bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of titanate coupling agent on the mechanical, thermal, dielectric, rheological, and morphological properties of filled nylon 6
Authors: Bose Suryasarathi , Mahanwar P. A.
Published: October 2005

Fillers are used along with various commodity as well as engineering polymers to improve the properties of polymers. The performance of filled polymers is generally decided on the basis of the interface attraction of filler and polymers. Fillers of widely varying particle size and surface characteristics are responsive to the interfacial interactions with polymers. The present study deals with the effect of a coupling agent, tetra isopropyl titanate (TPT), on the properties of flyash filled nylon 6. It is observed that tensile strength, impact strength, and heat distortion temperature improved with the addition of TPT as compared to without the coupling agent filled nylon 6. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 266–272, 2006
Alkaline dissolution monitoring of radial‐type polyester microfiber fabrics by a cationic dye‐staining method
Authors: Koh Joonseok , Oh Myung‐Joon , Kim Hyungsup , Kim Sung Dong
Published: October 2005

The alkaline dissolution behavior of radial‐type polyester microfibers during high‐temperature alkali treatment and cold‐pad batch alkali treatment was successfully monitored using a cationic dye‐staining method. The weight reduction behavior of the alkali‐treated microfiber fabrics and their staining behavior with a cationic dye were compared. In addition, the termination of dissolution monitored by both methods was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 279–285, 2006
Finishing of cotton fabrics with aqueous nano‐titanium dioxide dispersion and the decomposition of gaseous ammonia by ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Dong Yongchun , Bai Zhipeng , Zhang Liwen , Liu Ruihua , Zhu Tan
Published: October 2005

An aqueous dispersion of nano‐titanium dioxide (nano‐TiO2) was prepared and mixed with a silicone softener to establish a finishing bath. Cotton fabrics were treated with this finishing bath with a pad–dry–cure process and were then characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The gaseous ammonia was derived from an environmental condition simulated chamber. The specifically designed photocatalytic reactor was used to assess the factors, including the dosage of the aqueous dispersion of nano‐TiO2, the nature of the fabric, the direct dye, and the water‐repellent agent, that affected the decomposition efficiency of ammonia in air. In addition, nano‐TiO2‐finished fabrics were evaluated with respect to whiteness and breaking tension properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 286–291, 2006
Surface treatment and characterization of functionalized latex particles and inorganic pigment particles used in the study of film formation from pigmented latex systems
Authors: Ding Tianhua , Daniels Eric S. , El‐Aasser Mohamed S. , Klein Andrew
Published: October 2005

The adsorption of sodium polyacrylate [NaPA] on noncarboxylated and carboxylated poly(n‐butyl methacrylate‐co‐n‐butyl acrylate) [P(BMA/BA)] latexes and ground calcium carbonate (GCC) was studied. The adsorption isotherms of NaPA on P(BMA/BA) latex surfaces showed that NaPA tended to adsorb to a greater extent onto the latex particle surfaces when the carboxyl group surface coverage of latex polymer particles is low, which indicates a repulsive interaction between the dissociated carboxyl groups and NaPA macroions. The electrophoretic mobility of cleaned model P(BMA/BA) latexes decreased with the increasing carboxyl group surface coverage at pH 10 due to the alkali‐swelling characteristics of carboxylated latexes. For GCC, used as extender pigment particles in the pigmented latex blend systems, the size of the GCC pigment particles stabilized with NaPA decreased during a sonification process and their ζ‐potential became increasingly negative with the addition of NaPA to the GCC pigment slurry. Particle size and ζ‐potential measurements showed that NaPA can stabilize GCC particles effectively, and the optimum concentration of NaPA to stabilize GCC is around 1 wt % based on solid GCC. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 398–404, 2006
Helices and other secondary structures of β‐ and γ‐peptides
Authors: Seebach Dieter , Hook David F. , Glättli Alice
Published: October 2005

The principal secondary structural motifs adopted by peptides assembled from β‐amino acid units are discussed: the 14‐, 12‐, 10‐, 12/10‐, and 8‐helices, as well as the hairpin turn, extended structures, stacks, and sheets. Features that promote a particular folding propensity are outlined and illustrated by structures determined in solution (NMR) and in the solid‐state (x‐ray). The N–Cβ–Cα–CO dihedral angles from molecular dynamics simulations, which are indicative of a particular secondary structure, are presented. A brief description of a helix and a turn of γ‐peptides is also given. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 84: 23–37, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Application of Electrophoretic and Electrolytic Deposition Techniques in Ceramics Processing. Part 1.
Authors: Boccaccini A. R. , Zhitomirsky I.
Published: October 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Effects of surrounding brightness on visual search for safety colors
Authors: Ochiai Nobuhisa , Sato Masako
Published: October 2005

