bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic large‐area mapping of seagrass species distributions
Authors: Holmes K.W. , Van Niel K.P. , Kendrick G.A. , Radford B.
Published: July 2006

Aerial photograph classification was used to map perennial thick canopy seagrass presence/absence over a large area (85 km2) off the coast of Western Australia. Within those areas mapped as seagrass, a geostatistical nonparametric interpolation method was applied to map the probability of seagrass species presence from underwater tow video. Multiple species mixtures were mapped at fixed probability thresholds of 0.95, 0.75, 0.50, and 0.25. Taxa included Amphibolis spp., Posidonia coriacea, P. sinuosa, P. australis and ephemeral species (Halophila and Zostera tasmanica (newly named as Heterozostera polychlamys)).

The most commonly occurring species were respectively Amphibolis spp., Posidonia coriacea, P. sinuosa, P. australis, and the ephemeral species. Amphibolis, P. coriacea, and the ephemeral species were mapped predominantly as mixed assemblages (71–89% mixed), whereas P. sinuosa and P. australis were typically mapped as single species.

Different species growth habits led to distinctive differences in large area distributions. All species were highly variable over short distances (<500 m), and spatial dependence persisted over more than 5 km. However, Posidonia sinuosa meadows were oriented with the longest axis running north–south, and a shorter axis running east–west perpendicular to the coastline (spatial dependence to 2.8 km and 0.8 km, respectively). The ephemeral species were less successfully mapped, largely owing to the potentially different growth patterns of the grouped species, and because their full extent could not be captured by the aerial photograph classification.

The individual biology of each species results in unique landscape features where Posidonia sinuosa forms larger continuous and predominantly monospecific meadows, whereas the more common Amphibolis and P. coriacea form multi‐species patchy meadows. These mapped features suggest that the emergence of species patterns in seagrass landscapes is influenced by differences in clonal growth among seagrass species.

Probabilistic species mapping provided information unavailable from discretely classified maps, and facilitates targeted sampling for improving map accuracy, and for more realistically evaluating species and mixed species distribution predictions. The kriging approach, although not well suited for all types of vegetation data, performed well for clonal seagrasses.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of the sampling scale on zooplankton community assessment and its implications for the conservation of temporary ponds in south‐west Spain
Authors: Fahd Khalid , Florencio Margarita , Keller Claudia , Serrano Laura
Published: July 2006

The zooplankton (rotifer and microcrustacean) assemblages of temporary ponds in the Doñana National Park (south‐west Spain) have been compared in two surveys of contrasting scales that resulted in the same number of samples: an extensive survey of 36 ponds sampled in May 1998 (or widespread survey) and a survey of nine ponds sampled four times over 2 years (or cumulative survey).

The total number of microcrustacean and rotifer taxa was larger in the cumulative survey (43 and 41 taxa, respectively) than in the widespread survey (39 and 34, respectively). Crustacean assemblages became less alike throughout the cumulative survey.

The presence of invertebrates (Coleoptera, Odonata, Heteroptera and crayfish) and aquatic vertebrates (fish and salamanders) was recorded as an estimate of potential predator impact on zooplankton. Several pond features (water depth, conductivity, pH, chlorophyll a concentration, distance to the nearest permanent pond and to the marsh) were also measured in both surveys.

A combination of these environmental factors was more strongly related to the similarity matrices derived from the zooplankton assemblages of the cumulative survey (Rho=0.7) than to those of the widespread survey (Rho<0.4). The distance of ponds to the marsh was an important factor in explaining this correlation as well as the strongest factor in the ordination of crustacean assemblages following a CCA.

Predation by exotic fish in long‐hydroperiod ponds where overflow drains to the nearby marsh (fish source) is the mechanism likely to explain the changes in crustacean composition recorded in the cumulative survey.

The cumulative survey was more suitable for the study of zooplankton diversity as it rendered a higher number of taxa and gave more insight into the mechanisms that explain taxon richness. Thus, conservation strategies in temporary habitats require a scale of observation that includes long temporal changes.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modal relationships as stylistic features: Examples from Seljuk and Celtic patterns
Authors: Özkar Mine , Lefford Nyssim
Published: July 2006

Styles in creative works cannot adequately be represented by categories based on formal features. Instead, styles could be studied in terms of modal relationships between the features to provide a basis for definitions of structure in generative models. Modal relationships are more flexible and robust under the dynamic conditions of the artist's creative process. This article illustrates through the examples of Seljuk and Celtic patterns how these modal relationships emerge, why they are essential to detailed descriptions of style, and how they might be identified.
A flexible method for preparation of peptide homo‐ and heterodimers functionalized with affinity probes, chelating ligands, and latent conjugating groups
Authors: Pillai Radhakrishna , Marinelli Edmund R. , Swenson Rolf E.
Published: July 2006

Dimerization of peptides can provide high binding entities to serve as targeted diagnostics or therapeutics. We developed methods for the preparation of homo‐ and heterodimer peptides bearing functional molecules (affinity probes, chelating ligands, or latent conjugating moieties). Monomer peptides, optionally bearing spacer groups, are tethered using a bifunctional linker, (di‐succinimidyl glutarate, DSG) to provide the dimers. Protected or unprotected peptides can be employed for dimer assembly. Multiple lysine Nϵ‐amino groups are controlled using the (4,4‐dimethyl‐2,6‐dioxocyclohex‐1‐ylidene)‐3‐methylbutyl (ivDde) protecting group. Functional molecules are optionally incorporated into the component peptides or into the assembled dimer. The methods are efficient and scaleable. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 84: 576–585, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Novel isosteric, isopolar phosphonate analogs of oligonucleotides: Preparation and properties
Authors: Točík Zdeněk , Barvík, Ivan , Buděšínský Miloš , Rosenberg Ivan
Published: July 2006

