bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Properties of 2,3‐Dialkynyl‐1,4‐benzoquinones
Authors: Hammershøj Peter , Reenberg Theis K. , Pittelkow Michael , Nielsen Christian B. , Hammerich Ole , Christensen Jørn B.
Published: April 2006

Alkynyl substituents can be used to tune the acceptor properties of benzoquinones due to their slight electron‐withdrawing abilities. Applications of new acceptors rely on efficient and practical synthetic procedures. Herein we describe a general and convenient approach for the synthesis of 2,3‐dialkynyl‐1,4‐benzoquinones using a combination of regiospecific aromatic substitution, Sonogashira cross‐couplings and mild CAN oxidation chemistry. The regiochemical outcome of the synthetic protocol was verified by X‐ray crystallography of two compounds. Cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis and DFT calculations on three derivatives show that the symmetrical dialkynyl‐substituted benzoquinones are attractive acceptors.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
An Efficient Route to Stable Room‐Temperature Liquid‐Crystalline Triphenylenes
Authors: Bock Harald , Rajaoarivelo Mbolotiana , Clavaguera Simon , Grelet Éric
Published: April 2006

Fourfold 2,3,6,10‐alkoxycarbonyl‐substituted triphenylenes are synthesised in five concise steps from 4‐methylcyclohexanone by selective monoformylation of 2,6,10‐trimethyltriphenylene, followed by oxidation in aqueous dichromate solution. Their low symmetry leads to mesogenic self assembly in a columnar liquid‐crystalline state at or near room temperature, depending on the choice of alkyl group. These materials unite several properties that are desirable in charge‐transporting thin films for organic optoelectronics: room‐temperature self assembly into structures of good charge mobility and high viscosity, low electron density in the aromatic core, smooth synthetic access, and optical transparency. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Statistical aspects of rainfall fields in Southern Italy during a rain enhancement experiment
Authors: Orasi A. , Lasinio G. Jona
Published: April 2006

In this paper, attention is focused on data quality control and exploratory analysis of a large data set built for the evaluation of a rain enhancement project. The properties and characteristics of the rainfall process are studied from a statistical perspective. Data come from a high‐density pluviometric network and this provided a large data set allowing detailed examination of the spatial and temporal structure of rainfall on several scales. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Markov chain models for extreme wind speeds
Authors: Fawcett Lee , Walshaw David
Published: April 2006

Understanding and quantifying the behaviour of extreme wind speeds has important applications for design in civil engineering. As in the extremal analysis of any environmental process, estimates are often required of the probability of events that are rarer than those already recorded. Consequently, research has focused on the development of techniques that make optimal use of the available data. One such approach lies inthreshold methods, which, unlike the more traditional annual maxima approach to the modelling of extremes, takes into considerationallextreme events, extreme in the sense that they exceed some high threshold. However, the implications of using all extremes in an analysis include problems of temporal dependence and non‐stationarity. Several pragmatic ways of circumventing the problem of temporal dependence have been developed, though these often include the deletion of many extreme observations, for example, filter out a set of independent extremes. This paper looks at another approach to inference—one which explicitlymodelsthe temporal dependence of the process and so can use information onallextremes—and investigates the appropriateness of assumptions of short‐term temporal dependence for wind speeds. We also examine the success of such methods at estimating some extreme events commonly studied for wind‐speed data. Throughout this paper extreme wind speeds are analysed within a Bayesian framework, which can be argued to be particularly advantageous for extreme value analyses. For example, the objective of an extreme value analysis is usually an estimate of the probability of future events reaching extreme levels—something which is handled quite naturally in a Bayesian analysis throughpredictive distributions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a new homozygous deletion in the tumor suppressor region at 3p12.3 reveals two novel intronic noncoding RNA genes
Authors: Angeloni Debora , ter Elst Arja , Wei Ming Hui , van der Veen Anneke Y. , Braga Eleonora A. , Klimov Eugene A. , Timmer Tineke , Korobeinikova Luba , Lerman Michael I. , Buys Charles H.C.M.
Published: April 2006

Homozygous deletions or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at human chromosome band 3p12 are consistent features of lung and other malignancies, suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene(s) (TSG) at this location. Only one gene has been cloned thus far from the overlapping region deleted in lung and breast cancer cell lines U2020, NCI H2198, and HCC38. It is DUTT1 (Deleted in U Twenty Twenty), also known as ROBO1, FLJ21882, and SAX3, according to HUGO. DUTT1, the human ortholog of the fly gene ROBO, has homology with NCAM proteins. Extensive analyses of DUTT1 in lung cancer have not revealed any mutations, suggesting that another gene(s) at this location could be of importance in lung cancer initiation and progression. Here, we report the discovery of a new, small, homozygous deletion in the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line GLC20, nested in the overlapping, critical region. The deletion was delineated using several polymorphic markers and three overlapping P1 phage clones. Fiber‐FISH experiments revealed the deletion was approximately 130 kb. Comparative genomic sequence analysis uncovered short sequence elements highly conserved among mammalian genomes and the chicken genome. The discovery of two EST clusters within the deleted region led to the isolation of two noncoding RNA (ncRNA) genes. These were subsequently found differentially expressed in various tumors when compared to their normal tissues. The ncRNA and other highly conserved sequence elements in the deleted region may represent miRNA targets of importance in cancer initiation or progression. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the power of association tests for quantitative traits in family studies
Authors: Diao G. , Lin D.Y.
Published: April 2006

