bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donor‐Substituted Perethynylated Dehydroannulenes and Radiaannulenes: Acetylenic Carbon Sheets Featuring Intense Intramolecular Charge Transfer
Authors: Mitzel Frieder , Boudon Corinne , Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Seiler Paul , Gross Maurice , Diederich François
Published: May 2004

In this article, we report the preparation of unprecedented π‐conjugated macrocycles (Fig. 1) by acetylenic scaffolding using modular tetraethynylethene (TEE, 3,4‐diethynylhex‐3‐ene‐1,5‐diyne) building blocks. A novel photochemical access to (Z)‐bisdeprotected TEEs (Scheme 1) enabled the synthesis of the anilino‐substituted perethynylated octadehydro[12]‐ (5) and dodecadehydro[18]annulenes (6) (Scheme 2). Following the serendipitous discovery of perethynylated radiaannulenes (Scheme 3) that can be viewed as hybrids between perethynylated dehydroannulenes and expanded radialenes, two series of monocyclic (7–9; Scheme 6) and bicyclic (10 and 11; Scheme 7) representatives were prepared. Substantial strain in the macrocyclic perimeter of radiaannulene 7 was revealed by X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis (Fig. 2). Nevertheless, mono‐ and bicyclic radiaannulenes are stable at room temperature in air for months. The opto‐electronic properties of both dehydroannulenes and radiaannulenes are substantially enhanced by the introduction of the peripheral anilino donor groups that undergo strong intramolecular charge‐transfer interactions with the electron‐accepting all‐C cores. As a result, the UV/VIS spectra feature intense, bathochromically shifted charge‐transfer bands that disappear upon protonation of the anilino moieties and are fully recovered upon neutralization (Figs. 4–9). A comparison between anilino‐substituted perethynylated dehydroannulenes, expanded radialenes, and radiaannulenes revealed that the efficiency of the intramolecular charge‐transfer interaction strongly depends on the structure of the electron‐accepting all‐C perimeter. Electrochemical investigations (Table) demonstrated that the radiaannulenes are particularly powerful electron acceptors. Thus, bicyclic radiaannulene 11, which possesses eight peripheral 3,5‐di(tert‐butyl)phenyl substituents, is reversibly reduced at −0.83 V in THF (vs. Fc+/Fc), making it a better electron acceptor than buckminsterfullerene C60 under comparable conditions.
Synthesis, Characterization, and DNA‐Binding Properties of the Ruthenium(II) Complexes [Ru(dipn)(dptp)](ClO4)2 and [Ru(dipn)(pat)](ClO4)2 (dipn=N‐(3‐Aminpropyl)propane‐1,3‐diamine; dptp=2‐(5,6‐Diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline; pat=9‐(1,10‐Phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)acenaphtho[1,2‐e][1,2,4]triazine)
Authors: Hong Xian‐Lan , Chao Hui , Lin Li‐Jun , Zheng Kang‐Cheng , Li Hong , Wang Xiang‐Li , Yun Feng‐Cun , Ji Liang‐Nian
Published: May 2004

Two novel tridentate ruthenium(II) complexes containing an asymmetric heteroaromatic and a polyamine ligand, [Ru(dipn)(dptp)](ClO4)2 (1⋅2 $\rm{ ClO_4^ -}$) and [Ru(dipn)(pat)](ClO4)2 (2⋅2 $\rm{ ClO_4^ -}$) (dipn=N‐(3‐aminopropyl)propane‐1,3‐diamine; dptp=2‐(5,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline; and pat=9‐(1,10‐phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)acenaphtho[1,2‐e][1,2,4]triazine) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ESI‐MS, 1H‐NMR, UV/VIS, and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA‐binding behavior of both complexes was studied by absorption titration, thermal denaturation, and viscosity measurements. Results indicate that complex 2 binds to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode but complex 1 binds to DNA in partial intercalation, and the DNA‐binding affinity of complex 2 is much greater than that of complex 1. Theoretical studies for these complexes were also carried out with the density‐functional‐theory (DFT) method. The trend in the DNA‐binding affinity and some electrochemical and spectral properties of the complexes can be further explained applying the DFT computational results.
2‐Amino‐8‐(2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)imidazo[1,2‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazin‐4(8H)‐one: Synthesis and Conformation of a 5‐Aza‐7‐deazaguanine Fluoronucleoside
Authors: Glaçon Virginie , Seela Frank
Published: May 2004

Nucleobase‐anion glycosylation of 2‐[(2‐methyl‐1‐oxopropyl)amino]imidazo[1,2‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazin‐4(8H)‐one (6) with 3,5‐di‐O‐benzoyl‐2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐α‐D‐arabinofuranosyl bromide (8) furnishes a mixture of the benzoyl‐protected anomeric 2‐amino‐8‐(2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)imidazo[1,2‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazin‐4(8H)‐ones 9/10 in a ratio of ca. 1 : 1. After deprotection, the inseparable anomeric mixture 3/4 was silylated. The obtained 5‐O‐[(1,1‐dimethylethyl)diphenylsilyl] derivatives 11 and 12 were separated and desilylated affording the nucleoside 3 and its α‐D anomer 4. Similar to 2′‐deoxy‐2′‐fluoroarabinoguanosine, the conformation of the sugar moiety is shifted from S towards N by the fluoro substituent in arabino configuration.
Confirmation of the Structures of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Authors: Linden Anthony , Bürgi Bruno , Eugster Conrad Hans
Published: May 2004

