bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of real‐time PCR for group‐specific quantification of aceticlastic methanogens in anaerobic processes: Population dynamics and community structures
Authors: Yu Youngseob , Kim Jaai , Hwang Seokhwan
Published: September 2005

The TaqMan quantitative PCR (QPCR) method was used to detect and quantify the 16S rRNA genes of aceticlastic methanogens at different taxonomic levels. Three different sets of primers coupled with a TaqMan probe for QPCR assays to detect the 16S rRNA genes of the order Methanosarcinales, as well as the families Methanosarcinaceae and Methanosaetaceae, were separately used. Using these primer and probe sets, the 16S rRNA genes of aceticlastic methanogens in samples from various anaerobic processes (i.e., nine pure cultures, batch experiment, and three different continuous processes including a full‐scale digester), were monitored and quantified by QPCR assays. A batch experiment cultivating a mixture of aceticlastic methanogens, was conducted to monitor their population dynamics. Using this group‐specific quantification method, the dynamics of a competition between two aceticlastic populations, as modulated by the acetate concentration, could well be described. The target 16S rRNA genes in environmental samples, collected from three different anaerobic processes treating sludge, cheese whey, and synthetic wastewaters, were additionally quantified. The quantified 16S rRNA gene concentrations for all samples successfully represented the community structures of the target methanogens, which were correlated accurately with the operational parameters of the anaerobic processes. It was also successful to demonstrate probe nesting of aceticlastic methanogens at the levels of order and family. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in the structural properties and rate of hydrolysis of cotton fibers during extended enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Wang Lushan , Zhang Yuzhong , Gao Peiji , Shi Dongxia , Liu Hongwen , Gao Hongjun
Published: September 2005

An extended enzymatic hydrolysis of cotton fibers by crude cellulase from Trichoderma pseudokoningii S‐38 is described with characterization of both the enzyme changes of activities and cellulose structure. The hydrolysis rates declined drastically during the early stage and then slowly and steadily throughout the whole hydrolysis process the same trend could be seen during the following re‐hydrolysis process. Morphological and structural changes to the fibers, such as swelling, frequent surface erosion, and variation in the packing and orientation of microfibrils, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Observation of X‐ray diffraction and IR spectra suggests that the hydrolysis process results in a gradual increase in the relative intensity of the hydrogen bond network, and a gradual decrease in the apparent crystal size of cellulose. The Iα crystal phase was hydrolyzed more easily than was the Iβ crystal phase. Apart from the inactivation of CBHs activity, changes in the packing and arrangement of microfibrils and the structural heterogeneity of cellulose during hydrolysis could be responsible for the reduction in the rate of reaction, especially in its later stages. The results indicate that the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose occurs on the outer layer of the fiber surface and that, following this, the process continues in a sub‐layer manner. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Platinum Complexes of Dibenzo[1,2]Dithiin, Dibenzo[1,2]Dithiin Oxides and Related Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Ligands
Authors: Aucott Stephen M. , Kilian Petr , Robertson Stuart D. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Woollins J. Derek
Published: September 2005

The synthesis of platinum bisphosphine complexes of biphenyl‐ 2,2′‐dichalcogenates and the oxides of dibenzo[1,2]dithiin and related ligand systems by oxidative addition to [Pt(PPh3)4] is reported. We also describe the synthesis of a new compound, dibenzothiophen‐4‐yldiselenide and its simple platinum complex (obtained by oxidative addition). All complexes have been fully characterised, principally by using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and in six cases by means of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The majority are simple S/S or Se/Se complexes, however the addition of dibenzo[1,2]dithiin trioxide to [Pt(PPh3)4] gives a bimetallic system, [Pt{2‐[S(O)],2′‐[S(O)2]‐biphen}(PPh3)]2, containing a central Pt2S2O2 core in which the ligand behaves as a tridentate S,S,O donor.
Novel Luminescent Mixed‐Metal PtTl‐Alkynyl‐Based Complexes: The Role of the Alkynyl Substituent in Metallophilic and η2(π⋅⋅⋅Tl)‐Bonding Interactions
Authors: Berenguer Jesús R. , Forniés Juan , Gil Belén , Lalinde Elena
Published: September 2005

A novel series of [PtTl2(CCR)4]n (n=2, R=4‐CH3C6H4 (Tol) 1, 1‐naphthyl (Np) 2; n=∞, R=4‐CF3C6H4 (TolF) 3) complexes has been synthesized by neutralization reactions between the previously reported [Pt(CCR)4]2− (R=Tol, TolF) or novel (NBu4)2[Pt(CCNp)4] platinum precursors and TlI (TlNO3 or TlPF6). The crystal structures of [Pt2Tl4(CCTol)8]⋅4 acetone, 1⋅4 acetone, [Pt2Tl4(CCNp)8]⋅3 acetone⋅1/3 H2O, 2⋅3 acetone ⋅1/3 H2O and [{PtTl2(CCTolF)4}(acetone)S]∞ (S=acetone 3 a; dioxane 3 b) have been solved by X‐ray diffraction studies. Interestingly, whereas in the tolyl (1) and naphthyl (2) derivatives, the thallium centers exhibit a bonding preference for the electron‐rich alkyne entities to yield crystal lattices based on sandwich hexanuclear [Pt2Tl4(CCR)8] clusters (with additional Tl⋅⋅⋅acetone (1) or Tl⋅⋅⋅naphthyl (2) secondary interactions), in the C6H4CF3 (TolF) derivatives 3 a and 3 b the basic PtII center forms two unsupported PtTl bonds. As a consequence 3 a and 3 b form an extended columnar structure based on trimetallic slipped PtTl2(CCTolF)4 units that are connected through secondary Tl⋅⋅⋅(η2‐acetylenic) interactions. The luminescent properties of these complexes, which in solution (blue; CH2Cl2 1,2; acetone 3) are very different to those in solid state (orange), have been studied. Curiously, solid‐state emission from 1 is dependent on the presence of acetone (green) and its crystallinity. On the other hand, while a powder sample of 3 is pale yellow and displays blue (457 nm) and orange (611 nm) emissions, the corresponding pellets (KBr, solid) of 3, or the fine powder obtained by grinding, are orange and only exhibit a very intense orange emission (590 nm).
Tunable N‐substitution in Zwitterionic Benzoquinonemonoimine Derivatives: Metal Coordination, Tandemlike Synthesis of Zwitterionic Metal Complexes, and Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Yang Qing‐Zheng , Siri Olivier , Braunstein Pierre
Published: September 2005