Association mapping based on family studies can identify genes that influence complex human traits while providing protection against population stratification. Because no gene is likely to have a very large effect on a complex trait, most family studies have limited power. Among the commonly used family‐based tests of association for quantitative traits, the quantitative transmission‐disequilibrium tests (QTDT) based on the variance‐components model is the most flexible and most powerful. This method assumes that the trait values are normally distributed. Departures from normality can inflate the type I error and reduce the power. Although the family‐based association tests (FBAT) and pedigree disequilibrium tests (PDT) do not require normal traits, nonnormality can also result in loss of power. In many cases, approximate normality can be achieved by transforming the trait values. However, the true transformation is unknown, and incorrect transformations may compromise the type I error and power. We propose a novel class of association tests for arbitrarily distributed quantitative traits by allowing the true transformation function to be completely unspecified and empirically estimated from the data. Extensive simulation studies showed that the new methods provide accurate control of the type I error and can be substantially more powerful than the existing methods. We applied the new methods to the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism and discovered significant association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) tsc0022400 on chromosome 7 with the quantitative electrophysiological phenotype TTTH1, which was not detected by any existing methods. We have implemented the new methods in a freely available computer program. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thymosin β4 promotes matrix metalloproteinase expression during wound repair
Authors: Philp Deborah , Scheremeta Brooke , Sibliss Kedesha , Zhou Min , Fine Esther L. , Nguyen Mychi , Wahl Larry , Hoffman Matthew P. , Kleinman Hynda K.
Published: April 2006

Immobilized patients, diabetics, and the elderly suffer from impaired wound healing. The 43‐amino acid angiogenic peptide thymosin β4 (Tβ4) has previously been found to accelerate dermal wound repair in rats, aged mice, and db/db diabetic mice. It also promotes corneal repair in both normal rats and mice. Because proteinases are important in wound repair, we hypothesized that Tβ4 may regulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in cells that are involved in wound repair. Analysis by RT‐PCR of whole excised mouse dermal wounds on days 1, 2, and 3 after wounding showed that Tβ4 increased several metalloproteinases, including MMP‐2 and ‐9 expression by several‐fold over control on day 2 after wounding. We further analyzed the metalloproteinases secreted in response to exogenous Tβ4 by cells normally present in the wound. Western blot analysis of cultured keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts that were treated with increasing concentrations of Tβ4 showed increases in the levels of MMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐9 in a cell‐specific manner. Tβ4 also enhanced the secretion of MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 by activated monocytes. The central actin‐binding domain, amino acids 17–23, had all of the activity for metalloproteinase induction. We conclude that part of the wound healing activity of Tβ4 resides in its ability to increase proteinase activity via its central actin‐binding domain. Thus, Tβ4 may play a pivotal role in extracellular matrix remodeling during wound repair. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term benefits of membership in microfinance programmes
Authors: Menon Nidhiya
Published: April 2006

This study studies the benefits of membership in microfinance programmes, and examines whether membership in these programmes is an effective instrument in smoothing inter‐seasonal consumption. We hypothesise that the benefits to participation accrue differentially over time, as more experienced participants are better equipped on their own to minimise per capita consumption fluctuations. Using an Euler equation approach, we show that consumption differentials across seasons are inversely related to length of membership. Estimates from the gender‐stratified model suggest that for a female participant, 1 year of membership reduces the percentage change in per capita consumption, caused by a unit shock, by 6 per cent. We present simulation results confirming that as length of membership increases, the ‘certainty equivalent’ of the participant decreases. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct simultaneous determination of eight sweeteners in foods by capillary isotachophoresis
Authors: Herrmannová Michaela , Křivánková Ludmila , Bartoš Martin , Vytřas Karel
Published: April 2006

A method for isotachophoretic determination of sweeteners of different character in candies and chewing gums was developed. A capillary of 0.8 mm ID and 90 mm effective length made of fluorinated ethylene‐propylene copolymer is filled with an electrolyte system consisting of 10 mM HCl + 14 mM Tris, pH 7.7 (leading electrolyte) and 5 mM L‐histidine + 5 mM Tris, pH 8.3 (terminating electrolyte). The analysis is performed at a driving current of 200 μA and for detection current is decreased to 100 μA. Boric acid is added to the aqueous sample solution to form borate complexes with substances of polyhydroxyl nature and make them migrate isotachophoretically. Using conductivity detection, the calibration curves in the tested concentration range up to 2.5 mM were linear for all components of interest: acesulfame K, saccharine, aspartame, cyclamate, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol, and xylitol. The concentration detection limits ranged between 0.024 and 0.081 mM. Good precision of the ITP method is evidenced by favorable RSD values ranging from 0.8 to 2.8% obtained at the analyte concentration of 1.0 mM (n = 6). The analysis time was about 20 min. Simplicity, accuracy, and low cost of analyses make ITP an alternative procedure to methods used so far for the determination of ionizable sweeteners.
Nonequilibrium Bose systems and nonground-state
Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Yukalov V I
Published: April 2006

