bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein tryptic digests analyzed by carrier ampholyte‐based capillary electrophoresis coupled to ESI‐MS
Authors: Busnel Jean‐Marc , Descroix Stéphanie , Le Saux Thomas , Terabe Shigeru , Hennion Marie‐Claire , Peltre Gabriel
Published: March 2006

In this study, narrow pH cuts of carrier ampholytes have been used as buffers in CE for the analysis of protein tryptic digests. Their low conductivity allows very efficient separations under high electric field strength without inducing any significant Joule heating. In this study, the capabilities of narrow pH cuts of carrier ampholytes for the separation of protein tryptic digests have been assessed. Three proteins of different molecular masses have been studied: cytochrome C (horse heart), β‐lactoglobulin B (bovine) and human transferrin. Efficient, rapid and repeatable separations of the peptides resulting from the tryptic digestion have been achieved in this buffer. Moreover, the feasibility of the coupling of carrier ampholyte‐based capillary electrophoresis with ESI‐MS has been demonstrated through the study of the cytochrome C tryptic digest.
Immobilization of phospholipid‐avidin on fused‐silica capillaries for chiral separation in open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Han Nan‐Yin , Hautala Jari T. , Bo Tao , Wiedmer Susanne K. , Riekkola Marja‐Liisa
Published: March 2006

Phospholipid‐coated fused‐silica capillaries with immobilized avidin were applied in the chiral separation of D,L‐tryptophan, D,L‐PTH‐serine, and D,L‐PTH‐threonine at pH 7.4 by open‐tubular CEC. Liposomes prepared from 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine, 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐(Cap biotinyl), or 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐(Biotinyl) with different amounts of phosphatidylserine were assessed as phospholipid coating materials. The stability of the coating and the success of the coating procedure were evaluated in terms of the repeatability of the enantiomer migration times and the resolution of enantiomers. The coating procedure itself significantly affected the migration times and resolution of the enantiomers. Reliable chiral separations with high separation efficiencies were achieved through careful choice of the coating method.
Kernel estimates of hazard functions for carcinoma data sets
Authors: Horová Ivana , Zelinka Jiří , Budíková Marie
Published: March 2006

The present article focuses on kernel estimates of hazard functions and their derivatives. Our approach is based on the model introduced by Müller and Wang (1990). In order to estimate the hazard function in an effective manner an automatic procedure in a paper by Horová et al. (2002) is applied. The procedure chooses a bandwidth, a kernel and an order of a kernel. As a by‐product we propose a special procedure for the estimation of the optimal bandwidth. This is applied to the carcinoma data sets kindly provided by the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute in Brno. Attention is also paid to the points of the most rapid change of the hazard function. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stream health index for the Puget Sound Lowland
Authors: Chiu Grace , Guttorp Peter
Published: March 2006

Stream health is often measured by the multimetric benthic index of biotic integrity (B‐IBI). For Puget Sound Lowland (PSL) streams, the B‐IBI comprises ten metrics which quantify the well‐being of benthic inhabitants of the stream. Each metric is converted to a score of 1, 3 or 5, where a higher value indicates a healthier stream with respect to the metric. Summing the metric scores yields the B‐IBI. Stream health is then rated as very poor, poor, fair, good or excellent according to the index value.

Different metrics may be measured on different scales. A scoring scheme is therefore required to standardize values across metrics. Conventional scoring for the B‐IBI metrics requires subjective and space/time‐dependent input on the cutoff points for discretizing each metric. In contrast, simple statistical standardization (centering and division by the standard deviation) appears to be more natural, is non‐study‐specific, and maps the metric space onto a continuous scale centered at 0. Comprising the same ten metrics of the PSL B‐IBI, our stream health index for the Puget Sound Lowland (SHIPSL) is the sum of all statistically standardized scores. We use benthic taxonomy data on field samples from 1997 to develop a SHIPSL‐based rating scheme of grades A to F for stream health. We also discuss an alternative version of SHIPSL defined using ‘gold‐standard’ values.

Bootstrap simulations are used to compare the performance of the two versions of SHIPSL to B‐IBI in reflecting PSL stream health. Results show that both versions of SHIPSL are more efficient in measuring stream health. Without sacrificing information on underlying biological conditions, SHIPSL reduce bias and variability of the health index, and eliminates sensitivity of the rating to slight changes in the metric scoring scheme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A resampling technique for estimating the power of non‐parametric trend tests
Authors: Nordgaard Anders , Grimvall Anders
Published: March 2006

The power of Mann–Kendall tests and other non‐parametric trend tests is normally estimated by performing Monte Carlo simulations in which artificial data are generated according to simple parametric models. Here we introduce a resampling technique for power assessments that can be fully automated and accommodate almost any variation in the collected time series data. A rank regression model is employed to extract error terms representing irregular variation in data that are collected over several seasons and may contain a non‐linear trend. Thereafter, an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) bootstrap method is used to generate new time series of error terms for power simulations. A study of water quality data from two Swedish rivers illustrates how our method can provide site‐ and variable‐specific information about the power of the Hirsch and Slack test for monotonic trends. In particular, we show how to clarify the impact of sampling frequency on the power of the trend tests. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making environment statistics useful: a Third World perspective
Authors: Polfeldt Thomas
Published: March 2006