A synthetic approach leading to novel‐type modified oligothymidylates containing an isosteric, isopolar, enzyme‐stable C3′‐O‐P‐CH2‐O‐C4″ phosphonate alternative to phosphodiester internucleotide bond was elaborated. The suitable monomers were prepared from 4′‐phosphonomethoxy derivatives of α‐L‐threo and β‐D‐erythro‐2′,5′‐dideoxythymidine, which were considered interesting as structurally related to nucleoside 5′‐monophosphates. The phosphotriester method was applied to the automated synthesis of both homooligomeric phosphonate 15‐mer chains and alternating phosphonate–phosphate constructs. The fully modified homooligomers did not hybridize while homooligomers with alternating sequences containing α‐L‐threo–configured units (but not β‐D‐erythro–) showed a significant decrease in Tm values in comparison with natural dT15. For a comparative study, phosphodiester 4′‐CH3–substituted oligothymidylate was synthesized and physical studies (NMR, CD, MDS modeling) were undertaken to shed more light on the changes in conformational behavior arising from the chosen structural alterations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 400–413, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Low frequency resonance Raman spectra of isolated α and β subunits of hemoglobin and their deuterated analogues
Authors: Podstawka Edyta , Mak Piotr J. , Kincaid James R. , Proniewicz Leonard M.
Published: July 2006

In an attempt to gain further insight into the nature of the low frequency vibrational modes of hemoglobin and its isolated subunits, a comprehensive study of several different isotopically labeled analogues has been undertaken and is reported herein. Specifically, the resonance Raman spectra, between 200 and 500 cm−1, are reported for the deoxy and ligated (CO and O2) forms of the isolated α and β subunits containing the natural abundance or various deuterated analogues of protoheme. The deuterated protoheme analogues studied include the 1,3,5,8‐C2H3‐protoheme (d12‐ protoheme), the 1,3‐C2H3‐protoheme (1,3‐d6‐protoheme), the 5,8‐C2H3‐protoheme (5,8‐d6‐protoheme), and the meso‐C2H4‐protoheme (d4‐protoheme). The entire set of acquired spectra has been analyzed using a deconvolution procedure to help correlate the shifted modes with their counterparts in the spectra of the native forms. Interestingly, modes previously associated with so‐called vinyl bending modes or propionate deformation modes are shown to be quite sensitive to deuteration of the peripheral methyl groups of the macrocycle, shifting by up to 12–15 cm−1, revealing their complex nature. Of special interest is the fact that shifts observed for the 1,3‐d6‐ and 5,8‐d6‐protoheme analogues confirm the fact that certain modes are associated with a given portion of the macrocycle; i.e., only certain modes shift upon deuteration of the 1 and 3 methyl groups, while others shift upon deuteration of the 5 and 8 methyl groups. Compared with the spectra previously reported for the corresponding myoglobin derivatives, the data reported here reveal the appearance of several additional features that imply splitting of modes associated with the propionate groups or that are indicative of greater distortion of the heme prosthetic groups. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83: 455–466, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The effect of Z‐FA.FMK on D‐galactosamine/TNF‐α‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Gezginci S. , Bolkent S.
Published: July 2006

Cathepsin B is a cysteine proteinase, considered to have an important role in apoptosis, which is activated by D‐galactosamine and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (D‐GalN/TNF‐α). Benzyloxycarbonyl‐L‐phenylalanine fluoromethyl ketone (Z‐FA.FMK) is a cathepsin B inhibitor used in research on apoptotic pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Z‐FA.FMK on apoptotic cell death, cell proliferation and liver damage induced by a D‐GalN/TNF‐α combination in mice. In the study, 1 h after administration of 8 mg/kg Z‐FA.FMK by intravenous injection, D‐GalN (700 mg/kg) and TNF‐α (15 µg/kg) were administered by a single intraperitoneal injection. In the group given D‐GalN/TNF‐α, the following results were found: Degenerative changes in the liver tissue, significant increase in the number of both TUNEL and activated caspase‐3‐positive hepatocytes, a decrease in the number of PCNA‐positive hepatocytes, an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) and DNA levels in the liver tissue. In contrast, in the group given D‐GalN/TNF‐α and Z‐FA.FMK, a decrease in the damage of the liver tissue, a significant decrease in TUNEL and activated caspase‐3‐positive hepatocytes, a significant increase in the number of PCNA‐positive hepatocytes, a decrease in the LPO levels, an increase in GSH and DNA levels in the liver tissue were found. As a result, microscopic and biochemical evaluations indicate that Z‐FA.FMK plays a protective role against liver injury induced by D‐GalN/TNF‐α and it has an inverse effect on hepatocyte apoptosis and proliferation in BALB/c mice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Click Chemistry to Define the Substrate Specificity ofLeishmaniaβ‐1,2‐Mannosyltransferases
Authors: van der Peet Phillip , Gannon Carlie T. , Walker Ian , Dinev Zoran , Angelin Marcus , Tam Shanna , Ralton Julie E. , McConville Malcolm J. , Williams Spencer J.
Published: July 2006