The theory of resonant generation of nonground-state
Bose-Einstein condensates is extended to Bose-condensed systems at
finite temperature. The generalization is based on the notion of
representative statistical ensembles for Bose systems with broken
global gauge symmetry. Self-consistent equations are derived
describing an arbitrary nonequilibrium nonuniform Bose system. The
notion of finite-temperature topological coherent modes,
coexisting with a cloud of noncondensed atoms, is introduced. It
is shown that resonant generation of these modes is feasible for a
gas of trapped Bose atoms at finite temperature.
Branched Polyethylenes by Cationic Benzyl Zirconium Heteroscorpionate Complexes: Role of the Borate Anion
Authors: Cuomo Cinzia , Milione Stefano , Grassi Alfonso
Published: April 2006

Summary: A comparative study of the performances of (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2) activated with B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] in ethylene polymerisation pointed out that the steric properties of the metal complex and the boron activator affect the productivity of the catalyst and, more remarkably, the microstructure of the polyethylenes produced. A polymerisation mechanism accounting for these results has been proposed.

Structure of two heteroscorpionate zirconium complexes (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2).

magnified image

Structure of two heteroscorpionate zirconium complexes (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2).
AGET ATRP in the Presence of Air in Miniemulsion and in Bulk
Authors: Min Ke , Jakubowski Wojciech , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: April 2006

Summary: The recently developed initiation system, activators generated by electron transfer (AGET), is used in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in the presence of a limited amount of air. Ascorbic acid and tin(II) 2‐ethylhexanoate are used as reducing agents in miniemulsion and bulk, respectively. An excess of reducing agent consumes the oxygen present in the system and, therefore, provides a deoxygenated environment for ATRP. ATRP of butyl acrylate is successfully carried out in miniemulsion and in the presence of air. During polymerization the radical concentration remains constant. The polymerization reaches over 60% monomer conversion after 6 h, which results in polymers with a predetermined molecular weight $\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 14 000 g · mol−1 and a low polydispersity ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.23). AGET ATRP of styrene is also successful in bulk in the presence of air, as evidenced by linear semi‐logarithmic kinetics, which leads to polystyrene with an $\overline M _{\rm n}$ of 13 400 g · mol−1 and a low polydispersity index ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.14).

Appearance of miniemulsion before and after the reducing agent ascorbic acid was added (left); and GPC traces representing molecular weights during the AGET ATRP of BA in miniemulsion in the presence of air (right).

magnified image

Appearance of miniemulsion before and after the reducing agent ascorbic acid was added (left); and GPC traces representing molecular weights during the AGET ATRP of BA in miniemulsion in the presence of air (right).
The Morphology and Dynamics of Substrate Effects on Spinodal Decomposition in Binary Mixtures with Short‐Range Potential
Authors: Yan Li‐Tang , Xie Xu‐Ming
Published: April 2006

Summary: The SDSD of binary mixture with short‐range potential is numerically simulated in 3D by cell dynamic system (CDSs), focusing on the phase morphology and dynamics in the parallel cross‐sections. The formation mechanism and growth law of the wetting layer are analyzed taking thermal noise effects into account. The simulated results show that the phase inversion in the parallel cross‐sections can be observed near the substrate interface. Without thermal noise, the growth law of the wetting layer is simply logarithmic. However, when the strength of thermal noise is large enough, the LS growth law can be found for a short‐range surface field. The results demonstrate that thermal noise can increase the extent of phase separation and lead to a transformation between partial and complete wetting for the substrate interface. The evolution of the phase in the parallel cross‐sections obeys the LS growth law and is self‐similar regardless of the effects of thermal noise.

Simulated pattern evolution at different values of z at τ = 1 000 with G = 0.

magnified image

Simulated pattern evolution at different values of z at τ = 1 000 with G = 0.
Vertically restrictive pricing in supply chains with price‐dependent demand
Authors: Liu Yong , Fry Michael J. , Raturi Amitabh S.
Published: April 2006

We examine the behavior of a manufacturer and a retailer in a decentralized supply chain under price‐dependent, stochastic demand. We model a retail fixed markup (RFM) policy, which can arise as a form of vertically restrictive pricing in a supply chain, and we examine its effect on supply chain performance. We prove the existence of the optimal pricing and replenishment policies when demand has a linear additive form and the distribution of the uncertainty component has a nondecreasing failure rate. We numerically compare the relative performance of RFM to a price‐only contract and we find that RFM results in greater profit for the supply chain than the price‐only contract in a variety of scenarios. We find that RFM can lead to Pareto‐improving solutions where both the supplier and the retailer earn more profit than under a price‐only contract. Finally, we compare RFM to a buyback contract and explore the implications of allowing the fixed markup parameter to be endogenous to the model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006.
Hands‐on or hands‐off? Anti‐corruption agencies in action, donor expectations, and a good enough reality
Authors: Doig Alan , Watt David , Williams Robert
Published: April 2006

