bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of critical criteria to improve the alarm system in the process industry
Authors: Shahriari Mohammed , Shee Anirban , Örtengren Roland
Published: May 2006

The process industry handles most of the flammable and toxic materials within the industrial sector. Hence, safety issues are of prime importance as any possible accident can have severe consequences for both humans and the environment. For the safe and efficient operation of a plant while preventing mishaps in the process, a good alarm system is very important. Ultimate plant safety relies not only on the efficiency of the alarm system but also on the ability of the operators. In this study the authors develop the specifications required for a critical alarm system appropriate for most of the process industries; the specifications are based on optimal information flow between the operating system, guidance system, and the operator, ultimately to make the job less stressful and easier for the operators. The aim is to reduce the risk involved in control room operations that are associated with human factors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 16: 321–337, 2006.
Two New Diterpenoids from Callicarpa pedunculata
Authors: Liu Hai‐Yang , He Hong‐Ping , Gao Suo , Chen Chang‐Xiang , Shen Yue‐Mao , Hao Xiao‐Jiang
Published: May 2006

Two new diterpenoids, pedunculatic acid A (= (4R,5α,7α)‐7‐ethoxy‐9β,13β‐dioxyabiet‐8(14)‐en‐18‐oic acid; 1) and pedunculatic acid B (= (4S,5α,12β)‐8β,14β‐epoxy‐12‐hydroxy‐11‐oxototaran‐19‐oic acid; 2), together with three known sesquiterpenoids, were isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Callicarpa pedunculata R. Brown. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and by high‐resolution mass spectrometry.
New Phenolic Glycosides from Clematis mandshurica
Authors: Shi She‐Po , Jiang Dan , Dong Cai‐Xia , Tu Peng‐Fei
Published: May 2006

Three new phenolic glycosides, clemomandshuricosides A–C (1–3, resp.) and two new D‐ribono‐γ‐lactone derivatives, 4 and 5, were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Clematis mandshurica Rupr., together with six known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical, physicochemical, and spectroscopic evidence.
Application of a Grubbs–Hoveyda Metathesis Catalyst Noncovalently Immobilized by Fluorous–Fluorous Interactions
Authors: Michalek Florian , Bannwarth Willi
Published: May 2006

A Grubbs–Hoveyda metathesis catalyst bearing a tris(perfluoroalkyl)silyl tag for efficient noncovalent attachment to fluorous silica gel (FSG) was synthesized and employed in ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reactions in CH2Cl2. After the reaction, a solvent switch to a polar system allowed for recovery of the catalyst by filtration and its reuse. The approach was demonstrated for a number of different substrates. Furthermore, it was shown that the application of this catalytic system yielded products with low ruthenium content.
Reactions of Chlorosulfanyl Derivatives of Cyclobutanones with Different Nucleophiles
Authors: Majchrzak Agnieszka , Mlostoń Grzegorz , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: May 2006

The reactions of 3‐chloro‐3‐(chlorosulfanyl)‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethylcyclobutan‐1‐one (2) with N, O, S, and P nucleophiles occur by substitution of Cl at the S‐atom. Whereas, in the cases of secondary amines, alkanols, phenols, thiols, thiophenols, and di‐ and trialkyl phosphates, the initially formed substitution products were obtained, the corresponding products with allyl and propargyl alcohols undergo a [2,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement to give allyl and allenyl sulfoxides, respectively. Analogous substitution reactions were observed when 3‐chloro‐3‐(chlorodisulfanyl)‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethylcyclobutan‐1‐one (3) was treated with N, O, and S nucleophiles. The reaction of 3 with Et3P led to an unexpected product via cleavage of the SS bond (cf. Scheme 13). In the reactions of 2 with primary amines and H2O, the substitution products react further via elimination of HCl to yield the corresponding thiocarbonyl S‐imides and the thiocarbonyl S‐oxide, respectively. Whereas the latter could be isolated, the former were not stable but could be intercepted by MeOH (Scheme 4) or adamantanethione (Scheme 5). The structures of some of the substitution products were established by X‐ray crystallography.
Cassane‐Type Diterpenes from the Seeds of Caesalpinia crista
Authors: Cheenpracha Sarot , Karalai Chatchanok , Ponglimanont Chanita , Chantrapromma Kan , Laphookhieo Surat
Published: May 2006

A new dimer 1 and two new cassane‐type diterpenes 2 and 3, designated taepeenin J–L, were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia crista L. Compound 1 possesses a dimeric vouacapane skeleton. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.
Photocycloaddition of Cyclohex‐2‐enones to Penta‐1,2,4‐triene
Authors: Lohmeyer Britta , Schmidt Kerstin , Margaretha Paul
Published: May 2006

Dihydrothiinone 9a undergoes photocycloaddition regioselectively to all three CC bonds of penta‐1,2,4‐triene (10), the relative stabilities of the biradical intermediates determining the product distribution. In contrast, cyclohexenone 9b and dihydropyranone 9c afford more complex mixtures of bicyclo[4.2.0]octanones, which also turn out to be less stable on chromatographic workup, reflecting the higher strain due to the shorter bond lengths (CO and CC vs. CS) in the six‐membered rings, respectively.
Synthetic Applications of the Baylis–Hillman Reaction: Simple and Convenient Synthesis of Five Important Insect Pheromones
Authors: Das Biswanath , Banerjee Joydeep , Chowdhury Nikhil , Majhi Anjoy , Mahender Gurram
Published: May 2006