Leishmaniaspp. are human pathogens that utilize a novel β‐1,2‐mannan as their major carbohydrate reserve material. We describe a new approach that combines traditional substrate‐modification methods and “click chemistry” to assemble a library of modified substrates that were used to qualitatively define the substrate tolerance of theLeishmaniaβ‐1,2‐mannosyltransferases responsible for β‐1,2‐mannan biosynthesis. The library was assembled by using the highly selective copper(I)‐catalysed cycloaddition reaction of azides and alkynes to couple an assortment of azide‐ and alkyne‐functionalized small molecules with complementary alkyne‐ and azide‐functionalized mannose derivatives. All mannose derivatives withα‐orientated substituents on the anomeric carbon were found to act as substrates when incubated with aLeishmania mexicanaparticulate fraction containing GDP‐mannose. In contrast, 6‐substituted mannose derivatives were not substrates. Representative products formed from the library compounds were analysed by mass spectrometry, methylation linkage analysis and β‐mannosidase digestions and showed extension with up to four β‐1,2‐linked mannosyl residues. This work provides insights into the substrate specificity of this new class of glycosyltransferases that can be applied to the development of highly specific tools and inhibitors for their study.
Electrocarboxylation of Benzyl Halides through Redox Catalysis on the Preparative Scale
Authors: Scialdone Onofrio , Galia Alessandro , Silvestri Giuseppe , Amatore Christian , Thouin Laurent , Verpeaux Jean‐Noel
Published: July 2006

The electrocarboxylation of benzyl halides to the corresponding carboxylic acids through homogeneous charge‐transfer catalysis was investigated both theoretically and experimentally to determine the influence of the operative parameters on the yield of the process and on the catalyst consumption. Theoretical considerations, based on fast kinetics of redox catalysis, were confirmed by the electrocarboxylation of 1‐phenyl‐1‐chloroethane catalyzed by 1,3‐benzenedicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester performed at a carbon cathode under different operative conditions. We obtained high yields of the target carboxylic acid and experienced a low catalyst consumption by operating with optimized [RX]bulk/[CO2]bulk and [RX]bulk/[catalyst] ratios.
Substituent Effects on the Stereochemistry of Gas‐Phase Intracomplex Nucleophilic Substitutions
Authors: Filippi Antonello , Fraschetti Caterina , Renzi Gabriele , Roselli Graziella , Speranza Maurizio
Published: July 2006

The mechanism and stereochemistry of the intracomplex solvolysis of proton‐bound complexes [Y⋅⋅⋅H⋅⋅⋅M]+ between M = CH318OH and Y = 1‐arylethanol [(S)‐1‐(para‐tolyl)ethanol (1S), (S)‐1‐(para‐chlorophenyl)ethanol (2S), (S)‐1‐(meta‐α,α,α‐trifluoromethylphenyl)ethanol (3S), (S)‐1‐(para‐α,α,α‐trifluoromethylphenyl)ethanol (4S), (R)‐1‐(pentafluorophenyl)ethanol (5R), (R)‐α‐(trifluoromethyl)benzyl alcohol (6R), and (R)‐1‐phenylethanol (7R)] have been investigated in the gas phase (CH3F; 720 Torr) in the 25–140 °C temperature range. Gas‐phase solvolysis of [Y⋅⋅⋅H⋅⋅⋅M]+ (Y=2S, 3S, 4S, and 7R) leads to extensive racemization above a characteristic temperature t# (e.g. at t#>60 °C for 7R), whereas below that temperature the reaction displays a preferential retention of configuration. Predominant retention of configuration is instead observed in the intracomplex solvolysis of [Y⋅⋅⋅H⋅⋅⋅M]+ (Y=1S, 4S, 5R, and 6R) with the temperature range investigated (25 ≤ T ≤ 120 °C). These results indicate that the intracomplex solvolysis proceeds through the intermediacy of the relevant benzylic cations (Bz+), which is electrostatically coordinated to a H2O and a CH318OH molecule (a pure SN1 mechanism). The obtained gas‐phase mechanism is discussed in the light of related solution data. It is concluded that the stereochemistry of unimolecular solvolytic reactions is determined by the lifetime and the dynamics of the species involved and, if occurring in solution, by the nature and the dynamics of the solvent cage as well.
Interplay of Spin Conversion and Structural Phase Transformations: Re‐Entrant Phase Transitions in the 2‐Propanol Solvate of Tris(2‐picolylamine)iron(II) Dichloride
Authors: Törnroos Karl W. , Hostettler Marc , Chernyshov Dmitry , Vangdal Brita , Bürgi Hans‐Beat
Published: July 2006

Crystal structures, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of the spin‐crossover compound tris(2‐picolylamine)iron(II) dichloride (with 2‐propanol solvent molecules) have been measured in the temperature range from 15 to 293 K. X‐ray diffraction, SQUID, and calorimetric experiments all showed two first‐order phase transitions with hysteresis loops, a narrow one at T1∼196 K and a broad, triangular one covering the range 153<T2<166 K. Crystal structures were analysed at fourteen temperatures in a cooling cycle and at seven temperatures in a heating cycle. They reveal a complex, temperature‐dependent ordering behaviour of both the complex cations and the alcohol molecules. A phenomenological model accounting for spin conversion, solvent ordering and coupling between the two processes describes the observed phase transitions and ordering phenomena reasonably well. Similarities and differences in the behaviour of the corresponding ethanol solvate with the same crystal architecture are discussed. It is concluded that spin‐crossover behaviour depends as much on molecular properties as it does on intermolecular interactions, both of the spin active and the spin inactive components.
Determination of the absolute configuration and solution conformation of a novel disubstituted pyrrolidine acid A by vibrational circular dichroism
Authors: Freedman Teresa B. , Cao Xiaolin , Phillips Linda M. , Cheng Peter T. W. , Dalterio Richard , Shu Yue‐Zhong , Zhang Hao , Zhao Ning , Shukla Rajesh B. , Tymiak Adrienne , Gozo Stephen K. , Nafie Laurence A. , Gougoutas Jack Z.
Published: July 2006