The article reviews a number of reports and articles on both the roles and purpose of Anti‐Corruption Agencies or Commissions (ACC) to set the context for its empirical research. The research draws on field visits to two African countries (Ghana and Uganda) in 1999, and visits to these and three further African countries (Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia) in 20041 to study agencies whose remit includes anti‐corruption work—to consider the relevance and reality of the issues and themes raised in the review. The visits to Ghana and Uganda offer, for the first time, longitudinal perspectives on the development of ACCs and donor involvement.

While the research generally confirms issues raised in the review, this perspective provides the basis for the development of three hypotheses new to the study of ACCs. These are: is there, paradoxically, an adverse impact on the development of ACCs as a consequence of mounting pressure from donors for anti‐corruption results; whether the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is the most relevant ACC model; and whether better results may be achieved with sequenced or less donor involvement using ACCs and other organisations? This clearly has practitioner and policy relevance for the future role and development of existing ACCs within current circumstances and for decisions on the creation of new ACCs.

The agencies visited in 2004 were those with a responsibility for addressing corruption: the Anti‐Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Malawi; the Inspectorate of Government (IG), Uganda; the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (GHRAJ) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Ghana; the Prevention of Corruption Bureau (PCB), Tanzania; the Anti‐Corruption Commission (ACC), Zambia. The agencies in Ghana and Uganda were previously visited in 1999.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of spiritual retreats in higher education: the necessity for, and difficulties with, reflection on lasting values in a new public management context
Authors: Lips‐Wiersma Marjolein
Published: April 2006

This article describes the results of an in depth grounded theory (GT) study on the role of retreats in a higher education organisation. The research objective is to study the impact of 2‐day spiritual retreats, offered to employees, on the individual and the organisation. It was found that there is significant value in an organisation providing employees with structured reflection time. The retreats enable employees to become (re) acquainted with self and prioritise deeper values, make conscious choices based on such values and re‐assess balance between different roles and priorities. The benefit to the organisation is an appreciation for, and understanding of, fellow workers as well as enhanced loyalty. Furthermore, directors reported that employees became pro‐active in taking steps to align work and values. This study empirically substantiates the importance of an organisation taking responsibility for employees reconnecting with their values, particularly in a New Public Management context. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public good or private good? The paradox of public and private ethics in the context of developing countries
Authors: Hellsten Sirkku , Larbi George A.
Published: April 2006

This article questions the view that corruption is part of the features of collectivist cultures. Whilst acknowledging that there are cultural differences in ethical and social norms, it argues that corruption is more likely due to social and economic realities and the disconnection between societal values and the values of formal public institutions. Also the failing of public trust leads into communitarian solidarity‐networks within a state, which strive for the common good of particular social collectives rather than the national public good. In designing strategies to improve ethics and control corruption in the public sector we need to understand the social and economic conditions under which public duty and the ethical standards required from them tend to compete with the private moral commitments and social obligations of officials. The article suggests using civic education to diffuse the values of public service, and the rights and obligations of citizenship more widely in society. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABCD survey of self‐awareness of cardiovascular risk amongst consultant diabetologists in the UK
Authors: Winocour PH
Published: April 2006

The objective of this survey was to examine self‐reported measures of cardiovascular health amongst consultant diabetologists in the United Kingdom.

An anonymised postal questionnaire was sent to all 598 identified consultant diabetologists in the United Kingdom: 185 responses (31% response rate) were available for data analyses.

The results showed that smoking was reported by only 4%, but higher than recommended alcohol intake was reported by 23% of males, and by 8% of females. Over 70% reported regular moderate exercise, but a minority consumed at least five daily portions of fruit and vegetables (17%), and at least four weekly portions of red meat (24%). At least twice‐weekly fish intake was consumed by over half (52%), but salt was routinely added to food by over 30%. Only 30% were aware of their estimated 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and less than 60% were aware of their blood glucose or cholesterol level. Those considered to be at greater CVD risk (older age, men, overweight–obese, adverse family history, non‐Europid origin) were no more likely to follow a healthy lifestyle and in some instances appeared to have more adverse measures or behaviour (e.g. more frequent excess red meat intake amongst older or overweight individuals).