A series of new esters of lutein (1a) have been prepared with the aim of confirming the structure of lutein via an X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis. Although well crystallized, only one of the derivatives, the (−)‐(1R)‐menthyl carbonate (1i) proved to be useful for a complete structure analysis. The same derivative of zeaxanthin (2a) also allowed its crystal structure to be determined. Both analyses represent the first successful X‐ray crystal structure analyses of the most important xanthophylls. At the same time, they confirm both the constitution and absolute configuration of 1a and 2a that had been deduced earlier by classical methods.
Neoclerodane Diterpenes from Amoora stellato‐squamosa
Authors: Yang Shu‐Min , Wu Shao‐Hua , Qin Xiang‐Dong , Luo Xiao‐Dong , Wu Da‐Gang
Published: May 2004

From the twigs of Amoora stellato‐squamosa, five new neoclerodane diterpenes have been isolated and characterized, methyl (13E)‐2‐oxoneocleroda‐3,13‐dien‐15‐oate (=methyl (2E)‐3‐methyl‐5‐[(1S,2R,4aR,8aR)‐1,2,3,4,4a,7,8,8a‐octahydro‐1,2,4a,5‐tetramethyl‐7‐oxo‐naphthalen‐1‐yl]pent‐2‐enoate; 1), (13E)‐2‐oxoneocleroda‐3,13‐dien‐15‐ol (=(4aR,7R,8S,8aR)‐1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a‐octahydro‐8‐[(E)‐5‐hydroxy‐3‐methylpent‐3‐enyl]‐4,4a,7,8‐tetramethylnaphthalen‐2(1H)‐one; 2), (3α,4β,13E)‐neoclerod‐13‐ene‐3,4,15‐triol (=(1R,2R,4aR, 5S,6R,8aR)‐decahydro‐5‐[(E)‐5‐hydroxy‐3‐methylpent‐3‐enyl]‐1,5,6,8a‐tetramethylnaphthalene‐1,2‐diol; 3), (3α,4β,13E)‐4‐ethoxyneoclerod‐13‐ene‐3,15‐diol (=(1R,2R,4aR,5S,6R,8aR)‐1‐ethoxydecahydro‐5‐[(E)‐5‐hydroxy‐3‐methylpent‐3‐enyl]‐1,5,6,8a‐tetramethylnaphthalen‐2‐ol; 4), and (3α,4β,14RS)‐neoclerod‐13(16)‐ ene‐3,4,14,15‐tetrol (=(1R,2R,4aR,5S,6R,8aR)‐decahydro‐5‐[3‐(1,2‐dihydroxyethyl)but‐3‐enyl]‐1,5,6,8a‐tetramethylnaphthalene‐1,2‐diol; 5), together with two known compounds, (13E)‐neocleroda‐3,13‐diene‐15,18‐diol (6) and (13S)‐2‐oxoneocleroda‐3,14‐dien‐13‐ol (7).
Novel cell patterning using microheater‐controlled thermoresponsive plasma films
Authors: Cheng Xuanhong , Wang Yanbing , Hanein Yael , Böhringer Karl F. , Ratner Buddy D.
Published: May 2004

A novel approach is reported for cell patterning based on addressable microheaters and a poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM) themoresponsive coating. This thermoresponsive coating is created by a radio frequency NIPAM plasma and is denoted as plasma polymerized NIPAM (ppNIPAM). Films of ppNIPAM with a good retention of monomer side‐chain functionality are produced using low‐power continuous plasma deposition. Cell adhesion and cell detachment tests indicate that the surface switches between adhesive and nonadhesive behaviors as a function of temperature. The use of a photolithographically fabricated microheater array allows the ppNIPAM transition to occur spatially under the control of individual heaters. This localized change in the surface adhesive behavior is used to direct site‐specific cell attachment. Patterned adhesion of two types of cells has been visualized on the array through fluorescent markers. Applications for diagnostic devices, cell‐based sensors, tissue engineering, and cell transfection are envisioned. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 70A: 159–168, 2004
p47phox PX domain of NADPH oxidase targets cell membrane via moesin‐mediated association with the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Zhan Yong , He Dandan , Newburger Peter E. , Zhou G. Wayne
Published: May 2004

Activation of phagocytic NADPH oxidase requires association of its cytosolic subunits with the membrane‐bound flavocytochrome. Extensive phosphorylation of the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase marks the initiation of this activation process. The p47phox subunit then translocates to the plasma membrane, bringing the p67phox subunit to cytochrome b558 to form the active NADPH oxidase complex. However, the detailed mechanism for targeting the p47phox subunit to the cell membrane during activation still remains unclear. Here, we show that the p47phox PX domain is responsible for translocating the p47phox subunit to the plasma membrane for subsequent activation of NADPH oxidase. We also demonstrate that translocation of the p47phox PX domain to the plasma membrane is not due to interactions with phospholipids but rather to association with the actin cytoskeleton. This association is mediated by direct interaction between the p47phox PX domain and moesin. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanoporous aluminum oxide affects neutrophil behaviour
Authors: Karlsson M. , Johansson A. , Tang L. , Boman M.
Published: May 2004