A simple and convenient synthesis of five important insect pheromones by means of Baylis–Hillman adducts is described, i.e., of (2E,4S)‐2,4‐dimethylhex‐2‐enoic acid (1), a mandibular‐gland secretion of the male carpenter ant in the genus Camponotus, of (+)‐(S)‐manicone (2) and (+)‐(S)‐normanicone (3), two mandibular‐gland constituents of Manica ants, and of (+)‐dominicalure‐I (6) and (+)‐dominicalure‐II (7), two aggregation pheromones of the lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (F). For the first time, the potential of the Baylis–Hillman chemistry for the stereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted olefins was successfully applied to the synthesis of these pheromone compounds.
Kadsutherins A–C: Three New Dibenzocyclooctane Lignans from the Stems of Kadsura Species
Authors: Lu Yan , Chen Daofeng
Published: May 2006

Three new dibenzocyclooctane‐type lignans, kadsutherins A–C (1–3), were isolated from the stems of two Kadsura species. Their structures and configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 2D‐NMR and HR‐MS techniques. Kadsutherin C (3) is the first dibenzocyclooctane lignan without an oxygen‐containing substituent at C(2).
Arylethyl (= Phenylethanoid) Glycosides and Oligosaccharide from the Stem of Cistanche tubulosa
Authors: Tu Peng‐Fei , Song Zhi‐Hong , Shi Hai‐Ming , Jiang Yong , Zhao Yu‐Ying
Published: May 2006

Three new analogues of the arylethyl (= phenylethanoid) glycoside echinacoside (5), namely cistantubulosides A (1), B1/B2 (2a/2b), and C1/C2 (3a/3b), and one new oligosaccharide, cistantubulose A1/A2 (4a/4b), were isolated from the stems of Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) R. Wight, together with five known compounds, i.e., campneoside I, campneoside II (6), echinacoside (5), tubuloside, and cistanoside F. Among the compounds isolated, 2a/2b, 3a/3b, 4a/4b, campneoside I, campneoside II (6), and cistanoside F each consisted of a pair of epimers. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral data.
A Pair of New Nortriterpene Saponin Epimers from the Roots of Gypsophila oldhamiana
Authors: Luo Jian‐Guang , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: May 2006

A pair of new oleanane‐type nortriterpene saponin epimers, neogypsoside A (1) and B (2) (Fig. 1) with neogypsogenin A (3) and neogypsogenin B (4) as the two new aglycons, as well as the two known triterpene saponins 5 and 6 (Fig. 1), were isolated from the roots of Gypsophila oldhamiana. Their structures were determined by analysis of their NMR data. A possible biogenetic pathway to the nortriterpene saponins 1 and 2 is proposed (Scheme 2).
Triterpenoids from the Aerial Parts of Kalidium foliatum
Authors: Siddiqui Bina Shaheen , Karzhaubekova Zhanat Zhymabekovna , Burasheva Gauhar Shahmanovna , Sultanova Nurgyl Adaibaevna
Published: May 2006

Studies on the chemical constituents of the aerial parts of Kalidium foliatum led to the isolation of three new olean‐12‐ene‐23,28‐dioic acids in their either partly or fully esterified forms (Me or glucosyl (Glc) esters), which were named kalidiumoside A (1), kalidiumin (2), and kalidiumoside B (3). Their structures were elucidated through spectral studies including 2D‐NMR experiments (HMQC, HMBC, COSY, NOESY) and J‐resolved spectra. Also isolated were the two known compounds dianic acid and dianoside F, which were identified through comparison of their spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature.
Secoprezizaane Sesquiterpene Lactones from Illicium micranthum
Authors: Dong Xu‐Jun , Zhu Xiang‐Dong , Wang Yi‐Feng , Wang Qiong , Ju Peng , Luo Shide
Published: May 2006

Three new secoprezizaane sesquiterpene lactones, (1R,2S)‐1,2‐epoxyneomajucin (1), (2R)‐2‐hydroxyneomajucin (2), and (2R)‐2‐hydroxymajucin (3), along with six known compounds (4–9), were isolated from the poisonous shrub Illicium micranthum. Their structures were established by in‐depth analyses of spectroscopic and mass‐spectrometric data.
Effects of surface characteristics on infiltration patterns in an arid shrub desert
Authors: Wang Xin‐Ping , Li Xin‐Rong , Xiao Hong‐Lang , Berndtsson Ronny , Pan Yan‐Xia
Published: May 2006