Full details on a very efficient transamination reaction for the synthesis of zwitterionic N,N′‐dialkyl‐2‐amino‐5‐alcoholate‐1,4‐benzoquinonemonoiminium derivatives [C6H2(${^{\underline{.....}}}$NHR)2(${^{\underline{.....}}}$O)2] 5–16 are reported. The molecular structures of zwitterions 5 (R=CH3) in 5⋅H2O, 13 (R=CH2CH2OMe), 15 (R=CH2CH2NMe2), and of the parent, unsubstituted system [C6H2(${^{\underline{.....}}}$NH2)2(${^{\underline{.....}}}$O)2] 4 in 4⋅H2O have been established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. This one‐pot preparation can be carried out in water, MeOH, or EtOH and allows access to new zwitterions with N‐substituents bearing functionalities such as OMe (13), OH (9–12), NR1R2 with R1= or ≠R2 (14–16) or an alkene (8), leading to a rich coordination chemistry and allowing fine‐tuning of the supramolecular arrangements in the solid state. As previously described for 15, which reacted with Zn(acac)2 to afford the octahedral ZnII complex [Zn{C6H2(NCH2CH2NMe2)O(O)(NHCH2CH2NMe2)}2] (20), ligands 13 and 16 with coordinating “arms” afforded with Zn(acac)2 the 2:1 adducts [Zn{C6H2(NCH2CH2X)O(O)(NHCH2CH2NX)}2] 19 (X=OMe) and 21 (X=NHEt), with N2O4 and N4O2 donor sets around the octahedral ZnII center, respectively. Furthermore, zwitterions 15 and 16 reacted with ZnCl2 to give the stable, crystallographically characterized ZnII zwitterionic complexes [ZnCl2{C6H2(NCH2CH2NR1R2)O(O)(NHCH2CH2NHR1R2)}] 22 (R1=R2=Me) and 23 (R1=Et, R2=H) by means of an unprecedented, tandemlike synthesis in which 1) the two pendant amino groups of the organic benzoquinonemonoimine zwitterionic precursor favor metal coordination and proton transfer and 2) the saturated linker prevents π‐conjugation between the charges. The nature of the structural arrangements in the solid state for both inorganic (20, 22, 23) and organic (5, 9, 13, and 15) molecules is determined by subtle variations in the nature of the N‐substituent on the zwitterion precursor.
Improved catalytic activity of homochiral dimeric cobalt–salen complex in hydrolytic kinetic resolution of terminal racemic epoxides
Authors: Kureshy Rukhsana I. , Singh Surendra , Khan Noor‐Ul H. , Abdi Sayed H.R. , Ahmad Irshad , Bhatt Achyut , Jasra Raksh V.
Published: September 2005

Enantiomerically pure epoxides (99%, ee) and diols (98%, ee) from racemic epichlorohydrin, 1,2‐epoxypropane, 1,2‐epoxyhexane, 1,2‐epoxyoctane, and 1,2‐epoxydodecane were obtained in 2–12 h by hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) using the recyclable dimeric homochiral Co(III)–salen complex 1′ (0.2 mol %) derived from 5,5‐(2′,2′‐dimethylpropane)‐di‐[(R,R)‐{N‐(3‐tert‐butylsalicylidine)‐N′‐(3′,5′‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidine)}‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine] with cobalt(II) acetate. Unlike its monomeric version, the catalyst could be recycled several times without loss in performance. The use of BF4 as counter ion in HKR reactions was also investigated. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Chirality 17:590–594, 2005.
Detailed studies on the enantioselective synthesis and HPLC enantioseparation of N‐protected 3‐hydroxyglutarimides
Authors: Ruan Yuan‐Ping , Wei Bang‐Guo , Xu Xiu‐Qing , Liu Gang , Yu De‐Sheng , Liu Liang‐Xian , Huang Pei‐Qiang
Published: September 2005

An analytical HPLC method using CHIREX (S)‐LEU/(S)‐α‐NEA column was developed for the determination of the enantiomeric excesses of N‐protected (S)‐3‐hydroxyglutarimides. Using this method, detailed studies on the base‐promoted ring‐expansion reaction of the amidolactones, derived from l‐glutamic acid, were undertaken. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Chirality 17:595–599, 2005.
Activity and expression of the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) is altered by long‐term diabetes in epineurial arterioles of the rat sciatic nerve
Authors: Davidson Eric P. , Coppey Lawrence J. , Yorek Mark A.
Published: September 2005

Background

Epineurial arterioles of the sciatic nerve are innervated by sensory nerves containing calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). We postulated that treating these resistance vessels with capsaicin would cause the release of endogenous CGRP and vascular relaxation.