This study evaluates neutrophil responses on aluminum oxide membranes. Using an in vitro cell culture system, we have found that the pore size (20 and 200 nm in diameter) of alumina membranes have a significant effect on leukocyte morphology and activation. Specifically, our results show that 20‐nm pore‐size membranes were more potent in triggering PMN spreading and extending of pseudopodia than 200‐nm pore‐size membranes. The morphological changes are also associated with cell activation. In fact, adherent neutrophils on 20‐nm pore‐size membranes elicit much stronger initial oxygen free radical production. Overall, our results point out that membrane pore size significantly affects the extent of cellular responses of adherent neutrophils. Microsc. Res. Tech. 63:259–265, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraoperative imprint cytology of sentinel nodes in breast cancer
Authors: Barranger Emmanuel , Antoine Martine , Grahek Dany , Callard Patrice , Uzan Serge
Published: May 2004

Background and Objectives

Sentinel node (SN) biopsy is a new standard of care for axillary node staging in patients with early‐stage, clinically node‐negative breast cancer. A second operation can be avoided when the results are available intraoperatively. However, there is no standard intraoperative method for SN assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate intraoperative imprint cytology (IC) for the detection of SN involvement in patients with early‐stage breast cancer.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐five consecutive patients with a breast tumor underwent SN biopsy with intraoperative IC. The SN was bisected and a touch preparation was made with a glass slide, on both sides of the cut. Permanent sections were evaluated with H&E and immunohistochemical staining. The IC results were compared with the final histologic results.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of IC were 33.3, 78.4, 78.9, 90, and 77.5%, respectively. IC was more sensitive for macrometastases than for micrometastases. In the 118 patients studied after the learning phase, 9 patients with a positive SN by IC avoided a second operation.

Conclusions

Intraoperative IC of SNs appears to be reasonably reliable in patients with breast cancer, permitting axillary dissection during the same surgical procedure when positive. In contrast, sensitivity for detection of micrometastases is low. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;86:128–133. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of repeatability of non‐invasive and invasive urodynamics
Authors: Mastrigt R. van , Huang Foen Chung J.W.N.C.
Published: May 2004

Aims

We have developed a method for the non‐invasive measurement of urinary bladder pressure, and we apply this method in a longitudinal study of changes in bladder contractility in response to prostatic enlargement. In each volunteer in this study, we measure the bladder pressure twice. In the present study we have used this data to compare the repeatability of the non‐invasive method to that of pressure‐flow studies in a comparable population of patients.

Methods

Difference plots were made of non‐invasive bladder pressure measurements in 457 volunteers and of pressure‐flow studies in a comparable population of 397 male patients. To compare the repeatability of two different methods for clinical measurement, the standard deviation of differences between repeated measurements in one individual needs to be normalised. Often a normalisation by dividing by the mean is done. We show that that normalisation may lead to erroneous results. We have normalised the standard deviations by dividing by the difference between the 97.5th and 2.5th percentile of the mean of the two observations in each subject.

Results

Normalised repeatability of the non‐invasive method was 0.15, that of the various parameters derived from the pressure‐flow studies varied from 0.11 to 0.22.

Conclusions

We conclude that the repeatability of the tested non‐invasive urodynamic method is comparable to, or slightly better than, that of pressure‐flow studies. We further conclude that normalising standard deviations of differences by dividing by the difference between the 97.5th and 2.5th percentile of the mean is a suitable method to compare the repeatability of different methods for clinical measurement. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Packing cuts in undirected graphs
Authors: Caprara Alberto , Panconesi Alessandro , Rizzi Romeo
Published: May 2004

We address the problem of finding the largest collection of edge‐disjoint cuts in an undirected graph, dubbed CUT PACKING, focusing on its complexity, about which very little is known. We show a very close relationship with INDEPENDENT SET, namely, for the same graph G, the size of the largest cut packing of G is at least the independence number of G, and at most twice that number. This implies that any approximation guarantee for INDEPENDENT SET immediately extends to CUT PACKING within a factor of 2. In particular, this yields a 2‐approximation algorithm for CUT PACKING in perfect graphs. We then present polynomial‐time algorithms for several classes of perfect (and related) graphs, including triangulated graphs and their complements, bipartite graphs and their complements, and Seymour graphs. Finally, we discuss various linear programming relaxations for the problem, finding combinatorial dual problems of CUT PACKING and characterizing the cases in which duality is strong. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 44(1), 1–11 2004
Probabilistic location problems with discrete demand weights
Authors: Berman Oded , Wang Jiamin
Published: May 2004

In this article we consider four models for locating a facility on an undirected network with demand weights, which are independent discrete random variables. These problems include the probabilistic versions of two models for locating desirable facilities: the 1‐median and 1‐minimax problems and two problems for locating undesirable facilities: the 1‐antimedian and 1‐maximin problems. The article contains analysis of special cases where a solution is determined by solving deterministic versions of the problems and efficient algorithms to solve the problems in general. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 44(1), 47–57 2004
Is all well in the neighborhood? Conflict on neighborhood boards in Milwaukee
Authors: Ihrke Douglas M. , Johnson Terri
Published: May 2004