It was concluded that consultant diabetologists in the UK do not practise what they preach. In particular, those likely to have higher CVD risk often have a more adverse lifestyle and are no more aware of measures of CVD risk. This may be important not only for their individual health, but might be reflected in attitudes to CVD prevention and readiness to utilise cardioprotective therapies in regular clinical care. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General medical practitioners in Pakistan fail to educate patients adequately about complications of diabetes
Authors: Shahpurwala MM , Sani N , Shah S , Shuja F , Shahid K , Tariq H , Huda Z , Zuberi L , Jafar TH , Jafar Tazeen H
Published: April 2006

The prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan is one of the highest reported worldwide. Proper education of patients regarding strategies to prevent complications of diabetes is an essential component of good management of diabetes. We conducted this study to determine the approach of general practitioners towards the management of diabetes.

We carried out a cross‐sectional survey of 100 randomly selected GPs from urban cities of Pakistan. A rigorously developed questionnaire was administered and contained questions on (1) diagnostic criteria, (2) health education, and management of a patient by non‐pharmacological and (3) pharmacological treatment, and (4) appropriate referral of the patients to specialists.

In total, 100 GPs were approached, and all consented to enrol; 70% were male. The average number of patients seen at each clinic was 30 patients per day. Only 38% of the GPs used the correct level of fasting blood glucose (≥126mg/dl) as the cut‐off for diagnosing diabetes. The majority of GPs did not adequately educate their patients. Only 65% of the GPs interviewed gave advice about exercise, 38% about weight reduction, 26% about foot care, 26% about the complications, 9% about insulin use, 20% about hypoglycaemic events, and 23% about smoking cessation.

It was concluded that GPs in Pakistan under‐diagnose and under‐educate patients with diabetes. Our findings highlight the need for appropriate diagnosis and management of diabetes, and prevention of its complications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A feasibility study of the use of photographic food diaries in the management of obesity
Authors: Gregory R , Walwyn L , Bloor S , Amin S
Published: April 2006

This study aimed to determine whether recording food intake by photography alters the estimated energy consumption based on analysis of food diaries alone.

Twelve obese patients attending a hospital clinic were issued with food diaries, a disposable flash camera, and a ruler for scale, were instructed in their use, and were asked to record and photograph all food consumed on three days. Cameras and food diaries were returned by post and the films processed. Two dietitians independently performed nutritional analysis, initially of the food diary alone, and then with the food diary and matched photographs. Comparisons of total estimated energy intake were made for each dietitian and for each method.

Twelve of 30 (40%) patients agreed to participate. Nine (75%) returned food diaries and photographs suitable for analysis. Estimated energy intake from food diaries alone was 1603±395kcal/day (mean±SD) for dietitian#1, and 1611±449kcal/day for dietitian#2; p = 0.93. This became 1731±475kcal/day for dietitian#1 and 1694±497kcal/day for dietitian#2 when food diaries were supplemented by photographs; p = 0.71.

It was concluded that an inexpensive form of self‐monitoring of food intake improves estimates of energy consumption in obese subjects by permitting better assessment of portion size and more precise identification of foods. One unexpected finding was the high rate of refusal to participate in this study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘The long and winding road…’
Authors: Clark Marie
Published: April 2006

Psychological factors play a vital role in living with diabetes throughout the patient journey. In this lecture, I will explore psychological contributions to our understanding of the impact of diagnosis, and how people cope with and manage their diabetes, including motivational and behaviour change strategies and interventions. It will be concluded that psychological well‐being is crucial to optimal health outcomes for people with diabetes, and — since poor psychological well‐being is a risk factor for the development of complications — in the light of the evidence presented, screening for psychological well‐being should become part of routine practice in diabetes care. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipid treatment strategies for metabolic syndrome in established cardiovascular disease: a consensus guideline
Authors: Davis M , Durrington P , Hanif W , Morrell J , Mughal S , Mehrali T , Barnett AH , Shepherd J
Published: April 2006

In this paper we present an evidence‐based guideline for the management of metabolic syndrome in patients with established cardiovascular disease. We initially discuss the relationship between the various components of metabolic syndrome and dyslipidaemia, the evidence base for treatment of both LDL and HDL cholesterol and the specific issue of extremely high rates of cardiovascular disease in the Indo‐Asian community in the UK. Although several national and international guidelines provide treatment strategies for prevention of cardiovascular disease, none provide separate guidance on the prevention and management of coronary heart disease in the context of metabolic syndrome. In this document we emphasise that although statins will remain the mainstay of therapy, there remain a range of additional treatment options to further improve the lipid profile. These include the cholesterol absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, fibrates and nicotinic acid derivatives. We present an algorithm to guide health professionals treating patients with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome from lifestyle modification through to pharmacotherapy. We hope this will provide a practical, accessible tool for managing the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic syndrome and established cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: Plasma Process. Polym. 3/2006
Authors: Oran Umut , Swaraj Sufal , Lippitz Andreas , Unger Wolfgang E. S.
Published: April 2006