On a background of the growth of environmental awareness in developing countries, the data situation is briefly discussed, and the development of environment statistics is traced. It is argued that these statistics must be seen to be useful, and that vital steps to achieve this is through detailed analysis of environmental policies, training in environmental subjects and increased dialogue between users and producers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Power comparison of generalizations of the mean test for affected sib pairs in case of incompletely informative markers
Authors: Knapp Michael
Published: March 2006

Previously applied test statistics for affected sib pairs (ASP) have been criticized for not fully exploiting the power of a given sample, because they do not account for incomplete informativity of an affected sib pair. To circumvent this problem, recently a new test had been proposed which weighs families proportional to their marker informativity. Here, the behavior of this new test is explored under scenarios considered to be relevant in the context of complex diseases. The results show that the new test does not represent an improvement. The asymptotic version of the new test tends to be markedly anti‐conservative even for larger sample sizes, whereas the permutation procedure proposed for the simulation of exact P values is at least questionable. Most importantly, the new test is less powerful than its competitors, especially in case of low marker informativity it was designed for. Genet. Epidemiol. 30: 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Energy density analysis of cluster size dependence of surface–molecule interactions (II): Formate adsorption onto a Cu(111) surface
Authors: Nakai Hiromi , Kikuchi Yasuaki
Published: March 2006

Adsorption of formate (HCOO) onto a Cu(111) surface has been treated theoretically using 18 kinds of Cun (6 ≤ n ≤ 56) clusters. The energy density analysis (EDA) proposed by Nakai has been adopted to examine surface–molecule interactions for different cluster sizes. EDA results for the largest model cluster Cu56 have shown that the adsorption‐induced energy density variation in Cu atoms decays with distance from the adsorption site. Analysis of this decay, which can be carried out using the EDA technique, is important because it enables verification of the reliability of the model cluster used. In the case of formate adsorption onto the Cu(111) surface, it is found that at least a four‐layer model cluster is necessary to treat the surface–molecule interaction with chemical accuracy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 917–925, 2006
Subcutaneous angioleiomyomas: Gray‐scale and color Doppler sonographic appearances
Authors: Gomez‐Dermit Vanesa , Gallardo E. , Landeras R. , Echevarría Fernández , Barredo R. García
Published: March 2006

Purpose:

To describe the gray‐scale Doppler and sonographic features of a series of subcutaneous angioleiomyomas.

Methods:

The sonographic appearances of 10 pathologically proven angioleiomyomas were retrospectively reviewed; 4 in women and 6 in men, with an age range from 33 to 77 years. We evaluated size, shape, echo pattern, margins, location, relationships with adjacent structures, and vascularity. Examinations were performed using a multifrequency linear array transducer (9–11 MHz) connected to a Logiq 500 scanner (GE, Milwaukee, Wl).

Results:

All tumors were subcutaneous and located in the extremities (7 in the lower extremities, 3 in the upper extremities). The sizes ranged from 0.6 to 6.4 cm, with an average size of 2 cm. All of the lesions were hypoechoic with well‐defined margins, and 9 were oval. Intratumoral calcifications were observed in two patients. Vascularity was easily detected in all of them, and 4 tumors had a clear vascular pedicle. The spectral Doppler analysis performed in 5 cases, revealing a low‐resistance arterial waveform in 4 patients.

Conclusions:

Although angioleiomyomas are uncommon soft tissue tumors, the presence of a well‐defined, hypoechoic, vascular subcutaneous tumor in the extremities should raise the possibility of such a diagnosis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:50–54, 2006
Hemodynamic effects of subclavian steal phenomenon on contralateral vertebral artery
Authors: Tan Teng‐Yeow , Schminke Ulf , Chen Ting‐Yao
Published: March 2006

Purpose:

Increased blood flow velocity in the contralateral vertebral artery (VA) is a common finding in subclavian steal syndrome, but its clinical relevance is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of velocity increase in the contralateral VA correlated with the severity of the steal.

Methods:

In a retrospective study of 62 patients with subclavian steal phenomenon and 62 sex‐ and age‐matched controls, we analyzed the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (MV), resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) of the Doppler spectrum of the VA contralateral to the subclavian steal phenomenon. Clinical information including sex, age, comorbidities and Doppler data were recorded from the sonography registration form.

Results:

In patients with subclavian steal syndrome, Doppler spectral analysis showed a complete reversal of flow in the VA in 29 patients (group A) and an alternating flow in 33 patients (group B). The PSV, MV, RI, and PI of the contralateral VA of patients from both groups were higher than in controls (p < 0.01 for both comparisons). The PSV, EDV, and MV in the contralateral VA were higher in patients with reversed flow compared with those with alternating flow (p < 0.05). Comparisons of clinical symptoms and comorbidities between the two groups did not yield significant findings.