The present article reports the investigation of the effects of surrounding brightness on a visual search for three safety colors: red, orange, and yellow. Images of visual stimuli consisting of an array of colored circles placed on a large visual field (a visual angle of 40°) were displayed on an 80‐in. screen with a DLP projector. Experiment I examined the search efficiency under three levels of background luminance that were equivalent to the three target luminances. The results showed that the search efficiency for the orange target decreased as the number of distractors increased, under each of the background luminance levels, whereas the efficiency scarcely decreased for the red and yellow targets. Although a reduction in background luminance increased the search efficiency for the orange target, it is suggested that the effect of background luminance is smaller than the effect of the target color in search efficiency. Experiment II examined the search efficiency under three conditions of low levels of incident illuminance, which were matched with a linear regression to the luminance of color chips of safety colors measured twilight conditions. The results showed that the search efficiency for the orange target decreased as the number of distractors increased under each of the different illuminance conditions, whereas the efficiency scarcely decreased for red and yellow targets. Furthermore, as illuminance decreased, the search time for the orange target was more greatly impacted than for red or yellow. These results imply that the recognition of orange tends to be influenced by the surrounding brightness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 400–409, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20152
Comparison of different monoptic and dichoptic color‐matching functions
Authors: de Mattiello María L. F.
Published: October 2005

The objective of this article is to analyze different color matching functions (CMFs) obtained with three (650, 530, and 460 nm) and four primary colors (650, 565, 513, and 460 nm), using both monoptic and dichoptic central vision. This strategy helps to clarify (i) lack of additivity of brilliance; (ii) shift in maximum sensitivity peaks of CMFs when experimental conditions change; (iii) variations in luminance for the same reason; (iv) strong metamerism of the mixtures; and (v) differences of chromatic opponence between monoptic and dichoptic vision. The results obtained reflect two important facts: marked stability of the visual system, which allows the experimental conditions analyzed to be solved with an equal degree of success, and plasticity based especially on the balance of retinal illumination, which was maintained at an average of 40 trolands. The results obtained bring to mind an assertion made by MacAdam to the effect that the law of additivity when applied to luminance is not applied to measurements of brightness. Perceptively, brightness is not additive, and so CMFs should not be considered as significant functions in computing tristimulus values R, G, and B. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 416–426, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.
Theoretical analysis of subtractive color mixture characteristics IV—Theorems on ideal color and tristimulus dimension
Authors: Matsushiro Nobuhito
Published: October 2005

Giving a continuation to our work to understand the characteristics of the tristimulus values in colors obtained by subtractive color mixture, we extend several theorems provided in our previous articles. Previously, we started proving theorems for a single dimension, considering only individual tristimulus values. In the present article, the one‐dimensional discussion is extended to the three‐dimensional discussions of the tristimulus space. These theorems establish the absolute lower and upper bounds for tristimulus values of subtractive color mixtures of the ideal color. The results contribute toward a comprehensive modeling of subtractive color mixture. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 427–437, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.
Effect of orange fiber addition on yogurt color during fermentation and cold storage
Authors: García‐Pérez F. J. , Lario Y. , Fernández‐López J. , Sayas E. , Pérez‐Alvarez J. A. , Sendra E.
Published: October 2005

Orange fiber obtained from orange juice by‐products was added to yogurt. Fiber (0%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1% doses and different fiber size: 0.417–0.701 and 0.701–0.991 mm) effects on color during yogurt fermentation and cold storage were studied. Overall composition, pH, acidity, syneresis, L*, a*, and b* values were determined. Sensory evaluation of yogurts was carried out. Fiber addition did not cause changes in yogurt acidification and color during fermentation process, though decreased L* value and increased b* value of the milk. Color evaluation along fermentation is pH dependent (R > 0.870). pH decreased and syneresis increased along cold storage. Because of the acidification process, L* value decreased and a* and b* values increased in all yogurts. Yogurts with 1% fiber were significantly different from the others along cold storage, presenting lower L*, higher a* and b* values, and lower syneresis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 457–463, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20158
A Fluxional CuIN2O2 Core: Binding of a Keto Oxygen Atom to CuI and AgI
Authors: Drew Michael G. B. , Naskar Jnan P. , Chowdhury Shubhamoy , Datta Dipankar
Published: October 2005

[Cu(2‐acetylpyridine)2]ClO4 (1), characterised here, has a novel CuIN2O2 core in the solid state. Variable‐temperature 1H NMR studies show that the two chelate rings open up in solution at room temperature and the keto oxygen atoms dangle freely. As the temperature is lowered, the O atoms tend to bind to the metal atom. The corresponding silver(I) complex, [Ag(2‐acetylpyridine)2]ClO4 (4), characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, has an AgIN2 core in the solid state as well as in solution. Thus, while 1 is fluxional, 4 is not. In cyclic voltammetry, complex 1 displays a quasireversible CuII/I couple with a half‐wave potential of 0.40 V vs. SCE. Complex 1 is easily oxidised by air and H2O2 in methanol to give rise to a dinuclear copper(II) complex where the ligand framework is not simple acetylpyridine. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Sect. Lasiandra from genus CousiniaCass. (Compositae) with emphasis to a new species from east of Iran
Authors: Djavadi S. B. , Attar F.
Published: October 2005

