bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diels‐alder cycloadditions of N‐substituted‐1,2‐dihydropyridines with 1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐diones and maleimides
Authors: Knaus E. E. , Pasutto F. M. , Giam C. S. , Swinyard E. A.
Published: March 2009

The reaction of N‐substituted‐1,2‐dihydropyridines 1 with 1,2,4‐triazoline‐3.5‐diones 2 and maleimides 9 proceeds stereospecifically to afford endo cycloaddition products. N‐Acetyl‐1,2‐dihydropyridines react with 2 to afford a stereo isomeric mixture of 3 and 4 whereas those possessing a N‐ethoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, methanesulfonyl or benzenesulfonyl substituent yield 3 exclusively: similar results are also obtained in reactions employing maleimides. Stereochemistry was assigned on the basis of nmr data and use was made of the anisotropic effects of the 7,8 unsaturation on the R1 and R2 substituents.
Heterocycles. CXLII. Synthesis of some triazoloazine 3‐oxides
Authors: Babič K. , Molan S. , Polanc S. , Stanovnik B. , Stres‐Bratoš J. , Tišler M. , Verček B.
Published: March 2009

The formation of 3‐oxides of triazolopyridine, triazolopyridazine and triazolopyrazine was investigated. The corresponding 3‐oxides were obtained by oxidative cyclization of 2‐hydroxy‐iminomethyleneaminoazines and some transformations are described.
Thiazoles polycycliques. I. Substitution par les nucléophiles anioniques des dérivés 2‐méthylsulfonylés de la thiazolo[5,4‐b]‐pyridine et du benzothiazole
Authors: Bourdais Jacques , Abenhaim David , Sabourault Bernard , Lorre Anne
Published: March 2009

Les réactions de substitution en ‐2 de la méthylsulfonyl‐2 thiazolo[5,4‐b]pyridine (3) et du méthylsulfonyl‐2 benzothiazole (10) par les agents nucléophiles anioniques sont étudiées. Dans le N,N‐diméthylformamide à 20°, ces réactions sont rapides, particulièrement dans le cas de 3. L'étude cinétique de la substitution par le méthylate de sodium, et les valeurs de pKa des composés acides obtenus permettent de comparer le benzothiazole à son analogue “aza‐7”.
On aromatic stability of oxygen‐ imino‐, and sulfur‐bridged [18]annulenes
Authors: Knop J. V. , Milun M. , Trinajstić N.
Published: March 2009

Oxygen‐, imino‐. and/or sulfur‐bridged [18]annulenes are studied using the As‐index of aromatic stabilization. Theoretical predictions, which indicate that these compounds should differ among themselves in their aromatic properties, correlate nicely with the available experimental findings. Unknown compounds of this class: [18]annulene imino‐dioxide and [18]annulene oxide‐imino‐sulfide are predicted to be aromatic and good candidates for preparation. The same prediction is also reached for 1,10‐diaza[18]annulene.
The 1‐alkoxy‐1,2,3‐benzotriazole system
Authors: Servé M. P. , Seybold P. G. , Feld W. A. , Chao M. A.
Published: March 2009

The 1‐alkoxy‐1,2,3‐benzotriazole system has been synthesized and defined on the basis of its physical and spectral properties. Bond orders and charge densities of the parent compound in the series 1‐methoxy‐1,2,3‐benzotriazole have been calculated. All‐valence‐electron calculations with configuration interaction give a reasonable account of the observed absorption spectrum.
Mass spectral fragmentation pattern of 2,2′‐bipyridyls. Part II. 5‐Hydroxy‐ and 5‐alkoxy‐2,2′‐bipyridyls
Authors: Keats N. G. , Summers L. A.
Published: March 2009

The mass spectra of 5‐hydroxy‐, 5‐methoxy‐, 5‐ethoxy‐ and 5‐propoxy‐2,2′‐bipyridyls are reported. The fragmentation proposals are supported by high resolution mass measurements and metastable transitions.
The reaction of 4‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)pyridine with some electrophiles
Authors: Goldschmidt B. M. , Van Duuren B. L. , Goldstein R. C.
Published: March 2009

The nucleophile 4‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)pyridine was allowed to react with four carcinogenic alkylating agents, chloromethyl methyl ether, bis(chloromethyl) ether, glycol sulfate and propane sultone, one carcinogenic acylating agent, N,N‐dimethylcarbamyl chloride, and one noncarcinogenic electrophile, perchlorocyclobutenone. The structures of the major products formed, which are substituted pyridinium salts or 1,4‐dihydropyridines, were determined.
Oxydation par le carbonate d'argent sur célite. XV. Alcools hétérocycliques
Authors: Fétizon Marcel , Gomez‐Parra Federico , Louis Jean‐Marie
Published: March 2009

L'oxydation d'alcools primaires et secondaires en série hétérocyclique par le carbonate d'argent adsorbé sur Célite conduit facilement aux aldéhydes ou cétones avec des rendements excellents. Le groupe OH n'est pas nécessairement en position “benzylique”. Ainsi, des alcools avec des noyaux furanne, pyrrole, thiophène, pyridine ou indole ont été oxydés. L'oxydation de la codéine et de la dihydrocodéine a été étudiée de nouveau. Bien que le carbonate d'argent pur ne réagisse pas avec la dihydrocodéine, l'oxydation est rendue possible avec le carbonate d'argent/Célite (75%). Le rendement en codéinone est amélioré (91% au lieu de 82%). L'alcool tétrahydrofurfurylique et l'hydroxyméthyl‐2 tétrahydropyranne sont dégradés lentement en γ‐butyrolactone et δ‐valérolactone respectivement.
9H‐Pyrimido[4,5‐b]indole‐2,4‐diones. The acid‐catalyzed cyclization of 6‐(phenylhydrazino)uracils
Authors: Wright G. E.
Published: March 2009