Conclusions:

The degree of flow velocity increase in the contralateral VA artery correlates well with the severity of subclavian steal phenomenon. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:77–81, 2006
Relationships of transcranial blood flow Doppler parameters with major vascular risk factors: TCD study in patients with a recent TIA or nondisabling ischemic stroke
Authors: Wijnhoud Annemarie D. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Dippel Diederik W.J.
Published: March 2006

Purpose:

The relationship between intracranial vascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and total serum cholesterol in patients with recent cerebral ischemia is not well established. We used transcranial Doppler (TCD) sonography tests as parameters of intracranial vascular disease and investigated the relationship between these parameters and conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods:

We prospectively studied 598 patients with a minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). In all patients, flow velocities in the left and right middle cerebral artery (MCA), and cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 were measured by means of TCD sonography. Student's t‐test and linear regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between the baseline characteristics, vascular risk factors, and TCD parameters.

Results:

After adjustment for other vascular risk factors, a statistically significant relationship with mean flow velocity in the MCA was found for age (3.5 cm/s/10 years of age; 95% CI, 2.5–4.5 cm/s/10 years of age; p < 0.0001), sex (−2.9 cm/s for male sex; 95% CI, −5.5 to −0.3 cm/s; p = 0.03), diabetes (5.6 cm/s for diabetics; 95% CI, 2.1–9.1 cm/s; p = 0.002), and total serum cholesterol (2.4 cm/s per mmol increase in total serum cholesterol; 95% CI, 1.4–3.5 cm/s; p < 0.0001). Total serum cholesterol and hypertension were related to cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2.

Conclusions:

Cerebral flow velocity is influenced by multiple interacting factors. Results of TCD investigations should be adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, and cholesterol when used for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:70–76, 2006
Association between varicocele and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Erdogmus Besir , Yazici Burhan , Balbay Oner , Annakkaya Ali Nihat , Ozdere Betul Ayca , Bulut Ismet
Published: March 2006

Purpose:

To evaluate the relationship between varicocele and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) via color duplex sonography.

Materials and Methods:

Forty‐four male patients with COPD (age range, 50–89 years; mean ± SD, 66 ± 9) and 44 male healthy controls (age range, 47–75 years; mean ± SD, 65 ± 6) were evaluated with color duplex sonography for unilateral or bilateral varicocele.

Results:

The incidence of right, left, and bilateral varicocele was 47.7%, 65.9%, and 38.6% respectively, in the COPD group, versus 22.7%, 52.3%, and 13.6% in the control group. The incidence of right and bilateral varicocele in the COPD group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of varicocele also increased with increase in COPD severity.

Conclusions:

The incidence of varicocele in COPD patients is high. Varicocele might be one of the most important causes of scrotal pain and infertility in COPD patients. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:55–59, 2006
Color and power Doppler sonography of extracranial and intracranial arteries in moyamoya disease
Authors: Ruan Li‐Tao , Duan Yun‐You , Cao Tie‐Sheng , Zhuang Lei , Huang Lijun
Published: March 2006

Purpose:

To study the hemodynamic characteristics of moyamoya disease with color Doppler (CD) and power Doppler (PD) sonography.

Methods:

The hemodynamic parameters of intracranial and extracranial arteries from 17 patients with moyamoya disease confirmed via digital subtraction angiography and 30 healthy controls were studied with conventional and transcranial CD and PD.

Results:

The moyamoya vessels were detected as scattered color Doppler signal with low velocity and a low resistance index (RI) at the base of the brain in 10 of the 17 patients. The RI of the common carotid arteries and the internal carotid arteries of the patients was significantly higher, whereas the peak velocity was lower than in controls. The posterior carotid arteries were more frequently involved in children (43.8%) than in adults (5.6%).

Conclusions:

Transcranial CD and PD can be used to demonstrate the stenosis and occlusion of intracranial arteries and the abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain in most cases. Combined with the hemodynamic characteristics of extracranial arteries and the symptoms of the patients, an accurate diagnosis of moyamoya disease could be made in the majority of cases using PD. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:60–69, 2006
Management of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst identified using prenatal sonography
Authors: Fujimura Juri , Shima Yoshio , Arai Hajime , Ogawa Rei , Fukunaga Yoshitaka
Published: March 2006

We present a rare case of suprasellar arachnoid cyst discovered incidentally on routine fetal sonographic examination. Serial sonographic and MRI scanning led to a prenatal diagnosis and appropriate endoscopic treatment at 5 months of age. The patient is currently developing normally at 3 years of age. Careful screening of fetal intracranial abnormalities is important in routine prenatal sonographic examination for early intervention, which will prevent irreversible complications such as endocrine disorders and visual impairment. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:92–94, 2006
Sonographic appearance of isolated necrotizing vasculitis of the testis
Authors: Fulgham Pat Fox , Jensen Pamela
Published: March 2006