Cousinia mozdouranensis sp. nova (sect. Lasiandra ) from Mozdouran Pass in Khorassan province is described as a new species from Iran. Illustration, distribution map and a key to all the relevant species present in Iran are also given. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Laboratory experimental check of a conceptual model for infiltration under complex rainfall patterns
Authors: Melone Florisa , Corradini Corrado , Morbidelli Renato , Saltalippi Carla
Published: October 2005

Experimental evidence of the accuracy of the model proposed by Corradini et al. (1997, Journal of Hydrology 192: 104–124) for local infiltration–redistribution–reinfiltration in homogeneous soils is given. The model provides infiltration through the time evolution of the soil water content vertical profile, which is described by an ordinary differential equation in any stage of a given rainfall event. A nearly horizontal laboratory slope was used for the experiments performed over both a medium‐ and a coarse‐textured soil. During each experiment characterized by a complex rainfall pattern, the soil water content θ at different depths was continuously monitored using the time‐domain reflectometry method. Our results indicate that the model simulated the experimental vertical profiles of θ accurately, particularly during the infiltration and reinfiltration stages separated by a rainfall hiatus with redistribution of soil water. These results indicate the reliability of the model in computing the local effective rainfall for hydrological response. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simulation model for unified interrill erosion and rill erosion on hillslopes
Authors: Liu Q. Q. , Xiang H. , Singh V. P.
Published: October 2005

A mathematical model was developed for simulating runoff generation and soil erosion on hillslopes. The model is comprised of three modules: one for overland flow, one for soil infiltration, and one for soil erosion including rill erosion and interrill erosion. Rainfall and slope characteristics affecting soil erosion on hillslopes were analysed. The model results show that the slope length and gradient, time distribution rainfall, and distribution of rills have varying influence on soil erosion. Erosion rate increases nonlinearly with increase in the slope length; a long slope length leads to more serious erosion. The effect of the slope gradient on soil erosion can be both positive and negative. Thus, there exists a critical slope gradient for soil erosion, which is about 45° for the rate of erosion at the end of the slope and about 25° for the accumulated erosion. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple parameterization of bulk canopy resistance from climatic variables for estimating hourly evapotranspiration
Authors: Perez P. J. , Lecina S. , Castellvi F. , Martínez‐Cob A. , Villalobos F. J.
Published: October 2005

This paper examines a model for estimating canopy resistance rc and reference evapotranspiration ETo on an hourly basis. The experimental data refer to grass at two sites in Spain with semiarid and windy conditions in a typical Mediterranean climate. Measured hourly ETo values were obtained over grass during a 4 year period between 1997 and 2000 using a weighing lysimeter (Zaragoza, northeastern Spain) and an eddy covariance system (Córdoba, southern Spain). The present model is based on the Penman–Monteith (PM) approach, but incorporates a variable canopy resistance rc as an empirical function of the square root of a climatic resistance r* that depends on climatic variables. Values for the variable rc were also computed according to two other approaches: with the rc variable as a straight‐line function of r* (Katerji and Perrier, 1983, Agronomie 3(6): 513–521) and as a mechanistic function of weather variables as proposed by Todorovic (1999, Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, ASCE 125(5): 235–245).

In the proposed model, the results show that rc/ra (where ra is the aerodynamic resistance) presents a dependence on the square root of r*/ra, as the best approach with empirically derived global parameters. When estimating hourly ETo values, we compared the performance of the PM equation using those estimated variable rc values with the PM equation as proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, with a constant rc = 70 s m−1. The results confirmed the relative robustness of the PM method with constant rc, but also revealed a tendency to underestimate the measured values when ETo is high. Under the semiarid conditions of the two experimental sites, slightly better estimates of ETo were obtained when an estimated variable rc was used. Although the improvement was limited, the best estimates were provided by the Todorovic and the proposed methods. The proposed approach for rc as a function of the square root of r* may be considered as an alternative for modelling rc, since the results suggest that the global coefficients of this locally calibrated relationship might be generalized to other climatic regions. It may also be useful to incorporate the effects of variable canopy resistances into other climatic and hydrological models. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The strategy of building a flood forecast model by neuro‐fuzzy network
Authors: Chen Shen‐Hsien , Lin Yong‐Huang , Chang Li‐Chiu , Chang Fi‐John
Published: October 2005

A methodology is proposed for constructing a flood forecast model using the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). This is based on a self‐organizing rule‐base generator, a feedforward network, and fuzzy control arithmetic. Given the rainfall‐runoff patterns, ANFIS could systematically and effectively construct flood forecast models. The precipitation and flow data sets of the Choshui River in central Taiwan are analysed to identify the useful input variables and then the forecasting model can be self‐constructed through ANFIS. The analysis results suggest that the persistent effect and upstream flow information are the key effects for modelling the flood forecast, and the watershed's average rainfall provides further information and enhances the accuracy of the model performance. For the purpose of comparison, the commonly used back‐propagation neural network (BPNN) is also examined. The forecast results demonstrate that ANFIS is superior to the BPNN, and ANFIS can effectively and reliably construct an accurate flood forecast model. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of peptide conformation in terms of the ABEEM/MM method
Authors: Yang Zhong‐Zhi , Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2005