Compound A, a novel disubstituted pyrrolidine acid, is a member of a new class of agents that are potentially useful for the treatment of diabetes and dyslipidemia. The absolute configuration of this compound was determined by using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). The results are in agreement with the assignments based on both X‐ray analysis and the stereo‐selective chemical synthesis. During VCD analysis, the solution conformation for a portion of compound A in CDCl3 was also established. The compound is found to associate as an H‐bonded carboxylic acid “dimer” in CDCl3 solution, and VCD calculations on a model dimer fragment were required to establish the absolute configuration. Chirality, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Semipreparative enantioseparation of Tröger base derivatives by HPLC
Authors: Sergeyev Sergey , Diederich François
Published: July 2006

We describe the enantioseparation of functionalized derivatives of the Tröger base by HPLC on commercially available chiral stationary phases. Cellulose‐derived Chiralcel OJ and brush‐type Whelk O1 are demonstrated to be complementary to each other in their scope. On the basis of the results obtained, the separation of selected compounds was successfully transferred onto semipreparative columns. We believe that the availability of enantiopure functionalized derivatives of the Tröger base will stimulate the further use of this interesting molecular scaffold in molecular recognition, asymmetric catalysis, and related areas of research and technology. Chirality, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Excited‐State Chemistry of Protochlorophyllide a: A Time‐Resolved Fluorescence Study
Authors: Dietzek Benjamin , Kiefer Wolfgang , Yartsev Arkady , Sundström Villy , Schellenberg Peter , Grigaravicius Paulius , Hermann Gudrun , Popp Jürgen , Schmitt Michael
Published: July 2006

The excited‐state processes of protochlorophyllide a, the precursor of chlorophyll a in chlorophyll biosynthesis, are studied using picosecond time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Following excitation into the Soret band, two distinct fluorescence components, with emission maxima at 640 and 647 nm, are observed. The 640 nm emitting component appears within the time resolution of the experiment and then decays with a time constant of 27 ps. In contrast, the 647 nm emitting component is built up with a 3.5 ps rise time and undergoes a subsequent decay with a time constant of 3.5 ns. The 3.5 ps rise kinetics are attributed to relaxations in the electronically excited state preceding the nanosecond fluorescence, which is ascribed to emission out of the thermally equilibrated S1 state. The 27 ps fluorescence, which appears within the experimental response of the streak camera, is suggested to originate from a second minimum on the excited‐state potential‐energy surface. The population of the secondary excited state is suggested to reflect a very fast motion out of the Franck–Condon region along a reaction coordinate different from the one connecting the Franck–Condon region with the S1 potential‐energy minimum. The 27 ps‐component is an emissive intermediate on the reactive excited‐state pathway, as its decay yields the intermediate photoproduct, which has been identified previously (J. Phys. Chem. B 2006, 110, 4399–4406). No emission of the photoproduct is observed. The results of the time‐resolved fluorescence study allow a detailed spectral characterization of the emission of the excited states in protochlorophyllide a, and the refinement of the kinetic model deduced from ultrafast absorption measurements.
Volatile Lactones — (5S,S)‐5‐Methyl‐3‐(methylalkyl)furan‐2(5H)‐ones — Identified in the Submerged Cultivation of Streptomyces Avermitilis
Authors: Řezanka Tomáš , Sigler Karel
Published: July 2006

Six new compounds have been identified in the volatile fractions produced during the submerged cultivation of Streptomyces avermitilis. By recording the GC/MS, GC/FTIR, CD, 1H and 13C NMR data and by performing chemical degradation experiments, these compounds were determined to be (5S,S)‐5‐methyl‐3‐(methylalkyl)furan‐2(5H)‐ones. Herein, the existence of volatile lactones with an anteiso structure of the side‐chain is thus documented for the first time. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Transient response to imatinib in a chronic eosinophilic leukemia associated with ins(9;4)(q33;q12q25) and a CDK5RAP2‐PDGFRA fusion gene
Authors: Walz Christoph , Curtis Claire , Schnittger Susanne , Schultheis Beate , Metzgeroth Georgia , Schoch Claudia , Lengfelder Eva , Erben Philipp , Müller Martin C. , Haferlach Torsten , Hochhaus Andreas , Hehlmann Rüdiger , Cross Nicholas C. P. , Reiter Andreas
Published: July 2006