The presentation of necrotizing vasculitis of the testis is variable and may mimic a testicular tumor. Necrotizing vasculitis of the testis is characterized by fibrinoid necrosis of the walls of small and medium‐sized testicular arteries. We report a patient with isolated necrotizing vasculitis of the testis who presented with clinical imaging findings suspicious for testicular neoplasm. We describe the clinical course and sonographic characteristics of evolving necrotizing vasculitis of the testis, briefly review the literature, and discuss the implications for the diagnosis and management of this condition. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:99–107, 2006
Jejunal diverticulosis: Sonographic diagnosis
Authors: Sinha Rakesh
Published: March 2006

We report the sonographic appearance of jejunal diverticulosis in 4 cases. Jejunal diverticula appear as multiple peri‐intestinal hypoechoic structures on sonographic examination. Many diverticula show communication with the bowel lumen. The diverticular neck formed by the prolapsed mucosal and submucosal layers can be seen as a parallel, echogenic structure traversing the bowel wall. Most diverticula also contain echogenic debris and air‐related artifacts. Because jejunal diverticula may be encountered during a sonographic examination, sonologists should be aware of their sonographic appearance to prevent diagnostic errors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:84–87, 2006
Ectopic hypoplastic and multiseptate gallbladder with coexisting choledochal cyst: Evaluation with sonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography
Authors: Türkvatan Aysel , Erden Ayşe , Çelik Melda , Ölçer Tülay
Published: March 2006

Multiseptate gallbladder, a rare congenital anomaly, may exist as an isolated anomaly or may coexist with other biliary system anomalies. We report a case of a multiseptate, ectopic, hypoplastic gallbladder associated with a choledochal cyst. The diagnosis was made using sonography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:88–91, 2006
Performance of recalibration systems for GCM forecasts for southern Africa
Authors: Shongwe Mxolisi E. , Landman Willem A. , Mason Simon J.
Published: March 2006

Two regression‐based methods that recalibrate the ECHAM4.5 general circulation model (GCM) output during austral summer have been developed for southern Africa, and their performance assessed over a 12‐year retroactive period 1989/90–2000/01. A linear statistical model linking near‐global sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) to regional rainfall has also been developed. The recalibration technique is model output statistics (MOS) using principal components regression (PCR) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to statistically link archived records of the GCM to regional rainfall over much of Africa, south of the equator. The predictability of anomalously dry and wet conditions over each rainfall region during December–February (DJF) using the linear statistical model and MOS models has been quantitatively evaluated. The MOS technique outperforms the raw‐GCM ensembles and the linear statistical model. Neither the PCR‐MOS nor the CCA‐MOS models show clear superiority over the other, probably because the two methods are closely related. The need to recalibrate GCM predictions at regional scales to improve their skill at smaller spatial scales is further demonstrated in this paper. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Effect of nitrogen application rate on the content and composition of oil, essential oil and minerals in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds
Authors: Ashraf M , Ali Qasim , Iqbal Zafar
Published: March 2006

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen fertility level on the content and composition of oil, essential oil and minerals in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds. Sixty‐three‐day‐old plants were supplied with varying levels of N, i.e., 0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N ha−1 soil. The fixed oil content of the seeds ranged from 32.7% to 37.8% and it remained almost unchanged at the two higher external N regimes, i.e., 60 and 90 kg N ha−1, but at 30 kg N ha−1 the oil content increased significantly. Of the saturated fatty acids analyzed, palmitic acid increased slightly at all external N levels, but in contrast stearic acid decreased considerably at 60 kg N ha−1. Of the unsaturated fatty acids of fixed oil, the predominant fatty acid was linoleic acid (18:2) followed by oleic acid (18:1). Linoleic acid and dihomolinoleic acid (20:2) showed no change in their amounts at varying levels of N. In contrast, a marked reduction in α‐linolenic acid (18:3) was found at the two higher N regimes, i.e., 60 and 90 kg N ha−1. Seed essential oil content did not vary with the change in applied N level. The major component of essential oil of black cumin seed was found to be p‐cymene, which showed an increase at 30 kg N ha−1, whereas no change in the levels of α‐pinene or β‐pinene was observed at varying levels of N. K, P, Na, Fe, Mn, and Ni were found to be predominant elements in the seeds. Ca, Mg, Cu, and Cr were present in low amounts, but Zn was present in moderate quantity. Increasing N rate did not affect the content of K, P, Ca, Mg, or Cr in the cumin seeds. In contrast, a consistent decrease in seed Mn, Zn, and Ni was observed with increase in external N level. Increasing N level had a marked effect on some of the components of black seed oil. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of rosmarinic acid and luteolin in Perilla frutescens Britton (Labiatae)
Authors: Natsume Midori , Muto Yuko , Fukuda Kumiko , Tokunaga Takahisa , Osakabe Naomi
Published: March 2006

