

Expression plasmids and recombinant adenoviruses were constructed encoding various fusion proteins with different intracellular sorting signals which direct the antigen to the cytosol, the endoplasmic reticulum or the endosomal compartments. Genetic immunization of C57BL/6 mice was performed with all constructs using particle‐bombardment of the skin and injection of recombinant adenoviruses. The resulting immune response was analyzed using ELISPOT and tumor rejection assays.

Results

Induction of TRP2‐specific CD8+ T cells in vivo and autoimmune‐mediated destruction of melanocytes in the bombarded area of the skin were observed with all constructs expressing fusion proteins between TRP2 and EGFP. Importantly, injections of the different recombinant adenoviruses all mediated protective immunity against transplanted B16 melanoma cells.

Conclusions

Altered intracellular sorting signals do not significantly influence the efficacy of genetic melanoma vaccines incorporating helper determinants in our model system. These results further support the concept that linkage of immunogenic helper sequences can be successfully applied for antigen‐specific immunotherapy of melanoma and provide a scientific basis for the translation of this strategy in future clinical applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short Portrait of Prof. Dr. Oskar Nuyken on the Occasion of his 65th Birthday
Authors: Voit Brigitte I.
Published: December 2004

This section contains news of the macromolecular community all over the world. Articles about, for example, people, projects, and market trends are welcome. Suggestions should be sent to the editorial office of the Macromolecular journals, preferably by E‐mail to macromol@wiley‐vch.de. The editorial office decides which articles will be published.
Analysis of the course of Parkinson's disease under dopaminergic therapy: Performance of “fast tapping” is not a suitable parameter
Authors: Kraus Peter H. , Klotz Peter , Hoffmann Arndt , Lewe Johannes , Przuntek Horst
Published: December 2004

In addition to clinical rating scales, instrumental methods are employed frequently for assessment of performance or motor deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD). Many studies have analyzed such parameters in cross‐sectional studies. We employed a battery of tests to investigate fine motor performance over a period of 4 years in 411 de novo parkinsonian patients from the Prado study. Specifically, tapping and pegboard testing (“plugging”) were evaluated and performance on these tests compared with clinical ratings. Plugging scores correlated well with tapping scores and clinical rating at each assessment timepoint. Both tests also showed significant differences to healthy controls. Nevertheless “fast tapping” was found to be less impaired than was plugging in de novo patients. Over time, it was observed that plugging scores, but not tapping scores, exhibited changes that paralleled movements in clinical score. Plugging scores exhibited a marked response to dopaminergic therapy whereas fast tapping showed no therapeutic response. Fast tapping is certainly not suitable for assessment of bradykinesia or hypokinesia, and does not respond to dopaminergic therapy. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Modelling and process optimization for functionally graded materials
Authors: Bellur‐Ramaswamy Ravi S. , Haber Robert , Sobh Nahil A. , Tortorelli Daniel A.
Published: December 2004

We optimize continuous quench process parameters to produce functionally graded aluminium alloy extrudates. To perform this task, an optimization problem is defined and solved using a standard non‐linear programming algorithm. Ingredients of this algorithm include (1) the process parameters to be optimized, (2) a cost function: the weighted average of the precipitate number density distribution, (3) constraint functions to limit the temperature gradient (and hence distortion and residual stress) and exit temperature, and (4) their sensitivities with respect to the process parameters. The cost and constraint functions are dependent on the temperature and precipitate size which are obtained by balancing energy to determine the temperature distribution and by using a reaction‐rate theory to determine the precipitate particle sizes and their distributions. Both the temperature and the precipitate models are solved via the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method. The energy balance incorporates non‐linear boundary conditions and material properties. The temperature field is then used in the reaction rate model which has as many as 105 degrees‐of‐freedom per finite element node. After computing the temperature and precipitate size distributions we must compute their sensitivities. This seemingly intractable computational task is resolved thanks to the discontinuous Galerkin finite element formulation and the direct differentiation sensitivity method. A three‐dimension example is provided to demonstrate the algorithm. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical stiffness matrices with Green–Lagrange strain measure
Authors: Pedersen Pauli
Published: December 2004

Separating the dependence on material and stress/strain state from the dependence on initial geometry, we obtain analytical secant and tangent stiffness matrices. For the case of a linear displacement triangle with uniform thickness and uniform constitutive behaviour closed‐form results are listed, directly suited for coding in a finite element program.

The nodal positions of an element and the displacement assumption give three basic matrices of order three. These matrices do not depend on material and stress/strain state, and thus are unchanged during the necessary iterations for obtaining a solution based on Green–Lagrange strain measure.