Cover: Plasma polymerized films undergo ageing processes when they are exposed to ambient air. The surface of a really fresh film can be studied when the reactor is online with analytical instruments, such as X‐ray photoelectron or absorption spectrometers as well as Time‐of‐Flight SIMS. Allyl amine plasma polymers deposited at varied plasma parameters were thoroughly investigated using this approach. Further details can be found in the Full Paper by U. Oran,* S. Swaraj, A. Lippitz, and W. E. S. Unger on page 288.
Physical coupling between lipids and proteins: a paradigm for cellular control
Authors: Ces Oscar , Mulet Xavier
Published: April 2006

The long held view of biological lipids acting as passive building blocks in biological membranes has now been superseded by the notion that the structure and composition of the membrane plays a crucial role in the regulation of protein function and numerous other biological processes. This may be the result of specific protein‐lipid recognition phenomena or alternatively regulation by sensing properties of the membrane such as the stored curvature elastic stress with the latter being the focus of the review.
Peptide‐based inhibitors of N‐myristoyl transferase generated from a lipid/combinatorial peptide chimera library
Authors: Tate Edward W. , Bowyer Paul W. , Brown Katherine A. , Smith Deborah F. , Holder Anthony A. , Leatherbarrow Robin J.
Published: April 2006

Peptide aptamers are powerful chemical genetic tools for the dissection of biological networks, but their application to in vivo systems has been limited by the challenging problem of targeting peptides to a specific site on a single target protein. Here we present our initial research on a novel technique for targeting combinatorial peptide aptamers to a protein binding‐site using a small‐molecule binding‐partner (or ‘Trojan horse’). Novel peptide‐based inhibitors for Plasmodium falciparum myristoyl‐CoA:protein N‐myristoyl transferase (PfNMT) have been selected from a one‐bead one‐compound library using a high‐throughput on‐bead screening methodology, targeted to the active site of NMT with a myristate (C14 : 0 fatty acid) substrate analogue. From an initial screen of an unbiased 130321‐compound library of lipid/combinatorial peptide chimeras, we have selected 6‐mer peptides in an on‐bead assay which show NMT inhibition with IC50 values ranging down to low micromolar.
On Nehari disks and the inner radius
Authors: Miller-Van Wieren L.
Published: April 2006

Let D be a simply connected plane domain and B the unit disk. The inner radius of D,

\sigma (D)

, is defined by

\sigma ({\rm D}) = {\rm sup}\left\{a: a \geq 0, \Vert{\rm S}_{f}\Vert_{\rm D} \le a\,{\rm implies}\,f\, {\rm is\,univalent\,in\,D} \right\}

. Here Sf is the Schwarzian derivative of f,

\rho_{\rm D}

the hyperbolic density on D and

\Vert{\rm S}_{f}\Vert_{\rm D} = {\rm sup}_{z \in {\rm D}}\mid {\rm S}_{f}(z)\mid \rho_{\rm D}^{-2} (z)

. Domains for which the value of

\sigma {\rm (D)}

is known include disks, angular sectors and regular polygons, as well as certain classes of rectangles and equiangular hexagons. All of the mentioned domains except non-convex angular sectors have an interesting property in common, namely that

\sigma {\rm (D)} = 2 - \Vert{\rm S}_h \Vert_{\rm B}

, where h maps B conformally onto D. Because of the importance of this property for computing

\sigma {\rm(D)}

, we say that D is a Nehari disk if

\sigma {\rm (D)} = 2 - \Vert{\rm S}_h \Vert_{\rm B}

holds.¶This paper is devoted to the problem of characterizing Nehari disks. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for a domain to be a Nehari disk provided it is a regulated domain with convex corners.
On orbit closures of spherical subgroups in flag varieties
Authors: Brion Michel
Published: April 2006

Let

\cal F

be the flag variety of a complex semi-simple group G, let H be an algebraic subgroup of G acting on

\cal F

with finitely many orbits, and let V be an H-orbit closure in

\cal F

. Expanding the cohomology class of V in the basis of Schubert classes defines a union V0 of Schubert varieties in

\cal F

with positive multiplicities. If G is simply-laced, we show that these multiplicities are equal to the same power of 2. For arbitrary G, we show that V0 is connected in codimension 1. If moreover all multiplicities are 1, we show that the singularities of V are rational and we construct a flat degeneration of V to V0 in

\cal F

. Thus, for any effective line bundle L on

\cal F

, the restriction map

{H}^0({\cal F}, {\rm L}) \to {H}^0({\rm V, L}

is surjective, and

{H}^n({\rm V, L}) = 0

for all

n \geq 1

.
Hyperbolic 3-manifolds as cyclic branched coverings
Authors: Reni Marco , Zimmermann Bruno
Published: April 2006

There is an extensive literature on the characterization of knots in the 3-sphere which have the same 3-manifold as a common n-fold cyclic branched covering, for some integer

n \ge 2

. In the present paper, we study the following more general situation. Given two integers m and n, how are knots K1 and K2 related such that the m-fold cyclic branched covering of K1 coincides with the n-fold cyclic branched covering of K2. Or, seen from the point of view of 3-manifolds: in how many different ways can a given 3-manifold occur as a cyclic branched covering of knots in S3. Under certain hypotheses, we solve this problem for the basic class of hyperbolic 3-manifolds and hyperbolic knots (the other basic class is that of Seifert fiber spaces resp. of torus and Montesinos knots for which the situation is well understood; the general case can then be analyzed using the equivariant sphere and torus decomposition into Seifert fiber spaces and hyperbolic manifolds).
The residual finiteness of positive one-relator groups
Authors: Wise Daniel T.
Published: April 2006