6‐(Phenylhydrazino)uracils undergo facile Fischer‐type cyclization in both N hydrochloric acid and in formic acid at reflux to give 9H‐pyrimido[4,5‐b]indole‐2,4‐diones. Yields appear to be related to substituent effects and side reactions, and these are discussed in light of the mechanism of this reaction. In the reaction of 6‐(phenylhydrazino)uracil itself with hydrochloric acid, the major competing reaction is hydrolysis to barbituric acid and phenylhydrazine, whereas in formic acid a novel cyclization occurs to give I‐phenyl‐3‐carboxamidomethyl‐1,2,4‐triazole as the major product. Nmr spectra of pyrimido[4,5‐b]indole‐2,4‐diones provide interesting examples of peri effects on proton chemical shifts.
Synthesis of a 1,2,3‐triazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐triazine. A new heterocyclic system
Authors: Klein Robert S. , De Las Heras Federico G. , Tam Steve Y‐K. , Wempen Iris , Fox Jack J.
Published: March 2009

The synthesis of 3‐methyl‐7‐oxo‐5‐thioxo‐4H,6H‐1,2,3‐triazolo[1,5‐a]‐1,3,5‐ triazine (a new bicyclic system) is described. The key step involves reaction of 4‐amino‐5‐methyl‐1,2,3‐triazole with carbethoxyisothiocyanate followed by cyclization with alkali.
Reduction of 4‐arylidene‐1,3‐(2H,4H)isoquinolinediones
Authors: Elliott I. W. , Takekoshi Y.
Published: March 2009

Catalytic hydrogenation of some 4‐arylidene‐1,3‐(2H,4H)isoquinolinediones (1) afforded the corresponding 4‐arylmethyl‐1,3‐(2H,4H)isoquinolinediones (2), but reduction of 1 by sodium borohydride gave 4‐arylmethyl‐1(2H)isoquinolones (isocarbostyrils, 3). Compounds of type 1 studied had aryl substituents phenyl, 3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4‐methyleneoxyphenyl and 2‐furyl. In one example of sodium borohydride reduction of an N‐methylisoquinolinedione derivative (1) the heterocylic ring was opened, and 2‐(1‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐phenylethenyl)‐N‐methylbenzamide (4) was obtained from 4‐benzylidene‐2‐methyl‐1,3‐(2H,4H)isoquinolinedione.
Rearrangement of ethyl 2‐(3‐amino‐4‐pyridinyl)hydrazinecarboxylate hydrochloride to 1‐amino‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridin‐2(3H)one hydrochloride
Authors: Wright George C.
Published: March 2009

In a study of the synthesis (unsuccessful) of pyrido[3,4‐e]‐as‐triazino‐3 (4H)one (6), the acidification of 2‐(3‐amino‐4‐pyridyl)hydrazinecarboxylate hydrochloride (8) unexpectedly gave 1‐amino‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridin‐2(3H) one hydrochloride (10). The isolation and characterization of 10 has been described.
The dihedral angle of 2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenothiazine
Authors: Phelps D. W. , Cordes A. W.
Published: March 2009

The structure of 2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenothiazine, C13H8NSF3, was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The molecule crystallizes in space group P212121, with a = 7.766(2), b = 5.957(1), and c = 23.499(5)Å. The final R value is 0.073. The CSC bond angle is 102.0°, the CNC bond angle is 124.8°, and the dihedral angle between the phenylene planes is 171.2(1)°. The hydrogen atom bonded to the nitrogen atom was located; it is on the inside of the butterfly angle and the S…NH bond angle is 173.3°.
New synthesis of condensed hydropyridazine derivatives V
Authors: Plescia Salvatore , Daidone Giuseppe , Sprio Vincenzo , Marino Maria Luisa
Published: March 2009

The reactivity of pyrrole derivatives towards the semicarbazone of ω‐bromoacetophenone has been reported. Substituents at position 1 of the pyrrole ring greatly affect the course of the reaction. 1,4,4a,4b,5,8,8a,8b‐Octahydro‐9H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐c:4,5‐c′]dipyridazine derivative or α‐ and α,α‐pyrrolyl derivatives were obtained depending on the substituents. The structures reported were assigned on the basis of satisfactory analytical and spectroscopic data.
Synthesis of sulphur containing fused ring heterocycles by intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar‐cycloadditions
Authors: Garanti Luisa , Locatelli Alberto , Zecchi Gaetano
Published: March 2009

Sulfur containing fused triazoles and pyrazoles are synthesized through intramolecular cycloadditions of properly functionalized azides and nitrileimines, respectively.
Synthèse et structure d'oxo‐2 benzo‐5,6 dihydro‐3,4 oxathiazines‐1,2,3
Authors: Cazaux L. , Tisnès P.
Published: March 2009