Methods

Videomicroscopy was used to examine the effect of capsaicin and neuropeptides on vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles from control and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Using immunohistochemistry, we examined expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vanilloid receptor 1 in epineurial arterioles.

Results

Instead of relaxation, capsaicin was found to cause a concentration‐dependent vasoconstriction in epineurial arterioles. The effect of capsaicin was transient, refractory, blocked by capsazepine and duplicated by resiniferatoxin. When examining potential candidates for the mediation of capsaicin‐induced constriction, we found that vasopressin (VP), NPY, serotonin (5HT) and endothelin (ET), but not neurokinin A or substance P, caused a concentration‐dependent vasoconstriction of epineurial arterioles. Epineurial arterioles express NPY and receptor antagonists to NPY significantly decreased capsaicin‐induced vasoconstriction. In long‐term diabetic rats, vasoconstriction to capsaicin was significantly attenuated. However, long‐term diabetes did not impair vasoconstriction of epineurial arterioles to exogenous VP, NPY, 5HT or ET. Examining the expression of vanilloid receptor 1 in epineurial arterioles from control and long‐term diabetic rats, we found that immunoreactivity for vanilloid receptor 1 was decreased by diabetes.

Conclusions

These studies suggest that long‐term diabetes causes vascular dysfunction in epineurial arterioles of the sciatic nerve that includes a decrease in capsaicin‐induced vasoconstriction that is likely due to a decrease in the expression of vanilloid receptor 1. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic investigation of lard polymorphism using combined DSC and time‐resolved synchrotron X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Kalnin Daniel , Lesieur Pierre , Artzner Franck , Keller Gerard , Ollivon Michel
Published: September 2005

The polymorphic behavior of lard was systematically investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) while simultaneously monitoring the formation of the different crystal forms with X‐ray diffraction (XRDT). To interpret the complex polymorphic evolution of the sample analyzed by regular DSC, both XRD patterns and DSC curves were recorded at the same time from the same sample (20 mg) using a laboratory‐made calorimeter (http://www.umr‐cnrs8612.u‐psud.fr/Francais/pdf/MICROCALIX.pdf) installed at a synchrotron radiation bench capable of both small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and time‐resolved experiments. Lard exhibits a large melting range (−30 °C ≤ T ≤ 50 °C) with three main crystallization peaks. In this range, lard polymorphism was investigated by varying the cooling and heating rates between 10 and 0.15 K/min, and by isothermal recrystallization at −10 and 15 °C. XRD lines observed by SAXS at about 35, 43.8 and 48.2 Å are identified to subcells α, β'1, β'2 and β, and attributed to the main DSC peaks. The crystalline forms appearing during the cooling depend on the cooling rate and on the final temperature. Higher cooling rates lead to unstable α forms that transform subsequently upon heating and/or storage into β' forms. The persistence of a monotropic transformation at −10 °C that was monitored during isothermal storage is explained by the presence of a liquid phase at this temperature.
The influence of pretreatment on pork fat crystallization
Authors: Svenstrup Gitte , Brüggemann Dagmar , Kristensen Lars , Risbo Jens , Skibsted Leif H.
Published: September 2005

Melting points of two types of pork fat, lard and leaf fat, were studied in three different products: extracted fat, raw fat, and fat as an ingredient in liver pâté. The number of melting points and the temperature of melting were found, by differential scanning calorimetry, to correlate with the cooling rate for all of the products: Rapid cooling led to lowering of the melting point, assigned to the presence of unstable β crystals. The melting points varied also with the treatment of the fat, as the melting point of lard made by slow cooling and assigned to mainly β' crystals was different in the three products and found to be 39, 45, and 48 °C for extracted fat, raw fat, and fat as an ingredient in liver pâté, respectively, while slowly cooled leaf fat was found to have melting points at 48, 50, and 51 °C for the same three products, respectively. The fraction of unsaturated fatty acids present in the fat was important for both crystallization rate and melting points of α and β' crystals in extracted lard, an effect which was found less pronounced in liver pâté because of the presence of diverse components such as proteins.
Insight in model parameters by studying temperature influence on isothermal cocoa butter crystallization
Authors: Foubert Imogen , Vanrolleghem Peter A. , Dewettinck Koen
Published: September 2005

The aim of this research was to get more insight into the crystallization parameters of the model of Foubert et al.. (2002) by examining the isothermal crystallization of two cocoa butters at different temperatures. The nucleation in the α polymorph was studied by scanning diffusive light scattering and was shown to agree with the Turnbull–Fisher equation. In accordance with the solubility principle, the amount of α crystals decreases as a function of temperature. The four parameters of the crystallization model were used to describe the influence of temperature on the β' crystallization. The parameter aF decreases from temperatures of 20.5 °C onwards. The induction time increases with temperature while the rate constant K decreases as the temperature increases, especially at higher temperatures. Three hypotheses on the nature of the reverse reaction as described in the model were formulated and tested based on the temperature and cocoa butter dependency of the reverse reaction order n. The temperature dependence itself does not allow us to rule out one of the hypotheses, but the clear temperature dependence of the influence of the chemical composition is in favor of the hypothesis that the reverse reaction is dominantly either a re‐melting or a redissolving reaction, depending on the crystallization temperature.
Crystallisation and rheological properties of hydrogenated palm oil and palm oil blends in relation to crystal networking
Authors: Omar Zaliha , Let Chong Chiew , Seng Cheow Chong , Rashid Norizzah Abd.
Published: September 2005