The ABEEM/MM model (atom‐bond electronegativity equalization method fused into molecular mechanics) is applied to study of the polypeptide conformations. The Lennard–Jones and torsional parameters were optimized to be consistent with the ABEEM/MM fluctuating charge electrostatic potential. The hydrogen bond was specially treated with an electrostatic fitting function. Molecular dipole moments, dimerization energies, and hydrogen bond lengths of complexes are reasonably achieved by our model, compared to ab initio results. The ABEEM/MM fluctuating charge model reproduces both the peptide conformational energies and structures with satisfactory accuracy with low computer cost. The transferability is tested by applying the parameters of our model to the tetrapeptide of alanine and another four dipeptides. The overall RMS deviations in conformational energies and key dihedral angles for four di‐ or tetrapeptide, is 0.39 kcal/mol and 7.7°. The current results agree well with those by the accurate ab initio method, and are comparable to those from the best existing force fields. The results make us believe that our fluctuating charge model can obtain more promising results in protein and macromolecular modeling with good accuracy but less computer cost. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 1–10, 2006
Synthesis and characterization of novel aromatic poly(imide–benzoxazole) copolymers
Authors: Hsu Steve Lien‐Chung , Luo Guo‐Wei , Chen Hui‐Tzu , Chuang Shih‐Wei
Published: October 2005

New poly(imide–benzoxazole) copolymers were prepared directly from a dianhydride, a diacid chloride, and a bis(o‐diaminophenol) monomer in a two‐step method. In the first step, poly(amic acid–hydroxyamide) precursors were synthesized by low‐temperature solution polymerization in an organic solvent. Subsequently, the thermal cyclodehydration of the poly(amic acid–hydroxyamide) precursors at 350 °C produced the corresponding poly(imide–benzoxazole) copolymers. The inherent viscosities of the precursor polymers were around 0.19–0.33 dL/g. The cyclized poly(imide–benzoxazole) copolymers had glass‐transition temperatures in the range of 331–377 °C. The 5% weight loss temperatures ranged from 524 to 535 °C in nitrogen and from 500 to 514 °C in air. The poly(imide–benzoxazole) copolymers were amorphous, as evidenced by the wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction measurements. The structures of the precursor copolymers and the fully cyclized copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 6020–6027, 2005
An intuitive approach to measuring protein surface curvature
Authors: Coleman Ryan G. , Burr Michael A. , Souvaine Diane L. , Cheng Alan C.
Published: October 2005

A natural way to measure protein surface curvature is to generate the least squares fitted (LSF) sphere to a surface patch and use the radius as the curvature measure. While the concept is simple, the sphere‐fitting problem is not trivial and known means of protein surface curvature measurement use alternative schemes that are arguably less straightforward to interpret. We have developed an approach to solve the LSF sphere problem by turning the sphere‐fitting problem into a solvable plane‐fitting problem using a transformation known as geometric inversion. The approach works on any arbitrary surface patch, and returns a radius of curvature that has direct physical interpretation. Additionally, it is flexible in its ability to find the curvature of an arbitrary surface patch, and the “resolution” can be adjusted to highlight atomic features or larger features such as peptide binding sites. We include examples of applying the method to visualization of peptide recognition pockets and protein conformational change, as well as a comparison with a commonly used solid‐angle curvature method showing that the LSF method produces more pronounced curvature results. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapid detection and characterization of minor reactive metabolites using stable‐isotope trapping in combination with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yan Zhengyin , Maher Noureddine , Torres Rhoda , Caldwell Gary W. , Huebert Norman
Published: October 2005

Stable‐isotope trapping combined with mass spectrometry (MS) neutral loss scanning has recently been developed as a high‐throughput method for thein vitroscreening of major reactive metabolites. In fact, detection and identification of minor reactive metabolites are equally important since the minor metabolites, even though at low levels, may be highly reactive and also play an important role in drug‐induced adverse reactions. In this study, 2‐acetylthiophene, clozapine, troglitazone and 7‐methylindole were selected as model compounds to further validate the advantages of this method for rapid detection and structural characterization of minor glutathione (GSH) adducts derived from reactive metabolites. The utility of the current method was clearly demonstrated by successful identification of novel reactive metabolites at low levels and also minor ones either masked by non‐specific responses or co‐eluted with other conjugates. In comparison with existing methods, this method is sensitive, efficient, and suitable for rapid screening and more complete profiling of reactive metabolites. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of chemical derivatization to enhance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric determination of 1‐hydroxypyrene, a biomarker for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human urine
Authors: Li Yinghe , Li Austin C. , Shi Haihong , Zhou Shaolian , Shou Wilson Z. , Jiang Xiangyu , Naidong Weng , Lauterbach John H.
Published: October 2005