L'action du chlorure de thionyle sur divers aminophénols‐1,3 conduit à deux séries de sulfinamates cycliques. La structure de ces oxo‐2 benzo‐5,6 dihydro‐3,4 oxathiazines‐1,2,3 est établie par RMN et, aussi, pour la série 3, par équilibration des diastéréoisomeres.
A synthesis of 4H‐thieno[3,2‐c][1]benzopyran‐4‐ones by an application of the salicylidene‐thiolactone rearrangement
Authors: Heindel Ned D. , Minatelli John A.
Published: March 2009

Salicylidenes prepared from 5‐ethyl‐4‐thiolen‐2‐one undergo base‐catalyzed rearrangement (salicylidene‐thiolactone rearrangement) to 4H‐thieno[3,2‐c][1]benzopyran‐4‐ones.
Reactions of diazenediyl compounds with pyridones: A novel [4 + 2] cycloaddition
Authors: Kane Vinayak V. , Werblood Harvey , Levine Seymour D.
Published: March 2009

Low temperature cycloaddition of 1,4‐phthalazinedione (2) and 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (10) with a variety of N‐substituted pyridones affording novel azabicyclic structures is described. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by spectral analyses and hydrogenation to their dihydro derivatives.
Methodological considerations of determining dominance in multidimensional analyses of crime scene behaviours and offender characteristics
Authors: Trojan Carrie , Salfati C. Gabrielle
Published: March 2009

Aimed at critically examining how offenders and offences are conceptualised, Investigative Psychology has seen a substantial increase in studies of crime scene behaviours and offender characteristics using multidimensional scaling (MDS) analyses that build thematic models of crime scene behaviours based on the co‐occurrence variables and then testing the frameworks by determining if cases are dominant in a single thematic region. Although methods have been developed, issues that arise from using different methods and the effect on the results obtained have never been thoroughly discussed. Framed in the context of the evolution of how people have been classified in offender profiling research and elsewhere, this paper examines the established procedures used in MDS studies to determine dominance. Two methods—proportional versus the quantity of variables present—are compared across four levels of stringency within a framework of homicide offenders' criminal convictions. Results support the most common criterion used in prior studies of homicide and demonstrate that the subject of the framework or type of variables may dictate which method is more appropriate. The results strengthen the argument that a standard protocol for determining dominance should be adopted to increase consistency across studies to add to the development of Investigative Psychology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased expression of cellular RNA‐binding proteins in HPV‐induced neoplasia and cervical cancer
Authors: Fay Joanna , Kelehan Peter , Lambkin Helen , Schwartz Stefan
Published: March 2009

The expression profile of a panel of RNA‐binding proteins (heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1, hnRNP C1/C2, hnRNP H, hnRNP I, ASF/SF2, SR proteins, HuR and U2AF65) and markers of differentiation, proliferation and neoplasia (cytokeratin (CK) 13, CK‐14, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Syndecan‐1 and p16INK4a) were analyzed in 50 formalin fixed paraffin embedded cervical tissues using immunohistochemistry. The samples included histologically normal cervical epithelium, human papillomavirus (HPV) induced low‐grade and high‐grade pre‐malignant lesions and cervical cancers. All samples were tested for HPV DNA using nested PCR. Forty‐nine of the 50 tissue samples tested positive for HPV, 27 tissue samples (54%) were HPV‐16 positive and 4 samples (8%) were HPV‐18 positive. The immunohistochemistry results detected different expression levels of the various proteins in basal epithelial cells in histologically normal epithelium followed by an increase in expression in the intermediate layers, whereas the superficial layers remained negative for all tested RNA‐binding proteins. Expression of all RNA‐binding proteins increased in neoplastic lesions and highest expression was detected in cervical cancers. p16INK4a had a stronger association with high‐grade lesions when compared with the RNA‐binding proteins. The expression profile of the RNA‐binding proteins is similar to PCNA expression in histologically normal epithelium as well as in lesions (low‐grade and high‐grade) and cervical cancers. As PCNA expression has been suggested to mimic HPV E6/E7 expression in cervical epithelium, the results suggest the RNA‐binding protein analyzed here regulate HPV early gene expression directly and late gene expression indirectly. J. Med. Virol. 81:897–907, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement in the determination of HIV‐1 tropism using the V3 gene sequence and a combination of bioinformatic tools
Authors: Chueca Natalia , Garrido Carolina , Álvarez Marta , Poveda Eva , de Dios Luna Juan , Zahonero Natalia , Hernández‐Quero José , Soriano Vicente , Maroto Carmen , de Mendoza Carmen , García Federico
Published: March 2009