It is proven that every positive one-relator group which satisfies the

{\rm C}'({1\over6})

condition has a finite index subgroup which splits as a free product of two free groups amalgamating a finitely generated malnormal subgroup. As a consequence, it is shown that every

{\rm C}'({1\over6})

positive one-relator group is residually finite. It is shown that positive one-relator groups are generically

{\rm C}'({1\over6})

and hence generically residually finite. A new method is given for recognizing malnormal subgroups of free groups. This method employs a 'small cancellation theory' for maps between graphs.
Deformation and Cohen-Macaulayness of the multicone over the flag variety
Authors: Chirivì R.
Published: April 2006

A general theory of LS algebras over a multiposet is developed. As a main result, the existence of a flat deformation to discrete algebras is obtained. This is applied to the multicone over partial flag varieties for Kac-Moody groups proving a deformation theorem to a union of toric varieties. In order to achieve the Cohen-Macaulayness of the multicone we show that Bruhat posets (defined as glueing of minimal representatives modulo parabolic subgroups of a Weyl group) are lexicographically shellable.
A Formal Axiomatization for Alphabet Reasoning with Parametrized Processes
Authors: Korver Henri , Sellink Alex
Published: April 2006

In the process-algebraic verification of systems with three or more components put in parallel, alphabet axioms are considered to be useful. These are rules that exploit the information about the alphabets of the processes involved. The alphabet of a process is the set of actions it can perform. In this paper, we extend μCRL (a formal proof system for ACP
τ
+ data) with such axioms. The alphabet axioms that are added to the proof theory are completely formal and therefore highly suited for computer-checked verification. This is new compared to previous papers where the formulation of alphabet axioms relies for a considerable amount on informal data parameters and implicit (infinite) set theory.
Protective Interface Specifications
Authors: Leavens Gary T. , Wing Jeannette M.
Published: April 2006

The interface specification of a procedure describes the procedure's behaviour using pre- and postconditions. These pre- and postconditions are written using various functions. If some of these functions are partial, or underspecified, then the procedure specification may not be well-defined.

We show how to write pre- and postcondition specifications that avoid such problems, by having the precondition “protect” the postcondition from the effects of partiality and underspecification. We formalize the notion of protection from partiality in the context of specification languages like VDM-SL and COLD-K. We also formalize the notion of protection from underspecification for the Larch family of specification languages, and for Larch show how one can prove that a procedure specification is protected from the effects of underspecification.
Algebraic Models of Correctness for Microprocessors
Authors: Fox A. C. J. , Harman N. A.
Published: April 2006

We present a method of describing microprocessors at different levels of temporal and data abstraction, and consider
pipelined
and
superscalar
processors. We model microprocessors using
iterated maps
, defined by equations which evolve a system from an initial state by the iterative application of a
next-state
function. Levels of timing abstraction are related by temporal abstraction maps called
retimings
. We state
correctness conditions
for microprogrammed, pipelined and superscalar processors. We introduce
one-step theorems
that permit verification of correctness conditions to be considerably simplified under well-defined conditions. We extend the one-step theorems to
superscalar
microprocessors.
Presheaves as Configured Specifications
Authors: Vickers Steven , Hill Gillian
Published: April 2006

The paper addresses a notion of configuring systems, constructing them from specified component parts with specified sharing. This notion is independent of any underlying specification language and has been abstractly identified with the taking of colimits in category theory. Mathematically it is known that these can be expressed by presheaves and the present paper applies this idea to configuration.

We interpret the category theory informally as follows. Suppose ? is a category whose objects are interpreted as specifications, and for which each morphismu:X→Yis interpreted as contravariant ‘instance reduction’, reducing instances of specificationYto instances ofX. Then a presheafP: Set?oprepresents a collection of instances that is closed under reduction. We develop an algebraic account of presheaves in which we present configurations by generators (for components) and relations (for shared reducts), and we outline a proposed configuration language based on the techniques. Oriat uses diagrams to express colimits of specifications, and we show that Oriat's category Diag(?) of finite diagrams is equivalent to the category of finitely presented presheaves over ?.
On the ideal class groups of the maximal real subfields of number fields with all roots of unity
Authors: Kurihara Masato
Published: April 2006

In this paper, for a totally real number field k we show the ideal class group of k(?n>07n)+ is trivial. We also study the p-component of the ideal class group of the cyclotomic Zp-extension.
Editorial
Authors: Jost Jürgen
Published: April 2006