The approach is especially useful in design optimization, because analytical sensitivity analysis then can be performed. The case of a three node triangular ring element for axisymmetric analysis involves small modifications and extension to four node tetrahedron elements should be straight forward. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DSC‐Ritz method for high‐mode frequency analysis of thick shallow shells
Authors: Lim C. W. , Li Z. R. , Wei G. W.
Published: December 2004

This paper addresses a challenging problem in computational mechanics—the analysis of thick shallow shells vibrating at high modes. Existing methods encounter significant difficulties for such a problem due to numerical instability. A new numerical approach, DSC‐Ritz method, is developed by taking the advantages of both the discrete singular convolution (DSC) wavelet kernels of the Dirichlet type and the Ritz method for the numerical solution of thick shells with all possible combinations of commonly occurred boundary conditions. As wavelets are localized in both frequency and co‐ordinate domains, they give rise to numerical schemes with optimal accurate, stability and flexibility. Numerical examples are considered for Mindlin plates and shells with various edge supports. Benchmark solutions are obtained and analyzed in detail. Experimental results validate the convergence, stability, accuracy and reliability of the proposed approach. In particular, with a reasonable number of grid points, the new DSC‐Ritz method is capable of producing highly accurate numerical results for high‐mode vibration frequencies, which are hitherto unavailable to engineers. Moreover, the capability of predicting high modes endows us the privilege to reveal a discrepancy between natural higher‐order vibration modes of a Mindlin plate and those calculated via an analytical relationship linking Kirchhoff and Mindlin plates. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of nano‐barium titanate on the mechanical, electrical and solubility performance of ferrite‐filled poly(ether ether ketone) composites
Authors: Dwivedi Mayank , Alam Sarfaraz , Verma G L
Published: December 2004

Ferrite and nano‐barium titanate reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) composites were made by compression moulding technology. The effects of reinforcement of the ferrite and nano‐barium titanate on the PEEK matrix were studied with the aim assessing its potential as a radar‐absorbing structural material (RASM). With an increase in the percentage filling of ferrite in the PEEK matrix, the specific gravity, hardness, tensile and flexural moduli, brittleness, dielectric constant, loss tangent and reflection losses were increased, while the tensile and flexural strengths, and elongation at break, were decreased. With increasing nano‐barium titanate reinforcement in the ferrite‐filled PEEK composites, the specific gravity, hardness, tensile and flexural strengths, tensile modulus and dielectric constant were comparatively increased, while the elongation at break, flexural modulus and loss tangent (marginally) were decreased. Reinforcement of the nano‐barium titanate caused a comparatively marginal reduction in the loss tangent, although no effect on reflection losses was observed. The solubility resistance of the ferrite‐filled PEEK composites was improved with reinforcement by the nano‐barium titanate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of strong polyelectrolyte hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Atta Ayman M , Arndt Karl‐Friedrich
Published: December 2004

Maleic anhydride (MA) was grafted onto both partially and fully hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the presence of an initiator. Strong polyelectrolyte polymers were prepared by sulfonation of PVA–MA grafts. The sulfonation was completed by reaction of hydroxyl groups of PVA–MA grafts with two different sulfonating reagents (chlorosulfonic acid and pyridine sulfonic acid). The sulfonation degree was evaluated by acid–base titration and 1H NMR analysis. The solution behaviour of the prepared grafts was evaluated from viscosity measurements. Four kinds of water‐insoluble PVA–MA and PVA–MA‐SO3H hydrogels were prepared by heat treatment, physical gelation and chemical crosslinking with different weight ratios of N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) crosslinker. The swelling parameters were measured for all prepared gels in deionized water and aqueous solutions at different pH values from 2 to 12 having constant ionic strength (I = 0.1). All gels exhibit a different swelling behaviour upon environmental pH changes. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
An approach to one‐dimensional conductive polymer composites
Authors: Tai Xiangyang , Wu Guozhang , Tominaga Yoichi , Asai Shigeo , Sumita Masao
Published: December 2004

A substantial approach to one‐dimensional (1D) electrically conductive composites was proposed which was based on the thermodynamic analysis of electric‐field‐induced particle alignment in a nonpolar thermoplastic polymer matrix. The process condition window was based on the real‐time exploration of dynamic percolation under different electric fields with carbon black (CB)‐filled polyethylene as a model. The CB content was the main factor of the process condition. Its upper limit was set as the critical percolation concentration at the thermodynamic equilibrium state without an electric field to eliminate the possibility of conductive network formation perpendicular to the electric‐field direction, whereas its lower limit the critical percolation concentration at the thermodynamic equilibrium state under a critical electric field (E*). A composite with CB content in this window, isothermally treated in an electric field not less than E*, showed conductivity in the electric‐field direction about 105 times larger than that in the perpendicular direction. A 1D cluster structure in the direction of the electric filed was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy morphology observations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 184–189, 2005
Calculation of spin‐orbit coupling within the LFDFT: Applications to [NiX4]2− (XF−, Cl−, Br−, I−)
Authors: Atanasov Mihail , Rauzy Cédrick , Baettig Pio , Daul Claude
Published: December 2004