Precipitation is often the sole source of water replenishment in arid and semi‐arid areas and, thus, plays a pertinent role in sustaining desert ecosystems. Revegetation over 40 years using mainly Artemisia ordosica and Caragana korshinskii at Shapotou Desert Experimental Research Station near Lanzhou, China, has established a dwarf‐shrub and microbiotic soil crust cover on the stabilized sand dunes. The redistribution of infiltrated moisture through percolation, root extraction, and evapotranspiration pathways was investigated. Three sets of time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) probes were inserted horizontally at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cm depths below the ground surface in a soil pit. The three sets of TDR probes were installed in dwarf‐shrub sites of A. ordosica and C. korshinskii community with and without a microbiotic soil crust cover, and an additional set was placed in a bare sand dune area that had neither vegetation nor a microbiotic soil crust present. Volumetric soil moisture content was recorded at hourly intervals and used in the assessment of infiltration for the different surface covers. Infiltration varied greatly, from 7·5 cm to more than 45 cm, depending upon rainfall quantity and soil surface conditions. In the shrub community area without microbiotic soil crust cover, infiltration increased due to preferential flow associated with root tunnels. The microbiotic soil crust cover had a significant negative influence on the infiltration for small rainfall events (∼10 mm), restricting the infiltration depth to less than 20 cm and increasing soil moisture content just beneath the soil profile of 10 cm, whereas it was not as strong or clear for larger rainfall events (∼60 mm). For small rainfall events, the wetting front depth for the three kinds of surface cover was as follows: shrub community without microbiotic soil crust > bare area > shrub community with microbiotic soil crust. In contrast, for large rainfall events, infiltration was similar in shrub communities with and without microbiotic soil crust cover, but significantly higher than measured in the bare area. Soil water extraction by roots associated with evapotranspiration restricted the wetting front penetration after 1 to 3 h of rainfall. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of factors influencing the availability of dissolved oxygen to incubating salmonid embryos
Authors: Greig S. M. , Sear D. A. , Carling P. A.
Published: May 2006

Previous investigations into factors influencing incubation success of salmonid progeny have largely been limited to the development of empirical relationships between characteristics of the incubation environment and survival to emergence. It is suggested that adopting a process‐based approach to assessing incubation success aids identification of the precise causes of embryonic mortalities, and provides a robust framework for developing and implementing managerial responses.

Identifying oxygen availability within the incubation environment as a limiting factor, a comprehensive review of trends in embryonic respiration, and processes influencing the flux of oxygenated water through gravel riverbeds is provided. The availability of oxygen to incubating salmonid embryos is dependent on the exchange of oxygenated water with the riverbed, and the ability of the riverbed gravel medium to transport this water at a rate and concentration appropriate to support embryonic respiratory requirements. Embryonic respiratory trends indicate that oxygen consumption varies with stage of development, ambient water temperature and oxygen availability. The flux of oxygenated water through the incubation environment is controlled by a complex interaction of intragravel and extragravel processes and factors. The processes driving the exchange of channel water with gravel riverbeds include bed topography, bed permeability, and surface roughness effects. The flux of oxygenated water through riverbed gravels is controlled by gravel permeability, coupling of surface–subsurface flow and oxygen demands imposed by materials infiltrating riverbed gravels. Temporally and spatially variable inputs of groundwater can also influence the oxygen concentration of interstitial water. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modular changes of cis‐regulatory elements from two functional Pit1 genes in the duplicated genome of Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Kausel G. , Salazar M. , Castro L. , Vera T. , Romero A. , Muller M. , Figueroa J.
Published: May 2006

The pituitary‐specific transcription factor Pit1 is involved in its own regulation and in a network of transcriptional regulation of hypothalamo‐hypophyseal factors including prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH). In the ectotherm teleost Cyprinus carpio, Pit1 plays an important role in regulation of the adaptive response to seasonal environmental changes. Two Pit1 genes exist in carp, a tetraploid vertebrate and transcripts of both genes were detected by RT‐PCR analysis. Powerful comparative analyses of the 5′‐flanking regions revealed copy specific changes comprising modular functional units in the naturally evolved promoters. These include the precise replacement of four nucleotides around the transcription start site embedded in completely conserved regions extending upstream of the TATA‐box, an additional transcription factor binding site in the 5′‐UTR of gene‐I and, instead, duplication of a 9 bp element in gene‐II. Binding of nuclear factors was assessed by electro mobility shift assays using extracts from rat pituitary cells and carp pituitary. Binding was confirmed at one conserved Pit1, one conserved CREB and one consensus MTF1. Interestingly, two functional Pit1 sites and one putative MTF1 binding site are unique to the Pit1 gene‐I. In situ hybridization experiments revealed that the expression of gene‐I in winter carp was significantly stronger than that of gene‐II. Our data suggest that the specific control elements identified in the proximal regulatory region are physiologically relevant for the function of the duplicated Pit1 genes in carp and highlight modular changes in the architecture of two Pit1 genes that evolved for at least 12 MYA in the same organism. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 905–921, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modified gas‐perturbed liquid model (GPLM) for minimum fluidization velocity in a two‐phase inverse fluidized bed reactor with Newtonian and non‐Newtonian systems
Authors: Sivasubramanian V , Velan M
Published: May 2006

In the present investigation minimum fluidization velocity, Umf, in a two‐phase inverse fluidized bed reactor is determined using low‐density polyethylene and polypropylene particles of different diameters (4,6 and 8 mm) by measuring pressure drop. In a glycerol system Umf decreased gradually with increase in viscosity up to a value of 6.11 mPa s (60%) and on further increase there was a slight increase in Umf. In the case of the glycerol system the Umf was found to be higher when compared to water. In the non‐Newtonian system (carboxymethylcellulose), Umf decreased with increase in concentration in the range of the present study. The Umf was found to be lower when compared to water as liquid phase. The modified gas‐perturbed liquid model was used to predict the minimum fluidization liquid velocity (Ulmf) for Newtonian and non‐Newtonian systems. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation, identification and seasonal distribution of soilborne fungi in tea growing areas of Iyidere‐Ikizdere vicinity (Rize‐Turkey)
Authors: Karaoglu Sengul Alpay , Ulker Serdar
Published: May 2006