An analytical method for measuring rosmarinic acid (RA) and luteolin (Lut), the major polyphenolic substances in Perilla frutescens Britton (Labiatae) was established. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the concentration of RA in perilla leaf solutions prepared by two successive extractions with water–acetone–hydrochloric acid (20:80:1, v/v/v). The concentration of Lut in solutions prepared by two successive extractions with ethanol–hydrochloric acid (100:1, v/v) was determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The mean concentrations of RA and Lut in the same samples of perilla leaves were 3.95 ± 0.42 and 0.039 ± 0.004 mg·g−1, respectively, with the concentration of RA being 100 times greater than that of Lut. It was also demonstrated that there were seasonal changes in the RA concentration of perilla leaves collected from the same field and that RA levels varied between different growing areas. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Forage quality and tannin concentration and composition of a collection of the tropical shrub legume Flemingia macrophylla
Authors: Andersson Meike S , Lascano Carlos E , Schultze‐Kraft Rainer , Peters Michael
Published: March 2006

A collection of 23 Flemingia macrophylla (Willd.) Merrill accessions of different growth habits and contrasting digestibility and one Flemingia stricta reference accession were assessed for forage quality with particular emphasis on digestibility, condensed tannin concentration and fiber content. Large differences in in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (356 to 598 g kg−1), content of crude protein (CP) (121 to 254 g kg−1) and extractable condensed tannins (CT) (0 to 268 g kg−1), protein‐binding capacity of extractable CT or astringency (1.7 to 7.9 protein‐binding entities) (PBE) and monomer composition of extractable CT were detected. IVDMD and extractable CT were negatively correlated and extractable CT was positively correlated with protein‐binding capacity. Prodelphinidin was positively and propelargonidin negatively correlated with protein‐binding capacity of extractable CT. The accessions CIAT 18438, CIAT 21083, CIAT 21090 and CIAT 22082 were superior to the most widely used accession CIAT 17403 in terms of forage quality and could be an option in production systems with acid infertile soils. In future evaluations, particular attention needs to be paid to chemical and structural features related to the composition of extractable CT and their effect on nitrogen utilization by ruminants. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Rheology and microstructure of achu, a food based on taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott), as affected by method of preparation
Authors: Njintang Nicolas Y , Parker Mary L , Moates Graham K , Mbofung Carl MF , Smith Andrew C , Waldron Keith W
Published: March 2006

The functional properties of flour and the organoleptic, rheological and microscopic characteristics of traditionally made achu were compared with those of reconstituted achu prepared from the taro variety Ibo coco. Organoleptic analyses showed that reconstituted achu was generally softer in consistency and less appreciated than traditional achu. In general with respect to functional properties, the estimated water absorption capacity, bulk density, blue value index and penetrometric index were lower for traditional achu than for reconstituted achu. In contrast, the viscosity of traditional achu was significantly higher than that of reconstituted achu. Light microscopic observations revealed that reconstituted taro achu is a smooth starch gel containing broken parenchyma cells whereas in traditional achu, the paste is mainly composed of whole cells within a starch gel. Coulter particle size analyses of achu showed a peak at median 122 µm for traditional achu whereas reconstituted‐flour achu had its median at 143 µm. All the functional, rheological and microscopic analyses reflect the higher degree of starch gelatinisation in the reconstituted achu. From this study, it is suggested that boiling the whole corms before drying could improve the texture of the reconstituted achu. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of the canning quality of small white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) canned in tomato sauce by a small‐scale and an industrial method
Authors: van der Merwe Daleen , Osthoff Garry , Pretorius Apie J
Published: March 2006

The use of laboratory canning techniques to predict the commercial canning quality of dry beans is widely accepted in bean breeding. The validation of laboratory canning procedures is determined by its relationship with commercial practices. Laboratory evaluation of the canning quality of industrially canned beans obtained from retailers stressed that canning quality standards for South African small white beans in tomato sauce need defining. Four small white bean cultivars were canned and evaluated according to laboratory procedures and the same cultivars were supplied to an industrial canner to be canned according to industrial procedures. Different canning parameters used in the laboratory (hydration coefficient, percentage washed drained weight, visual appearance, splits, size, texture and colour) and by industry (water uptake, percentage washed drained weight, splits, size) necessitated the use of multivariate analysis to compare the two sets of data. Canonical variate analyses showed the same groupings of cultivars according to canning quality for laboratory and industrial canning. Laboratory procedures were therefore as successful as industrial procedures in grouping cultivars according to canning quality. For bean breeding purposes, it was also shown that the laboratory canning and evaluation method is able to detect the same environmental and genetic effects on canning quality that also affect industrial canning. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Studies on the effect of glucose oxidase in bread making
Authors: Hanft Franziska , Koehler Peter
Published: March 2006