Assessment of HIV tropism using bioinformatic tools based on V3 sequences correlates poorly with results provided by phenotypic tropism assays, particularly for recognizing X4 viruses. This may represent an obstacle for the use of CCR5 antagonists. An algorithm combining several bioinformatic tools might improve the correlation with phenotypic tropism results. A total of 200 V3 sequences from HIV‐1 subtype B, available in several databases with known phenotypic tropism results, were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of seven different bioinformatic tools (PSSM, SVM, C4.5 decision tree generator and C4.5, PART, Charge Rule, and Geno2pheno). The best predictive bioinformatic tools were identified, and a model combining several of these was built. Using the 200 reference sequences, SVM and geno2‐pheno showed the highest sensitivity for detecting X4 viruses (98.8% and 93.7%, respectively); however, their specificity was relatively low (62.5% and 86.6%, respectively). For R5 viruses, PSSM and C4.5 gave the same results and outperformed other bioinformatic tools (95.7% sensitivity, 82% specificity). When results from three out of these four tools were concordant, the sensitivity and specificity, taking as reference the results from phenotypic tropism assays, were over 90% in predicting either R5 or X4 viruses (AUC: 0.9701; 95% CI: 0.9358–0.9889). An algorithm combining four distinct bioinformatic tools (SVM, geno2pheno, PSSM and C4.5), improves the genotypic prediction of HIV tropism, and merits further evaluation, as it might prove useful as a screening strategy in clinical practice. J. Med. Virol. 81:763–767, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Resti Massimo
Published: March 2009

In industrialized countries, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children. Perinatal transmission is the leading cause of infection. Perinatal transmission is confined almost always to women with detectable HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the peripheral blood by the polymerase chain reaction but all children born to women with anti‐HCV antibodies should be tested for HCV. Some but not all studies found that a high concentration of serum HCV RNA is associated with a higher risk of transmission. Maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cell infection by HCV, membrane rupture of longer than 6 hr before delivery, and procedures exposing the infant to maternal blood infected with HCV during vaginal delivery are associated with an increased risk of transmission. Maternal coinfection with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus, maternal history of intravenous drug use and of HCV infection of the sexual partner of the mother predict the risk of perinatal transmission and are dependent on the peripheral blood mononuclear cell infection by HCV. Delivery by Cesarean section is not recommended in pregnant women infected with HCV. Infected mothers can breast feed safely their infants if the nipples are not damaged. A previous delivery of a child infected perinatally with HCV does not increase the risk of transmission in subsequent pregnancies. Immunogenetic factors and HCV genotypes are not related to HCV perinatal transmission. Despite an increased understanding of the risk factors involved in perinatal transmission of HCV, to date little is known about the transmission mechanisms and timing. J. Med. Virol. 81:836–843, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronavirus infection and hospitalizations for acute respiratory illness in young children
Authors: Talbot H. Keipp B. , Crowe James E. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Griffin Marie R. , Zhu Yuwei , Weinberg Geoffrey A. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Hall Caroline B. , Podsiad Amy B , Iwane Marika , Williams John V.
Published: March 2009

There is only limited knowledge on the burden of disease due to both new (HCoV‐NL63 and HKU‐1) and previously discovered coronaviruses (OC43 and 229E) in children. Respiratory specimens and clinical data were prospectively collected in an active, population‐based surveillance study over a 2‐year period from children aged <5 years hospitalized with acute respiratory symptoms or fever. These samples were retrospectively tested by real‐time RT‐PCR for HCoV‐NL63, HKU1, OC43, and 229E. Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) were identified in 2.2% of study children <2 years of age. Rates of HCoV‐associated hospitalization per 10,000 were 10.2 (95% CI 4.3, 17.6), 4.2 (95% CI 1.9, 6.9), and 0 (95% CI 0, 3.7) in children aged <6 months, 6–23 months, and 24–59 months, respectively. Coronaviruses were identified in a modest number of hospitalized children. J. Med. Virol. 81:853–856, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulatory T cell activity in primary and persistent Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Wingate P.J. , McAulay K.A. , Anthony I.C. , Crawford D.H.
Published: March 2009

Regulatory T cells (Treg) provide a balance to immune T cell activation thereby protecting the body from pathogen‐induced immunopathology. Several persistent viruses induce Treg that subvert protective immune mechanisms and promote viral persistence. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) generally infects children subclinically and persists thereafter, but primary infection in early adulthood may cause immunopathological damage manifest as infectious mononucleosis. In this study the role of Treg was investigated in acute infectious mononucleosis and healthy EBV seropositive donors. The proportion of CD4+CD25high T cells in blood from infectious mononucleosis patients was significantly lower than in seropositive donors (P = 0.05). Using the FOXP3 marker for Treg the same frequency and extra‐follicular distribution of Treg was noted in infectious mononucleosis and control tonsils. Regulatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, were significantly raised in infectious mononucleosis compared to seropositive donor plasma (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0004 respectively) although levels of IL‐10 peaked earlier in infectious mononucleosis than TGF‐β. Previous studies identified EBV latent membrane protein (LMP)‐1‐induced Treg activity [Marshall et al. (2003): J Immunol 170:6183–6189; Marshall et al. (2007): Brit J Haematol 139:81–89], and in this study a significant reduction in interferon‐γ production was found from infectious mononucleosis but not seropositive donor lymphocytes after stimulation with a recall antigen when LMP‐1 peptide PRG was added (P = 0.03). It is possible that Treg are important in controlling primary EBV infection to a subclinical level in most cases and that infectious mononucleosis represents a failure of this protective mechanism. J. Med. Virol. 81:870–877, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predominant human herpesvirus 6 variant A infant infections in an HIV‐1 endemic region of Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Bates Matthew , Monze Mwaka , Bima Humphrey , Kapambwe Mirriam , Clark David , Kasolo Francis C. , Gompels Ursula A.
Published: March 2009