Chronic myeloproliferative disorders with rearrangements of the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) gene at chromosome band 4q12 have shown excellent responses to targeted therapy with imatinib. Here we report a female patient who presented with advanced phase of a chronic eosinophilic leukemia. Cytogenetic analysis revealed an ins(9;4)(q33;q12q25) in 5 of 21 metaphases. FISH analysis with flanking BAC probes indicated that PDGFRA was disrupted. A novel mRNA in‐frame fusion between exon 13 of the CDK5 regulatory subunit associated protein 2 (CDK5RAP2) gene, a 40‐bp insert that was partially derived from an inverted sequence stretch of PDGFRA intron 9, and a truncated PDGFRA exon 12 was identified by 5′‐RACE‐PCR. CDK5RAP2 encodes a protein that is believed to be involved in centrosomal regulation. The predicted CDK5RAP2‐PDGFRA protein consists of 1,003 amino acids and retains both tyrosine kinase domains of PDGFRA and several potential dimerization domains of CDK5RAP2. Despite achieving complete cytogenetic and molecular remission on imatinib, the patient relapsed with imatinib‐resistant acute myeloid leukemia that was characterized by a normal karyotype, absence of detectable CDK5RAP2‐PDGFRA mRNA, and a newly acquired G12D NRAS mutation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Plasma concentrations of high‐dose olanzapine in a double‐blind crossover study
Authors: Kelly Deanna L. , Richardson Charles M. , Yu Yang , Conley Robert R.
Published: July 2006

Olanzapine is structurally similar to clozapine but has not been shown at routine doses to share the superiority of clozapine to traditional antipsychotics in treatment‐resistant patients. Olanzapine, however, has been increasingly used in higher doses as clinicians attempt to find a more tolerable therapy for those refractory to conventional agents. This study examined the relationship of high‐dose olanzapine plasma concentrations to symptoms, adverse effects, smoking, and gender. Thirteen patients participated in a double blind 16‐week crossover study (8 weeks each arm) of olanzapine (50 mg/day) compared to clozapine (450 mg/day). Women had significantly higher plasma olanzapine levels than men at each time point in each arm (weeks 4, 6, and 8). At 8 weeks women had a steady‐state olanzapine level of 278 ± 62 ng/ml while men had a steady‐state level of 127 ± 47 ng/ml (p = 0.005). At week 4, olanzapine levels tended to be higher in those who had been on clozapine previously (205 ng/ml) compared to those who received olanzapine in the first arm (105 ng/ml). Cigarette intake was negatively correlated to olanzapine plasma concentrations (week 8: r = −0.86, p < 0.05). Plasma levels were significantly higher in those experiencing constipation (176 vs. 82 ng/ml; p = 0.022). Plasma levels of olanzapine were not associated with symptom response and anticholinergic effects were seen at greater frequency with higher olanzapine concentrations. In conclusion, this study reports plasma olanzapine levels at high fixed doses of olanzapine (50 mg/day) in relation to side effects, symptoms, smoking, and gender. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The legal responses of Canada and Poland to international bankruptcy and insolvency with a focus on cross‐border insolvency law
Authors: Veck Michael
Published: July 2006

This article discusses and compares the respective legal responses of Canada and Poland to international bankruptcy and insolvency with a focus on cross‐border insolvency law. Specifically, the issues addressed herein concern jurisdiction, recognition of foreign bankruptcy proceedings, and co‐operation with foreign courts and foreign administrators. Notwithstanding some real differences between Canadian and Polish international insolvency proceedings, both legal regimes may be compared, since both countries have adopted many of the principles contained in the UNICTRAL Model Law on Cross‐Border Insolvency. The major impetus behind the changes established by Canada in its bankruptcy and insolvency laws have been the economic realities produced by the North American Free Trade Agreement. Likewise, Poland's accession to the European Union (EU) has been a major catalyst for revising the Polish Insolvency and Restructuring Act. Part II of the said act is entirely devoted to international insolvencies. However, following Poland's adherence to the EU, those sections of the Polish Insolvency and Restructuring Act that deal with international or cross‐border insolvencies will be severely limited or constrained in scope. The article indicates that Poland, the EU and Canada are taking the necessary steps to meet the needs of debtors who would like to restructure in an international setting. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New legislative measures in South Africa aimed at combating over‐indebtedness—are the new proposals sufficient under the constitution and law in general?
Authors: Renke Stéfan , Roestoff Melanie , Bekink Bernard
Published: July 2006

The National Credit Bill codifies a number of fundamental rights of consumers in the credit market. It provides inter alia for a right to information to enable consumers to make informed choices and thereby contributes to one of the purposes of the proposed legislation, namely to provide mechanisms to combat over‐indebtedness. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the proposed measures in the Bill aimed at combating over‐indebtedness and also to determine to which extent these measures comply with the general constitutional consumer protection demands. In order to achieve this, the relevant guidelines of the INSOL Consumer Debt Report and measures in other jurisdictions will also be considered. Since the South African Constitution does not directly obligate the state to enact specific credit laws and as the Bill seeks, in the spirit of the supreme law, to codify certain basic consumer rights, the new legislative initiatives are to be welcomed. It is, however, submitted that the Bill does not go far enough in achieving its particular aims and objectives and that more could be done to bring South African legislation in line with measures in other jurisdictions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Using an SG1‐Based Alkoxyamine: How the Penultimate Effect Could Lead to Uncontrolled and Unliving Polymerization
Authors: Guillaneuf Yohann , Gigmes Didier , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Tordo Paul , Bertin Denis
Published: July 2006

Summary: The nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) of MMA initiated with a new crowded SG1‐based alkoxyamine was performed. Contrary to the results expected after a kinetic analysis (Fischer's diagram), the polymerization of MMA at 45 °C with SG1 showed only partial control and livingness during the first 15% of conversion. Simulations using PREDICI highlighted that the kinetic rate constants currently in use had not been correctly estimated and that a strong penultimate effect drastically increased the equilibrium constant K (7 × 10−7), preventing a well‐controlled polymerization. Experimental determination of the kc value (1.4 × 104 L · mol−1 · s−1) confirmed a strong penultimate effect on the recombination reaction, whereas for the dissociation reaction this effect is lower (kd = 10−2 · s−1).

Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of MMA at 45 °C initiated with a new crowded SG1‐based alkoxyamine.

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Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of MMA at 45 °C initiated with a new crowded SG1‐based alkoxyamine.
Crystallization Behavior of Poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] Nanocomposite
Authors: Ray Suprakas Sinha , Bousmina Mosto
Published: July 2006

Summary: The unique crystallization behavior of a poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] (PBSA) nanocomposite is addressed. Nanocomposites have been prepared by melt blending PBSA and organically modified synthetic fluorine mica (OSFM) in a batch mixer. The structure of the nanocomposite is studied by using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which reveal a coexistence of exfoliated and intercalated silicate layers homogeneously dispersed in the PBSA matrix. The non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of PBSA and the nanocomposite samples is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Various models, namely the Avrami method, the Ozawa method, and the combined Avrami‐Ozawa method, are applied to describe the kinetics of the non‐isothermal crystallization. All analyses reveal that the incorporation of the OSFM alters the crystallization properties of PBSA but in ways unexpected from other polymer nanocomposite systems. Polarized optical microscopy is used to support this conclusion. The activation energy for the non‐isothermal crystallization of both samples is evaluated by using three different methods. The results show that the absolute value of the activation energy for the nanocomposite is higher than that of the neat polymer. This indicates the slower crystallization kinetics of the nanocomposite. The effect of incorporation of OSFM on the cold crystallization behavior of neat PBSA is also studied by both conventional and temperature‐modulated DSC.

Polarized optical microscopy image of the PBSA/OSFM nanocomposite at 70 °C during non‐isothermal crystallization from the melt.

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Polarized optical microscopy image of the PBSA/OSFM nanocomposite at 70 °C during non‐isothermal crystallization from the melt.
Morphology and Properties of Novel Blends Prepared from Simultaneous In Situ Polymerization and Compatibilization of Macrocyclic Carbonates and Maleated Poly(propylene)
Authors: Madbouly Samy A. , Otaigbe Joshua U. , Ougizawa Toshiaki
Published: July 2006

Summary:Nanoscale polymer blend morphologies, with a dispersed minor phase as small as 50 nm, have been prepared via the in situ polymerization of macrocyclic carbonates in the presence of a maleic anhydride poly(propylene) (mPP). This simple, versatile, low cost strategy successfully produced a well‐defined, stable two phase nanoscale morphology with a considerable improvement in the ultimate mechanical properties and strong resistance to hydrocarbon solvents such as methylene chloride. The effect of blend composition on the rate of polymerization of the macrocyclic carbonates was studied by considering the increase in torque during the mixing process in the batch mixer. The polymerization rate decreased considerably with increasing concentration of mPP in the blend due to the formation of graft copolymer of polycarbonate‐g‐poly(propylene) (PC‐g‐PP). The viscoelastic behavior of the pure polymer components was found to play no role in controlling the blend morphology and size of the dispersed nanoscale particles. The blend morphology could be controlled by the compatibilization of the blend components, possibly via in situ formation of a graft copolymer. In addition, the blend morphology was strongly influenced by the value of the rotation speed (rpm) or shear rate encountered during the processing of the blends, i.e., the larger the rpm value, the finer the observed blend morphology. Both DSC and DMA data showed evidence of partial miscibility of the polymer blend components. In addition, the DMA data confirmed a preferential dissolution of mPP in polycarbonate (PC) instead of dissolution of PC in mPP as evidenced by the shift of theα‐relaxation process of the PC‐rich phase to lower temperatures while theα‐relaxation process of the mPP was relatively unaffected regardless of the PC composition. The percentage of mPP dissolved in PC was evaluated from the reduction in theTgvalue (obtained from DSC data) of PC in the blend using the Fox equation and was found to be consistent with the DMA data and preferential dissolution of mPP in PC.

STEM photograph of mPP/PC = 10/90 blend. The sample was prepared at 225 °C and 200 rpm.

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STEM photograph of mPP/PC = 10/90 blend. The sample was prepared at 225 °C and 200 rpm.
Polymerization of Diphenylacetylenes with Polar Functional Groups by the Grubbs–Hoveyda Ru Carbene Catalyst
Authors: Katsumata Toru , Shiotsuki Masashi , Masuda Toshio
Published: July 2006

Summary: Polymerization of various diphenylacetylene derivatives was investigated by using Grubbs–Hoveyda catalyst (1). Owing to excellent tolerance for polar functional groups, catalyst 1 polymerized diphenylacetylene (2) and diphenylacetylene derivatives bearing silyl (3), siloxy (4 and 5), ester (6 and 7), amide (8–10), and carbamate (11) groups. It is noteworthy that polymerization of monomers 6–11, which have polar functional groups, has been impossible until now due to the deactivation of well‐known Ta catalysts. Although monomers having ester groups (6 and 7) hardly polymerized, their copolymerization with trimethylsilyl group‐containing diphenylacetylene (3) afforded copolymers, which incorporated ester moieties more than the monomer feed ratio. While polymers with relatively nonpolar groups [poly(3)–poly(5)] were soluble in hydrocarbon solvents such as cyclohexane and hexane, polar group‐bearing homo‐ and copolymers (poly(10), poly(11), etc.) dissolved in polar solvents (e.g., DMF and acetone). Polymerization of 1‐(4‐tert‐butyldimethylsiloxy)phenyl‐2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)acetylene (5) gave a high molecular weight polymer ($\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 178 000) suitable for membrane fabrication, and the membrane of this polymer showed higher gas permeability and permselectivity than that of the Ta‐based polymer.