To obtain insight into the dough improver effect of glucose oxidase (β‐D‐glucose:oxygen 1‐oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.3.4) different possible reaction sites of hydrogen peroxide, which is a product of reactions catalysed by glucose oxidase, were analysed and compared to the effects of other additives. A technical enzyme preparation as well as the pure enzyme were studied. Neither oxidation of tyrosine residues to dityrosine nor oxidation of thiols was promoted by glucose oxidase. The effects caused by the enzyme were intensified when it was applied in combination with its substrate, glucose. After the addition of the enzyme and glucose the effects were comparable to the addition of hydrogen peroxide alone. For the technical enzyme the decrease of monomeric ferulate was much stronger as compared to hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, in a model experiment, the activity of the technical enzyme was determined, which was as high as 0.01 U mg−1 (1 U corresponds to a ferulic acid consumption of 1 µmol min−1). This activity was not present in the pure enzyme. From these results it was assumed that side activities present in technical glucose oxidase preparations have a substantial impact on their improver effect in breadmaking. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria with or without different byproduct from defatted rice bran and green tea waste on napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Shumach) silage fermentation
Authors: Bureenok Smerjai , Namihira Tomoyuki , Mizumachi Susumu , Kawamoto Yasuhiro , Nakada Tadashi
Published: March 2006

A fermented juice from macerated napiergrass containing epiphytic lactic bacteria (FJLB) and napiergrass was prepared, mixed with defatted rice bran (FJLB + DRB) or dried green tea waste (FJLB + DTW) and freeze‐dried. Silage was treated with FJLB + DRB, FJLB + DTW, DRB or DTW in powder form at levels of 2, 10 and 50 g kg−1 fresh matter (FM). FJLB in liquid form was added at a level of 10 mL kg−1 FM. All treated silages were well preserved, with lower pH, acetic acid and NH3‐N content and higher lactic acid content than that of the control. Butyric acid was present only in the control silage and those treated with DRB or DTW. Without powdered FJLB additives, napiergrass silages had higher pH values, butyric acid and NH3‐N content, but low lactic acid content compared with powdered FJLB silages. Increasing the amount of all powdered additives had effect on lactic acid and NH3‐N content. It may thus be concluded that the powder form of FJLB was as effective in improving the fermentative quality of napiergrass as the liquid form. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Mineral contents of 34 species of edible mushrooms growing wild in Turkey
Authors: Dursun Nesim , Özcan M Musa , Kaşık Gıyasettin , Öztürk Celaleddin
Published: March 2006

Mineral contents of 34 species of wild mushrooms, growing particularly in the central Anatolia region in Turkey, were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES). All mushrooms contained high amounts of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg and P. The highest potassium level was 45189.4 mg kg−1 for the species Coprinus micaceus, whereas the lowest K content was 9973.8 mg kg−1 in Polyporus squamosus. Among the wild mushrooms, the highest lead level was 5.4 mg kg−1 in the species Helvella leucomelano. Iron contents of mushrooms were found in similarly small percentages in all the species analysed, ranging from 338.3 mg kg−1 in Russula delica to 8994.71 mg kg−1 in Helvella spadicea. Phosphorus content ranged from 2095.6 mg kg−1 in Polyporus squamosus to 22799.0 mg kg−1 in Helvella spadicea. Magnesium was found to be high, ranging from 458.1 mg kg−1 in Rhizopogon luteolus to 4254.9 mg kg−1 in Morchella esculenta. This study attempts to contribute to knowledge of the human nutritional properties of these mushroom species, and may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl analysis: Automation and improvement of clean‐up established by example of spices
Authors: Kleinhenz Silvia , Jira Wolfgang , Schwind Karl‐Heinz
Published: March 2006

To analyze polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in spices by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, a new clean‐up method had to be developed owing to the high content of essential oils in the samples. A solid‐phase extraction (SPE) column with activated silica endowed with sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide was used. Under these conditions, clean‐up was achieved using at least 5–7 g of pepper and even higher amounts of other spices. The automatized clean‐up comprised three additional chromatographic steps after accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) followed by gel permeation: chromatography on a florisil SPE column, extract cleaning with the above‐mentioned silica SPE column and chromatography with an activated charcoal column. On the basis of this automatized clean‐up, a method that is more effective, rapid, simplified and economical than the available methods for PCDD/PCDF and PCB analysis is proposed. In model studies, the average recoveries for PCDDs/PCDFs ranged between 82.6% and 105.6% and for the PCBs between 71.3% and 113.3%.
Liquid chromatography with accurate mass measurement on a triple quadrupole mass‐spectrometer for the identification and quantification of N‐lactoyl ethanolamine in wine
Authors: de Rijke Eva , Ruisch Bart J. , Bouter Nico , König Thorsten
Published: March 2006

In this study a specific taste‐modulating flavor ingredient, N‐lactoyl ethanolamine, was determined in two Beerenauslese wines using preparative LC, as a first isolation and concentration step, followed by LC‐MS/MS on a triple quadrupole in accurate mass (AM) mode. The accurate masses of the analyte and three characteristic fragments were determined with mass accuracies between 8 and 20 ppm. N‐lactoyl ethanolamine concentrations in the wines were 0.4 and 2.5 mg/L.
Factorial validation of a French short‐form of the Working Alliance Inventory
Authors: Corbière Marc , Bisson Jocelyn , Lauzon Sylvie , Ricard Nicole
Published: March 2006