This article presents an analytical approach that used chemical derivatization to enhance mass spectrometric (MS) response in electrospray ionization (ESI) mode of 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐OHP), a commonly used biomarker to monitor human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The enhancement successfully enabled the desired detection of 50 pg/mL in human urine. The introduction of an MS‐friendly dansyl group to 1‐OHP enhanced both ionization efficiency in the ESI source and collision‐activated dissociation (CAD) in the collision cell. The response increase was estimated to be at least 200‐fold, and enabled the reduction of sample size to only 100 µL. The selective MS detection also facilitated a fast (run time 3 min) liquid chromatography (LC) method which successfully resolved the analyte and interferences. The sample processing procedure included enzymatic hydrolysis of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, liquid‐liquid extraction, derivatization with dansyl chloride and a final liquid‐liquid extraction to generate clean extracts for LC/MS/MS analysis. This approach has been validated as sensitive, linear (50–1000 pg/mL), accurate and precise for the quantitation of 1‐OHP in human urine. This is the first report of using chemical derivatization to enhance MS/MS detection with fast chromatography in the determination of 1‐OHP in human urine. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of protein phosphorylation sites by mass spectrometry: a novel electrospray‐based method
Authors: Alverdi Vera , Di Pancrazio Francesca , Lippe Giovanna , Pucillo Carlo , Casetta Bruno , Esposito Gennaro
Published: October 2005

Several methods are used to identify protein phosphorylation sites. We report a novel electrospray‐based method for the determination of phosphorylation sites by mass spectrometry, using two different declustering potential values. This method allows one to obtain, with a single liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) run, the pattern with either the phosphorylated or the unphosphorylated species of a protein tryptic digest, that can be further analyzed by tracing back the origin of each HPO3‐deprived form using the capabilities of tandem mass spectrometers. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia in an Infant with Trisomy 21
Authors: Shehata Bahig M. , Abramowsky Carlos R.
Published: October 2005

We present a case of an infant with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) who was affected by alveolar capillary dysplasia and other complications including endocardial cushion defect, hypothyroidism, and intrauterine growth restriction. The patient was the product of a third pregnancy to a 33-year-old woman with no significant risk factors. The child lived for 3 months, during which he developed intractable dyspnea, hypoxemia, and cardiac dysfunction and he eventually died from septicemia and multiorgan failure. In addition to the facial phenotypic features and cardiac anomalies, the autopsy revealed the characteristic microscopic pulmonary findings of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins. This appears to be the first reported case of this anomaly associated with trisomy 21. In addition to the many reasons for pulmonary hypertension that occur in children with trisomy 21, alveolar capillary dysplasia may have to be included in the differential diagnosis although it appears to be a rare association.
Adolescents’ perception of risk and challenge: A qualitative study
Authors: Rodham Karen , Brewer Helen , Mistral Willm , Stallard Paul
Published: October 2005

Concern has been mounting about the increasing numbers of adolescents who engage in risky behaviours. This qualitative study aimed to identify adolescents’ perception of risk and explored the factors that adolescents felt influenced their decisions about engaging in risky behaviours. The results indicated that adolescents perceived risk to be something where the outcome was uncontrollable. In contrast, challenges were thought of as having a known end point that was difficult to achieve. They considered themselves to be well‐informed about health risks facing them, yet mentioned occasions when they lacked the ability to state that they did not want to engage in certain “risky” behaviours. The implications of the findings for future interventions are discussed.
Parental influences on young people's sexual behaviour: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Wight Daniel , Williamson Lisa , Henderson Marion
Published: October 2005

Both family structure and processes have been associated with young people's sexual behaviour, but most studies are cross‐sectional and focus on only one outcome: age at first intercourse. This paper uses longitudinal data from a survey of Scottish teenagers () to show how low parental monitoring predicts early sexual activity for both sexes (with some reverse causation), and for females it also predicts more sexual partners and less condom use. A lot of spending money also predicts early sexual activity and, for males, having more sexual partners. Comfort talking with parents about sex, however, seems to bear little relationship to sexual behaviour.
A statin in the treatment of heart failure? Controlled rosuvastatin multinational study in heart failure (CORONA): Study design and baseline characteristics
Authors: Kjekshus John , Dunselman Peter , Blideskog Malin , Eskilson Christina , Hjalmarson Åke , McMurray John V. , Waagstein Finn , Wedel Hans , Wessman Peter , Wikstrand John ,   on behalf of the CORONA Study Group
Published: October 2005

Background:

Previous prospective outcome studies of statins have not provided any guidance on benefit‐risk in patients with heart failure.

Aim:

The primary objective is to determine whether rosuvastatin (10 mg) reduces the combined endpoint of cardiovascular mortality, non‐fatal myocardial infarction or non‐fatal stroke (time to first event). The first secondary endpoint is all‐cause mortality.