Refined bleached deodorised palm oil (RBDPO) was blended with 4–25 wt‐% hydrogenated palm oil (HPO). The physical, chemical and rheological properties of these samples were studied during 4 wk of storage at 15 °C. During storage, it was observed that there was an increase in solid fat content, compression force, hardness index (HI), melting temperatures, and storage modulus (G') with increasing concentration of HPO in the blends and with storage time. X‐ray diffraction results showed that the crystal networks of the blends were stabilised in the β' polymorphic form. However, in pure RBDPO, a very weak β form was observed. An increase in storage modulus (G'), compression force and HI indicated that the crystal networks of the blends became more highly structured with increasing storage time and concentration of HPO, which implies that post‐hardening had occurred without transformation of the polymorphic form from β’ to β.
Microstructure of fat crystallizing on a collagenous surface
Authors: Rogers Michael A. , Wright Amanda J. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: September 2005

The effect of surface quality on fat crystallization was examined for glass and gelatin surfaces using three‐dimensional polarized light microscopy in an attempt to develop a model system for how fat may crystallize in arteries. A mixture of the high‐melting fraction of milk fat and triolein was crystallized from 60 °C to 30 °C at a rate of 0.5 °C/min on both glass and gelatin surfaces. Crystallization of fat on the gelatin surface led to an increase in the amount of nucleation and resulted in a more even distribution of crystal mass than crystallization on the glass surface. No evidence of crystal precipitation or glass surface crystallization was evident. We postulate that the gelatin acted as a template for nucleation. Similar trends were identified using fractal analysis. Fat crystallized on gelatin had a higher fractal dimension than fat crystallized on glass.
The influence of emulsifiers on the crystallisation behaviour of a palm oil‐based blend
Authors: Garbolino Chiara , Bartoccini Marta , Flöter Eckhard
Published: September 2005

In margarine manufacture, blends containing palm oil show a slow rate of crystallisation and, occasionally, a tendency to recrystallise. This phenomenon is caused by the segregation of the triacylglycerol 1,3‐dipalmitoyl 2‐oleoyl glycerol that undergoes the polymorphic transition from the β’ to the β form. Emulsifiers can be used to control fat crystallisation properties. Although some studies have been performed on crystallisation properties of emulsifiers, there are no conclusive results. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the effects of some selected emulsifiers on a fat blend containing palm oil. A fixed amount (2%) of sucrose esters or sorbitan esters was added. After melting, the samples were crystallised in bulk and submitted to temperature cycling. At regular intervals during crystallisation and after cycling, the hardness and the solid fat content of the samples were evaluated and the crystal morphology investigated with a polarised‐light microscope. In addition, samples at the end of storage time were evaluated with X‐ray diffraction in order to investigate the polymorphic behaviour. The addition of the emulsifiers showed an effect on the crystal morphology as well as the textural properties of the samples. The differences observed in the micro‐ and macrostructure are explained in terms of the acyl‐acyl interactions between the fatty acid residues of the emulsifiers and the triacylglycerols.
Molecular modeling of organic and biomolecular systems using BOSS and MCPRO
Authors: Jorgensen William L. , Tirado–Rives Julian
Published: September 2005

An overview is provided of the capabilities for the current versions of the BOSS and MCPRO programs for molecular modeling of organic and biomolecular systems. Recent applications are noted, particularly for QM/MM studies of organic and enzymatic reactions and for protein‐ligand binding. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 1689–1700, 2005
The lotto numbers L(n,3,p,2)
Authors: Bougard Nicolas
Published: September 2005

An (n,k,p,t)‐lotto design is an n‐set N and a set ${\cal B}$ of k‐subsets of N (called blocks) such that for each p‐subset P of N, there is a block $B \in {\cal B}$ for which $\left | P \cap B \right | \geq t$. The lotto number L(n,k,p,t) is the smallest number of blocks in an (n,k,p,t)‐lotto design. The numbers C(n,k,t) = L(n,k,t,t) are called covering numbers. It is easy to show that, for n ≥ k(p − 1),

For k = 3, we prove that equality holds if one of the following holds:

n is large, in particular $ n\geq \big \{ {\matrix{(p - 1)(2p - 3)\quad {\rm if }n \not \equiv p(\bmod \;2),\cr (p - 1)(4p - 8)\quad {\rm if }n \equiv p(\bmod \;2),}}$

$n \equiv p - 4,p - 3, \ldots ,3p - 1(\bmod 6(p - 1)),$

2 ≤ p ≤ 6.