This study involves the isolation and identification of soil borne fungi from different altitudes of Iyidere‐Ikizdere vicinity in Rize, Turkey. The qualitative and quantitative fungal composition of the soil of Iyidere‐Ikizdere vicinity was surveyed seasonally during a year (between summer 2003 and spring 2004). The soil samples were collected from 10 different locations. Some physical and chemical properties of the soil samples were studied. Soil samples were observed to have the proper pH levels (pH 4.00–6.75) for the growth of microfungi. By using a soil dilution technique, the mycological analysis of 40 soil samples were studied at 25 cm depth. The number of microfungi ranged from 2,000–160,000 CFU g–1. 249 different microfungi belonging to 15 genera were isolated. 45 of the isolates were Mycelia Sterilia. Penicillium , Aspergillus , Trichoderma and Fusarium were the most abundant genera (26.8%, 14.8%, 9.6% and 8.4%, respectively). Penicillium phialosporum, Penicillium trzebinskianum and Gliocladium virens were reported for the first time in Turkey. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Practical thin layer chromatography techniques for diaminopimelic acid and whole cell sugar analyses in the classification of environmental actinomycetes
Authors: Schön Renate , Groth Ingrid
Published: May 2006

For the determination of diaminopimelic acid (DAP) stereoisomers in whole cell hydrolysates as chemotaxonomic markers of actinomycetes, two new pyridine‐free solvent systems for TLC on cellulose sheets have been introduced: methanol/0.05 m potassium hydrogenphthalate buffer pH 4 2:1 (v/v) and methanol/0.12 m dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) in H2O pH 6 2:1 (v/v). The commercial (Sigma) DAP standard can be separated by repeated TLC into its three stereoisomers. Addition of a single stereoisomer to the samples supported the detection (presence or absence) of the relevant stereoisomer by HPLC. In the study on whole cell sugars, TLC both on cellulose and on silica gel revealed to be successful in the separation of the components in modified pyridine‐free solvent systems. The procedures of DAP and sugar analyses are summarized in two flow‐charts. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Separating climatic and possible human impacts in the early Holocene: biotic response around the time of the 8200 cal. yr BP event
Authors: Edwards Kevin J. , Langdon Peter G. , Sugden Heather
Published: May 2006

The early Holocene is characterised by rapid climate change events, which in the North Atlantic region are often associated with changes in thermohaline circulation. Superimposed on this in northwest Europe is localised evidence for human impact on the landscape, although separating climatic and anthropogenic mechanisms for environmental change is often difficult. Biotic and sedimentological evidence from a lacustrine sequence from the Inner Hebrides, Scotland, shows a considerable reduction in inferred local woodland centred upon 8250 cal. yr BP. These data correlate precisely with a distinctive rise in the charcoal:pollen ratio and hence suggest a possible Mesolithic human impact upon the vegetation around this time. A quantitative temperature reconstruction from chironomid analyses from the same sequence, supported by sedimentological data, indicates that the fall in arboreal pollen taxa occurred as climate warmed significantly during the early Holocene. This warming was followed by a significant cold event, with mean July temperatures reduced by 2°C, that lasted for at least 320 years ca. 7790–7470 cal. yr BP. Woodland recovered during this phase suggesting that the vegetation during the 8250 cal. yr BP interval was likely to have been responding to human activity, and not climate, and hence it is possible at specific sites to separate the influence of these key drivers of environmental change. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preneoplastic lesions in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Roa Iván , de Aretxabala Xabier , Araya Juan C. , Roa Juan
Published: May 2006

Background

Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon disease except in countries like Chile and areas of India and Japan. The knowledge regarding the etiology and mechanisms through which this neoplasia is developed is significantly less compared to other malignant tumors.

Results

The epithelial lesions involved in gallbladder carcinogenesis are dysplasia and adenomas that represent two biologically distinct carcinogenetic models. Dysplasia progresses to carcinoma in situ (CIS) and subsequently becomes invasive. Over 80% of invasive gallbladder cancers present areas adjacent to the CIS and epithelial dysplasia. Other authors have demonstrated adenomatous areas in carcinomas, or malignant transformation in an adenoma. The low incidence of gallbladder adenomas (0.14% of cholecystectomies) and the presence of adenomatous remnants in the neighboring mucosa to early carcinomas in less than 3% of the cases suggest the limited importance of this carcinogenic pathway. Epithelial dysplasia which is not associated with gallbladder cancer is observed in approximately 1% of cholecystectomies for symptomatic lithiasis. Metaplasia, dysplasia, and CIS are present in the mucosa adjacent to the cancer in 66%, 81.3%, and 69%, respectively. The average ages of patients with dysplasia not associated to cancer (51.9 years), early carcinomas (56.8 years), and advanced carcinomas (62.9 years) demonstrate a gradient which suggests the progression of these lesions.