Human herpesvirus 6, HHV‐6, commonly infects children, causing febrile illness and can cause more severe pathology, especially in an immune compromised setting. There are virulence distinctions between variants HHV‐6A and B, with evidence for increased severity and neurotropism for HHV‐6A. While HHV‐6B is the predominant infant infection in USA, Europe and Japan, HHV‐6A appears rare. Here HHV‐6 prevalence, loads and variant genotypes, in asymptomatic compared to symptomatic infants were investigated from an African region with endemic HIV‐1/AIDS. DNA was extracted from blood or sera from asymptomatic infants at 6 and 18 months age in a population‐based micronutrient study, and from symptomatic infants hospitalised for febrile disease. DNA was screened by qualitative and quantitative real‐time PCR, then genotyped by sequencing at variable loci, U46 (gN) and U47 (gO). HIV‐1 serostatus of infants and mothers were also determined. HHV‐6 DNA prevalence rose from 15% to 22% (80/371) by 18 months. At 6 months, infants born to HIV‐1 positive mothers had lower HHV‐6 prevalence (11%, 6/53), but higher HCMV prevalence (25%, 17/67). HHV‐6 positive febrile hospitalized infants had higher HIV‐1, 57% (4/7), compared to asymptomatic infants, 3% (2/74). HHV‐6A was detected exclusively in 86% (48/56) of asymptomatic HHV‐6 positive samples genotyped. Co‐infections with both strain variants were linked with higher viral loads and found in 13% (7/56) asymptomatic infants and 43% (3/7) HIV‐1 positive febrile infants. Overall, the results show HHV‐6A as the predominant variant significantly associated with viremic infant‐infections in this African population, distinct from other global cohorts, suggesting emergent infections elsewhere. J. Med. Virol. 81:779–789, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic characterization of human rotavirus G8 strains from the African rotavirus network: Relationship to animal rotaviruses
Authors: Esona M.D. , Geyer A. , Page N. , Trabelsi A. , Fodha I. , Aminu M. , Agbaya V.A. , Tsion B. , Kerin T.K. , Armah G.E. , Steele A.D. , Glass R.I. , Gentsch J.R.
Published: March 2009

Global rotavirus surveillance has led to the detection of many unusual human rotavirus (HRV) genotypes. During 1996–2004 surveillance within the African Rotavirus Network (ARN), six P[8],G8 and two P[6],G8 human rotavirus strains were identified. Gene fragments (RT‐PCR amplicons) of all 11‐gene segments of these G8 strains were sequenced in order to elucidate their genetic and evolutionary relationships. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses of each gene segment revealed high similarities (88–100% nt and 91–100% aa) for all segments except for gene 4 encoding VP4 proteins P[8] and P[6]. For most strains, almost all of the genes of the ARN strains other than neutralizing antigens are related to typical human strains of Wa genogroup. The VP7, NSP2, and NSP5 genes were closely related to cognate genes of animal strains (83–99% and 97–99% aa identity). This study suggests that the ARN G8 strains might have arisen through VP7 or VP4 gene reassortment events since most of the other gene segments resemble those of common human rotaviruses. However, VP7, NSP2 (likely), and NSP5 (likely) genes are derived potentially from animals consistent with a zoonotic introduction. Although these findings help elucidate rotavirus evolution, sequence studies of cognate animal rotavirus genes are needed to conclusively determine the specific origin of those genes relative to both human and animal rotavirus strains. J. Med. Virol. 81:937–951, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demographic and risk factors in patients with head and neck tumors
Authors: Tachezy Ruth , Klozar Jan , Rubenstein Linda , Smith Elaine , Saláková Martina , Šmahelová Jana , Ludvíková Viera , Rotnáglová Eliška , Kodet Roman , Hamšíková Eva
Published: March 2009

The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of head and neck cancer has been documented recently. In this study on 86 head and neck cancer patients and 124 controls, data regarding demographics, behavioral risk factors, and risks related to HPV exposure were collected. HPV detection was carried out using polymerase chain reaction in the tumors and in oral exfoliated cells, and HPV typing by a reverse line blot assay specific for 37 HPV types. Sera were tested by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay specific for HPV proteins. Head and neck cancer cases report significantly more oral‐anal contact (P = 0.02) and tobacco and alcohol use than controls (P = 0.001; P = 0.02, respectively). High‐risk HPV DNA was detected in 43% of oral washings of cases and 4% of controls (P < 0.0001). The association between the presence of high‐risk HPV DNA in oral exfoliated cells and in tumor tissues was statistically significant (adjusted P < 0.0001). The prevalence of HPV‐specific antibodies was significantly higher in cases than in controls (adjusted P < 0.0001). These results provide epidemiological and immunological evidence for HR HPV as a strong risk factor (OR = 44.3, P < 0.0001) for head and neck cancer, even after controlling for age, tobacco and alcohol use. The detection of high‐risk HPV DNA in oral exfoliated cells and HPV‐specific antibodies in serum can be considered as clinically relevant surrogate markers for the presence of a HPV‐associated head and neck cancer, with a high sensitivity (83%) and specificity (88%). J. Med. Virol. 81:878–887, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved shim method based on the minimization of the maximum off‐resonance frequency for balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP)
Authors: Lee Jongho , Lustig Michael , Kim Dong‐hyun , Pauly John M.
Published: March 2009