Neighborhood organizations have become more important players in urban areas in recent years due to a renewed interest in social capital and an emphasis on the continuing development of community. With this elevated status comes more responsibility for the delivery of services to citizens and scrutiny by these very citizens, the press, and government officials. Much of what we know about neighborhood organizations comes from our observations of board deliberations. Through these deliberations board members make decisions that affect neighborhood constituents. In this study we examine the context in which neighborhood boards in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, make decisions. Using theory borrowed from the literature on local government boards, we develop a series of testable hypotheses relating to the level of conflict on these boards. Our findings indicate that conflict is relatively low across boards in Milwaukee; however, the number of board member and certain behavioral variables explain a significant amount of the variance in the level of conflict.
Artistic quality in an opera company: Toward the development of a concept
Authors: Boerner Sabine
Published: May 2004

This article elaborates a first concept for defining artistic quality in a nonprofit professional opera company. To specify the artistic quality of an opera company, we identify two components: profile quality and performance quality. The article discusses the limitations of this preliminary concept and considerations for further research on artistic quality in an opera company.
Genetic polymorphism of CYP1A1, CYP2D6, GSTM1 and GSTT1 and susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Indian children
Authors: Joseph Thomas , Kusumakumary P. , Chacko Priya , Abraham Annie , Radhakrishna Pillai M.
Published: May 2004

Background

Biotransformation plays a crucial role in carcinogen activity and many genetic polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolising enzymes have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. Such polymorphisms can lead to considerable variation in the activities of these enzymes, which are crucial in carcinogen and drug metabolism. These variations could play a role in the risk of developing paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) by their varying action on environmental carcinogens.

Procedure

The present study looked for two polymorphisms (m1 and m2) in the CYP1A1, CYP2D6*4 genes and deletions of the glutathione S‐transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) in 118 paediatric ALL patients and 118 age matched control children. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to study gene polymorphisms.

Results

In children with ALL, CYP1A1 m1 polymorphism was evident in 42.4% of subjects and CYP1A1 m2 in 37.3%. These were significantly different from the results obtained for control children (20.3% for CYP1A1 m1 and 19.5% for m2). Subjects with CYP1A1 m1 homozygous variant had a sixfold risk and CYP1A1 m2 a fourfold risk. In contrast, CYP2D6*4 was more prevalent in the controls than in the cases. Subjects with GSTM1 deletions had increased risk of ALL (OR = 2.1, P = 0.009). The odds ratios for both CYP1A1 m1 and m2 homozygous polymorphisms being associated with childhood ALL was 5.67 (95% CI = 2.11–15.27). The odds ratios for both GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions being associated with ALL was 2.78 (95% CI = 0.67–11.56).

Conclusions

These results suggest that genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes appear to influence susceptibility to childhood ALL. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metformin: its botanical background
Authors: Bailey CJ , Day C
Published: May 2004

This article traces the roots of the antihyperglycaemic biguanide metformin from the use of Galega officinalis (goat's rue or French lilac) as a herbal treatment for the symptoms of diabetes. G. officinalis was found to be rich in guanidine, a substance with blood glucose‐lowering activity that formed the chemical basis of metformin. This insulin sensitising drug was introduced in 1957. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defensiveness and attempted thought suppression of negative material
Authors: Derakshan Nazanin , Myers Lynn B. , Hansen Jane , O'Leary Maireed
Published: May 2004

High and low defensive individuals engaged in attempted thought suppression and non‐suppression after viewing an emotionally stressful piece of film. As a function of suppression and non‐suppression instructions, high and low defensive individuals differed from each other in the number of reported film‐related thoughts. Suppression instructions had greatest effects on low defensive individuals in reducing the number of reported film‐related thoughts. The effects of suppression instructions were not significant in reducing the number of film‐related thoughts for high defensive individuals. High defensive individuals also reported more neutral thoughts under the suppression condition compared with the non‐suppression condition. Low defensive individuals reported similar numbers of neutral thoughts under the two conditions. Effects of suppression instructions were investigated in a subsequent cognitive task that measured the level of interference produced by attempted suppression. Suppression instructions did not significantly effect the cognitive processing of participants. Theoretical and methodological implications for understanding the possible cognitive structures underlying attempted suppression are discussed in terms of the effects of defensiveness. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social anxiety and anger regulation
Authors: Weber Hannelore , Wiedig Monika , Freyer Jennis , Gralher Joerg
Published: May 2004

Based on the assumption that social anxiety is associated with less assertive behaviour and that effective anger regulation is influenced by social anxiety, two studies were conducted to examine the relationship between social anxiety and anger regulation. In Study 1, questionnaires measuring social anxiety, assertiveness, and six habitual anger‐related responses were administered to 115 adults. Social anxiety had an independent effect on rumination and submission, whereas assertiveness was independently related to the use of humour and feedback. In Study 2 (N = 136 adults) self‐ and observer ratings of anger‐related behaviour were obtained after anger was experimentally induced. Social anxiety was related to self‐ratings of submission and rumination. However, independent observer ratings based on videotapes revealed no significant influence of social anxiety on anger‐related behaviour. Taken together, the results provide evidence that social anxiety is associated with the self‐perception of less assertive behaviour and the tendency to evaluate one's behaviour more negatively. These results are consistent with prior studies showing that socially anxious persons tend to underestimate their social performance relative to the ratings of independent observers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemistry of carcinogenic and mutagenic metabolites of heterocyclic aromatic amines
Authors: Novak Michael , Rajagopal Sridharan , Xu Lulu , Kazerani Shahrokh , Toth Krisztina , Brooks Michael , Nguyen Thach‐Mien
Published: May 2004