Conclusions

From the morphological point of view, the dysplasia–carcinoma sequence is the most plausible carcinogenic pathway for gallbladder cancer, a process which would require a period of approximately 10 years. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:615–623. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution of silent gallstones in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Tewari Mallika
Published: May 2006

Silent (asymptomatic) gallstones are detected frequently with the widespread use of abdominal ultrasonography. The presence of gallstones is found strongly associated with gallbladder carcinoma. Studies on the natural history and most decision analysis studies do not favor prophylactic cholecystectomy for patients with silent gallstones. Gallbladder carcinoma is known to be highly aggressive and lethal disease with a poor outcome. It is rarely diagnosed early and only 10–30% patients are offered radical surgery on presentation. This has lead to a dilemma leading most surgeons to opt for an expectant management of silent gallstones. It thus raises the important question of the implications of leaving asymptomatic gallstones untouched. In this paper the author has reviewed the current understanding on silent gallstones and gallbladder carcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:629–632. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infection as a risk factor for gallbladder cancer
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Shailendra , Kumar Surender
Published: May 2006

Gallbladder cancer is a common hepato‐biliary malignancy with poor prognosis. The main associated risk factors identified so far include cholelithiasis (especially mixed gall stone), chronic infections of the gallbladder, obesity, reproductive factors, diet, hepato‐biliary anamolies, and environmental exposure to specific chemicals. Genetic and molecular predisposing factors have also been described. This article reviews the association of chronic infection and gallbladder cancer. Most of the studies have shown a good association of mixed bacterial and Salmonella infections in the carcinogenesis of cancer gallbladder especially in the area of high endemicity of typhoid. Bacterial degradation of bile and chronic inflammation may also play some role in the carcinogenic process. Mutations in multiple tumor suppressor gene and oncogenes (P53 and K‐ras) have also been found in a few studies. This review seeks to bring out many hidden infective etiological aspects of the pathogenesis of gallbladder cancer. Review of the entire published literature suggests a need for further studies for better understanding of the disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:633–639. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Environmental pollutants in gallbladder carcinogenesis
Authors: Pandey Manoj
Published: May 2006

Gallbladder cancer is a common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract that shows wide geographical variation in its distribution. Cause of gallbladder cancer is still obscure; however, various etiological factors have been proposed. Of these gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder is commonest. Despite three decades of active research no conclusive evidence is available as to what causes gallbladder cancer? In this article we reviewed the evidence on the role of environmental pollutants on gallbladder carcinogenesis. A detailed search of Medline was carried out which revealed only 12 articles. A number of heavy metals like nickel, cadmium, etc. have been implicated; however, the evidence is not robust enough to conclude its association. Role of radiation and pesticides in river water have also been evaluated without any conclusive evidence of its association with gallbladder cancer. Better designed case‐control studies or cohort studies looking at exposure are required before it could be accepted as one of the causes of GBC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:640–643. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and gallbladder cancer
Authors: Steinert Ralf , Nestler Gerd , Sagynaliev Emil , Müller Jörg , Lippert Hans , Reymond Marc‐André
Published: May 2006

Heightened awareness of the possible presence of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and the knowledge of appropriate management are important for surgeons practising laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Long‐term effects of initial LC versus open cholecystectomy (OC) on the prognosis of patients with GBC remain undefined. Patients who are suspected to have GBC should not undergo LC, since it is advantageous to perform the en‐bloc radical surgery at the initial operation. Since preoperative diagnosis of early GBC is difficult, preventive measures, such as preventing bile spillage and bagging the gallbladder should be applied for every LC. Many port‐site recurrences (PSR) have been reported after LC, but the incidence of wound recurrence is not higher than after OC. No radical procedure is required after postoperative diagnosis of incidental pT1a GBC. It is unclear if patients with pT1b GBC require extended cholecystectomy. In pT2 GBC, patients should have radical surgery (atypical or segmental liver resection and lymphadenectomy). In advanced GBC (pT3 and pT4), radical surgery can cure only a small subset of patients, if any. Additional port‐site excision is recommended, but the effectiveness of such measure is debated. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:682–689. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) with Tetramethyl Polycarbonate and Poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) Blends Using Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy
Authors: Madbouly Samy A. , Abdou Nahed Y. , Mansour Ashraf A.
Published: May 2006

Summary: Phase behavior and isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) blends with tetramethyl polycarbonate (TMPC) and poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) with 27.5 wt.‐% acrylonitrile content have been investigated using broadband dielectric spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter. An LCST‐type phase diagram has been observed for PCL/SAN blend while all the different blend compositions of PCL/TMPC were optically clear without any phase separation structure even at high temperatures up to 300 °C. The composition dependence of Tgs for both blends has been well described by the Gordon‐Taylor equation. The phase diagram of PCL/SAN was theoretically calculated using the Flory‐Huggins equation considering that the interaction parameter is temperature and composition dependent. The equilibrium melting point of PCL depressed in the blend and the magnitude of the depression was found to be composition dependent. The interaction parameters of PCL with TMPC and SAN could not be calculated from the melting point depression based on Nishi‐Wang approach. The isothermal crystallization kinetics of PCL and in different blends was also investigated as a function of crystallization temperature using broadband dielectric spectroscopy. For pure PCL the rate of crystallization was found to be crystallization temperature (Tc) dependent, i.e., the higher the Tc, the lower the crystallization rate. The crystallization kinetics of PCL/TMPC blend was much slower than that of PCL/SAN at a constant crystallization temperature. This behavior was attributed to the fact that PCL is highly interacted with TMPC than SAN and consequently the stronger the interaction the higher the depression in the crystallization kinetics. It was also attributed to the different values of Tg of TMPC (191 °C) and SAN (100 °C); therefore, the tendency for crystallization decreases upon increasing the Tg of the amorphous component in the blend. The analysis of the isothermal crystallization kinetics was carried out using the theoretical approach of Avrami. The value of Avrami exponent was almost constant in the pure state and in the blends indicating that blending simply retarded the crystallization rate without affecting the crystallization mechanism.