Evaluation of the therapeutic alliance is crucial for understanding the therapeutic process and its results. However, few instruments are available in French. This article aims to validate a French short form of the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI). Unlike other questionnaires, the WAI is the most widely used in psychotherapy research as well as in social psychiatry. Confirmatory factor analyses were carried out on a sample of 150 client‐case manager dyads in order to determine the validity of this short‐form instrument. The results of these confirmatory factor analyses allowed us to answer different authors' questions (Horvath and Greenberg, 1989; Tracey and Kokotovic, 1989) regarding the factorial structure of the WAI. The results also indicated a unidimensional solution as being the most valid for the two samples. We suggest that, in future studies, only one score be considered for the evaluation of the WAI. We also suggest modifying two statements in the English and French versions in order to render a faithful comparison between the therapist and client versions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An inverse heat conduction problem with heat flux measurements
Authors: Loulou Tahar , Scott Elaine P.
Published: March 2006

Using heat flux measurements as additional information to solve inverse heat conduction problems was and is still rarely employed. Lot of disadvantages linked to heat flux measurement specificities (local disturbance, intrusive measurement, lack of knowledge and proficiency, etc.) make people prefer temperature measurements which are well documented and very widespread. Solving inverse heat conduction problems with heat flux measurements is quite different than the one which uses temperatures and need to be investigated deeply. In this work, this problem is approached through the solution of a bioengineering problem consisting in the development of a non‐invasive blood perfusion probe. The effort here is focused on the development of a methodology for the estimation of time‐dependent blood perfusion from heat flux measurements. The physical probe incorporates a thin heat flux sensor, which is placed in contact with the tissue region where the perfusion is to be measured. The sensor records the heat flux due to an imposed thermal event, which is achieved by air flow. A one‐dimensional mathematical model is used to simulate the thermal event occurring at the contact region holding between the probe and the tissue. A combined parameter and function estimation procedure is developed to estimate simultaneously time‐dependent blood perfusion and thermal contact conductance between the probe and the tissue. The robustness of the method was demonstrated through several test cases using simulated data. The presented examples include various functional changes in the time evolution of blood perfusion. Results from this study have shown the feasibility of solving inverse problems with heat flux measurements and the two unknowns are estimated with no a priori information about their functional forms. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boundary element frequency domain formulation for dynamic analysis of Mindlin plates
Authors: Wen P. H. , Aliabadi M. H.
Published: March 2006

A new boundary element formulation for analysis of shear deformable plates subjected to dynamic loading is presented. Fundamental solutions for the Mindlin plate theory are derived in the Laplace transform domain. The characteristics of the three flextural waves are studied in the time domain. It is shown that the new fundamental solutions exhibit the same strong singularity as in the static case.

Two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the boundary element method and comparisons are made with the finite element method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A convergent adaptive finite element method for the primal problem of elastoplasticity
Authors: Carstensen Carsten , Orlando Antonio , Valdman Jan
Published: March 2006

The boundary value problem representing one time step of the primal formulation of elastoplasticity with positive hardening leads to a variational inequality of the second kind with some nondifferentiable functional. This paper establishes an adaptive finite element algorithm for the solution of this variational inequality that yields the energy reduction and, up to higher order terms, the R‐linear convergence of the stresses with respect to the number of loops. Applications include several plasticity models: linear isotropic‐kinematic hardening, linear kinematic hardening, and multisurface plasticity as model for nonlinear hardening laws. For perfect plasticity, the adaptive algorithm yields strong convergence of the stresses. Numerical examples confirm an improved linear convergence rate and study the performance of the algorithm in comparison with the more frequently applied maximum refinement rule. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristic‐based split (CBS) algorithm finite element modelling for shallow waters in the Venice lagoon
Authors: Morandi‐Cecchi M. , Venturin M.
Published: March 2006

In this paper, the characteristic‐based split (CBS) algorithm is presented to solve water motion problem due to tides in the Venice lagoon. The basic equations are the well‐known vertically integrated shallow‐water equations expressed in terms of total water depth and horizontal velocities. The approximation of any additional scalar variables, such as temperature, concentration or pollutant dispersion from the appropriate advection–diffusion governing equations is also outlined. Numerical results illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm on both advection–diffusion and shallow‐water problems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometric interpretation of finite‐dimensional eddy‐current formulations
Authors: Trevisan F. , Kettunen L.
Published: March 2006

This paper gives an explicit geometric interpretation of finite element formulations of the eddy‐current problem. The paper shows, step‐by‐step how the eddy‐current problem can be implemented in a finite element kind of software system exploiting familiar geometric ideas such as lengths of edges, areas of faces, volumes of tetrahedra, and the mutual interconnections between the simplices of a mesh. The approach is a specific case of the so‐called geometric techniques. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extramedullary infiltration at diagnosis and prognosis in children with acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Kobayashi Ryoji , Tawa Akio , Hanada Ryoji , Horibe Keizo , Tsuchida Masahiro , Tsukimoto Ichiro ,   Japanese childhood AML cooperative study group
Published: March 2006

Background

Extramedullary infiltration (EMI) is an occasional clinical symptom in childhood acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), but there is considerable controversy regarding the prognostic significance of EMI in AML.