Ester derivatives of the hydroxylamine metabolic oxidation products of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are the ultimate mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds derived from this ubiquitous class of chemical carcinogens that are produced during the cooking of protein‐containing foods. Considerable work has been done on the mechanism of formation of the HCAs during cooking processes, their detection at ppb levels in food products, the metabolism of the HCAs and the detection and characterization of DNA adducts of the HCA metabolites, but until recently very little work had been done to characterize the chemistry of the carcinogenic/mutagenic metabolites themselves. This paper reviews our recent work on the chemistry of model carcinogens from this class. The kinetics of their decomposition in aqueous solution, identification of reaction products and the characterization of the reactivity and selectivity of heterocyclic nitrenium ions generated during their reactions are presented. The implications of these results with respect to mutagenicity and carcinogenicity are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of buffer carbonate and arsenate on the kinetics of glycation of human hemoglobin
Authors: Gil Herminia , Vásquez Blanca , Peña Mary , Uzcategui Jorge
Published: May 2004

The glycation of hemoglobin is catalyzed by buffer carbonate and arsenate. The reaction of hemoglobin with glucose exhibits identical rates in protium and deuterium oxides, both for the buffer‐independent rate and for the first‐order rate in carbonate and arsenate buffer. When D‐glucose‐2‐h is compared with D‐glucose‐2‐d, the kinetic isotope effect for the buffer‐independent rates is ∼2, whereas the buffer‐dependent rate constants show no isotope effects. The absence of both substrate and solvent isotope effects for the buffer‐dependent term are indicative that a functional group on the hemoglobin is the proton‐abstracting base in the Amadori rearrangement. The catalytic constant (kB) of arsenate is double that of carbonate. A different base group on the hemoglobin may be involved in the abstraction of proton 2 in the Amadori rearrangement. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
17th International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry (ISPC‐17)
Authors: Mostaghimi Javad
Published: May 2004

Plasma News: This section contains news of the plasma 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 Plasma Processes and Polymers, preferably by E‐mail to plasma@wiley‐vch.de. The editorial office decides which articles will be published.
Impact of the Granulation Process on Color Texture of Compacts
Authors: N'Dri‐Stempfer Berthe , Oulahna Driss , Lafon Dominique
Published: May 2004

This paper examines the effect of the granulation process on the color texture of compacted powders and granules. The objective is to obtain information to provide for a better comprehension of granulation mechanisms by using a pigment as a texture marker. This requires the establishment of a methodology both to qualify and quantify the spatial variation of color on the compact surface. This is achieved by color image analysis accompanied by both a statistical and a spatial treatment of the color content in the images.
Mechano‐Chemical Changes of Nano Sized α‐Al2O3 During Wet Dispersion in Stirred Ball Mills
Authors: Stenger Frank , Götzinger Martin , Jakob Peter , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: May 2004

The mechano‐chemical changes in synthetic α‐Al2O3 during wet dispersion in a stirred ball mill, are studied. It is shown that a second phase is generated which can be identified as an aluminum hydroxide (Bayerite) by use of dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The amount of the Bayerite phase produced increases with milling time. A comparison of the evaluated amounts from TG‐ and DSC‐measurements are in reasonable agreement. Furthermore, the measured BET surface area shows a strong dependence on the temperature of sample preparation. Depending on the temperature, the bayerite phase is seen to convert to the α‐phase again and also forms meso‐ and possibly micro‐pores, leading to a high BET surface area. In this paper, we highlight the necessity for using different methods to characterize the dispersion process, and for a correct interpretation of the measurement results.
A minimalist approach to fragment‐based ligand design using common rings and linkers: Application to kinase inhibitors
Authors: Aronov Alex M. , Bemis Guy W.
Published: May 2004

We present a novel method for stepwise scaffold assembly that integrates fragment‐by‐fragment ligand design approaches with high‐throughput virtual library screening (COREGEN). As an extension of our earlier studies of common features present in drug molecules, we investigate the hypothesis that most pharmaceutically interesting ligands can be expressed in terms of the ring–linker frameworks that comprise them. Analysis of 119 published kinase inhibitors from at least 18 different targets illustrates that a basis set of 4 rings and 8 linkers is sufficient to describe approximately 90% of ring and linker occurrences, respectively. A similar result was derived from a larger set of approximately 40,000 kinase inhibitors from curated patents. A method for ring–linker‐based assembly of scaffold libraries that uses experimental information to guide the placement of anchor fragments is validated using a set of reported kinase inhibitors of Bcr‐Abl, Cdk2, and Src. In every case, the predominant structural motif of reported ligand cores is reproduced and variations are suggested. To underscore generality of this approach, a novel scaffold for a cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) selective ligand is proposed. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement and analysis of the second‐day air small and light‐weight package shipping environment within Federal Express
Authors: Paul Singh S. , Burgess Gary , Singh Jagjit
Published: May 2004