In this work, a shim method that minimizes the maximum off‐resonance frequency (min‐max shim) in balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) is tested for brain imaging at 3T with constant and linear shim terms. The method demonstrates improvement of spatial coverage and banding artifact reduction over standard least‐squares shimming. In addition, a new method (modified min‐max shim) is introduced. This method reduces boundary band regions where the artifact is inevitable due to the excessive off‐resonance frequency distribution. In comparison to standard least‐squares shimming, the min‐max based shim method either eliminates or reduces the size of banding artifacts. The method can be used to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in bSSFP imaging or to increase the functional contrast in bSSFP functional MRI (fMRI) by allowing a longer usable repetition time (TR). Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of contrast agent kinetics in the lung usingT1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Naish Josephine H. , Kershaw Lucy E. , Buckley David L. , Jackson Alan , Waterton John C. , Parker Geoffrey J.M.
Published: March 2009

Assessment of perfusion and capillary permeability is important in both malignant and nonmalignant lung disease. Kinetic modeling ofT1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) data may provide such an assessment. This study establishes the feasibility and interrelationship of kinetic modeling approaches designed to estimate microvascular properties in malignant and nonmalignant tissues of the lung. DCE‐MRI data were acquired using a low molecular weight contrast agent with 4‐sec temporal resolution in lung cancer patients. A model‐free parameterization and three kinetic models of increasing complexity, each related to the classical Kety model, were applied. Comparison of an extended Kety model and the adiabatic approximation to the tissue homogeneity (AATH) model using Akaike's Information Criterion suggested that in most cases the best description of the lung tumor data is obtained using the AATH model. In the normal lung parenchyma the temporal resolution was insufficient to separate effects of flow and contrast agent leakage and in this case the extended Kety model yielded the best fit to the data. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spatial distribution and relationship of T1ρ and T2 relaxation times in knee cartilage with osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Pai Alex , Blumenkrantz Gabrielle , Carballido‐Gamio Julio , Link Thomas , Ma Benjamin , Ries Michael , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: March 2009

T1ρ and T2 relaxation time constants have been proposed to probe biochemical changes in osteoarthritic cartilage. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial correlation and distribution of T1ρ and T2 values in osteoarthritic cartilage. Ten patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 10 controls were studied at 3T. The spatial correlation of T1ρ and T2 values was investigated using Z‐scores. The spatial variation of T1ρ and T2 values in patellar cartilage was studied in different cartilage layers. The distribution of these relaxation time constants was measured using texture analysis parameters based on gray‐level co‐occurrence matrices (GLCM). The mean Z‐scores for T1ρ and T2 values were significantly higher in OA patients vs. controls (P < 0.05). Regional correlation coefficients of T1ρ and T2 Z‐scores showed a large range in both controls and OA patients (0.2–0.7). OA patients had significantly greater GLCM contrast and entropy of T1ρ values than controls (P < 0.05). In summary, T1ρ and T2 values are not only increased but are also more heterogeneous in osteoarthritic cartilage. T1ρ and T2 values show different spatial distributions and may provide complementary information regarding cartilage degeneration in OA. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Whole‐heart contrast‐enhanced coronary magnetic resonance angiography using gradient echo interleaved EPI
Authors: Bhat Himanshu , Zuehlsdorff Sven , Bi Xiaoming , Li Debiao
Published: March 2009

Whole‐heart coronary MR angiography (MRA) is a promising method for detecting coronary artery disease. However, the imaging time is relatively long (on the order of 10–15 min). Such a long imaging time may result in patient discomfort and compromise the robustness of whole‐heart coronary MRA due to increased respiratory and cardiac motion artifacts. The goal of this study was to optimize a gradient echo interleaved echo planar imaging (GRE‐EPI) acquisition scheme for reducing the imaging time of contrast‐enhanced whole‐heart coronary MRA. Numerical simulations and phantom studies were used to optimize the GRE‐EPI sequence parameters. Healthy volunteers were scanned with both the proposed GRE‐EPI sequence and a 3D TrueFISP sequence for comparison purposes. Slow infusion (0.5 cc/sec) of Gd‐DTPA was used to enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the GRE‐EPI acquisition. Whole‐heart images with the GRE‐EPI technique were acquired with a true resolution of 1.0 × 1.1 × 2.0 mm3 in an average scan time of 4.7 ± 0.7 min with an average navigator efficiency of 44 ± 6%. The GRE‐EPI acquisition showed excellent delineation of all the major coronary arteries with scan time reduced by a factor of 2 compared with the TrueFISP acquisition. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imaging considerations for in vivo 13C metabolic mapping using hyperpolarized 13C‐pyruvate
Authors: Yen Y‐F. , Kohler S.J. , Chen A.P. , Tropp J. , Bok R. , Wolber J. , Albers M.J. , Gram K.A. , Zierhut M.L. , Park I. , Zhang V. , Hu S. , Nelson S.J. , Vigneron D.B. , Kurhanewicz J. , Dirven H.A.A.M , Hurd R.E.
Published: March 2009