Methods:

CORONA is a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Briefly, men and women, aged ≥60 years with chronic symptomatic systolic heart failure of ischemic aetiology and ejection fraction ≤0.40 (NYHA class III and IV) or ≤0.35 (NYHA class II) were eligible if they were not using or in need of cholesterol lowering drugs.

Results:

Mean age was 73 years (n=5016; 24% women), with 37% in NYHA II and 62% in NYHA III, ejection fraction 0.31, total cholesterol 5.2 mmol/L. Sixty percent have a history of myocardial infarction, 63% hypertension, and 30% diabetes. Patients are well treated for heart failure with 90% on loop or thiazide diuretics, 42% aldosterone antagonists, 91% ACE inhibitor or AT‐I blocker, 75% beta‐blockers, and 32% digitalis.

Conclusion:

CORONA is important for three main reasons: (1) A positive result is very important because of the high risk of the population studied, the increasing prevalence of elderly patients with chronic symptomatic systolic heart failure in our society, and the health economic issues involved. (2) If negative, new mechanistic questions about heart failure have to be raised. (3) If neutral we can avoid unnecessary polypharmacy.
Clinical trials update from the European Society of Cardiology meeting 2005: CARE‐HF extension study, ESSENTIAL, CIBIS‐III, S‐ICD, ISSUE‐2, STRIDE‐2, SOFA, IMAGINE, PREAMI, SIRIUS‐II and ACTIVE
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Coletta Alison P. , Lammiman Mike , Witte Klaus K. , Loh Huan , Nasir Mansoor , Clark Andrew L.
Published: October 2005

This article provides information and a commentary on trials presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting held in September 2005, relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure. All reports should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication. In the CARE‐HF extension study, the benefits of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) observed in the original study were maintained over an increased follow‐up period. A study of oral enoximone (25–50 mg t.i.d.) in advanced heart failure (ESSENTIAL) showed limited benefit compared to placebo. The CIBIS‐III study showed that heart failure therapy could be safely initiated with bisoprolol followed by the addition of enalapril. A subcutaneous ICD system (S‐ICD) showed potential as an alternative to a transvenous ICD. In the ISSUE‐2 study, an implantable loop recorder was used to guide therapy in patients with recurrent syncope. The selective endothelin antagonist sitaxsentan improved 6‐MWT and functional class in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in the STRIDE‐2 study. In SOFA, fish oil had no beneficial effect on the incidence of life‐threatening arrhythmias in patients with an ICD. In IMAGINE, quinapril showed no benefit when administered to patients following CABG. Perindopril reduced cardiac remodelling in post‐MI patients with normal LV function in PREAMI. SIRIUS‐II showed encouraging results for the use of intravenous ularitide in symptomatic decompensated chronic heart failure. The ACTIVE W study of warfarin versus aspirin plus clopidogrel in atrial fibrillation has been stopped due to superiority of warfarin.
Compact oleic acid in HAMLET
Authors: Fast Jonas , Mossberg Ann-Kristin , Nilsson Hanna , Svanborg Catharina , Akke Mikael , Linse Sara
Published: October 2005

HAMLET (human alpha‐lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) is a complex between α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid that induces apoptosis in tumor cells, but not in healthy cells. Heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to determine the structure of 13C‐oleic acid in HAMLET, and to study the 15N‐labeled protein. Nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy shows that the two ends of the fatty acid are in close proximity and close to the double bond, indicating that the oleic acid is bound to HAMLET in a compact conformation. The data further show that HAMLET is a partly unfolded/molten globule‐like complex under physiological conditions.
Structural and morphological characterization of hemozoin produced by Schistosoma mansoni and Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Oliveira Marcus F. , Kycia Stefan W. , Gomez Ariel , Kosar Aaron J. , Bohle D. Scott , Hempelmann Ernst , Menezes Diego , Vannier-Santos Marcos André , Oliveira Pedro L. , Ferreira Sérgio T.
Published: October 2005

Hemozoin (Hz) is a heme crystal produced upon the digestion of hemoglobin (Hb) by blood‐feeding organisms as a main mechanism of heme disposal. The structure of Hz consists of heme dimers bound by reciprocal iron–carboxylate interactions and stabilized by hydrogen bonds. We have recently described heme crystals in the blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, and in the kissing bug, Rhodnius prolixus. Here, we characterized the structures and morphologies of the heme crystals from those two organisms and compared them to synthetic β‐hematin (βH). Synchrotron radiation X‐ray powder diffraction showed that all heme crystals share the same unit cell and structure. The heme crystals isolated from S. mansoni and R. prolixus consisted of very regular units assembled in multicrystalline spherical structures exhibiting remarkably distinct surface morphologies compared to βH. In both organisms, Hz formation occurs inside lipid droplet‐like particles or in close association to phospholipid membranes. These results show, for the first time, the structural and morphological characterization of natural Hz samples obtained from these two blood‐feeding organisms. Moreover, Hz formation occurring in close association to a hydrophobic environment seems to be a common trend for these organisms and may be crucial to produce very regular shaped phases, allowing the formation of multicrystalline assemblies in the guts of S. mansoni and R. prolixus.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the valyl‐tRNA synthetase/elongation factor‐1H complex and localization of the δ subunit
Authors: Jiang Shoulei , Wolfe Cindy L. , Warrington J. Anthony , Norcum Mona Trempe
Published: October 2005