This study measured and analysed the parcel shipping environment within Federal Express. The package sizes and weights monitored in this study represent the ‘light‐weight’ and 'small‐size' packages within the FedEx handling system. Five packages, ranging in size from 0.18 × 0.19 × 0.13 m to 0.36 × 0.37 × 0.31 m, and weighing 1.9–2.5 kg, were shipped, both with and without warning labels with the text ‘Fragile – Handle With Care’. The shipments were done between Michigan and California or Florida using the second‐day air shipment mode. The data showed that neither the package size/weight nor the labels had any significant effect on the severity of drop heights. The highest drop height measured was 1.85 m. The data is presented in terms of drop heights associated with the 90, 95 and 99th percentile of occurrence. Impact orientation is also discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of packaging materials and storage conditions on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour in chicken breast fillets
Authors: Pettersen M. K. , Nissen H. , Eie T. , Nilsson A.
Published: May 2004

A comparison was made of the effect of different packaging materials on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour of chicken breast fillets stored at 4°C. For one of the packaging materials, the effects of temperature (4°C and 8°C) and initial oxygen present (0%, 2% and 4%) on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour in chicken breast fillets were also evaluated. Chicken breast fillets stored in the packaging material with the highest oxygen transmission rate (OTR) measured at actual storage conditions had the highest bacterial growth and the highest degree of off‐odour. Chicken breast fillets stored in packaging material mainly consisting of expanded PET had similar bacterial growth and off‐odour as in the barrier display film (BDF) packages, despite a smaller headspace volume and lower initial concentration of CO2. No differences in discoloration and pH of the chicken breast fillets, due to storage temperature and amount of initial oxygen present, were found when one of the packaging materials was studied. In the early phase of the storage period, Pseudomonas spp. constituted the majority of the total viable counts, while after about 12 days, lactic acid bacteria dominated. At the end of the storage period, both Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were present in high numbers. Significant differences in counts of Brochothrix thermosphacta were only obtained with initial presence of oxygen. The storage temperature had greater impact on microbial growth and off‐odour than the initial presence of oxygen in the packages. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress‐induced increase in morning cortisol variance
Authors: Kaspers Frank A. , Scholz O. Berndt
Published: May 2004

Empirical evidence for the role of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in chronic stress is contradictory. Findings of enhanced cortisol concentrations conflict with hypocortisolism in chronic stress. Both, high and low cortisol levels, have been reported to go along with psychological and somatic complaints. To integrate conflicting empirical results and theoretical assumptions it is hypothesized, that (1) the cortisol distribution becomes broader under the influence of persisting stress. Because of the association between extreme cortisol values and stress related complaints it is supposed, that (2) stress related complaints will increase in prevalence in chronic stress. A high level of chronic stress was assured by recruiting a sample of nursing staff; a waiting list controlled cognitive‐behavioral stress management intervention was implemented to vary stress systematically. As expected a high level of stress was accompanied by a broader morning cortisol distribution. After the intervention the distribution was less broad and corresponded with representative normative values. However, subjects grouped on basis of (extreme) cortisol values did not differ in the amount of stress, coping or psychophysiological complaints. The results suggest a stress‐induced variation of basal cortisol concentrations. The assumption of specific complaints depending on cortisol status could not be confirmed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Savage‐Hutter theory: A system of partial differential equations for avalanche flows of snow, debris, and mud
Authors: Wang Y. , Hutter K. , Pudasaini S.P.
Published: May 2004

The Savage‐Hutter (SH) equations of granular avalanche flows are a hyperbolic system of equations determining the distribution of depth and depth‐averaged velocity components tangential to the sliding bed. We review the equations and point out the geometrical complexities to which these equations have been generalized. Because of the hyperbolicity of the equations, successful numerical modelling is challenging, particularly when large gradients of the physical variables occur, e.g. for a moving front or possibly formed shock waves in avalanche flows if velocities change from supercritical to subcritical e.g. during the deposition. Numerical schemes solving these free surface flows must be able to cope with smooth as well as non‐smooth solutions. In this paper several numerical methods are applied to solve the SH equations and compared, including traditional difference schemes, e.g. central and upstream difference schemes, as well as high‐resolution NOC (Non‐Oscillatory Central Differencing) schemes, in which several second‐order TVD (Total Variation Diminishing) limiters and a third‐order ENO (Essentially Non‐Oscillatory) cell reconstruction scheme are used. Results show that the high‐resolution schemes, particularly the NOC scheme with the Minmod TVD limiter or the van Leer limiter, provide excellent performances. In the SH theory the material response is expressed by only two phenomenological parameters – the internal and the bed friction angles. Parameter investigations show that avalanche flows are much more sensitive against variations of the bed friction angle than that of the internal angle of friction. Effects due to a pressure dependence of the bed friction angle and lateral variations of the basal topography are therefore also numerically examined.
A continuation method based on a high order predictor and an adaptive steplength control
Authors: Gervais J.‐J. , Sadiky H.
Published: May 2004