One of the challenges of optimizing signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and image quality in 13C metabolic imaging using hyperpolarized 13C‐pyruvate is associated with the different MR signal time‐courses for pyruvate and its metabolic products, lactate and alanine. The impact of the acquisition time window, variation of flip angles, and order of phase encoding on SNR and image quality were evaluated in mathematical simulations and rat experiments, based on multishot fast chemical shift imaging (CSI) and three‐dimensional echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging (3DEPSI) sequences. The image timing was set to coincide with the peak production of lactate. The strategy of combining variable flip angles and centric phase encoding (cPE) improved image quality while retaining good SNR. In addition, two aspects of EPSI sampling strategies were explored: waveform design (flyback vs. symmetric EPSI) and spectral bandwidth (BW = 500 Hz vs. 267 Hz). Both symmetric EPSI and reduced BW trended toward increased SNR. The imaging strategies reported here can serve as guidance to other multishot spectroscopic imaging protocols for 13C metabolic imaging applications. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Legendre multiwavelet Galerkin method for solving the hyperbolic telegraph equation
Authors: Yousefi S. A.
Published: March 2009

Recently, it is found that telegraph equation is more suitable than ordinary diffusion equation in modeling reaction diffusion for such branches of sciences. In this article a numerical method for solving the one‐dimensional hyperbolic telegraph equation is presented. The method is based upon Legendre multiwavelet approximations. The properties of Legendre multiwavelet are first presented. These properties together with Galerkin method are then utilized to reduce the telegraph equation to the solution of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Effect of process variables on mechanical properties of polyurethane/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Joulazadeh Mehrnaz , Navarchian Amir. H.
Published: March 2009

This paper addresses the effects of operating variables on mechanical properties of polyurethane/clay nanocomposites including tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and hardness. The variables were prepolymer type, clay cation, clay content, and prepolymer–clay mixing time. The experiments were carried out based on the design of experiments using Taguchi methods. The nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ polymerization starting from two different types of prepolymers (polyether‐ and polyester‐types of polyol reacted with toluene diisocyanate), and methylene‐bis‐ortho‐chloroanilline (MOCA) as a chain extender/hardener. Montmorillonite with three types of cation (Na+, alkyl ammonium ion, and MOCA) were examined. Among the parameters studied, prepolymer type and clay cation have the most significant effects on mechanical properties. Polyester nanocomposites showed larger improvements in mechanical properties compared to polyether materials due to higher shear forces exerted by polymer matrix on clay aggregates during polymer–clay mixing. The original MMT with Na+ cation results in weak improvements in mechanical properties compared to organoclays. It is observed that the stress and elongation at break, and abrasion resistance of the nanocomposite samples can be optimized with 1.5% of clay loading. The morphology and chemical structure of the optimum sample were examined by X‐ray diffraction and FT‐IR spectroscopy, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular orientation, crystallinity, and flexural modulus correlations in injection molded polypropylene/talc composites
Authors: Branciforti Marcia Cristina , Oliveira Carlos Amauri , de Sousa Jose Alexandrino
Published: March 2009

In order to promote better understanding of the structure‐mechanical properties relationships of filled thermoplastic compounds, the molecular orientation and the degree of crystallinity of injection molded talc‐filled isotactic polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated by X‐ray pole figures and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). The usual orientation of the filler particles, where the plate planes of talc particles are oriented parallel to the surface of injection molding and influence the orientation of the α‐PP crystallites was observed. The PP crystallites show bimodal orientation in which the c‐ and a*‐axes are mixed oriented to the longitudinal direction (LD) and the b‐axis is oriented to the normal direction (ND). It was found that the preferential b‐axis orientation of PP crystallites increases significantly in the presence of talc particles up to 20 wt% in the composites and then levels‐off at higher filler content. WAXD measurements of the degree of crystallinity through the thickness of injection molded PP/talc composites indicated an increasing gradient of PP matrix crystallinity content from the core to the skin layers of the molded plaques. Also, the bulk PP crystallinity content of the composites, as determined by DSC measurements, increased with talc filler concentration. The bulk crystallinity content of PP matrix and the orientation behavior of the matrix PP crystallites and that of the talc particles in composites are influenced by the presence of the filler content and these three composite's microstructure modification factors influence significantly the flexural moduli and the mechanical stiffness anisotropy data (ELD/ETD) of the analyzed PP/talc composites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The concept of the marginally matched subject in propensity‐score matched analyses
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Lee Douglas S.
Published: March 2009

Propensity‐score matching is increasingly being used to reduce the impact of treatment‐selection bias when estimating causal treatment effects using observational data. Matching on the propensity score creates sets of treated and untreated subjects who have a similar distribution of baseline covariates. Propensity‐score matching frequently relies upon calipers, such that matched treated and untreated subjects must have propensity scores that lie within a specified caliper distance of each other. We define the ‘marginally matched’ subject as a subject who would be matched using the specified caliper width, but who would not have been matched had calipers with a narrower width been employed. Using patients hospitalized with an acute myocardial infarction (or heart attack) and with exposure to a statin prescription at discharge, we demonstrate that the inclusion of marginally matched subjects can have both a quantitative and qualitative impact upon the estimated treatment effect. Furthermore, marginally matched treated subjects can differ from marginally matched untreated subjects to a substantially greater degree than the differences between non‐marginally matched treated and untreated subjects in the propensity‐score matched sample. The concept of the marginally matched subject can be used as a sensitivity analysis to examine the impact of the matching method on the estimates of treatment effectiveness. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender differences in the psychosocial experience of parents of children with cancer: a review of the literature
Authors: Clarke Naomi E. , McCarthy Maria C. , Downie Peter , Ashley David M. , Anderson Vicki A.
Published: March 2009

Objective: To build a descriptive literature base of investigated and identified gender differences in the psychosocial experience of parents of children with cancer, in order to guide future research in this area.

Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE databases. Thirty papers were included in the review. Themes from these papers were identified, and on this basis, the review findings were grouped according to five main outcome categories: role perceptions, illness beliefs, psychological distress, coping strategies and perceptions of marital, family and child functioning.

Results: Few gender differences were found in perceptions of marital, family and child functioning. There was a tendency toward traditional gender roles in the division of parental tasks. Findings in relation to parent psychological distress and preferred coping strategies were mixed, with trends toward increased distress, more emotion‐focused coping and greater social support‐seeking in mothers.

Conclusions: Further studies using longitudinal designs with solid theoretical groundings will provide valuable information on the unique psychosocial experiences of mothers and fathers throughout the child's illness, which may in turn guide the development of evidence‐based interventions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of companions in aiding older cancer patients to recall medical information
Authors: Jansen Jesse , van Weert Julia C. M. , Wijngaards‐de Meij Leoniek , van Dulmen Sandra , Heeren Thea J. , Bensing Jozien M.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: This study investigates information recall in unaccompanied and accompanied older cancer patients and their companions.

Methods: One hundred cancer patients (aged ⩾65 years) and 71 companions completed a recall questionnaire after a nursing consultation preceding chemotherapy treatment. Recall was checked against the actual communication in video‐recordings of the consultations. Patients also completed measures of anxiety and memory‐related beliefs.

Results: Findings revealed that recall in patient and companion couples together was higher than their separate recall scores (both proportional and absolute), indicating that they supplement each other. Proportionally, unaccompanied patients recalled almost as much as couples, whereas their absolute recall scores were lower. Younger age and higher education were associated with higher recall in both patients and companions. Patients' memory‐related beliefs predicted the recall scores of their companions rather than their own recall score. When patients reported memory complaints, recall was lower in their companion. In contrast, when patients indicated that they did not understand all information, their companion recalled more.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that, although an interrelationship exists between recall in patients and their companions, accompanied patients are likely to benefit from the extra information that their companions remember. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving patient outcomes through the routine use of patient‐reported data in cancer clinics: future directions
Authors: Luckett T. , Butow P. N. , King M. T.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: Recent reviews suggest that the routine use of patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in cancer clinics improves the processes of care but not patient outcomes such as quality of life or satisfaction. We set out to identify future strategies for (1) interventions to impact patient outcomes and (2) trials to identify treatment effects.

Methods: MEDLINE and PsycINFO were systematically searched to identify reports of relevant randomized controlled trials. Intervention and trial designs were compared and contrasted along the parameters identified by previous reviews and the rationales reported in each article. Results were cross‐referenced with evidence for impact to develop recommendations.

Results: Six articles were identified. Evidence for impact on patient outcomes was limited. Interventions varied according to the PROMs used, the frequency, content and presentation of feedback, and the training offered to medical teams. Trials varied in their unit of randomization, outcome measures, control of contamination, monitoring of PROM use, and length of follow‐up. Our analysis identified the need for future interventions to ensure that PROM data are used to optimum effect and for trials to control for contamination and monitor use of PROMs to link this with outcomes.

Conclusions: Future interventions should motivate and equip health professionals to use PROM data in managing patients, train patients in self‐efficacy, use more specific PROMs in clinic, improve the interpretability of feedback for both medical staff and patients, and monitor the use of PROMs to intervene when problems arise. Future trials should use a cluster‐randomized design to control for contamination and enable systems‐based interventions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual function, depressive symptoms and marital status in nonseminoma testicular cancer patients: a longitudinal study
Authors: Tuinman Marrit A. , Hoekstra Harald J. , Vidrine Damon J. , Gritz Ellen R. , Sleijfer Dirk Th. , Fleer Joke , Hoekstra‐Weebers Josette E. H. M.
Published: March 2009

Goal: To longitudinally investigate sexual functioning in testicular cancer patients during the first year, and examine the effect of relationship status (with a partner or single) and depressive symptoms on sexual functioning.

Patients and methods: 93 testicular cancer patients (39% single) treated in two large referral centers for testicular cancer filled in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and CES‐D after orchiectomy (T1) and 3 (T2) and 12 (T3) months later.

Results: Orgasmic functioning, overall satisfaction and total sexual functioning decreased between T1 and T2 and increased to an above T1 level at T3. Levels of erectile functioning and intercourse satisfaction were higher at T3 than at T1 and T2. Desire remained stable. Type of treatment did not affect sexual functioning. Singles reported worse sexual functioning at all measurement times than committed patients, and comparable desire. One year after surgery, singles also reported worse sexual functioning on three domains when compared with norms. Depressive symptoms were highest and significantly but weakly related to one domain of sexual functioning at T1, to three domains at T2, and to none at T3. Early depressive symptoms had small to moderate predictive power on sexual functioning at T2, but not at T3.

Conclusion: Sexual functioning, but not desire, fluctuates during the first year after testicular cancer. Type of treatment and depressive symptoms were no risk factors for sexual dysfunction in the longer term. Singles reported more sexual problems than patients in a relationship and norms, they may need more information and guidance concerning their sexuality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.