Eukaryotic valyl‐tRNA synthetase (ValRS) and the heavy form of elongation factor 1 (EF‐1H) are isolated as a stable high molecular mass complex that catalyzes consecutive steps in protein biosynthesis – aminoacylation of tRNA and its transfer to elongation factor. Herein is the first three‐dimensional structure of the particle as calculated from electron microscopic images of negatively stained samples of the human ValRS/EF‐1H complex. The ca. 12 × 8 nm particle has two distinct domains and each appears to have twofold symmetry. Bound antibodies place two δ subunits near the particle's center. These data support a dimeric head‐to‐head arrangement of particle components.
Involvement of AMP‐activated protein kinase in fat depot‐specific metabolic changes during starvation
Authors: Sponarova Jana , Mustard Kirsty J. , Horakova Olga , Flachs Pavel , Rossmeisl Martin , Brauner Petr , Bardova Kristina , Thomason-Hughes Michaela , Braunerova Radka , Janovska Petra , Hardie D. Grahame , Kopecky Jan
Published: October 2005

The mechanisms controlling fat depot‐specific metabolism are poorly understood. During starvation of mice, downregulation of lipogenic genes, suppression of fatty acid synthesis, and increases in lipid oxidation were all more pronounced in epididymal than in subcutaneous fat. In epididymal fat, relatively strong upregulation of uncoupling protein 2 and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase genes was found. In mice maintained both at 20 and 30 °C, AMP‐activated protein kinase was activated in epididymal but did not change in subcutaneous fat. Our results suggest that AMPK may have a role in the different response of various fat depots to starvation.
Functional zinc finger/sleeping beauty transposase chimeras exhibit attenuated overproduction inhibition
Authors: Wilson Matthew H. , Kaminski Joseph M. , George Alfred L.
Published: October 2005

The sleeping beauty (SB) transposon system has potential utility in gene transfer applications but lacks specificity for genomic integration and exhibits overproduction inhibition which limits in vivo activity. Targeting transposition may be possible by coupling a specific DNA binding domain to the SB transposase, but it is not known if this strategy will preserve or disrupt activity of the system. We engineered and tested chimeric SB transposases with two different human zinc finger DNA binding domain elements, Sp1 and zinc finger 202 (ZNF202). Addition of Sp1 to the C‐terminus abolished transposase activity whereas N‐terminal addition of either Sp1 or ZNF202 did not. Transposition activity exhibited by N‐terminal chimeras was increased to levels similar to native SB through the use of a hyperactive transposase (SB12) and activating transposon mutations. Importantly, addition of DNA binding domains to the transposase N‐terminus resulted in attenuation of overproduction inhibition, a major limitation of this system. These findings suggest that SB transposase chimeras may have specific advantages over the native enzyme.
An improved multiple-frequency method for measuring in situ target strengths
Authors: Conti Stéphane G. , Demer David A. , Soule Michael A. , Conti Jean H.E.
Published: October 2005

Refinements have been made to the multiple-frequency method for rejecting overlapping echoes when making target-strength measurements with split-beam echosounders described in Demer et al. (1999). The technique requires that echoes, simultaneously detected with two or more adjacent split-beam transducers of different frequencies, pass multiple-target rejection algorithms at each frequency, and characterize virtually identical three-dimensional target coordinates. To translate the coordinates into a common reference system for comparison, the previous method only considered relative transducer positions and assumed that the beam axes of the transducers were parallel. The method was improved by first, optimizing the accuracy and precision of the range and angular measurements of the individual frequency detections; and second, precisely determining acoustically the relative positions and angular orientations of the transducers, thus completely describing the reference-system transformation(s). Algorithms are presented for accurately and precisely estimating the transformation parameters, and efficiently rejecting multiple targets while retaining measurements of most single targets. These improvements are demonstrated through simulations, controlled test-tank experiments, and shipboard measurements using 38- and 120-kHz split-beam transducers. The results indicate that the improved multiple-frequency TS method can reject more than 97% of multiple targets, while allowing 99% of the resolvable single targets to be measured.
Does the largest chela of the males of three crab species undergo an allometric change that can be used to determine morphometric maturity?
Authors: Hall Norman G. , Smith Kim D. , de Lestang Simon , Potter Ian C.
Published: October 2005