To compute solution paths of nonlinear systems F(x,λ) ≡ 0 depending upon a real parameter we propose a predictor‐corrector continuation method based on the third order Taylor polynomial or the (2,1)‐Padé approximation as predictor. The Taylor coefficients are computed using the exact expressions of the second and third orders derivatives of F. Our method works with any of the parametrizations: Pseudo‐arclength, local or secant length. A strategy for an adaptive steplength selection well suited for this high order predictor is derived which allows a good control of the accuracy with which the solution path is traced. Numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of our method and give comparisons with previously proposed methods.
The potential for improved abdominal procedures and approaches for tubal occlusion
Authors: Steele S.J.
Published: May 2004

Methods of sterilization by the abdominal route are reviewed. There are wide variations in practice which reflect experience, training and resources in different countries. Clip sterilization comes nearest to fulfilling the criteria of a satisfactory method, whether performed by laparoscopy or minilaparotomy. The development of the Cambridge clip seems to offer the prospect of a significant improvement in reliability and safe application while microlaparoscopy and a smaller clip would facilitate the use of local anesthesia and decrease morbidity.
Toxicological requirements for sclerosing agents or other chemicals for female sterilization
Authors: Heywood R.
Published: May 2004

There are no guidelines regulating the technologies available for Fallopian tube occlusion. Generally accepted regulatory requirements cannot be applied directly to the safety assessment of these technologies. The more appropriate guidelines are those regulating medical devices. Each method has to be evaluated on its own merits taking into consideration the duration of contact with tissue and the chemical and physical composition of the occlusive agents.
Transcervical quinacrine sterilization: clinical experience
Authors: Sokal D.C. , Zipper J. , King T.
Published: May 2004

Objective: To review the use of quinacrine pellets for non‐surgical female sterilization. Background: The transcervical insertion of quinacrine pellets has been under study for over 15 years. It could potentially expand access to sterilization services, because it is relatively simple to administer, with the use of a modified IUD inserter, and is inexpensive. Methods: Published and unpublished data are reviewed. Results: The short‐term safety of transcervical quinacrine appears to be better than surgical sterilization, but it is less effective, especially among women under 35, and there are virtually no data on its reversibility. Thus, it is probably most appropriate for older women, aged 35 and over, but it could be an option for others where access to surgical sterilization is limited. Conclusion: The use of quinacrine pellets for female sterilization needs to be reviewed by appropriate regulatory authorities, especially with regard to long‐term safety issues, and additional clinical studies are needed to better define a standardized regimen.
Women at cardiac risk: is HRT the route to maintaining cardiovascular health?
Authors: Ottesen B. , Sørensen M.B.
Published: May 2004

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women of postmenopausal age. Data from observational studies suggest that the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women can be reduced by 30–50% by estrogen replacement therapy. The protective effect of estrogen is multifactorial, affecting lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, hemostasis, body‐fat distribution and blood pressure. Although the unopposed use of estrogen is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, this risk can be reduced or even neutralized by the addition of progestogen. The protection against cardiovascular disease provided by combined estrogen/progestogen treatment has been the subject of much debate. However, results from epidemiological studies, intervention trials and animal experiments now suggest that the addition of progestogen does not attenuate the beneficial effects of estrogen. While secondary prevention studies are needed to evaluate the various hormone regimens, the use of combined estrogen/progestogen therapy can be supported.
Urogenital aging: solutions in clinical practice
Authors: Notelovitz M.
Published: May 2004

Urogenital aging, the most prevalent consequence of the menopause, affects at least 50% of postmenopausal women. It can lead to a lower quality of life, sexual problems, pain at intercourse/micturition and incontinence, but is yet an undertreated condition. The ideal treatment should relieve the vaginal symptoms of estrogen deficiency, have a localized effect, be convenient and easy to apply, safe to the endometrium and be without the unpleasant discharge produced by vaginal creams and pessaries. Vagifem®, a new vaginal tablet containing 25 μg 17β‐estradiol, may fulfill many of the criteria required of an agent for the effective and efficient management of urogenital atrophy.
THE APHORISMI AND A DISCOURSE OF LAWS: BACON, CAVENDISH, AND HOBBES 1615–1620
Authors: HUXLEY ANDREW
Published: May 2004

Attention is drawn to five parallel passages as between Francis Bacon's unpublished Aphorismi de jure gentium maiore sive de fontibus justiciae et juris and A discourse of laws, which was published anonymously in 1620. It is suggested that around 14 per cent of A discourse consists of unacknowledged translations from Bacon's Latin. Questions are raised as to when, where, and why A discourse was composed. These questions bear on, though fail to resolve, the debate over the identity of A discourse's author. The two names discussed most often in this connection are those of William Cavendish and Thomas Hobbes.
REFORMING DISCOURSES AND POLITICAL PRACTICE IN BRITAIN, 1760–1872 History of suffrage, 1760–1867. Edited by Anna Clark and Sarah Richardson. London: Pickering and Chatto, 2000. 6 vols. Pp. xxi+351, 320, 348, 396, 341, 346. ISBN 1-85196-706-0. £495.00. Language, print and electoral politics, 1790–1832: Newcastle-under-Lyme broadsides. Edited by Hannah Barker and David Vincent. Woodbridge: Boydell Press, 2001. ISBN 0-85115-810-2. £45.00. The diaries of Samuel Bamford. Edited by Martin Hewitt and Robert Poole. Thrupp, Stroud: Sutton Publishing, 2000. Pp. xxxi+383. ISBN 0-7509-1735-0. £55.00.
Authors: GLEADLE KATHRYN
Published: May 2004