Spin‐orbit coupling has been introduced into our newly developed ligand field density functional theory (LFDFT), using the zero‐order regular approximation as implemented into the Amsterdam density functional (ADF) code. Application of the formalism to a series of NiX (XF−, Cl−, Br−, I−) compounds shows the increasing importance of intra‐ligand spin‐orbit coupling across the F, Cl, Br, I series, to lead to sign reversal (in the case of Br− and I−) of the spin‐orbit splitting within the t2‐orbitals manifold of Ni2+. Symmetry lowering from Td to D2d, due to the Jahn–Teller coupling for the e4t configuration of NiX, is used to manifest further the effect of bonding changes on the sign and magnitude of the spin‐orbit constant. Ligand field and spin‐orbit coupling matrices are found to be correlated, with the higher erxtent of antibonding being accompanied by lower values of the spin‐orbit coupling constant. In cases of little or no symmetry, this leads to situations in which ligand field and spin‐orbit coupling cannot be neatly separated in the mathematical description. Using these results, the electronic energy levels of this series of compounds are predicted to be in good agreement with available spectral and magnetic data from literature. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Robust output regulation for discrete‐time nonlinear systems
Authors: Lan Weiyao , Huang Jie
Published: December 2004

In this paper, we will establish a framework that can convert the robust output regulation problem for discrete‐time nonlinear systems into a robust stabilization problem for an appropriately augmented system consisting of the given plant and a specific dynamic system called internal model. We then apply this framework to solve the local robust output regulation problem for a general class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems. The results of this paper gives a discrete‐time counterpart of the recent results on the continuous‐time robust output regulation problem. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The analysis of peak expiratory flow data using a three‐level hierarchical model
Authors: Lambert Paul C. , Burton Paul R. , Abrams Keith R. , Brooke Adrian M.
Published: December 2004

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a measure commonly used in clinical practice and research for respiratory diseases such as asthma. In research, PEF is usually recorded in a diary for a 2‐week period with two or more measurements per day. Interest may lie in whether certain groups of individuals tend to have higher or lower PEF. In addition the variability of PEF may be of interest as, for example, asthmatics tend to have more variable airways. In this paper we develop a three‐level hierarchical model that can simultaneously model the mean level and variability of PEF. The variability is broken down into three components, between‐subject variability, between‐day within‐subject variability, and within‐day within‐subject variability. The latter two components are of specific clinical interest. We fit both classical and Bayesian models. The Bayesian models have the advantage of taking the uncertainty in the variance component estimates into account when estimating the standard errors of the fixed effects. In addition, the Bayesian models provide an intuitive and simple way to investigate the within‐subject variance components. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mosaic Duplication 1(q11q44) in an Infant with Nephroblastomatosis and Mineralization of Extraplacental Membranes
Authors: Christiansen Lydia R. , Lage Janice M. , Wolff Daynna J. , Pai G. Shashidhar , Harley Russell A.
Published: December 2004

Partial trisomy of 1q is rare. Only 32 cases of isolated partial trisomy 1q have been previously reported. From these cases, a characteristic phenotype is beginning to emerge. We present a case of mosaic duplication of 1q [46,XX,dup (1)(q11q44)/46,XX]. Many features of our patient have been described in previous patients, thus supporting the emerging phenotype. Two particular features, however, have not been previously described. The present case demonstrated extensive mineralization of the extraplacental membranes and bilateral nephromegaly, with an extreme form of diffusely hyperplastic perilobar nephroblastomatosis. Clinical comparison is made between our case and previously reported cases, and the clinical significance of the unique findings are reviewed and discussed.
Testicular Mixed Germ Cell Tumor with Polyembryoma Component in Brothers
Authors: Bakaris Sevgi , Resim Sefa , Tunali Nurdan
Published: December 2004

We report the case of a 17-year-old male with a testicular tumor and high serum levels of α-fetoprotein. The patient was treated with surgery followed by combination chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. Histologic examination showed features of a mixed germ cell tumor composed of mature teratoma, immature teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and polyembryoma. He is currently well, and his serum levels of α-fetoprotein have been normal more than 5 months after treatment. His brother, aged 17 years at the time, had a similar tumor removed from the right testicle 5 years previously.
Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor of the Orbit: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Iyengar Pratibha , DeAngelis Dan D. , Greenberg Mark , Taylor Glenn
Published: December 2004