JEMS is a new mathematical research journal, founded by the EMS, aiming at the highest international scientific level, and edited by Jürgen Jost (managing editor), Luigi Ambrosio, Gerard Ben Arous, John Coates, Helmut Hofer, Alexander Merkurjev and a board of about 30 associate editors. It will be published by Springer. The first issue will appear in January 1999. The current editorial wishes to present JEMS by answering some questions that will naturally be posed.
Endomorphisms of symbolic algebraic varieties
Authors: Gromov Misha
Published: April 2006

The theorem of Ax says that any regular selfmapping of a complex algebraic variety is either surjective or non-injective; this property is called surjunctivity and investigated in the present paper in the category of proregular mappings of proalgebraic spaces. We show that such maps are surjunctive if they commute with sufficiently large automorphism groups. Of particular interest is the case of proalgebraic varieties over infinite graphs. The paper intends to bring out relations between model theory, algebraic geometry, and symbolic dynamics.
The CR Yamabe conjecture the case n = 1
Authors: Gamara Najoua
Published: April 2006

Let (M,/) be a compact CR manifold of dimension 2n+1 with a contact form /, and L=(2+2/n)(b+R its associated CR conformal laplacien. The CR Yamabe conjecture states that there is a contact form /; on M conformal to / which has a constant Webster curvature. This problem is equivalent to the existence of a function u such that¶¶D. Jerison and J.M. Lee solved the CR Yamabe problem in the case where nS2 and (M,/) is not locally CR equivalent to the sphere S2n+1 of Cn. In a join work with R. Yacoub, the CR Yamabe problem was solved for the case where (M,/) is locally CR equivalent to the sphere S2n+1 for all n. In the present paper, we study the case n=1, left by D. Jerison and J.M. Lee, which completes the resolution of the CR Yamabe conjecture for all dimensions.
The role of parasitoids in evolution of habitat and larval food plant preference by three Pieris butterflies
Authors: Ohsaki N. , Sato Yoshibumi
Published: April 2006

This article attempts to explain that parasitoids provide the evolutionary pressure responsible for relationships between habitat use and larval food plant use in herbivorous insects. Three species of butterflies of the genus Pieris, P. rapae, P. melete, and P. napi use different sets of cruciferous plants. They prefer different habitats composed of similar sets of cruciferous plants. In our study, P. rapae used temporary habitats with ephemeral plants, P. melete used permanent habitat with persistent plants, although they also used temporary habitats, and P. napi used only permanent habitat. The choice experiment in the field cages indicated that each of the three butterfly species avoided oviposition on plants usually unused in its own habitat, but accepted the unused plants which grew outside its own habitat. Their habitat use and plant use were not explained by intrinsic plant quality examined in terms of larval performance. Pieris larvae collected from persistent plants or more long lasting habitats were more heavily parasitized by two specialist parasitoids, the braconid wasp Cotesia glomerata and the tachinid fly Epicampocera succincta. The results suggest that Pieris habitat and larval food plant use patterns can be explained by two principles. The evolution of habitat preference may have been driven by various factors including escape from parasitism. Once habitat preference has evolved, selection favors the evolution of larval food plant preferences by discriminating against unsuitable plants, including those which are associated with high parasitism pressures.
The transmission and effects of Wolbachia bacteria in parasitoids
Authors: Cook J. M. , Butcher Robert D. J.
Published: April 2006

Wolbachia bacteria are obligatory intracellular parasites of arthropods and have been detected in about 70 species of parasitic wasps and three parasitoid flies. Wolbachia are transmitted cytoplasmically (maternally) and modify host reproduction in different ways to enhance their own transmission: parthenogenesis induction (PI), cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), or feminization (F) of genetic males. Only PI and CI are known in parasitoids. PI‐Wolbachia cause thelytoky in otherwise arrhenotokous parasitoids by generating diploid (rather than haploid) unfertilized wasp eggs. CI‐Wolbachia cause incompatibility of crosses between infected males and uninfected females because the paternally derived chromosomes fail to decondense and are destroyed after syngamy. More complex situations arise when hosts harbor multiple infections, which can lead to bidirectional incompatibility and may be involved in parasitoid speciation. The relative fitness of infected and uninfected hosts is important to the population dynamics of Wolbachia, and more data are needed. Evolutionary conflict should be common between host genes, Wolbachia genes, and other “selfish” genetic elements. Wolbachia‐specific PCR primers are now available for several genes with different rates of evolution. These primers will permit rapid screening in future studies of spatial and temporal patterns of single and multiple infection. Molecular phylogenies show that CI‐ and PI‐Wolbachia do not form discrete clades. In combination with experimental transfection data, this result suggests that host reproductive alterations depend on the interaction between attributes of both Wolbachia and host. Moreover, Wolbachia isolates from closely related hosts do not usually cluster together, and phylogenies suggest that Wolbachia may have radiated after their arthropod hosts. Both results support considerable horizontal transmission of Wolbachia between host species over evolutionary time. Natural horizontal transmisson between parasitoids and their hosts, or with entomoparasitic nematodes or ectoparasitic mites, remains a tantalizing but equivocal possibility.