Polymerization of various diphenylacetylenes by the Ru Grubbs–Hoveyda catalyst.

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Polymerization of various diphenylacetylenes by the Ru Grubbs–Hoveyda catalyst.
Electronic Transitions of Polyalkylthiophenes Partially Derivatized with NLO Chromophores: A Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Lanzi Massimiliano , Bertinelli Franco , Paganin Luisa , Costa‐Bizzarri Paolo , Cesari Gaia
Published: July 2006

Summary: The UV‐vis spectral profiles of some alkylthiophene copolymers in CHCl3 solutions, variously substituted with an azobenzenic NLO chromophore have been carefully analyzed and distinct intensity contributions have been assigned to the overlapped electronic transitions appearing in the lower energy part of the spectra. The different spectral behaviours are influenced by the chromophore content, the length of the alkylic side‐chain of the plastifying comonomer and, more significantly, by the number of the carbon atoms in the oligomethylenic spacer between the chromophoric group and the conjugated polythiophenic chain. This latter finding can be correlated with the strong steric hindrance caused by chromophore crowding in close proximity to the polymeric backbone. As the intensity distributions may be reasonably compared with the NLO properties, identification of the above parameters and of their role is an important step towards the synthesis of polyalkylthiophenes with predictable electronic properties and the development of materials with enhanced NLO characteristics.

Graphical surfaces of the highest‐occupied (HOMO)s and the lowest unoccupied (LUMO) molecular orbitals involved in the first three π–π* electronic transitions of the chromophoric system.

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Graphical surfaces of the highest‐occupied (HOMO)s and the lowest unoccupied (LUMO) molecular orbitals involved in the first three π–π* electronic transitions of the chromophoric system.
Phase Diagram for a System of Polydisperse Components Consisting of the Precursor of an Epoxy/Diamine Thermoset and a Thermoplastic: Analysis Based on a Lattice Theory Model
Authors: Rico Maite , Ramírez Carmen , Montero Belén , Díez Javier , López Joaquín
Published: July 2006

Summary: The miscibility of a thermoplastic modifier with the precursors of an epoxy/diamine thermoset without chemical reaction was studied thermodynamically. The experimental cloud point curve showed a UCST behavior. A model based on the Flory‐Huggins lattice theory and on the Koningsveld approach was used for the thermodynamic analysis, in which the polydispersity of components was taken into account and the interaction parameter was considered depending on the temperature and composition. A phase diagram for the unreacted system was obtained. Calculations of species distributions in both separated phases were realized for different compositions of the modifier. Finally, the miscibility of our system was compared with that of the same system without diamine, obtaining a greater miscibility in the system with diamine.

Phase diagram for the system formed by the precursors of an epoxy thermoset without chemical reaction modified with different amounts of polystyrene.

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Phase diagram for the system formed by the precursors of an epoxy thermoset without chemical reaction modified with different amounts of polystyrene.
A Maastrichtian microbial reef and associated limestones in the Roca Formation of Patagonia (Neuquén Province, Argentina)
Authors: Kiessling W. , Scasso R. , Aberhan M. , Ruiz L. , Weidemeyer S.
Published: July 2006

Abstract. We describe a small microbial reef and associated limestones occurring in a Maastrichtian transgressive succession of mixed carbonate-siliciclastic lithologies at Sierra Huantraico near Chos Malal (Neuquén, Argentina). Strontium isotope data suggest that the reef is of earliest Maastrichtian age. The small reef (0.8 m thick, 2 m wide) is mostly composed of peloidal bindstone, dense stromatolite-cement crusts and thrombolite. Except for some ostracods, no metazoan fossils were found in the reef structure, although the majority of peloids are fecal pellets, probably of larger crustaceans. Small foraminifers with calcite tests and probable green algae have also been noted. Sedimentological data and fossils within and immediately above the reef suggest that the reef was formed in a transgressive systems tract under freshwater to brackish-water conditions. Limestones above the reef are serpulid-bryozoan packstones and intraclast-ooid grainstones. These limestones yield a mixture of typical non-tropical (common serpulids and bryozoans) and typical tropical aspects (common dasycladaceans and ooids). This mosaic is explained by salinity fluctuations, which in our case dominate over temperature in determining the grain associations. Wir beschreiben ein kleines mikrobielles Riff, das in der Sierra Hunatraico (Neuquén, Argentinien) in einer transgressiven, gemischt siliziklastisch-kalkigen Abfolge gefunden wurde. Nach Strontiumisotopen-Datierung ist das Riff in das unterste Maastrichtium zu stellen. Das kleine Riff (0,8 m Mächtigkeit, 2 m Breite) besteht überwiegend aus peloidalem Bindstone, dichten Stromatolith-Zement-Krusten und Thrombolith. Mit Ausnahme von Ostrakoden konnten keine Metazoen in der Riffstruktur nachgewiesen werden, obwohl die Mehrzahl der Peloide als Kotpillen zu interpretieren sind, die vermutlich auf größere Krebse zurückgehen. Kleine Foraminiferen und mögliche Grünalgen sind die einzigen zusätzlich nachweisbaren Eukaryoten. Die Fossilien im Riff und in den überlagernden Kalken sprechen für ein Riffwachstum unter transgressiven aber hyposalinen Bedingungen. Die Kalke über dem Riff tragen ein gemischtes paläoklimatisches Signal, das sowohl typisch nicht-tropische als auch typisch tropische Komponenten beinhaltet. Dieses Mosaik ist möglicherweise durch die starken Salinitätsschwankungen erklärbar und erfordert ein Überdenken der bisherigen Modelle zur klimatischen Steuerung der Karbonatsedimentation. doi:10.1002/mmng.200600007
An inspection game: Taking account of fulfillment probabilities of players' aims
Authors: Hohzaki Ryusuke , Kudoh Diasuke , Komiya Toru
Published: July 2006