Dielectric constant, ε′, of pure PCL, blends of PCL/TMPC = 80/20 and PCL/SAN = 80/20 as a function of crystallization time at 47 °C and 1 kHz.

magnified image

Dielectric constant, ε′, of pure PCL, blends of PCL/TMPC = 80/20 and PCL/SAN = 80/20 as a function of crystallization time at 47 °C and 1 kHz.
A High‐Throughput Method for Determining the Stability of Pigment Dispersions
Authors: Merrington James , Hodge Philip , Yeates Stephen
Published: May 2006

Summary: An approach for the high‐throughput preparation and characterisation of aqueous pigment dispersions is described and evaluated. The use of ultrasonication as a rapid technique for dispersing pigments using polymeric dispersants was developed. The results are comparable to those obtained using time‐intensive conventional high‐energy ball mill processing. The quality of the pigment dispersion was evaluated in a high‐throughput fashion using digital image analysis and the results correlated with particle sizes, determined by photo‐correlation spectroscopy.

Cuvettes containing dispersions of varying particle size.

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Cuvettes containing dispersions of varying particle size.
Stereoelectronic and inductive effects on 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of some cis‐1,3‐disubstituted cyclohexanes
Authors: de Oliveira Paulo R. , Tasic Ljubica , Rocco Silvana A. , Rittner Roberto
Published: May 2006

This work presents the substituent effects on the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts in the cis‐isomer of 3‐Y‐cyclohexanols (Y = Cl, Br, I, CH3, N(CH3)2 and OCH3) and 3‐Y‐1‐methoxycyclohexanes (Y = F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, N(CH3)2 and OCH3). It was observed that the H‐3 chemical shift, due to the substituent α‐effect, increases with the increase of substituent electronegativity when Y is from the second row of the periodic table of elements, (CH3 <N(CH3)2 <OCH3 <F) and decreases with the increase of electronegativity when Y is a halogen (Cl < Br < I). The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis showed that the α‐effect on the H‐3 chemical shift increases with the decrease of nY → *σC3H3a interaction energy. This interaction energy, for the halogenated compounds, decreases with an increase in size of the halogen, and this is a possible reason for the largest measured chemical shift for H‐3 of the iodo‐derivatives. The β‐effect of the analyzed compounds showed that the chemical shift of hydrogens at C‐2 and C‐4 increases with the decrease of nY → *σC2C3 and nY → *σC3C4 interaction energies, respectively, showing a behavior similar to H‐3. The α‐effect on 13C chemical shifts correlates well with substituent electronegativity, while the β‐effect is inversely related to electronegativity in halogenated compounds. NBO analysis indicated that the substituent inductive effect is the predominant effect on 13C NMR chemical shift changes for the α‐carbon. It was also observed that C‐2 and C‐4 chemical shifts for compounds with N(CH3)2, OCH3 and F are more shielded in comparison to the compounds having a halogen, most probably because of the larger interaction of the lone pair of more electronegative atoms (nN > nO > nF) with *σC2C3, *σC3C4 and *σC3H3a in comparison with the same type of interaction with the lone pair of the other halogens. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellular MRI contrast via coexpression of transferrin receptor and ferritin
Authors: Deans Abby E. , Wadghiri Youssef Zaim , Bernas Lisa M. , Yu Xin , Rutt Brian K. , Turnbull Daniel H.
Published: May 2006

Recently there has been growing interest in the development and use of iron‐based contrast agents for cellular imaging with MRI. In this study we investigated coexpression of the transferrin receptor and ferritin genes to induce cellular contrast in a biological system. Expression of transgenic human transferrin receptor and human ferritin H‐subunit was induced in a stably transfected mouse neural stem cell line. When grown in iron‐rich medium, the transgenic cells accumulated significantly more iron than control cells, with a trend toward an increase in reactive oxygen species, but no detrimental effects on cell viability. This cellular iron significantly increased the transverse relaxivities, R2 and R, at 1.5 T and 7 T. By comparing measurements in the same cell samples at 1.5 T and 7 T, we confirmed the expected increase in relaxivity with increasing field strength. Finally, supplemented transgenic cells transplanted into mouse brain demonstrated increased contrast with surrounding neural tissue on T‐weighted MR brain images compared to controls. These results indicate that dual expression of proteins at different critical points in the iron metabolism pathway may improve cellular contrast without compromising cell viability. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reducing gradient imperfections for spiral magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyun , Spielman Daniel M.
Published: May 2006