© 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 14: 333–350, 2006
Comparison of contrast agents with high molarity and with weak protein binding in cerebral perfusion imaging at 3 T
Authors: Thilmann Oliver , Larsson Elna‐Marie , Björkman‐Burtscher Isabella M. , Ståhlberg Freddy , Wirestam Ronnie
Published: September 2005

Purpose

To examine and compare properties of high‐molarity contrast agent gadobutrol (Gadovist) and weakly protein‐binding agent gadobenate‐dimeglumine (MultiHance®) in dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion imaging at 3 T.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen healthy volunteers underwent three separate examinations with contrast agent doses of 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg body weight (bw) gadobutrol and 0.1 mmol/kg bw gadobenate‐dimeglumine. Maps of relative regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and blood flow (rCBF) were calculated using deconvolution based on singular value decomposition. Signal and concentration time curves, the concentration‐to‐noise ratio (SNRc), and gray matter (GM)‐to‐white matter (WM) rCBV and rCBF contrast and ratios were evaluated in a region of interest (ROI)‐based analysis. Image quality of calculated parametric maps was assessed in direct visual comparison and with respect to suitability for diagnostic purposes.

Results

The contrast agents displayed very similar results in the 0.1 mmol/kg examinations, both with respect to the quantitative evaluation parameters and in the qualitative assessment of the calculated parametric maps. Maps from 0.2 mmol/kg examinations were rated as being superior in quality, but with respect to diagnostic suitability all contrast agents and doses yielded images of sufficient quality.

Conclusion

At 3 T, a gadobutrol or gadobenate‐dimeglumine dose of 0.1 mmol/kg is sufficient for DSC magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion assessment. At the used small injection volumes, the tissue concentration curve was determined only by the gadolinium (Gd) dosage in mmol/kg, and the T2* relaxation effects of the two agents can be considered to be nearly identical in the applied gradient‐echo (GRE) sequence. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wash‐in rate on the basis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI: Usefulness for prostate cancer detection and localization
Authors: Kim Jeong Kon , Hong Seong Sook , Choi Young Jun , Park Seong Ho , Ahn Hanjong , Kim Choung‐Soo , Cho Kyoung‐Sik
Published: September 2005

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of the wash‐in rate based on dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI for the detection and localization of prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

In 53 patients, the wash‐in rate was measured in the cancer area and in three normal areas (the peripheral zone, inner portion of the transitional zone, and outer portion of the transitional zone). On the basis of these data, parametric imaging was generated and then its accuracy for cancer detection and location was evaluated compared to that of T2‐weighted imaging without the use of an endorectal coil. For that purpose the entire prostate was divided into 18 segments.

Results

The wash‐in rate value was greater in cancer tissue (9.2/second) than in three normal tissues (3.3/second, 6.7/second, and 3.2/second, respectively; P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity were greater on parametric imaging of the wash‐in rate compared to T2‐weighted imaging in the entire prostate (96% and 82% vs. 65% and 60%, respectively) and the peripheral zone (96% and 97% vs. 75% and 53%; P < 0.05). In the transitional zone, the sensitivity was greater on parametric imaging (96%) than on T2‐weighted imaging (45%; P = 0.016), but the specificity was similar (51% vs. 73%; P = 0.102).

Conclusion

The wash‐in rate based on DCE‐MRI is a useful parameter for prostate cancer detection and localization. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 19/2005
Authors: Wunderlich Bernhard
Published: September 2005

Cover: The picture on the cover shows types of phases and transitions based on their thermodynamics and molecular motion. There are five solid phases, all become mobile at their glass transitions. The crystals undergo a glass transition and disordering at the melting temperature! The mobility is caused by unfreezing of large‐amplitude motion, which in polymers is conformational motion. Further details can be found in the Feature Article by B. Wunderlich on page 1521.
Polysomnographic and pharmacokinetic findings in levodopa‐induced augmentation of restless legs syndrome
Authors: Vetrugno Roberto , Contin Manuela , Baruzzi Agostino , Provini Federica , Plazzi Giuseppe , Montagna Pasquale
Published: September 2005

Augmentation, defined as a loss of circadian recurrence with progressively earlier daily onset and increase in the duration, intensity, and anatomy of symptoms, not compatible with the half‐life of the drug, is associated with dopaminergic treatment in restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients. The pathogenesis of augmentation is unclear. We describe a patient with idiopathic RLS who developed augmentation after 8 months of levodopa treatment. Videopolysomnographic and pharmacokinetic studies with monitoring of plasma levodopa levels demonstrated marked motor hyperactivity during augmentation, with anarchic discharges of motor unit potentials, tonic grouped discharges and flexor spasms, associated with painful dysesthesia. Symptoms and signs of augmentation were related to low plasma levodopa levels, abating 75 minutes after oral levodopa administration and reappearing after 3 hours, closely mirroring the rapid rise and fall of plasma levodopa concentration. This case is the first report in which RLS augmentation is shown to be characterized by motor hyperkinesias paralleling levodopa plasma pharmacokinetic profile. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Coherence analysis differentiates between cortical myoclonic tremor and essential tremor
Authors: van Rootselaar Anne‐Fleur , Maurits Natasha M. , Koelman Johannes H.T.M. , van der Hoeven Johannes H. , Bour Lo J. , Leenders Klaus L. , Brown Peter , Tijssen Marina A.J.
Published: September 2005

Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy (FCMTE) is characterized by a distal kinetic tremor, infrequent epileptic attacks, and autosomal dominant inheritance. The tremor is thought to originate from the motor cortex. In our patient group, a premovement cortical spike could not be established on electroencephalogram (EEG) back‐averaging. Corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence analysis can demonstrate a cortical common drive to muscles. We carried out coherence analysis of electromyography (EMG) of forearm muscles and EEG of contralateral motor cortex in 7 FCMTE patients, 8 essential tremor (ET) patients, and 7 healthy controls. Results showed strong cortico‐ and intermuscular coherence in the 8‐ to 30‐Hz range in the FCMTE patients, with EEG preceding EMG. Healthy controls and ET patients showed normal weak coherence around 20 Hz. The ET patients showed some additional coherence at tremor frequency (6 Hz), probably the result of sensory information flowing back to the sensorimotor cortex. These findings point to a pathological cortical drive in FCMTE patients leading to tremulous movements. Coherence analysis is an easy and useful method to differentiate FCMTE from ET. Coherence analysis is helpful when investigating a cortical common drive in cortical tremor and other movement disorders. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Implementation and evaluation of CSI‐localized J cross‐polarization for detection of 31P magnetic resonance spectra in vivo
Authors: Mancini Laura , Payne Geoffrey S. , Leach Martin O.
Published: September 2005

Double resonance techniques such as INEPT (insensitive nuclei enhanced by polarization transfer) and JCP (J cross‐polarization) have previously been applied in vitro to enhance the SNR of low‐sensitivity nuclei and detect altered metabolism, for example, with 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), where the 1H‐13C scalar couplings are of the order of 130 Hz. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential advantage of using JCP for the detection of phosphomonoesters (PME) and phosphodiesters (PDE) with 31P MRS in vivo. These metabolites are involved in membrane metabolism and their concentration is altered in tumors and other pathologies. JCP has been implemented and compared with INEPT and pulse‐and‐acquire in vivo both in unlocalized and in localized spectra in order to select the optimum method for in vivo applications for PME and PDE detection. The results suggest that JCP can give up to 20% more signal in the PME region and up to 70% more signal in the PDE region, with 20 to 70% lower power deposition than INEPT. Such enhancement could be used to reduce the measurement times for equivalent signal‐to‐noise ratios. The JCP sequence is, however, slightly more sensitive than INEPT to RF field inhomogeneities, as predicted from theory. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the NMR behavior of white matter in bovine brain
Authors: Bjarnason T.A. , Vavasour I.M. , Chia C.L.L. , MacKay A.L.
Published: September 2005

In vitro experiments on 15 white matter samples from five bovine brains were performed on a 1H‐NMR spectrometer at 24°C and 37°C. The average myelin water fractions (MWFs) were 10.9% and 11.8% for samples at 24°C and 37°C, respectively. The T1 relaxation time at 37°C was found to be 830 ms, exhibiting monoexponential behavior. A four‐pool model including intra/extracellular (IE) water, myelin water, nonmyelin tissue, and myelin tissue was proposed to simulate the NMR behavior of bovine white matter. A cross‐relaxation correction was introduced to compensate for shifting of the measured data points and T2 times over the duration of the Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (CPMG) measurement due to cross relaxation. This correction was found to be slight, providing evidence that MWFs measured using a multiecho technique are near physical values. At 24°C the cross‐relaxation times between myelin tissue and myelin water, myelin water and IE water, and IE water and nonmyelin tissue were found to be approximately 227, 2064, and 402 ms, respectively. At 37°C these same cross‐relaxation times were 158, 1021, and 170 ms, respectively. The exchange rate between myelin water and myelin was found to be 11.8 s−1 at 37°C, while the exchange rate between IE water and nonmyelin tissue was found to be 6.8 s−1. These exchange rates are of similar magnitude, which indicates that the interaction between IE water and nonmyelin tissue cannot be ignored. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective correction of affine motion for arbitrary MR sequences on a clinical scanner
Authors: Nehrke Kay , Börnert Peter
Published: September 2005

The concept of prospective 3D affine motion correction was generalized, based on the Bloch equations, for signal excitation and sampling using arbitrary MR sequences. The technique was implemented on a clinical MRI scanner for Cartesian, radial, and spiral imaging sequences, as well as for 2D spatially selective RF excitation pulses. A patient‐specific motion model steered by real‐time navigators was employed to account for the additional degrees of freedom provided by the affine motion model. Different navigator concepts (multiple spatial and temporal navigators, quadratic navigators and other motion sensors) were investigated, with the aim of improving the correlation between navigator information and the motion model. Experiments on moving phantoms are presented to prove the technical feasibility of the approach. In vivo experiments on coronary MRA and renal MRI show the potential of the method for cardiac and abdominal applications hampered by respiratory motion. Magn Reson Med, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The safety of central line placement prior to treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Carr Emily , Jayabose Somasundaram , Stringel Gustavo , Slim Michel , Ozkaynak M. Fevzi , Tugal Oya , Sandoval Claudio
Published: September 2005

Background

Central venous lines are placed in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at diagnosis, despite significant cytopenias, to facilitate the administration of chemotherapy and blood sampling. The present study aimed to determine the safety of central line placement in these patients.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of 115 consecutive patients treated during a 10‐year period. Data abstracted comprised age, gender, presenting and preoperative blood counts, type of central line, blood products transfused preoperatively, duration of neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC], <500/µl), treatment, and central line‐associated complications.