This paper deals with an inspection game of customs and a smuggler. The customs can take two options of assigning a patrol or not. The smuggler has two strategies of shipping its cargo of contraband or not. Two players have several opportunities to take actions during a limited number of days. When both players do, there are some possibilities that the customs captures the smuggler and, simultaneously, the smuggler possibly makes a success of the smuggling. If the smuggler is captured or there remain no days for playing the game, the game ends. In this paper, we formulate the problem into a multi‐stage two‐person zero‐sum stochastic game and investigate some characteristics of the equilibrium solution, some of which are given in a closed form in a special case. There have been some studies so far on the inspection game. However, some consider the case that the smuggler has only one opportunity of smuggling or the perfect‐capture case that the customs can certainly arrest the smuggler on patrol, and others think of a recursive game without the probabilities of fulfilling the players' purposes. In this paper, we consider the inspection game taking account of the fulfillment probabilities of the players' aims. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Recovering a time‐dependent coefficient in a parabolic equation from overspecified boundary data using the pseudospectral Legendre method
Authors: Shamsi M. , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: July 2006

The aim of this article is to discuss the problem of finding the unknown function u(x,t) and the time‐dependent coefficient a(t) in a parabolic partial differential equation. The pseudospectral Legendre method is employed to solve this problem. The results of numerical experiments are given. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2007
Comparison of childhood myelodysplastic syndrome, AML FAB M6 or M7, CCG 2891: Report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Barnard Dorothy R. , Alonzo Todd A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Lange Beverly , Woods William G.
Published: July 2006

Background

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute erythroleukemia (FAB M6), and acute megakaryocytic leukemia (FAB M7) have overlapping features.

Procedure

Children without Down syndrome or acute promyelocytic leukemia who were newly diagnosed with primary myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M6 or M7 were compared to children with de novo AML M0–M5. All children were entered on the Children's Cancer Group therapeutic research study CCG 2891.

Results

The presentation and outcomes of the 132 children diagnosed with MDS (60 children), AML FAB M6 (19 children), or AML FAB M7 (53 children) were similar. Children with AML FAB M7 were diagnosed at a significantly younger age (P = 0.001). Children with MDS, M6, or M7 had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) counts (P = 0.001), lower peripheral blast counts (P < 0.001), and an increased frequency of −7/7q‐ (P = 0.003) at presentation. All three groups had significantly inferior overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and event free survival (P < 0.001) compared with the 748 children diagnosed with AML FAB M0–M5 when assessed from entry on study. This poor survival was largely attributable to induction death and failure. However, when assessed from successful completion of induction therapy, the 5‐year OS (P = 0.090)(49.1 vs. 56.9%) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = 0.113)(38.0 vs. 46.3%) therapy were not significantly different from other children with AML.

Conclusions

Childhood AML FAB M6 and AML M7 resemble MDS in presentation, poor induction success rates, and outcomes. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:17–22. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peripheral neuropathy associated with leflunomide: is there a risk patient profile?
Authors: Martin Karin , Bentaberry Fabrice , Dumoulin Chantal , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Haramburu Françoise , Dehais Joel , Schaeverbeke Thierry
Published: July 2006

Purpose

(i) To monitor the potential clinical neurotoxic symptoms in patients treated with leflunomide in daily practice and (ii) to describe the characteristics of patients presenting with this peripheral nervous system symptoms.

Method

All patients treated with leflunomide between May 2000 and April 2003 and followed in the rheumatology department of the University Hospital participated in the study. Data concerning treatment patterns with leflunomide, demographic and disease characteristics were obtained from clinical charts. Neuropathy was diagnosed with nerve conduction study (NCS). Cases of neuropathy were described and then compared to other patients using univariate analyses.

Results

One hundred and thirteen patients were included in the study. M/F sex ratio was 0.45. Mean age at start of treatment was 55.6 years (range = 27–81). During the study period, eight incident cases of peripheral neuropathy and two cases of worsening of preexisting neuropathy were reported (incidence: 9.8%). Compared with other patients, neuropathy cases were older (69 vs. 54 years, p = 0.0006), more often diabetic (30% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.009) and more often treated with potentially neurotoxic drugs (20% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.039). At least one risk factor (potentially neurotoxic drug or diabetes) was found in 50% of patients with neuropathy versus 4% of patients without neuropathy (56% PPV, 96% NPV).

Conclusion

Cases of toxic neuropathy have been observed during treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with leflunomide. Their occurrence seems to be associated with known risk factors. Careful monitoring of the patient's neurological status during leflunomide treatment is therefore mandatory. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.