The allometry of the largest chela of male crabs has often been assumed to undergo a change at the pubertal moult, i.e. the moult to maturity, and could therefore be used as a basis for determining the size of males at morphometric maturity. As initial plots of the logarithms of the length of the propodus of the chela and carapace width (CW) or length (CL) of male Portunus pelagicus, Hypothalassia acerba, and Chaceon bicolor revealed no conspicuous change in allometry, we used an information-theoretic approach and a range of models to explore, in greater depth, whether the chelae of these species did undergo such an allometric change. The candidate models were linear, quadratic, cubic, and broken-stick models, and broken-stick and two-line-segment models with logistic transitions between line segments. There was strong evidence that the largest chela of male P. pelagicus undergoes a subtle change in allometry at 82.0 cm CW, which is only 6.4 mm less than that at which 50% of males attain physiological maturity. Further, as the 95% confidence region of this estimate of size at morphometric maturity overlaps that for physiological maturity, the sizes at which morphometric and physiological maturity are attained by male P. pelagicus are similar. Because the estimate of the carapace length at which allometric change in the chela of male H. acerba was very imprecise, there was far less convincing evidence that the allometry of the chela of this species undergoes a conspicuous change at a certain length. The allometry of the chelae of male C. bicolor changed progressively and continuously with body size, and did not change abruptly at a particular size. In view of the morphometric results for H. acerba and C. bicolor, it would be advisable to base management plans for conservation on the carapace lengths at which 50% of the male crabs of these two species attain physiological maturity, i.e. 68.1 and 94.3 mm, respectively.
A sector‐wide approach to emergency obstetric care in Uganda
Authors: Orinda V. , Kakande H. , Kabarangira J. , Nanda G. , Mbonye A.K.
Published: October 2005

Purpose

To establish a baseline for the availability, utilization, and quality of EmOC, and to help develop an operational strategy based on the findings.

Methods

A needs assessment of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) was carried out in 197 health facilities in 19 out of 56 districts in Uganda, covering 38% of the total population.

Findings

There were a large number of missing signal functions at health facilities and an urgent need to improve the availability of EmOC.

Conclusion

By using the data from the assessment, it was possible to influence national policy through the health sector‐wide approach (SWAp) and place EmOC high on the national agenda. A national strategy and roll out plan to strengthen EmOC is now in place.
Delivery of the second twin
Authors: Ginsberg N.A. , Levine E.M.
Published: October 2005

Objective

To determine the likelihood of cesarean for the second twin after vaginal delivery of the first and the risk of vaginal delivery.

Method

A retrospective analysis of twin deliveries was performed on 10,365 live born twin pairs (20,730 births), using birth certificate data from the State of Illinois from 1997 through 2000.

Result

The incidence of cesarean for the second twin after vaginal delivery of the first was 10.1%. The greatest incidence of failed vaginal delivery of the second twin was in the vertex/non‐vertex group. Five‐minute Apgar scores < 4 were significantly more frequent in vaginally delivered twins < 2000 g compared to those delivered via cesarean (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Twin presentation type is predictive of the likelihood of a failed vaginal delivery of the second twin. Cesarean appears to significantly reduce the incidence of Apgars < 4 for neonates < 2000 g.
Bilateral, hypertrophic neuritis of the brachial plexus in a cat: magnetic resonance imaging and pathological findings
Authors: Garosi Laurent , de Lahunta Alexander , Summers Brian , Dennis Ruth , Scase Tim
Published: October 2005

A 9-year-old Burmese cat was presented for investigation of a subacute onset of bilateral forelimb paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervico-thoracic vertebral column and brachial plexus revealed a bilaterally symmetrical, severe and diffuse swelling of the spinal nerves forming the caudal part of the brachial plexus. Histopathology of the abnormal nerve roots, spinal nerves and brachial plexi showed inflammatory and marked proliferative changes with similar features to that of hypertrophic neuritis of man. Hypertrophic neuritis in man is a rare, tumor-like, chronic inflammatory peripheral nerve disorder of unknown origin most frequently involving the brachial plexus.
Virulent systemic feline calicivirus infection: Local cytokine modulation and contribution of viral mutants
Authors: Foley Janet , Hurley Kate , Pesavento Patricia A. , Poland Amy , Pedersen Niels C.
Published: October 2005

Virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV) is a novel, emerging pathogen with mortality up to 67% even in previously healthy adult cats; VS-FCV has resulted in at least six epidemics since 1998. Affected cats have systemic vascular compromise and hemorrhagic-fever like signs in part due to viral invasion of epithelium and endothelium, coupled with host cytokine responses. Affected skin tissues had, on average, 3.8 elevated cytokines compared with control tissue, with prominent upregulation in IL-10, TNF-α, and MIP-1α. Sequencing of most of the genomes of two VS-FCV strains documented patterns of virus relatedness and implicated changes in the capsid gene in the emerging phenotype, possibly through initiation of immune mechanisms manifest in the cytokine changes. Understanding the features contributing to the emergence of this disease is critical for management and prevention of this and similar outbreaks attributable to RNA viruses in animals and humans.