Results

There were 66 male and 49 female patients with a median age of 4 years. Seventy‐one patients were classified as standard‐risk and 44 as high‐risk. Respective median blood counts at diagnosis and prior to surgery were white cell count (µl), 4,200 and 5,550; hemoglobin (g/dl), 7.7 and 9.4; platelet count (µl), 63,000 and 72,000; and ANC (µl), 3,950 and 4,900. The median duration of neutropenia was 15 days in the standard‐risk group and 18 days in the high‐risk group. Thirty‐eight patients were not transfused preoperatively. There were no episodes of bacteremia. Seven patients (7%) with life‐ports experienced a complication: in four blood could not be aspirated, two ports needed realignment, and one a wound infection developed without dehiscence. Four patients (27%) with external lines had a complication: one each with line occlusion, accidental removal by patient, line rupture, and line leakage at insertion site. The complication rate between ports and external lines was different (P = 0.045).

Conclusions

Central line placement prior to anti‐leukemia treatment is safe. Most complications are mechanical and not due to leukemia, chemotherapy, or cytopenias. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of well‐defined three‐armed polystyrene having thiourethane–isocyanurate as the core structure derived from trifunctional five‐membered cyclic dithiocarbonate
Authors: Suzuki Akane , Nagai Daisuke , Ochiai Bungo , Endo Takeshi
Published: September 2005

The synthesis of a three‐armed polymer with an isocyanurate–thiourethane core structure is described. Monofunctional reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent 2 and trifunctional RAFT agent 5 were prepared from mercapto‐thiourethane and tris(mercapto‐thiourethane), which were obtained from the aminolysis of mono‐ and trifunctional five‐membered cyclic dithiocarbonates, respectively. The radical polymerization of styrene in the presence of 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) and RAFT agent 2 in bulk at 60 °C proceeded in a controlled fashion to afford the corresponding polystyrene with desired molecular weights (number‐average molecular weight = 3000–10,100) and narrow molecular weight distributions (weight‐average molecular weight/number‐average molecular weight < 1.13). On the basis of the successful results with the monofunctional RAFT agents, three‐armed polystyrene with thiourethane–isocyanurate as the core structure could be obtained with trifunctional RAFT agent 5 in a similar manner. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5498–5505, 2005
Preparation of a chemically amplified photosensitive polyimide based on norbornene‐end‐capped poly(amic acid ethoxymethylester)
Authors: Jung Myung‐Sup , Lee Sang Kyun , Hyeon‐Lee Jinkyu , Park Moon Ki , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: September 2005

A positive‐working chemically amplified photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) developable with basic aqueous solutions was obtained from poly(amic acid ethoxymethylester) (PAAE) as a polyimide precursor and diphenyliodonium 5‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1‐sulfonate (DINS) as a photoacid generator. The norbornene‐end‐capped PAAE based on 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride and 4,4′‐oxydianiline exhibited high transparency at 365 nm. The protection ratio of the ethoxymethyl groups was optimized to maximize the difference between the dissolution rates of the exposed and unexposed areas. The acid generated from DINS in the UV‐exposed region effectively deprotected the ethoxymethyl groups of PAAE by a chemical amplification mechanism. A 10‐μm‐thick film of the PSPI precursor system containing 16 wt % DINS exhibited a sensitivity (Do) of 1100 mJ cm−2 when developed with a 2.38 wt % aqueous tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide solution at room temperature. A fine, positive, 5‐μm line‐and‐space pattern was fabricated in a 15‐μm‐thick film with 1500 mJ cm−2 of UV exposure. This resolution is excellent in comparison with those previously reported for chemically amplified PSPIs, and such a film can thus be used as a buffer coating in semiconductor packaging. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5520–5528, 2005
What do we know about facilitating patient communication in the cancer care setting?
Authors: Parker Patricia A. , Davison B. Joyce , Tishelman Carol. , Brundage Michael D.
Published: September 2005

Throughout the cancer diagnosis and treatment period, patients interact with multiple healthcare providers. In order to facilitate these communications, researchers have developed interventions primarily for providers, and, more recently, for patients. The aim of this paper is to conduct a critical examination of a sample of the empirical literature regarding current knowledge about the types of interventions that have been designed to facilitate cancer patients' communication with their healthcare providers. Overall, the empirical literature suggests that some types of patient‐based interventions (e.g. prompt sheets, audiotapes, coaching sessions) may be beneficial in specific areas (e.g. increasing the number of questions asked, increased patient satisfaction). However, there are few consistent findings and the outcome measures that have been examined have varied substantially across studies. More controlled studies using carefully chosen outcome variables are needed. Increasing patients' communication skills so that their goals are met has the potential to positively affect the communication process. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopic, magnetic and dielectric investigations of BaO–Ga2O3–P2O5 glasses doped by Cu ions
Authors: Prasad S. V. G. V. A. , Sahaya Baskaran G. , Veeraiah N.
Published: September 2005

BaO–Ga2O3–P2O5 glasses containing small concentrations of CuO (ranging from 0 to 0.4 mol%) were prepared. A number of studies, i.e. differential scanning calorimetry, infrared, optical absorption and ESR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility and dielectric properties (constant (ε ′), loss (tan δ ), ac conductivity (σ ac) over a range of frequency and temperature), of these glasses were carried out. The analysis of the results indicates an increasing stability of the glass network when the concentration of CuO is greater than 0.2 mol% in the glass matrix. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stochastic modelling of gene regulatory networks
Authors: El Samad Hana , Khammash Mustafa , Petzold Linda , Gillespie Dan
Published: September 2005