We present a unique case of a perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) in the orbit of a 9-year-old female patient. The entity of PEComas has been described only recently. Characteristic histologic features and an immunohistochemical profile of negativity for epithelial markers and positivity for melanogenesis-related markers define the tumors. In children and young adults, this tumor has a predilection for the falciform ligament and ligamentum teres of the liver. It is associated with, but not exclusive to, tuberous sclerosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a PEComa of the orbit in a child or adult. The main differential diagnoses for this melanin pigment-producing lesion include melanoma and pigmented paraganglioma. The histologic features, immunohistochemical profile, ultra-structural studies, and molecular studies led us to favor a diagnosis of PEComa. The prognosis of this entity is undetermined due largely to the small number of reported cases.
Pentalogy of Cantrell: A Case Report with Pathologic Findings
Authors: Correa-Rivas María S. , Matos-Llovet Isabel , García-Fragoso Lourdes
Published: December 2004

We present the case of a 28-h-old female infant born at 37 weeks of gestation with a rare congenital malformation consisting of a pentad of findings: ectopia cordis, a midline supraumbilical wall defect, a defect of the lower sternum, absent pericardium, and an anterior diaphragmatic defect. This constellation of defects is known as the pentalogy of Cantrell. Additional autopsy findings included a bilateral cleft lip and palate, bilateral pulmonary hypoplasia, an atrial septal defect, and a patent ductus arteriosus. We present this case because of its rarity and discuss the pathologic findings.
Seasonal changes in soil arthropod abundance in the dry evergreen forest of north‐east Thailand, with special reference to collembolan communities
Authors: Wiwatwitaya Decha , Takeda Hiroshi
Published: December 2004

A soil arthropod community was studied in a dry evergreen forest over a 3‐year period from May 1998 to April 2001. Population abundance, species composition, and community structure were investigated over the 3‐year study period. The soil arthropods consisted of Acari (75.38%), Collembola (16.11%), and others (8.51%), and their abundances showed a clear difference between the rainy and dry seasons. Population abundance of Collembola and Acari were low during drought conditions. The humidity was the most important factor determining distribution, abundance, and survival of soil Collembola in this tropical forest. High predation and low accumulation of organic matter caused low population abundance of Collembola in the tropical habitat. The collembolan community was dominated by a few dominant species over the study period. The pattern of seasonal changes in numbers of Collembola was similar over the 3‐year study period. The species composition of the collembolan community was constant and persistent throughout a 3‐year study period. Thus, the collembolan community showed constancy in its species composition with seasonal variability over the 3‐year study period.
The Late Quaternary Mammalian Fauna of Nelson Bay Cave (Cape Province, South Africa): Its Implications for Megafaunal Extinctions and Environmental and Cultural Change
Authors: Klein Richard G.
Published: December 2004

Nelson Bay Cave is located on the Robberg Peninsula (34°06′ S, 23°24′ E) at Plettenberg Bay, Cape Province, South Africa. Excavation of the Late Quaternary fill of the cave has provided a rich assemblage of mammalian remains dated between ca. 18,000 and 5000 radiocarbon years B.P. Identification and analysis of these remains has shown that important changes in the composition of the mammalian fauna took place first about 12,000 B.P. and again about 9000 B.P. The earlier change is especially clear-cut and is interpreted to reflect the disappearance of grassland from the area as well as the influence of rising sea level. Both faunal changes were accompanied by changes in associated artifactual materials and it is suggested that faunal and cultural changes were causally linked. The mammalian species dated between 18,000 and 12,000 B.P. include the latest recorded Sub-Saharan occurrences of some extinct taxa and indicate that terminal Pleistocene/Early Holocene megafaunal extinctions may have been more important in Southern Africa than has hitherto been thought.
Palynology and Phytogeographical Significance of a Late-Pleistocene Refugium Near Kalaloch, Washington
Authors: Heusser Calvin J.
Published: December 2004

A sea cliff facing the open ocean 3 km north of Kalaloch, Washington, and exposing 32 m of interbedded peat, clay, sand, and gravel contains a unique continuous record of late-Pleistocene vegetation and environments on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula. The record obtains from the palynology of plant communities in the unglaciated refugium. Fourteen radiocarbon dates from peat beds in the sea cliff reveal that the record spans the time from 16,700 B. P. to greater than 47,000 B. P. The earliest organic deposits are estimated to date from 70,000 B. P. Pollen assemblages from 222 sample levels in a measured section, divided into 16 zones, are correlated, in the main, with the sequence of Salmon springs, Olympia, and Fraser geologic-climatic units in the Puget Lowland. Correlation derives from the fluctuations of a July average temperature curve reconstructed from the modern vegetation and climatic equivalents of the pollen assemblages. The sequence of stadial and interstadial environments depicted at Kalaloch is found to be more complex than is indicated by the Puget Lowland succession.