Spiral k‐space magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) requires high performance from gradient hardware systems. During the readout phase, oscillating gradients are continuously played out, which can cause undesired effects. These effects on the quality of SI data are non‐intuitive because of their time‐varying nature. In this work we describe the effects of undesirable gradient performance on SI. Measurements of the true readout trajectories were performed and the results were then used in the reconstruction process. The effects of these imperfections resulted in a spatially and spectrally varying amplitude and frequency modulation. The use of the measured trajectories in the reconstruction process yielded an up to 20% increase in signal amplitude recovery. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Bristol Royal Infirmary physiotherapy programme for the management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Domaille Melissa , Mascarenhas Ravik , Dayal Nimesh , Kirwan John
Published: May 2006

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether comparable outcomes can be achieved when research evidence is translated into clinical practice in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

An evidence‐based physiotherapy programme for the management of OA of the knee was established at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI). It incorporated both group education and exercise into a six week course. Outcomes from the programme were measured using the WOMAC self‐evaluated questionnaire which is sub‐divided into pain, stiffness and function sections with an additional visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain in each knee. Outcomes from the BRI programme were compared with those reported in four papers which used similar interventions and evaluation tools. A reduction in pain (VAS) of 43% was demonstrated following this programme compared with a mean reduction of 16% reported in the other programmes investigated.

It is concluded that favourable outcomes for patients can be achieved by implementing evidence into practice, e.g. in the BRI knee programme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheumatology nurse practitioners' perceptions of their role
Authors: Goh Leslie , Samanta Jo , Samanta Ash
Published: May 2006

Objectives: To identify the current practices of rheumatology nurse practitioners and ascertain their perceptions of how their role could be enhanced.

Method: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study of currently employed nurse practitioners in rheumatology in the United Kingdom (UK) was undertaken.

Results: 200 questionnaires were distributed and 118 nurses responded. Ninety‐five respondents met the inclusion criteria for undertaking an advanced nursing role. Typical conditions dealt with included: rheumatoid arthritis (96.8%); psoriatic arthritis (95.8%); osteoarthritis (63.2%); ankylosing spondylitis (62.8%); systemic lupus erythematosus (51.6%); and scleroderma (34.7%). Drug monitoring, education, counselling of patients and arranging basic investigations were routinely performed by more than 80% of respondents. A smaller proportion performed an extended role that included dealing with referrals, research and audit, the administration of intra‐articular injections, and admission of patients.

Specific attributes identified as being necessary for competence were: knowledge and understanding of rheumatic diseases (48.4%); drug therapy (33.7%); good communication skills (35.8%); understanding of the roles of the team (27.4%); working effectively (23.2%) as part of a multidisciplinary team; assessment of patients by physical examination (28.4%); teaching (26.3%), research (17.9%); organizational skills (14.7%); and the interpretation of investigations (9.5%). Factors that could enhance their role included: attendance at postgraduate courses (30.5%); obtaining further qualifications (13.7%); active participation in the delivery of medical education (41.1%); training in practical procedures (31.6%); protected time and resources for audit and research (11.6%); formal training in counselling (11.6%); and implementation of nurse prescribing (10.5%).

Conclusion: Nurse practitioners already have a wide remit and play an invaluable part in the delivery of modern rheumatology services. An extended role could improve patient care and enhance nursing career pathways in rheumatology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why do patients with rheumatoid arthritis use complementary therapies?
Authors: Rose Ginny
Published: May 2006

Objectives: (1) to develop an understanding as to how the use of complementary therapy (CT) affects a patient's perspective of health and well‐being, (2) to offer the rheumatology professional insight and understanding as to why a patient chooses to use a CT, and (3) to raise awareness as to the forms of CT most commonly used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: This qualitative study was based on phenomenological principles applied through focused inquiry to develop an understanding of the lived experience of the study participants. The inclusion criteria of an established diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and known use of CT were applied to a convenience sample of patients attending a rheumatology outpatient department clinic on two consecutive days. Of the 15 eligible patients identified, five were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Narrative data were collected through analysis of transcripts taken from audiotape recordings of unstructured interviews with study participants. A manual indexing system was used to develop four significant categorisation themes to reflect the findings: (1) incentives to use CT, (2) perceived benefits of CT use, (3) the choice of CT used, and (4) perceived disadvantages and risks of CT use.

Results: Incentives to use CT included dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, often in the form of side effects, and drug ineffectiveness. Social factors, such as loss of employment and social activities, were also indicated, as were psychological changes in the form of depression, hopelessness and fear. Perceived benefits were categorised as either physical or psychological with associated aspects of choice and control viewed as important elements of personal empowerment. The choice of CT used fell into three categories; physical, spiritual and herbal. The most commonly used of these were herbal remedies and supplements, closely followed by aromatherapy massage. Disadvantages and risks were identified as physical (pain and discomfort), psychological (fear and uncertainty), and/or material (cost).