Procedure

We evaluated the frequency and prognostic significance of EMI at diagnosis of AML in children.

Results

Of 240 cases of de novo AML excluding children with Down syndrome and acute promyelocytic leukemia, 56 (23.3%) showed EMI at diagnosis. Patients with EMI had a higher initial WBC count and a higher proportion of M4/M5 morphological variants. The complete remission rate following induction chemotherapy was lower in patients with EMI. However, the overall survival and event‐free survival did not differ between patients with and without EMI. A detailed analysis showed that patients with EMI with a WBC count at diagnosis of over 100 × 109/L or infiltration into the central nervous system are likely to have a poor prognosis.

Conclusions

CNS leukemia and EMI together with a WBC count of >100 × 109/L at diagnosis of AML are high risk factors for relapse, and alternative treatment approaches for patients with these characteristics should be explored. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hematometrocolpos in an adolescent female treated for pelvic Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Gaillard Pamela , Krasin Matthew J. , Laningham Fred H. , Hoffer Fredric A. , Davidoff Andrew M. , Spunt Sheri L. , Smiley Linda , Skapek Stephen X.
Published: March 2006

Radiation therapy is often used to achieve local control of pelvic Ewing sarcoma in children. The effects of radiation on the female reproductive tract have been well documented in adults with gynecological malignancies, but the long‐term consequences of pelvic radiation in pre‐pubertal or adolescent girls are not as well described. We report a case of hematometrocolpos developing in an adolescent previously treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy for pelvic Ewing sarcoma. We describe the clinical presentation, radiographic features, gross pathology, treatment strategies, outcome, as well as putative predisposing factors and preventative interventions. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:157–160. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A preliminary study of peritraumatic dissociation, social support, and coping in relation to posttraumatic stress symptoms for a parent's cancer
Authors: Wong Melisa , Looney Elizabeth , Michaels Jennifer , Palesh Oxana , Koopman Cheryl
Published: March 2006

This study examined predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in adults who, as children, had a parent diagnosed with cancer. Possible predictors of adulthood PTSD examined were peritraumatic dissociation, satisfaction with social support, coping through denial, behavioral disengagement and self‐distraction, and whether or not the parent died. Thirty research participants (20 women and 10 men, ages 18–38) were recruited who were 8–17‐years old at the time of a parent's cancer diagnosis. Each participant completed measures of their current PTSD symptoms in response to their parent's cancer, peritraumatic dissociative experiences, demographic characteristics, and satisfaction with social support and use of coping strategies at the time of their parent's cancer diagnosis. Seventeen percent met screening criteria for likely PTSD. As hypothesized, PTSD symptoms were strongly and positively correlated with peritraumatic dissociation. Furthermore, PTSD symptoms were greater among females and were related to greater use of denial and behavioral disengagement and to less satisfaction with social support. These results suggest that health care providers need to recognize symptoms of peritraumatic dissociation in the children of parents who are diagnosed with cancer so that steps can be taken to minimize the children's development of PTSD that may extend into their adult lives. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asthmatic patients' views of a comprehensive asthma rehabilitation programme: a three‐year follow‐up
Authors: Emtner Margareta , Hedin Anna , StÅlenheim Gunnemar
Published: March 2006

Background and Purpose

Twenty‐one asthmatic patients aged 27–59 years, with mild to moderate asthma, participated in a 10‐week group rehabilitation programme covering physical training and theoretical and practical education in medication, self‐management strategies and physiotherapy. This study was undertaken retrospectively to investigate (1) the patients' reasons for joining the programme, (2) their experiences of the programme, and (3) their ways of coping with disease‐related problems before joining and three years after completion of the programme.

Methods

Patients were followed up every six months for three years and were interviewed after the three years. The semi‐structured interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and revised.

Results

The life‐situation of most of the patients before the 10‐week programme was characterized by helplessness at exacerbations, anxiety/insecurity about medications and their side‐effects, and/or concern about future health. More than half of the subjects felt physical limitations in daily life or when exercising. All wished to increase their knowledge of asthma by joining the programme, but only nine patients expected asthma improvement. The experience that they were able to carry out physical exercise to a maximal intensity and that physical training improved their asthma, with increased knowledge about medications were mentioned by all as the most valuable effects of the programme. Moreover, most patients emphasized their increased ability in self‐management strategies (stress reduction and breathing technique). The increased knowledge and improved practical skills contributed to a better life‐situation after the rehabilitation. After the three years virtually all the patients' lives were characterized by improved self‐management, increased physical activity and a sense of security. Almost half of them expressed a wish to take responsibility for the disease.

Conclusions

In addition to medical therapy and education, physical training and techniques for relaxation and breathing should form part of the treatment of asthma. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.