‘The word [reform] is a singularly vague one; it means every thing, and any thing; it conveys no positive idea whatever; but seems to have a different acceptation in each different mouth.’ So declared John Walsh, an opponent of parliamentary reform in his 1831 pamphlet, Popular opinions on parliamentary reform. Walsh's observation, which shrewdly identifies a recurring semantic problem for historians of the early nineteenth century, is but one of many illuminating texts to be reprinted in the History of suffrage, 1760–1867, edited by Anna Clark and Sarah Richardson. This publication, when read alongside the other two volumes under consideration, Hannah Barker and David Vincent's Language, print and electoral politics, 1790–1832, which reprints a plethora of electoral ephemera from pre-reform Newcastle-under-Lyme; and Martin Hewitt and Robert Poole's The diaries of Samuel Bamford provides fascinating insights into the constellation of vocabularies, strategies, and concerns that comprised the reforming project.
Coexistence of dominant groups in marine bacterioplankton community—a combination of experimental and modelling approaches
Authors: Zubkov M.V. , Allen J.I. , Fuchs B.M.
Published: May 2004

The population dynamics in the coastal bacterioplankton community off Plymouth (UK) was studied in samples proportionally diluted (99%, 90%, 66% and 0%) with sterile seawater, incubated in the dark for 2–4 days and monitored by flow cytometry. Nucleic acid content of cells, stained with SYBR Green I DNA specific dye, was used as an index of a genome size. Using flow sorting and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with a set of ribosomal RNA targeted oligonucleotide probes, the phylogenetic composition of dominant cytometric groups of bacterioplankton was determined to be similar during growth in the dilution series. The proportion of the low nucleic acid (LNA) group decreased and correspondingly the high nucleic acid (HNA) groups increased with dilution. The assimilation rates of free amino acids, a highly labile nutrient pool, were determined by flow sorting the dominant groups after short incubations with 35S-methionine tracer. The relative cellular amino acid assimilation by the LNA cells increased with dilution, while the activity of the HNA cells either decreased or remained unchanged. However, highly metabolically active LNA bacteria were overgrown by the HNA bacteria, presumably because the small genome size—an adaptation to living in an oligotrophic environment—did not allow the LNA group to grow sufficiently fast to compete with the HNA group under experimentally reduced grazing pressure. To examine the experimental results a numerical model of bacterioplankton population dynamics was formulated based on the hypothesis that the LNA cells consume only a labile fraction of organic nutrients (amino acids etc.), while the HNA cells feed on both the labile and more refractory sources of nutrients, and that in the absence of phytoplankton the labile source of nutrients is produced entirely by the bacterivorous flagellates. The model simulations gave credence to the hypothesized primary dependence of the LNA group on labile organic nutrients recycled within the microbial loop.
The macro- and micro-scale patchiness of meiobenthos associated with the Darwin Mounds (north-east Atlantic)
Authors: Van Gaever S. , Vanreusel A. , Hughes J.A. , Bett B.J. , Kiriakoulakis K.
Published: May 2004

Meiobenthic community structure was investigated at different spatial scales (from 100 metres to centimetres) on and adjacent to a group of coral-topped sandy mounds in the bathyal north-east Atlantic (Darwin Mounds, Rockall Trough) and related to the environmental conditions in the area, mainly differences in sediment organic carbon content and presence of biogenic structures. Meiobenthos abundances were similar to those observed in other deep-sea sites, with nematodes representing at least 94% of the total community. The dominant nematode genera were Microlaimus, followed by Sabatieria, Richtersia, Rhynchonema and Trefusia, together with typical deep-sea genera (e.g. Halalaimus and Acantholaimus). Multivariate analysis of nematode generic relative abundances at the different stations indicated that there was no significant influence on distribution resulting from large scale topographic and biogeochemical conditions around the mounds. The same genera were associated with dead tests of the xenophyophore Syringammina fragilissima and in the surrounding sediments. The vertical distribution of nematodes on and adjacent to the mound showed some unusual features, as the deeper layers of the sediments were inhabited by stilbonematids. These genera harbour ectosymbiotic, chemoautotrophic bacteria and have not previously been recorded from the deep sea. The occurrence of stilbonematids in notable numbers in the subsurface layers of the sediments in the vicinity of the Darwin Mounds provides evidence for the occurrence of anoxic microenvironments.
Rare sponge (Porifera: Demospongiae) species from the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Voultsiadou Eleni , Vafidis Dimitris
Published: May 2004

Fourteen rare or poorly known sponge species have been found in the Aegean Sea. The species Pachastrissa pathologica, Calthropella stelligera, Weberella verrucosa, Aaptos papillatus, Timea geministellata, Spiroxya heteroclita, Clathria translata, Hymedesmia simillima, Mycale serrulata, Myrmekioderma spelaea, Callyspongia septimaniensis and Ircinia pipetta are new records for the eastern Mediterranean while the species Geodia barretti and Petrosia vansoesti are reported for the first time from the Mediterranean Sea. Information on their morphology, geographical and bathymetrical distribution is given and discussed.