Gene regulatory networks are dynamic and stochastic in nature, and exhibit exquisite feedback and feedforward control loops that regulate their biological function at different levels. Modelling of such networks poses new challenges due, in part, to the small number of molecules involved and the stochastic nature of their interactions. In this article, we motivate the stochastic modelling of genetic networks and demonstrate the approach using several examples. We discuss the mathematics of molecular noise models including the chemical master equation, the chemical Langevin equation, and the reaction rate equation. We then discuss numerical simulation approaches using the stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) and its variants. Finally, we present some recent advances for dealing with stochastic stiffness, which is the key challenge in efficiently simulating stochastic chemical kinetics. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bias resulting from the use of ‘assay sensitivity’ as an inclusion criterion for meta‐analysis
Authors: Gelfand Lois A. , Strunk Daniel R. , Tu Xin M. , Noble Ronald E. S. , DeRubeis Robert J.
Published: September 2005

Assay sensitivity has been proposed as a criterion for including psychiatric clinical outcome studies in meta‐analyses. The authors assess the performance of assay sensitivity as a method for determining study appropriateness for meta‐analysis by calculating expected standard drug vs placebo effect sizes for various combinations of high quality and flawed studies. In the absence of flawed studies, expected effect sizes are close to unbiased only when sample sizes are very large. In the presence of flawed studies, expected effect sizes tend to be substantially biased except under simultaneous conditions of high power, a large proportion of flawed studies, and a population standard vs placebo effect size of flawed studies considerably lower than that of high quality studies. The authors conclude that this method is not robust and can lead to serious bias. Unless it can be shown that specific conditions hold, assay sensitivity should not be used to make quality judgments of studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolerability of beta‐blockers in elderly patients with chronic heart failure: The COLA II study
Authors: Krum Henry , Hill Julie , Fruhwald Friedrich , Sharpe Christine , Abraham Gyorgy , Zhu Jun‐Ren , Poy Carlos , Kragten J.A.
Published: September 2005

Background:

Beta‐blockers are recommended therapy for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, there remains concern regarding tolerability of these agents in the elderly, which has contributed to the limited uptake of these agents in clinical practice.

Aims:

We conducted a multi‐national, prospective evaluation of tolerability to carvedilol in 1030 CHF patients aged >70 years selected by their treating physician to receive this agent in everyday practice.

Methods and Results:

NYHA Class II–IV CHF patients were assessed at baseline for key demographic parameters that may predict tolerability, then followed for 6 months after starting carvedilol. Tolerability was defined as being on ≥6.25 mg bd of carvedilol at 6 months having received a total of ≥3 months therapy. Tolerability overall was 80% with age 70–75 years 84.3%, 76–80 years 76.8% and >80 years 76.8%. Mean carvedilol dose achieved was 31.2 mg. In multivariate analysis, advanced age, low diastolic BP, LVEF, obstructive airways disease and presence of diabetes were predictors of tolerability.

Conclusions:

Carvedilol appears to be well tolerated in this elderly CHF patient cohort. Therefore, elderly CHF patients should not be denied treatment with carvedilol because of concerns regarding tolerability.
Effectiveness of comprehensive disease management programmes in improving clinical outcomes in heart failure patients. A meta‐analysis
Authors: Roccaforte Rosa , Demers Catherine , Baldassarre Fulvia , K. Teo Koon , Yusuf Salim
Published: September 2005

Background:

Disease management programmes (DMP) have been advocated to improve long term outcomes of heart failure (HF) patients.

Aims:

To summarise the evidence supporting DMP effectiveness in improving HF clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Eligible studies were located through a systematic literature search. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs), enrolling HF patients, and allocating them to DMP or usual care (UC), were included. Information on study setting and design, participants' characteristics and interventions tested were collected. A study quality assessment was performed. Main clinical outcomes assessed were: all‐cause mortality and (re)hospitalisations, HF‐related (re)hospitalisations and mortality. Meta‐analysis was performed according to both Yusuf–Peto method and random effects model.

Results:

Thirty‐three RCTs were included. Mortality was significantly reduced by DMP compared to UC: OR = 0.80 (CI 0.69–0.93, p=0.003). All‐cause and HF‐related hospitalisation rates were also significantly reduced: OR=0.76 (CI 0.69–0.94, p<0.00001) and OR=0.58 (CI 0.50–0.67, p<0.00001), respectively. Different DMP approaches appeared to be equally effective (sensitivity analyses).

Conclusion:

DMP reduce mortality and hospitalisations in HF patients. Because various types of DMP appear to be similarly effective, the choice of a specific programme depends on local health services characteristics, patient population, and resources available.
A eukaryotic carboxyl‐terminal signal sequence translocating large hydrophilic domains across membranes
Authors: Zhong Xiaotian , Malhotra Rajeev , Guidotti Guido
Published: September 2005

Yeast Golgi ecto‐ATPase Ynd1p is an unusual type III membrane protein with the longest translocated N‐terminus reported. Sequential deletion analysis reveals that translocation of this 500‐residue‐long hydrophilic domain across the membranes requires the C‐terminal transmembrane domain of Ynd1p and its flanking regions. Additional studies indicate that the topogenic sequence of Ynd1p overrides the effect of a reverse signal‐anchor sequence present at the N‐terminus of Ynd1p, while it is not affected by a classic signal sequence at the N‐terminus. When placed at the C‐terminal end, the sequence can translocate large extracellular domains of two membrane proteins across the membranes. The data demonstrate the existence of a true eukaryotic C‐terminal signal sequence.