Conclusions: This study suggests that regular use of CT by patients with rheumatoid arthritis offers holistic benefits. Compared to conventional treatments, CT is seen to have advantages in terms of a lower incidence of adverse reactions, greater patient choice, psychological comfort and an increased quality of the patient/therapist relationship. The use of CT by patients with rheumatoid arthritis indicates a need for evidence‐based information about its use and safety in order to direct practice within a rheumatology department. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelin‐A‐receptor antagonist LU 302146 inhibits electrostimulation‐induced bladder contractions in vivo
Authors: Scheepe J.R. , van den Hoek J. , Jünemann K.P. , Alken P.
Published: May 2006

Objectives

Endothelin (ET) is a strong constrictor of smooth muscle structures. The relevance of Endothelin‐A receptors in the bladder was demonstrated in several in vitro studies. The aim of this functional study was to evaluate the acute effect of the selective ET‐A‐antagonist LU 302146 (LU) on neurostimulation‐induced bladder contractions in vivo.

Methods

Eight male mini pigs were anesthesized. The bladder was exposed and a double lumen catheter was inserted to perform intravesical pressure (pves) measurements. Laminectomy was performed for sacral anterior root stimulation (SARS) of S2. Four animals received the selective ET‐A‐antagonist LU, three atropine and one animal was treated with vehicle. Pves was recorded before and after drug administration as well as before and during neurostimulation. At the end of each LU trial, a supplementary application of 4 mg atropine was administered followed by a final SARS.

Results

In all experiments reproducible pves values were elicited during electrostimulation before administration of the test substance. The selective ET‐A‐antagonist reduced stimulation‐induced bladder contraction by a mean of 57%. Additional administration of atropine inhibited the detrusor contraction almost completely during SARS. The vehicle had no effect on bladder contraction.

Conclusions

In the presented animal model, ET‐1 inhibition with the selective ET receptor‐A‐antagonist LU 302146 decreases stimulation‐induced bladder contraction in vivo. The results suggest that the selective ET‐A antagonist LU acts on the atropine‐resistant component of efferent detrusor activation since additional administration of atropine almost completely abolish detrusor contraction. This observation in addition to the involvement of ET‐1 in bladder smooth muscle proliferation, raises the possibility that ET‐receptor antagonists might be beneficial in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction or in patients with functional or anatomical BOO. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating age by tooth wear of prehistoric human remains in Brazilian archaeological sites
Authors: Oliveira R. N. , Silva S. F. S. M. , Kawano A. , Antunes J. L. F.
Published: May 2006

The occlusal surfaces of 298 permanent maxillary and mandibular molar teeth of prehistoric shellfish‐gatherer subjects from the Piaçaguera and Tenorio sites (4930 to 1875 BP), near the central‐northern coastline of São Paulo, Brazil, were examined for classification of macro‐wear stages. Molar tooth wear is an indication of masticatory activity and can be used in the estimation of age at death. The examination of visual and schematic aspects of occlusal macro‐wear used a visual chart proposed by Brothwell, which includes the three superior and inferior, left and right, permanent molars. Three examiners performed the macroscopic observations twice under the same conditions. The resulting age estimates were compared with previous information of age estimated by skeletal examination. A reduced intra‐ and inter‐observer variation was observed; all re‐examinations indicated discrepancies of less than two years for the upper and lower limit of the age range estimates. The procedure was also considered consistent with the skeletal method used for age estimation of human remains excavated in Brazilian archaeological shell mounds, with a discrepancy of less than 8.22 years between the upper and lower limits of estimates by both methods. Age classification by the occlusal molar wear may be a useful tool for the classification of archaeological findings, mainly when only fragmentary skeletal remains are excavated. The current results indicate that the application of the Brothwell chart for Brazilian archaeological series presented satisfactory results of consistency, and its expanded use may represent a relevant adjunct for research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nephrotoxicity of cisplatin and carboplatin in sarcoma patients: A report from the late effects surveillance system
Authors: Stöhr W. , Paulides M. , Bielack S. , Jürgens H. , Koscielniak E. , Rossi R. , Langer T. , Beck J.D.
Published: May 2006

Background

Cisplatin and carboplatin are both nephrotoxic and can induce, to a different degree, impairment in glomerular function and hypomagnesemia. Prospective longitudinal studies on these renal impairments are rare in children and adolescents.

Procedure

Six hundred and fifty one sarcoma patients were investigated prospectively for nephrotoxicity in the Late Effects Surveillance System (LESS) network (median follow‐up 2 years). Median cumulative dose was 360 mg/m2 for cisplatin, and 1,500 mg/m2 for carboplatin. Patients not treated with any platinum derivative were used as controls. Most patients (including controls) also received ifosfamide. Renal function was tested by serum magnesium, serum creatinine, and the GFR as estimated by the Schwartz formula. We evaluated incidence, dependencies, and the course of impairments.

Results

There was no observed platinum‐induced reduction of glomerular function over time. After cessation of antineoplastic therapy, hypomagnesemia (<0.7 mmol/L) occurred in 12.1% (95% CI: 6.8%–19.4%) of patients after cisplatin therapy, and in 15.6% (95% CI: 5.3%–32.8%) after carboplatin therapy, in comparison with 4.5% (95% CI: 2.0%–8.7%) in patients without any treatment with platinum derivatives (P = 0.008). In all groups, the frequency of hypomagnesemia decreased with ongoing follow‐up, but serum magnesium remained lower in platinum treated patients throughout the study period.

Conclusion

Nephrotoxicity after treatment with cisplatin and carboplatin was mild in our study. Further studies have to show if serum magnesium is permanently decreased in platinum treated patients and if this will result in any clinically relevant impairment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:140–147. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.